Queens Chronicle 06-11-26

SOUTH QUEENS EDITION Serving Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, City Line and JFK Airport

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER VOL. XLIX

NO. 24

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026

QCHRON.COM

JEWEL JOLT

DEADLY TREND

EMANCIPATION CELEBRATION

Sapphire St. rezoning OK’d by board

Fatal fires up across the city

Juneteenth events educate and entertain

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Candidates vie for office as races heat up

PAGES 2, 10, 14, 16 AND 17 Primary Day is around the corner, with early voting beginning June 13. In South Queens, those running in the Democratic primaries include state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., left, and his opponent, Albert Baldeo, in Senate District 15; incumbent Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, and her challenger, David Orkin, in District 38; and Pesach Osina and Mike Scala, competing for the Democratic nomination for the open seat in Assembly District 23.

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2026 Page 2

Who’s running in Queens primaries Voters to decide on state, federal reps; early voting to begin June 13

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

V

oters in and beyond Queens will soon make their picks for numerous important offices. Primary Day is on June 23, with early voting to run from June 13 to 21.

Among the nomination contests on the ballot are those for state comptroller, state Senate, state Assembly and congressional seats.

The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Primary Day, and the hours for early voting sites vary by day. The general election is Nov. 3.

One may visit findmypollsite. vote.nyc to learn where to vote.

State comptroller Challenging incumbent state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli are Democrats Drew Warshaw, who led an affordable housing nonprofit, and Raj Goyle, who has served in Kansas’ House of Representatives.

Queens civil court county judge Democratic voters will choose

between attorneys John Ciafone, Julie Milner, Edward Irizarry and Edmond Wong for the bench.

Third Congressional District Public defender Danielle Welch is challenging U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Nassau, Queens) for New York’s third Congressional District nomination. Republicans will have a choice between former Assemblymember Mike LiPetri and attorney Greg Hach.

Sixth Congressional District U. S . R e p. G r a c e Meng (D-Flushing) has a challenger in Chuck Park, a former United States diplomat.

Seventh Congressional District Democrats running for the seat now held by outgoing U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-Brooklyn, Queens) are public defender Vichal Kumar, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, Assemblymember Claire Valdez (D-Sunny-

side) and City Councilmember Julie Won (D-Long Island City).

14th Congressional District Challenging incumbent Rep. Alexand r ia Ocasio- Cor tez (D-Bronx, Queens) are Democrats Felipe Garcia, an energy executive and engineer, and Marty Dolan, who ran for public advocate last year and has previously challenged the incumbent.

State Senate District 12 Assemblymember Steven Raga (D-Woodside) a nd orga n i zer Aber Kawas are competing for the Democratic nod to replace state Sen. Mike Gianaris (D-Astoria), who is not seeking reelection.

State Senate District 13 As she seeks reelection, state Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Jackson Heights) is facing former city and state lawmaker Hiram Monserrate and Assembly member Jessica González-Rojas (D-East Elmhurst).

Voters in Queens, such as those above at PS 113 in Glendale, will select candidates for several key offices in the June primary. PHOTO BY MAX PARROTT / FILE State Senate District 15 Vying to unseat state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) is Democratic district leader and former attorney Albert Baldeo.

Assembly District 23 Democrats running for the seat held by Assemblymember Stacey

Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach) are Pesach Osina, lead senior liaison for the City Council Speaker’s Office, and attorney Mike Scala.

Assembly District 26 Competing in the Republican primary to face Assemblyman Ed continued on page 8

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CB 10 conditionally OKs zoning change Developer aims to build six-story residential building on Sapphire St.

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Community Board 10 on June 4 voted to recommend the approval, with conditions, of a rezoning that would facilitate the construction of a new residential building at 135-27 Sapphire St. in Lindenwood, within the Jewel Streets neighborhood.

The applicant, Sam Zirkiev as 135 Sapphire LLC, is seeking an amendment to change the area’s zoning from R4 to R6A, and a zoning text amendment to establish a mandatory inclusionary housing area.

The affected area — roughly 57,500 square feet bound by Linden Boulevard, 79th Street, 149th Avenue and Sapphire Street — has been zoned R4 since 1961, the project representatives said.

R4 districts “permit a roughly one to 1.5 residential floor area for the lots on which they are located,” according to Richard Lobel of Sheldon Lobel PC, representing the applicant. “That means that if you’ve got a 10,000 square foot lot and an R4 district, you can only build roughly 10,000 to 15,000 square feet of floor area.”

T he proposed development would be a six-story plus cellar, U-shaped residential building, surrounding an inner courtyard, that would rise to a base height of 55 feet and a total height of 65 feet, according to documents on the Department of City Planning website. The opening of the U-shape would face the nearby Lindenwood Diner site.

Lobel said the project would have approximately 186,000 square

A developer is seeking a zoning change to allow for the construction of a residential building at 135-27 Sapphire St. in Lindenwood. The above rendering of the proposed building was uploaded to the Department of City Planning website.

RENDERING VIA PLANNING.NYC.GOV feet of f loor area, with a base height of five stories and a setback at the sixth story. The building would have 268 units, including 68 studios, 111 one-bedrooms and 89 two-bedrooms, with 67 permanently affordable units under mandatory inclusionary housing rules, and 118 parking spaces.

“On the first floor through the fifth floor, we have a mix of primarily one and two bedroom apartments,” Lobel said. “And then as we get to the sixth floor, we step back from the edge and perimeter of the building, create a ter race for those upper f loor

units.”

Architect Dan Russo said the building “starts off higher on 79th at the top” and “goes down and around over to Sapphire.”

The proposal also includes a 10-foot sidewalk width and a 10-foot setback on 149th Avenue and 79th Street. The residential lobby entrance would be on 79th Street, with a ramp and stairs.

The neighborhood is known for flooding and poor infrastructure, which is why the city is working on a Jewel Streets Neighborhood Plan to revitalize the area.

“In the case of a f lood event,

the water is actually allowed to completely pass through the first floor of the building, which is why the only thing we have on the first level of the building is parking,” Russo said.

The building will have stormwater retention roofs, holding rainfall and slowly releasing it into the system.

After being asked by a board member about potential impact on schools, the applicant’s team said the building is anticipated to generate about 41 public school students, but with about 92 percent utilization at elementary schools in

the district, 251 seats are open and available for use.

Asked if the affordable housing units will be concentrated in one spot in the building, Lobel said they would be dispersed, per city Housing Preservation and Development regulations.

“The goal is that the affordable units are seamless; [one is] unable to tell the difference between those and the market rate,” Lobel said.

Land Use Committee Chair John Calcagnile reminded board members that their vote was strictly on a zoning map change from R4 to R6A and an MIH text a mend ment, not on for mally approving the building design, though the design would inform the board’s conditions.

He said the board’s recommendation to City Planning would be “approve this action with the conditions” focused on the proposal’s U-shaped footprint, added setbacks, green space and stormwater system.

“We hope that the developer will stick with the proposed plans,” Calcagnile said of he building. “It’s U-shaped. It could have been more massive. He brought it up to six stories to match the facade that’s on the corner. Across the street, we know we have some low-rise housing — those are three stories. He could have [proposed] seven, eight, ten stories there.”

Under the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure, the recommendation now goes to the Queens borough president for a public hearing, followed by the City Planning Commission and then the City Council for final approval. Q

Elderly Glendale man killed by falling tree

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

A senior was killed on June 6 when a tree fell on him in Forest Park during a severe storm.

Police said that officers responded to a 911 call at around 8 p.m. reporting an unconscious man at the park, within the confines of the NYPD’s 102nd Precinct.

Cops said Zenon Reynarowych, 85, of Glendale, was found unconscious and unresponsive on the Richmond Hill side of the park beneath a fallen tree. EMS pronounced

him dead at the scene.

During that evening, an intense storm was making its way through the city, with multiple reports of severe wind gusts of up to 60 mph.

In response to the incident, Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) penned a letter to the city Parks Department calling for action.

“What should have been an ordinary day in my district’s most beloved park ended in an unimaginable loss of life,” Rajkumar wrote.

She called for the agency to “dramatically

expand and accelerate its tree inspection and trimming efforts in South Queens.”

The department confirmed receipt of Rajkumar’s letter and said it is being reviewed.

A Parks representative said, “Our hearts go out to the victim of this incident in Forest Park.”

As of noon on June 8, Parks had received more than 2,000 service requests for downed or damaged trees since the storm, with 1,367 of them in Queens. Of those, 987 were for downed trees. It was the largest storm in six years for downed trees in the city.

Crews are working 12-hour shifts and through weekends to address storm damage, prioritizing the most impactful conditions, such as trees blocking streets or buildings, according to the agency. Of the 69 streets blocked from downed trees, 61 were cleared as of Wednesday afternoon.

Conditions will be monitored with the potential for additional thunderstorms in the city through the end of the week.

New Yorkers should report tree conditions by calling 311 and, in cases of a true emerQ gency, calling 911.

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Area public safety a concern for CB 9 Panel organizes rally against shelter, gets crime updates from 102 Precinct

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

A long-simmering debate over a planned homeless shelter in Richmond Hill is moving to the street, as Community Board 9 leaders urge residents to attend a rally calling for their voices to be heard.

District Manager James McClelland during Tuesday night’s meeting at Queens Borough Hall said the community had pushed for a public hearing with Department of Homeless Services and Department of Social Services officials — only to see it canceled, with the agencies postponing engagements with the board.

“As you know, DHS and Department of Social Services canceled the public forum that they were supposed to have in the beginning of June,” McClelland said. “Since they were unwilling to sit down with us, we thought that it would be appropriate, and we got requests from the community, to hold this rally.”

The rally is set for June 18 at 118th Street and Jamaica Avenue at 6:30 p.m.

The shelter debate dovetailed with broader concerns about public safety as Capt. Evan Galane, the executive officer of the NYPD’s 102nd Precinct, and Community Affairs Officer Rohitbir Singh briefed the board on crime patterns affecting seniors and car owners.

Singh warned of an ongoing jewelry scam victimizing older residents.

Community Board 9 District Manager James McClelland, left, Second Vice Chair Cristal Rivera and Chair Sherry Algredo addressed a wide variety of topics during the panel’s Tuesday evening meeting at Queens Borough Hall in Kew Gardens.

PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO “They are targeting the elderly,” he said.

“They’ll come talk to you; they’ll get really close to you. You guys will not expect it.”

Singh added that victims often discover the theft “maybe an hour, two hours later.”

The precinct is also seeing a resurgence of catalytic converter thefts.

While there is “no way to prevent it,” he noted mechanics “like to put a little cage around it,” which “does deter them from trying

to take it, because they’ll see it. It takes them much longer to remove these catalytic converters.”

Galane, asked about losing officers to the beach, said the 102 has lost three cops to the Rockaways this summer, and the officers will return after Labor Day. Posed with a question regarding the woman found dead last month on Forest Park Drive, Galane said that there were no signs of abuse,

but added that he has no further information and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death.

The officers also encouraged attendance at their “Cops and Kids” event on June 28 at 4 p.m. at the precinct, at 87-34 118 St. in Richmond Hill, where there will be plenty of fun and games for neighborhood children. The precinct also is accepting donations of food and games for the kids ahead of the event.

Later in the meeting, the board heard a presentation on the planned Queens Holocaust Memorial Garden beside Borough Hall.

Project President Michael Nussbaum outlined a conceptual design for the memorial, featuring a garden of remembrance and a reflective pool fountain. He said the public can find details and donate to the memorial online at nyholocaustmemorialgarden.org.

Destiny Burns and Kristen Wolfe from Empire State Development, the state agency taking the lead on the Aqueduct Redevelopment Project, also were in attendance. They encouraged the public to attend workshops to help develop the community-driven plan for the 100 acres of land in South Ozone Park.

More information can be found online at esd.ny.gov/aq.

The next in-person Aqueduct workshop is on June 15 at 6:30 p.m., at John Adams High Q School in Ozone Park.

Fatal fires on the rise across the city Deaths have gone up by roughly 73 percent from last year, per FDNY data

by Stephanie G. Meditz

many cases, people leave doors open on their way out of burning buildings. That feeds the flames by Fatal fires are way up in the city letting more oxygen inside. so far in 2026, compared to last Ansbro said there are “no definiyear. tive answers” why fire deaths are Per FDNY data as of Tuesday, up, but companies have been doing 52 fire fatalities have been recordmore running in recent years. ed this year, 15 of which were in “If you have a working fire, Queens. Just 30 had taken place by you’re getting four engines, three the same time in 2025, and 62 trucks, a squad, a chief, a rescue, throughout that whole year. multiple ambulances,” Ansbro At a June 1 City Council hearsaid. “They only report the time it ing, FDNY Chief John Esposito takes for the first company to noted the “significant” increase” in arrive. They don’t tell you how serious fires in Queens and the Bronx this year, saying the depart- The senior citizen who was killed in a fire on 78th Street in Elmhurst in long it takes to get everybody ment is reviewing them and look- February was among the 52 people who have died in blazes across the city there.”

Ariola said dense areas with tall ing for common threads. No single so far in 2026. That figure is way up from last year. PHOTO VIA X / @UFANYC / FILE buildings, such as in the Bronx and factor has been identified, Esposito continued, but most of the blazes have been in woman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park), who Brooklyn, are bearing the brunt of the increase. buildings with a single stairway. chairs the Committee on Fire and Emergency But Queens is a close third, she added, and the But the predominant cause of fires across the Management, said deteriorating infrastructure borough is seeing a lot of development.

Fatalities also tend to occur when fires get city is related to old buildings’ electrical sys- and poor wiring installed in the early- and midout of hand, she said, which is why she has been tems, power strips and extension or appliance 1900s are main contributors to the uptick. cords, Esposito explained.

“A lot of these appliances were not even pushing for a fifth firefighter on FDNY engine “When there is a fatal fire, we do send educa- available when this wiring was put into the companies.

Ansbro said nearly every engine company in tion teams to that neighborhood, to that build- building,” Ariola explained, saying that leads to ing, to get the word out,” he said. The FDNY more fires in structures “that are older and not the city used to have a fifth firefighter. Today, just 20 companies have one, and the Council is also distributes and installs smoke detectors for well cared for.” those in need.

Uniformed Firefighters Association Presi- pushing for more.

“The fifth firefighter makes you able to run In a phone interview last Friday, Council- dent Andrew Ansbro told the Chronicle that, in

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Editor

the line more quickly and get water on the fire before it spreads,” Ariola said.

“That fifth person on that rig could really mean the difference between a fire that is under control and out of control, and whether or not there are fatalities,” she added.

At a June 1 rally calling on Mayor Mamdani to fund more fifth firefighters, Council Speaker Julie Menin (D-Manhattan) said the number of people who have died in fires across the city has increased more than 60 percent compared to the same time last year. FDNY statistics as of Tuesday show an increase of about 73 percent from 2025. Queens alone saw a 50 percent increase since last year, Ansbro said.

In February, a blaze at 83-34 Dongan Ave. in Elmhurst killed a woman and her 3-weekold baby girl.

Less than a week later, also in Elmhurst, an apartment fire at 41-50 78 St. killed an 83-year-old man. The UFA said at the time that two fire hydrants had been obstructed — one was frozen, and a car was parked in front of another.

A blaze at the corner of College Point Boulevard and Avery Avenue in Flushing killed four people, including a 3-year-old girl, in March.

Police charged Roman Amatitla with murder, arson and other offenses.

Ansbro said there also has been an increase continued on page 14

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DA: Teens charged in April A train shooting

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

A Long Island teen was extradited from Virginia to Queens to face attempted murder charges for a shooting on the A train in Ozone Park, the office of District Attorney Melinda Katz announced June 5.

According to the charges, Matthew Rodriguez, 19, of Levittown, LI, and a 16-year-old co-defendant from Far Rockaway on April 27 were aboard a Manhattanbound A train between the 104th Street and 80th Street stations when they were approached by the victim.

The unnamed co-defendant engaged in a physical altercation with the victim, alleged to have stemmed from a February incident in Far Rockaway involving both parties, the DA’s Office said. During that incident, the same victim was shot but declined to cooperate with investigators. The co-defendant was charged for that shooting, and that case is pending, the DA said.

The resulting fight on April 27 lasted about six minutes before a witness attempted to break apart the two teens, the charges said. During the altercation, Rodriguez removed a firearm from a holster on the

co-defendant’s ankle and fired at the victim multiple times, striking him in the back. He then allegedly fired at the victim once more after he fell to the ground.

Rodriguez and the co-defendant fled the scene.

The victim was transported to a nearby hospital where he is still undergoing treatment for his injuries. The DA’s Office said the teen is confined to a hospital bed and unable to walk.

The underage co-defendant was apprehended on April 29 at his home by the NYPD. Rodriguez was apprehended on May 21 in Virginia and was returned to New York on June 4.

Rodriguez was indicted by a grand jury on charges of second-degree attempted murder, two counts of first-degree assault and two counts second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was remanded, ordered to return to court on June 23 and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

The co-defendant was charged with two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He too was remanded, and is due in court on June 12. He faces up Q to 15 years in prison.

Who’s who on the primary ballot continued from page 2 Braunstein (D-Bayside) in November are retired NYPD officer Robert Speranza and former district leader Philip Grillo, who was convicted and later pardoned for taking part in the Jan. 6 riots.

Assembly District 28 Jonathan Rinaldi, now a Democrat, is once again vying to unseat Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills), after seeking to unsuccessfully in 2024.

Assembly District 30 As Raga eyes the state Senate, NepaliAmerican community leader Somnath Ghimire, Democratic District Leader Patrick Martinez and former NYPD Lt. Commander Shamsul Haque are competing in the Democratic primary for his Assembly seat.

Assembly District 32 The crowded Democratic primary race to replace Assemblymember Vivian Cook (D-Jamaica) includes businessman Mohammed Molla, Latoya LeGrand, district manager for state Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-South Ozone Park), Tunisia Morrison, former aide to Assembly member A licia Hy nd ma n (D-Springfield Gardens), educator Queen Johnson and Nathaniel Hezekiah III, deputy chief of staff to Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica).

Assembly District 33 Looking to unseat Assemblymember Clyde Vanel (D-Queens Village) is Democrat

Oster Bryan, president of the St. Albans Civic Improvement Association.

Assembly District 34 As González-Rojas vies for state Senate, her former chief of staff, Brian Romero, and Roosevelt Avenue organizer Rosa Sanchez are on the Democratic primary ballot for her Assembly seat.

Assembly District 36 Running against Assemblymember Diana Moreno (D-Astoria) are Democrats Mary Jobaida, who formerly served on Ramos’ staff, and Kevin Coenen, a retired FDNY lieutenant.

Assembly District 37 With Valdez eyeing Congress, tenant organizer Samantha Kattan, Community Board 2 member Pia Rahman and former Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce President Melissa Orlando are the Democrats hoping to replace her in Albany.

Assembly District 38 Democrat David Orkin, a former immigrant workers rights attorney, is challenging incumbent state Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven).

Assembly District 39 Running against Assemblymember Catalina Cruz (D-Corona) is fellow Democrat Yonel Letellier Sosa, who worked for the late Q state lawmaker Jose Peralta.

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PESACH OSINA FOR NYS ASSEMBLY We’re all used to seeing FedEx, UPS, and Prime delivery trucks throughout our neighborhoods. What we really ̌ʍʍɾࢫ̛ͩࢫ͛ʍʍࢫɄ͍ʍࢫʍ˵ʍɲͩʍɾࢫ̛ʱёɲˏɄ˵͛ࢫɾʍ˵ˏΘʍ͍ˏ̌ʳࢫ˥ͷ͛ͩࢫɄ͛ࢫ̆ͷɲ˂ࢶ That’s why we need to elect Pesach Osina. Pesach has been delivering for years - working with government and the private sector – to bring resources back to our corner of Queens.

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2026 Page 10

P Get out and vote, if eligible EDITORIAL

P

rimaries for a slew of state and federal offices across Queens are set for June 23, but don’t be fooled — voting starts June 13. Early voting is available to everyone, and more popular all the time. Just go to vote.nyc to find out where to cast your ballot, early or on Primary Day. It’s easy.

Then, pick your party to see who’s running and whether you have a race in which to vote.

There are some hot contests out there, especially with a few incumbents retiring or going for higher office, leaving their seats open.

Such is the case in the South Queens Assembly district now held by retiring lawmaker Stacey Pheffer Amato. Pesach Osina and Mike Scala are contending for the Democratic nomination to go up against the Republican candidate in November.

In Western Queens, Democratic Assemblyman Steven Raga is facing off against Aber Kawas in the district of state Sen. Mike Gianaris. Whoever wins will be a shoo-in for the seat. The Republican Party is really, really weak there.

And so it is in the nearby district of state Sen.

AGE

Jessica Ramos, who is being challenged by Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas and Democratic District Leader Hiram Monserrate. Again, whoever wins is very likely to triumph in the general election against anyone from the GOP. We also have some moderate incumbents facing challenges from the energized left. One is northern and Central Queens U.S. Rep. Grace Meng, with Chuck Park trying to win the Democratic nod.

Another is South and Mid Queens Democratic Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, whose opponent is David Orkin.

We have something of a mirror image in a pair of Democratic primary challenges to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of the Bronx and Western Queens, from Felipe Garcia and Marty Dolan.

Republicans have primaries if they live in the northeast Queens districts of Assemblyman Ed Braunstein or Rep. Tom Suozzi, two Democrats, the latter of whom mostly serves some of Long Island.

Check out our rundown this week on page 2 or at qchron.com and, if eligible, get out and vote!

LETTERS TO THE All together now Published every week by

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Dear Editor: Public debates about safety and belonging are increasingly shaped by a dangerous zerosum logic, the belief that protecting one community necessarily comes at the expense of another. Political actors and segments of the media too often reinforce this dynamic rather than relieve it.

In Queens, lived reality is far more complex.

Residents carry overlapping concerns: fear of discrimination based on religion, ethnicity and culture; anxiety within immigrant communities about rising hostility and scapegoating; and concerns from protesters, lawyers and civil liberties advocates about policing and shrinking space for dissent.

Each of these experiences is real, yet too often they are cast in competition rather than understood in parallel.

What gets lost is the everyday fabric of coexistence already defining this borough. Growing up here, I saw how public life is shaped not only by freedom of religion but by the quieter obligations of shared community. I remember watching my second-grade teacher make latkes on a griddle before winter break at PS 62, and learning “Dayenu” as part of our spring Passover concert. During my teacher certification coursework at Queens College, at the height of the Israel-Gaza conflict, I observed Jewish and Muslim students in the student union continu© Copyright 2026 by MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. All rights reserved.

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They refuse to $ave

T

o see why city spending can never, ever be reined in, but is only destined to grow forever, one need look no further than the policy to “hold harmless” schools that lose enrollment.

This was another of those bad ideas introduced during the pandemic, which, whatever its merits then, is lousy now — nothing but a sop to the public schools sector, led by the teachers union. It’s just one reason that the city spends more money per student per year, about $44,000, than any other major school system in the country.

City school enrollment is down nearly 10 percent in six years, dropping below 800,000. Yet because city officials refuse to follow their own rules and reduce funding to schools that lose students, taxpayers have had to spend $1.6 billion more in that time than if the regulations were followed, Chalkbeat reported. This fiscal year the price tag was $250 million. Expect the same in fiscal 2027. Teachers, meanwhile, will get bonuses because the state eased up on the class size reduction law.

Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels says it’s important for schools to have “stability and predictability,” which apparently that bonus cash brings. Mayor Mamdani of course is on board, talking “equity.”

Virtually no one in power thinks the money should be set aside or returned to the taxpayers. Not in New York. The city that never sleeps is the city that always keeps — any of your money it can vacuum up.

E DITOR

ing to engage in dialogue amid global tension.

It’s nurses in Flushing ensuring patients’ religious dietary needs are met without prompting, and Community Board 9 members, of which I was one, recognizing one another’s holidays with genuine respect. These are not exceptional moments but expressions of civic life, rooted in mutual recognition, responsibility and trust.

Pluralism is not passive coexistence; it is active work requiring intention. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, the challenge is not whether we can live together, but whether we can sustain the conditions that make it possible. Queens models this practiced discipline, and a polarized nation badly needs it.

Reaz Khan South Richmond Hill

Stop overdevelopment Dear Editor: On June 17 at 6:30 p.m., Community Board 6 will be holding another zoning change meeting to allow a new 21-story building on

Queens Boulevard at 67th Avenue, replacing a low-rise commercial strip with shops that have served the community for decades. Enough is enough. Residents of Forest Hills and Rego Park do not want to live in an area that looks like Long Island City.

Yes, there is a housing crisis, but it is not something we can simply build our way out of.

The cost of what constitutes affordable is often out of reach for the very people in need: Low wages, high-interest loans and expenses (such as water/sewer, taxes and insurance) make firsttime home buying nearly impossible. Fundamentally altering the fabric of neighborhoods by allowing out-of-character development does not serve the existing community. It only lines the pockets of developers. Are there plans to increase school capacity in the area? What about the electric gird? Another proposed development on Yellowstone would remove the only local supermarket.

We can only address this crisis by planning responsibly and overhauling the entire system, which is a more complex solution

E-scooter hurt me badly Dear Editor: I was delighted to read your June 4 editorial, “Crack down on illegal micromobility vehicles now.”

I was a victim of a stand-up scooter speeding on the sidewalk of Lefferts Boulevard between Hillside and 85th avenues. The e-scooter was traveling toward Metropolitan Avenue. This took place at approximately 9:40 p.m. on May 14 (which happened to be my 76th birthday).

I was walking my two small elderly dogs when I noticed the scooter racing toward me on the sidewalk. I yelled and waved my arms to get the rider’s attention. I saw that she had no intention of slowing down and I yanked my dogs out the way. She then crashed right into me, pinning me against a tree. I did notice she was wearing earphones and was either singing or talking.

She stopped, offered a brief apology and offered to help me up. I admonished her about riding and speeding on the sidewalk while distracted. She then developed a huge attitude and said she could ride on the sidewalk! She then got on her scooter and rode off again up Lefferts at the same speed.

The dogs were unharmed.

I called my super and co-op president for assistance. They very kindly took me to Elmhurst Hospital, where my injuries were evaluated: five fractured ribs, a small lung collapse, a lung contusion, multiple large bruises resulting in a blood loss of one pint, and a laceration to my arm, which required six stitches.

These e-vehicles are a scourge, as are the riders. Zero responsibility and zero accountability.

Melanie Sheer Kew Gardens The writer is a retired registered nurse who worked the last 11 years of her career in a city hospital emergency department.

Dear Editor: Re your May 28 editorial “Adams’ parting gift returned”: I’m glad that Gov. Hochul chose to back a bill that blocks NYC mayors from having undue influence over policy after they’re gone.

Now she must block Albany’s gender-neutral nuts from banning the words “mother” and “father” in state child custody and parental law cases. Moms and dads would instead be termed “gestating parents” and “non-gestating parents” in a bill passed by the state’s Assembly and Senate, which now awaits Hochul’s signature or veto (New York Post, June 4).

If Hochul, who called herself New York’s “first mom governor” signs this bill, she will provide Nassau County Executive Bruce Blake-

‘Power Play’ exhibit rocks Dear Editor: Bill Maher advised us this week to “fight for the humans” and not to surrender to artificial intelligence. Art, whether you make it or experience it, scores wins for humanity. It’s a human activity on both ends of the encounter.

That win-win confrontation took place in real time, in real ways, this past weekend at Stephanie Lee’s Garage Art Center (garageartcenter.org) in Bayside, where the new exhibition “Power Play,” a collection of works by Donnelly Marks, opened.

Peter C. Mastrosimone’s review in the Queens Chronicle article “Wavy Metal: Small sculptures wield great power in Bayside” (qboro, May 28) placed this show on the community’s radar and provided vivid descriptions and wonderfully engaging insights. Mastrosimone compared the small works to Transformers and Ents and Umberto’s Boccioni’s “Unique Forms of Continuity in Space,” “a striding figure ... carved by speed.”

New species walk among us, distinctive in their eye-catching color and unexpected texture. The artist reconfigured surprising materials, like recycled containers, scraps of foam fabric and deflated, degraded Mylar balloons, into a menagerie of delicately designed, animated beings, in metallic and radiant enameled colors. Magically, they transport the viewer to a sci-fi moment in which we tiny humans can imagine colossal figures towering over us. The artist talked to visitors about this changing sense of scale.

I imagined crushing flat materials that reemerged from the destructive process as a whole new creation. I’ve been crushing paper ever since my happy visit last Saturday. The exhibit did not disappoint. Thank you, Queens Chronicle, for spotlighting this local treasure.

Debra Michlewitz Bayside

Better dialysis access Dear Editor: I learned I had polycystic kidney disease just before my wedding. What followed was 13 years of dialysis, the loss of my husband before he could donate his perfectly matched kidney and years of fighting through grief, illness and uncertainty.

Kidney disease affects entire families. In my case, because polycystic kidney disease is genetic, multiple relatives have faced dialysis. continued on next page

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Albany vs. families

man with powerful ammunition against her reelection campaign. He blasted the bill as a “declaration of war” on New York’s families” by Democrats (Post, June 4). Blakeman, Hochul’s challenger, can run ads saying: “Hochul is for they/them, Blakeman is for you.”

This bill shows just how far Albany’s woke warriors will go to defy basic family values, common sense and sanity. What’s next? Will they replace “Mother’s Day” with “Gestating Parent’s Day”? If Hochul signs this bill, she will signify her total surrender to the transgender agenda, and deserves to be voted out of office in November.

Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

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than simply “Let them build.”

The community in Fresh Meadows took a stand and we should too.

Concerned citizens can attend the land-use meeting, to learn more or speak up, at Schwartz Brothers-Jeffer Memorial Chapels (114-03 Queens Blvd.); or write the community board urging the members to rethink rezoning.

Thank you.

Anne Lambert Rego Park

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Page 11 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2026

LETTERS TO THE

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2026 Page 12

LETTERS TO THE continued from previous page That is why I became an advocate, a social worker and an educator. I have spent years writing books and hosting “The Lisa Baxter Show” to help patients understand how to care for themselves and navigate treatment.

Patients need more than dialysis itself.

They need access to the newest therapies, educational resources and clinics equipped with modern tools that can improve outcomes and quality of life. Innovation in kidney care can mean better medications, improved dialysis technology, stronger transplant support and resources that help patients understand how to protect their health.

That’s why I’m urging Rep. Gregory Meeks and Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand to support the Kidney Care Access Protection Act. This bipartisan bill would strengthen Medicare support for dialysis providers, expand access to innovative treatments for anemia and infection, as well as medications to lower phosphorus and antibodies to increase accessibility of transplants.

For kidney patients, access to innovation is not a luxury. It is the difference between surviving and truly living well.

Lisa Baxter Jamaica

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Dear Editor: Liberals strike again. Ever call an Uber and find you scored a small discount? You may surmise that your past politeness, generosity in tipping or some other virtuous behavior are being algorithmically rewarded.

Well, no. You wrongly benefitted from an abomination known as “surveillance pricing.” Also by the less sinister moniker, “personalized pricing.”

The One Fair Price Act just passed in the state Legislature will, according to its sponsor (state Sen. Rachel May, a Syracuse Democrat) “protect consumers from practices in which their purchasing history, online activity and other information can be used to set individual prices, sometimes resulting in higher costs for certain people.” Shame on anyone for asking how, why or who those people are. Suffice to say: “Companies are using personal data, like browsing history, device type, and even device battery level, to charge people different prices for the same product. That kind of surveillance pricing is unfair, and we can’t allow it.”

Of course, property taxes in hardscrabble, 50 percent minority population Syracuse are relatively high, with a median effective rate of about 2.6 percent. This is higher than the New York state median (1.9 percent) and significantly higher than Park Slope, Brooklyn, where effective rates go as low as 0.2 percent to 0.5 percent, amounting to tens of thousands of dollars in unfair discounts for fancy Brownstone owners there every year. Don’t hold your breath waiting for a Sen. Rachel May or any of her colleagues declaring how

Write us! Email your letter to letters@qchron.com

E DITOR

we can’t have that.

We’ll be the third state, after Maryland and Connecticut, to enact this latest bit of progressivism. Something similar was attempted in Colorado, but the governor there vetoed the bill, stating, “I find little comfort in the state defining in statute legally acceptable consumer discounts.” Our governor, reliably, proudly won’t have any such scruples.

Edwin Eppich Glendale

Save SNAP from Trump Dear Editor: I hope that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is not eliminated. The basic needs for surviving are food, clothing, shelter and water. The president, who is selfish, wants to eliminate the SNAP program.

There are so many people suffering from food insecurity, and any removal — or strict rigid requirements to get SNAP payments — is an abomination, cruel and, to me, unusual punishment. Food prices are high, inflation is high due to a war that nobody wants, and the president’s approval rating is down, down, down.

It is an abomination indeed to refuse SNAP benefits, especially for the elderly, disabled people and children. Food pantries are taking donations and religious institutions are being helpful in donating food. Program cuts are shameful and disgusting. We must rally, have a peaceful demonstration against them.

Cynthia Groopman Little Neck

Democratic antisemitism Dear Editor: The Democratic Party has become more antisemitic over time with its exaggerated claims of how bad Israel is. Democrats claim being anti-Israel is not being antisemitic. Bill Maher destroyed that argument by noting that the Chinese treatment of the Uyghurs and conditions in the Sudan, Russia, Iran, Myanmar, the Congo and Haiti are much worse than in Gaza, but no one talks about that. The reason, according to Maher, is “No Jews, no news.”

Most Democrats who support Israel do not want to denounce the anti-Israel wing of their party for fear of a primary challenge from the far left. Their silence is enabling the tilt in the party.

Jews who support Democrats are like women who have been beaten up by their husbands. The women will say their husbands aren’t so bad despite all the evidence to the contrary. Denial is a terrible thing.

I am not saying Jews should become Republicans. I realize there are many other issues that they may not agree with. What I would like to see are Jews speaking out that they are leaving the Democratic Party and becoming independents until such time that the Democrats support the only true democracy in the Middle East — Israel.

Lenny Rodin Forest Hills

Page 13 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2026

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Bringing opportunities and agency to AD 38 are priorities for the incumbent

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) says much of her tenure has been about “making impossible things possible.”

Lawmakers had tried for decades to make Diwali a holiday for city public schools, Rajkumar said. In 2023, Gov. Hochul signed her bill — carried in the upper chamber by state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) — to do just that.

“Even the fact that I’m here is kind of impossible,” Rajkumar said during a June 8 sitdown interview with the Chronicle, recalling when she challenged former Assemblyman Mike Miller in 2020. “‘Jenifer’s a nice girl, she’s got no shot.’ That was the thinking ... then we ended up winning.”

As she seeks reelection, Rajkumar has more goals she’d like to achieve for District 38. Challenging her in the June 23 primary is democratic socialist and former immigrant workers rights attorney David Orkin.

Among Rajkumar’s objectives is to revive Atlantic Avenue, which she said has been neglected for decades. Key to doing that is reopening Woodhaven’s former train station, bringing back a higher volume of foot traffic and creating more quality businesses along the corridor.

Rajkumar said she secured funding in the state budget for a feasibility study on the stretch, and she is working with the Queens Chamber of Commerce, Community Board 9 and other groups to move her Atlantic Avenue plan forward.

“I think reviving Atlantic Avenue is a drop in the bucket,” she said. “A lot of it is fixing the potholes on Atlantic Avenue. That’s not too heavy a lift ... opening the Woodhaven station, that will be a little bit harder ... but I think that we can still do it.”

Rajkumar said she brought more than $1 million to her district in the fiscal 2027 state budget, which Gov. Hochul signed May 28.

That money includes funding for community groups such as the Ridgewood Nepalese Society, the Bangladesh Society and the Woodhav-

an issue as much as inertia. en Mural Project.

“It’s going to be a major change, and She also is glad the budget allocated we’re going to just have to make the money for rebates to help offset high time and space to do it in Albany,” she utility costs, saying she has been hearsaid. “I’m confident that we’ll be able to ing about those from residents often. do it next session.”

After the budget was finalized, state Also on transportation, Rajkumar lawmakers had about a week to wrap up supports the Metropolitan Transportatheir legislative work before the session tion Authority’s planned Interborough ended June 4. During that time, several Express connecting parts of Brooklyn of Rajkumar’s bills passed late at night. and Queens. She also thinks having One measure would add avoidant/ more bike lanes in her district would be restrictive food intake disorder — “a worthy goal to work up to,” saying ARFID — to the state’s official list of other parts of the city are getting them eating disorders. and South Queens, which is “often left Two others look to make civil behind,” deserves the same resources courts work faster, Rajkumar and attention. said. One would let claimIn Rajkumar’s view, what her constitants correct technical errors uents really want is opportunities — to that could render their cases get a good education and a good job “so null and void, and another aims to let juries review the Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar still has goals she hopes that they can stand on their own two issues before them anew if to achieve and bills she hopes to pass, as she seeks reelec- feet and succeed.”

“The people in my district, they work an alternate juror is seated tion in District 38.

PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO 25 hours a day,” she said. “They’ll work after deliberations have begun.

“This is not a pipe dream. California already as hard as necessary to make it; they just need “It’s just simple remedies to make the courts work faster and more common sense,” does it,” she said. “We have the infrastructure guidance for how to get where they’re going. and the industry to do the same thing.”

And it’s my office’s job to provide that Rajkumar said.

Rajkumar also champions the New York guidance.”

Hochul has until the end of the year to sign Health Act, which aims to establish universal Rajkumar said unity and love also are key to the bills.

But before those approvals came a lengthy healthcare across the state by creating a single- her campaign, as is urgency to her governmenbudget process, in which Rajkumar believes payer system. She believes it can be done with- tal approach — her constituents have her cell in 10 years, but the expensive initiative would phone number, and are encouraged to call her legislators should have had more of a say. anytime.

“The governor calls all the shots in the bud- have to be funded “in a responsible way.”

“Healthcare would become a public utility, “South Queens represents what we have to get, but we represent our people in our dislike a road or a library,” Rajkumar said. “On be as a city and as a world — this global comtricts,” she said.

Several of her colleagues have expressed education and on healthcare, I do believe that munity where everybody gets along and underfrustration about policy debates delaying the we as a government need to do more for peo- stands each other,” Rajkumar said, referencing final spending plan. But Rajkumar said includ- ple.” In her view, a CUNY education also the district’s diversity. “That’s what we need Q now more than anything.” ing those items in the budget does not bother should be free.

Another bill Rajkumar hopes to get over the her — having policies in the budget is the “fastest way” to pass them, though she does finish line would require e-bikes and e-scooters to be licensed and registered with the want “things to move along.”

She noted that her legislation known as the Department of Motor Vehicles.

E-bikes are among the main issues RajkuSMOKEOUT Act, allowing local municipalities to shutter illegal marijuana shops, passed mar has been hearing about from constituents, she said. Riders have been hitting people on the in a previous budget.

See the Chronicle’s previous profiles on She said her measure that would let the state street in and beyond the district with no Assembly District 38 candidate David Orkin manufacture its own drugs, thereby reducing accountability, she said, and that would change and Assembly District 23 candidates Pesach the price of generic prescription medications, under her bill.

Osina and Mike Scala online at tinyurl.

She added that it is presently her most popu- com/4pzx53cp, tinyurl.com/yupjrkp2 and “almost” made it into this year’s budget, and Q lar piece of legislation, saying resistance is not tinyurl.com/up8hywzh, respectively. she believes it can make the cut next year.

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Uptick in fire fatalities citywide

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Help people chase dreams: Rajkumar

continued from page 6 in multiple alarm fires, which he believes is because it takes longer to get full crews there in time to put them out while they are still small.

“We feel having that additional firefighter on the engine company allows you to get the fire knocked down quicker and stop its becoming a multiple alarm,” he said. Ansbro also cited a study from the 1980s showing that an extra firefighter could cut response times in half.

Asked by Ariola whether the FDNY would support a targeted fifth firefighter pilot program in “high-incident boroughs” such as the Bronx and Queens, Esposito said the department would welcome any additional resources.

A fifth firefighter could help extinguish fires

more quickly, he said, but it also is “not necessarily a silver bullet” solution.

He said in response to her earlier questioning that the fifth firefighter helps get water on fires faster, ultimately agreeing that lives would be in less danger with one.

Ariola also emphasized the importance of education and outreach, saying people in older buildings should be aware not to plug power strips into walls with antiquated wiring. She also called for more inspectors to “hold landlords accountable.”

“I’m very happy that for the first time since being elected, we are absolutely a unified City Council on making sure that these fires don’t Q continue to get out of hand,” Ariola said.

—Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato

VOTE DEMOCRAT PESACH OSINA FOR STATE ASSEMBLY VOTE ON TUESDAY, JUNE 23RD, OR VOTE EARLY JUNE 13TH - 21ST

For the latest news visit qchron.com

I’ve worked hand-in-hand with Pesach for over a decade and I’ve seen him deliver for our community.

Pesach will be a commonsense Democrat supporting our first responders and law enforcement, making our neighborhoods more affordable, and standing up for our community. In challenging times we need a leader like Pesach who cuts through the noise to get results.”

Page 15 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2026

I’M SUPPORTING PESACH OSINA FOR ASSEMBLY AND I HOPE YOU DO TOO!

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2026 Page 16

‘There’s still work to do’ — Addabbo Incumbent state senator talks his experience, policy and concerns

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

For state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven), representing southern and central Queens isn’t confined to the Senate chamber in Albany.

It’s holding office hours at neighborhood coffee shops. It’s showing up at Eagle Scout ceremonies. It’s walking down Myrtle Avenue or Liberty Avenue and hearing directly from constituents about what keeps them up at night.

Those conversations, Addabbo told the Chronicle during a sitdown interview on Monday, are what continue to drive him as he seeks another term representing the 15th Senate District.

“I’m not done,” Addabbo said.

“I’ve got so much unf inished business. There’s still work to do.”

Addabbo, a moderate Democrat who has served in the state Senate since 2008 after previously serving on the City Council, said the changing political landscape keeps the work fresh.

“I’ve been through three governors, I’ve been through a number of presidents, I’ve been through a number of mayors,” he said.

“Everything changes, and with the new administrations come new challenges.”

Over the years, those challenges have ranged from public safety issues and illegal cannabis shops to affordability issues and healthcare. But Addabbo said one concern has eclipsed them all in recent months.

“The No. 1 thing I hear about is stress,” he said. “In my 22 years, I’ve never seen my constituents as stressed out as they are right now, and that bothers me.”

He attributed that anxiety to financial concerns given rising costs, uncertainty surrounding actions at the federal level, and even the growing prevalence of scams targeting older adults.

“My message has been very simple: Do not worry,” Addabbo said. “Whatever happens on the federal level, whatever happens on the city or state level, my job is to make sure everything in my district is taken care of.”

On affordability, Addabbo said New Yorkers deserve honesty about what state government can and cannot accomplish.

Rising utility bills, insurance premiums and everyday expenses have become common topics at community meetings, he said, but solutions often take time to materialize.

He pointed to provisions in the latest state budget designed to increase oversight of utility rate increases and to reduce insurance

Estate Planning Fundamentals: Providing for Minor Grandchildren

For the latest news visit qchron.com

By Cynthia J. Conza, Esq. As the school year draws to a close and grandchildren start to visit more frequently during the summer months, our clients often reach out to ensure they provide for their grandchildren in their estate planning. If your grandchildren are over eighteen they can inherit directly by naming them as beneficiaries in your will or trust.

However, providing for your minor grandchildren in your estate requires thoughtful planning to ensure they receive their proper inheritance.

for years, and may involve the court appointment of an outsider to oversee the inheritance.

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while balancing consumer protections.

“I love to be fiscally conservative, but you need revenue,” Addabbo said.

W h ile empha si z i ng t hat ga mbli ng should not be viewed as a cure-all for the state’s fiscal challenges, he said regulated gaming markets can provide funding for education and other priorities while allowing the state to monitor activit y and address addiction concerns.

During the most recent session, Addabbo introduced a wide variety of legislation, including a bill that permits a 100 percent property tax exemption for disabled veterans, which passed as part of the state budget.

Another bill he expressed pride in was one targeting illegal street takeovers, a recurring concern in the district, by imposing higher penalties. Though it did not make it to the governor’s desk, he plans to reintroduce it next year.

Healthcare remains another area of Longtime incumbent Democrat State Sen. Joe concern.

“With the cuts to healthcare on the federal Addabbo Jr. is running to retain his seat in level, we’re going to have hundreds of thouDistrict 15.

PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO sands of people without health coverage, and fraud in hopes of lowering auto premiums. we could have done more,” Addabbo said. “I But rather than guaranteeing immediate don’t know why the governor didn’t take it savings, Addabbo said, the success of those up. ... Senator [Gustavo] Rivera — he chairs initiatives on addressing affordability our Health Committee — was talking about remains to be seen. this all along, how we need to do something.

“The optimist will say it’s a definite ben- And the governor said no, and we didn’t. I efit,” he said. “The pessimist will say it think we could have done a lot more. ... We’re won’t work,” he said. “I say, realistically, going to have to monitor that.” we’ll see what happens.”

Addabbo also criticized the increasing As chair of the Committee on Racing, practice of embedding major policy deciGaming and Wagering, Addabbo is one of sions into the state budget.

Albany’s leading voices on gambling policy.

“I like efficiency; I like April 1,” AddabWhile he has advocated for expanded bo said, referring to the state’s budget deadgaming opportunities, Addabbo said he line, which was missed by more than two remains mindful of the consequences asso- months this year. “The idea of a tactic of ciated with problem gambling. delaying the budget so long that you just One accomplishment he highlighted from give up or you give in — I don’t want that.” the fiscal 2027 state budget was legislation He acknowledged that budget negotiations treating gambling addiction similarly to often force lawmakers to weigh legislation substance-use disorders. they support against provisions they oppose.

“This part that was in the budget makes “There’s one thing I hate, but there’s gaming addiction treated like four other things that I like,” any other addiction, and it’s Addabbo said. “You do the covered by insurance,” Addabbo whole balance, and the pros said. “I want to expand gaming, the cons.” rimary Day outweigh but I’m cognizant of the probReflecting on challenges he’s lem of gaming addiction.” is June 23. experienced during his time in Looking ahead, Addabbo political office, ranging from the said regulating prediction maraftermath of Sept. 11 while he kets, such as Kalshi and Polymarket, will be was in the City Council, to Hurricane Sandy among his legislative priorities. and the Covid pandemic, Addabbo said those “We need to do something for the sake of instances shaped how he approaches New Yorkers to make it a safe betting envi- leadership. ronment, and to make sure that they have “The best elected official, using their expeprotections,” he said. rience, has to be prepared for the unexpectRegulating those markets, Addabbo said, ed,” he said. “No matter what comes, I feel would allow the state to better monitor gam- I’m ready.” bling activity, protect consumers and potenAfter more than two decades in elected tially generate additional revenue. office, Addabbo said he remains motivated Addabbo said discussions surrounding by the nature of the work and the opportunigaming expansion are ultimately part of a ty to solve problems. larger conversation about the state’s financial “I don’t see myself ever retiring at this future. With New York facing projected defi- point,” he said. “I really don’t.” cits in the coming years, he argued that AlbaPrimary Day is June 23, with early voting Q ny must identify sustainable revenue sources June 13 to 21.

P

Democrat seeks to unseat longtime incumbent for Senate District 15

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Albert Baldeo’s road to Albany begins on the streets of South Queens.

The Democratic district leader and former attorney is seeking elected office once again, challenging incumbent state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) for the 15th Senate District seat.

“I realized that I have to become a law ma ker i n order to ma ke change,” Baldeo said during a June 4 interview with the Chronicle.

He said he believes the district needs stronger advocacy in Albany and a representative willing to challenge the political establishment.

A resident of Ozone Park, Baldeo immigrated from Guyana and became a U.S. citizen in 1988.

“Since then, I’ve adopted the American dream,” he said. He said he still hopes he can run for president of Guyana one day after he’s “done [his] work here.”

He argued that his background gives him a unique perspective on the district’s diverse communities. He said voters from South Asian, Indo-Caribbean and immigrant backgrounds are seeking elected officials who understand their experiences firsthand.

Baldeo’s former legal career focused on

immigration, civil rights and small business issues, experiences he said exposed him to challenges facing working-class residents.

Among his top priorities is bettering transportation for both commuters and drivers — he said it took him 45 minutes to drive from Ozone Park to the Chronicle office in Glendale.

Baldeo described southern Queens as a transit desert and said lawmakers must push for better bus service, improved traffic flow and expanded transit options. He also called on Mayor Mamdani to implement free buses.

“I’ve gotten complaints from constituents that the buses are now charging folks,” Baldeo said.

Housing and development rank among his other major concerns. He opposes what he described as unchecked overdevelopment in the district and criticized rezoning efforts that fail to account for neighborhood character.

On affordability, Baldeo said Albany should direct more resources toward those struggling to get by, while increasing oversight of government spending.

“The state has got to raise money,” Baldeo said. “They talk about ‘tax the rich.’ I agree with that.”

He added, “I think that the way state monies are spent should be subject to an independent

Albert Baldeo is running in the Democratic primary for Senate District 15.

PHOTO BY PETER C. MASTROSIMONE

audit.” He said he would support legislation that requires such audits.

Baldeo also said he would push for stronger enforcement of quality-of-life issues that residents frequently raise during his campaign stops. He cited concerns about illegal dumping, abandoned vehicles, unlicensed e-bikes and

scooters and the growing number of cannabis dispensaries throughout the district.

Though running as a Democrat, Baldeo rejected ideological labels when asked whether he identifies to the left, right or center of the political spectrum.

“I’ve never pigeonholed myself like that,” he said. “I’m sort of an independent thinker. I go where the issue is. I stand up for the underdog.”

As he is no longer practicing law, Baldeo said he now spends much of his time helping residents navigate government services and access benefits.

“I give solutions to people,” he said. “For example, I can help with voter registration. I help people in whatever way I can to access benefits.”

Asked what he would say to voters hesitant to support him after he was convicted on federal charges in 2015 for obstructing an investigation into contributions made to his 2010 City Council run, Baldeo maintained that he did not commit the underlying offenses alleged by prosecutors.

“I did nothing wrong,” Baldeo said.

He characterized the conviction as politically motivated and said voters should judge him based on his record of public service.

Primary Day is June 23, with early voting Q June 13 to 21.

Page 17 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2026

Baldeo: ‘I stand up for the underdog’

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Graduation 2026 For the latestSection news visit qchron.com

Congratulations, College Class 0f 2030!

Excellent, Free Charter Schools High School of the Liberal Arts - Manhattan Abiola Ilesanmi Aboubacar M. Diallo Adonis Crippen Adriana Ferreira Adriana Roberts Aidan Ko Aissatou Diallo Alahadji A. Bah Alexander Reyes Aliana Santelises Allanis Smith Allison Simplice Alyssa Beauduy Alyssan Vilpique Amadou Barrie Amoya Headley Andrew Beckles Anna Lin Arianna White Ariella Rivera Arron Wallace Austin Valdez Autumn-Rain Best Ava Rousseau Ayah Musa Ayden Rivas Barry Zhang Chloe Wesseling Christopher Chester Cian Cohen Daechyne Echevarria Daiya Moumouni Daniel Asamoah David Adewunmi David Koraia Delancey Martinez Dennis Boateng Destiny Campos Diamond Moses Edgar Perez

Elizabeth Cabrera Elizabeth Kamara Emma Bochman Emmanuel Rodriguez Eric Sanders Evan Peter Espinal Evelyn A. Lee Fatoumatta Sawaneh Freddy Ariza Gabriel Adames Jimenez Gabriella Tamisi Isabella Rosanna Gonzalez Brito Isah Sanneh Izaeel Rodriguez Jacob Kopstein James O’Sullivan Jayda Isles Jayden Bodden Jayden Jose Roman Jaylene Zenteno Jeremiah Samuels Jeremy Campos John Hooker Jonathan Thomas Josephine Soyigbe Jovanny Jaquez Julian Scruggs Jusean Cox Kadidjatou Ba Kadija Guilao Kamiyah Austin Kaylah Washington Kaylee Cao Keith Mann Kelly Roesch Khadija Gningue Kimaya Williams Kimberly Hernandez Krystal Vicioso Kylee Chester Laelle Chandler Laila Lidia Suero Loyola

Lailei Terrones Lauren Tavares Cruz Layla Crippen Lealia Mitchell Leia Warren Liam Honan Lisa Jabang Lorianne Tavares Cruz Lyana Moore Mada Mbow Madison Lewis Madison Reefer-Thomas Manuel Tlahuel-Rivera Mara Gomez Mariama Bah Mariatou Toure Marie Joseph Diallo Mario Burton Jr. Marissa Ramsundar Maxim Reyes Melanie Lo Mia Singletary Mickayla McDonald Mikhail Guadalupe Miquel Utset Mohamet Seck Moussa Cisse Nalah Cole Nevaeh Destiny Myriel Nicholas Hayward Nicholas Valarezo 1LQD $GG\VRQ *ULIĩWKV Niquel Way Noel Robinson Omar Pena Onatobore Akpobo Quilvis Medina Ryan Fox Ryan Korolczuk Sahara Moyet Saige Sewell Salihou Balde

Samaire Stiers Samantha Mendez Sameer Sherif Samuel Yankey Sandrine Dembele Saniya Jones Savannah Jiggetts 6RĩD *UDMHGD Stephen Farrell Tamana Alam Tanieya Wilkerson Tasneem Kamruzzaman Tenique Boyce Tyrone Xavier Stevenson Ulrich Frank Tonye Valentina Donneys Wilkins Edouard Yaniris Naomi Scott Yosairee Orozco Yuriah Rowe

High School of the Liberal Arts - Harlem Addisyn Haynes-Harmon Adjaratou Seck Adriel Rodriguez Ahmad Barry Aissata Camara Aissatou Dalanda Diallo Alexander Polanco Alexandria Ortiz Alexi Fernandez Ali Kone Alimatou Kouyate Alina Hernandez Amadu Thierno Diallo Amanda Jorge Amari Horton Aminata Tall Aminata Tounkara Anastasia Hoggard-Shannon Andrew Centeno Angel Rodriguez Angella Barnett Anisha Tarafdar Anne Laurie Sajous Anthony Garcia Huerta Anthony Sanchez Jr.

100% of our high school graduates have been accepted to a 4-year college!

Prince Sambolah Queenie Aryee Raziya Palmer Rihanna Pichardo Flores Samantha Santana Samaya Anderson Samuel Asiedu Sarai Martinez Suleman Barrie Syeda Morshed Thaleessa-Jayne Chery Thierno Bah Tianna Warren Tidiane C. Haidara TLeeyah Overton Treyvon King Xiamara Pond Yacine Abassa Yahya Benchekroun Yaretzi Martinez

High School of the Liberal Arts - Brooklyn Aisha Gomez Alethia Sancho Alexander Rivera-Cartagena Alexsa Kydd Alyssa Richards Amari Wallace Annalise Anderson Axel-Moise Sawadogo Barack Johnson Carla Lowe Chauncey Cadett Cheikh Diamanka Clifford Lherisson Dannielynn Alvarado Darrell Dees Dashaun Julien Devarjae Davis Dream Thompson Elijah Onipede Eliza Hylton-De Mary Emilia Skwirut Emmanuel Affainie Jr. Evejanie Dorcelon Farha Ibrahima Farmata Tall

Gabrielle Mojisola Giovanni Luca Abad Girmari Corridon Iman Rodriguez Isaac Thercellya ,VDEHOOD 6RĩD $EDG Jaieem Smith Jasmin A. Casas Calcano Jaziyah Thornton Jenny Espinal Jocelyn Young Josiah Jean-Paul Kal Vega Kaylah Burden Kervin Julien Kimani Forbes Kira Gonzalez Kyle Coke Lavell Blakney Layla J. Nakahashi Lorendy Louis Makeda Creighton Malichi Johnson Matthew Lowe Nana Bawuah Nevaeh Jackson Nia Harvey Nikai Fleary Odelia Foster Olatomiwa Momoh Olivia Connie Perkins Oscar Cifuentes Rayanna Massiah Rebecca Doyle Rhianna Greaves Silveris Peterkin Tahirah Ibrahim Taylor Means Terique Anderson Tommi Johnson Triston Bucknor Yaya Barry Zachary Liz

Learn more about Success Academy’s outstanding K-12 schools at successacademies.org

2026 For theGraduation latest news Section visit qchron.com

Emmah-Jaine Fosu Erving Ohene Darko Ethan Agyen Ezekiel Grimes Fanta Keita Halimatou Barry Harlee Keith Hawa Kebe Hayley Medina Ikenna Aharanwa Inara Semidey Isaiah Pena Jadon Long

Jaelyse Jimenez Jaiyana Butcher James Tachie Jaslyn Gonzalez Jayden Jimenez Jayden Valenzuela Jayla Lantigua Jesus Peralta Jillian Craig Jonathan Aguila Jordan Olmeda Joseph Nwagbo Josephine Nunez Joshua Louzolo Mbouilou Joshua Tonge Josiah Howard Justin Clark Karimatou Barry Kayla Amartey Kayleen David Kaysia Capers Kenneth Alvarez Khloe-Rose Montfort Kianna Young Kiriah Howard Laila Shaw Layla Benoit Leonardo Risaliti Lloyd Agoanya Makyla Holmes Marcella Reyes Rivera Margaret Gindeh Mariam Sangare Mariama Bah Mikayla Akowuah Mitchell Eleam Mohamed S Jalloh Mouhamed Sall Muhamadu Cisse Natalie Fuertes Naziah Martin Nia Andrades-Serrano Nicole Yaa Serwa Mensah Odelee Alvarez Olnick Germitus Owen Starke Pesson Minfolo Coulibaly Peter Young

Page 19 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2026

Ashlyne Cooke Austin Benjamin Autumn Reeves Azalea Archer Brandon Holder Brandon Patricio Apolonio Brenda Revilla Bruce Ofosu Caitlynn Cooke-Coleman Camryn Peebles Celya Bassinga Christian Pettie Christian Williams Corey Davis Curtis Acheampong Darrin Morris Darwin Elias Pena Dream Pelzer Elizabeth Lora Emily Ramos

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2026 Page 20

Creator Camp comes to STARS Donate blood HB center to host innovative program seen on ‘Shark Tank’ and save a life

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Frances Scarantino, the founder and president of STARS Community Center at 8 Coleman Square in Howard Beach, has made it her mission to offer the best opportunities for children to learn and grow for three decades.

The nonprofit is focused on educational enrichment, leadership development, cultural programming and family-centered events.

Scarantino recently reached out to Creator Camp, an innovative digital, technology and film educational organization once featured on “Shark Tank,” to inquire about bringing its programming to STARS. As interest in digital media and online entrepreneurship continues to grow among youth, programs such as Creator Camp have gained traction by combining creativity and technology in ways that feel relevant to how kids communicate and create today.

Scarantino’s call panned out. From June 22 to Aug. 28, kids ages 5 to 13 can spend time getting experience creating films, podcasts, games, music, YouTube-style content and digital media projects at STARS. Camp offerings include Hollywood filmmakers, YouTube creators, YouTube gamers, Roblox game masters, Minecraft modders and coders, Lego animators, music and beats

Creator Camp, an digital technology and film organization featured on “Shark Tank,” above, is bringing its programming to STARS Community Center, at 8 Coleman Square in Howard Beach, from June 22 to Aug. 28.

PHOTO COURTESY CREATOR CAMP producers, podcasting and digital storytelling, Shark Tank entrepreneurs, 3D game development and special effects filmmaking.

Those interested may go online to creatorcamp.org for more information.

“We’re excited to bring something this creative and current directly into the How-

ard Beach community,” Scarantino said.

“Creator Camp gives kids the opportunity to explore filmmaking, gaming, digital storytelling and content creation in a handson, collaborative environment that feels connected to where this generation is headQ ing.”

The New York Blood Center is calling on donors of all blood types to contribute as the region faces the start of trauma season, which it called one of the most difficult and critical times of year for maintaining the blood supply.

Collections are down 15 percent, per the NYBC, with supply levels at dangerous lows. To make an appointment, one may visit nybc.org. There are several upcoming blood drives in South Queens: • United Sikhs-Queens, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, at 95-30 118 St. in South Richmond Hill; blood drive coordinator Inderjeet Singh; • Knights of Columbus Council 197, 8:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, at 94-04 Linden Blvd. in Ozone Park; blood drive coordinator Paul Eggert; • Sikh Officers’ Association, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 28 at 95-30 118 St. in South Richmond Hill; blood drive coordinator Navdeep Singh; and • Howard Beach Community, 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, in the cafeteria at 83-09 157 Ave.; blood Q drive coordinator Tony Sama.

— Kristen Guglielmo

DM DIVINE MERCY CATHOLIC ACADEMY

Graduation 2026 For the latestSection news visit qchron.com

CA

Jandee De Guzman

Skylee Fernandez

Jeovanny Pineda

101-60 92nd Street, Ozone Park, NY 11416 Phone: 718-845-3074 Fax: 718-845-5068

Genesis Fierro

Lucas Ramrattan

Isabella Guzman

Andrew Rivas-Palmese

Bryanna Heredia

Kristian Rivera

Ashley Jacome

Zachary Sambhu

Shriya Jagdeo

Prabhroop Sangha

Josh Lachhana

Shayna Angela Sharma

Lianna Lopez

Emely Soto

Rasayan Maraj

Aiden Terry

Kayla Torres

Giuliana Pecchio

Anabelle Zapata

The graduating class has received $78,600 in high school scholarships.

Congratulations to our 2026 8th grade graduates!

It has been an honor to watch you grow over the years, and we are excited for you as you move on to your next chapter in life.

Your hard work has paid off. Continue to shine as you begin high school!

Michaela Phillips

Valedictorian Name: Valeria Vislocky School: St. John’s Preparatory School Family: Stanislava (Mother), Rastislav (Father), Veronika (Sister) Home Neighborhood: Middle Village Parish: St. Adalbert Roman Catholic Church Extracurricular Activities: Under-Secretary General of Administration of Model UN; Director of Resources and Journalist of the Crescent Tower Newspaper; National Honor Society; CCD Catechist at St. Adalbert Parish, Scales of Justice Academy at Fordham University (law program) Scholarships and Honors: Barnard College Scholarship, St. Joseph’s University Presidential Scholarship, Fordham University Loyola Scholarship, Pace University Honors Scholarship, St. John’s University Provost Scholarship, Manhattan University Scholarship, Manhattan University Jasper Promise Scholarship, Questbridge National College Match Finalist Post-Graduation Plans: Will attend Barnard College of Columbia University Anticipated Major: English & Sociology Inspirational Quote: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” – Jeremiah 29:11

Page 21 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2026

St. John’s Preparatory School Congratulates Our Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Salutatorian Name: Luana Rigon Sharif School: St John’s Preparatory School Family: Carla (Mother) Maruan (Father) Laila (Sister) Home Neighborhood: Jackson Heights Parish: St. Joan Of Arc Extracurricular Activities: Student Council Executive Board President, Class President (3 years), NYPD Youth Leadership Council Co-President, Model UN Under Secretary General of Personnel, CCNY Stem Institute Financial Management Student Researcher, Dance Dynamics Lyrical Teacher and Dance Assistant, Ballet and Tap dancer (13 years), National Honor Society (NHS) tutor, Amaskn Public Relations intern, Jazz Rock Band - Vocalist Scholarships and Honors: NYPD Youth Leadership Council 2025 Champion, Posse Finalist Babson Scholar, Villanova Presidential Scholarship Semi-Finalist, AP Scholars with Honors, Best Delegate Award at SCIMUNC 2024, Outstanding Delegate at TUSMUNC 2025, Best Position Paper at TUSMUNC 2025, Fordham Full Scholarship, Provost Scholarship, Syracuse University Orange Award, George Washington University Presidential Academic Scholarship, Bentley University Founder’s Scholarship, University of Maryland Presidential Scholarship, University of Albany Merit Scholarship, Pride of New York Scholarship!, College Advantage Program Scholarship, Catholic High School Scholarship, Stonybrook Presidential Scholarship.

Post-Graduation Plans: Will attend George Washington University Anticipated Major: Business and Public Affairs Inspirational Quote: The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it. — William James

Class of 2026

Boston College

Stevens Institute of Technology

Boston University

Fordham University

Stonybrook

Brown University

St. John’s University

Univertity of Connecticut

Georgetown University Harvard University

University of Pennsylvania

Columbia University

John Hopkins

University of Rochester

Cooper Union

NYU

Vassar College

Cornell University

Northeastern

Villanova

Dartmouth College

Princeton

Wesleyan University

FIT

University of South Carolina

William & Mary

For theGraduation latest news visit qchron.com Section 2026

Graduates accepted to colleges include:

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Schools with falling enrollment will not face initial budget cuts at the start of the next academic year.

While data shows that enrollment at New York City public schools has dropped by nearly 10 percent over the past six years, schools will be held harmless and not suffer budgetar y consequences, according to an email sent by city schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels to principals.

In the email, which was shared by one principal with the Chronicle, Samuels acknowledges that the city Department of Education’s hold harmless policy began during the pandemic to provide stability.

“While we are no longer in a pandemic, stability and predictability remain critically important for our school communities,” Samuels wrote, adding that schools will be held harmless for the 2026-27 year in “initial budget allocations.”

Mayor Mamdani confirmed the news to the Chronicle in an emailed statement.

“As our public school system enters a new era under Chancellor Samuels — one rooted in excellence, equity and opportuni-

ty for every student — we will be holding schools harmless in funding allocations for the coming school year,” Mamdani said.

“This investment reflects our belief that students and educators deserve stability as they prepare for the year ahead.

Mamdani said the city also is committed to “responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” and will evaluate all programs and spending to ensure resources deliver results.

Samuels in a statement to the Chronicle said the DOE is committed to equipping schools with the resources needed to deliver h ig h- qu alit y educat ion a nd opportunities.

“As we continue building a system that supports academically rigorous, integrated schools, we are proud to be providing stability by maintaining or increasing school funding this year,” Samuels said.

The Citizens Budget Commission in March said that funding schools based on enrollment and student needs would save the city $400 million annually.

The 2025-26 school year was funded at $44.6 billion. City budget negotiations are Q still ongoing.

PHOTO COURTESY MS 137

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2026 Page 22

Schools will be held harmless, city says Kicking dreams into reality MS 137, America’s School of Heroes, on June 9 celebrated the grand opening of its new soccer field, made possible through support from the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund in partnership with Gotham Football Club and Street Soccer USA. The project began with a simple request from students, who shared their desire for a dedicated soccer field with Principal Pamela Trincado, according to Poonam Budhu, the dean of students.

Trincado then worked tirelessly to bring the kids’ vision to life, meeting with community partners to secure the resources needed.

The hard work paid off, and on Tuesday the Ozone Park school celebrated with a ribbon-

GARDEN SCHOOL CONGRA CONGRATULATES R TULATES THE CLASS OF 2026

Graduation 2026 For the latestSection news visit qchron.com

Our seniors have achieved an extraordinary milestone, collectively earning over 6.1 million in scholarships. We’re immensely proud of their accomplishments and the prestigious universities they’ll be attending. Here are some of the outstanding institutions our students will join:

gardenschool.org 718.335.6363

cutting ceremony attended by staff, students, family members and community members, as well as Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato, Councilmember Joann Ariola and state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. The field will be used to provide students with expanded opportunities for physical activity, teamwork and athletic development while serving as a gathering space for the school community.

“MS 137 extends its sincere gratitude to the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, Gotham FC, Street Soccer USA, and all community partners whose support helped turn a student dream into a reality,” Budhu said in an email to the Chronicle.

— Kristen Guglielmo

St. Helen Catholic Academy

2026

83-09 157th Avenue, Howard Beach, NY 11414 • 718-835-4155 Email: info@sthelencatholicacademy.org Victoria Allen

Kaylee Manniram

Xaverian High School

Archbishop Molloy High School

Vani Sunder Salutatorian Archbishop Molloy High School

Ashley Bila

Matthew Mazzarelli

Archbishop Molloy High School

Archbishop Molloy High School

Olivia Cucchiara

Hailey Morales

St. Francis Preparatory School

Vincent Donaruma Charminade High School

Kajol Frank St. Francis Preparatory School

Xaverian High School

Valentina Tejada St. Francis Preparatory School

Jose Torres Archbishop Molloy High School

Page 23 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2026

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

We wish you all the best!

Royce Torres Easton Paniagua Charminade High School

Kaitlyn Perlicki Archbishop Molloy High School

Archbishop Molloy High School

Marcin Tylutki Cathedral Preparatory School

Lily Ulrich Archbishop Molloy High School

Christine Iannuzzi Valedictorian

Charles Petriello

The Mary Louis Academy

Archbishop Molloy High School

Joseph La Puma

Adhya Singh

Gabriella Venezia

Archbishop Molloy High School

Archbishop Molloy High School

Archbishop Molloy High School

Thomas Vallely Archbishop Molloy High School

“High School is four years; St. Francis Prep is Forever.”

ST. FRANCIS PREPARATORY SCHOOL 6100 Francis Lewis Blvd. Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 (718) 423-8810 www.SFPonline.org

#SFP4ever

Section 2026 For theGraduation latest news visit qchron.com

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 on their incredible achievement of earning over $311 million in scholarships!

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2026 Page 24 For the latest news visit qchron.com

U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks seeks another bid Congressman says he wants to continue delivering for District 5

by Naeisha Rose Editor

U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-Jamaica), who is seeking re-election to represent New York’s 5th Congressional District after 28 years in office, had a virtual interview with the Chronicle discussing both local and federal issues on June 5.

Asked what the top issues are in his district, Meeks said he has spoken to constituents on topics ranging from inflation to affordability to corruption in the White House, education, immigration and more.

“When I talk to my constituents on a federal level, No. 1 is affordability,” said Meeks, a senior member of the House Committee on Financial Services, who previously served as chairman of the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Financial Institutions. “I’m trying to make sure that we are bringing costs down when people see the price of gasoline and know it is because Donald Trump’s war of choice has driven those up.”

The national average gas price is up by roughly 47 to 50 percent since the war with Iran started Feb. 28.

“They are concerned with the corruption in the White House that is costing them more money also in that regards,” said Meeks.

“Individuals are concerned about education for their kids and what is going as we move into a society where [artificial intelligence] is coming in, and whether or not they are getting properly educated.”

Immigration is also a major talking point by his constituents.

“That is huge,” said Meeks.

“What is happening with [the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency] is a big issue in my district.”

Better service from the United States Postal Service, the Social Security Administration and the IRS are other top concerns, he added.

Legislatively, the congressman is trying to address concerns regarding flooding, housing and war powers.

Last month, the Chronicle reported on how heavy rainfalls caused severe flooding and road closures when the city was hit with about 2 inches of rain in an hour. The city’s sewer system is designed to handle just 1.5 to 175 inches per hour.

The Flood Resilience Act to Protect Coastal Communities introduced

by Meeks and U.S. Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-Patchogue) on June 2

would help communities better prepare and recover from flooding by allowing certain Federal Emergency Management Agency mitigation grant funds to be used for community-based flood insurance coverage.

Currently, the National Flood Insurance Policy is capped at $250,000 for residential structures, leaving flood-prone areas like Southeast Queens uninsured, according to Meeks’ website. Under the bipartisan bill, qualifying community-based parametric flood insurance policies would include flood-related triggers and prompt disbursement requirements to ensure communities receive assistance quickly following a disaster.

Meeks voted for the 21st Century Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream to Housing Act, which was introduced by Rep. French Hill (R-Ariz.) Dec. 11, 2025 and passed in the House on May 20. Another version of the bill, which was introduced

by U.S. Sens. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), passed the Senate March 12. Differences in the bills are being resolved.

The legislation is meant to generate more homes for families by reducing barriers to housing construction and increasing supply. It also would include community bank and credit union refor ms desig ned to expand their role in local lending.

The Senate received the House’s amended version of the bill on June 2 and must decide either to accept it or negotiate.

Meeks and U.S. Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-Sunnyside) reintroduced the Habitable Housing Conversion Pilot Program, also known as the basement bill, on May 15.

The measure would establish a five-year pilot program to provide grants for homeowners to transform their basements into safe apartment units with the intent of allowing people to offset rising costs through rental income while expanding housing options for low- to moderate-income earners. Sens. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) are the primary sponsors of the Senate version of the bill.

“This gives some a basement that is up to code,” said Meeks. “If they need to rent out a basement, they can do so in an appropriate way.”

Meeks is a prime sponsor of the Iran War Powers Act in the House and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) is the prime sponsor in the Senate. The

Rep. Greg Meeks at a press conference June 3 after the House passed the Iran War Powers Act. measure passed the House and Senate, June 3 and May 19, respectively.

The bipartisan bill calls for President Trump to end military hostilities in the Middle Eastern country.

“The president should stop this war because he is doing it illegally,” said Meeks. “He’s gone around Congress. I finally passed legislation, in a bipartisan way, to do that.”

Meeks, the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, also voted against a Lebanon War Powers Resolution, which would have constrained the president’s military authority in the Mediterranean country.

The U.S. has a presence in Lebanon to protect its sovereignty and strengthen its armed forces against Hezbollah, a terrorist group.

“What we want is to make sure that if the president sends any troops into Lebanon, he has to come to Congress first,” said Meeks. “The fact of the matter is we don’t have any troops on the ground Lebanon.”

Another bill on the matter, which has to be writ, or have legislation formally drafted and recorded in statutory language, on July 1 will come up for a vote.

The bill needs to be improved, said Meeks.

“I passed [a bipartisan resolution] to end Trump’s tariffs in Canada,” too, said Meeks. “Then the courts came along and said that we were right.”

A tariff on the U.S.’s neighbor to the north is set to expire on July 24.

Meeks said the several government shutdowns were in response to Republicans refusing to move on reforms on funding for ICE. “We have also been talking about redistricting,” he said. “We are trying to stop Trump from having a playing field that would just advantage him so that he can try to continue with his ways of [opposing] diversity, equity and inclusion programs and his law-

less wars of choice. We have been fighting all of that in the courts.

Meeks said a $2 billion issuance to finance construction at the New Terminal One will make JFK Airport more competitive with other airports around the world. The concessions at the airport also include concessions from Queens.

“JFK is often the gateway to America,” said Meeks, who emphasized the project is being built in an environmentally conscious way with some contractors being minority, women-business enterprises.

Asked about proposals by the Department of Homeland Security to effectively ban international flights to Democratic-led sanctuary cities after the World Cup concludes — by not providing Cutsoms officers, who would be directed to immigration enforcement — Meeks said, “We are not going to sit back and take that.”

Meeks said he is working with the Black and Hispanic caucuses on amicus briefs, along with nonprofits and other organizations when it comes to immigration issues.

Asked about his fight to extend temporary protected status for Haitians, Meeks said that it is inhumane to send people back to the Caribbean country, which is worse off due to g a n g v iole n c e a n d p ol it ic a l instability.

Thousands of Haitians who have TPS were in the U.S. due to environmental disasters, such as the

U.S. Rep. Greg Meeks is running for re-election on Nov. 3.

PHOTOS COURTESY U.S. HOUSE

7.0-magnitude earthquake that devastated the island country in 2010.

Meeks thinks there will a blue wave in the House, and as for the Senate, he believes there might be a one- to two-seat lead by Democrats.

“Hakeem Jeffries will become the speaker, I will be the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee,” he said.

“Donald Trump recognizes that and that is why he is trying to redistrict everything.”

Meeks believes the Democrats can win Texas, Maine, Ohio, Alaska and North Carolina in the Senate.

The congressman said there will be a huge economic impact with Aqueduct as the state’s Queens horse operations move to Belmont.

“Resorts [World NYC casino] is looking to expand and build around Aqueduct,” said Meeks, which will help expand opportunities for entertainment and create more jobs.

Resorts World won one of three downstate casino licenses. “We are in conversation with them about building a community space there.”

He said the opportunities at Aqueduct via RWNYC will be profitable for the community.

“We’ve been working hard for the district and the nation this term,” said Meeks.

Asked why people should vote for him after his nearly 30-year tenure in office instead of another candidate, the congressman said that he is an experienced politician who delivers for his community.

“I’ve been able to work with my colleagues of course in Congress ... my colleagues that represent Queens County and New York City,” said Meeks. “We have all worked really closely together to coordinate to deliver for the district, the city and the state.”

Republican George Marsh is running to unseat Meeks. Primary challengers for both have dropped out.

Q The general election is Nov. 3.

Page 25 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2026

For the latest news visit qchron.com

by Lloyd Carroll

New OZP biz brings old friends together Residents of Ozone Park and the surrounding communities gathered on June 7 for the grand opening of Bagel Station Express, a business that opened at 90-17 Rockaway Blvd. under the leadership of Matthew Auriemma, above center.

The day was extra special for Phyllis Inserillo, near right, chief of staff for Councilmember Joann Ariola, as she knew Auriemma way before he became a business owner: He was once one of her Mommy and Me students. She attended to show support and present Auriemma with a certificate from Ariola.

Ariola later took to social media to share photos, writing that it made Inserillo “so proud to see him grow up to be a business owner in Ozone Park. Congratulations, Matthew! We wish you decades of success!”

— Kristen Guglielmo

For the latest news visit qchron.com

BEAT

Political Dart PHOTOS COURTESY NYC COUNCIL

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2026 Page 26

SPORTS

Chronicle Contributor

The late spring NFL minicamps are rarely exciting. They serve to introduce new players to the team culture, and remind us that another season is starting soon.

Giants QB Jaxson Dart created a ton of interest in the recent Giants minicamp when he showed up at a May 22 rally for Congressman Mike Lawler at Rockland Community College.

Dart introduced Jamaica Estates native President Trump at the rally.

Given the polarized political climate, which is fueled in large part by social media and cable news networks, Dart found himself in a media maelstrom. Things got more contentious the next day when his teammate, defensive end Abdul Carter, expressed displeasure with his decision to appear on stage with Trump.

Head Coach John Harbaugh smartly calmed things down by saying the players would work it out among themselves. That was the case, as the players spoke at a closed-door meeting and cleared the air.

The reality is celebrities have long been involved with political campaigns. Celebrities, like all Americans, have a right to take part in the political process and voice their opinions.

If anyone had a right to be upset with Dart appearing onstage in Suffern, it should have been his agent/business manager. When Michael

Jordan was asked why he never expressed political preferences, he famously answered, “Republicans buy sneakers too.” Nike executives had to have felt relieved because selling Air Jordans should never become a partisan issue. Dart’s business team had to be worried about the possibility of losing endorsements because the tristate area is quite blue politically.

I chuckled when I read on social media how some Giants fans, including former MSNBC personality Joy Reid, claimed on social media that they would no longer cheer for Big Blue.

One of the wonderful things about sports is that it brings people from across the political spectrum to cheer for their team. This past Knicks season reaffirmed that.

If the Giants go on to have a 2026 season like the one the Knicks have enjoyed, I guarantee even the most diehard Democratic partisans will root for Dart to help get his team the Lombardi Trophy if they are Giants fans. Some might even secretly wear a red MAGA hat watching games in the privacy of their homes if they thought it would bring the team luck.

New York Jets owner Woody Johnson is a major Republican donor, and was ambassador to the United Kingdom during the first Trump administration. I have a feeling he won’t ask a Q Jets player to appear at any political rally.

See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com.

June 11, 2026

Page 27 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2026

ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING

by Naeisha Rose There a re va r ious event s in Queens celebrating the emancipation of the last slaves in the country in 1865.

“Why We Celebrate Juneteenth Part 2: Freedom Day, A Play,” written and directed by Carl Clay, the founder of Black Spectrum Theatre, will be held from Wednesday, June 17 to Friday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a second showing on Thursday, June 18, starting at 3 p.m., and an d with with th a last las ass t show show sho ow on on Saturday, S atu Sa tu urd day ay, June Ju ne 20, ne 20, 0, starting sta tart rttin rti ing at 2 p.m. p.m m.

People Pe Peop eop ople le e may maayy get get e tickets tic icke keets t s to to the tth he reenrre een ennactment, which will held Histoac c tm men ntt,, w h cch hi hw illl be h e d at H el isstto oPark ry Park, Par ark, k, within k, wit ithi h n Roy hi Ro oy Wilkins Wilk Wi kin inss P Pa ark r aatt 177th Baisley 1 17 77t 7th Street SStre St tre reet e aand nd B nd a sl ai s eyy Boulevard Bou o leva le evaard d in in

n o i t a r b e l e c n o i t a p i c n a Em e t a c u d e h s t t n n e e v e t e e Jun n i a t r e t n and e

“The “T Thee people peo eopl ple le of o Texas Tex exas as are are e informed inf nfor or m or meed that, at, in accordance at acc ccor ord or danc danc da ncee with with th a ProclamaPro ocl c am mation n from fro rom m the the Executive Exxec e ut utiv ivee of iv of the thee United Uni n te ed States, attess, all a llll slaves al s aves sl aavvess are a re re ffree,” re ee,,” Ge re G Gene General ene nera era r l ral Orderr No. No 3 begins.

No beg be gins. gins gi nss. “T “Thi “This hiss in hi involves nvo volv lves eess an an absolute ute te equality eq qu uallit ityy off rights rig ight h s ...” ” Wo r k t o w a r d t h a t r e m a i n s ongoing.

“We “W We see sseee ee this tth hiss aass a yearly ye year e ar a r lyy appreciation ap pp p reci r e ci re c i at ciat atio io on and an d u un understanding nde ersta rsta rs tandin tand nd din ng of of whaaatt eenslaved what wh n s la ns l a vee d Afrilave Afri Af Afr f rriiccans ca n w ns went entt th en through hro h and the process, by which they became free, which is actually two years later,” Clay said.

The final Emancipation Proclama-

tion was issued by President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863, but slaves in Galveston didn’t learn about their fate until that June day in 1865. continued on page 29

For the latest news visit qchron.com

SSt.. Albans, St Alba Alba Al bans ns, s, byy visiting vis isit itin it tin ng blackspectrum. blac bl blac acks ksspe p cttru rum com. more, call (718 ) cco o m To To learn l 723-1800.

A new segment to the Juneteenth reenactment will focus on the food slaves were forced to eat, said Clay.

“People assume that because the slaves ate food and they worked in the field that it was just good for them,” Clay told the Chronicle. Some of the foods included oxtail, pigs’ feet and collard greens, which was often eaten with pork. “The thing is when you stop picking cotton and you’re eating the same kind of food after a 17-hour workday ... the body is just not built for it.”

The play will include Major Gen. Gordon Granger reading the June 19, 1865, proclamation in Galveston, Texas, that led to the holiday of Juneteenth and the slaves reacting to learning they are free.

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2026 Page 28

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

King Crossword Puzzle Bowles ‘got it write’ in Jamaica before Morocco

ACROSS

1 Center 4 Solo in space 7 Lawn mower brand 8 Spoils, with “on” 10 Wanderer 11 Beethoven’s Third 13 Time management aids 16 Citric beverage 17 Got up 18 Mosquito barrier 19 “-- chic!”

20 Feel sorry for 21 Mom’s sister, informally 23 “Time in a Bottle” singer 25 Impudent 26 Owl call 27 Solid-rock insert 28 Spine-tingling 30 Lupino of film 33 Commuters’ buys 36 Turned to mush 37 Lounges 38 Egypt’s neighbor 39 Sloth’s home 40 Ballpark fig.

41 Even so

DOWN 1 Bro 2 Russian river 3 Tattoos, e.g.

4 Circle dances 5 Expiate 6 Dresden denial

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

7 Frog’s kin 8 Apollo’s birthplace 9 Picturesque 10 Secret-protecting doc.

12 Mountain crest 14 Quarry 15 Farm pen 19 Stick with a kick

20 Cauldron 21 Greek storyteller 22 Faraway orb 23 Business abbr.

24 Author’s payment 25 Actress Dawber 26 “Papa” of classical music

28 Molts 29 Traction aid 30 Archipelago part 31 Editing mark 32 Ninny 34 Verifiable 35 Harboring a grudge

Claude Bowles married Rene Winnewisser on Oct. 15, 1909. Their only child, Paul, was born on Dec. 30, 1910.

They bought a house at 150-10 86 Ave. in Jamaica. Claude had a dental practice, which afforded a comfortable life.

Paul was close to his mother, but very distant from his father. He was a lonely child who entertained himself writing poetry, stories and music. After Jamaica High School he spent a year at the University of Virginia. Then his life became one of writing, composing and traveling.

He married Jane Sydney Auer, who had multiple phobias but a great passion for literature, in 1938. Their relationship The childhood home of author and composer was platonic and both chose relationships Paul Bowles at 150-10 86 Ave. in Jamaica, as it INSET PHOTO VIA WIKIPEDIA outside the marriage with members of looked in the 1940s. their own sex.

Bowles wrote “The Sheltering Sky,” con- liam Burroughs, who traveled there to see sidered one of the 100 best novels of the 20th him. His parents died in June 1966, passing away 22 days apart from each other. His century, in 1949.

He made Tangiers, Morocco, his lifetime wife, Jane, died in 1973.

Bowles passed away in Tangiers of a heart home. He became a father figure for writers Q Truman Capote, Allen Ginsburg and Wil- attack, on Nov. 18, 1999, at age 88.

Answers on next page

You care for them.

We care for you.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

If you provide care for a friend or a loved one, you are a caregiver.

NYC Aging’s Caregiver Program can support you with a wide range of resources and programs to help you take care of those you love the most. And yourself.

Visit www.nyc.gov/aging or contact Aging Aging Connect Connect at 212-AGING-NYC 212-AGING-NYC(212-244-6469) (212-244-6469) to learn more.

by Michael Gannon senior news editor

Irish musician Cillian Vallely has lived in Sunnyside for more than 30 years. So even if he weren’t performing again at this year’s Queens Irish Heritage Festival — he is — he’s certain that borough residents will enjoy stopping by on June 14.

“I think it’s a very enjoyable event,” Vallely said in a recent interview. “There’s a nice variety of styles. You’ll see a very upbeat version of traditional Irish music, There will be other groups that are all vocals. You can turn up any time. Last year there was a great atmosphere.”

The free indoor-outdoor event will run from 4 to 9 p.m. at CultureLab LIC at 5-25 46 Ave. in Long Island City; and, as Vallely said, you can drop by any time. Food trucks will be conducting sales adjacent to the performing areas.

“Once again we are delighted to convene a truly exemplary line-up of local artists for this year’s fifth annual free music and dance concert,” said George Heslin, NYIC’s executive director, in a press release.

“Whether it rains or shines, CultureLab will be the place to celebrate the diversity of Queens, which rightfully is celebrated as the World’s Borough.”

Other performers will include folk-con-

Cillian Vallely and his uilleann pipes, or Irish pipes, will perform at the fifth annual Queens PHOTO BY LOUIS DECARLO Irish Heritage Festival on June 14 in Long Island City. temporary dance combo JiGGiG with former Riverdance principals Brandon Asazawa, Andy O’Reilly and Belle Brenton; seannós singer Madelyn Monaghan with Caleb Adams; folk balladeer Allen Gogarty; folk legend Donie Carroll; singer-songwriter Niamh Hyland with Shu Sakae; the husband-and-wife folk duo Bob and Bronagh Batch, and the singers Mollie Downes; Gigi McCourt and Kevin McCormack.

Irish folk musicians performing are Dylan James, Eileen Goodman and Colin Harte, who is the series’ curator.

Among the dance groups and music youth corps are McManus Irish Dance and Darrah Carr Dance.

“The McManus School of Dance is fantastic,” Vallely said of the group that performed with him last year.

The day also will include NYIC’s second

annual “Crossroads Concerts” series, blending Irish folk traditions with heritages from around the world, with master players from Eren Erdogan, Taulant Mehmeti, Nezih Antakli and Leen Abaza from Turkey to Amos Gabia, Moussa Drame and Vado Diomande from West Africa.

“Culture Lab LIC exists to bring people together through arts, culture, and community, making this partnership with the NY Irish Center a perfect fit,” said Edjo Wheeler, the institution’s executive director. “Celebrating heritage in the world’s borough is not just aligned with our mission, it’s central to it.”

Vallely plays the uilleann pipes, or Irish pipes, an instrument he first picked up when he was too young to remember. His parents founded a music school, the Armagh Pipers Club, in 1966 before he was born. In recent years, he has played and recorded with Bruce Springsteen, Natalie Merchant, Mary Chapin-Carpenter, Tim O’Brien and Riverdance, in addition to recording as a guest on over 50 albums. With his group, Lunasa, he has performed around the world.

“I’ve been lucky to get the call-ups from some very well-known people,” he said.

More information on the festival can be found at both newyorkirishcenter.org and Q culturelablic.org.

Page 29 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2026

World’s Borough is green at the Irish Culture Festival

Have fun this Juneteenth in the World’s Boro

Crossword Answers

field Gardens) and Gov. Hochul’s running mate, Adrienne Adams.

Before every reenactment, people will have the opportunity to visit a pavilion with period artifacts, said Clay.

“It’s a historical pavilion,” he said. “That tent will be there for people to see and experience before the show starts. ... A facilitator is in the pavilion to spend time with the kids to explain the time period involved with artifacts and information.”

Another Juneteenth event is one that is part of Queens Theatre’s “B-Sides” series, which features spoken word, music, theater and more. It is set for Friday, June 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. People may RSVP for the free event, to be held at 12 United Nations Ave. South in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, under the Events tab at queenstheatre.org.

The Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning will hold a film screening of “The Inkwell” for the holiday at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, on June 19, from 7 to 9 p.m.

JPAC is located at 153-10 Jamaica Ave. People may get tickets via jcal.org.

Flushing Town Hall will host a Juneteenth Storytelling Celebration on June 19, starting at 7 p.m. Singer, actress and National Story-

“Why We Celebrate Juneteenth Part 2: Freedom Day, A Play” is a historical reenactment running from June 17 to June 20 at Roy Wilkins Park. On the cover: Another image from the reenactment, and the June 19, 1865 order telling Texans that all slaves PHOTOS COURTESY BLACK SPECTRUM THEATRE; DOCUMENT VIA WIKIPEDIA had been freed. telling Network award winner April Armstrong will draw on African folk traditions, spirituals and oral storytelling forms that have carried Black history across generations.

To RSVP, visit shorturl.at/ZmY23. To learn more about FTH, located at 137-35 North-

ern Blvd., go to flushingtownhall.org.

Back in Roy Wilkins Park, the Juneteenth in Queens event will return on June 19, from 12 to 8 p.m. Expect workshops, interactive fun, shopping and live performances. RSVP Q by visiting Juneteenthinqueens.com.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

continued from page 27 “The slave owners wanted to get more crops out of them,” said Clay.

Due to anti-diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives from the federal government, History Park, which is an outdoor reenactment space for Black history plays, has lost funding from the U.S. Department of Education.

Clay is working on getting grants from the state to keep it around with the help of Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman (D-Spring-

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Notice is hereby given that an On-Premise Restaurant Full Liquor License, NYS Application ID: NA-0340-25-130358 has been applied for by OTG Carmula Car Buying Services JFK T5 Venture II LLC serving 134-34 Crossbay Blvd.

Ozone Park, NY 11417 beer, wine, cider and liquor to be 718-835-2664 sold at retail for on premises consumption in a restaurant, for the premises located at JFK International Airport Terminal 5 We buy vintage, estate & costume PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR jewelry. Top cash paid for whole HOME from pests safely and Consumer Cellular—the same Space 4NC Jamaica NY 11430.

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Notice is hereby given that an On-Premise Restaurant Full Liquor License, NYS Application ID: NA-0340-25-136838 has been applied for by OTG JFK T8 Venture LLC serving beer, wine, cider and liquor to be sold at retail for on premises consumption in a restaurant, for the premises located at Terminal 8 B18 Jamaica NY 11430.

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Doubleu Labs, LLC Auth. filed w/ SSNY 4/15/26. Off. in Queens Co. Cert of Form filed w/ SSDE 3/31/26. Process served to SSNY - desig. as agt. of LLC & mailed to Discern Registered Agent Inc., 1252 Forrest Ave, Dover, DE 19904. Add. maintd. in DE: 1252 Forrest Ave, Dover, DE 19904. Name & add. of auth. officer in DE where Cert of Form filed: SSDE, Div. of Corp, John G Townsend, Bldg, 401 Federal St, Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Any lawful purpose.

F ile d 0 4 / 2 8 / 2 0 2 5 , I I : 31 A M Count y Clerk Cara N. Ackerley Schenectady C ount y, N Y Inst Num : 2 0 25 0 2 6 9 9 9 S TAT E OF NE W YORK SUPREME COURT C O U N T Y O F S C H E N E C TA D Y VIDE SHWA RI SINGH, DOB : 09 / 28 /1983 Plaintif f, -against ROBERT RUPNARAIN, DOB : 0 8 / 0 6 /1975 Defendant, Index N o . : M A T 2 0 2 5 -16 8 D a t e Summons Filed 04 / 28 / 2025 Plaintiff Designates: Schenectady County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is Plaintiff resides in Schenectady County. Plaintiff resides at: 1407 Grand Boulevard Schenectady, New York 123 0 8 Schenectady C o u n t y. S U M M O N S “A C T I O N FOR DIVORCE” TO THE ABOVEN A MED DEFENDA NT: YOU A RE HEREBY SUMMONED TO SERVE A NOTICE OF A PPE A R A NCE on t he P la in t i f f s a t t o r ney w i t hin (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30 ) days after service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your f a ilur e To a p p e a r, ju d g eme n t w ill b e t a ke n a g a in s t yo u by default for the relief demanded in the Notice set for th below.

This action for divorce is based upon the following grounds: The Plaintiff is seeking as action for divorce due to the irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for a period of at least six ( 6 ) months or more with the Defendant pursuant to New York Domestic Relations Law Section 17 0 ( 7 ) . T h e r e l i e f s o u g h t i s judgement of absolute Divorce in favor of the Plaintiff dissolving the marriage between the parties in this action. the Plaintiff is also requesting that such judgement grant the following items of additional and ancillar y relief: -Declarations as to the par ties personal or separate proper t y -Granting any appropriate distributive award: -Granting an award of at torney fees. Dated : 0 4 /19 / 20 26 / s / Opal F. Hinds Opal F. Hinds, Esq. Law Of fice of Opal F. Hinds Attorney for the Plaintif f 6 5 0 Fr ank lin S t reet, Suite 5 01 S chenect ady, New York 12305 P: 518-893-8100 F: 518-89 3-8 0 01 E : opalhinds @ l s t h i n d s l a w. c o m To : R o b e r t R u p n a r a i n 10 2 - 2 4 V a n W y c k E xpressway S. Richmond Hill, New York 11419 Queens County

Notice is hereby given that an On-Premise Restaurant Full Liquor License, NYS Application ID: NA-0340-25-136846 has been applied for by OTG JFK T8 Venture LLC serving beer, wine, cider and liquor to be sold at retail for on premises consumption in a restaurant, for the premises located at Terminal 8 B12 Jamaica NY 11430.

Notice of Formation of AHASTEY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/20/2026. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to 24-39 38th St, D2, New York, NY 11103. Legalzoom Usca, Inc. desig. as agent for SOP 45 Main Street, Suite 238, Brooklyn, NY 11201.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT – COUNTY OF QUEENS. FORETHOUGHT LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, Plaintiff -against- ROQUE ESTATE DEVELOPMENT LLC, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated December 15, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., in Courtroom # 25, Jamaica, NY on July 10, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, known and designated as Block 1396 Lot 5. Said premises known as 31-08 85TH STREET, QUEENS, NY 11370 Approximate amount of lien $733,788.47 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 705201/2024.

CAROLYN CLYNE, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 DLG# 39539

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST INC., ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-AMC1, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, -againstROCIO CAMPOVERDE, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on April 16, 2026, wherein CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST INC., ASSET-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-AMC1, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE is the Plaintiff and ROCIO CAMPOVERDE, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the QUEENS COUNTY COURTHOUSE 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD., COURTROOM #25, JAMAICA, NY 11435, on July 10, 2026 at 10:00AM, premises known as 130-05 115 AVENUE, SOUTH OZONE PARK , NY 11420; and the following tax map identification: 11656-40. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE BOROUGH OF QUEENS, COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 712974/2022. Jerry Anthony Merola, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/ CLERK DIRECTIVES.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS, The Bank of New York Mellon FK A The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the certificateholders of the CWABS, Inc., Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2007-10, Plaintiff, Against Yves-Merry Telemaque; Commissioner of Social Services of the City of New York Social Services District; Discover Bank; Estate of Cleo Veal, by Pub admin of Queens; New York State Department of Taxation and Finance; Bank of New York Mellon, John Doe and New York City Parking Violations Bureau, Defendant (s), Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 06 /30 /2025, I, the under signed Referee, will s ell a t public auc t io n, in Courtroom #25 of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, N Y 114 3 5, on 6 / 2 6 / 2 0 2 6 a t 10 : 0 0 A M , p r emi s e s known as 116-52 218th St., Cambria Heights, NY 11411, and described as follows : ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the B orough and County of Queens, City a n d S t a t e o f N e w Yo r k .

Block 11318, L ot 3, T he approximate amount of the cur r en t J udgmen t lien is $ 885, 433.77 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment o f F o r e clo sur e a nd S a le ; Index # 7216 3 8 / 2019 F or sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction. com or call (800) 280-2832.

M ichael A . C er vini, E s q., Referee. SHELDON M AY & A S SOCI ATES, At torneys at L a w, 2 5 5 M e r r i c k R o a d , Rockville Centre, NY 11570.

Dated : 4/ 8 /2026, File Number: 36774 CA Notice

of

Formation

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EQUAL HOUSING. Federal, New York State and local laws prohibit discrimination because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, familial status or disability in connection with the sale or rental of residential real estate. Queens Chronicle does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect housing discrimination call the Open Housing Center (the Fair Housing Agency for the five boroughs of New York) at 212941-6101, or the New York City Commission of Human Rights Hotline at 718-722-3131.

The Queens Chronicle reserves the right to alter wording in ads to conform with Federal Fair Housing regulations.

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Legal Notices

Legal Notices

Notice is hereby given that an On-

6

Premise Tavern Full Liquor License,

Org. filed with the SSNY on

NYS Application ID: NA-0370-26-

05/18/26.

111145 has been applied for by SSP America, Inc. and SSP America JFK LLC serving beer, wine, cider, mead and liquor to be sold at retail

SMITH

LLC. Office:

Arts.

Queens

County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy

Tavern, for the premises located at

of process to the LLC, 31-11

JFK International Airport Terminal 4

35th Street, Astoria, NY 11106.

Space CB26.1 Jamaica, NY 11430.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

116th

Notice of Formation of Aura Medical Of New York, PLLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/16/2025.

Office location: Queens County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LLC, 23-25 31ST STREET, SUITE 800, ASTORIA, NY 11105. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Management

LLC

filed 2/23/26. Cty: Queens.

SSNY desig. for process & shall mail to: 155-55 116th Rd, Jamaica, NY 11434. Purpose: any lawful.

03/04/2025. Office location: Queens

THE QUEENS CHRONICLE

County. SSNY has been designated as

IN PRINT and ONLINE

agent of the LLC upon whom process

Gets Read. Gets Remembered. Gets Results!

against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: REPUBLIC REGISTERED AGENT SERVICES INC, 54

QUEENS

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STATE STREET, STE 804, ALBANY, NY, 12207. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

of

for on premises consumption in a

ganization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on

Williamsburg, 99 Meserole St. #4.

3 BR, 2 bath duplex apt. $4,700/ mo. Fully renovated, shared courtyard, separate kitchen, LR. Cats OK. Avail NOW. Call Agata Landa (914) 255-7284. Capri Jet Realty

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of

AREUM SOCIETY LLC Articles of Or-

Williamsburg, 141 N 8 St, #1R. 2 BR, 1 bath apt. $5,500/mo. Newly renovated, W/D, SS, new kitchen, HWF, decorative fireplace. Avail June 1. Call Theo Eastwind (718) 536-7787. Capri Jet Realty

718-205-8000

by Michael Gannon Editor

The FDNY celebrated its annual Medal Day ceremony June 3 at City Hall. Seventeen firefighters and EMS personnel who work or live in Queens were honored for exemplary work and going above and beyond the call of duty in 2025. All photos and citations are from the FDNY’s 2026 Medal Book.

The rule of three On Jan. 10, EMS dispatchers Keenan Barrant and Shafeeza Mangru were on duty when three mass casualty calls — t wo i n Queens — came in withi n 20 m i nutes. They coordinated all the necesEMTs Keenan Barrant and sary units to Shafeeza Mangru the necessary spots while handling other 911 calls. Barrant and Mangru received the Lt. Kirby McElhearn Medal for “professionalism, teamwork and resourcefulness that exemplifies highest standards of the Bureau of Communications.”

Helicopter down On April 10, Firefighter Michal Prokop of Middle Village was aboard a rescue boat with Lt. Keith Nebel and Firefighter Kieran Murphy, racing on the Hudson River to a helicopter that had crashed by Pier 40.

Finding the chopper upside down in the river, Prokop jumped into the fuel-covered water to search the cabin for victims.

FF Michal He located one victim Prokop immediately, cut her loose from her seatbelt and swam back to the boat, handing her off to Murphy. She was deter-

mined to be dead as Prokop returned to his search. He returned with a child to whom Nebel and Murphy immediately rendered first aid. Prokop was headed back when additional units arrived, with more firefighters searching the wreck. Prokop was called back to assist Murphy with medical treatment.

The survivors would be taken to a New Jersey hospital. Prokop himself would require stitches for injuries he received from jagged metal. He received the Thomas E. Crimmins Medal.

“Still inside” Ladder Co. 29 was the first unit to respond to an early morning fire in a six-story Bronx apartment building. The first thing Lt. Joseph Murphy Jr. learned upon arrival was that a resident of the burning apartment was still inside.

Hose lines still were being set up as Murphy, a Whitestone resident, entered the apar t ment to search. He pushed his way through some clutter and a fully engulfed Lt. Joseph kitchen to access a hallway.

Murphy Jr. He found an unconscious victim outside a bedroom and radioed for help. Firefighters Kevin Rodriguez and Matthew Keena helped pull the victim out to waiting EMS personnel. Murphy received the Uniformed Fire Officers Association Medal for heroism.

Rockaway rescues Long after Rockaway Beach lifeguards went off duty on July 4, EMTs Saverio Bosco and Michael Spalletta witnessed three swimmers caught in a rip current off the Beach 98 Street jetty.

Bosco, now a probationary f i r ef ig h t e r, rad ioed for help before heading into the water. He swam out 60 yards with a rescue tether and brought all three Clockwise from top left: FF Saverio Bosco Jr., FF Christo- s w i m m e r s pher Nigro, EMT Miguel Soto back to shore.

Later that and EMT Michael Spalletta even i ng EMTs Miguel Soto Jr. and Christopher Nigro were flagged down by people seeing a swimmer in distress. Soto, a resident of Far Rockaway, notified dispatch while Nigro, also now a firefighter, entered the water as a rip current was sweeping the swimmer toward a jetty. He swam out about 100 yards through waters that had been closed earlier in the day due to shark sightings.

Bosco, Nigro, Soto and Spalletta received the Yadira Arroyo Medal for extraordinary bravery on the part of EMS personnel.

Rescue in the dark Victims at risk of drowning often will panic, sometimes even fighting rescuers. On Aug. 13, Firefighter Daniel Sullivan also had to fight the tide and current in the East River at night.

Sullivan was detailed that night to Marine Co. 6, which was summoned shortly after 10 p.m. when land units were unable to rescue the victim who was clinging to a pipe beneath a bridge.

FF Daniel Entering the water he was Sullivan slammed into the bridge pilings. He recovered and reached the victim. As soon as Sullivan was able to force his way off the pilings the current swept them beneath the bow of the boat. He did not let go as firefighters pulled the victim aboard. Sullivan received the Walter Scott Medal for valor.

“10-45” On Sept. 12, Ladder Co. 144 arrived at a College Point house fire just as Ladder Co. 130 requested a second alarm. A woman reported that her father still was trapped on the second floor. Ladder 144’s inside team of Lt. Joseph Canale, Firefighter Rafael Hernandez and Probationary Firefighter John Palmer headed in through the front door.

They had to force open a locked apartment door at the FF John top of the stairs before beginPalmer ning their search in zero visibility. Palmer, finding a door, went into a bathroom where he found the man unconscious and unresponsive. Sending out the standard “1045” call for a found victim, he and Hernandez handed the man off to other firefighters who brought him out to life-saving medical treatment. Palmer was awarded the probationary Fighter Thomas A. Wylie Medal for distinguished performance by a probationary firefighter.

Situation deteriorating The first floor of a private home already had heavy fire and smoke on Oct. 9 when the inside team from Ladder Co. 133 from Jamaica headed to the second floor to find a person who was repor ted trapped.

Lt. Brian Cross and firefighters Thomas Leopoldi and Thomas Miele split up, with Miele crawling to a rear bedroom directly above the main body of the fire one f loor FF Thomas below. During his search the Miele room’s window failed, allowing fire to enter from the outside and race across the ceiling above him.

Miele pressed on, and while sweeping the bed he found someone lying unconscious. He brought the victim down the stairs and outside to waiting medical help. Miele was awarded the Chief Wesley Williams Medal for distinguished service in the line of duty.

Racing the fire Fire was already was blazing out of the top windows of a three-story structure in Brooklyn when Lt. Thomas Murphy of Ladder Co. 175 learned two civilians were trapped there.

Leading the forced entry team that included Firefighters James Denn and Timothy Donlon, they forced open a door and went through a hallway that was nearly fully Lt. Thomas engulfed, with Donlon’s porMurphy table fire extinguisher their only supply of water. Donlon found an unconscious victim as Murphy, a Belle Harbor resident, pushed on to a front bedroom.

They soon found a victim who was not breathing. Murphy evacuated the second victim out through the deteriorating hallway he had come through, now with rolling fire advancing overhead. He was awarded the Albert S. Johnston Medal.

Smoke from a window Ladder Co. 165 of St. Albans was en route to a house fire on Nov. 23 when dispatch alerted the members to “occupants trapped.”

Fire in the basement was extending to the first floor upon their arrival. Firefighter Patrick Corrigan, assigned to the roof position, brought a portable ladder to the rear of the house.

He then saw heavy black smoke coming from a secondstory window. Thinking the trapped residents might be there, Corrigan vented the FF Patrick window and removed child Corrigan window guards to go in and conduct a search.

With no visibility and significant clutter, he fund an unconscious victim while sweeping a bed. At that moment Firefighter Julio Lopez of Engine Co. 307 arrived to assist and in doing so, came across an unconscious child.

The child was passed through the window to Ladder Co. 150. Corrigan and Lopez then were able to remove the adult down the stairs and out the front door to EMS personnel. Corrigan received the Captain Denis W. Lane Memorial Medal for outstanding bravery.

Change of plan Deputy Chief Joseph Nocerino of EMS Division 5 was heading to work on Staten Island at 6 a.m. on Dec. 30 when he saw smoke coming from a nearby structure. The Broad Channel resident, hearing nothing on his radio, diverted from his trip to investigate. He found a two-story home in Brooklyn’s Coney Island on fire.

DC Joseph Nocerino reported the fire Nocerino and ran inside, banging on doors, waking residents and helping them outside. With no equipment, he went to the second floor through heavy heat and smoke before confirming no one was there. He then took charge of EMS operations.

Nocerino was awarded the Chief Ulyses Q Grant Leadership Medal.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Playing a hunch On March 28, Chief Inspector Joseph Rogers of the Bureau of Fire Prevention’s Special Investigations Unit was en route to a suspected illegal medical practice where members of Engine Co. 312 of Astoria found a woman who had become unresponsive during a procedure.

He contacted Supervising Inspector Steven Beras and then-Supervising Inspector Jose Martinez and asked them to meet him at the location.

Finding medica l e qu ip ment and medications i n s id e , t h e trio summoned cit y health off iCI Joseph Rogers, DCI Jose Martinez and SI Steven Beras cials and others. They identified the man wanted for the illegal medical procedure. He was later detained at John F. Kennedy International Airport trying to leave the country. Rogers, Martinez and Beras received the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Memorial Medal for fire prevention personnel.

Tales of heroism abound in Queens

Page 33 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2026

FDNY Medal Day honors the Bravest

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2026 Page 34

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• Competitive 2% listing fee when we bring the buyer WE DO NOT CHARGE EXTRA TO SELL. THAT IS WHY YOU HIRE US! • If another broker brings the buyer, we negotiate to maximize the highest net deal

Jerry Fink Real Estate • 163-33 Cross Bay Boulevard • Howard Beach, NY • www.jfinkre.com

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Why Choose Jerry Fink Real Estate?

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Page 35 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2026

COMING SOON!

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2026 Page 36

LUXURY PAWNBROKERS AND JEWELRY, LLC

GOT GOLD? NO ONE PAYS YOU MORE CASH THAN WE DO! GUARANTEED!!

INSTANT CASH! GOLD & PLATINUM

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WE PAY TOP DOLLAR! RY JEWEL R REPAI ON SES PREMI

GOLD - SILVER - JEWELRY COINS - WATCHES - RINGS COMMUNITY TRUSTED BUYING SERVICE COMMUNIT

IMME DIATE

CASH PAYM ENT

150-03 CROSSBAY BLVD., OZONE PARK, NY 11417 Phone: 718-674-6017 HOURS OF OPERATION: Sunday: 11am - 5 pm • Saturday: Closed • Monday - Thursday 10am - 6pm • Friday: 10am - 5pm

PB License 2113211-DCA | SH License 2113210-DCA