Queens Chronicle 07-24-25

Four of the five to come to a vote in November affect land-use action Charter panel OKs ballot propositions

by Stephanie G. Meditz Associate Editor

New Yorkers will have a chance to weigh in on five propositions on November’s general election ballot.

The mayoral Charter Revision Commission on Monday approved a set of proposals that will face voters’ scrutiny, almost all of which would affect land use in the city. Three of the four housing proposals seek to procure more affordable housing, and two would speed up the review process for certain projects. All four land-use measures had the panel’s unanimous support.

“No one can deny that the status quo is not working,” CRC Chair Richard Buery said at the panel’s final meeting. “We have worked exhaustively to find solutions that meet this moment, and I am proud to say that we have a set of proposals before us that can set us on the path towards a more equitable and affordable city.”

The proposed housing actions have been hotly contested, especially among community boards in Queens. Community Board 5 earlier this month voted to write a resolution opposing the proposals, and other leaders voiced concerns about boards having a diminished say in land-use actions. Buery has said the panel would not advance proposals that reduce their roles.

Some elected leaders had worries of their own — City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) and several other lawmakers, including Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers (D-Laurelton) and Councilmember Sandra Ung (D-Flushing) in Queens, issued a joint statement Monday against what

they believe is a push to expand mayoral power in land-use decisions.

“This commission’s misguided proposals would undermine the ability to deliver more affordable housing, homeownership opportunities, good-paying union jobs, and neighborhood investments for New Yorkers across the

five boroughs,” they said. The Council has approved hundreds of thousands of units of housing since 2022, largely thanks to the Council’s role in the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure, the statement reads.

The first ballot question proposes new “fast track public processes” for affordable housing. It would create a new zoning action for publicly financed projects at the Board of Standards and Appeals.

It also would establish an expedited public review procedure for affordable housing applications in the 12 community districts that deliver the least of it. In the new process, community boards and borough presidents would share one simultaneous 60-day review period, and the City Planning Commission would then have 30 days to review and vote on the application.

ULURP gives community boards 60 days to review an application, followed by 30 days for the borough president. The final vote falls to the Council, barring a mayoral veto, which lawmakers can override.

Another measure would create an Expedited Land Use Review Procedure for certain plans, including “modest housing proposals,” minor infrastructure and resiliency projects and acquisition, disposition and City Map changes related to affordable housing. Appli-

continued on page 8

CONZA | MCNAMARA

PLANNING ATTORNEYS

CYNTHIA J. CONZA, ESQ.

Georgetown University, B.A. St. John’s University School of Law, J.D.

EDWARD R. MCNAMARA, ESQ.

Harvard University, A.B.

St. John’s University School of Law, J.D.

Tasked with addressing the housing crisis, Mayor Adams’ Charter Revision Commission approved five ballot proposals, four of which affect land use. PHOTOBYMICHAELAPPLETON/NYCMAYOR’SOFFICE/FLICKR/FILE

Drivers lament the dangerous road conditions around the neighborhood Sinkholes plaguing Ozone Park streets

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Drivers around Ozone Park know to be wary of sinkholes.

“It’s been an issue here since I started driving,” said one area resident in a silver Toyota Corolla, who pulled over to speak to the Chronicle near 104th Street and Rockaway Boulevard, the site of a patched sinkhole. “They’re filled and then a month later, it’s back again.”

The driver added, “It looks like it’s going to cave in at any second, right? The street looks kind of sunken.”

Nick Rafter, an area resident and former Chronicle editor, reached out last week regarding six different sinkholes in the neighborhood.

“I called 311 several times and usually it gets fixed promptly but then it happens again,” Rafter said in an email, adding that sinkholes at 104th and Rockaway and 103rd Avenue and 95th Street have been patched at least twice.

And just like the Toyota driver, Rafter said it appears the street is going to “cave in completely” at 104th and Rockaway.

“I’m just wondering if there’s a larger structural issue going on here,” Rafter said.

On Monday, drivers passing the intersection of 102nd Street and 94th Avenue expertly maneuvered around a sinkhole that had an orange traffic cone laid across it horizontally.

That sinkhole, and another at 102nd Street and 103rd Avenue, are within the district of Councilmember Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills). While she said constit-

uents have not reached out to her office regarding those two sinkholes, she flagged them for the city Department of Environmental Protection.

“Sinkholes can pose serious safety risks to pedestrians, drivers, and property, and it’s important that they are addressed quickly,” Schulman said in a statement to the Chronicle.

She added, “I encourage residents to always report sinkholes and other street conditions to 311 as soon as they notice them, and to follow up with my office after making a 311 report so we can help advocate for timely repairs. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our community is a top priority.”

The office of Councilmember

Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) said it was alerted to a sinkhole at 97-12 103 Ave. last month, and another one next to MS 210, the Elizabeth Blackwell School, on 94th Street.

The sinkhole by the school was fixed and the street there repaved, and Ariola’s office is awaiting follow-up from the DEP on the one at 103rd Avenue.

Alerted to problem areas at 102nd Street and 95th Avenue; 102nd Street and 103rd Avenue; 103rd Avenue and 98th Street; 103rd Avenue and 95th Street; 103rd Street, south of Liberty Avenue; and 104th Street and Rockaway Boulevard, a DEP representative told the Chronicle that crews will be dispatched to inspect the affected locations and make necessary repairs.

The agency is responsible for sinkholes, whereas potholes are a city Department of Transportation issue. The DEP also investigates street depressions to determine the underlying cause.

If the issue involves DEP-owned subsurface infrastructure, the agency will make the necessary repairs. If a different utility appears to be responsible for the issue, the DEP will notify the DOT and coordinate as needed. Q

Addabbo calls for the OCM to be accountable

After dispensaries are approved against protocol, state senator wants answers

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

After the OCM issued two licenses to dispensaries in South Queens before getting the opinions of their area community boards, a violation of protocol, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) penned a letter to the Office of Cannabis Management requesting accountability, transparency and action.

In the July 16 letter, addressed to Felicia Reid, acting executive director of the Cannabis Control Board, Addabbo registers his “strong objection” and urges “corrective action” regarding the separate dispensary licenses for 95-31 Jamaica Ave. in Woodhaven, and 102-15 159 Road in Howard Beach.

Addabbo reiterates to the agency that the licenses were issued before receiving opinions, from Community Board 9 for the Woodhaven site and Community Board 10 for the Howard Beach location, referencing the Chronicle’s July 16 report [tinyurl.com/msdeek67].

The senator then cites Section 76 of the Cannabis Law, which states that before applying for an adult-use retail dispensary, an applicant must notify the local municipality — in New York City’s case, the community board — at least 30 but no more than 270 days in advance. The board then has 30 days

from receipt, with provision for an extension, to express an opinion on the application, which becomes part of the record on which the OCM bases its recommendation to the CCB.

CBs 9 and 10 were within that statutory window when the applications were approved without the OCM yet receiving feedback.

“Community boards’ advisory opinions are the principal structured mechanism through which resident input for quality-of-life, saturation and public safety concerns enter the state licensing process,” Addabbo wrote. He said licenses being issued before the statutory window closes erodes public confidence, “particularly in neighborhoods already contending with widespread unlicensed smoke shops and perceived uneven enforcement.”

He requested that the OCM and the CCB provide his office and the two community boards with a written chronology for each application; a hold on commencement, if legally permissible, until the boards’ concerns are evaluated and CCB provides a written response; letters to Boards 9 and 10 explaining how their opinions were weighed in the licensing decisions; publication of protocol clarification; district-level data on actions taken against illegal smoke shops within the districts this year; and a

regularized communication channel with all NYC community boards to review pending applications and procedural questions before board calendar dates.

Addabbo asked the OCM to propose three dates within 30 days for a joint meeting with the agency, the CCB and the leadership of CBs 9 and 10, along with his office and other area elected officials to review the cases and broader process safeguards.

“New York’s adult-use market will only succeed if our communities trust that the regulatory framework they were promised is being honored,” Addabbo wrote. “The incidents described above ... have shaken that trust and have caused my office to address incoming constituent complaints and inquiries about the matter. Prompt, transparent corrective steps are essential.”

The letter also was sent to the two community boards, Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park), Assemblymembers Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) and Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach); Borough President Donovan Richards; Gov. Hochul and, via Reid, for distribution to CCB members.

Addabbo told the Chronicle the OCM responded to the letter and said it would get back to him with dates for a meeting. Q

Sinkholes have been popping up around Ozone Park, including at 102nd Street and 103rd Avenue, left, and 102nd Street and 94th Avenue. PHOTOSBYKRISTENGUGLIELMO

Hochul, DOE outline new phone ban policy

Schools will provide contact methods for parents, grant certain exceptions

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

New York City public schools are set to adopt new guidelines outlining the Department of Education’s policy on the state-imposed phone ban in schools.

The state’s “Distraction-Free Schools Law,” signed by Gov. Hochul as part of the state budget, will require bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions in K-12 schools starting this fall. As part of that law, public school districts statewide must finalize and publish their distraction-free policy by Aug. 1.

Hochul and Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos last Wednesday hosted a roundtable with teacher and administrator unions, school safety officers and students to discuss implementation. The state also answered frequently asked questions about the new phone policy on its website, at tinyurl.com/yc87djn6.

New proposed amendments to the Chancellor’s Regulation, A-413, outline the city DOE’s policy on devices. If adopted, all changes will be communicated to students, par-

ents and staff, per the amendments.

The regulations would update the DOE policy to prohibit use of personal internet-enabled electronic devices during the school day, and add provisions permitting the use of school-provided electronic devices and non-internet electronic devices.

The regulations also outline expectations for personal internetenabled electronic devices if authorized by the school for a specific educational purpose or where necessary for management of a student’s healthcare, as determined by the student’s medical provider and subject to review by the Office of School Health.

Students may also get an exception on a case-by-case basis, after review and determination by a school psychologist, social worker or counselor, if they are routinely responsible for the care and wellbeing of a family member, and where required by law.

A school may also grant an exception in the event of an individual student emergency when a parent has notified the principal or

or other holder, per the proposed regulations.

Schools will also have to provide at least one method for parents to contact their child during the school day, including by calling a phone number provided by the institution.

Students will be subject to progressive discipline on the phone policy, and will have authorized access to simple cellphones without internet capability, according to the Governor’s Office.

other designee of the specific nature of the emergency, or for translation and interpretation services if other means are not available.

Students must be permitted to use personal internet-enabled devices where such use is contained in an Individualized Education Program or in a 504 Plan for

HB’s Charles Park gets weekend evening detail

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

U.S. Park Police will monitor Charles Park on Saturday and Sunday evenings, thanks to efforts from the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic. The patrol is set to begin this weekend.

The group announced the news Monday evening on its Facebook page, met with praise from area residents. The announcement received more than 200 likes and 30 comments from those in the community.

The dedicated weekend evening patrol comes on the heels of multiple illicit, crowded events at the park without a permit, including one last weekend and the weekend before.

Phyllis Inserillo, the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic’s co-president, told the Chronicle the group was able to negotiate a dedicated patrol after speaking with National Park Service and Minka Sendich, the acting superintendent of Gateway National Recreation Area, about residents’ concerns regarding illicit activities at Charles Park.

“We told them we’re not going to stand

U.S. Park Police will have a dedicated patrol at Charles Park in Howard Beach on weekend evenings. GOOGLEMAPSIMAGE/FILE

for it, and we’re not going to take ‘no’ for an answer,” Inserillo said. “We welcome anyone to enjoy the park, but they have to take care of it.”

The HBLC is also hosting a community picnic at Charles Park on July 27 at 2 p.m., near the tables next to the handball courts closest to 99th Street and 165th Avenue. Q

medical or educational reasons, but the school has not yet secured a DOE-issued device for the purpose.

But the students don’t necessarily have to leave their devices at home — schools will be required to provide at least one storage method for personal electronic devices, such as an assigned student locker

“Taking cell phones out of schools from bell-to-bell is the right move to keep our kids free from distractions,” said state Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside), chair of the Committee on NYC Education, in a statement. “As cell phones become more entwined with our daily lives, we’ve only recently come to truly understand how harmful they can be, especially with social media, for our kids’ concentration, mental health, and ability to learn.”

The Panel for Education Policy was set to vote on the rules Wednesday evening, after the Chronicle’s publication deadline. Q

A residential blaze in HB

A fire broke out at a Howard Beach home late Monday evening, near 160th Avenue and 101st Street. No injuries were reported.

The FDNY said a call was received at around 11:30 p.m. reporting an odor of smoke at 101-02 160 Ave. A total of 12 units, including 60 fire and EMS personnel, responded to the scene.

The West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire

Department also assisted with the blaze, operating alongside the FDNY. Photos and videos shared with the Chronicle by area resident and activist PJ Marcel, who was at the scene, showed extensive damage to the home’s interior.

The fire marshals are investigating the cause of the blaze, the FDNY said. — Kristen Guglielmo

Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos and Gov. Hochul at a roundtable last Wednesday discussed implementation of the new phone ban in schools. PHOTOVIANYSGOVERNOR’SOFFICE/FLICKR

PHOTO BY PJ MARCEL

Cool down and support HB kids this weekend

The Howard Beach Dads annual lemonade stand route is returning this weekend, July 26, left, and 27. During the event, kids in the area host lemonade stands simultaneously, encouraging entrepreneurship and providing an educational experience with work exposure.

For more information and a printable map, visit tinyurl.com/57wpk7re.

The participating households are:

• 157-45 100 St., Saturday and Sunday;

• 159th Avenue and 103rd Street, Saturday;

• 161-20 99 St., Sunday;

• 163-26 97 St., Saturday and Sunday;

• 160-20 97 St., Sunday;

• 162-46 97 St., Saturday;

• 156-19 91 St., Saturday;

Advisory committees for casinos

are formed

Groups have until Sept. 30 to review

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Community advisory committees have been formed to review applications for the three downstate casino licenses to be awarded by the end of the year. Two applicants are vying for casinos in Queens.

The CACs are composed of appointees by the governor, borough president, mayor and the area’s assemblymember, state senator and councilmember. Each group will hold public meetings and by Sept. 30 determine whether its respective project has adequate support to be considered by the Gaming Facility Location Board. Two-thirds must vote in its favor.

The Resorts World New York City Community Advisory Committee is Stevens Martinez, appointed by Gov. Hochul; state Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-South Ozone Park); Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach); Queens Borough President Donovan Richards; Nicole Garcia, appointed by Mayor Adams; and Betty Braton, appointed by City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica).

Pheffer Amato was elected chair of the committee at its first meeting on July 21.

Resorts World New York City’s $5.5 billion proposal would transform the 73-acre Aqueduct site in South Ozone Park into an entertainment hub with a 5.6 millionsquare-foot resort. Resorts World says its project could open as early as July 2026.

The Community Advisory Committee for Metropolitan Park is Gregory Anderson, appointed by Hochul; George Dixon, appointed by state Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Jackson Heights); Assemblymember Larinda Hooks (D-Corona); Richards; Lin Zeng, appointed by Adams; and Councilmember Francisco Moya (D-Corona). The CAC has not yet met, so a chair has not been determined.

Metropolitan Park, an $8 billion proposal spearheaded by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen in partnership with Hard Rock International, seeks to transform the 50 acres of asphalt surrounding Citi Field into a sports and entertainment district, anchored by 25 acres of public park space, athletic fields and a hotel and casino. Q

USPP: Stolen swan released

After a swan was recorded being stolen and shoved into a car in Charles Park last month, garnering the attention of people throughout Howard Beach, residents have kept demanding answers.

Though U.S. Park Police at the time said two individuals were facing charges, many were concerned about the whereabouts of the swan.

Since the June 21 incident, members of the community have posted on neighborhood Facebook pages, asking for updates and wondering what happened to the waterfowl, who was said to be part of a bonded pair with young cygnets.

A representative for the National Park Service confirmed to the Chronicle this week that the USPP was told the swan was released, but it was not located. It was not said where the swan was let go.

91st Street and 159th Avenue, Saturday; 163-22 91 St., Saturday; 162-12 85 St., Saturday; 159-55 78 St., Sunday; 80th Street and 158th Avenue, Saturday and Sunday; 158-04 80 St., Sunday; and 151-19 80 St., Saturday and Sunday.

Further details of the case, which the USPP said last month it was working on in consultation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, were not disclosed. Those with tips or other knowledge of the situation can reach USPP Dispatch at (718) 354-4700. Q

— Kristen Guglielmo

Mayoral CRC ballot propos als

continued from page 2

cations eligible for ELURP would also follow a streamlined review procedure, with concurrent community board and borough president review, followed by a final OK from the CPC.

More significant changes would continue to go through ULURP, according to the report.

“These proposals are meant to fix a process where it is not working, but also to sustain it where it is working,” Buery said.

The third proposal would establish a new Affordable Housing Appeals Board, consisting of the relevant borough president, the City Council speaker and the mayor. A majority vote from that board could reverse land-use decisions by the Council that reject or change affordable housing applications.

The commission said it intends to “strike a better balance” among local, boroughwide and citywide voices.

“These are smart proposals that have the potential to speed up affordable housing production, and we encourage New Yorkers to make their voices heard by flipping their ballots and weighing in on these proposals this November,” City Hall said in a statement.

The fourth proposition is to modernize the City Map, replacing thousands of paper maps with a single digital one administered by the Department of City Planning. The report says it could expedite development

and reduce costs for housing, infrastructure and other projects.

The commission’s fifth and final proposal, which passed by a 12-1 vote with Commissioner Diane Savino as the sole dissenter, is to move municipal elections to even-numbered years so they coincide with federal elections. It aims to raise voter turnout, make local democracy more inclusive and save taxpayer dollars, according to the report.

If voters approve the proposal and the state Constitution is amended to permit the switch, there will be a one-time transition in which elected officials serve a shorter term of three years.

Another panel, the NYC Commission to Strengthen Local Democracy, was convened by Speaker Adams last October. Under state law, the mayoral commission’s approval of ballot questions effectively blocks any other group’s propositions from coming to a vote.

There is legislation awaiting Gov. Hochul’s signature that would prevent that ballot bump. If she signs the bill in time for questions to be submitted for inclusion, New Yorkers could potentially vote on proposals from both commissions in the fall. According to the state Board of Elections political calendar, the city clerk must provide a certified text copy of all referenda at least three months prior to the general election, which would be Aug. 4. Q

EDITORIAL AGEP

Please adopt a pet from ACC

If you love animals and you have the room, and the means, we beg you to adopt a pet from Animal Care Centers of New York City. So many wonderful dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs are stuck in shelters, just waiting to be rescued. Hundreds of those left behind will die.

It’s not the shelters’ fault. ACC staff and volunteers are doing everything they can. But many people who got pets can no longer afford them, or they’ve moved somewhere that disallows them. Now they have to give them up.

As the ACC’s Katy Hansen told the Chronicle two weeks ago, “Every shelter is packed with dogs, across the country, and so when you’re doing animal services for a city of 8 million people, it can be hard to keep caught up.”

The Paul A. Vallone Queens Animal Care Center at 19-06 Flushing Ave. in Ridgewood has been overcrowded since it opened. And like the city’s other shelters, it has gone from overcrowded to overwhelmed. As a result, the agency stopped accepting new pets citywide this week, with only the rarest of exceptions.

The ACC still gets many pets adopted out. But the toll for those who never find a home is heartbreaking.

Last year, the agency says, it took in 5,463 dogs, 9,004

cats, 321 rabbits and 395 guinea pigs. Among the dogs, it adopted out 1,364, returned 1,016 to their owners, transferred 2,398 to another agency, saw 21 die in care, lost one and euthanized 590. That’s 4,778 “live outcomes” and 612 “other outcomes.” For cats, the proportions were similar, with 8,144 live outcomes, 97 deaths in care, two gone missing and 692 euthanized. Rabbits and guinea pigs make it out alive at greater proportions, but some do not.

In May of this year, the latest month for which figures were available, 56 dogs and 68 cats were put down. So the shelter system, though made up of people who really care about animals, is killing roughly two dogs and two cats every day because it has no space for them. It’s horrific.

You can find out how to make a difference at (212) 7884000 or nycacc.org. The main thing, of course, is to get the animals into forever homes. For that, you also can go to the ACC’s next Queens adoption event, set for 12 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 10, at M&M Pet Boutique and Supplies, at 79-08 Metropolitan Ave. in Middle Village. Just show up.

If you have the space, the money and the ability to commit for the long term, please save a life, and see how much doing so improves your own. Pets are our best friends.

Restore bus-rail link

Akey goal of the Queens Bus Route Redesign is to better link riders with rail and subway systems, to make their multiseat commutes smoother.

At least that’s what we thought. Yet as reported this week in some of our print editions and at qchron.com, the MTA actually has removed the bus stop located in front of the Queens Village Long Island Rail Road station.

People are still waiting for the bus there, for the Q27 that will just pass them by. When we asked the MTA about that, about what surely must have been a mistake, it had a quick answer. Restore the stop? Nope. It will put up signs telling people there is no stop there anymore.

The worst thing about the bus route redesign is the removal of so many stops. That’s really hard on older people and others with mobility issues. The MTA is willing to sacrifice their well-being in the hopes of speeding up buses. But how could it be so short-sighted as to remove a bus stop that takes people to and from a train station?

Many voices, including this page, stood against cutting bus stops from the start. We bet the people standing in the heat as the Q27 goes by agree this one should be restored.

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Dear Editor:

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Help all to vote

July 19, 1848, was the first day of the Seneca Falls Convention, wanting to give women the right to vote. Now women are in Congress, have run for president and are important in all governmental affairs.

But also today, the Board of Elections must come to Brandywine and all assisted living residences, and help people vote in the mayoral election. This is very important, as we disabled and elderly in these facilities have the right to vote like everyone else.

Cynthia Groopman Little Neck

DOT idiocy on 31st Ave.

Dear Editor:

While your paper is giving necessary attention to the proposed bike lanes on 31st Street under the el train, another street redesign has already taken place: 31st Avenue from Vernon Boulevard to Steinway Street, which is just as alarming.

This is one of the most idiotic anti-car redesigns ever. How does Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez turn two-way 31st Avenue into one way, single-lane traffic only, staggered in opposite directions every few blocks?

All avenues should be two-way traffic going east and west, which allows first responders to

arrive at emergencies quicker. If an FDNY truck is traveling east on 31st Avenue from Steinway to a fire on 30th Street, there’s no direct access to that block. It would be required to turn off every few blocks, like 35th Street. Does Rodriguez want an FDNY truck to go against oncoming traffic down 31st Avenue responding to a fire emergency?

Several blocks of the new redesign do not have a continuous vehicle traffic flow from east to west or west to east. It’s westbound for some segments, eastbound for others. This is insane.

Avenues should always allow for two-way vehicle traffic. Streets like 31st Avenue are quiet “relief” avenues, an alternate to the heavily trafficked alternating commercial avenues such as 36th, Broadway and 30th. There are fewer double-parked trucks making deliveries on 31st Avenue, as it’s more residential.

All this for more bicycle lanes. Plus on the opposite side of the avenue they installed bike locking stands and granite blocks as well as potted plants. There was a time when avenues had signs saying during snowstorms those

curbs had to remain clear so emergency vehicles could get through. Now, with these granite blocks, if there’s a stalled vehicle in the only driving lane no one is getting through.

Rodriguez is a car-hating modern-day Robert Moses.

Sebastian Mannuzza Long Island Cit y

Poetry’s light still bright

Dear Editor:

Re your July 3 report “Queens College prof named state poet”:

As a Queens College graduate (BA, 1962), I’m delighted that distinguished professor Kimiko Hahn has been named New York State poet by the New York State Writers Institute. It’s nice to know that poetry still rates recognition in an era of TikTok and Instagram.

Hahn teaches creative writing in a master of fine arts program at QC. During my time there as an English major (1957-62), the college did not have any graduate program, but did offer a

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

creative writing course. But studying poetry, not writing it, occupied much of my QC experience. Superb English Department professors acquainted me with classic poets such as Shakespeare, Keats and Shelley. They also taught students about more modern poets, such as T.S. Eliot and Dylan Thomas.

One of Thomas’ poems still resonates with me as I near my 86th birthday. He wrote: “Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” While the light may be dimming for me, I’m glad that it shines brightly on a professor at a school where I spent four and half memorable years.

Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

Mamdani for the people

Dear Editor:

Congratulations to state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, who got 56 percent of the vote by the second round in the Democratic primary for mayor. He graduated from Bronx High School of Science and Bowdoin College and is an assemblyman representing Astoria and Long Island City. Like U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, Mamdani is a democratic socialist who believes in providing for poor and average Americans instead of the wealthy.

It was surprising, therefore, when this paper stated it endorses “anyone but Mamdani” (Editorial, June 12 and June 26). Some of his proposals may not be feasible, but he has resonated with New Yorkers who are fed up. The Chronicle said, “The key to save the city is for moderate and conservative voters to coalesce around” Mayor Adams or Republican Curtis Sliwa (“Vote anyone but Mamdani: the sequel,” Editorial, June 26) but neither can be trusted. The real key to saving the city is for liberals and progressives to support Mamdani.

Adams lived in Fort Lee, NJ, before being elected. He pretended he lived in New York with his son, but none of his possessions were in the apartment. Many people he appointed are under investigation and have resigned. Adams was indicted on federal charges of bribery, fraud and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations. However, the Department of Justice made prosecutors drop the charges as directed by President Trump. What will Adams do in return for this favor?

As for Sliwa, he has never been elected to any public office and is not a college graduate, and his only accomplishment is to have founded the Guardian Angels. Sliwa admitted the Guardian Angels faked subway rescues for publicity and he lied that transit police kidnapped him.

Mamdani has received death threats and Trump threatened to deport him if he causes problems. Commercials that lied about Mamdani were televised by an organization called “Fix the City.” They were financed by billionaires Michael Bloomberg and William Ackman, a Republican, so those in power, including Democrats, don’t want him to succeed. We are fighting to preserve our democracy and can only do so by electing people who fight for average Americans, not billionaires.

Linda Imhauser Whitestone

Adams over Mamdani

Dear Editor:

We are at a crossroads, at the point where one must choose between different courses of action. We urge all readers to consider that in response to Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani’s winning the Democratic primary.

He calls himself a democratic socialist, which is an oxymoron because there’s nothing democratic about socialism, and the idea that many Democratic leaders are in his corner is truly appalling, since it could be the end of New York as we know it — and they know that, too!

Mamdani would defund the police and is a snake-oil salesman with his promise of everything for free to attract those who live in la-la land and never took Economics 101.

He must be stopped, and the plan is simple.

All New Yorkers, regardless of party, including independents, must vote for Mayor Adams. Covid-killer Andrew Cuomo should drop out and find a job in the private sector. We love New York, and this is our chance, and yours, to save it. Together in numbers, we can win!

Thomas and Constance Dowd Oakland Gardens

Do kids know history?

Dear Editor:

Kudos! To Debra Michlewitz for her July 10 letter to the editor titled “We’re all still here.” Mentioned are some significant events that should be remembered in our country’s history. However, in today’s world, how many students in school would be aware of any of these events?

Tommy Tallarico Glen Oaks

Deep in the heart: hate

Dear Editor:

President Lyndon Baines Johnson and Gov. Greg Abbott: What do these two sons of the great state of Texas have in common? Nothing — one is a historic, compassionate man who gave us Medicare, Medicaid and the Voting Rights Act, and the other would just as soon take those away and feels basically nothing. The great state of Texas: Who are you?

Stew Frimer Forest Hills

GOP budget humbug

Dear Editor:

With tax reductions to the wealthy being financed by budget cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and USAID, one is reminded of Scrooge, the wealthy but callous Dickens character in the story “A Christmas Carol.” He preferred to support prisons, union workhouses, treadmills and poor laws. If the needy refused to go to such places, he felt it best that they die and reduce the surplus population.

Political leaders should not assume that American citizens would readily accept subservience to the wealthy. If they do, change is going to come to both sides of the political aisle.

Italians: Give Mamdani the boot

Counterprotesters back him and bash Columbus

by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

Emotions ran as high as the summer temperatures Monday outside the office of state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria) as people for and against his run for mayor clashed verbally and through their signs while police kept them apart.

A protest against Mamdani, the democratic socialist who won his party’s nomination handily, apparently was sparked by the “resurfacing” of a tweet he posted in June 2020. The tweet showed a gloved hand, which appears to be his own, giving the middle finger to the Christopher Columbus statue in Astoria Square. “Take it down,” it says.

That sparked the anger of Columbus supporters including the Italian American Civil Rights League. The IACRL was founded around 1970 to disassociate people of that lineage from the Mafia in the public imagination, and a new incarnation of the group apparently was created in 2023.

Once it was learned the IACRL would be protesting outside Mamdani’s office, near the corner of 32nd Street and 24th Avenue, a group calling itself Italians for Zohran planned a counterdemonstration.

Each gathering saw a few dozen attendees, judging by Chronicle photos and

FNTV video, who chanted slogans and hurled invective at each other. The lawmaker is away.

The anti-Mamdani side chanted, “USA! USA!” for a while, while the pro-Mamdani side called out “Socialism!” and “No pride in genocide,” among other catchphrases.

Mamdani’s opponents waved the flags of the United States, Italy and Israel, while his supporters bore the banners of Sicily and the Arditi del Popolo, a group that opposed

Threads of inspiration in OZP

Two young Ozone Park entrepreneurs on July 14 were awarded citations by state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., center, for their work.

Adeeb Razzaque, 10, left, and Naveed Razzaque, 15, founded a clothing brand, 4RB, to motivate young people. Rounding out the team, supervised by their parents, are their 3-year-old twin brothers, Asim and Arshan.

The concept of 4RB emerged in 2023, when the brothers’ uncle created a hoodie with Adeeb’s name on it. His excitement inspired 4RB, or “4 Razzaque Brothers.”

More on the brand can be found online at 4rb.net.

“Young entrepreneurs like Naveed and Adeeb prove to everyone that age does not limit someone from creating beneficial change,” Addabbo said in a statement. “They display exceptional dedication to community service which embodies the heart of community development.”

A portion of 4RB’s profits are donated to support children’s activities in the area.

— Kristen Guglielmo

Pet shelters to suspend intake

Overcapacity plagues animal shelters across the nation, but especially in the five boroughs, amid an affordability crisis.

The New York Times reported Tuesday that as city residents struggle with high costs of living, many are forced to give up their pets. Since many shelters are already over capacity, most people who bring in their pets are turned away.

Animal Care Centers of NYC is no exception — it is suspending its intake due to critical capacity issues. The shelter will remain open for adoptions, animals in need of emergency care or that threaten public safety and those brought by government agencies.

fascist dictator Benito Mussolini in the 1920s.

The NYPD press office said there were no arrests, injuries or further incidents reported.

Though the confrontations were fierce, there was some relative lightheartedness at the protest, as among the pro-Mamdani side were signs that read, “Columbus is worse than pineapple pizza,” “You eat jar sauce” and “Your mom’s a Protestant.” Q

The Ridgewood site at 19-06 Flushing Ave. has been overwhelmed since it opened last year. The Times said many animals there were dropped off by owners who lost their housing or could no longer afford a pet.

Earlier this month, Katy Hansen, the ACC’s director of communications, told the Chronicle that the agency has been transparent about needing help, urging folks to adopt. The ACC’s next Queens adoption event is set for Sunday, Aug. 10 at Middle Village’s M&M Pet Boutique from 12 to 4 p.m. Q — Stephanie G. Meditz

Mugger sought in S. Ozone Park robbery

Armed perpetrator stole senior’s necklace

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man wanted for a robbery that occurred July 12 in South Ozone Park.

According to the NYPD, at approximately 3:30 p.m., a 68-year-old male was inside of 133-17 Rockaway Blvd., within the confines of the 106th Precinct, when an unidentified male individual approached him and displayed a firearm.

The suspect then forcibly removed the victim’s necklace and fled the location on foot to parts unknown, police said. The victim sustained minor injuries but refused medical attention.

The sought individual is described as having a dark complexion and was last seen wearing a black hooded sweater, black jeans and black and white sneakers.

A surveillance photo shows him wearing a black face mask.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477), or, for Spanish, 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit tips by

logging onto nypdcrimestoppers.com, or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and then entering TIP577, or by going to @nypdtips on X. All tips are strictly confidential. Q

The above man is sought by police in connection with a July 12 robbery in South Ozone Park.

Protesters with the Italian American Civil Rights League, left, who oppose Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, and counterprotesters who appeared to support him.

PHOTOSBYWALTERKARLING

Green energy, jobs in Ravenswood plan

Blueprint outlines ways to improve life quality along with decarbonization

by Stephanie G. Meditz Associate Editor

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, business and union leaders, area residents and other stakeholders today unveiled a blueprint to transform Long Island City’s notorious Asthma Alley.

Based on Rise Light & Power’s “Renewable Ravenswood” plan to turn Ravenswood Generating Station into a clean energy hub, “Reimagine Ravenswood” proposes a broader community transformation catalyzed by the power plant’s transition that would support the local economy, create pathways to green jobs, enhance public engagement and improve quality of life.

Residents near the station, known colloquially as “Big Allis,” have long breathed in disproportionately high levels of air pollution.

“There couldn’t be a starker visual in this borough than this power plant towering over public housing residents ... there could not be a starker example of environmental racism than this one,” Richards said. “But we’re here today because we finally are righting this wrong.” The plan was announced at a press conference in front of Queensbridge Houses, the nation’s largest public housing complex, which is located just steps from the generating station.

“Reimagine Ravenswood” includes strategies to decarbonize the power plant; create employment opportunities in industries such as manufacturing and clean energy; connect New York City Housing Authority residents and disadvantaged communities to green jobs; bolster nonprofit and union work; and invest in public housing maintenance.

“New York is 5 percent of the entire GDP of the country, and it needs electricity that’s reliable and affordable to be able to continue to deliver that $1.3 trillion economy,” Rise CEO Clinton Plummer said. “But we also need to be able to deliver that in a way that is affordable, that is sustainable, that is clean and that provides benefit to the local community.”

The plan’s recomendations for the power plant include interconnecting two offshore wind projects, combining abundant renewables from upstate, developing on-site battery storage and creating a district thermal energy network for nearby buildings.

Displayed at the press event was a scale model depicting the proposed future site.

Asked how much of an impediment the Trump administration’s pause on wind energy will be for the plan, Plummer said that while the federal government is not accelerating the development of offshore wind, such projects are lengthy and “always span multiple presidential administrations.”

Until then, he said, investments will continue at Ravenswood, both to advance clean energy infrastructure and keep the lights on every day.

“In other words, we’re going to outlive the Trump administration,” Richards said.

Asked about necessary offshore energy permits that were suspended early in Trump’s presidency, Plummer said no permits relevant to Rise’s plans had been suspended because no applications had been filed yet.

There is an active case before the New York State Public Service Commission regarding permits for the Queensborough Renewable Express, which Plummer said will bring up to 2.6 gigawatts of power into the site. Richards said he would be in communication with Gov. Hochul and that the team behind the plan will “figure out how to be creative” with the federal administration to move it forward.

Donate blood and save a life

The New York Blood Center is calling on all eligible donors to make an appointment to help prevent a blood shortage during what it calls “trauma season.”

The summer months see a rise in emergency room visits and transfusion needs, but less frequent blood donations, according to the NYBC.

Information on how to donate blood or schedule a drive is available at nybc.org.

Upcoming blood drives in South Queens include:

• Our Lady of Perpetual Help, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 27,

in the rectory at 111-50 115 St. in South Ozone Park; blood drive coordinator Tony Harilall;

• St. Mary Gate Of Heaven Roman Catholic Church, from 8:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3, in the basement at 103-12 101 Ave. in Ozone Park; blood drive coordinator Marian Skabeikis; and

• NYPD’s 102nd Precinct, from 12 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 26, in the busmobile at 87-34 118 St. in Richmond Hill; blood drive coordinator Sgt. Navdeep Singh. Q — Kristen Guglielmo

The plan proposes expanding the power plant’s training center as the green economy grows, increasing clean technology and advanced manufacturing in LIC’s Industrial Business Zone and revitalizing Ravenswood’s 2,000-foot quayside, setting it up to be a port for offshore wind projects. Revitalizing Vernon Boulevard with new trees, murals and events also are part of its vision.

“What this study does is nests those on the

Ravenswood site and explores how, as we develop those over time, that that can be part of transformation, not just at this site, over the broader community,” Plummer said.

Asked what approvals would be necessary for the plan to come to fruition, he said each project at the power plant would require federal OKs under the National Environmental Policy Act. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and Public Service Commission also play a major role, as would consent from the city.

“When we developed and built the first offshore wind farm in the United States, we needed over 20 different federal, state, local permits, consents and approvals. It took us six years to get all of those to put up five wind turbines,” Plummer said. “The transformation that we’re trying to undertake here is significantly broader in scope and scale, and it’s going to require no fewer than that, and it’s going to take no less time.”

The Chronicle also asked where funding for Reimagine Ravenswood would come from, but did not receive an answer on the source.

“The approvals and funding to kick off the plant’s clean energy transformation — and to implement the project recommendations — still await,” a Rise Light & Power rep said via email after the event. Q

Estate Planning Fundamentals: Preparing for the Unexpected

By Cynthia J. Conza, Esq.

Estate planning is not solely about protecting wealth and directing the distribution of assets after death. A proper estate plan also includes legal documents known as Advanced Directives that allow you to prepare for the possibility of your incapacity. Three common Advanced Directives that everyone should have are a Living Will, Healthcare Proxy, and Durable Power of Attorney.

Living Will: New York law allows you to outline your healthcare preferences in your Living Will should you become incapacitated and unable to make critical healthcare decisions. You can state what healthcare treatments you want, and do not want, in advance of being unable to make decisions yourself. Important decisions such as maintaining life support in the event of severe or irreversible injury will be included in your Living Will and will be respected by the hospital and your healthcare providers. Healthcare Proxy: Another document

-

that is critical if you become disabled is the Healthcare Proxy. This document permits you to designate a person as your agent to make health care decisions if you become unable to communicate or make decisions on your own.

Durable Power of Attorney: This powerful legal document lets you give another person or persons the authority to make legal and fi nancial decisions for you. The Durable Power of Attorney is effective the day you sign it, and is “durable” in the sense that the power continues if you become incapacitated. Without a Durable Power of Attorney no one can handle your legal and fi nancial affairs without petitioning the New York State Supreme Court to be appointed your guardian and you will have no say as to who that person is.

Please feel free to contact me at cynthia@ conzamcnamara.com or (718) 845-5555 if you would like to discuss further.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and stakeholders on July 17 announced a plan to revitalize the long-polluted community surrounding Big Allis.

PHOTOBYSTEPHANIEG.MEDITZ

Children’s museum, galleries and accessibility upgrades due by 2027 State pledges $8.5M to Queens Museum

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Call it delight at the museum.

A who’s who of state legislators from Queens gathered at the Queens Museum in Flushing Meadows Corona Park Monday morning to seal the deal on $8.5 million in capital funding for the institution.

A delegation led by state Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris (D-Astoria) and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) made the construction funding official at a press conference with museum President and Executive Director Sally Tallant.

“The Queens Museum has always been part of the cultural identity of our city, and with the state funding we secured, we are building a truly accessible space that enlightens and serves future generations,” Gianaris said in a press release from his office.

The investment includes funding for the borough’s first children’s museum for arts and culture, which will be known as the Suna Children’s Museum at Queens Museum.

The building will not be expanded, an aide to Gianaris said. All work will take place within its existing footprint. No information was immediately available on which existing galleries or exhibits would be replaced or altered.

The children’s museum will encompass over 15,000 square feet, and house classrooms, performance spaces, learningthrough-play areas and exhibition and community space with access to Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

It also will have new collection galleries, dedicated spaces for older adults and an outdoor artist-inspired playscape.

Transit

audiences to the arts.

“This investment is not only for the building and its programs, but for our community,” he said.

“The Queens Museum has a long and storied connection to our past as the world’s borough, and this investment will ensure that it can continue to inspire, move and engage with New Yorkers of all ages for generations to come,” said Assemblyman Ron Kim (D-Flushing), chairman of the Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development.

“Museums aren’t luxuries, they’re essentials,” Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks (D-Corona) said. “They give our children space to dream, our elders opportunities to remember, and all of us a deeper sense of who we are.”

Queens Museum President and Executive Director Sally Tallant, third from left, accepts a check from state Sen. Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris, center, and other legislators. The funding will add a children’s museum and other amenities.

“This groundbreaking project will not only enhance accessibility and provide new opportunities for all of our audiences, especially children and families, but will also strengthen our ability to serve a new generation of young artists and lifelong learners,” Tallant said. The project is expected to be completed in 2027.

Heastie praised Queens’ entire delegation to Albany.

“Cultural institutions within our communities, such as the Queens Museum, provide residents with the opportunity to immerse themselves in a world rich in art, history and culture” he said. “They empower individuals to learn and engage in meaningful experiences, providing access to communities

NYSSENATEPHOTO/FLICKR

that might not have had such opportunities.”

Members of the Queens delegation were understandably excited in their comments.

“This first-ever $8.5 million state investment will ensure the museum continues to thrive, grow and expand access to the arts for every Queens resident,” Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows) said.

Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows, took it further.

“The Queens Museum is a celebration of everything that’s best about our borough and our city: diversity, community, history, art, and education for all,” he said.

Assemblyman Steven Raga (D-Maspeth) said the new spaces will offer hands-on, interactive experiences that introduce young

“This historic investment is sure to transform this iconic space from a hidden gem to a New York City treasure that is fully accessible and engaging to all ages,” said state Sen. John Liu (D-Bayside).

Assemblywoman Jessica González-Rojas (D-East Elmhurst) said the museum is an institution that must be protected in order to maintain accessibility to art and education. Assemblyman Clyde Vanel (D-Queens Village) concurred.

“This $8.5 million is more than an investment into the Queens Museum; it’s an investment in our children, our educators and the future of this borough,” he said.

“Investing in the arts is a test of our commitment to the future, of how deeply we value learning, dialogue, thriving local economies and the shared stories that shape us,” said Assemblywoman Claire Valdez (D-Sunnyside). Q

advocate, elected official say QV bus stop needs to be reinstated LIRR riders still waiting for Q27

by Naeisha Rose Editor

Bus stop or no bus stop, dozens of people are still disembarking from the Queens Village Long Island Rail Road station at Springfield Boulevard and Amboy Lane waiting for the Q27, only for the bus to pass them by.

When asked if there have been any complaints about the removal of the stop since the implementation of the first phase of the Queens Bus Network Redesign in June, and whether the MTA would consider restoring the stop or putting up signage, a spokesperson said via email it has heard from riders about the stop.

The agency is “adding signage to make sure riders are aware the bus stop has moved as part of the Queens Bus Network Redesign.”

Charlton D’Souza, a Queens Village resident and the founding president of Passengers United, a transit advocacy group, told the Chronicle that he fought against the bus stop being dropped ahead of June 29, the date of the first

phase of the redesign being implemented. The second phase comes Aug. 31.

“The process on how the MTA proceeded to remove bus stops needs to be looked at again by an independent committee ... of community stakeholders, elected officials and disability advocates,” D’Souza said. “The removal of a bus stop by an important train station such as the Queens Village LIRR is ridiculous, and we need more intermodal transfers, not less.”

D’Souza said MTA employees came last week to remove the bus stop sign, but he believes they should be reinstating the stop instead.

“They removed it so fast and people are getting off the railroad — they are upset,” said D’Souza. “The whole idea of the Queens bus redesign was to improve intermodality with LIRR stations. So why would they remove the bus stops and make people going toward Cambria Heights walk back to Jamaica [Avenue] and Springfield, especially in cold and icy weather,

which is actually very dangerous because they have to cross that street?”

To get to the Jamaica Avenue and Springfield Boulevard stop, people must walk past Amboy Lane, where a bus hub is, as well as a nearby parking lot.

“That is a dangerous intersection,” said the transit advocate.

It was also the site where a crane operator crashed into a bus on July 8, said the Queens Village man.

“There is heavy ridership at that bus stop,” said D’Souza, who said he spoke to a staffer of Assemblyman Clyde Vanel (D-Queens Village) who uses the bus stop, along with other staffers.

Vanel told the Chronicle via text that many commuters from his district and surrounding areas use the stop to catch the Q27, which runs from Cambria Heights connecting to buses in Jamaica and goes to Flushing in the opposite direction, ending near the 7 train.

“Workers, students, seniors commuting to

The MTA said it will put up signs to remind folks about the bus redesign, which eliminates the Q27 stop in front of the Queens Village Long Island Rail Road. PHOTOBYNAEISHAROSE

medical appointments — they all use [the] QVLIRR stop,” said Vanel. “In fact, the bus stop is one of the most used stops in the area. We have urged the MTA to reinstate the stop.” Q

CIDNY leader on past progress, future goals this Disability Pride Month July marks ADA’s 35-year anniversary

by Stephanie G. Meditz

Associate Editor

Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July, along with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990. The landmark legislation, which bans discrimination based on disability, turns 35 this year.

For Sharon McLennon Wier, executive director of the Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York, the monthlong observance is an opportunity to acknowledge both the legislation becoming law and the work that still needs to be done to make the United States more inclusive.

“Has ADA, in 35 years, has it done what it needed to do? It’s provided some access, but we still have a long way to go,” she said. “And that’s demonstrated through our aging infrastructure in New York City from buses to trains. We’re still working on it.”

More than 30 percent of the nation’s population has a documented disability, including 1.8 million people in New York City alone, she said.

McLennon Wier, who is blind, has about 29 years of experience working with disabled individuals. The psychology professional has worked in vocational rehabilitation and mental health counseling, as well as in college settings. She became CIDNY’s executive director in 2021.

Although she has worn several hats throughout her career, McLennon Wier said the scope of her work has always been the same — trying to help people with disabilities find their employment desires and make sure they have a voice.

“Sigmund Freud always said that every human wants to pursue love, work and play,” she said. “For some reason, people without disabilities think that people with disabilities don’t want to engage in those activities even though that is a humanistic desire, to have relationships, to have sex, to have intimacy, to pursue new experiences ... life engagement is for everybody.”

barriers and live as independently as possible, from going to work to enjoying public spaces to accessing healthcare and housing. It is staffed mostly by people with disabilities and has locations in all five boroughs, with its Queens site in Kew Gardens.

Advocacy also is central to the group’s mission — it has long advised government officials on how to make public services more accessible.

In 2017, it joined other organizations in objecting to the approval of a proposed settlement on curb cuts that did not give the city deadlines, directions or monitoring on ADA compliance, as per CIDNY’s website.

“L ife engagement is for everybody.”

The 2019 agreement required a citywide survey to identify which corners need curb cuts installed or upgraded, as well as a schedule to get the work done.

— Sharon McLennon Wier, executive director Center for Independence of the Disabled NY

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits disability discrimination for federally funded entities, was among the first laws to have a major impact on disabled people, she explained. But it did not provide access to employment, public spaces, city buildings, transportation and other parts of life that many non-disabled people take for granted.

The ADA did, she continued — it focused on architectural design and made sure new construction would be conducive to wheelchair access. Also stemming from the landmark legislation is print material coming in multiple formats, including digital downloads.

Founded in 1978, CIDNY works to help disabled individuals break through systemic

“I think the misperception of blindness is that once you lose your vision, you’re just left inside and you don’t go out,” she said. But some blind people are able to see some things and perceive light, though others cannot see at all.

“For blind people, we’ve made a lot of strides over the last couple of decades, but to get full inclusion, full access, we’re still not there,” McLennon Wier said.

But, she continued, technology has been a big help, from various iPhone apps to services that read text aloud and allow users to type by speaking.

CIDNY on July 25 will host an ADA celebration at its Manhattan headquarters. The public may attend in person or via Zoom. More info is at cidny.org.

Trump signed an executive order terminating all Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies in the federal government. More recently, Trump signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which will cut about $1 trillion in Medicaid spending over the next decade.

“A lot of the legislation like Section 504 and ADA, if advocates did not get up and scream and go to Washington and risk getting arrested and doing all these things that they needed to do to get this legislation passed, it would not have been passed,” McLennon Wier said. “So right now, we’re at that pinnacle point where we need to speak our voice.”

McLennon Wier said access to good healthcare is one of the biggest challenges facing disabled people today. Not only do they have higher incidences of depression and anxiety due to the psychological trauma of their environments, she explained, but accessibility is also a barrier, from navigating online portals to physical office spaces.

She added that some doctors adhere to the medical model of disability, in which it is understood as an illness to be cured.

“People with disabilities need to have doctors that are going to be mindful of their wellness and ask the questions, do the preventative care that’s needed,” McLennon Wier said.

On common misconceptions about blindness in particular, McLennon Wier said some people have an idea that blind people cannot take care of themselves or be attractive, since vision is heavily involved in that.

The group also will participate in a rally and march July 26 starting in Washington Square Park to mark the ADA’s passage 35 years ago. The event serves as an outlet for folks to protest federal policies that passed or are being considered, McLennon Wier said.

Shortly after his inauguration, President

She urged both disabled individuals and allies to take action such as voting, writing letters, contacting their elected representatives and going to rallies.

“I think it’s important that people realize being a disabled individual, being part of the membership of this group, it can happen to anybody,” McLennon Wier said. “We accept all members at any time in their lives.”

Q

Advocacy, such as for accessibility upgrades to subway stations, above, is central to CIDNY’s mission. Executive Director Sharon McLennon Wier said Disability Pride Month is an opportunity to acknowledge both the road behind and up ahead.

Cognitive Health and Older Adults

Cognitive health is the ability to think, learn and remember clearly. It is needed to carry out many everyday activities effectively. Cognitive health is just one aspect of overall brain health.

Many factors contribute to cognitive health. Genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors may contribute to a decline in thinking skills and the ability to perform everyday tasks, such as driving, paying bills, taking medicine, and cooking. Although genetic factors can’t be controlled, many environmental and lifestyle factors can be changed or managed.

Scientific research suggests that there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of cognitive decline and help maintain your cognitive health. These small changes can add up: Making them part of your routine can support your brain function now and in the future.

Take care of your physical health

Taking care of your physical health may also help your cognitive health. You can:

• Get recommended health screenings.

• Manage chronic health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and high cholesterol.

• Talk with your health care provider about the medicines you take and possible side effects on memory, sleep, and brain function.

• Treat age-related sensory conditions such as hearing or vision loss.

• Reduce risk for falls and other accidents that could lead to brain injuries.

• Limit use of alcohol; note that some medicines can be dangerous when mixed with alcohol.

• Quit smoking if you currently smoke. Avoid other nicotine

AWARDS:

• Five-Star Nursing & Rehabilitation Facility awarded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

• Administrator member of American College of Health Administrators

• Administrator recipient of CMS Outstanding Achievement award for Reducing Hospitalizations

products such as chewing tobacco.

• Be mindful of your diet. Choose foods that are nutritionally dense, low in animal fats, and high in vitamins and fiber.

• Get enough sleep, generally seven to nine hours each night.

Be physically active

Being physically active — through regular exercise, household chores, or other activities — has many benefits. Physical activities can help you:

• Maintain and improve your strength

• Have more energy

• Improve your balance

• Prevent or delay heart disease, diabetes, and other disorders

• Improve your mood and reduce depression

Several studies have supported a connection between physical activity and brain health. For example, one study found that higher levels of a protein that boosts brain health were present in

both mice and humans who were more physically active than in sedentary peers. An observational study with cognitively normal, late-middle age participants found that more time spent doing moderate levels of physical activity was associated with a greater increase in brain glucose metabolism — how quickly the brain turns glucose into fuel — which may reduce the risk for developing Alzheimer’s. And a randomized controlled trial showed that exercise can increase the size of a brain structure important to memory and learning, resulting in better spatial memory. Although these results are encouraging, more research is needed to determine what role exercise may play in preventing cognitive decline.

Federal guidelines recommend that all adults get at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of physical activity each week. Walking is a good start. You can also join programs that teach you to move more safely and help prevent falls. This is important because falling can lead to serious injury, including injuries to the brain. Check with your health care provider if you are not currently active but want to start a vigorous exercise program.

Keep your mind engaged

Cognitive training, which is designed to improve specific cognitive skills, appears to have benefits for maintaining cognitive health in older adults. A large randomized, controlled trial called the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) trial tested the effects of cognitive training specifically memory, reasoning, or speed of processing — on cognitive abilities and everyday function over 10 years. The study found that participants who had training in reasoning and speed of processing experienced less decline than those in the

continued on page 22

• Administrator is 2016 Recipient of Lily Leadership Award

Healthy eating as you age: Know your food groups

Making smart food choices is an important part of healthy aging. Understanding the different food groups — and how much of each should make up your diet — can help you form a healthy eating pattern over time. This article describes the main food groups and other important nutrients recommended for older adults in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

We also provide suggestions for how to fit occasional treats into your healthy eating pattern.

It is important to get the recommended amount of each food group without going over your daily recommended calories. Keep in mind that the amount you should eat to maintain your weight depends on your age, sex, and level of physical activity.

Main food groups

Vegetables

Vegetables come in a wide variety of colors, flavors, and textures. They contain vitamins and minerals, carbohydrates, and are an important source of fiber. The vegetable food group includes dark green vegetables, red and orange vegetables, starchy vegetables, and legumes (beans and peas).

Dark green vegetables include broccoli, collard greens, spinach, and kale. Red and orange vegetables include acorn squash, carrots, pumpkin, tomato, and sweet potato. Starchy vegetables include corn, green peas, and white p otatoes. Other vegetables include eggplant, b eets, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, celery, artichokes, green beans, and onions. Legumes include black beans, garbanzo beans (chickp eas), kidney beans, soybeans, and tofu. Legumes can also be counted in the protein foods group.

1/2 cup-equivalent of vegetables equals:

Fruits

Fruits bring color, flavor, and important nutrients to your diet. There are so many choices — citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits; different kinds of berries; fruits that grow on trees, such as apricots, cherries, peaches, and mangoes; and others like figs, grapes, and pineapples.

According to the Dietary Guidelines, older Americans generally do not eat enough fruit. Adding more fruit to your diet can have significant benefits for overall health. Fruits, like vegetables, contain carbohydrates and provide extra fiber that helps keep your digestive system moving. For even more fiber, eat fruits with the skin on — just make sure you wash all fruits thoroughly before eating. Although 100% fruit juice also counts toward this category, at least half of the fruits you eat should be whole fruits. When purchasing frozen, canned,

or dried fruit, choose options that are lowest in added sugars.

1/2 cup-equivalent of fruit equals:

Grains

Any food made from wheat, rye, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley, or other cereal grain is a grain product. This includes bread and pasta, breakfast cereal, grits, tortillas, and even popcorn. Grains — along with fruits, vegetables, and dairy — contain carbohydrates, the body’s main source of energy.

Read food labels to find grain choices that are low in saturated fat and added sugar. Be especially wary of options labeled “low-fat,” which can be high in added sugar.

At least half the grain foods you eat should be whole grains. Whole grains provide iron and many B vitamins, and they have fiber, too. Examples of whole grains include whole wheat, whole oats, whole bulgur (also known as cracked wheat), and whole cornmeal.

Some grain products are refined, which gives them a finer texture and a longer shelf life but removes fiber and nutrients. Most refined grains are enriched, which means that some nutrients are added back after processing. Examples of refined grain products include white flour, degermed cornmeal, white bread, and white rice.

1 ounce-equivalent of grain equals:

Protein foods

Proteins are often called the body’s building blocks. They are used to build and repair tissues, and also help your body fight infection. Your body uses extra protein for energy. Older adults should try to eat a variety of nutrient-dense proteins. Choose lean (low-fat) meats and poultry. Keep in mind that you can also get protein from seafood, eggs, beans, nuts, seeds, and soy products. Protein from plant sources tends to be lower in saturated fat, contains no cholesterol, and provides fiber and other health-promoting nutrients. Plant sources of protein, such as nuts and seeds, have different nutritional value than plant-based meat alternatives, which can be heavily processed and high in sodium.

The Dietary Guidelines recommend that you eat 8 to 10 ounces per week of a variety of seafood, not only for the protein but also because

seafood contains omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, which are good for your heart. Seafoods that are higher in EPA and DHA include salmon, anchovies, and trout. These seafoods are also lower in mercury, which can be harmful, than other types of seafood.

1 ounce-equivalent equals:

Dairy

Consuming dairy helps older adults maintain strong bones and provides several vital nutrients, including calcium, potassium, and vitamin D. For your heart health, pick from the many low-fat or fat-free choices in the dairy group. These give you important vitamins and minerals, with less fat. Certain fortified dairy alternatives can provide similar nutritional content to dairy.

1 cup-equivalent of dairy equals:

Other foods

Some foods are not in any of the main food groups. These include oils, which can be eaten regularly as part of a healthy diet, as well as unhealthy fats, sugars, and calories from drinks, which should only be consumed occasionally. There is no recommended daily intake amount in cups or ounces for these products. Limiting the calories you consume from this category can help keep your healthy eating habits on track.

Oils & solid fats

Oils are high in calories, but they are also an important source of nutrients like vitamin E. For older adults, the daily allowance of oils ranges from 5 to 8 teaspoons, depending on activity level. Oils contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are healthy fats that give you energy and help the body absorb certain vitamins.

Measuring your daily oils can be tricky — knowing what you add while cooking or baking is one thing, but oil is naturally a part of some foods.

Teaspoons of oil:

In general, try to use oils instead of solid fats, such as butter or lard, which are high in saturated fat. Saturated fats occur naturally in some foods, but they are also added to foods such as baked goods and potato chips. To lower the saturated fat in your diet, eat low-fat or fatfree dairy products, choose cuts of meat with less fat, and remove the skin from chicken. Reading the Nutrition Facts label can help you keep track of how much saturated fat yo u consume.

Added sugars

Limit the consumption of foods high in added sugar, which include sweetened cereals, highly processed snack foods such as cookies and cakes, dairy desserts, and many items marketed as low-fat. Read the ingredient list to see if the food you are eating has added sugar. Some key words to look for: brown sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, and high-fructose corn syrup.

Beverages

Although many beverages can be part of a healthy eating pattern, some add calories without adding nutritional value and you should avoid them. Beverages that are caloriefree — especially water — or that contribute beneficial nutrients, such as fat-free and low-fat milk and 100% juice, should be the primary beverages you consume.

Coffee and tea. Drinking coffee or tea barely provides any calories unless you add sugar or cream, which are not nutrient-dense an d should be consumed in moderation. Be cautious when ordering drinks from coffee shops because these are often loaded with extra sugars and fats.

Sweetened beverages. Examples of beverages that often have added sugars are soda, fruit drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, an d sweetened waters. Most sweetened beverages do not contribute to meeting food group goals and often contain a high number of calories. Alcohol. Alcohol is not nutrient-dense and is not part of the healthy eating patterns recommended in the Dietary Guidelines. If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation, defined as one drink or less per day for women and two drinks or less per day for men.

Calories from sugars, saturated fats, an d drinks can add up quickly. As these foods provide no nutritional benefit, they should only be consumed on occasion and in limite d amounts.

Q — Text and images courtesy National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health

Does an older adult in your life need help ?

It is not always clear whether an aging parent or relative needs help. Sometimes people will recognize that they need help and request it, or an emergency or sudden illness will make it clear. Others may not want to cause worry or admit they’re struggling.

If you become aware of the signs that a loved one needs help, you will be better prepared to provide support for their safety and well-being.

How to tell if someone needs extra support

The best way to know what someone needs is to ask them directly. But a phone call, email, or text message is not always the best way to tell whether an older person needs help. These signs may indicate that someone needs extra support:

Changes at home. When you spend time at the person’s home, you might notice possible trouble spots. Some examples include:

Can the person prepare meals on a stove safely?

Are they bathing regularly and wearing appropriate clothing for the weather?

Is the home relatively clean and free of clutter?

Do they have the medications they need, and are they taking them regularly?

Mental health concerns. Changes in a person’s mood could indicate a need for help.

COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL IMAGING

Sometimes depression in older people is confused with normal aging. An older person with depression might brighten up for a phone call or short visit, but it’s harder to hide serious mood problems during an extended visit. Seek immediate help if the person says they feel hopeless or have no reason to live, or if you’re worried they may harm themselves. Call or text the 24-hour 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or call 1-(800)-273-TALK (800-273-8255).

For TTY, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Other health concerns. Signs related to the person’s general health that can raise concerns include:

• Significant weight gain or weight loss

• Poor hygiene

• Confusion

• Falls

• Loneliness or social isolation

• Trouble walking or getting around Memory issues. Occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of aging. But more significant memory problems, changes in thinking ability or personality, or poor decision-making could indicate a serious condition that requires medical attention.

What to do when a loved one needs help

When you notice signs that your aging parent or relative needs help, it is important to know what steps to take next. Some issues have

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a simple fix, like needing a new glasses prescription. But other times, you may need to provide more support.

Your first step may be to talk to the older person about your concerns. Mention your worry without sounding critical, such as, “Mom, it looks like you don’t have much food in the house. Are you having trouble getting to the store?”

Then try to fulfill the person’s wishes to the extent possible. For example, if they want to keep cooking at home, you could ask, “Would you like me to arrange to have groceries delivered on a regular basis?” Try to include practical help with your suggestions and give specific examples of what can be done.

If you’re concerned about the person’s physical or mental health, suggest a visit to a health care provider. You might offer to make the appointment, give them a ride, or go with them to see the doctor.

You don’t have to do everything yourself. In many communities, a variety of services are available to help older people. Depending on the person’s needs, you might hire a home health aide to visit on a regular basis, arrange transportation so the person can run errands, or speak with a geriatric care manager to help coordinate care. You can also find ways to share caregiving responsibilities with other family members, neighbors, or friends.

Helping an aging parent or other relative plan for the future

The best time to plan is before the older person needs extensive help. Planning for the possibility of long-term care gives you and you r family time to learn about services available in your community and what they cost. It also allows the older person to make important decisions while they are still able.

There may be a time when your older relative can no longer live independently at home. Learn as much as you can about housing options, which may include moving to a residential facility (such as a nursing home o r assisted living) or living with a family member. These choices may depend on the person’s health, ability to perform activities of daily living, financial resources, and personal preferences. Talk about the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.

You may also need to help the older person prepare for decisions about their future medical care — a process called advance care planning. It’s important to know what they would want if they became seriously ill or unable to communicate their wishes. Having conversations about the person’s preferences and making a plan makes it more likely that they will get the care they want. Q — Text courtesy National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of HealthNational Institute

• Elder Law

• Wills And Trusts

• Estate And Medicaid Planning

• Probate

• Administration Of Estates

• Special Needs

• Real Estate

Donna received her law degree from St. John’s University of Law. She was Co-Chair of the Elder Law Committee of the Queens County Bar Association from 2012 through 2019. She is Past President of the following organizations: Catholic Lawyers Guild of Queens County, Women’s Bar Association of Queens County, Flushing Lawyers Club, Kiwanis Club of Astoria/LIC and the East River Kiwanis Club.

Brain health

continued from page 16

memory and control groups. Building on the ACTIVE study, NIA is supporting a large clinical trial to assess whether speed of processing training can reduce incidence of cognitive impairment and dementia.

Beware of claims that playing certain computer and online games can improve your memory and thinking. There currently is not enough evidence available to suggest that commercially available computer-based braintraining applications have the same impact on cognitive abilities as the ACTIVE study training.

Staying engaged in other meaningful activities as you grow older may also have important cognitive benefits. For example, one study found that older adults who learned quilting or digital photography had more memory improvement than those who only socialized or did less cognitively demanding activities. Research on engagement in activities such as music, theater, dance, and creative writing has shown promise for improving quality of life and well-being, from better memory and selfesteem to reduced stress and increased social interaction, but more research is needed in these areas.

Overall, it’s important to know that evidence for a lasting beneficial cognitive effect of these types of activities is not definitive. NIA supports expanding studies in this area to include larger numbers of a diverse range of older adults in order to further test how such

activities may help reduce cognitive decline or maintain healthy cognition.

Stay connected with social activities

Staying connected with your family, friends, and neighbors through social activities and community programs is a great way to ward off isolation and loneliness. But did you know it may also help support your cognitive function? For example, early results from a clinical trial of almost 200 adults age 75 and older — the Conversational Engagement Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial (I-CONECT) — showed that regular internet calls could help lower the risk of cognitive decline and social isolation. Another example comes from the Health and Retirement Study, a long-term study funded by NIA. Researchers analyzed data from more than 7,000 participants age 65 and older and found that high social engagement, including visiting with neighbors and doing volunteer work, was associated with better cognitive health in later life.

If you would like to strengthen your social connections, consider volunteering for a local organization or joining a group focused on an activity you enjoy, such as walking. You can find available programs through your Area Agency on Aging , senior center, public library, or other community organizations. Increasingly, there are groups that meet online, providing a way to connect from home with others who share your interests or to get support. Q

—National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health

MEDICAID UPDATES 2025

By Donna Furey, Esq.

An elder law attorney helps a person get their assets in order so they may apply for Medicaid assistance in their home known as Community Medicaid, or a nursing home. This often requires the transfer of assets within a certain time frame.

Effective October 1, 2020, a 30-month “look back” period was implemented for people applying for Community Medicaid. This look back period has not been implemented yet but it may be implemented in 2025 This means that Medicaid will “look back” at fi nancial transactions made during the 30-month period before the date of application and impose a penalty for any gifts made during that period.

Starting September 1, 2025, a Community Medicaid applicant must need limited assistance with physical maneuvering of three or more activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs include bathing, personal hygiene, dressing, walking, transferring to the toilet, incontinence, eating, etc. However, individuals with a diagnosis of dementia

or Alzheimer’s must need supervision with at least two or more ADLs.

To qualify for Community Medicaid, an individual may only have $32,396.00 in total assets, income up to $1,800.00 per month and a $20.00 monthly personal needs allowance. The home equity limit is $1,097,000.00.

Institutional Medicaid is for individuals who have extensive long-term medical needs. The “look back” period is five years, the asset limit is $32,396.00 and you can only keep $50.00 of your monthly income.

The value of your retirement accounts are exempt assets and are not counted for Medicaid eligibility purposes. However, the income received from the retirement accounts (RMDs) would be included in the calculation of your income.

That is why elder law attorneys recommend transferring assets into an Irrevocable Trust before seeking Medicaid to protect assets from the “look back” period. Don’t wait! Protect your assets now!

by Michael Gannon

Think of Tom Cruise nowadays and action heroes probably come to mind. But in its ongoing film series “Tom Cruise, Above and Beyond” the folks at the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria are reminding movie lovers that Cruise has brought far more to the big screen.

The series started on June 20 with Cruise as a brash teen in the 1983 comedy “Risky Business,” and will run through Aug. 17. Michael Koresky, senior curator of film at MoMI, said in an interview this week that the series sprang from the museum’s “Mission: Impossible — Story and Spectacle” exhibit, which will run through Dec. 14.

The exhibit had the full cooperation of Cruise and Paramount, and includes an interview with the actor.

“When we realized that we were going to have this really awesome and elaborate exhibition celebrating the ‘Mission: Impossible’ films, we wanted to have some programming along with it,” Koresky said. Along with a salute to MI’s stunts and a movie marathon, they decided to set up a tribute to Cruise, a man he said can stake claims to being a superb actor as well as a movie star.

“He’s both,” said Koresky, who led the team choosing the films. “I think one of the fun things about doing this was the chance to remind people of that, of his skills as an actor, his surprising range and durability.”

The series includes showings of “Top Gun” (1986), “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022) and Steven Spielberg’s “War of the Worlds” (2005), in which a dock worker’s weekend visit with his children becomes a fight to save them when Earth is invaded by aliens.

But earlier showings in the series also es a ls o

MoMI celebrates top actor with film top actor with film series and exhibit

nge of dramatic parts and it really might come across as a bit of a surprise,” he said. t’s wonderful to see the audience react to me of these.”

continued on page 25

younger moviegoers

King Crossword Puzzle

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

Lynch landed in SOP between his noble battles

by Ron Marzlock

Chronicle Contributor

Lincoln Orville Lynch was born in British West Indies on Aug. 28, 1920. He joined the Royal Air Force in 1942. He received the Air Gunner’s Trophy as the highestscoring cadet in Canada. He joined Bomber Command as a member of No. 102 Squadron. He shot down a German plane on his first outing. In August 1944, he was promoted to flight sergeant, a rare promotion for a gunner. The next month he received the Distinguished Flying Medal.

In May 1947 he married a 22-year-old nurse, Cynthia Neita, and was promoted to flight lieutenant. In 1951 he left the RAF and immigrated to the U.S. to take a job at Idelwild Airport (later renamed JFK) as an airline flight operation officer.

The couple purchased an attached Tudor home at 115-50 Lincoln St. in South Ozone Park. On Sept. 3, 1957 Lincoln proudly became a citizen of the United States. Cynthia bore him three sons, David, Desmond and Peter. They moved to Hillman Street in West Hempstead, LI, in 1962.

Their children were denied entry into

Photo contest!

Hot town, sweatin’ in the city! Time to enter the Queens Chronicle’s 17th annual Summer in the Borough Photo Contest. We look forward to your entries!

Go out and take your best shots of families gathering, children playing, workers working, lovely landscapes, birds on the bay — whatever says “summertime in Queens.” If you need some inspiration, take a look at one of 2024’s co-winners, above, taken by Tim Rasmussen from a kayak. As to the rules, there are a few, so please go to tinyurl.com/jnwmsxfk to see them. Send your high-resolution digital photos to peterm@qchron.com, or mail prints to Queens Chronicle Photo Contest, 71-19 80 St., suite 8-201, Glendale, NY 11385. The winner will get a $50 gift card. The deadline is Monday, Sept. 22, the very day summer ends. Good luck! — Peter C. Mastrosimone

PowwowreturnsJuly25-27

The Queens County Farm Museum and the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers will host the 46th Thunderbird American Indian Powwow from July 25 to 27 at 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy. in Floral Park.

The event features three days of intertribal dance competitions, a Native American Craft and Food Market and two evening programs culminating in a bonfire at dusk welcoming the audience into the dance circle. More than 40 Indian Nations will be represented.

Tickets are $12 to $19. Three-day pass-

es are available for $24 to $38. Tickets can be purchased online at queensfarm. org. Admission to the Queens County Farm Museum is free, though tickets are required to attend the Powwow and the Craft and Food Market.

The gates open at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 25, with performances running from 7 to 10 p.m. July 26 performances are noon to 5 p.m. and 7 to 10 p,m, with gates open at 10 a.m. July 27 performances are from noon to 5 p.m., with gates open at 10 a.m. Further information is available at hello@queensfarm.org. Q

The home of

INSETBYROYALAIRFORCEPHOTOGRAPHERVIAWIKIPEDIA.

the Malverne District’s all-white elementary school. Going to court and losing on a technicality, Lynch became an activist with CORE, the Congress of Racial Equality, leading its Long Island chapter.

He fought the rest of his life against inequality on Long Island. He passed on Oct. 22, 2011, at 91 of stomach cancer. Q

B SPORTS EAT

David Wright’s day

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

One of the most anticipated days on the 2025 Mets calendar, the induction of David Wright into the Mets Hall of Fame along with the retirement of his No. 5 uniform, lived up to its billing.

Wright played 14 seasons in Flushing and was a Shea Stadium and Citi Field favorite, not just because he was one of the best players to ever don a Mets uniform, but because he is a terrific person. He had a way of making each person seeking his attention feel important, be it an excited Mets fan taking a photo with him or a reporter interacting with him.

A variety of injuries over his career, culminating with a spinal stenosis diagnosis in 2016, conspired to deny Wright a chance for Cooperstown immortality. In his speech last Saturday, he did not dwell on what might have been. He expressed his appreciation to the Flushing faithful who always cheered him, and to teammates, coaches and managers who served as mentors to him.

It never got maudlin, much to the relief of Mets emcee, and Cardozo High School alum Howie Rose, who joked before handing David the microphone that he did not have any Kleenex, so please don’t pull a Mark Messier! Rangers fans will remember how Messier bawled when his uniform number went up to the rafters at Madison Square Garden.

The Mets held a press conference for Wright

before the on-field ceremony. He reminisced about his career, and he also gave an update on his health. “I had surgery about a year-and-a-half ago to correct a neck issue. I can manage most days fairly well. There are some days I feel pain even if I have been doing exercises and everything else correctly,” he said.

The Mets cable home, SNY, commissioned a two-hour documentary that debuted last week titled “The Wright Way.” It did a superb job capturing the memorable moments in his career, as well as offering insights from his family, teammates, baseball scouts and executives.

What was most surprising was hearing the testimonies of admiration from longtime Philadelphia Phillies rivals Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins. I had forgotten that these longtime National League East competitors played together for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

In the documentary, Wright, as has long been his custom, expressed distaste for the City of Brotherly Love in a manner that would have pleased W.C. Fields. I asked if the Don Rickles stuff hurled at Philadelphia was just shtick.

After flashing a long smile, he replied “Philadelphia was my favorite place to play. I loved the atmosphere, the competitiveness, and the rivalry. That doesn’t mean I necessarily love the city or its people, however!”

See the extended version of

World War II fighter pilot and civil rights activist Lincoln Orville Lynch, at 115-50 Lincoln St. in South Ozone Park, as it looked when he lived there in the 1950s and ’60s.

PHOTO BY TIM RASMUSSEN

LIC Artists get hot with a sweltering display

by Peter C. Mastrosimone editor-in-chief

Rockaway has the sand and surf, but the whole city’s a cement beach in this heat.

That’s the attitude at the Long Island City Artists gallery at The Factory LIC, where the exhibition “Cement Beach-Summer in the City” portrays Gotham’s dog days through the eyes of dozens of top local artists.

“From the heat shimmering on sidewalks to the golden glow bouncing off glass towers, Cement Beach celebrates the fleeting poetry of the season,” LIC-A Executive Director Norma Homberg said via email. “Artists respond to the distinct light, vibrant color, and texture of NYC’s urban summer — its beaches, waterways, and hidden oases; its sounds, shadows, and spontaneous street moments.

“Whether depicting scenes of motion or repose, reflections at dusk, or the pulse of people navigating the heat, this exhibition is a collective love letter to summer in the city — gritty, glowing, and unmistakably alive.”

It’s like you’re walking down the sidewalk, hotter than a match head (h/t The Lovin’ Spoonful). The free exhibit will be up through Aug. 23 at 30-30 47 Ave.

One artist whose works will make you melt is Simona Lyriti. Her piece “Light Vibrations,” aka “Sky Vibrations,” depicts a surre-

“Light Vibrations,” above, by Simona Lyriti, and “Everything is Upside Down,” by Rebecca Sherman, are just two of the works that bring the heat at “Cement Beach,” the Long Island City Artists exhibition at The Factory LIC.

alistic skyline with buildings of varied hues and textures and a background of the hottest colors. Two objects in the sky could plausibly represent the sun — and maybe we’re meant to feel the heat of a binary star system. Lyriti’s works begin as watercolors, and then she uses a computer to blend different elements into something new, in a process she likens to cooking. The result is “an abstract kind of fantasy,” she said.

Also using hot reds and orange in her

work, but tempering them more with blues, greens and purples, is Rebecca Sherman. Her painting “Everything Is Upside Down,” she said via email, “presents a saturated, kaleidoscopic scene in which industrial skylights transform into windows onto nature, evoking themes of movement and cyclical patterns within urban landscapes.”

Robert Convery, meanwhile, created “Under the Bliss St. Station” as a tribute to his drawing and painting teacher, Simon

Donikian, also an LIC-A member. The piece, which viewers at the exhibit opening said reminded them of Vincent Van Gogh’s work, is painted in Donikian’s style, and also is an exercise in the “three-tone challenge” — it is all done in three gradations of sepia. “This builds resourcefulness, ingenuity and an understanding of how color and line work together to give motion, blood and life to one’s work,” Convery said. Much as summer’s heat can do to us. Q

The casual complexity of Tom Cruise at MoMI

continued from page 23

Among Koresky’s favorites is “Born on the Fourth of July,” with Cruise as a real-life Vietnam veteran turned antiwar activist.

“This is an overwhelming film, and shows the incredible amount of emotional commitment he puts into a movie,” Koresky said. “I watched it again recently and began crying all over again. It’s just an incredibly personal film.” He also enjoys “Minority Report” (2002), in which Cruise, a detec-

Crossword Answers

tive who investigates “future crimes,” is suddenly accused of a future murder.

“It’s intense,” Koresky said. “It’s such a complex script, and it’s such a visually dazzling film. I think that asked a lot of him as an actor in the guise of an action film within a sci-fi/special effect movie. There’s lot of stuff going on, and he’s brilliant in it.”

He also likes the way Cruise has been able to shift his image. Earlier works such as “Top Gun,” “The Color Of Money,” “Days of Thunder and “Rain Man” feature a young, cocky lead who is at the very top of what he does, before being knocked off his pedestal a bit. Those yield to more nuanced roles such as those in “Jerry Maguire,” “Magnolia” or “Eyes Wide Shut.”

Then there is Cruise’s turn as a coldblooded contract killer in “Collateral”(2004).

“An unusual role for him,” Koresky said.

As an extra treat, “Top Gun” will show in 70mm at 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 2, and 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 3. “Days of Thunder” will show in 70mm at 7 p.m. on Aug. 8 and 1 p.m. on Aug. 10.

Remaining showings include “Minority Report” (7 p.m. July 25, 3 p.m. July 27); ”Collateral” (4 p.m. July 26, 6 p.m. July 27);

Tom Cruise is every bit the action hero in 1986’s “Top Gun.” On the cover: Cruise plays an ordinary man who must summon extraordinary courage to save his family in 2005’s “War of the Worlds.” PARAMOUNT PHOTOS

“War of the Worlds” (6:30 p.m. July 26, 12:30 p.m. July 27); “Top Gun: Maverick” (12:30 p.m. Aug. 2, 2:45 p.m. Aug. 3);

“Tropic Thunder” (5 p.m. Aug. 10); and “Jack Reacher” (3 p.m. Aug. 17)

Information on tickets and museum hours is available at movingimage.org. Tickets also may be purchased in person. The Museum of the Moving Image is located at 36-01 35 Ave. in Astoria. Q

PHOTOS COURTESY THE ARTISTS

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SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK - COUNTY OF NEW YORK - Index No. 154338/2024. Date ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE signed 07/15/2025. Let Plaintiff, SIXTO MOCHA, show cause at the IAS Part 31 of this Court, to be held at the Courthouse thereof, located at 111 Centre Street, Room 623, New York, New York, on the 28th day of October, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. of that day, or as soon thereafter as counsel can be heard, WHY an Order should be made and entered granting the following relief: Pursuant to CPLR § 321(b)(2), granting THE GARCIA LAW FIRM, P.C., the present attorneys of record, leave to withdraw and be relieved as counsel for SIXTO MOCHA, the Plaintiff herein; Pursuant to CPLR § 316(a), granting service by publication on Plaintiff; Granting a stay for a period of thirty (30) days to allow Plaintiff the opportunity to obtain new counsel; and For such other, further and different relief as this Court deems just and proper.

CORTE SUPREMA DEL ESTADO DE NUEVA YORK - CONDADO DE MANHATTAN – Numero de indice 154338/2024. Fecha en la que la ORDEN DE MOSTRAR CAUSA fue firmada: 07/15/2025. Que el demandante, SIXTO MOCHA, muestre causa en la Parte 31 del IAS de este Tribunal, que se llevará a cabo en la corte, ubicada en 111 Centre Street, Cuarto 623, Condado de Manhattan, Estado de Nueva York, el día 28 de Octubre del 2025, a las 10:00 a.m. de ese día, o tan pronto como se pueda escuchar a los abogados, POR QUÉ se debe hacer y registrar una Orden que otorga el siguiente alivio: De conformidad con la ley § 321(b)(2), otorgando a THE GARCIA LAW FIRM, P.C., los actuales abogados registrados, permiso para retirarse y ser relevado como abogado de SIXTO MOCHA, el demandante en la presente; De conformidad con la ley § 316(a), otorgando servicio por publicación en el demandante; Otorgando una suspensión por un período de treinta (30) días para permitir que el demandante tenga la oportunidad de obtener un nuevo abogado; y cualquier otro alivio adicional y diferente que este Tribunal considere justo y apropiado.

Legal Notices Legal Notices

Legal Notices

New York City Department of Transportation

Notice of Public Hearing

Publish in Queens Chronicle

The New York City Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing, the hearing will be held remotely commencing on Wednesday July 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM. via the WebEx platform, on the following petition for revocable consent, in the Borough of Queens.

#1 Episcopal Health Services, Inc. – to continue to maintain & use a bridge over & diagonally across Beach 19th Street, south of Brookhaven Ave., in the Borough of Queens.

Interested parties can obtain copies of proposed agreement or request sign-language interpreters (with at least seven days prior notice) at 55 Water Street, 9 Floor, New York, NY 10041, or by calling (212) 839-6550

New York City Department of Transportation

Notice of Public Hearing

Publish in Queens Chronicle

The New York City Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing, the hearing will be held remotely commencing on Wednesday July 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM. via the WebEx platform, on the following petition for revocable consent, in the Borough of Queens.

Patrick Po Shun Ng & Nancy Ng as Trustees under the Patrick Po Shun Ng Revocable Trust

Dated October 12, 2018 & under the Nancy Ng Revocable Trust Dated October 12, 2018 – to continue to maintain & use a fenced-in area on the north sidewalk of Powells Cove Blvd., west of 158th St., in the Borough of Queens.

Interested parties can obtain copies of proposed agreement or request sign-language interpreters (with at least seven days prior notice) at 55 Water Street, 9 Floor, New York, NY 10041, or by calling (212) 839-6550

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME

COURT QUEENS COUNTY WEBSTER BANK, N.A., Plaintiff against LETICIA M. CALUAG A/K/A LETICIA CALUAG, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Margolin, Weinreb & Nierer, LLP, 575 Underhill Boulevard, Suite 224, Syosset, NY 11791. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered June 4, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at the Queens County Supreme Court, Courtroom #25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on August 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Premises known as 84-92 Homelawn Street a/k/a 84-92 Home Lawn Street, Jamaica, New York 11432. Block 9862 Lot 76. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $137,839.57 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 708473/2023. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 11th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. Referee will only accept a certified bank check made payable to the referee. David I. Weprin, Esq., Referee File # 23-0243

Notice of Formation of AKSH CLOTHING LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/18/2025. 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: AKSHPREET KAUR, 10448 125TH STREET, SOUTH RICHMOND HILL, NY 11419. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED NOTEHOLDERS OF RENAISSANCE HOME EQUITY LOAN ASSET-BACKED NOTES, SERIES 2005-2 Plaintiff, Against JOSE R. OCHOA, MARTHA OCHOA, et al, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 01/02/2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, on 8/22/2025 at 10:00AM, premises known as 1829 Cornelia S, Ridgewood, New York 11385, 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 Ridgewood, in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York. Block 3463 Lot 34 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $510,945.28 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 705955/2018

Michael A. Cervini, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573 Dated: 6/11/2025 File Number: 18-300141 CA

INK FOREST LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/22/23. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 1415 Redfern Ave., Far Rockaway, NY 11691. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR GREENPOINT MORTGAGE FUNDING TRUST MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007AR1, -against- ADRIAN RODRIGUEZ, 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 June 26, 2024, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR GREENPOINT MORTGAGE FUNDING TRUST MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-AR1 is the Plaintiff and ADRIAN RODRIGUEZ, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the QUEENS COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD, COURTROOM 25, JAMAICA, NY 11435, on August 1, 2025 at 10:00AM, premises known as 220-25 134TH ROAD, SPRINGFIELD GARDENS, NY 11413; and the following tax map identification: 13098-2. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE FOURTH WARD, BOROUGH AND COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 715762/2022. Michele Augusta Baptiste, 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 Formation of ALEXANDRA & CO. REALTY, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/01/2025. 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: ALEXANDRA MAKAREVICH, 68-86 136TH STREET, SUITE #B, KEW GARDENS HILLS, NY 11367. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS DLJ MORTGAGE CAPITAL INC., -againstCARMEN L. SANTANA, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF JOSEPHINE ROMAN, 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 28, 2025, wherein DLJ MORTGAGE CAPITAL INC., is the Plaintiff and CARMEN L. SANTANA, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF JOSEPHINE ROMAN, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at QUEENS COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 88-11 SUTPHIN BOULEVARD, COURTROOM 25, JAMAICA, NY 11435, on August 22, 2025 at 10:00AM, the premises known as 87-47 98TH STREET, WOODHAVEN, NY 11421 and the following tax map identification 9286-109. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE BOROUGH AND COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 702456/2020; Joseph N. Misk, Esq., as 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.

BH 7TH MEMBER LLC. Filed 6/9/2025. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 80-02 KEW GARDENS ROAD, SUITE 605, KEW GARDENS, NY 11415.

Purpose: General

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS. NYCTL 2021 A TRUST, and THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, as Collateral Agent and Custodian for the NYCTL 2021 A TRUST, Plaintiffs against WILLIE M. HARVEY, et al. Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated June 5, 2025 and entered on June 12, 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 11435, on Friday, on August 15, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. or at such other location in the courthouse that the Court may designate for conducting this foreclosure auction. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough of Queens, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the easterly side of Farmers Avenue, distant 176.92 feet northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the easterly side of Farmers Avenue and the northerly side of Maple Avenue; THENCE easterly parallel with 105th Avenue 87.49 feet; THENCE northerly at right angles to 105th Avenue 40 feet; THENCE westerly parallel with 105th Avenue 82.83 feet to the easterly side of Farmers Avenue; THENCE southerly still along the easterly side of Farmers Avenue 21.21 feet to an angle; THENCE southerly still along the easterly side of Farmers Avenue 19.05 feet to the point or place of BEGINNING. Block: 10881 Lot: 14 Said premises known as 104 17 FARMERS BOULEVARD, JAMAICA, NY 11412 Approximate amount of lien $33,419.97, through August 22. 2024, plus interest fees & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 717974/2022. BRUCE S. POVMAN, ESQ., Referee Seyfarth Shaw LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiffs 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT. QUEENS COUNTY. WILMINGTON

SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS CERTIFICATE TRUSTEE OF BOSCO CREDIT II TRUST SERIES 2010-1, Pltf. vs MARLENE DODD, et al, Defts. Index #724440/2022.

Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered May 28, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the front steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY on August 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. premises k/a 227- 07 108th Avenue, Queens Village, NY 11429 a/k/a Block 11193, Lot 15. Said property located beginning at a point on the Northerly side of 108th Avenue, distant 40 ft. Easterly from the corner formed by the intersection of the Northerly side of 108th Avenue with the Easterly side of 227th Street; being a plot 100 ft. x 40 ft. Approximate amount of judgment is $197,227.03 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. RICHARD GUTIERREZ, Referee. HILL WALLACK LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 261 Madison Avenue, 9th Floor, Ste. 940-941, New York, NY. File No. 022721-00029 #102423

LOTUS COURIER GROUP LLC.

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/25/25. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 101-02 101st Avenue, Apartment 2, Queens, NY 11416. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of RPSL LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/11/2025. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Patricia Senior, 4720 Center Blvd., Apt. 909, Long Island City, NY 11109. Purpose: any lawful activities.

File No.: 2023-3217/A CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK BY THE GRACE OF GOD, FREE AND INDEPENDENT

To: Patricia Minoit, Attorney General of the State of New York

The unknown distributees, legatees, devisees, heirs at law and assignees of JOYCE WARE A/K/A JOYCE CECILE WARE, deceased, or their estates, if any there be, whose names, places of residence and post office addresses are unknown to the petitioner and cannot with due diligence be ascertained Being the persons interested as creditors, legatees, distributees or otherwise in the Estate of JOYCE WARE A/K/A JOYCE CECILE WARE, deceased, who at the time of death was a resident of 112-19 34th Avenue, Apt 5A, Corona, NY 11385, in the County of Queens, State of New York. SEND GREETING: Upon the petition of LOIS M. ROSENBLATT, Public Administrator of Queens County, who maintains her office at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, Queens County, New York 11435, as Administrator of the Estate of JOYCE WARE A/K/A JOYCE CECILE WARE, deceased, you and each of you are hereby cited to show cause before the Surrogate at the Surrogate’s Court of the County of Queens, to be held at the Queens General Courthouse, 6th Floor, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, City and State of New York, on the 4th day of September, 2025 at 9:30 o’clock in the forenoon, why the Account of Proceedings of the Public Administrator of Queens County, as Administrator of the Estate of said deceased, a copy of which is attached, should not be judicially settled, and why the Surrogate should not fix and allow a reasonable amount of compensation to GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ., for legal services rendered to petitioner herein in the amount of $7,175.90 and that the Court fix the fair and reasonable additional fee for any services to be rendered by GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ., hereafter in connection with proceedings on kinship, claims etc., prior to entry of a final Decree on this accounting in the amount of 6% of assets or income collected after the date of the within accounting; and why the Surrogate should not fix and allow an amount equal to one percent on said Schedules of the total assets on Schedules A, A1, and A2 plus any additional monies received subsequent to the date of this account, as the fair and reasonable amount payable to the Office of the Public Administrator for the expenses of said office pursuant to S.C.P.A. §1106(3); and why each of you claiming to be a distributee of the decedent should not establish proof of your kinship; and why the balance of said funds should not be paid to said alleged distributees upon proof of kinship, or deposited with the Commissioner of Finance of the City of New York should said alleged distributees default herein, or fail to establish proof of kinship. Dated, Attested and Sealed 7th day of July, 2025 HON. CASSANDRA A. JOHNSON Surrogate, Queens County Janet Edwards Tucker Chief Clerk GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ. (718) 459-9000 1981 Marcus Avenue, Suite 200 Lake Success, New York 11042 NOTICE: THIS CITATION IS SERVED UPON YOU AS REQUIRED BY LAW. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO APPEAR; HOWEVER, IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR IT WILL BE ASSUMED YOU DO NOT OBJECT TO THE RELIEF REQUESTED. YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO HAVE AN ATTORNEY APPEAR FOR YOU, AND YOU OR YOUR ATTORNEY MAY REQUEST A COPY OF THE FULL ACCOUNT FROM THE PETITIONER OR PETITIONER’S ATTORNEY Accounting Citation.

Notice of Formation of TRYANGLE MEDIA LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/21/2025. 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: SAMUEL HERRERA, 5409 83RD ST, APT 1, ELMHURST, NY 11373. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS

Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company, Plaintiff(s), -against- Scott Gordon, as Administrator of The Estate of James S. McLaurin aka James McLauring aka James S. McLaurin; Sandra D. McLaurin aka Sandra McLaurin, as Heir to The Estate of James S. McLaurin aka James Mc Lauring aka James S. Mc Laurin; Unknown heirs to the estate of Barbara McLaurin, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; United States of America; New York State Department of Taxation and Finance; Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; New York City Environmental Control Board; New York City Parking Violations Bureau; New York City Transit Adjudication Bureau; Tanaeha McLaurin aka Taneah McLaurin as heir to the estate of Barbara McLaurin, as heir to the estate of James S. McLaurin aka James McLauring aka James S. Mc Laurin; Corey McLaurin as heir to estate of Barbara McLaurin, as heir to the estate of James S. McLaurin aka James McLauring aka James S. Mc Laurin; Latasha Sparrow as heir to estate of Barbara McLaurin, as heir to the estate of James S. McLaurin aka James McLauring aka James S. Mc Laurin; Laquan Sparrow as heir to estate of Barbara McLaurin, as heir to the estate of James S. McLaurin aka James McLauring aka James S. Mc Laurin; Arthur Wilkes, Jacqueline Saunders, Bonnie Saunders, Tyrell Oldham, Mark Shelton, Skyler Jennings and Franklyn Robinson, Defendant(s). Index No.: 710955/2015 Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is situated. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your Answer or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the attorneys for the plaintiff within twenty (20) days after 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; or within sixty (60) days if it is the United States of America. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the amount of $495,000.00 recorded in the office of the clerk of Orange County on August 6, 2008 in CRFN 2008000313827 covering premises known as 129- 17 135th Place, South Ozone Park, NY 11420. The relief sought in he within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: July 3, 2025 Uniondale, New York. Pincus Law Group, PLLC /s/ Linda P. Manfredi, Esq., Attorneys for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza Uniondale, New York 11556 (516) 699-8902

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS Freedom Mortgage Corporation, Plaintiff, -against- Kevin O. Manley, Steven Torres if living and if any be dead, any and all persons who are spouses, widows, grantees, mortgagees, lienor, heirs, devisees, distributees, or successors in interest of such of the above as may be dead, and their spouses, heirs, devisees, distributees and successors in interest, all of whom and whose names and places of residences are unknown to Plaintiff, Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, Criminal Court of the City of New York, Midland Funding LLC, Capital One Bank (USA), N.A., New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, New York City Environmental Control Board, New York City Parking Violations Bureau, New York City Transit Adjudication Bureau, Board of Directors for Jomar Estates Home Owners Association, Inc., “Jane Doe” (Refused Name), “John Doe” (Refused Name), “John Doe” (Refused Name), “John Doe” (Refused Name), “John Doe” (Refused Name), “John Doe” (Refused Name), “John Doe” (Refused Name), “John Doe” (Refused Name), United States of America-Internal Revenue Service, Defendants Index No. 723309/2024 Filed: June 27, 2025 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Plaintiff designates Queens County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the Mortgage premises is situated. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your Answer or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the attorneys for the plaintiff within twenty (20) days after 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). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $810,057.00 and interest, recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the County of QUEENS on January 12, 2022, in Book CRFN 2022000018579, Page, covering premises known as 22246 141st Avenue a/k/a 222-46 141st Avenue, Springfield Gardens a/k/a Laurelton, NY 11413. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the Mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the Summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your Mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: Bay Shore, New York January 27, 2025 By: Robert Tremaroli, Esq. Frenkel, Lambert, Weiss, Weisman & Gordon, LLP

Attorneys for Plaintiff 53 Gibson Street, Bay Shore, New York 11706

Bar #: 4946430 (631) 969-3100 Our File No.:01-101106-F00

Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action Supreme Court Of The State Of New York County Of Queens Action To Foreclose A Mortgage Index #: 701595/2020 Bank Of America, N.A. Plaintiff, vs United States Of America Acting Through The Secretary Of Housing And Urban Development, New York City Environmental Control Board, Millie J Austin, JR. As Heir To The Estate Of Rosie Lee AKA Rosie Mae Wells, Alice M Walker As Heir To The Estate Of Rosie Lee AKA Rosie Mae Wells, Janice A Diggs As Heir To The Estate Of Rosie Lee AKA Rosie Mae Wells, Veral A Diggs As Heir To The Estate Of Rosie Lee AKA Rosie Mae Wells, Henry J Diggs, JR. As Heir To The Estate Of Rosie Lee AKA Rosie Mae Wells If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff, Varnel L Diggs As Heir To The Estate Of Rosie Lee AKA Rosie Mae Wells, Jennira S Roundtree As Heir To The Estate Of Rosie Lee AKA Rosie Mae Wells, Curtis Alexander Eley As Heir To The Estate Of Rosie Lee AKA Rosie Mae Wells, Lakeesha Natasha Eley As Heir To The Estate Of Rosie Lee AKA Rosie Mae Wells, Unknown Heirs Of Rosie Lee AKA Rosie Mae Wells If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff, New York City Transit Adjudication Bureau, New York City Parking Violations Bureau, United States Of America On Behalf Of The IRS, People Of The State Of New York “John Doe #1” through “John Doe #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the Subject Property described in the Complaint, Defendant(s). Mortgaged Premises: 118-01 152nd Street Jamaica, NY 11434 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Queens. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Henry J Diggs, Jr., Unknown Heirs of Rosie Lee AKA Rosie Mae Wells Defendants In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Tracy Catapano-Fox of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Twenty-Sixth day of June, 2025 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens, in the City of Jamaica. The object of this action is to foreclosure a mortgage upon the premises described below dated April 16, 2008, executed by Rosie Lee AKA Rosie Mae Wells (who died on November 26, 2020, a resident of the county of Wake, State of Florida) to secure the sum of $544,185.00. The Mortgage was recorded at CRFN 2009000260182 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County on August 18, 2009. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed January 20, 2010 and recorded on February 17, 2010, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2010000054123. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed January 20, 2010 and recorded on February 17, 2010, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2010000054124. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed April 9, 2010 and recorded on May 7, 2010, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2010000154144. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by a gap assignment executed July 31, 2019 and recorded on August 14, 2019, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2019000259681. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed June 3, 2019 and recorded on June 27, 2019, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2019000203029. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed October 8, 2024 and recorded on October 18, 2024, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2024000272507. The property in question is described as follows: 118-01 152nd Street, Jamaica, NY 11434 NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this Foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: July 2, 2025 Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 86477

SYNERGY CONSTRUCTION R

LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 5/22/25. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 10207 Roosevelt Ave., 2nd Fl., Corona, NY 11368, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of TECQ, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/28/2025. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: BRIAN MARMOR, 2325 31ST ST., STE 200, ASTORIA, NY 11105. Purpose: any lawful activities

New leadership and website at the QEDC

Ben Guttmann of Sunnyside replaces Seth Bornstein as executive director

by Naeisha Rose Editor

With a new executive director comes new branding and a new website for the Queens Economic Development Corp.

Ben Guttmann, a Sunnyside marketing executive, educator and author, succeeded Seth Bornstein as executive director of the QEDC, a group dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, on July 1.

“We run a really comprehensive suite of programs to help people start businesses, grow businesses and build innovation across Queens,” Guttmann told the Chronicle. “From education programs to technical assistance to counseling to our commercial kitchens to our entrepreneur competitions — so we do all these wonderful things already and I am really excited to help to continue the work we are doing there and as well as hopefully expand into more programs.”

When asked about the use of artificial intelligence at small businesses, Guttmann said the QEDC offers a number of AI programs.

“AI is certainly a part of what it means to run a business today,” Guttmann said. “My personal view on it, is it can be something that is very useful for a business owner, it can empower you to do a lot of things you couldn’t do before; however, it is not necessarily the be-all-end-all. You still have to be able to have a good strategy, have good ideas, bring things to market and do all the other things that are part of running a small business.”

Guttmann said the QEDC wants to give people the tools to use AI, but also give them everything else that is part of being an entrepreneur.

To highlight entrepreneurship in the World’s Borough, the QEDC has also undergone new branding and a new website.

Ben Guttmann, a marketing executive, is the new executive director at the Queens Economic Development Corp. COURTESYPHOTO

single place ... so that’s news. It’s just a better way of articulating what our mission is.”

To get free business assistance and education from the QEDC, or to learn more about the organization, visit queensny.org.

Guttmann said he is still brainstorming with a team on new program ideas.

“We are going to be exploring different opportunities in the months and years ahead,” he said. “One thing I am particularly excited for is to step up a little bit of our work in cheerleading and championing Queens as the best place to start a business, as the best place to move your business and the best place to spend your money.

“Come here as a tourist and have a great time. All of that is stuff that is part of our mission that I am excited to continue on.”

“I have been in their shoes.”

“I wanted to do a better job of telling our story,” said Guttmann. “We have done so much incredible work in Queens for almost 50 years and we have served thousands of different clients a year. We have helped thousands of people start businesses that employ thousands more than that.”

Guttmann thanked Bornstein, who had been at the QEDC since 1979, for doing a comprehensive job in helping him get up to speed on his new role.

— Executive Director Ben Guttmann, Queens Economic Development Corp.

“Seth was an incredible friend and mentor over the years,” said Guttmann. “I’ve known him for a long time ... I still have his phone number to call him for any questions that I have.”

The QEDC was founded in 1977 and serves about 3,000 people.

Guttmann said he wants to also better connect entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs to all services the QEDC offers.

“We’ve tried to streamline the ‘Get Business Help’ piece,” said Guttmann about the website. “We put all of our offerings in one

Guttmann, who is an entrepreneur in his own right, who co-founded Digital Natives Group, a marketing agency in Long Island City, wants to tell entrepreneurs that he looking forward to helping them.

“I have been in their shoes,” he said. “I started a business and grew a business in Queens and sold it a few years ago. This is the best place to do business, this is the best place to live. I am excited to be there with them on their journey.” Q

PUBLIC NOTICE CSX TRANSPORTATION ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

CSX Transportation invites bids for the Fremont Industrial Track Upgrade Phase 2 Track 6 Extension project. The project consists of the construction of all improvements necessary to construct and extension of Track 6.

Prior to bidding, the contractor must become familiar with all documents and with the project site. For a bid to be valid, contractor must be represented at the on-site pre-bid meeting to be held 10:00 AM Eastern Time, Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at the Project Site. The approximate project site address is 7416 Grand Ave., Elmhurst, NY 11373. Please notify Shawn Higgins, at Shawn Higgins@csx.com of intent to attend the pre-bid meeting so that Contract Documents may be sent prior to pre-bid meeting.

All Pre-bid Meeting attendees are responsible for bringing printed plans and bid documents to their use. There will not be plans or bid documents provided at the Pre-bid Meeting.

All those who attend the Pre-bid Meeting must be properly attired and geared with all necessary protective equipment including hard hat, safety glasses with side shields, laced steel-toed work boots at least 6” high, and hearing protection, no loose jewelry, including rings, may be worn while on Railroad property. No exceptions to these requirements will be allowed.

CSX will receive written sealed bids until the hour of 12 o’clock PM Eastern Time on September 2, 2025 mailed or hand delivered to the office of David Clark, Director Construction Engineering - 19 Depot Street, Walton, KY 41092, for the construction of project designated as “Fremont Industrial Track Upgrade Phase 2 Track 6 Extension.” Prior notice for bid submittal should be sent to David Clark, Director Construction Engineering at David Clark@csx.com.