Queens Chronicle South Edition 01-07-21

C M SQ page 1 Y K SOUTH QUEENS EDITION Serving Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, City Line and JFK Airport

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER VOL. XLIV

NO. 1

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 2021

QCHRON.COM

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

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER VOL. XLIII

NO. 36

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2020

QCHRON.COM

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2021 Page 2

C M SQ page 2 Y K

Mayor expands groups eligible for vaccine New inoculation sites launched in effort to vaccinate 1M in January

by Katherine Donlevy Associate Editor

A Jamaica Hills high school will be transformed into a vaccination hub this weekend as part of Mayor de Blasio’s plan to inoculate 1 million New Yorkers by the end of the month.

Hillcrest High School, located at 160-05 Highland Ave., will administer doses to healthcare workers from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

The site, as well as its counterpart Brooklyn and Bronx locations, is not open to the general public at this time. Additional dates and locations will be added soon.

The city introduced the vaccination hub concept Jan. 4, four days after de Blasio revealed his New Year’s resolution to administer shots to roughly one-eighth of the city population in January. The effort was off to a slow start — an average of 32,258 doses have to be administered a day to achieve the goal, but only 135 shots were given on Jan. 1 — but the city hopes the hubs, as well as other initiatives, will speed up the process.

“Why do we put down on this goal? Because we are convinced we need it and we can do it,” the mayor said Monday.

Nearly 14,873 people have been vaccinated since the first day of 2021 and another 690 have received their second, and final, dose, including RN Sandra Lindsay of Northwell Health, the first to be vaccinated in the coun-

Mayor de Blasio expanded vaccine eligibility and opened additional inoculation sites as part of NYC IMAGE his effort to vaccinate 1 million New Yorkers in January. try. De Blasio hopes to inoculate 100,000 total by the end of the week.

With 119,060 people vaccinated since Dec. 14, the city has used approximately a quarter of its supply. NYC also has 105,300 more vaccines in federal reserve.

The city has also opened two city Health Department Vaccine Clinics in Manhattan and

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Teaching students to be endent independent ers thinkers felong and lifelong ers. learners.

five city Health + Hospital sites across Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx. Officials plan to have 250 vaccination sites operating by the end of the month, which will utilize urgent care and community health centers.

As of Monday, the number of eligible New Yorkers in the city grew to include several new occupational groups: Covid-19 testing

site workers; contact tracers; outpatient and ambulatory care providers; EMS personnel; dentists; medical examiners and coroners; funeral workers in contact with bodily fluids; urgent care providers; physical therapists; specialized clinic staff and NYPD medical staff can get their shots.

Beginning Jan. 11, eligibility will be expanded to home care workers, hospice workers and more nursing home staff.

“We want to keep expanding those categories. The more people that we can reach quickly, the better. The more options we have to spread out the effort and make sure that vaccinations happen where they’re most possible, the better off we will be. Remember: every single additional person who gets vaccinated — one more step towards defeating the coronavirus,” de Blasio said.

Gov. Cuomo expanded state eligibility regulations the same day, adding many of the same groups de Blasio had, as well as dialysis workers, speech therapists, phlebotomists and more.

About 300,000 people across the state have received their first dose, at a rate of 1,539 per 100,000. The state had used about 32 percent of its vaccine stockpile as of Jan. 5, which Cuomo said is not a strong or fast enough distribution rate.

“This is a management issue of the hospicontinued on page 6

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2021 Page 4

C M SQ page 4 Y K YEAR IN REVIEW

2020

SOUTH QUEENS: PART II

South Queens rises to the trials of 2020

Resilient neighbors adapt to the many obstacles posed by Covid

by Max Parrott Associate Editor

Close to the midpoint of 2020, Tropical Storm Isaias served as a sign that this year would not let up on South Queens.

And yet in spite of the numerous layers of hardship, in the late summer, as New York City was able to contain the spread of Covid in a way that returned some semblance of normalcy to the lives of New Yorkers, attention grew around schools, and how to support small businesses and those in need.

But as South Queens began the process of recovery, a second wave of the virus surged, taking root in several of the area’s neighborhood and reminding residents that the city still has a long way to go.

Here’s a look back at what the last six months of 2020 looked like in South Queens.

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July In June, Mayor de Blasio created an initiative allowing restaurants and bars to expand outdoor seating on sidewalks and patios.

Over the next month street and sidewalk space in commercial corridors across the borough became populated with tables, tents and makeshift shelters for diners A look at South Queens, however, made it clear that not every business district was equally compatible with the new normal. While some corridors, like that of Cross Bay Boulevard in Howard Beach, had the luxury of wide sidewalks and busy clusters of restaurants, others have noisy trains overhead or narrow streets, like Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven.

“To be honest the boulevard is more alive than it ever was. Now there are tables outside down the boulevard,” said Cross Bay diner Greg Sinacori of the scene.

As of July, the Woodhaven Business Improvement District did not have the same crowds.

Another win for summer: Rockaway Beach reopened. After a month of keeping it off limits, the mayor sanctioned sunbathers to remain

Jannio Curevas, left, and Janet Ponce help the Woodhaven BID clean up trash piling up as a result of Sanitation cuts.

The Ozone Park Residents Block Association’s effort to provide food for those in need had to FILE PHOTOS BY MAX PARROTT expand rapidly to keep up with neighborhood demand. socially distanced on the ocean shorefront.

In the weeks following the June 23 Democratic primary, as the absentee votes were tallied, it became clear that two new barrier-breaking candidates would go on to the general election on the Democratic line.

Khaleel Anderson (D-South Ozone Park) won the primary to represent the district stretching over Ozone Park, Rosedale and parts of the eastern Rockaways as the youngest black assemblymember ever to be elected to the chamber. Anderson won in November.

“There’s always this idea that, ‘Oh, the left can’t win in Southeast Queens,’” Anderson told the Chronicle. “I am the left.”

Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven), an Indian-American lawyer who lives in Woodhaven, won in her bid to unseat incumbent Mike Miller and become the first South Asian woman to be elected to the chamber. She also won the general.

At the same time, community groups worked furiously through the circumstances to get out the count in South Queens after it became clear that in the Richmond Hill, South Richmond Hill and Ozone Park nexus, 12 Census tracts lagged behind the city average by a considerable margin.

Though those neighborhoods had historically been undercounted as a result of language gaps, a digital divide and a lack of outreach to immigrants, Census workers reported to the Chronicle a heightened government distrust within immigrant communities.

August August started off with a gust. Tropical Storm Isaias swept through New York City early in the month knocking out power for more than 73,000 reported Queens households, more than any other borough.

Southern Queens was especially hard hit by the outages, including thousands of customers who lost power in and around Woodhaven, South Ozone Park, South Jamaica and Laurelton. After 48 hours, Con Edison had only

restored power to 59 percent of households in Queens, where 30,000 customers remained powerless.

Acting Borough President Sharon Lee gathered federal, state and city legislators in front of Borough Hall a week after the storm to call for a full rebate of August Con Edison bills for Queens residents who lost power in the wake of the storm.

As the pandemic and the recession spread to South Queens so did a rise in violent crime. By the end of the first week of August, Woodhaven had become the site of two fatal shootings in less than two weeks. Gun violence spiked in Queens in July. In the NYPD’s Queens South Borough Command, the number of shooting incidents had more than doubled by mid-July compared to the same time period in 2019, according to NYPD Compstat statistics.

In August, another political first was announced. Howard Beach resident and Queens Civil Court Judge Tracy CatapanoFox was nominated by the Democratic Party for the New York Supreme Court, meaning that she was on track to be the first female state Supreme Court justice to be elected from the Howard Beach area.

As the pandemic began to affect the city’s budget and cuts were made to sanitation, the results began literally piling up in South Queens. It took the sanitation garage in coordination with state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) over a month to pick up trash bags that residents had taken the time to organize along the Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Bridge.

Since the Queens West 9 Sanitation garage, which covers Woodhaven, had to reduce its pickups along the Jamaica Avenue business corridor from seven days a week to around three, illegal dumping began increasing.

The Woodhaven BID heeded the call and organized a cleanup. Elsewhere in the borough, Howard Beach, Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park and Jamaica residents all were performing similar efforts to combat similar messes.

September Mayor de Blasio’s announcement that public schools would be reopening in September initiated a standoff between his administration and the principals and teachers unions. After the teachers union threatened a potential strike leading up to the previously planned Sept. 10 full reopening, Mayor de Blasio delayed the reopening until Sept. 21. The deal set up a monthly medical monitoring program that includes random Covid-19 tests for students and staff.

Meanwhile, in South Queens hunger continued to grow. The turnout for the Ozone Park Residents Block Association’s weekly food distribution had nearly doubled over a two-week period in September after the federal CARES Act unemployment benefits had run out for many in the neighborhood.

As the signs of a recession were rippling through the neighborhood, so were efforts behind a recovery. Gov. Cuomo lifted the indoor dining ban at the end of September.

Struggling restaurants were allowed to start serving customers indoors at 25 percent capacity beginning Sept. 30.

When Cuomo announced that casinos and video lottery terminal facilities would be allowed to reopen on Sept. 9 with a 25 percent occupancy limit, the staff of South Ozone Park’s Resorts World Casino breathed a sigh of relief.

The return of the casino marked one of South Queens’ biggest economic generators and employment for many of the casino’s workers, over 80 percent of whom live within a 10-mile radius of the facility.

As the autopsy of the city’s response to Tropical Storm Isaias continued, it was found that 3,370 trees managed by the Parks Department came down during the storm across the city.

South Queens legislators and expert arborists blamed the neighborhood’s massive outages on rotten city-owned trees. The problem extends beyond Isaias. South Queens Community Districts 10, 12 and 13 have consistently ranked as having the most outages for years, according to Community Board 10 Chairwoman Betty Braton.

October By the end of September, the sense of recovery had ebbed as the citywide Covid rate started to spike, with several South Queens neighborhoods especially.

The ZIP codes encompassing Howard Beach and Lindenwood experienced a 213 percent increase in Covid infections over two weeks, the fifth-largest increase in the city. Daily infections in Ozone Park also increased by 200 percent.

Cuomo began a localized response to the upticks in New York City by declaring hot spots. Woodhaven and Richmond Hill were designated a yellow zone, meaning increased testing in schools, and a warning for everyone else without many hard restrictions. continued on page 6

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Trials of 2020 continue in South Queens continued from page 4 By the end of October, city data showed that South Queens had exceedingly low rates of Covid testing. Five neighboring ZIP codes in South Queens were among the 10 areas with the lowest rates of Covid testing in the whole city. Lawmakers and community leaders said their efforts to set up more sites in the area had met bureaucratic resistance.

As cases ticked upward, residents began to organize against rising concerns of public safety and social alienation caused in part by the pandemic. A 23-year-old Woodhaven resident, Michael Pereira, decided to volunteer his time helping neighborhood kids socialize and

Hardik Parekh, a clerk at the Crossbay Express, points to the hole left by a shot FILE PHOTOS BY MAX PARROTT that missed him.

avoid trouble during the pandemic by forming a weekly basketball meet-up at Equity Playground.

Community advocate Joe Thompson brought the Howard Beach Civilian Observation Patrol back to life. Though the group began regular neighborhood patrols in August, by October Thompson had resumed his contact with the 106th Precinct and the recruitment of new members.

November Covid concerns continued to surge in South Queens in November. When the city Department of Health updated its website to show real-time data on Covid positivity rates by ZIP code in the second week of November, it showed that Richmond Hill had the secondhighest seven-day Covid rate in all of New York City, at 4.43 percent.

Meanwhile business continued as usual at the community board level. Howard Beach was one of several neighborhoods that the city had targeted in an effort to help prepare for the next Hurricane Sandy. In November, the Department of City Planning presented a new rezoning plan to Community Board 10, which the board voted in favor of at its December meeting.

Both tragedy and heroism unfolded at the Crossbay Express, an Ozone Park smoke shop, when a disgruntled homeless man allegedly shot Mohmediyan Tarwala, a 26-year-old

Zoom bomber shuts down 102nd meeting

by Max Parrott

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Associate Editor

The new year is off to a rocky start for the 102nd Precinct.

The first 102nd Precinct Community Council meeting of the year was cut short on Tuesday night when a hacker Zoom bombed it, taking over the screen to share pornographic images with all its participants and forcing the precinct to cut it short.

The meeting came after a troubling week for the precinct, which contained the first shooting of the year at the Umbrella Hotel in Kew Gardens. An hour after midnight on New Year’s Day, a triple shooting left a 20-year-old man dead and two other men injured.

“Just an awful situation,” said Precinct Captain Antonio Fidacaro, who described the NYPD’s efforts to track down four suspects in the incident.

Fidacaro clarified that people are still residing and renting rooms in the hotel, which was the scene of a shooting over the summer and slapped with 13 violations from the city in late November following a joint investigation by agencies including

the NYPD, FDNY and the Department of Buildings Fidacaro also described commercial burglaries, grand larceny, phone scams and credit card scams as some of the other crimes in which he had seen a noticeable jump recently.

“What’s very, very concerning are these commercial burglaries that have seen an uptick since the pandemic started last March,” he said.

Fidacaro described a trend in which thieves have targeted cell phone stores to break into, grabbing as many phones and tablets as possible.

Compstat shows one instance of burglary and five instances of grand larceny in the 102nd Precinct for the period from Dec. 28 to Jan. 3.

After Ficardo ended his speech and opened the meeting to questions from community members and comments from newly installed Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven), the Zoom bomber interrupted the meeting, and eventually forced the precinct to shut it down.

Participants were prevented from rejoining the meeting after it was shut down. Q

store clerk, who later died from his injuries. Police Officer Jason Maharaj, an off-duty police officer, happened to be at the scene of the cr i me, where he intervened to wrestle the gunman down a nd d isa r m h i m before he could take a second victim’s life. Local groups later gathered to South Ozone Park residents rally to protest what they deem an unfair honor M a h a r aj’s reimbursement from the city after their houses were flooded with sewbravery at the event age on Thanksgiving weekend more than a year ago. outside the Deshi they had not been reimbursed by the city fairly Senior Center, about a mile from the store.

A group of residents from the neighborThe end of the month dealt a major blow to de Blasio’s school strategy as the rate of peo- hood rallied with elected officials at 133rd ple testing positive for the coronavirus over a Avenue and Inwood Street Nov. 28 to raise seven-day period surpassed 3 percent, trigger- concerns over the way city Comptroller Scott ing the closure of all school buildings. After Stringer’s office has handled the process of Thanksgiving, de Blasio reopened pre-K, ele- reimbursing residents for resulting damages.

And while the transmission of Covid conmentary and District 75 schools. tinued to worsen throughout the month, a light began to appear at the end of the tunnel when December A year after one of the biggest South the first vaccination in the entire country Queens stories of 2019, when raw sewage occurred in Queens. Sandra Lindsay, a critical flooded over 100 houses in South Ozone Park, care nurse from Northwell’s Long Island Jewdestroying basements and belongings and dis- ish Medical Center, received the first vaccinaQ placing residents to hotels, the victims said tion on Dec. 14.

Wider vaccine accessibility continued from page 2 tals. They have to move the vaccine, and they have to move the vaccine faster,” he said Jan. 4.

In an effort to speed up distribution, Cuomo threatened consequences for hospitals that do not dole out vaccinations within seven days of receiving allocations. Those that miss the deadline can be fined up to $100,000 and have their status as a vaccine distributor revoked. The state would then turn to other hospitals that are inoculating patients at a faster pace.

The 200 hospitals that are distributing vaccines across the state have only doled out 46 percent of the allocations they have received over the past three weeks, the governor said. Some have been operating at a consistently high pace, however, including the NewYork-Presbyterian system, which has administered 99 percent of its allocation. Nearby Nassau University Medical Center, by contrast, has only doled out 19 percent of its shots.

“If one hospital isn’t performing, we can use other hospitals and if you’re not performing this function, it does raise questions about the operating efficiency of the hospital. So, we are very serious about it,” Cuomo said.

The governor, who revealed he won’t take the vaccine until it is available to black, Hispanic and poor New Yorker communities, made the announcements hours

Vaccine data to date are available on one NYC.GOV of the city’s Covid data pages. before the mutated UK strain of the virus was detected in upstate Saratoga Springs. It has now been identified in 33 countries.

Cuomo once again called on the federal government to mandate a test for all travelers from outside the U.S. in an effort to stall the new strain’s spread.

For more information on city vaccination sites and eligibility to receive one, visit on.nyc.gov/39iHRaz. The state also launched an “Am I Eligible” app to help New Yorkers determine their eligibility, connect them with administration centers and schedule appointments.

For more information, visit covid19vaccine.

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P After attack, remove Trump?

EDITORIAL

C

an the United States bear even two more weeks of President Trump? That’s a question to ask and answer today, following Wednesday’s attack on the U.S. Capitol, and the democratic republic for which it stands, by mobs of rioters.

Never before in our history has a president pressed his supporters to march on the Capitol in order to thwart the process of presidential succession. Trump did just that Wednesday, clinging to the delusion that he would have won the election two months ago if not for widespread cheating. The result was violence that left one woman dead, members of Congress in lockdown and both the building and our sacred constitutional procedures damaged.

The 25th Amendment allows for a president to be stripped of his duties and powers when he is unable to discharge them, and for those duties and powers to be passed to the vice president. It was used twice on a voluntary, temporary basis when President George W. Bush underwent medical procedures requiring general anaesthesia. Never has it been used against a president against his will but it can

AGE

be, if the vice president and a majority of the Cabinet (or some other body created by Congress) agree.

On Wednesday the head of a major business group representing 14,000 companies publicly asked Vice President Mike Pence to “seriously consider” invoking the amendment and taking over. He will not be the last to do so, even at this late date.

The president’s belief that he won the election, despite the dismissal of all legal claims to that end, and his recklessly telling a crowd to go to the Capitol, despite perfunctory pleas against violence that were too little, too late, arguably demonstrate that he is unable to do his job. And though he only has it for two more weeks, a president can do tremendous damage in that time, as this one did Wednesday.

His mobs fought police, broke windows, invaded the House and Senate chambers as well as the offices of members of Congress and temporarily halted our democratic procedures. When Trump finally put out a video calling on them to stand down, he still stood by his claims about the election.

We may not be able to take 13 more days of this.

LETTERS TO THE Shelter the needy Published every week by

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Dear Editor: I am writing in support of the proposed city shelter for homeless men in Briarwood for 2022, since it is part of Mayor de Blasio’s humane effort to ameliorate the growing social blight of poverty and homelessness. An efficiently run home with supportive psychosocial and occupational services to the needy is a win-win for the individuals as well as for the City of New York.

Local Briarwood business venues and “concerned citizens,” spearheaded by Mr. Caliendo (of Caliendo Architects), have demonized the prospective homeless clients as incorrigible degenerates and criminals. Mr. Caliendo says the shelter as contiguous to current venue The Botanist, a medical cannabis retail shop, is inappropriate. Solution for subliminal marijuana temptation? Mr. Caliendo may evict his own commercial tenant at that site to resolve that possible problem. Alcohol temptation? Let’s evict the Briarwood Liquor & Wine venue, or curtail its seven days of operation of poisoning the community.

The most dangerous elements in this community, however, are the corporate landlords, cooperative boards and developers of unaffordable housing (as with new building at the historic Flagship Diner site) with their vested financial self-interests leading to inflationary rents, Housing Court actions, tenant displace© Copyright 2021 by MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. All rights reserved.

Neither this newspaper nor any part thereof may be reproduced, copied, or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, microfilming, recording or by any information retrieval system without the express written permission of the publishers. This copyright is extended to the design and text created for advertisements.

Reproduction of said advertisement or any part thereof without the express written permission of MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. is strictly prohibited. This publication will not be responsiblefor errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Bylined articles represent the sole opinion of the writer and are not necessarily in accordance with the views of the QUEENS CHRONICLE. This Publication reserves the right to limit or refuse advertising it deems objectionable.

The Queens Chronicle is published weekly by Mark I Publications, Inc.at a subscription rate of $19 per year and out of state, $25 per year.

Periodicals Postage Paid (USPS0013-572) at Flushing, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mark I Publications, Inc., 71-19 80th St., Suite 8-201, Glendale, NY 11385.

City allowed killing in Kew

C

ity Hall has blood on its hands after the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old man outside the Umbrella Hotel in Kew Gardens early New Year’s Day, in New York’s first homicide of 2021.

Of course the triggerman is the person ultimately responsible for the death of Robert Williams, a football star from Southeast Queens who would have turned 21 the next day. But people living in the area, elected officials and this newspaper all had been warning for months that someone was going to end up dead at the motel sooner or later.

We all demanded it be shut down, and the city failed to do the job.

Back in August, area officials wrote the city to say that aside from some recent shootings, “public urination, noise complaints, use of illegal substances in front of the property, littering, loitering, violation of public distancing and mask wearing guidelines” and more were all problems at the Umbrella — which sits across the street from Borough Hall. The 102nd Precinct’s commanding officer, Capt. Antonio Fidicaro, said he had never seen so much violence at a hotel. He had cops outside 24/7 for months, but that didn’t last forever. And City Hall’s response under Mayor de Blasio literally was, “We don’t have time for this.” Eventually a bunch of tickets were issued. Whoopee.

Now de Blasio vows to shut it down. But it was still open Wednesday. Message to the mayor: “We don’t have time to wait for this.”

E DITOR

ment and more homelessness during this global pandemic.

On Saturday, Jan. 2, my homeless friend, Breezy, a young (36) black man of Briarwood, departed in his sleep. If we had a shelter in Briarwood, this probably would have been averted.

May Breezy rest in peace: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. He replied to him, ‘Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’” (Luke 23: 42-43). We shall aspire to higher and nobler values for the dignity of the least of our brothers and sisters.

Joseph N. Manago Briarwood

for middle schools (“Schools racial roulette,” Dec. 31), you wrote most students from grades 6 to 12 will get an even worse education than before Covid-19 hit. Isn’t that the very essence of socialism?

Socialized medicine, socialized education, etc. Those students will get a worse education but they’ll all get a worse education together.

Liberals can’t raise anybody up so they’d rather pull everybody down. But at least they all go down together. A race to the bottom. There’s your socialism doctrine.

Sebastian Mannuzza Long Island City

Socialist schools fail

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Dear Editor: Re Richard Reif’s letter about Mayor de Blasio’s and School Chancellor Richard Carranza’s drive to eliminate academic screening

Dear Editor: Re “What is this crap?” by C.G. Bolwell of Rego Park, Letters, Dec. 31: As Mr. or Ms. Bolwell refers in his or her let-

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Dear Editor: First things first. I’m a Republican, voted for Trump. I would like you to read my reasons for doing so.

We’ve had a president in the White House who is loud, outspoken and rude, who’s named Donald Trump. Trump hasn’t been wellreceived by the elites or the political class of the United States. He’s politically incorrect. No one knows what’ll come out of his mouth. Trump’s not a politician. He’s just a businessman who loves America.

Trump, like myself and many others, believes that we’ve got to stand up and confront the unethical Communist Chinese by negotiating trade deals and other agreements with them from a position of strength and that the most dangerous course of action for our country would be not to confront the Chinese but pursue a peace-at-all-cost approach.

But throughout his term in office, there’ve been a contingent of career politicians, tech billionaires and the media working behind the scenes, colluding together to oust him. They believe that the United States has to acquiesce to the Chinese. China’s at war with the U.S.; pretending they are not merely emboldens them.

When people put down the slogan America First, answer this: Does China put China first?

Do other countries put their country’s interests first? Yes. But if America wants to put America First, too many call us evil. Why? Trump has shown the courage to fight for America. He’s not a statesman but many of us voted for him not for his speaking skills, but for his strength and his fearlessness. It’s better to go down fighting for America than to surrender.

I worry the next president will not be not strong enough and too embedded with the Chinese to stand up against the threat they pose to our country. He’ll give in to them in the name of political expediency and to appease his special interests.

China is at war with us. There are two choices: Stand up and fight or surrender and perish.

Kathleen Schatz Rego Park

©2017 M1P • MIKL-072438

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Dear Editor: Was Cuomo’s Amtrak NY Penn Station Moynihan Train Hall worth investing $1.6 billion?

In 1992, the estimated cost was $315 million. Several years later, it grew to $500 million with the completion date slipping to the late 1990s.

The project failed to add any new track or platform capacity for Amtrak, NJ Transit, LIRR or future Metro North Rail Road service.

How do a majority of LIRR riders enter and exit from destinations east of Seventh Avenue benefit? LIRR trains arriving and departing from platform space farther west to access the new Moynihan Train Hall will result in longer walks for a majority of riders coming east of Seventh Avenue.

What good is a new ticket office? Most LIRR riders continue to purchase tickets via Mail & Ride, ticket vending machines or various apps. In coming years, new fare collection technology will be coming on line.

Staffed ticket windows will go the way of the dinosaurs.

These funds would have been better spent reopening the old Hilton Passageway (indoor connection from Penn Station to the Herald Square subway and PATH complex) along with long-overdue repairs to the Portal Bridge, East River and Hudson River tunnels. Improvements supporting safety and reliability of service should have come first.

Larry Penner Great Neck, LI The writer is a transportation historian, advocate and writer who worked for 31 years for the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office.

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Dear Editor: For the new year, I would like to see equality in all aspects of life. I would like the politicians to stop using the inequality of race for their political gains. Fix the problem for once and for all. After the year we have gone through, it is time for peace and equality for all. Peace, prosperity for the new year!

Maria Concolino Woodhaven

Term-limit governors

Dear Editor: Gov. Cuomo’s current term of office expires on Dec. 31, 2022. If he runs for re-election, and wins (although I certainly hope not), he will have been elected to a fourth term of office.

Thirty-eight of the 50 states have term limits for governor. This includes our neighboring states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. Why doesn’t New York?

I am well aware of the argument, “There are already term limits because a governor might lose.” The argument is totally specious. An incumbent governor might be so popular, and any the opponent could be so weak (See the gubernatorial election in 2018 for example), that the incumbent would be a shoo-in.

New York State governors should be limited to two terms in office.

I don’t know if it is too late, but I strongly urge the state Assembly and Senate to strongly consider this matter.

Richard Barry Bayside

S

My wish for 2020

LOCATED IN THE LINDENWOOD SHOPPING CENTER

LA

ter to people who shun their personal garbage, let me remind you that people are slobs not pigs! If that were the case, then what would you call elephants who like to roll around in a mud bath as do pigs as a reason to relieve themselves of heat and flies?

Between animal abuse and just trying to stay alive, these animal species have enough to contend with without your name-calling and references. Please leave them alone, and just refer to the fact that people are just disgusting in their personal hygiene habits, and not to dignify it, with another species, other than your own.

Joan Silaco Queens Village

E DITOR

Page 9 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2021

LETTERS TO THE

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2021 Page 10

C M SQ page 10 Y K

Ozone Park seeks justice for hit-and-run Rally pushes NYPD to make arrest in wake of Rita Persaud’s death

by Max Parrott Associate Editor

Elected officials, religious leaders and Ozone Park residents gathered outside the 102nd Precinct in Ozone Park last Saturday, over a week after a hit-and-run killed Indo-Caribbean vocalist Ritawantee “Rita” Persaud, to demand that the NYPD find the driver who fled the scene of accident.

“This person’s recklessness caused the death of our dear Auntie Rita and there hasn’t been an arrest since. So today we’re asking to pool all our resources, all our energies to endure that this doesn’t end up being a cold case,” organizer Aminta KilawanNarine said at the rally.

Persaud, 54, was taking an Uber ride in a black Toyota Camry Dec. 24 when the 50-year-old driver of the vehicle was hit by a man driving a Lamborghini Urus SUV carrying a passenger from the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Uber driver, the Lamborghini passenger and Persaud were taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where the former two were listed in stable condition and Persaud was declared dead. The Lamborghini

driver fled the scene on foot.

The Hindu community in Queens has been shaken by the death of Persaud, who became well-known in New York and Guyana for singing devotional music at various mandirs in New York and her work teaching her art form to young people.

The rally reflected Persaud’s religious passion. The Pandit Manoj Jadubans, the leader of Persaud’s house of worship, Shaanti Bhavan Mandir in Jamaica, led the crowd in a prayer near the beginning of the event.

“We are obviously saddened and hurt and broken but we still have a strong resolve to ensure there’s justice for her — that senseless death and lack of compassion by running away — that’s not a society and ideals we grew up in,” said Persaud’s cousin, speaking on behalf of her family.

A number of elected officials attended the rally to reiterate the urgency of apprehending the individual who fled the scene.

“We want to send a clear message to the perpetrator that you need to turn yourself in. It’s only a matter of

Around 100 people rallied on Jan. 2 to urge the NYPD to arrest the man who fled the scene of Ritawantee Persaud’s death on Christmas Eve. PHOTO BY RENEE K PRODUCTIONS

time,” said Borough President Donovan Richards, who said that he had a conversation with the police commissioner about how important it was for the community. He said that Commissioner Shea assured him that the NYPD is focused on the case.

Councilwoman Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica), recently appointed as the City Council’s Public Safety

chair, forcefully condemned the a c t ion s of t he d r ive r of t he Lamborghini.

“I thank the 102nd Precinct because I know that you will attain justice for this coward that killed a pillar of our community,” said Adams.

Area Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) hastened the efforts

of the NYPD to catch the driver. “[Persaud’s family members] need to feel a sense of urgency that something is being done to get to the bottom of this to apprehend, to indict and convict the person who is responsible for her death,” he said.

Around 100 people attended the rally holding signs with Persaud’s photo and calling for a stronger police response.

After the politicians spoke, 102nd Precinct Capt. Antonio Fidacaro, the commanding officer, addressed the crowd and assured them that he was listening to their concerns.

“The entire community needs to understand that we are taking this case with extreme urgency,” said Fidacaro.

Kilawan-Narine said that she had talked to the precinct leader previous to the event and was able to open a line of communication between police and the family of the deceased.

A nyone with infor mation on the d r iver of the Lamborghini who took the life of Persaud is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477) or visit Q nypdcrimestoppers.com.

Clashing over the future of education After city crosses 9% threshold, Cuomo allows schools to stay open

by Max Parrott

United Federation of Teachers called on the DOE to follow through on the governor’s summer guidance and transition As schools reopened for the new year to fully remote learning for all NYC on Monday, the city Department of public schools. By Wednesday afterEducation has reported that over 100 noon, over 5,000 people had signed a buildings have closed as a result of posipetition it circulated on the issue. tive Covid test results.

Many parents, however, believe that As of Sunday, 100 had closed for 14 schools should remain open, arguing days and another 30 closed for a their low positivity rates prove that 24-hour period, according to the DOE’s there is little communal spread, and Covid case map. By Tuesday evening, thus safe for students. Jean Hahn, a 14-day closures increased to 103 and Rego Park parent and administrator of 24-hour shutdowns to 35. Of those, 41 the Queens Parents United group, told schools are located in Queens. An interthe Chronicle that she agreed that active map accessible from schools.nyc. schools should stay open. gov shows closures all over Queens “The mayor has provided a choice from Whitestone to Rockaway. [for parents]. The ones that are conThe winter has brought a surge in cerned about safety have the remote cases and deaths from the virus in New option. The ones that want to send their York City. By Wednesday, the citywide students to school are ones that need it.

Covid seven-day positivity rate rose to They are essential workers. They are 9.25 percent.

According to guidance that the state A total of 138 schools have closed citywide either for 14 working families — low-income — that created over the summer, a 9 percent days or 24 hours as of Tuesday evening. Of those, 41 are can’t afford to lose their job and don’t seven-day average is the benchmark in Queens.

NYC DOE IMAGE want to be on welfare,” said Hahn.

She added that the DOE should be that would trigger a regional school system closure. But Gov. Cuomo walked that it can show the school community’s Covid evaluating other criteria that were set over limit back at his Monday press conference rate to be lower than the rest of the the summer to reflect the most up-to-date research about Covid transmission. A group when he said that for counties over the 9 population.

In response to the city crossing the 9 per- calling itself #KeepNYCSchoolsOpen sent percent positivity rate, it would be up to the school district to decide whether to close if cent threshold, the Solidarity Caucus of the out a press release Monday morning echo-

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Associate Editor

ing that idea.

It called on the mayor to revise the administration’s rule that two unlinked cases will require an entire building to shut down for 14 days, to take into consideration the size of the school.

The group argued that a substantial increase in school-based testing has made some of the closures unnecessary.

At a Monday morning press event, asked about schools that had switched to remote learning for two weeks following the holiday break in order to give students a chance to quarantine, Mayor de Blasio said that he believed it was the right decision to return to in-person learning Jan. 4.

“We’re confident based on the standards we put in place,” he said. He reiterated that of 100,000 students, teachers and staff who got tested across the entire school system since the early December reopening, the positivity level was 0.68 percent.

UFT President Michael Mulgrew raised concerns last week that the results of the school system’s testing efforts contain too many adults, and not enough students. He said the system would need more testing to open middle schools.

“More testing is only going to prove there’s less communal spread [in schools],” Q said Hahn.

C M SQ page 11 Y K

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Violent crime rises in Queens in 2020 Shootings skyrocket, but murder increase far below citywide totals

by Michael Gannon Editor

Crime trends in Queens for 2020 correlated closely with those in the city as a whole in a few categories but varied widely in others, according to statistics compiled from the NYPD’s CompStat pages.

The statistics used are through Dec. 27 with the exception of Queens murders, which are through Dec. 31. The NYPD was expected to release official end-of-year-numbers some time this week.

In Queens, major, or so-called index, crimes were up approximately 5 percent while crime in the city as a whole was down just under 1 percent.

Queens saw 75 murders in 2020 as opposed to 69 last year. The total includes the shooting death of Queens Village resident Sean Vance, 26, on Sutphin Boulevard in Jamaica just before 7:30 on New Year’s Eve, what for now is the last classified homicide in the city for the year.

But the numbers pale beside the 41 percent increase in the city as a whole. The Daily News reported there were 462 murders, as opposed to 319 in 2019, saying shootings were at their worst level in 14 years.

The sharpest increase in homicides in Queens was in the 101st Precinct in the Rockaways, which went from two in 2019 to 10. The largest drop came in the 113th Precinct in South Jamaica, where killings dropped from 15 to eight. Three precincts in Queens recorded zero murders, including the 112th, based in Forest Hills, which also had none in 2019. The 104th Precinct in Ridgewood fell from four to zero and the 107th in Flushing fell from two to zero.

The 106th Precinct in Ozone Park also saw a drop from five to three. The 102nd Precinct in Richmond Hill (five), 105th in Queens Village (eight), 108th in Long Island City (two), 109th in Flushing (three), 111th in Bayside (one) and 115th in Jackson Heights (11) all were level from a year ago.

Shooting incidents in the borough rose from 125 to 236. Shooting victims nearly doubled from 148 to 211.

A number of index crimes saw major dropoffs in the borough. Rapes fell from 342 to 305. Grand larcenies dropped from 7,901 to 7,227. Robberies, which ticked down slightly throughout the city, increased slightly in Queens, from 2,469 to 2,496. Felony assaults rose slightly from 4,168 to 4,186.

Queens had many of the same crime problems that the city experienced in 2020, though its increase in murders was far lower than the 41 percent citywide total.

Auto theft skyrocketed in the borough, rising from 1,514 in 2019 to 2,457. Burglaries also were up significantly in Queens, rising from 2,418 to 3,182.

As of Dec. 27, the city recorded 1,855 shooting victims for the year, a staggering 103 percent increase. Shooting incidents were

up 97.4 percent to 1,518.

Rapes in the city were down 19.4 percent and grand larcenies down by 18.5 percent.

But the increase in burglaries in Queens mirrored the trend citywide, as incidents rose 41.4 percent. Car thefts jumped 66.9 percent Q from 5,351 to 8,931.

Sanders to challenge COIB ruling and fine Senator says trips as councilman were senior activities and not gifts

by Michael Gannon

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Editor

State Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-South Ozone Park) is inviting the city’s Conflicts of Interest Board to defend its allegations that he as a city councilman took improper gifts from a Rockaway nonprofit in court.

“A real court,” Sanders said Wednesday during a conference call with Queens media.

The COIB in a report issued Tuesday ruled that Sanders received improper gifts for himself and family members including trips to a resort at the Poconos, items from the resort’s gift shop and dinner cruises from the Margert Community Corp. between 2009 and 2012.

Sanders said all were activities that were arranged to enrich the lives of senior citizens in his district.

Margert specializes in affordable housing and housing preservation.

A $15,000 fine accompanies the ruling.

“While he was a Council Member, a nowformer Council Member [Sanders] accepted 18 valuable gifts from a not-for-profit organization that was doing business with the City, including by receiving $841,000 in discretionary funding sponsored by the Council Member,” the COIB said in a press release. Council members are typically prohibited from accepting gifts in excess of $50 in value.

The press release included a three-page rul-

ing by the COIB and a allegations.”

21-page recommendaThe COIB release tion by Administrative stated that Sanders Law Judge K a ra a c c e pt e d g i f t s of Miller. accommodations at “[Sanders] testified Woodloch Pines in that the Woodloch getHawley, Pa. aways and the dinner Sanders said all cruise were organized were on over night to provide recreational trips for seniors in the activities for seniors in district paid for by his district,” Miller Margert “to make sure wrote in concluding seniors can enjoy their her recommendations. lives,” Sanders said.

“But, [Sanders] “I’ve also arranged for manipulated the situafree concerts. [The tion to repeatedly and COIB] called them self-servingly use City parties. Parties can be funds as a windfall for frivolous but concerts? his family and The Parks Department himself.”

State Sen. James Sanders Jr. plans to fight a does them.”

Miller recommend- ruling that he violated ethics rules as a city Sanders said the ed the $15,000 fine. councilman — and the $15,000 fine that trips, while paid for by Sanders said he is comes with it.

PHOTO BY PETER C. MASTROSIMONE Margert, were planned in the process of draftby his office staffers, ing an Article 78 appeal. He served in the City who made the arrangements, negotiated prices Council from 2002 to 2012. for volume discounts on rooms and accommo“The moral arc of the universe is long but it dations and handled other details. bends toward justice,” Sanders said, quoting the In response to a question from the Chronicle, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. “Nowhere has that Sanders said while Margert focuses on housing been more true than with these slanderous issues, it was not improper to reach out for

funding for senior recreation as it also provides community development services.

In regard to family members taking the trips, Sanders said some of the excursions had up to 300 seniors.

While he did have some staffers participate as chaperones on the trips, he said with a staff of about six people he also needed some to stay home and keep his office running.

He said booking the trips on weekdays made them less expensive, but left him short on chaperones.

“What do you do? You lasso members of your family,” he said.

Sanders said in accepting reimbursement for items he bought at the resort’s gift shop, he said gifts were given out to seniors during contests and other social gatherings and that he would have sought reimbursement if he spent his own money.

Sanders’ assessment of his testimony differs radically from that of Miller.

“I would encourage the media to get a copy of the trial administrative record,” he said. “I made a point of putting all of this information in the record.”

The senator also dismissed a report on the matter in Wednesday’s New York Post. “[Residents] are aware of my record of serving the people for many years,” Sanders Q said.

C M SQ page 13 Y K Page 13 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2021

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NYPD: Four wanted for hotel shooting Mayor wants site to close though some say he waited much too long

by David Russell Associate Editor

Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying four suspects in connection with the city’s first homicide of the year.

The Umbrella Hotel — criticized by Kew Gardens residents, elected officials and police throughout 2020 as a major danger to the community — was the site of a triple shooting a little more than one hour into the new year. One victim died.

“We’re working diligently to get these guys,” Capt. Antonio Fidacaro, commanding officer of the 102nd Precinct, told the Chronicle Monday, adding, “We’re just trying to focus in on who they are and try to arrest them as fast as we possibly can.”

He said police are still investigating if the victims were previously known to the suspects. The shooting followed an argument between two groups, with the commander saying police are trying to figure out how it started.

Fidacaro said officers were heading to the hotel moments before the shooting in response to a 311 call when the incident occurred. He said the reason for the call was not known.

The precinct had a 24-hour patrol outside the hotel for several months last year but it was discontinued. Police are discussing how to protect the area into the future.

“As far as what the actual deployment is going to be, that’s something that we are working on,” Fidacaro said.

The Guardian Angels volunteer crime prevention group led by Curtis Sliwa said it would patrol the area starting Monday.

“One bad location can destroy a neighborhood,” Sliwa told the New York Post. “It’s got to stop.”

Robert Williams was killed the day before his 21st birthday in a Jan. 1 shooting at the Umbrella PHOTO COURTESY NYPD Hotel in Kew Gardens. Police are looking for the four men above.

The hotel, located near the offices of the borough president and district attorney, was ripped by many in recent months for crime and quality-of-life issues.

“City Hall’s failure to act in a timely manner resulted in this preventable and atrocious tragedy,” Assemblyman Daniel Rosenthal (D-Flushing) said in a statement last Friday.

Rosenthal said back in October that a colleague was told by a top City Hall official “We don’t have time for this.”

Mayor de Blasio said during Monday’s press briefing that he instructed his team to close the hotel, which he called a blight on the community, immediately.

“We’re checking, obviously, all of our

legal powers here to make sure what we do is legal and appropriate, but I want it closed,” he said.

The hotel was still open as of Wednesday morning.

Rosenthal and Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) said the mayor’s response “comes on the heels of a preventable murder” and that the solution should have come much sooner.

“While the mayor has taken the first steps towards a solution, we must continue to stay vigilant and hold him accountable until the hotel is shut down,” they said.

Community leader Ethan Felder, a frequent critic of the hotel, told the Chroni-

cle Tuesday that de Blasio’s announcement is “a major victory for Kew Gardens” but one that was “bittersweet ” given the circumstances.

“The fact that the mayor chose not to act in the summer was met with tragic results,” Felder said, adding, “There’s a lot of harm and pain that was felt by many in the community leading up to this announcement for the past year. A lot of fear.”

Last Friday’s shooting victim Robert Williams was killed the day before his 21st birthday. Friends and family held a vigil for him Saturday in Springfield Gardens.

“I pray that my son’s soul is at peace,” CBS reported his mother, Robin, saying. “I pray for those cowards that killed my son, shot his friend and others because their families are going to suffer also.”

Community activist Tony Herbert added, “I say to those cowards right now, do us a favor, turn yourself in. Turn yourself in and save us the expense of having to chase you down.”

Williams had been a championship quarterback and captain for the Rosedale Jets Football Association.

A 40-year-old man shot in the torso, arms and legs was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and is in critical condition.

Another 20-year-old man was shot in the left leg and taken to NewYork-Presbyterian Queens in stable condition.

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 (CR IMES) and then entering TIP577, or by going to @nypdtips on TwitQ ter. All tips are strictly confidential.

Elmhurst bomb scare deemed a hoax: NYPD Right-wing extremist, 22, reportedly turned himself in

by David Russell For the latest news visit qchron.com

Associate Editor

The NYPD’s Bomb Squad gave the Queens Place mall in Elmhurst the “all clear” after a scare led to several blocks being closed off and the mall being evacuated Monday morning.

At around 8 a.m. officers from the 110th Precinct responded to a Tesla parked on the ramp of the mall with a bottle of lighter fluid hooked up to wiring that went into the trunk, precinct commander Capt. Jonathan Cermeli told the Chronicle.

Officers could not see into the vehicle, which was covered by newspapers and a Black Lives Matter poster.

“We had the bomb squad come and go to the vehicle,” Cermeli said.

The mall was evacuated as a precaution.

The NYPD announced shortly after 11 a.m. that it was a hoax device.

“It looks like it was a hoax meant to scare people but it was nothing that could have went off,” Cermeli said. “There was no explosive device.”

The NYPD tweeted that officers rescued a Siberian husky that was trapped inside the vehicle.

People began going back into the mall shortly before noon Monday, according to Cermeli.

Louis Shenker of Amherst, Mass., was arrested in Brooklyn early Tuesday and charged with placing a false bomb or hazardous substance in a mall or arena, criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree and abandonment of a disabled animal.

The New York Times said Shenker had been interviewed by the FBI in December due to threats he made while livestreaming during an anti-mask protest in Staten Island.

Shenker was arrested in late December for fourth-degree criminal mischief and two counts of fifth-degree arson for allegedly burning a poster affixed to an NYPD barricade, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. He was arraigned Jan. 1 and the ADA recommended supervised release, which was granted by the judge. The charges in the case are not bail eligible.

Videos on Twitter show Shenker allegedly yelling at Black Lives Matter protesters and being placed in handcuffs in front of a BLM vigil.

NBC News reported that he appeared on the webcast InfoWars in December and pushed conspiracy theories about the 2020 election, Covid and a plot to take over the world. He also pushed internet rumors about the Covid vaccine including a plot featuring the Chinese government, Bill Gates, George Soros, the Clintons and Dr. Anthony Fauci. Q

This husky was trapped inside a Tesla thought to possibly contain explosives on Monday NYPD PHOTO / TWITTER morning.

C M SQ page 15 Y K

Mayor de Blasio signed two bills Tuesday expanding protections for fastfood workers in the city.

The bills, passed in December by the City Council, protect workers from being fired without “just cause� or a bona fide economic reason.

Councilwoman Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) bill prohibits fast-food restaurants from terminating employees or reducing their hours by more than 15 percent absent economic reasons, such as the full or partial closing of the restaurant, or technological or organizational changes brought on by a reduction in sales or profits.

The measure also requires layoffs to take place based on seniority, with the last hired being the first fired.

Councilman Brad Lander (D-Brooklyn) wrote the bill requiring just cause for termination in writing, such as failure to perform the job’s duties or misconduct.

The laws are aimed at chains with 30 or more locations. They will take effect 180 days after being signed. “These bills will provide crucial job stability and protections for fast-food workers on the front lines,� de Blasio Q said.

Covid rates soar in South Queens Area surpasses the rest of the borough in positivity

by Max Parrott Associate Editor

As the city’s seven-day Covid positivity jumped from 6.92 percent on Monday to 9.25 by Wednesday, South Queens has remained near the top of the city’s infection rate.

Three neighborhoods in the area have surpassed the rest of the borough in Covid positivity.

Richmond Hill/South Ozone Park’s 11419 ZIP code had climbed to the third-highest rate of Covid in the entire city at 15.71 percent. Three surrounding ZIP codes 11420, 11416 and 11417, encompassing Ozone Park and South Ozone Park, had also ascended to be the nexthighest rates in all of the borough — all with rates hovering near or above 15 percent.

After that area, Flushing and Murray Hill had the highest rate i n Q ueens at 13.9 percent positive.

The South Queens area has continuously contained some of the highest Covid rates, ever since they started to tick up

Lines wrap around the block next to the Richmond Hill testing site prior to Thanksgiving after the neighborhood had seen high Covid spread.

FILE PHOTO BY RACHEL SHERMAN

across the city in the month of October.

Contributing to the problem, city data showed by the end of October that the Ozone ParkR ich mond Hill area had exceedingly low rates of testi ng. Five neig hbor i ng Z I P codes in South Queens were among the 10 areas with the

RANKED-CHOICE VOTING

lowest rates of Covid testing in the whole city. The efforts of Cou ncilwom a n Ad r ien ne Adams (D-Jamaica) to set up more sites in the area had met bureaucratic resistance.

Finally in mid-November, the city opened a testing site at the Lefferts Library at 103-34 Lefferts Blvd. The site is open

1

2

seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with molecular and a nt ig e n t e s t i n g ava i l a ble , although the Health + Hospitals website says that rapid testing may be limited.

As the second wave spread through the area, residents have pu zzled about why Covid’s spread in those neighborhoods have surged ahead of the rest of the borough.

Kamini Doobay, an emergency medicine resident physician at NYU Langone Medical Center and Bellevue Hospital who lives in the area, pointed out back in October that housing in the area tends to be in small hou s e s t h at of t e n q u a r t e r between four to eight people instead of apartment buildings with lower density units.

Cou ncil m a n Er ic U l r ich (R-Ozone Park)has also opened up his Rockaway office at 11412 Beach Channel Drive in Rockaway Park to create a testing site on Mondays and Tuesdays except for Jan. 18 for the rest of the month of January. Q

3

4

Page 15 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2021

More fast-food job security

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3LFN \RXU Č´UVW FKRLFH FDQGLGDWH DQG Č´OO LQ WKH RYDO QH[W WR WKHLU QDPH XQGHU WKH VW FROXPQ Î&#x2013;I \RX KDYH D VHFRQG FKRLFH FDQGLGDWH Č´OO LQ WKH RYDO QH[W WR WKHLU QDPH XQGHU WKH QG FROXPQ <RX FDQ FKRRVH WR UDQN XS WR FDQGLGDWHV â&#x20AC;˘ You can still vote for just one candidate and leave the other columns blank â&#x20AC;˘ You can only choose one candidate for each column â&#x20AC;˘ You cannot rank the same candidate more than once NYC RANKED CHOICE VOTING

For the latest news visit qchron.com

In 2021, the city of New York will use Ranked-Choice Voting for all NYC primaries and special elections.

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2021 Page 16

C M SQ page 16 Y K

Man hospitalized after GOP’s maskless party SLA suspended host restaurant’s liquor license, finding four violations

by Katherine Donlevy Associate Editor

A guest began showing symptoms of Covid19 two days after attending the Whitestone Republican Club’s holiday party, which featured few masks and lots of touching. He was hospitalized not long after.

“It was a wonderful time and a great party, but I’m not happy I got sick,” James Trent told the Queens Eagle Dec. 30 from his North Shore University Hospital room. The Whitestone Republican Club confirmed the infection the next day via Facebook, but added that his hospitalization was “purely precautionary.”

The Republican club fell under heavy fire after a video depicting its guests dancing without personal protective gear was circulated nationally — former Assembly District 26 candidate James Martinosky can be seen wielding a hefty Trump flag and leading a conga line before City Council District 19 candidate Vickie Paladino jumps ahead. Only one person in the background of the video can be seen wearing a mask.

Trent, the chairman of the neighboring Queens Village Republican Club, said he hadn’t participated in the dancing and largely kept to himself at the Dec. 9 party. A spokesperson from the Whitestone club said Trent was the only attendee to test positive for the virus. Another couple was rumored to be

A viral video captured former state Assembly candidate James Martinosky leading a conga line at the Whitestone Republican Club’s holiday party, an attendee of which was hospitalized with MATT BINDER SCREENSHOT / TWITTER Covid-19 days after the festivities. infected, but have since tested negative.

Trent’s GOP chapter had celebrated its own holiday party at a Floral Park restaurant just one week earlier. It’s not clear if he contracted the virus at the gala or if any other attendees had tested positive. The Queens Village club could not be reached for further details.

“After everything that we have learned about this virus, and how it does not spread

significantly from asymptomatic carriers, the frenzy over this one event is mind-boggling.

Especially when many other political clubs and organizations have held similar gatherings in NYC and across the country,” the Whitestone Republican Club spokesperson told the Chronicle in an email, adding that the focus should be on crime, violence, homelessness, economic shortfalls and other afflictions rather than their

holiday party. In the days following the release of the video, the club, via Facebook, encouraged people to make their own decisions regarding precautionary measures and to not blindly follow directions by politicians.

The widespread and mostly negative interest sparked by the video prompted a Dec. 23 investigation by the State Liquor Authority into Il Bacco, the Little Neck restaurant that hosted the party. The eatery was shut down and had its license suspended the next day.

“During a follow-up inspection, investigators found flagrant violations of indoor dining regulations and existing health safety and Alcoholic Beverage Control laws, while verifying the maskless party depicted in the video did in fact occur,” spokesperson William Crowley said in a statement. “This summary suspension should send a strong message that we have zero tolerance for establishments that put New Yorkers’ health at risk.”

The SLA said it found four violations: patrons dining in a fully enclosed rooftop structure; staff not wearing masks properly; multiple safety violations, such as nonworking emergency exit lights, improperly stored propane tanks, noninspected fire extinguishers and more; and that the owner’s son confirmed that he was present at the party and the video was accurate. continued on page 22

For the latest news visit qchron.com

FDNY: Fire fatalities Mobile betting could drop 5 percent in ’20 finally come to NYS Fire deaths in New York City dropped by 5 percent in 2020, according to a statement issued by the FDNY on Tuesday.

Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro, in his statement, said the 63 civilian fire deaths in 2020 were three fewer than in 2019.

Nigro said it marks the 15th consecutive year there have been fewer than 100 firerelated deaths, continuing an unprecedented period in New York City history.

“While 2020 was filled with tremendous pain for our department, with 12 of our members lost to Covid-19, this year also demonstrated once more the unwavering bravery and tremendous resilience of the FDNY,” Nigro said.

“Our EMTs and paramedics faced the busiest period in EMS history during the height of the pandemic, responding day and night to thousands upon thousands of calls for help, with the utmost professionalism and care for their patients. Our firefighters raced into burning buildings as they have for 155 years and continued to reduce the number of lives lost to fire. The life-saving efforts of all our members during this horrific year — especially as so many of our members themselves battled

by David Russell Associate Editor

Fire deaths in the city fell the second PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON straight year.

Covid-19 — are truly remarkable.”

The deadliest year in New York City for fires was 1970, when 310 people died in them. The lowest total deaths in recent years was 48 back in 2016. The top causes of fatal fires last year were determined to be electrical (28), smoking (12), incendiary (6) and cooking (4).

“2020 was a year unlike any other — but New Yorkers know that no matter what’s thrown at them, New York’s Bravest will answer the call and keep them safe,” Mayor de Blasio said. “We should all be proud of this achievement, and I’ll stand with FDNY to help make even more Q strides on fire safety in 2021.”

Gov. Cuomo will back mobile sports betting in the state after years of holding out, the Daily News reported Wednesday.

In December he said he would be open to fully legalizing online sports betting for the first time.

“New York has the potential to be the largest sports wagering market in the United States, and by legalizing online sports betting we aim to keep millions of dollars in tax revenue here at home, which will only strengthen our ability to rebuild from the Covid-19 cr isis,” he said in a statement.

In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that each state could decide whether it would allow sports betting. New York legalized it but wagers can only be done in-person at casinos throughout the state. While other states jumped into mobile betting, New York sat and watched from the sidelines.

But with the state facing a looming budget deficit, New York may now get in on the action.

State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and Assemblyman Gary Pretlow

(D-Mount Vernon) sponsored legislation to move mobile betting forward in the state.

Addabbo said it’s something that should have happened even before Covid.

“But now we are really in dire need of the revenue and educational funds that come along with mobile sports betting,” he told the Chronicle Wednesday.

A February report released weeks before the start of the Covid crisis by market researcher firm Eilers & Krejcik estimated that New York was losing out on between $203 and $286 million per year from not allowing mobile betting, and New Yorkers wagered $837 million in New Jersey in 2019.

New Jersey reached more than $900 million in total sports betting handle for the month of November, bringing in $50.6 million in revenue. “Our people are going to Jersey at a time during the pandemic when you want people to stay safely in their own state,” Addabbo said. “You don’t want them traveling.”

In October, more than $800 million was wagered, with more than 90 percent of the Q bets made via mobile apps.

C M SQ page 17 Y K

Astoria Gas Turbine Power LLC, a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc., has submitted an application to modify its previously approved project and replace existing combustion turbines at the Astoria Gas Turbine Generating Facility with a new state-of-the-art simple cycle combustion turbine. The Facility is located on a 15-acre site at 31-01 20th Ave., Astoria, Queens County, New York.

Ripped Israeli politics; Richards names others on incoming staff

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Governor’s Executive Order 202, the public information meeting will be held virtually.

Date: January 21, 2021 Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm

by David Russell Associate Editor

One of Borough President Donovan Richards picks for deputy borough president will not serve in the role after tweets critical of Israel he posted surfaced.

Richards tweeted Monday that “for professional and personal reasons” Michael Hurwitz, an attorney and social worker, would not serve in the role after he was named to the job last Sunday.

One tweet from 2019 defended U.S. Rep Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) after her comments on pro-Israel lobbying group American Israel Public Affairs Committee. “#IlanOmar speaks the truth, that AIPAC $$ influences votes in [Congress],” the tweet said, according to the New York Post.

Another tweet called Israeli politician Naftali Bennett a “cancer to Judaism” and said he wasn’t welcome in the country following the shooting that killed 11 people at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pa. in 2018.

Hurwitz’s Twitter account now is private.

He could not be reached for comment.

Hurwitz spent 14 years as director of food access and agriculture at GrowNYC. Richards named several other members of his leadership team last Sunday.

Rhonda Binda was also appointed deputy borough president. An attorney who served in both the Obama and Clinton administrations as a U.S. diplomat and in the West Wing, she also has been an executive director of the Jamaica Business Improvement District. She campaigned for President-elect Joe Biden.

“As a woman of color, it is also important to me that Queens Borough President Richards is committed to ensuring that women continue to have a strong voice in our government and community, and that in his appointments he has sought to honor the

Webcast Link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/wd73k4vy Participant Toll-Free Dial-In Number: (877) 359-9508 Conference ID: 7840617 YOUR ATTENDANCE IS IMPORTANT • Learn more about the Project • Ask questions and comment on the Project • Discuss your concerns • Learn about the environmental review process and opportunities for public comment

Page 17 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2021

Would-be deputy BP backs out over tweets

YOU ARE INVITED TO A PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING ABOUT THE ASTORIA REPLACEMENT PROJECT

Attendees are encouraged to submit questions throughout the meeting and time will be set aside at the end to answer questions. Questions or comments concerning the Project also may be submitted via email, phone, or regular mail to: Astoria Replacement Project P.O. Box 7 Albany, NY 12201-0007 astoria.project@nrg.com (718) 274-5180

Borough President Donovan Richards named members of his incoming leadership team last FILE PHOTO Sunday. great progress made by the last four borough presidents, all women who led and moved our communities forward,” she said.

Franck Joseph II will serve as chief of staff and senior advisor. As deputy commissioner for the NYC Commission on Human Rights, he oversaw the agency’s community relations bureau, bias response team, public education efforts and programming. Prior to that he was chief of staff to Richards when Richards was a councilman.

Breeana Mulligan will serve as director of communications for Richards. She previously served as a spokesperson under Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Manhattan), for mer City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Councilman Q Paul Vallone (D-Bayside).

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â&#x20AC;˘ Eat more whole foods. Whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains and fish, contain various nutrients the body needs to function at peak capacity.

These foods may help reduce the risk of many diseases and help people maintain healthy body weights.

Start slowly by introducing a new whole food to your diet each day. A gradual approach is more manage-

able than going on a drastic diet. â&#x20AC;˘ Avoid sweetened beverages.

You are what you eat, but also what you drink. A report published in recently in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, particularly carbonated soft drinks, may be a key contributor in the epidemic of overweight and obesity.

Skip sweetened beverages (even fruit juices can be unhealthy if consumed in excess) and opt for more water or unsweetened teas. â&#x20AC;˘ Find a physical activity you like. Rather than resolving to join the gym or signing up for a 5K because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what everyone is doing, find a physical activity you truly enjoy and aim to do it a few times a week. Maybe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a sport like tennis or recreational cycling with the family. But if the idea of a gym membership excites you, then by all means sign up.

Avoid restrictive health and wellness resolutions that can be unsustainable. By downsizing expectations and taking small steps en route to your goals, you may be more motivated to stay the course Q and realize your resolutions. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Metro Creative Connection

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C M SQ page 19 Y K

Four questions about Social Security that can help you plan retirement

by Nilsa Henriquez Social Security benefits are part of the retirement plan of almost every American worker. If you’re among the many people covered under Social Security, you should know what your future benefit may be.

These monthly payments may be a vital part of your retirement income.

We base your benefit payment on how

much you earned during your working career. Higher lifetime earnings result in higher benefits. If there were some years you didn’t work or had low earnings, your benefit amount may be lower than if you had worked steadily. Even if you have never worked under Social Security, you may be able to get your spouse’s retirement benefits if you are at least 62 years old and your sp ous e receives retirement or disability benefits.

Our online retirement portal at ssa.gov/retirement is a great place to start mapping out your retirement plan. There, we provide important information that you should know. For example, have you considered: • When you should apply to start retirement benefits?

• What documents you need to provide?

• W hich factor s may affect your retirement benefits?

• What you should remember to do after you apply for retirement benefits?

You can use your personal my Social Security account at Nilsa Henriquez ssa.gov/myaccount to get an instant estimate of your future retirement benefits. You can also see the effects of starting your retirement benefits at different ages.

Benefits for family members may also be impor tant to you. When you star t receiving Social Security retirement benefits, members of your family may also qualify to receive benefits on your record.

You can learn more at ssa.gov/benefits.

Please share this information with family and friends to help them prepare for P retirement.

Nilsa Henriquez is a Social Security Public Affairs Specialist located in Queens.

Five ways ssa.gov can save you time

by Nilsa Henriquez The Social Security Administration’s online tools and services save you time and make your life easier. Often, there’s no need to contact us. Here are five of our webpages that can make your life easier: 1. With your own personal my Social Security account, you can request a replacement Social Security card, verify your earnings, get future benefit estimates, obtain benefit verification letters and more at ssa. gov/myaccount.

2. Need answers to your Social Securityrelated questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page at ssa.gov/faq.

3. You can complete and submit your online application for retirement benefits in as little as 15 minutes at ssa.gov/benefits/retirement.

4. Access our publications library with online booklets and pamphlets, including audio versions, on key subjects at ssa.gov/ pubs.

5. Check out our blog for Social Security news and updates at https://blog.ssa.gov.

Please share these pages with your friends P and family.

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2021 Page 20

C M SQ page 20 Y K YEAR IN REVIEW

2020

MID QUEENS: PART II

Covid vaccine makes its way to Queens

Borough sees a tropical storm, shutdowns and a new president

by David Russell The city was still battling Covid hard at the start of the summer but by the end of the year there was some light at the end of the tunnel as vaccines began to be distributed.

A tropical storm tore through the borough in August, the worst since Hurricane Sandy eight years earlier.

Former Borough President Claire Shulman died in August and former Mayor David Dinkins died in November. Both were in their 90s.

Borough President Donovan Richards was inaugurated in early December and former Vice President Joe Biden defeated President Trump in an election that set the record for voter turnout.

July A statue of the Blessed Mother at Cathedral Preparatory School and Seminary in Elmhurst was vandalized with the message “Idol” on the statue. The graff iti was cleaned off several hours later.

Vincent Maltese, brother of former state Sen. Serphin Maltese, died at 86. A familiar face in the community, he served on the Ridgewood Community Board of Directors.

He was also a member of the Italian Charities of America, in addition to several other groups.

Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton) got the Democratic nomination for borough president as former Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley conceded the primary.

Crowley was in second place in a five-person field and determined she would not be able to make up the difference as absentee ballot counting continued.

Mayor de Blasio signed into law a six-

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Atlas Park in Glendale after 14 years in business at the mall.

Tom Seaver, the greatest Met in team history, died Aug. 31 at age 75 from complications of Lewy body dementia and Covid-19.

The right-handed pitcher, known as “The Franchise,” leads the Mets with 198 wins, a 2.57 ERA, 2,541 strikeouts, 395 games started, 171 complete games and 44 shutouts. He won three Cy Young awards and led the Miracle Mets to the 1969 World Series title.

Associate Editor

Dr. Eric Wei of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst injects healthcare worker William Kelly with the Covid vaccine. Kelly and Veronica Delgado became the first two healthcare workers vaccinated FILE PHOTO at the public hospital considered to be the “epicenter of the epicenter.” measure NYPD Accountability Package, which included the criminalization of the department utilizing chokeholds.

More than 30 boxes of food meant to feed the needy were found dumped on the side of an underpass in Middle Village. The city’s Sanitation Department, in charge of transporting the food, called it “unacceptable.”

Legal advocate Juan Ardila announced his campaign for the City Council seat held

by Councilman Bob Holden (D-Middle Village). Ardila worked as an office manager for Councilman Brad Lander (D-Brooklyn), at the International Rescue Committee, which provides humanitarian aid, and as a

Members of the NYPD paid tribute to two officers killed in the line of duty around 100 years ago during a ceremony at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Maspeth. Robert Henry Holmes and Ale Swider FILE PHOTO BY DAVID RUSSELL were remembered on National Thank a Police Officer Day.

consultant for the Department of Education.

Ardila later picked up an endorsement from the Working Families Party.

The Rev. Francis Hughes of St. Pancras in Glendale was charged with one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography after allegedly sexting with a teenager.

The FBI also said he admitted to a separate sexual encounter at a high school.

August Tropical Storm Isaias ripped through Queens on Aug. 4, causing the second-biggest power outage in Con Ed’s history, behind only Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

Det. Thomas Bell of the 104th Precinct retired after 21 years on the force, the last 20 in the Ridgewood-based command.

Former Queens Borough President Claire Shulman died at 94 after a bout with cancer.

Shulman, the first woman to hold the post, served from 1986 to 2002. She was praised for improving housing, healthcare, infrastructure and the arts.

“No one loved Queens more than Claire Shulman, and in turn, she was widely respected and deeply loved,” said Acting Borough President Sharon Lee. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum reversed its decision to cancel the annual Tribute in Light display, following pressure from several councilmembers and backlash from constituents. The museum said the two columns of light would not shine this year due to pandemic concerns. Ten city councilmembers, including Holden, Peter Koo (D-Flushing) and Paul Vallone (D-Bayside), wrote a letter to President Trump asking for assistance to erect the tribute. Gov. Cuomo announced that the state would provide health personnel to allow the display to happen safely.

Shiro’s of Japan closed at The Shops at

September On National Thank a Police Officer Day, two off icers killed in the line of duty around 100 years ago were remembered at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Maspeth. Tribute was paid to Robert Henry Holmes, the second black NYPD officer in the department’s history, who was shot in 1917, and Ale Swider, who died from injuries sustained riding his motorcycle in a collision with a taxicab in 1923.

Deputy Inspector Victoria Perry departed as commander of the 104th Precinct, moving on to commanding officer of community affairs. Capt. Louron Hall, previously commander of the 100th Precinct, replaced Perry.

Ramon Pena was indicted on murder charges for a June hit-and-run crash that killed 25-year-old Hamlet Cruz-Gomez in Middle Village.

Around 40 members of the community rallied in Maspeth to call on Holden to run for mayor in 2021, while 20 counterprotesters arrived and criticized the lawmaker.

Holden, who did not attend, said he would instead seek re-election for his City Council seat.

The lease on the library at Atlas Park in Glendale, which had been closed since midMarch, expired at the end of the month and was not extended. Construction on the library about 10 blocks away on 73rd Place is expected to be completed in spring 2021.

Officer Baimadajie Angwang of the 111th Precinct was arrested by the FBI on charges of acting as a Chinese spy.

Indoor dining reopened in the city at the end of the month at 25 percent capacity.

October Our Lady of Hope in Middle Village held its blessing of the animals. About 50 canines, a handful of felines and at least two hamsters were sprinkled with holy water, with the event held on the Feast of St. Francis, the Catholic patron saint of animals.

Former Councilman Tom Ognibene was commemorated with a garden at Juniper Valley Park. Councilmen Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) and Holden helped make the tribute to one of their mentors a reality.

On the same afternoon at the park, Columbus Day was celebrated, with elected continued on page 21

C M SQ page 21 Y K Page 21 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2021

Postponement but no Covid pause for Johnnies A plethora of postponements has plagued the college basketball season and St. John’s had to call off its game against DePaul last Saturday less than an hour before tip-off.

A Covid-related issue was given as the reason and speculation began that the Red Storm would have to pause activities for two weeks.

But it turned out testing irregularities were the cause following testing of tier one personnel, which includes players, coaches, athletic trainers and physical therapists, medical staff, equipment staff and officials.

The Johnnies announced Monday they would resume team activities and Wednesday’s game at Xavier was on.

“While the decision to postpone Sunday’s game was a tough one, we remain confident that we made the right choice,” SJU Athletic Director Mike Cragg said. “To be sure, we are equally relieved and thrilled that follow-up testing has delivered good news and that we’re set to resume our schedule.”

Head coach Mike Anderson added, “Our kids and our fans have been tremendous in their patience and understanding of this obvi-

ously sensitive issue. We can’t wait to get back on the court and continue with the season.”

It’s been a season that makes fans check the schedules each day. Seton Hall has played 12 games, including six in conference. DePaul has played three, going 0-2 in Big East play.

The postponements were to be expected, as they have been in other sports. The NCAA lowered the minimum number of games to qualify for the tournament to 13 in light of possible cancellations.

How St. John’s will respond after a long layoff remains to be seen.

A game in late December against Villanova was also postponed with the schools allowing students to go home for the holidays.

The 17-day layoff is the longest in-season delay for the Red Storm since December 1994, when St. John’s had no games because of final exams. Before that, the last 17-day layoff came in 1937, the first season under legendary coach Joe Lapchick.

In the time between Red Storm games, the football Giants saw unlikely playoff dreams dashed and the Jets won enough to cost them-

Mid Queens in ’20

November For mer Vice President Joe Biden became the president-elect, defeating President Trump in a hotly contested election.

Richards became the first black man elected Queens borough president, defeating Republican Joann Ariola and Dao Yin of the Red Dragon Party.

Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) defeated Republican Thomas Zmich, and state Sen.

Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) beat Republican Tom Sullivan. Republican Jenifer Rajkumar triumphed over Republican Giovanni Perna in the 38th Assembly District.

Sal and Vittorio Bommarito retired after running Home Service Beer Corp. in Glendale for 35 years. Holden, Addabbo and Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Woodhaven) gave citations to the duo.

NYC Health + Hospitals /Elmhurst unveiled a mural in its lobby, celebrating frontline workers and the community.

Members of the Elm Community Charter School broke ground on its new location at 79-20 Queens Blvd. in Elmhurst.

Holden, Councilman Mark Gjonaj (D-Bron x), Myr tle Avenue Business Improvement District President Ted Renz, Queens Chamber of Commerce President Tom Grech and Small Businesses Commissioner Jonnel Doris toured Glendale businesses. Elected officials and business owners raised issues during the year about fines being imposed, sometimes with contradicting advice from city agencies.

“It was bad before,” Gjonaj said. “Now it’s worse.”

City schools were closed as the rate of people citywide testing positive for the coronavirus over a seven-day period surpassed the 3 percent rate de Blasio set for triggering the closure of all school build-

selves the top pick in the draft. The Knicks have become a scrappy team with a winning record.

Rutgers is the best college basketball team in the tri-state area, being ranked No. 11, its highest since 1976. And actress Tanya Roberts of “A View to a Kill” fame was reported dead twice.

More than two weeks ago, St. John’s won a Big East contest after three defeats. They made 13 three-pointers, including 10 in the first half in a victory over Georgetown.

Anderson’s Johnnies were considered by many to be a defense-first team but, despite

the 1-3 conference record, led the conference with 82.6 points per game heading into Wednesday night.

As a refresher, as of Wednesday sophomore guard Julian Champagnie led the team with 20.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.

Greg Williams Jr., Vince Cole, Isaih Moore and Posh Alexander all averaged in doubledigit scoring, with the latter leading the team with 4.2 assists per game.

Now the Red Storm will find out if they Q can shake off the rust in 2021.

ings. The closure forced all hybrid students to adopt an all-remote learning schedule.

Music club Blackthorn 51 closed its doors after eight years in Elmhurst, though owner Nicki Camp said he would like to open in the area down the line.

David Dinkins, the first and thus far only African-American mayor in city history, died at 93. Dinkins, who embraced New York City as a “gorgeous mosaic” was mayor from 1990 to 1993.

A Toyota was swallowed by a sinkhole in Maspeth on Thanksgiving morning.

Nobody was in the vehicle that made national news with the car going vertical before being removed several hours later.

December Richards was inaugurated as borough president at Borough Hall.

Dahe Lin, 77, was sentenced to 21 years in prison for manslaughter. The Ridgewood senior stabbed his daughter-in-law in the neck in March 2019.

Public schools welcomed back 3-K through fifth-grade students two weeks after the city shifted to full remote learning.

Looking to limit Covid spread, Cuomo closed indoor dining in city restaurants, though other par ts of the state were allowed to continue at 25 percent capacity.

Veronica Delgado and William Kelly became the first two employees at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst to be injected with the Covid vaccine, though some officials wondered why Northwell LIJ Medical

Borough President Donovan Richards defeated former Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley FILE PHOTO in the Democratic primary.

Center in Glen Oaks received it first.

Hall of the 104th Precinct addressed noise complaints in the area, including loud music from cars and loud engines.

The commander said Patrol Borough Queens North has a drag racing task force out from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with one officer from each precinct responding to whichever area is having an issue.

Holden announced he will run for reQ election for his Council seat in 2021.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

continued from page 20 officials and community residents coming out to celebrate Italian heritage.

A reputed founding member of the Always Banging Kings street gang, Bill Lavayen, pleaded guilty to attempted assault in a 2017 knife attack at White Castle in Elmhurst, District Attorney Melinda Katz announced.

Middle Village business owners voiced concerns about constant inspections from city agencies. One business owner, for example, said visits from the Department of Health and Department of Buildings went fine, and then an inspector from Consumer Affairs wrote a summons for not having distancing tape on the floor.

Two Ridgewood youngsters, Jacob Altamarino and Jamie Longo, were honored with citations by the borough president for their work in helping distribute food and feminine hygiene products in the area.

St. John’s returned to action Wednesday after a 17-day layoff, the longest in-season break for PHOTO COURTESY ST. JOHN’S ATHLETICS the team in 26 years.

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2021 Page 22

C M SQ page 22 Y K SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Index No. 2851/2013 STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT – COUNTY OF QUEENS GMAC MORTGAGE, LLC (SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO GMAC MORTGAGE CORPORATION), Plaintiff, -vs- THE HEIRS AT LARGE OF JEROME BRADLEY, deceased, and all persons who are husbands, widows, grantees, mortgagees, lienors, heirs, devisees, distributees, successors in interest of such of them as may be dead, and their husbands and wives, heirs, devisees, distributees and successors of interest of all of whom and whose names and places are unknown to Plaintiff; ANTHONY BRADLEY; ANTHONY BRADLEY A/K/A ANTHONY T. BRADLEY; DEBORAH BRADLEY; JEROME BRADLEY, JR.; DONNA BRADLEY; ANGELICA BRADLEY; JEROME RODWAY; DEWEY CHESTER; NAKISHA CHESTER; KARISA SHORT; BARON BRADLEY; JAMAL BRADLEY; JAMAL BRADLEY A/K/A JAAMAL BRADLEY; BARRY BRADLEY; HOUSEHOLD FINANCE CORP. III; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; CITY OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU PAYMENT AND ADJUDICATION CENTER OF QUEENS; CRIMINAL COURT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK; “JOHN DOE” AND “JANE DOE” said names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein, Defendants. Mortgaged Premises: 119-48 193RD Street, Saint Albans, NY 11412 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. Your failure to appear or answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you, unless the Defendant obtained a bankruptcy discharge and such other or further relief as may be just and equitable. 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 to 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 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. These pleadings are being amended to include the Heirs at Large of Jerome Bradley, deceased, Deborah Bradley, Donna Bradley, Jerome Bradley, Jr., Angelica Bradley, Anthony Bradley a/k/a Anthony T. Bradley, Jerome Rodway, Dewey Chester, Nakisha Chester, Karisa Short, Baron Bradley, Jamal Bradley, Jamal Bradley a/k/a Jaamal Bradley, and Barry Bradley as possible heirs to the Estate of Jerome Bradley, deceased. These pleadings are being further amended to include United States of America and Criminal Court of the City of New York as a party defendant.

QUEENS designated as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the location of the mortgaged premises.

Dated: January 28, 2020 Mark K. Broyles, Esq. FEIN SUCH & CRANE, LLP, Attorneys for Plaintiff, Office and P.O. Address 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, New York 14614, Telephone No. (585) 232-7400, Block: 12648 Lot: 30 NATURE AND OBJECT OF ACTION The object of the above action is to foreclose a mortgage held by the Plaintiff recorded in the County of QUEENS, State of New York as more particularly described in the Complaint herein. TO THE DEFENDANT, the plaintiff makes no personal claim against you in this action. To the above named defendants: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of HON. Wyatt N. Gibbons of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, dated November 4, 2020 and filed along with the supporting papers in the QUEENS County Clerk’s Office. This is an action to foreclose a Mortgage. ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, known and designated as Lot 30 and the southerly 7 feet of Lot 31 in Block 11 on a certain map entitled “Map of property belonging to St. Albans Park Co., 4th Ward, Borough of Queens, New York City, surveyed 8-1906 by E. W . Conklin C.S.” and filed in the Office of the Clerk (now Register’s) of the County of Queens on 10-25-1906 as Map No. 214, bounded and described according to said map as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the southwesterly side of Park Place (now known as 193rd Street) distant 453 feet southeasterly from the corner formed by the intersection of the southwesterly side of Park Place with the southeasterly side of St. Marks Avenue (now known as 119th Avenue); RUNNING THENCE southwesterly at right angles to Park Place, 100 feet; THENCE southeasterly parallel with Park Place 36 feet to the boundary line of said map; THENCE northeasterly along said boundary line of said map, 100.02 feet to the southwesterly side of Park Place; THENCE northwesterly along said side of Park Place 33.22 feet to the point and place of BEGINNING. Mortgaged Premises: 119-48 193RD STREET, SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412, Tax Map/Parcel ID No.: Block: 12648 Lot: 30 of the BOROUGH of QUEENS, NY 11412. 69312 Notice of Formation of Malave Consulting Group LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/04/2020. 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: MALAVE CONSULTING GROUP LLC, 6615 WETHEROLE ST., APT C7, REGO PARK, NY 11374. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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Decorator donates to local firehouse

by Max Parrott Associate Editor

Michael Giglio, resident “megadecorator” and one of the grand prize winners of the Howard Beach Christmas Light Fight, has donated $480 to the West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Department that he collected from visitors to his holiday light mecca.

The decoration hobbyist has been setting up extravagant displays for most of his adult life. He previously worked as a supervisor for Macy’s Herald Square, which puts up a Santa Claus Palace every year.

As it happens, his home on Rau Court is located near the firehouse. He’s collected donations for at least five years, and apparently this year, with the advent of the Howard Beach Dads light contest, he was able to deliver his biggest ever haul of donations to the fire station.

WHBVFD Chief Nick Spinelli said that all donations go directly to operational expenses for the fire station.

“He’s been a big help this year, especially with Covid-19 we haven’t been able to do our nor mal fundraisers,” said

Michael Giglio’s Christmas decorations bring visitors from across the city. FILE PHOTO Spinelli.

Normally the station is able to organize drives and a karaoke night that help cover the water and electricity bills and insurance for the fire trucks, but its fundraising this year has been extremely limited due to the virus.

Those interested in making donations to the firehouse can do so online at facebook.com/WHBFDNY/ or can sign up to donate a percentage of their purchases on Q Amazon through a Smile account.

Celebrating MLK with jazz Flushing Town Hall is celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day a little early this year with a January Jazz Jam. The free Jan. 13 event will be available on the town hall’s Facebook page or via Zoom beginning at 7 p.m.

The event is part of the institution’s ongoing Virtual Jazz Jam: Celebrating the Legacy of Louis Armstrong, led by Carol Sudhalter. Jazz musicians from across the world will play tunes reflecting the pursuit of racial justice in honor of King, who had held a deep appreciation for music in his life.

“Jazz speaks for life. The blues tell the story of life’s difficulties, and if you think for a moment, you will realize that they take the hardest realities of life and put them into music, only to come out with some new hope or sense of triumph,” he once wrote.

Musicians interested in participating can email education@flushingtownhall. org with the three- to four-minute tune they intend to play. The performance can be live or a pre-recorded audio or video, though not professionally edited. Selection Q is on a first-come, first-served basis.

SLA suspends Il Bacco license continued from page 16 The SLA-imposed Emergency Summary Suspension will remain in place indefinitely.

Il Bacco can face a maximum penalty of up to $10,000 per violation and/or permanent revocation of its liquor license.

The Whitestone Republican Club spokesperson could not reveal if any fines had been issued to the party-goers. In another Facebook post, the club said the regulations were attempts to stifle the people’s freedoms.

“There are clearly two camps people have broken into during this challenging time.

One that believes that people should be

forced into compliance with recommended guidelines under threat of force by official penalty and retaliation. The second believes that people should be responsible to decide for themselves how to protect their health and how much risk they are willing to assume, just as we do with most other personal risk decisions in our society,” the Dec. 31 post said.

“We clearly fall into the second camp.

Defending our personal liberties is paramount in a free society, and no one should be penalized, shamed, or ostracized for how Q they choose to live their life.”

ARTS, C ARTS CULTURE & LIVING

Journeys into art

Art history maven Mary Dono doesn’t just go over individual works and talk about various movements like romanticism and impressionism when she teaches her free online courses for the Queens Library. She wants you to get to know the artists themselves, and how their works evolved over time as they themselves changed.

“My focus has been, since the beginning, on the lives of the artists, not just the art,” Dono said. “I’m interested in the people.”

Dono, who has been teaching various art history classes for the library for several years, is offering one starting online tomorrow, Jan. 8, at 2 p.m. and continuing each Friday through the end of the month, that will focus on the Wyeth family.

For more than 10 0 years the Wyeths — starting with illustrator N.C. Wyeth and continuing with his son, the painter Andrew Wyeth, and his grandson, the painter Jamie Wyeth, along with other family members — have been acclaimed figures in American art. Dono will go deep into both their works and the

dynamics both within and without the family that influenced them in her class.

“The appeal of Mary’s programs is that she makes it real,” said Madlyn Schneider, the library’s older adult and homebound services coordinator, who oversees Dono’s classes and others. “It’s not just looking at a work of art and discussing it — she talks about the background of the family and makes the art more alive for people looking at it.”

The Wyeths led interesting lives indeed. N.C. was an outdoorsman who grew up on a farm and was best

known for his vivid book illustrations, many for tales of adventure such as “Treasure Island” and “Robin Hood.”

His son Andrew was a realist painter whose 19 4 8 wor k “Chr is t ina’s World,” depicting a neighbor who was disabled but refused to use a wheelchair and crawled everywhere she went, is considered one of the best-known American paintings of the 20th century. Andrew’s son Jamie is also a renowned painter, one who after six years of school asked to be tutored at home so he could focus on art. Said to have a broader artistic continued on page 25

For the latest news visit qchron.com

by Peter C. Mastrosimone

Learn history and do your own painting with the Queens Library

Page 23 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2021

January 7, 2021

C M SQ page 23 Y K

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2021 Page 24

C M SQ page 24 Y K

boro

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

King Crossword Puzzle Marty Ingels: FoHi kid became TV comedy regular

ACROSS

1 Nile vipers 5 Cistern 8 Sprint 12 Guitarist Atkins 13 -- -de-France 14 Formerly 15 Antelope’s playmate 16 Its days are numbered 18 Degree of excellence 20 Endures 21 “Nova” airer 22 Lass 23 Regions 26 Volcanic crater 30 “Entourage” agent 31 Branch 32 Felon’s flight 33 Trinidad music 36 Fountain drinks 38 Fine, at NASA 39 Marry 40 Dishonor 43 Actor Rory 47 Squid dish 49 Big fair, for short 50 “Oops!”

51 Drench 52 Peruse 53 Facts and figures 54 Guitar master Paul 55 Tolkien creatures

DOWN 1 Outlet letters 2 The Mets’ old home 3 Rind

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

4 American flag feature 5 Bad habits 6 Winged 7 Aviv preceder 8 Disney duck 9 &&&& 10 Ella’s style 11 Towel word 17 Israeli airline 19 Small ammo 22 Leg, in slang

SPORTS

23 Efron of “Parkland” 24 Man-mouse link 25 Zero 26 -- -Magnon 27 Right angle 28 Squealer 29 Early hrs.

31 Request 34 Motorcycle maker 35 “The Raven,” for one 36 Actor Gibson

37 Stick 39 Is patient 40 Gulf War missile 41 “Funny!”

42 Oodles 43 Manitoba tribe 44 They can take a yoke 45 -- the crack of dawn 46 Agrees silently 48 Piercing tool

Jacob “Jack” Ingerman married Minnie Crown on Oct. 20, 1928 in Brooklyn. Their first son, Arthur, was born March 9, 1931.

Five years later to the day on March 9, 1936 their son Martin was born.

They originally lived in Brooklyn. After World War II Jack, who sold auto accessories on Queens Boulevard in Briarwood, decided to move the family to a garden apartment at 108-22 63 Road in Forest Hills.

They moved into a larger two bedroom apartment in a six-story building at 88-04 63 Drive in Rego Park later in the early 1950s.

Arthur, the brains of the family, went on to become a medical doctor. Martin decided to go another way — into theater acting and sketch comedy writing. Aunt Mary, Jack’s sister, was married to New York City Mayor Abe Beame.

Martin changed his name to Marty Ingels and, along with John Astin, had a breakout hit TV show, “I’m Dickens, He’s Fenster,” playing a wacky construction repairman.

After his first marriage failed, Ingels married Oscar-winning actress Shirley Jones in 1977.

The home of Marty Ingels at 88-04 63 Drive in Rego Park when it was a tree-lined street circa 1950. Inset — Forest Hills High School INSET PHOTO VIA FHHS Class photo of 1954.

He became litigious during his career, always suing someone or being sued himself, and although active in TV, he never matched his earlier success. He passed away at age 79 on Oct. 21, 2015 in Tarzana, Calif., a part of Los Angeles named after the Tarzan books. Q

Answers on next page

BEAT

Cohen’s Twitter candor

by Lloyd Carroll Mets owner Steven Cohen has scored points with fans for being active on Twitter. Anticipating the blowback he’d get from the Flushing faithful for not trading prospects to acquire American League Cy Young Award-winning pitcher Blake Snell from the Rays the way the Padres did, Cohen tweeted “News flash: The Mets farm system needs to be replenished.”

Cohen was rightfully taking a shot at the general manager he fired when he bought the team, Brodie Van Wagenen, who was fond of trading top prospects for meager returns.

Keep the candor coming, Steve.

“Jets Postgame Live” on SNY has been needed therapy for frustrated Jets fans thanks to the candid comments of panelists and former Jets players Bart Scott and Chad Cascadden, along with anchor Jonas Schwartz, who has nicely steered this ship for five years. As if Jets aficionados haven’t had enough bad news in recent years, SNY has opted not to renew Schwartz’s contract. That’s a shame because Schwartz has been with SNY since 2008. To his credit he has never insulted the intelligence of his viewers by sugarcoating a team’s poor performance or such engaging in meaningless airtime-killing devices as engaging in insipid debates on topics like “Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James,” which have become de rigueur on too many SNY programs.

Another familiar face missing from the New York area sports television scene is longtime Brooklyn Nets analyst Jim Spanarkel. The YES Network has decided to part ways with him and has replaced him with former New York Daily News NBA columnist Frank Isola. I hope YES executives will allow Isola to freely use his quick wit the way Nets play-by-play man and Forest Hills High School alum Ian Eagle does.

After years of dormancy, HBO Sports is back in the documentary game. In November it aired “Wild Card: Downfall of a Radio Loudmouth” about WFAN drivetime air personality Craig Carton. Just before Christmas HBO debuted “Under the Grapefruit Tree,” the life story of recently retired Yankees pitcher and future Hall of Famer Carsten Charles “CC” Sabathia.

Unlike past HBO Sports docs that actor Liev Schreiber narrated, Sabathia himself serves as our guide through his life. What is most surprising about “Under the Grapefruit Tree” is how Sabathia was able to hide a severe drinking problem from Yankees players, executives and the usually crackerjack New York sports media for years. The fact Sabathia was always affable and approachable added to the shock when the public discovered he had to go into rehab in order to save his life. We also learn how a cardiac issue detected in late 2018 nearly cost him his life. Q See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com.

Limited time only Expires 3/31/21

BESP-078606

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Chronicle Contributor

C M SQ page 25 Y K

by Katherine Donlevy associate editor

If “doing more reading” is one of your New Year’s resolutions then you’re in for a treat — one of the few positives to come out of 2020 is the plentiful number of good reads and page turners released throughout the year. Here are just a few to indulge in: American Dirt, by Jeanine Cummins An award-winning and Oprah Winfrey Book Club-endorsed title, the novel follows the life of a Mexican woman forced to escape as an undocumented immigrant to the United States with her son after her journalist husband angers a drug cartel kingpin. The story was initially met with praise, but also sparked controversy over the fact that a white woman was writing about Latin migrant struggles. The novel, released last January, was successful despite the mixed reviews and was one of the bestselling books of the year. It has also been optioned for a film adaptation.

Ready Player Two, by Earnest Cline This science fiction thriller was released nearly a decade after its predecessor but the story picks up just 10 days after the first one left off. The sequel continues to follow teenaged Wade Watts in the not-so-far-off

2045, in which America is gripped by an energy crisis, global warming and economic stagnation. A popular virtual reality gamer, Watts uses advanced artificial intelligence to at first escape the dystopian world, but later creates his own technology to better it.

Like the original, Ready Player Two is set to be a movie directed by Steven Spielberg sometime in the future.

The Guest List, by Lucy Foley Mystery fans know that the best thrillers open with a perfect scenario begging for disruption, which is exactly what Foley delivers. A successful, happy power couple and their guests have traveled to a remote island off the coast of Ireland for their wedding and everything is perfect except for spotty cell service. But as the story progresses the weather turns dangerous and the guests turn nasty. Foley promises plenty of revealed secrets and that one guest won’t leave the wedding alive.

Interior Chinatown, by Charles Yu Through use of a screenplay structure, the novel tells the story of struggling actor Willis Wu, whose roles typically fall within the “generic Asian man” category. He plays background characters in police dramas, but wishes to be a world-famous “Kung Fu

Page 25 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2021

Open the new year by opening a new book

Plenty of good reads across a variety of genres and topics were released in 2020, PEXEL.COM including memoirs, mysteries and made-up universes.

Guy,” much like Jackie Chan. The novel criticizes the lack of on-screen representation for Asian-Americans in general American art that doesn’t reduce the actors to model minority stereotypes. Hilarious and heartbreaking at times, the novel was a National Book Awards 2020 for Fiction winner.

A Promised Land, by Barack Obama The 44th president’s memoir is the first

of a planned two-volume series and focuses largely on his political career, though the first 200 pages are dedicated to his early life. The massive book, 768 pages, covers the first three years of his presidency, notably his 2009 Novel Peace Prize award and his work with the United Nations. The memoir ends with Obama meeting with the Navy SEAL team who killed Osama bin Q Laden in May 2011.

Free courses get up close and personal with artists

Crossword Answers

need help using the program may email Schneider at mailabook@queenslibrary.org.

The programs are geared toward seniors but are open to anyone. Several others are either underway or coming up soon. All are listed in the calendar at queenslibrary.org, which is searchable. They include: • Creative Aging: Finding Your Flow, a craft program using watercolor and color theory to mix art with relaxation and meditation, taught by Jill Ackiron Moses Jan. 11 and 25 at 1 p.m.; • Creative Aging: Your Heart, another craft program taught by Moses Feb. 12, 19 and 26 at 2 p.m.; • Café des Artistes: A Look at Modern Art, taught by Jennifer Katanic of the Museum of Modern Art Jan. 12, 19 and 26; Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23; and March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 3 p.m.; • Creative Aging: Beginning Watercolor, taught by Karen Fitzgerald Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28; Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25; and March 4, 11, 19 and 26 at 11 a.m.; and • Creative Aging: Beginning Ukulele, taught by Nancy Hincliffe Jan. 14, 21 and 28; and March 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 12 p.m.

“We work with The Whitney, Queens

Mary Dono, left, teaches a variety of art history classes for the Queens Library and tomorrow will start one on three generations of the Wyeth family. Their works range from N.C. Wyeth’s illustrations for “Treasure Island,” top left, to his grandson Jamie Wyeth’s “The Islander.” On the cover: “Christina’s World,” by Andrew PHOTOS COURTESY MARY DONO Wyeth, Jamie’s father.

Museum, Brooklyn Museum and The Intrepid Museum to bring art and art history to the homebound and to those newly finding themselves homebound due to Covid and

lockdowns,” Schneider said, adding that “there is a full calendar of educational programming designed to keep minds engaged Q and learning.”

For the latest news visit qchron.com

continued from page 23 reach than his forebears, he is now 74.

After the Wyeth classes, Dono, a retired teacher and principal of PS 92 in Corona, will teach one on Feb. 5 about several black artists, as part of Black History Month. In March, Women’s History Month, she’ll teach a three-week course called “Female Artists who Made History with their Modern Art.” All the courses are held online using WebEx. Those who are interested but may

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2021 Page 26

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Merchandise For Sale

DISH TV $59.99 For 190 Channels $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Certified Teacher will tutor Included, Free Voice Remote. remotely or in person, in Math, Some restrictions apply. Call Science, Social Studies & SATs, 1-888-609-9405 very reasonable, 718-763-6524 Get DIRECTV! ONLY $35/month!

155 Channels & 1000s of Shows/ Movies On Demand (w/SELECT All Included Package.) PLUS Stream on Drive Out Breast Cancer: Donate a Up to FIVE Screens Simultaneously car today! The benefits of donating at No Additional Cost. Call DIRECTV your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup 1-888-534-6918 —24hr Response Tax Deduction —Easy To Do! Call 24/7: Classified Ad Deadline is 12 Noon 855-905-4755 on Tuesday for Thursday’s paper.

Tutoring

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www.dental50plus.com/nypress MB17-NM003Ec

The Generac PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today.

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Merchandise Wanted LOOKING TO BUY Estates, gold, costume jewelry, old & mod furn, records, silver, coins, art, toys, comics, action figures, oriental items. Call George, 718-386-1104 or 917-775-3048

C M SQ page 29 Y K

Merchandise Wanted PLEASE CALL LORI, 1-929-361-0643 (Cell Phone). I PAY THE BEST, MOST HONEST PRICES FOR ESTATES, FURNITURE, CHANDELIERS, LAMPS, COSTUME JEWELRY, WATCHES (WORKING OR NOT WORKING), FURS, COINS, POCKETBOOKS, CHINA, VASES, GLASSWARE, STERLING SILVERWARE, FIGURINES, CANDLESTICKS, PAINTINGS, PRINTS, RUGS, PIANOS, GUITARS, VIOLINS, FLUTES, TAG SALES, CLEANOUTS, CARS

Services Responsible, honest, reliable cleaning lady. I will clean your apt or house. I have exp. Call anytime, 718-460-6779

Health Services VIAGRA & CIALIS! 60 pills for $99. 100 pills for $150 FREE shipping. Money back guaranteed!

1-855-579-8907

Adoption Single woman looking to build her family by adoption. Any ethnicity welcome, expenses paid. Please call: 347-470-5228 or my attorney: 800-582-3678 for information

Legal Notices NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: 748 CROWN HOLDINGS, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/02/20, 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 the process to the LLC, 50-25 97th Place, Corona, NY 11368. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

AB CURATED TRAVEL LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/24/20. 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, 25-15 Crescent Street, Apartment 5A, Astoria, NY 11102. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of C.S.N Consulting & Events LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/17/2020. 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: CAMERON NADLER, 41-18 CRESCENT ST., APT 5F, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

We Court Your Legal Advertising.

For Legal Notice Rates & Information,

Call 718-205-8000

Legal Notices HEARING NOTICE The New York City Board of Standards and Appeals has scheduled a virtual public hearing on the following application on January 25 & 26, 2021: BSA Cal. No. 2020-25-BZ Premises: 142-30 13th Avenue, Queens, Block 04435, Lot(s) 27 Applicant: Sheldon Lobel, P.C. Variance (§72-21) to legalize an existing single-family house contrary to ZR §§23-45 & 2348 (side and front yard requirements). R1-2 zoning district.

An agenda listing the specific session (including the final date and time) with call-in details will be posted as an announcement on the front page of the Board’s website (www.nyc.gov/bsa) the Friday before. The virtual public hearing will be livestreamed on the Board’s website and on YouTube. Interested persons or associations may watch online and call in to present testimony during the public hearing. They may also submit a written statement by email to submit@bsa. nyc.gov. For any communication, please include BSA Calendar No. 2020-25-BZ and the property address 142-30 13th Avenue, Queens, New York. The Board’s physical office is currently closed, but please direct questions to (212) 386-0009.

Notice of Formation of Culture 4 Freedom LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/25/2020. 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: CULTURE 4 FREEDOM LLC, 14515 224TH STREET, LAURELTON, NY 11413. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

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

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

Apts. For Rent Howard Beach, All New, 2 BR, 1 bath, $1,995/mo. Connexion RE, 718-845-1136 Howard Beach, Old Side, 5 rms, 2 BRs, 2nd fl, modern. $2,000/mo.

Call Broker 347-846-7809 Howard Beach/Lindenwood, 3 BR 1 1/2 baths. Newly renov bath.

Walking distance to PS 232. Leave a message.

By owner.

917-855-7390.

Old Howard Beach, 2 BR, 1.5 baths, pvt deck, gas/water incl. No pets/smoking. $2,000/mo.

646-220-5429 Woodhaven, 2 BR, 1 bath, 2nd fl. $2,200/mo. C21 Amiable II, 718-835-4700

Co-ops For Sale Howard Beach/Lindenwood, HiRise 1 BR unit converted from a studio. Low maint, updated kit & bath, top fl. Asking $168K. Howard Beach, Hi-rise, 2 BR, 2 baths. Top fl. Asking $229K. Connexion RE, 718-845-1136

Houses For Sale

RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ

Custom-Built Colonial/Cape.

Spacious Home.

Natural Woodwork+H/W Floors.

LR/Fireplace, DR, Kitchen/Family Rm+3-Season Porch. 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths. Large Semi-finished Basement. C/A/C. Paver Patio.

$530’s

www.russorealestate.com

(201) 837-8800

Houses For Sale Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, COMING SOON! Hi-Ranch, 4 BR, 3 baths, 40x100. Asking $849K. Connexion RE, 718-845-1136

Legal Notices Notice of Formation of Ada + Ida Group LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/30/2020. 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: DONNA DAVIS, 2936 MARTIN COURT, FAR ROCKAWAY, NY 11691. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Advance Media Spend Group LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/2/20. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 43-01 22nd St, Ste 503, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

SELLING YOUR HOME? Let us advertise your property to more than 500,000 local readers!

Look for us in print and online!

QUEENS Queens’ Largest Weekly Community Newspaper Group

qchron.com

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Notice of Formation of BESPOKE BIKELIFE LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/14/2014. 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: DANA F. NELSON, ESQ., 401 SCHENECTADY AVE., SUITE 8E, BROOKLYN, NY 11213. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Page 29 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2021

Notice of Formation of Angel Gems LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/30/2020.

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: ZULEIKA CORTES, 53-23 ROOSEVELT AVE., APT. 3F, WOODSIDE, NY 11377.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

SUMMONS AND NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS Index No. 706538/2019 NYCTL 2018-A TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN, Plaintiffs, v. LOIS BROWN A/K/A ELOIS BROWN, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS EXECUTRIX OF THE ESTATE OF PRUDENCE SKINNER DARBY, if living, or if she be dead, her husband, heirs-at-law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, assignees, lienors, creditors, successors-ininterest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through LOIS BROWN A/K/A ELOIS BROWN, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS EXECUTRIX OF THE ESTATE OF PRUDENCE SKINNER DARBY, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and all creditors thereof, and the respective husbands, or widowers of hers, if any, all of whose names and addresses are unknown to Plaintiffs; FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF LONG ISLAND; EMIGRANT BANK, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO EMIGRANT SAVINGS BANK; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT AUTHORITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA), N.A. and “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #100,” the names of the last 100 defendants being fictitious, the true names of said defendants being unknown to plaintiffs, it being intended to designate fee owners, tenants or occupants of the liened premises and/or persons or parties having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the liened premises, if the aforesaid individual defendants are living, and if any or all of said individual defendants be dead, their heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, committees, devisees, legatees, and the assignees, lienors, creditors and successors in interest of them, and generally all persons having or claiming under, by, through, or against the said defendants named as a class, of any right, title or interest in or lien upon the premises described in the complaint herein, Defendants. Borough: Queens Block: 12252 Lot: 43 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in the above-entitled foreclosure action, and to serve a copy of your answer on Plaintiffs’ attorney within thirty (30) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal service within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. Queens County is designated as the place of trial.

The basis of venue is the location of the subject premises. Dated: January 27, 2020 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an Order of Honorable Cheree A. Buggs, a Justice of the Supreme Court, dated December 11, 2020, and filed with supporting papers in the Queens County Clerk’s Office. This is an action to foreclose tax liens covering the property known as 161-21 121st Avenue, Jamaica, New York and identified as Block 12252, Lot 43 (the “Tax Parcel”). The relief sought is the sale of the Tax Parcel at public auction in satisfaction of the tax liens. In case of your failure to appear, judgment may be taken against you in the sum of $18,633.10, together with interest, costs, disbursements and attorneys’ fees of this action, and directing the public sale of the Tax Parcel. PHILLIPS LYTLE LLP Anthony J. Iacchetta Attorneys for Plaintiffs NYCTL 2018-A Trust and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Collateral Agent and Custodian 28 East Main Street Suite 1400 Rochester, New York 43643 Telephone No. (585) 758-2110 aiacchetta@phillipslytle.com

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2021 Page 30

C M SQ page 30 Y K

Located in WILLIAMSBURG, Brooklyn’s hottest neighborhood.

We have Qualified International Buyers.

• OPEN HOUSE • Saturday, Jan. 9th 1-2:30 pm

• OPEN HOUSE • Sunday, Jan. 10th 12-1 pm 18-73 Greene Ave., Ridgewood 4 Family w/ Backyard & Full Basement! $1,299,000

391 Graham Ave., Williamsburg Renovated Single Family + Store in Williamsburg! $1,775,000

78-57 81st St., Glendale Gorgeously Renovated 3 Fam., 5 Levels w/Backyard & Pvt Dwy! $1,125,000

• OPEN HOUSE (By Appt.) • Sunday, Jan. 10th 12-3 pm

• OPEN HOUSE • Sunday, Jan. 10th 1:30-2:30 pm

• OPEN HOUSE • Saturday, Jan. 9th 12:30-2 pm Sunday, Jan. 10th 12:30-2 pm

261 St. Nicholas Ave., Ridgewood Corner 2 Family + Store & Full Basement!

Projec. CAP Rate 8% $1,699,00

13 Stuyvesant Ave., Bed-Stuy VACANT! Renovated 2 Family Brick Building in Bedford Stuyvesant! $1,150,000

180 Russell St., Greenpoint Charming 2 Family (3 Levels) w/Backyard!

Delivered Vacant! $1,439,000

• OPEN HOUSE • Sunday, Jan. 10th 3-4 pm 337 Leonard St., Williamsburg 2 Family (4 Levels) w/ Backyard & Basement! $1,599,000

16 Devoe St., Williamsburg Vacant 2 Family (4 Levels) w/Backyard! $1,799,000

97-06 161st Ave., Howard Beach Luxurious New Construction House 3 Levels + Attic $1,375,000

12 Broome St., Greenpoint Vacant Corner Lot! Approved DOB Plans! $1,499,000

• OPEN HOUSE • Saturday, Jan. 9th 11:30 am-1 pm 124 Freeman St., Unit 2D, Greenpoint Gorgeous & Bright 2BR/1BA Condo! $899,000

47-08 59th Pl., Woodside Gorgeous Brick Tudor 1 Family w/Garage & Backyard! $935,000

756 Grand St., Williamsburg Brick 6 Family + Store w/Backyard & Full Basement! $2,388,000

420 64th St., Apt PH2, Bay Ridge Stunning 1 BR/1 Bath Penthouse Condo w/Balcony in Bay Ridge! $527,000

FREE Tax Liability (if any) analysis of the sale of your Home, by our in-house accountant, Mario Saggese, CPA, specializing in 1031 Exchanges and saving you money. The consultation is FREE and you are under no obligation to use his services For more listings, please visit our website

www.CapriJetRealty.com CAPJ-078620

For the latest news visit qchron.com

WE ARE HIRING LICENSED REAL ESTATE AGENTS!

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RECRUITING/CAREER ZOOM SEMINAR: January 8, 2021 (11:30 - 2:3O PM) CALL TODAY TO JOIN THE WINNING TEAM!

Thinking of Listing, call anyone. Thinking of Selling, Call Us! Call Today for a FREE over the phone CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) O: 347-450-3577 info@CapriJetRealty.com

C M SQ page 31 Y K 82-17 153 RD Ave., Suite 202, Howard Beach, NY 11414

718-835-4700 69-39 Myrtle Ave., Glendale, NY 11385

718-628-4700

• Lindenwood • TODAY SHOW IMAGE

• Rockwood Park • 1 Family Hi-Ranch home. 3 bedrooms, large LR, FDR, EIK, plenty of closets, built-in pool, master bedroom has 1/2 bath with shower, storage and attic

Spacious Two BR One bath Co-op. This home has an open living room/dining area layout; good closet space throughout. King size master bedroom 18 x 11 & full size second BR 10x11; both with overhead lighting. Maintenance Includes All Utilities: Heat, Hot Water, Cooking Gas, Electric, And Re Taxes. Base Maint: $794.12, AC $30.00; Refrig/fre $10.00; Security $11.50; special assessment $128.57; additional assessment $52.94 Total = $1,027.13 Flip tax/waiver of option is $50.00 per share/330 shares. Co-op selling “as is” Building Features Laundry In Lobby Level; Storage Room (fee), Intercom & Buzzer Vestibule Entrance; Park Benches Thru-Out Grounds & children’s playground. Near Lindenwood shopping center; Express bus to Midtown; public bus & expressway.

• Broad Channel • 1 Family Ranch, 3 bedrooms, 1 bath.

New kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, tiled floors, stainless steel appliances, upgraded electric, oil burner, oil tanks, large backyard, walk to “A” train, express bus, library, parks, tennis courts and Gateway National Park, 15 mins to JFK.

Page 31 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2021

CENTURY 21 AMIABLE II

Celebrating on television Flushing resident Ir ving Goldstein’s 100th bir thday was celebrated by the “Today Show” on Dec. 31.

The news show teams up with Smucker’s to spotlight viewers turning 100 or older every morning and feature the birthday person’s photograph on a jam jar.

A World War II veteran, Goldstein served as a staff sergeant, flew over Normandy on D-Day and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

To recognize his bravery on behalf of the French people, the French consulate bestowed the Legion of Honor onto Goldstein in September. It is the highest honor for a non-French citizen.

Goldstein lives in a Flushing assisted living facility, where he writes a comedy column for a newslet ter. He has six grandchildren.

— Katherine Donlevy

Connexion REAL ESTATE

Get Your House SOLD!

161-14A Crossbay Blvd., Howard Beach (Brother’s Shopping Ctr.)

ARLENE PACCHIANO Broker/Owner

718-845-1136 FREE MARKET EVALUATION

CONNEXIONREALESTATE.COM OZONE PARK

Reduced $798K Owner Mortgage

LIST YOUR HOME HERE!

APARTMENT FOR RENT

• Lindenwood • • Lindenwood • Lovely legal 2 family home with full fi nished basement. Near all shopping, transportation to Manhattan, Must see, lots of updates!

MIDDLE VILLAGE

HOWARD BEACH/ROCKWOOD PARK

Mint Detached Colonial, pvt dvwy & 2 car garage, 3 BRs, 2 full baths, completely renovated throughout within 7 years, windows, roof, gas boiler, hotwater heater, stoop, wood doors, porcelain tiles on 1st flr, hardwood flrs upstairs, lg living rm, lg formal dining rm. lg kitchen with cherry cabinets, S.S. appl, island, Beautiful.

Pristine/Stucco unique contemporary Colonial, 3/4 BRs, 3 full baths, 2 half baths, open floor concept on first floor & winding S.S staircase to second floor master bedroom en suite w/Jacuzzi and bidet, 2 other BRs & full bath, fin. bsmnt, storage rm., den, ping, pong rm or 4th BR, fences front & backyard has I.G. saltwater heated pool, Jacuzzi (seats 8) Cabana, full bath, storage rm, S.S. gates, 2nd flr balcony granite & awning.

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK

Completely and beautifully renovated studio with terrace.

Features open floor plan, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, walk-in closet, fi replace. Condo has soundproof walls. Near transportation, shopping and restaurants.

Asking $968K

OZONE PARK

COMING SOON!

HOWARD BEACH All New, 2 BR, 1 Bath

$1,995 per month CO-OP FOR SALE Hi-Rise 1 BR Unit Converted from a Studio, Low Maint, Updated Kit & Bath, Top Floor

Asking $168K

We are Hiring Licensed Real Estate Agents!

Call for a Confidential Interview!

IN

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ACT

Mint Hi-Ranch on 40x100 lot, 4 BRs/3 full baths, Vinyl siding with brick front, Andersen windows, Hi-Hats, tiled floors, new carpeting in BRs, security cameras, alarm system, freshly painted, mechanics all updated, heated spa & in-ground pool, brick patio, CAC, rollout awning Asking $889K

RICHMOND HILL SOUTH

Lovely Colonial in heart of Richmond Hill South. Updated Kitchen, 3 BR’s, 2 Full Baths, Full Finished Basement, Garage.

Asking $575K

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R AC

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HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK

Det. 1 Family, 3 BRs, 2 baths, basement, pty driveway and 1 car garage

$610K

Hi-Ranch, 4 BRs, 3 Baths, 40X100

Asking $849K

HOWARD BEACH/ LINDENWOOD

FREE

CO-OP FOR SALE

Market Evaluation 718-845-1136

Hi-Rise 2 BRs, 2 Baths, Top Floor Asking $229K

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Commercial Building (101st Ave.) 2 blocks off Cross Bay Blvd./25x100 lot, 25x46 building/ 2nd flr., Dental Office $2,200 per mo./ 1st floor gutted to studs & vacant / basement clean with new furnace / zoning R6B / building K2

• Staten Island • WELCOME TO LUXURY LIVING At The Tides in Charleston, Staten Island. This breathtaking home features a 1st fl r master BR suite with 2 walk in closets, pvt bath with jacuzzi tub, sep shower & radiant heat. Upgraded custom EIK with SS appliances, dining room & formal living room with cathedral ceilings that lead you to a pvt patio area. First fl r also features bath, laundry room & direct access to the oversized 2 car gar. Second fl r showcases a huge open loft area which overlooks 1st floor, 2nd master BR with huge closets and adjacent bath. The open loft can easily be converted to a 3rd BR. This spectacular home features central air and radiant heat, custom window treatments & much, much more! Enjoy adult living in a community that includes, tennis, full gym, pool, clubhouse, game room & bocce court. Close to shopping & transportation. A must see!

Please wear a MASK before entering store!

FREE DELIVERY For All SENIOR CITIZENS

Your neighborhood market since 1937 FRI. SAT. SUN. MON. TUES. WED. THURS.

Sale Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Jan. Dates 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

PHONE ORDERS GLADLY ACCEPTED

$10.00 OFF Your Order WHEN YOU SPEND $125 Excluding catering menu for holidays. With this coupon.

Expires 01/14/21. Limit One per family.

“It’s not our intention to please a customer or to satisfy them, our intention is to amaze them”

102-02 101st AVE, OZONE PARK • 718-849-8200 FREE CUSTOMER PARKING (Across The Street)

We Accept All Major Credit Cards WIC - EBT

STORE HOURS: Mon.-Sun. 8 am to 9 pm

KEYF-078645

For the latest news visit qchron.com

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2021 Page 32

C M SQ page 32 Y K

We reserve the right to limit quantities to one can or package on sale items. Items offered for sale are not available in case lots. Alcoholic beverages may not be available in all locations.

We are not responsible for typographical errors. Some Items Not Available in all Locations.