Queens Chronicle South Edition 06-11-20

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. XLIII

NO. 24

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

QCHRON.COM

WHERE’S THE PLAN? Protesters demand action on race and policing

PHOTO BY MAX PARROTT

PAGE 2; FULL PROTEST COVERAGE PAGES 9, 12, 14, 16 AND 22

About 100 people who marched from Borough Hall to Jamaica last Thursday against racial injustice and police violence kneeled on Sean Bell Way, the street named for a man killed there by officers in 2006. The event was one of many held in Queens over the last week as protests sparked by the death of George Floyd continued around the country.

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Ralliers go to site of Sean Bell’s killing Kneel in silence for George Floyd as policy makers press reform of police

by Max Parrott Chronicle Contributor

A

large group of Queens legislators joined the state Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Caucus at Queens Borough Hall last Thursday for the borough’s part of a statewide rally for passing a slate of 12 police

accountability bills over the next week.

The rally eventually turned into a march, organized by Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman (D-Springfield Gardens), which proceeded from Borough Hall to Sean Bell Way in Jamaica, a street named after the 2006 victim of a police shooting.

“We have compromised for far too long. We cannot let legislation die in the governor’s hands that will ultimately lead to the black and brown dead bodies,” said Hyndman. “The time is now.”

The 12 bills highlighted by the BPHA Caucus include the repeal of 50-a, the section of state law that makes police personnel files confidential, a ban on the use of chokeholds across the state, and legislation requiring body cams for troopers and other state police, among others.

All of them, including the repeal of 50-a, which has gained the most attention in the last week, were previously introduced to the Legislature — some back in January, others years ago.

Assemblyman Clyde Vanel (D-Queens Village) said the Assembly would conference the bills Friday in the hopes of passing them the following week. One was approved within days.

In addition to making a legislative push, several speakers at the rally and the march afterward took the opportunity to criticize the city’s response to the mass demonstrations held over the past week.

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Neither the mayor, the governor nor the president has said so. The response to people protesting about too much police response is not 4,000 more police and a curfew,” said Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who joined a protest in Brooklyn after curfew later that night.

After a peaceful march of over 100 protesters made its way to Jamaica, two youth leaders,

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Marchers who gathered at Borough Hall last Thursday then made their way to Jamaica, where they kneeled on the street named for Sean Bell, who was killed by police in 2006. Destyn White, left, told PHOTOS BY MAX PARROTT officers at the rally that the people are in command, the cops at their service.

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Destiny Hamilton and Larry Malcolm Smith, Jr., led a moment of silence for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the length of time former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on George Floyd’s neck.

“Officers here, I appreciate that you respected our command. The reason I said command is because you are in service of us. It used to be continued on page 18

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Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a new health condition associated with COVID-19.

Page 3 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2020

WHAT IS MULTISYSTEM INFLAMMATORY SYNDROME IN CHILDREN?

SEEK CARE IF YOUR CHILD HAS PERSISTENT FEVER PLUS ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS:

IF YOUR CHILD IS SEVERELY ILL, GO TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM OR CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY. For more information, call 311 or visit nyc.gov/coronavirus.

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Irritability or decreased activity Abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting Conjunctivitis, or red or pink eyes Red, cracked lips or bumpy tongue Swollen hands or feet Lack of appetite Rash

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2020 Page 4

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Meeks, Chowdhury square off in 5th CD Veteran Democratic congressman gets a progressive challenger

by Michael Gannon

tant as Democrats holding the House of Representatives and taking back the Senate.

Meeks is hearing that the Senate may not U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Queens, Nassau) and Shaniyat Chowdhury, the man chal- take up the House’s most recent bailout package lenging him in June 23’s Democratic primary until July, but hopes the upper chamber will get to it sooner. for the fifth CD, agree on one thing.

Meeks sits on the House’s Financial Services Both believe the path to victory in an extremely diverse district involves running on and Foreign Relations Committee. He also is chairman of the Queens County Democratic Meeks’ record in Congress.

“We’re not taking anything for granted,” said Party.

Chowdhury said Meeks is part of the status Meeks, who is seeking his 12th term, in an qquo. interview with the Chronicle. “COVID-199 “New York-5 is a diverse, workinghas been doing away with how youu cclass district,” he said. “I think New campaign. You can’t go to political York-5 deserves a chance to have Y clubs or events.” working-class candidates.” w He said the new Congress will The son of Bangladeshi immihave a lot on its plate in January. grants served six years in the United “Infrastructure is huge,” he said.

States Marine Corps. He formerly “It’s something everyone has been worked as an aide to Assemblywoman talking about for a long time. We need 2020 Latrice Walker (D-Brooklyn) and served as to get the economy back in a fair and just manner across the board. Unemployment is deputy policy director for U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-Bronx, Queens), doing high.”

Also on his list, under tax policy, is repealing research on the congresswoman’s Green New the cap on the amount of state and local taxes Deal legislation.

His parents were among those devastated by that residents can claim on their federal income the 2007 recession, losing their home in the taxes.

“And,” he said in a none-too-veiled jab at foreclosure crisis.

He also said one of the things he learned in President Trump, “we need to repair our moral the Marine Corps is that many young people standing with other nations.”

He touted, among other things, his support from low-income backgrounds opt for the milifrom organized labor and his personal tary if they see it as their only option Meeks, who has raised more than $1.2 milbackground.

“People know what I’ve done, and they know lion, has the ability to vastly outspend pretty how I’ve done it in the district,” he said. “ ... I much any opponent. But Chowdhury, emphasizing his grassroots support in Queens and grew up in public housing.”

He said “evicting the tenant in public hous- Nassau County, said Meeks is far too cozy with ing at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue” is as impor- the financial and real estate industries, includEditor

U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks, left, is facing a primary challenge on June 23 from progressive DemoCOURTESY PHOTOS crat Shan Chowdhury in the Fifth Congressional District. ing some Queens party officials.

He also called out Meeks on his initial endorsement of former Mayor Mike Bloomberg i n t he ea rly Democr at ic president ial sweepstakes.

“That’s a concern,’ he said. “I hope people take notice.”

Chowdhury supports the Green New Deal, universal basic income of $2,000 per month, national rent control policy and lowering the voting age to 16.

Under campaign finance reform, he would like to enact legislation to counter the Citizens United Supreme Court ruling on campaign donations.

On education he supports free tuition at public colleges and forgiveness of existing student loan debt.

Meeks admitted that until recently he had never thought that he might receive a primary challenge from his political left.

“But this is America,” he said. “It’s a great country for all its faults. People can decide to run if they want to.”

The Federal Election Commission lists a third candidate in the race, named Amit Lal. His website says he is a native of South Queens. He has raised $5,200 and spent none according to FEC records for the March 31 filQ ing period.

ADA subway suit to continue after ruling

by Michael Gannon

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Editor

A lawsuit filed against the city and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority by advocates for the disabled in 2017 will proceed after a panel from the Appellate Divisions of state Supreme Court on June 4.

Plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit, including The Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York, are suing to increase the number of accessible subway stations in the city.

The MTA right now has 120 accessible stations out of 472.

The four-judge panel last week upheld a June 2019 ruling by Justice Shlomo Hagler in Manhattan that rejected motions from the city and the MTA to dismiss the suit.

“Finally, it has been made clear to the MTA and the City of New York that they cannot continue to ignore the hundreds of thousands of people shut out of the subway system because they cannot use stairs,” said Michelle Caiola, Disability Rights Advocate’s managing director of Litigation in a press release.

Dismissal of MTA, NYC motions upheld “Instead of wasting more time and money fighting lawsuits brought by people with disabilities, the MTA needs to focus on elevator installation at the large number of currently inaccessible stations.”

The MTA, citing ongoing litigation, declined to comment.

But since the suit was filed the state has approved the MTA’s Fast Forward plan which, among their capital improvements, will make 50 stations accessible in the next five fiscal years and more than 100 others thereafter, with the long-term goal of requiring riders to go no more than two stops before reaching an accessible station.

A lower court had rejected the claims of the MTA and the city that the complaint should be dismissed because of the statute of limitations — some subway stations were first built in 1904 — and a further claim by the city that “it is not a proper party because it has no control

over the subway system.”

In her 22-page opinion, Justice Judith Gische upheld the previous ruling.

“Defendants argue that the statute of limitations accrued when the subway stations were originally built at the turn of the last century,” Gische wrote. “Under the [New York City Human Rights Laws], however, it has long been recognized that continuing acts of discrimination within the statutory period will toll the running of the statute of limitations until such time as the discrimination ends.” “... The lack of access to the subway system, a place of public accommodation, continues every time a person seeks to use the subway system, but is prevented from doing so based upon their physical disability.”

The court also ruled that the city’s claim of not having control over the subway system was a case of too little, too late.

“While conceding that it is the owner of the

subway system, it argues that it bears no responsibility for the claimed violations and has no authority to remedy them,” Gische continued on page 20 of her decision.

“CNY relies on the fact that it was required to and actually did lease the subway system to its codefendants. The motion court denied CNY’s motion, without prejudice to renewal, following discovery. The motion to dismiss was properly denied because CNY waived that argument because it was raised for the first time in its reply brief ...”

“We are delighted with this decision,” said Jean Ryan of Disabled in Action New York in the press release. “We want all subway stations to be accessible so we can reliably use the subways which are the fastest way to get around our city.”

Additional plaintiffs in the case include Bronx Independent Living Services, Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled, Harlem Independent Living Center, New York Statewide Senior Action Council, Inc., and Q three individuals who use wheelchairs.

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Retail, construction, manufacturing get the all-clear — with restrictions

by Michael Gannon and Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor and Editor-in-Chief

Following another trying weekend, Mayor de Blasio on Monday was understandably basking a bit in the city’s Phase 1 reopening during his morning media rounds.

“John, it is literally a beautiful day here in New York City,” de Blasio told John Berman on CNN’s “New Day.” “This is a triumphant moment for New Yorkers who fought back against this disease. This was the epicenter and folks did the hard work. They sheltered in place, they did the social distancing, the face coverings, and got us to this day. So, my message, John, is stick to it, come back to work, but remember to stick to those smart rules that got us this far.”

Up to 400,000 workers in designated fields of construction, manufacturing and retail were expected to head back to work effective Monday, with some restrictions still in place, such as curbside delivery for approved stores.

The city, like the state’s nine other regions as delineated by Albany, had to meet multiple criteria related to the virus and the capacity of the healthcare system in order to begin reopening.

The epicenter of the virus crisis in the United States, the city was the last region to begin reopening. Some parts of the state are now in Phase 2, which allows more businesses, such as

A sign at The Shops at Atlas Park mall in Glendale directs drivers to curbside pickup of PHOTO BY PETER C. MASTROSIMONE retail goods as New York City entered Phase I for reopening. realtors, car dealers and firms whose work is primarily done in an office, to also resume operations. Further details are available at forward.ny.gov.

Members of the Queens business community on Tuesday had varying feedback on the first two business days.

“My first impression has been positive,” said Tom Grech, president and CEO of the

Queens Chamber of Commerce, in a telephone conversation just prior to a tour he was taking of businesses in Flushing with City Councilman Peter Koo (D-Flushing) and officials from the city’s Department of Small Business Services.

Grech did say there was still some anxiety in the business community because of the unrest last week during which some businesses

in parts of Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx were vandalized and in some cases looted.

Leslie Brown, president of the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce, told the Chronicle in an email on Tuesday that it was still too early for wide-ranging feedback.

“But Forest Hills is ready and open for business,” she wrote. “Phase 2 will really help small retail and we are excited about outdoor seating for restaurants.”

Elizabeth Lusskin, president of the LIC Partnership in Long Island City, said there was a range of reactions in her area as broad as the kinds of businesses there, running the gamut from hospitality to manufacturing.

Like Brown, she said it is not too early for businesses reopening to also begin preparing for Phase 2.

“People are doing both,” Lusskin said. “...

Traffic in the area is definitely up. There have been more cars, more trucks and more people in the street.”

But she also said some people have taken advantage of the opportunities that have been available during the shutdown and others haven’t. Lusskin also said because some businesses cannot yet open as fully as before, owners have some decisions to make.

“You have to see if demand is coming back,” she said. “People are trying to weigh how much continued on page 18

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Businesses girded for first reopening

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2020 Page 6

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Mayor calls on MTA to keep subways spacious Agency unsure of De Blasio’s suggestions to keep riders apart

by Katherine Donlevy Associate Editor

In preparation for the city’s June 8 start of reopening, Mayor de Blasio acknowledged that the potentially 400,000 construction, manufacturing and retail employees returning to work may rely on public transportation and called for the MTA to be the social distancing enforcer.

“There has to be a presence on the platforms, personnel there to educate people, remind them, make sure to staying safe,” de Blasio said at his June 3 press briefing, noting that the curfew will be lifted just in time for the city to begin phase one of reopening.

“I want to see the MTA take the next steps on. I want to see that everywhere you go, whether it is in a subway station and on the platform or on the train or on a bus, there are markings telling you exactly where to be.”

The mayor suggested that the MTA install distance markings within subways and bus stops in areas surrounding MetroCard machines, on the waiting platform or street and inside the buses and cars.

“It is crucial that every other seat be blocked off so that it’s clear, you’ll never end up sitting right next to someone, there’s at least a seat between people,” he said, also suggesting that the MTA put capacity limits on buses and trains, and enlist personnel to

enforce the new regulations.

“If a train’s crowded, [have] the personnel there to say, ‘Hey, don’t get into this car, the next car is pretty empty, go down to that one.’ Or to know when to say, ‘We don’t want any more people getting on this train right now,’” said de Blasio.

De Blasio said he presented the ideas to Chairman of the MTA Pat Foye and hopes that the two can partner to make the transition back to transit safely.

According to The City, an MTA spokesperson said, “Like many of the mayor’s ideas, this is nice in theory, but utterly unworkable. The mayor’s plan would allow us to serve only a tiny percentage of our riders — likely around 8%.”

On June 5, NYC Transit Interim President Sarah Feinberg reinforced the sentiment in an interview on 1010 Wins, stating “Look, anyone who rides our system, who’s familiar with our system knows that on the quietest day there are millions of people who use the subway system. And so ... if the city’s going to reopen, people have to get to work right? And if we’re asking people to get to work, we got to be able to get them there. We can’t say the city is reopening, the economy is reopening, but everybody stay home and no one go to work.

“People should be smart about this,” she

The city began reopening on June 8, and Mayor de Blasio called on the MTA to enforce social FILE PHOTO distancing as the first phase of employees turn to public transit to get to work. continued. “This is not a signal to everyone that now’s a good time to jump into subway and go shopping. But if we’re reopening the economy, we’ve got to be able to get people to work and you just can’t have it both ways.”

Additionally, Feinberg sent a letter to the mayor urging the addition of 60 miles of bus lanes and busways across the city, which would increase bus lanes by 42 percent, in order to help alleviate crowding on the streets and underground and make buses a more

attractive option for commuters (see separate stories in some editions or at qchron.com).

The MTA released a 13-point plan on its website June 9, which includes ramping up service; continuing deep cleaning and disinfecting stations and vehicles; reminding riders about safe practices, including in the form of floor decals and station announcements, and making hand sanitizer, masks and other protective equipment available to Q riders and staff.

Phase I: Subway ridership inches up Construction, manufacturing and retail join essential worker commute

by Michael Gannon

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Editor

The first stage of reopening New York City included almost complete restoration of the normal daytime subway schedule.

But the ridership still is not expected to return completely until after Phase IV, whenever that may be.

Random checks along the Queens Boulevard subway corridor Monday and Tuesday found the morning rush hour ridership still a shadow of a normal morning commute, but larger than a previous check conducted by the Chronicle in March.

Riders on the platform at Forest Hills-71st Avenue on Tuesday said they considered all to be going well.

“I’ve been taking the subway the whole time,” said Debbie Singh, an essential worker from Forest Hills. “I was never worried or afraid.”

A Murray Hill resident who gave his name as Eric said he is in the process of moving to Queens, and had no complaints about his ride.

“My train was very lean and there was room for social distancing. And everyone was wearing a mask.’

Sarah Feinberg, interim president of NYC Transit, said subway ridership on Monday was 15 percent of the total a year ago, but that subway and bus ridership together increased

Not back to normal, but the MTA will take it as a few post-rush hour passengers wait for a ManPHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON hattan-bound express in Forest Hills. by more than 213,000 over June 1.

Monday’s Phase I reopening allowed those employed in manufacturing, construction and some retail to join those who had been deemed essential workers on public transportation for the first time since March 20. Monday and Tuesday saw consignments of NYPD school safety officers on the street level outside subway stations handing out face masks and bottles of hand sanitizer.

The Manhattan-bound E train platform at Jamaica Station on Monday morning had no trouble accommodating social distancing, and most cars on the express had two to three occupants, including a homeless man asleep in one car.

Unlike Eric’s experience Tuesday, a handful of riders took the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s mask requirements as a mere suggestion. The only station before For-

est Hills with more than a handful of passengers waiting to board was at Kew GardensUnion Turnpike.

By comparison, the F train originating at 179th Street in Jamaica Tuesday morning had noticeably more riders and still left room for people to spread out. Platforms at stations leading to Forest Hills were still sparsely occupied. But platforms at stations that the F shares with the E were more crowded, if that term can be used on Tuesday.

Overnight subway closures between 1 and 5 a.m. will remain in effect to enable the sanitizing of each bus and subway car every 24 hours, though there was an army of traincleaning personnel on the platform that swooped in on every M or R local that pulled into the station to take passengers.

At some points Tuesday morning, after riders boarded an E or F heading to Manhattan, there were more cleaners waiting on the platform for the next train than there were passengers.

Another change on Tuesday was on Queens Boulevard outside the 71st Avenue station, where three green taxis waited to take passengers, where six to 12 could be backed up every morning prior to the shutdown.

There had been one on Monday morning, and often none at all since the pause began. Q

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BLM and Pride rally for justice

by Katherine Donlevy Associate Editor

Rather than celebrating Pride Month with parades and festivals, members of the LGBTQ+ community have joined the protests calling for an end to police brutality, especially in the cases targeting black Americans that have dominated the first two weeks of June.

“It’s not coincidental,” City Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) said.

“Police brutality has been traditionally used against marginalized communities ... We stand united with the movement because we recognize that connection. We’ve got to continue to support each other.”

Dromm, who came out publicly in 1992, noted that many of the issues queer folks suffered from in 1969, the year of the Stonewall Riots, are the same issues black Americans face today. Similarly to the events of the past two weeks, the LGBTQ+ community fought back with protests.

“Stonewall was a riot. It was a riot against police brutality and corruption,” said Dromm, linking the Black Lives Matter movement and the pride movement. “To paraphrase Martin Luther King, Jr., there’s no justice if no one’s free.”

Though the rioting and looting have slowed down in the city, nonviolent rallies and marches have continued, attended by diverse pro-

testers rallying for change. The LGBTQ+ community has been a large presence.

“I think a lot of people forget that it’s people of color who started those riots. They were the ones who were often targeted by police and so it’s no surprise today that black trans lives are still being attacked. Black queer people, people of color in general,” said Alma, who marched on June 4 from Cunningham Park to Queens Borough Hall as part of the “Let Us Breathe” demonstration.

Alma, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, carried a “Black Trans Lives Matter” sign attached to a rainbow flag, the symbol for the gay community.

She said that the timing of the protests during Pride Month serves as a reminder that her freedom was not won easily or peacefully.

“People are always partying and are so excited that, yeah, we’re free, but not all of us are and there’s still so many issues that have to be addressed,” Alma continued. “Even for some people in the queer community, we don’t always understand each of our different struggles, but it’s so important for us to support each other while we figure what it is that is right for ourselves and for the people around us.”

One of the black queer leaders Alma referred to was Marsha P. Johnson, whom many regard as the individual who threw the

Alma carries a LGBTQ+ poster at a rally calling for an end to police brutality against black PHOTO BY KATHERINE DONLEVY Americans. first brick at Stonewall, and who happened to be a good friend of a fellow marcher last Thursday, donning a T-shirt with an illustration of Johnson’s face.

“Marsha P. Johnson and I struck up a friendship because she always remembered my name,” said the protester and self-identified gay activist also named Marsha. “Back then the only place you could be yourself was on Christopher Street [in Greenwich Village]

... She was definitely a fixture and gave other people the courage to come out.”

Marsha, who had protested for gay rights following the 1969 Stonewall Riots, said the movement was no different than the Black Lives Matter movement happening now.

“I’m so tired of this s--t,” she said, displaying a sign that said exactly that. “We’re all the same, we’re all connected, we’re all one, and until we get that this stuff is going to continue to go on and it just breaks my heart.”

The LGBT Network, based in Queens, released a statement at the beginning of June calling on the community to join the fight for justice, a battle they are far too familiar with.

“It actually was a few trans women who threw the first brick [at Stonewall], saying we’re not going to take this anymore,” said President and CEO David Kilmnick. “Half a century later, we’re still fighting back just to have the right to be, whether it’s LGBT, immigrant, black, safety of women in this country — there are a lot of parallels between these movements.”

Kilmnick noted that protesting is only the start of change and now is the turning point to transfer the energy into legislative reform.

“How do we take the energy and enthusiasm in the community and turn it into longterm change? That is vote, vote, vote!” Kimnick said. “Everybody needs to get out and vote. When we put the right people in office that are behind these reforms and changes is Q how we achieve real structural reform.”

Page 9 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2020

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P De Blasio annoys both sides of the discussion, again EDITORIAL

L

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eave it to Mayor de Blasio to manage to anger both sides in a debate and wind up looking the fool instead of showing leadership. That’s what he does. He has an uncanny ability to annoy all sides in almost any controversy.

The latest and best example is, of course, policing. As peaceful protests heated up and people took advantage of the situation to riot, burn and loot, some cops got rough.

Videos posted to social media showed some arbitrarily shoving protesters, including one young woman who ended up in the hospital. One cop in a tense standoff lifted a protester’s face mask off and pepper sprayed him. Another waved his gun at a crowd, though it turned out he did that after a cop next to him got hit in the head with what apparently was a brick. And officers in two SUVs, one of which was surrounded by people pounding on it in what certainly looked like a dangerous situation, drove into the crowd.

De Blasio first defended the cops, saying of the SUV incident, “It is inappropriate for protestors to surround a police vehicle and threaten police officers. That’s wrong on its face and that hasn’t happened in the history of protests in this city ... a different element has come into play here who are trying to hurt police officers and trying to damage their vehicles.”

People protesting racial injustice and police violence were aghast. But they just had to wait until the next day, when he flip-flopped and said, “I did not want to ever see something like that; I don’t want to ever see it again. And clearly, we need to do a full investigation and look at the actions of those officers and see what was done and why it was done and what could be done differently.”

Now that protesters and their allies in office are pushing to “defund the police,” de Blasio is trying and failing to play both sides again. At first he opposed the idea. But that got him booed off a stage in Brooklyn, where his wife, Chirlane McCray, wants to run for borough president. So he flipped again, saying he now backs shifting money from the police budget to fund more youth and social services.

“We are going to relentlessly change this city and this Police Department over the next 18 months,” he said Tuesday.

And guess what? He credited McCray with coming up with the idea of cutting police funding — while crime is on the rise, hundreds of thousands of people are newly jobless and the city just demonstrated that it can lose control of big swaths of Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx with ease.

The police already can’t stand de Blasio, believing with

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Protesters unmasked Dear Editor: Since the outbreak of COVID-19, we have heard how it disproportionately affects black and Latino citizens. It was imperative that New Yorkers quarantined to prevent spread of the virus, and wearing a mask was imperative.

At times police reprimanded or arrested those not in compliance.

But since protests over the death of George Floyd began, hundreds of thousands have hit the streets in violence, without social distance or masks. If the rate of transmission increases, will the blame be placed on the protesters as well as the local politicians who gave them free rein? Or will they refuse to take any blame and put the guilt on Donald Trump?

Edward Riecks Howard Beach

For a colorblind country Dear Editor: As a proud American and New Yorker who doesn’t have a racist bone in his body, I’m tired from hearing from my elected officials that the problem is my “White Privilege.”

I’m tired of hearing that there is “institutionalized and systemic racism.”

Because if there is, it is our elected officials who run our institutions and the system!

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plenty of evidence that he’s never really been behind them.

And the activists won’t be satisfied until the department is so decimated it can’t function. That’s not going to happen.

But this is de Blasio. He pledged to install bike lanes along Queens Boulevard, and when one community board objected, he ordered the work sped up. But now he’s left the last phase of the job, in Forest Hills, undone, probably to get Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz’s backing for the Kew Gardens jail plan. So while many drivers and businesses have long been furious at him over what’s been done to the boulevard, now the cyclists are too, over what’s not been done.

On education, he and his schools chancellor, Richard Carranza, who should have resigned long ago, have been targeting excellence, seeking to end selective admissions policies and making life as hard for charter schools as they can.

Asian-American parents especially have risen up in response, in anger and fear over how their children’s success might be thwarted. Yet the mayor has failed in this too, leaving those who want to weaken top schools disappointed themselves.

De Blasio’s ability to annoy or offend all sides is a bad quality in a politician. No wonder he’s shifted his hopes for the future to his wife. Would she be a better one? We’ll see.

E DITOR

we have made vast improvements these last 56 years. And I have no doubt there will be more.

We are being told that we must stop looking at the world through the prism of race. I agree.

So I propose that we start with our elected branches. Let’s eliminate all committees and caucuses based on race. Lets start with the Congressional Black Caucus, in New York State the Asian Pacific American Task Force, the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus, the legislative woman’s caucus. In the City Council let’s eliminate the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Caucus and the Women’s, Jewish and Irish caucuses.

Let’s eliminate all public funding to allblack colleges. Let’s eliminate all federal, state and local hiring practices based on race, let’s eliminate all questions about race from all federal, state and city applications. If we are all to be treated equal why do you need to know my race?

Prior to 1964 blacks were intentionally held

back, so we put in practices to level the playing field, quotas and race-based preferences, and that made sense. But it is now the year 2020, almost 60 years later; the playing field is level.

Eliminate the question of race on all government forms, applications and questionnaires.

The only time race is needed is for identifying purposes. And finally Mr. Elected Official, until you clean up your house, until you stop looking at people through the prism of race, then and only then you can point your finger at me and shout “White Privilege.”

John Bluemke Howard Beach

Distance double standard Dear Editor: I thought for the last three months we were fighting a worldwide pandemic that mandated we maintain social distancing so as to keep us safe.

Then we see massive protests all over the

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country including here in New York. I didn’t know the social distancing mandate had been lifted. I must have missed that news flash.

I guess protesting is an allowable exemption to social distancing, but opening a restaurant or other small business is not?

Irrespective of whether the protests were for a good cause, one of two things will happen — there will be spike in cases which will undermine everything the lockdown has accomplished and delay any sort of recovery, or the cases will not spike and people will rightfully wonder why can’t everything open immediately as we will all have been lied to.

Can you say Democratic double standard?

Martin Bender Flushing

‘Defund the police’ hypocrisy Dear Editor: Once again our elected Democrat politicians bow to the few who are screaming the loudest to defund and do away with police officers and replace them with social workers and community organizers. These aren’t leaders but rather spineless hypocrites.

Are they willing to defund and abolish the Capitol Police who protect the U.S. Capitol, the congressional office buildings and the members of Congress and their staff? No. Is the New York State Legislature, under Democrat control, willing to defund and abolish the State of New York Capitol Police? No. How about Gov. Cuomo or Mayor de Blasio, are they willing to do away with their security details and those police officers protecting their family members? No. What about the City Council, public advocate and comptroller? Of course not. I’m sure Joe Biden, who believes he is the great healer, is willing to forego his protective detail … Definitely no.

Real leaders lead from the front. Real leaders lead by example. Real leaders are not afraid to speak the truth. The phonies, charlatans and wannabes all talk a good game but are actually nothing more than empty suits. Blowhards that lack substance. I would equate them to simple amoebas but that would be an insult to our single-cell friends.

Joe Cimino Middle Village

No cuts to NYPD, FDNY Dear Editor: There has been some talk among certain City Council members that there should be a decrease in the amount of money that the NYPD has. This is totally illogical and ridiculous. At a time when our police are working under such terrific stress and less-than-ideal job conditions, how could anyone in his right mind even suggest this measure be taken?

The NYPD needs every single bit of the money that is allocated to it to continue to fight crime and to keep our citizens safe. If there needs to be any cut in the city’s budget due to the current economic crisis, then let the cuts come from other venues. The NYPD and the FDNY are the two most critical departments in our city, and each and every police officer and firefighter is essential to his or her respective department.

Remember that our police officers are 99.9 percent hardworking, caring, decent and understanding officers, and that the 1 percent who might be not doing their jobs correctly should not be at all reflective on the vast majority of the Police Department. Those officers who are not doing their jobs properly should be dealt with immediately and, if need be, either suspended or terminated as the situation may warrant. The FDNY comprises very dedicated, hardworking, decent and caring firefighters, EMTs and paramedics, who are always putting their lives on the line, just as the police are, to protect us each and every day.

There must not be any defunding of the NYPD, the FDNY or any other agency that is so essential and vital to the daily functioning of the city. The people of this city will not tolerate any such moves by the City Council that could further cause economic hardship and stress.

Our elected officials must stand against any such proposals and let their voices be heard.

John Amato Fresh Meadows

Bad cops and rioters Dear Editor: The rioters are hurting the people they think whose “Lives Matter” by smashing windows, burning cars and terrorizing innocent people.

They are trashing the memory of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. This idiotic behavior will bring out more idiocy from other racists, in a punishing backlash. America is supposed to be a democracy. Peaceful marchers know this.

What will it take to knock sense into these fools who would like a type of Nazi society?

We all must denounce the cops who stood by while one of their men killed another by kneeling on his neck. I see this as a hate crime against a man of color. I am certain that rogue cop would never do this to a white man. What good is the Pledge of Allegiance, which includes the phrases “under God” and “Justice for all” when neither is shown by law enforcement?

BK Brumberg Howard Beach

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The elections you left out Dear Editor: Thank you for your guide to the upcoming primary (“Your primary voting guide: What to know,” June 4). It seems you left off a number of important contested elections being held.

Specifically, there are contested elections for some parts of Queens for district leaders; for judicial delegates; for members of the Queens County Democratic Party and the New York State Democratic Party.

It would provide a great public service if you could publish these races as well. Given our battle with COVID-19, any local elections have taken on much more significance.

Mark Laster Rego Park Editor’s note: A full list of the races is available at vote.nyc/page/list-candidates.

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The demand for police reform Calls for legislation, funding redistribution, accountability

by Katherine Donlevy Associate Editor

have the ears of elected officials, what exactly are they asking for?

Countless marches, rallies and vigils following the May 25 death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer have consumed the country, each calling for structural change to end police brutality. One demonstration included a 4-mile march that began at Cunningham Park in Fresh Meadows and traveled to Queens Borough Hall in Kew Gardens where community activists, elected officials and fed-up residents demanded justice for victims of law enforcement violence.

“I’m a resident of Queens born and raised and my heart is deeply imbedded in the streets here, so to have our moment to come out and speak to say how we feel about it and to see all the different people, not just black men as ourselves, just to see the different diverse people here, it goes a very very long way,” Spence, a marcher, said, displaying a black sign that said, “ # Black LivesMatter” in white lettering.

“It makes the mission, the conversation, a little more likely, which is to have hope for change.

If different people can come together for this cause, then there’s hope for change,” he said.

Bryan, protesting on behalf of the Chinese American Planning Council, carried an “Asians For BLM” sign through the march organized by state Sen. John Liu (D-Flushing). Bryan noted that the involvement of elected officials in the demonstrations will play a key role in bringing reform.

“Everyone is fed up. Everyone from the private citizen all the way on up to those in elected office, they’re hearing us, they’re seeing us and it’s now time,” he said.

Now that New York protesters

Legislation The state Assembly and Senate voted on June 9 for legislation to repeal Civil Rights Law 50-a, which prevents the public from accessing police, FDNY and correction officer records relating to alleged misconduct. The bills were introduced in 2016 and aim to hold law enforcement accountable for wrongdoing, according to sponsor Assemblymember Daniel O’Donnell (D-Manhattan). State Sen. Jamaal Bailey (D-Bronx) sponsored the Senate version of the bill, and Gov. Cuomo said he would sign them within the week.

“We are in the middle of a long overdue conversation about systemic racism in our State and our Nation, and we have a lot of work ahead of us. It is clear that we have to make serious, systemic changes to truly protect communities of color,” O’Don nel l sa id i n a statement.

Both chambers also passed the Eric Garner Chokehold Act the day before, which classifies an officer’s use of the restraint as a class C felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The bill was named for the black Staten Island resident who was killed by the maneuver in 2014, despite the restraint being banned by the NYPD in 1993.

The City Council hosted a hearing June 10 to discuss a similar bill to criminalize chokeholds by the police, which was introduced

by Councilmember Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows) following Garner’s death. The bill would appear within a legislative package that also includes a disciplinary matrix for law enforcement, or clear guidelines for punishment;

Protesters display signs calling for law enforcement reform at the June 4 march from Cunninghman Park to Queens Borough Hall.

Protesters have been rallying for law enforcement reform and an end to police brutality, which has spurred some legPHOTOS BY KATHERINE DONLEVY islative action so far, but protesters continue to demand justice. requires officers to always keep their badge numbers visible; and overhauls the NYPD’s existing Early Intervention system and replaces it with one that identifies problematic officers and transparent reporting.

The final bill in the package would reaffirm the right to record police activity in public spaces, as guaranteed by the First Amendment. The measure follows the recent release of Ramsey Orta from prison. Orta, who served time for possession of a weapon and drug charges, claimed he was targeted by correctional officers for videotaping Garner’s death.

This bill has 35 co-sponsors, enough to over ride a veto by Mayor de Blasio should he choose to exercise it, according to Council Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Manhattan).

“I want to be clear: these reforms are long overdue, and it is not the end of our work to change policing in New York City. We can’t let this moment pass, the same way we have done over and over again,” he said in a statement.

U.S. House Democrats are also seeking to pass the Justice in Policing Act, which would allow individuals to recover damages when police violate their constitutional rights, create a National Police Misconduct Registry to prevent police from changing places to avoid accountability, ban racial and religious profiling and limit transfer of military equipment to the police department.

Senate Republicans released a draft for their own legislative package Tuesd ay even i ng, wh ich requires de-escalation training for cops, a system for sharing officers’ records and adding “conspiracy to commit a hate crime” to the criminal code, among other measures.

The shift follows an analyzing of consitutent 911 calls, which were largely for mental health, health, EMT and fire services.

A NextGenAmerica petition, titled “Defund & Demilitarize the Police,” advocates for the ideals of the Minneapolis model for the entire country, stating “Weapons of war should never be used to police ou r com mu n it ies. We ca n not accept the continued normalization of state violence against Black people that has gone on for centuries.

A militarized police force only serves to terrorize our communities and doesn’t make us any safer.”

Defunding the NYPD As outlined by de Blasio’s proposed 2021 fiscal year budget, the NYPD was allotted $5,644,654 as of May 14. The Budget Justice Campaign noted that the budget is larger than those for health, homeless services, youth development and workforce development combined.

The high number fell under scrutiny after community initiatives, such as the Summer Youth Employment Program, were completely eliminated in an effort to accommodate fiscal shortfalls caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“This morning we committed to move resources from the NYPD to youth and social services as part of our City’s budget,” de Blasio tweeted June 7. “Our young people need to be reached, not policed. We can do this AND keep our city safe.”

Some protesters have called for a complete uprooting of the current NYPD and replacing the department with a new system, similar to what city councilmembers in Minneapolis have proposed.

The new model, according to Minneapolis Council President Lisa Bender, would have police focus on community safety needs rather than on pursuit of crime.

NYPD accountability Protesters and activists have turned toward online platforms such as Change.org and thepetitionsite.com to pressure law enforcement to punish officers who have been accused of misconduct.

The combined pressure with video evidence of some police officers behaving inappropriately has resulted in some instances of repercussions, such as the arrest of Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis officer who held his knee against Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes.

The officer was charged with second-degree murder and seconddegree manslaughter on May 29, four days after Floyd’s death.

Rather than quell protesters’ demands for justice, it ignited further calls for the arrest of other officers involved in the deaths of other black Americans.

One petition, “Justice for Breonna Taylor,” had 6,216,741 signatures of its 7,500,000 goal as of June 10 and called for the arrest of the Louisville, Ky., Police Department’s John Mattingly, Brett Hankison and Myles Cosgrove, who allegedly shot and killed the EMT worker as she slept in her home. Q

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‘If not now, when?’

by David Russell Forest Hills saw hundreds of protesters rally over the weekend with walks down Austin Street and Queens Boulevard, and gatherings outside the 112th Precinct and in MacDonald Park in response to recent killings of black people around the country by the police.

Last Saturday, activists knelt down for eight minutes and 46 seconds, the length of time Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s knee was on George Floyd’s neck before the 46-year-old black man died on May 25. Protesters later marched down Austin Street chanting, “This is what democracy looks like.”

“Our black friends, our neighbors and our co-workers are not OK,” Martha Ayon said last Sunday at MacDonald Park. “We have seen too many killings and it doesn’t get any better to process.”

The park’s monument was surrounded by signs and remembrances.

Ayon, who lives in Rego Park, described what she has dealt with. “I grew up being followed when I was walking around at The Wiz, at my own pharmacy,” she said. “Being pulled over by cops when I was looking for parking late at night ... Having a degree, living in a co-op and having a car doesn’t shield me from discrimination.”

The protests were peaceful, with marchers occasionally chanting, “No justice, no peace,” and “Say their names.”

Jackson Heights activist Rhoda Dunn asked the crowd at MacDonald Park, “If not now, when?”

She also spoke of her 90-year-old father.

“It’s so sad that his last few days or years here, he’s having to relive what he lived coming from the Jim Crow South in Tennessee,” Dunn said.

She also spoke of the discrimination faced in daily life.

“In this country, it doesn’t matter when you’re black if you went to school, if you went to college, if you went to law school, if you have a Ph.D., you’re still black when you’re

driving,” Dunn said. “You’re black when you’re shopping.”

Speakers, including Councilwoman Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) and Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton), noted the 8 p.m. curfew that had been placed on the city for a few days before being lifted and calls to def u nd the N Y PD. Mayor de Blasio announced last Sunday he would divert some money from the NYPD to social services.

Ashley Reed of LeFrak City spoke of the importance of change.

“People were saying, ‘Oh, I can’t wait for things to go back to normal’ in regards to the pandemic. I don’t want things to go back to normal. I don’t want business to continue as usual,” she said.

Rabbi Rachel Goldenberg, founder of Malkhut, a progressive Jewish spiritual community in western Queens, spoke about the importance of being “anti-racist,” which she described as “the practice of bringing attention and focus back again and again to the sanctity of black lives, to the preciousness of black lives by recognizing that all of our lives are bound up together and our suffering is all bound up together.”

She also pointed out that some people have been more vocal about recent looting than the police killings, people who “are more concerned about destruction of property than the violation of black people’s bodies.”

Poet Michele Gilliam read some of her work and said that black people are risking their lives while fighting for their lives.

“Police brutality has happened in the protest against police brutality,” she said.

Aleeia Abraham, founder of the BlaQue Resource Network, implored residents to “make it a point to look for black businesses” and to get out and vote in the primary election coming up on June 23.

“There are people marching all across the world against racism, structural inequalities and police brutality and yes, the solution might not be easy and it might not be simple but this is Queens and we can lead the way,” Q she said.

PHOTOS BY DAVID RUSSELL

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C M SQ page 15 Y K Page 15 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2020

Dr. Joseph LaSala PHARMACIST

Pharmacist Dr. Joseph LaSala is pleased and excited to announce that AJ’s Village Chemist’s Middle Village location is celebrating its TENTH ANNIVERSARY! As someone who grew up in Ridgewood, Dr. Joe has deep ties to the mid-Queens community and cares deeply about its neighborhoods and residents.

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“I started this pharmacy in Middle Village with a firm belief in the ‘Mom and Pop’ business model because I know how important our one-on-one connection is to every customer. From curbside pickups to free blood pressure tests and honest, professional answers to all your health related questions, we want you to know that we were here for you and we will stay here for you! And now, because of you - our loyal customers - we have three locations: Middle Village, Rego Park and Ridgewood. So, I want to say a heartfelt ‘thank you all so much’ and I would like to invite you all to share this special celebration with us! We will be celebrating all this week. Please stop in to say ‘hello’ and you will receive a free gift from us. No purchase is necessary. Stay safe and healthy and let’s celebrate another 10 years together, God-willing!”

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“I want to thank all our loyal customers, many of whom I am on a first name basis with, for their patronage and friendship these last ten years,” said Dr. Joe. “It has been my greatest pleasure to serve you and to be a trusted partner in your health and well-being. You are more than just customers to us - you are our FAMILY! For us, our success was never about making a sale; it was all about caring for and partnering with you in keeping you healthy.

We have shared many ups and downs through good times and bad, yet we are New York Strong! During the COVID-19 pandemic, AJ’s Quietly donated 2,000 masks to Councilman Bob Holden’s office to keep you safe and

they gave tuition scholarships to local Catholic schools.

We CARE about you and our community and want you to know we are here for you in good times and bad.”

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2020 Page 16

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Whitestone Wolverine charged over threats Man rushes protesters with knives, car day after site was vandalized

by Katherine Donlevy Associate Editor

The Whitestone man who threatened nonviolent protesters with knives and reckless driving turned himself over to the police Thursday. He’s been charged with attempted murder, attempted assault, menacing and other crimes.

Multiple June 2 videos depict Frank Cavalluzzi climbing out of his vehicle on the Cross Island Parkway overpass by Clintonville Street to chase several Black Lives Matter demonstrators, brandishing a glove infused with four lo ng, s e r r a t e d - e d ge d blades. He then jumped back into the 2-ton SUV and mounted the sidewalk, attempting to drive between a fence and street light pole in the direction of protesters. The crowd dispersed and can be heard screaming and crying in the videos.

The 54-year-old allegedly shouted to the crowd, “I will kill you,” and told one woman, “You picked the wrong neighborhood, b---ch!” before speeding off.

A police investigation was conducted following the incident. To aid in the search for the perpetrator, a change.org petition shared

a still image of Cavalluzzi’s license plate, captured from one of the videos, and called on the Queens district attorney to charge the assailant with second-degree reckless endangerment and third-degree assault.

Cavalluzzi was not detained until he turned himself into the 109th Precinct two days after the attack. He faces multiple charges — attempted murder in the second degree, attempted assault in the first and second degrees, reckless endangerment in the first degree, menacing in the second degree, endangering the welfare of a child and criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.

Cavalluzzi’s bail was set to $100,000 and he was ordered to return to court on July 2. If convicted, Cavalluzzi faces up to 25 years in prison.

“In a burst of anger and rage, this defendant allegedly sought to kill protesters who were peacefully assembled and exercising their right to free speech,” Queens DA Melinda Katz said in a statement. “No one at any time should infringe upon another’s Constitutionally-protected freedoms and doing so with the intent to injure and maim is criminal ... It is amazing

Black Lives Matter demonstrations at the Cross Island Parkway overpass by Clintonville Street in Whitestone were subject to two attacks, one by Frank Cavalluzzi, who threatened the protesters PHOTO BY ANNIE REEVES, ABOVE; SCREENSHOT COURTESY LAMBOMURSY / TWITTER with knives. that no one was injured in the melee. The defendant is in custody and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

The site of the assault saw another incident just a day earlier when a young man was caught on video ripping down the demonstrators’ posters taped on the overpass.

Social media users identified the man, who can be heard on video referring to Whitestone as a “white town.”

One demonstrator asked why he was destroying the posters, and he responded, “I

don’t want you f–-kers in my f–-king town.”

Another called the man a racist, to which he responded, “Yeah, and?”

A Change.org petition, “Whitestone Memorial for George Floyd and Black Lives Matter On Cross Island Overpass,” was created June 7 after more posters and signs were ripped down the night prior. The petition calls on city officials to approve a permanent memorial for the Black Lives Matter movement at the location.

As of June 10, the petition had reached 2,220 Q signatures of its 2,500 goal.

‘Who keeps us safe? We keep us safe!’

Justice activists march through LIC for police reform and defunding

by Max Parrott

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Chronicle Contributor

A group of young Queens activists came together under the name Justice for George Queens to organize a rally and march on Saturday, less than a week after they all met at an Astoria vigil held in response to the police killing of George Floyd.

The organizers of the rally, which brought out over 1,000 residents to Long Island City, used their platform to spread awareness of racial inequity and advanced legislation to hold police accountable.

“Defunding the police is about putting that money that they are wasting on killing us back into the community,” said Astoria resident Trasonia Abbott, who led the rally and march.

As rallies, vigils and marches against police brutality become a daily constant across New York City, the Queens group brought a notable level of organization to their first event. In addition to 30 marshals, three medics and a legal observer, the march had the “people’s bodega” passing out fruit, snacks, water and sunscreen.

At its starting point, Gantry Plaza State Park, protesters had enough space to maintain a notable level of social distancing. The rally included a musical program of gospel hymns and a “die-in” in the park plaza, where all the attendees laid down as the organizers read out the names of victims of police violence.

The Rev. Darryl Williams, pastor of The First Reformed Church of Astoria, also spoke to the crowd, encouraging the younger generation to keep up the fight that the baby boomer generation started with the civil rights movement in the ’60s.

“Don’t let up. You got to keep going,” said Williams.

Before the march started, the organizers cautioned everyone to stay wary throughout.

“There might be some provocateurs who would bring us outside of ourselves but we are not going to let that happen,” said Abbott After leaving Gantry Park, the march

Trasonia Abbott addresses the crowd at the Long Island City Courthouse after about 1,000 people marched there from Gantry Plaza State Park, where the Rev. Darryl Williams, left, was one of PHOTOS BY MAX PARROTT the speakers. made its way along a predetermined route to the Long Island City Courthouse, trailing two community affairs officers from the 108th Precinct that the organizers had pre-

coordinated with.

Chants of “No justice, no peace! Defund the police!” and “Who keeps us safe? We continued on page 22

C M SQ page 17 Y K Page 17 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2020

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C M SQ page 18 Y K

Two candidates seek to unseat Rep. Meng Campaigns for 6th Congressional District seat appeal to working class

by Katherine Donlevy

“We can’t ignore the influence that money has. Look at her donors — you look at her Neither Sandra Choi nor Melquiades votes in Congress, not at what she says, and Gagarin, Democrats running to unseat Rep. you will see that she puts the needs of her Grace Meng (D-Flushing) in the upcoming donors before the needs of the working class June 23 primary for the 6th Congressional community,” Gagarin said.

Though Gagarin said that he is more leftDistrict, have held political office before, but that is precisely what they both believe makes leaning than Choi, they both share many views, such as on Medicare for All, immigrathem attractive candidates.

“I have lived a professional experience,” tion and criminal justice reform.

“This district needs a legislative agenda said Gagarin, who believes that his life in the working class will allow him to relate to his that is rooted in the needs of the people — constituents better than his competitors. working toward universal healthcare, creat“There hasn’t been a job I haven’t held in one ing a pathway for undocumented members of our community and creating an inclusive ou capacity or another. To have an understandd eeconomy,” said Choi, who has worked ing that it’s not a top-down approach .... iin Washington, DC, under Sen. We need the political courage to o Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and thenC change that.”

Rep. Charles Rangel (D-ManhatGagarin, who boasts experience ttan), as well as for the Departas a congressional aide to former ment of Commerce’s Trade ProRep. Anthony Wiener representing motion Coordinating Committee’s the ninth district, which included State and Federal Working Group. parts of what are now in the sixth dis2020 Choi grew up as a member of the trict, and advocating on Capital Hill for criminal justice reform, plans to introduce working class, which she claims provides her legislation to increase affordable housing, with the advantage in “bridging the gap” support the Green New Deal and work between constituents and Congress.

Choi promises to work for those “who’ve toward justice for immigrants, which includes shutting down detention centers and been left behind,” which includes fighting to abolishing Im migration and Customs expand Social Security so that seniors won’t retire into poverty, providing employment Enforcement.

“I think we can’t talk about our platforms opportunities and other benefits to veterans without the present context,” Gagarin said. and supporting the Equality Act to protect “We have to acknowledge we’re living in one the LGBTQ+ community.

The pandemic and ongoing protests to end of the most dangerous moments in history police brutality and racial discrimination proand need actual policy changes.”

The pandemic has accentuated the prob- vide proof that change in representation is lems the district previously had, Gagarin needed, according to Choi. Her campaign said, especially the issues of rising rent and focus has shifted to helping the community displacement of the diverse communities that with its immediate needs, which mainly have inhabited the neighborhoods for include surviving job loss and securing daily rations, and have opened her eyes to how generations.

“We’re in the middle of an affordability badly a change is needed.

“For me it’s more important now than ever crisis,” he said. “The community says to have new leadership, new voices in Con[Meng] doesn’t show up for them.”

Gagarin vowed that in his fight for work- gress that can really advocate for the changes ing-class residents, people of color, immi- we need. Our old ways won’t do,” said Choi.

Despite her challengers’ claims, Meng said grants and the elderly, he won’t accept campaign donations from corporations, the fossil her years in the position prove she’s the best fuel industry or real estate developers, a choice.

“Experience matters,” Meng told the claim he says Meng can’t make.

Associate Editor

Call for change continued from page 2 protect and serve. You are law enforcement, you are not above it. You work for us,” said Destyn White, 20, a member of the NAACP Jamaica Youth Council.

Southeast Queens electeds joined the youth leaders to elaborate about how the protests intersected with longstanding racial inequity in their districts.

“People come to me and say isn’t it terrible they are tearing up their neighborhoods; I say they don’t own those neighborhoods. How can it be their neighborhood if they don’t own anything in it?” said state Sen. James Sanders

Jr. (D-South Ozone Park). “I do say you should not burn where you live. You should not burn where you eat.”

State Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) accused Mayor de Blasio of establishing the curfew without consulting any minority leadership. City Councilmembers Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) and Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton) said that they would continue to fight for victims of police brutality at the city level.

Richards said he hoped to pass a bill making the use of chokeholds by the NYPD a misdemeanor on Monday. It has yet to be approved. He also said he would push Williams’ “right to record” bill, which would Q protect the filming of officers.

Sandra Choi, left, and Melquiades Gagarin, right, are each challenging incumbent Rep. Grace Meng in the upcoming June 23 primary for her 6th Congressional District seat. COURTESY PHOTOS Chronicle in an email. “I bring valuable expe- to mass incarceration, add accountability rience to the position which has proven my and transparency to our police systems, and establish a process of national reckoning ability to deliver results for my constituents.”

Among her accomplishments, Meng co- and reconciliation for four centuries of sponsored the Medicare for All bill; co- racial injustice.”

“I have and will continue to be a leader in chaired the Kids’ Safety Caucus, the first bipartisan group in the House of Representa- the effort to expand access to health care, in tives that addresses kids’ safety issues, and the fight against climate change, and pushing for toug her g u n brought the Departsafety laws,” said ment of Veterans Meng. “I have and Affairs into her dise have to acknowledge will continue to t r ict off ice each st a nd up to t he month to provide we’re living in one of the Trump administraassistance to local tion, and fight back veterans. She also most dangerous moments against the Presilisted her involvement in obtaining in history and need actual dent’s divisive rhetoric and xenophobic f u nds to open a policy changes.” policies. I have and Small Business will continue workDevelopment Cen— Melquiades Gagarin ing with our labor ter in the district, unions to ensure passing provisions into law to combat excessive airplane noise safe working conditions; fighting for women over Queens, working to improve mail deliv- and equal pay; protecting Social Security and ery, helping to avoid potential post office clo- Medicaid; ensuring that veterans receive the sures, passing legislation to combat telephone support and services they earned; fighting for affordable housing and underrepresented scams and more.

Meng said that if she were to be re-elect- communities such as the working families ed, she would “support legislation to reform and immigrants that make our district great; Q the draconian criminal justice laws that led and being a voice for the voiceless.”

“W

Back to biz continued from page 5 to scale up. They’re working from a point of excitement and ‘wait-and-see.’”

Glenn Greenidge, executive director of the Sutphin Boulevard Business Improvement District in Jamaica, said his members welcome the advance — but that they traditionally are helped tremendously by the state Civil Courthouse complex on the eastern side of the street between 88th and 90th avenues.

“The mood here is one of anticipation, looking forward to getting back to work,” he said in a telephone interview. “But there’s

still not a lot of people on the street. And the courts are still closed. It’s been a rough three months.”

He does believe his membership still is optimistic, many trying new things.

“We’re trying to point out things they can do, places they can look to to stay relevant and add to their stream of income,” he said.

Many restaurants, he said, have been doing just fine, particularly those that had a significant amount of delivery business before COVID-19 struck.

“They’ve been doing well because people have wanted to try new things,” Greenidge said. He added that the owner of a barbecue restaurant not within the BID “said he’s Q doing even better.”

C M SQ page 19 Y K

by Max Parrott

Stimulus bill During last week’s debate, the stimulus When Rep. Alexandria-Ocasio Cortez emerged as the largest point of friction between (D-Bronx, Queens) won her seat in 2018, she Ocasio-Cortez and Caruso-Cabrera. While ran as a staunch left-wing agitator within the Caruso-Cabrera attacked Ocasio-Cortez for Democratic Party. Now as an incumbent, she’s being the only Democrat to vote against a corofending off backlash from more moderate Dem- navirus relief package in April, the incumbent said that if she were the deciding vote she ocrats in this year’s June 23 primary.

If many candidates challenging an incum- would have negotiated for “hard improvements bent member of Congress this summer are run- to the bill” and supported it.

“She was the only Democrat to vote against ning to be “the next AOC,” her best-funded opponent, former CNBC news anchor Michelle the stimulus bill that brought 75 billion [dollars] Caruso-Cabrera, is running to be the anti-AOC. to hospitals, 25 billion for coronavirus testing,” In a NY1 debate last Friday, Caruso-Cabrera Caruso-Cabrera told the Chronicle.

Ocasio-Cortez did vote for the HEROES did not give an answer without criticizing the Act, another COVID relief bill, and critiA incumbent as a divisive renegade, focusingg ccized the CARES Act as containing on her vote against the CARES Actt “half a trillion dollars in Wall Street stimulus law. Her antagonism was soo giveaways” and said a majority of g insistent that it prompted the other bbusinesses owned by people of color primary challenger, Community have been or will likely be shut out h Board 2 member Badrun Khan, to of the Paycheck Protection Program. demand that she should “give In addition, Ocasio-Cortez supported respect to everybody.” three PPP-related bills that would make While polling by Celinda Lake 2020 it easier for its loans to be forgiven, require shows that Ocasio-Cortez has maintained a 79-point favorability rating in her district, Caru- great transparency lending and extend the so-Cabrera’s message has successfully attracted program.

Khan agreed that the PPP was a failure for some eager donors. The challenger had raised $1.1 million as of March 31, when the candi- small businesses in Queens, and added that she dates last filed with the Federal Election Com- too would not support a bill that she felt shortmission. Ocasio-Cortez had raised nearly $8 changed the immigrant community. She said million, and spent almost $5 million of it before that if she was in charge of drafting another then. By fundraising standards, Khan had fallen stimulus bill, she would focus on the coordination between banks and small businesses. short, raising only $68,300.

about supporting Medicare for All legislation.

“That’s what we have to figure out through a budgeting process,” Khan said. “Where [the funds] would come from is something that needs to be worked out, but it’s certainly much more affordable than Medicare for All.”

Chronicle Contributor

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, left, is facing challengers Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, center, and Badrun Khan. FILE PHOTO, LEFT; COURTESY PHOTOS Healthcare All three candidates called for an increase in hospital capacity in Queens, but they differed on how they would deliver on the promise.

An Ocasio-Cortez spokesperson said that she has raised alarm about plans by the Democratic Party to fund healthcare centers at flat levels — which, she argued, amounts to a cut given the high rate of medical inflation. She instead sponsored and supported plans to increase their funding by 10 percent per year over the next five years.

Caruso-Cabrera said the district needs to bring more federal dollars and argued that her willingness to work with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) would help her unify the party and pass legislation to address those needs.

Khan argued that northern Queens needs more urgent care centers.

Whereas Khan and Caruso-Cabrera support a public option plan, in line with what Joe Biden has proposed, Ocasio-Cortez has been stalwart

Police reform Caruso-Cabrera emphasized reforms that would make police officers in touch with and empathetic to the communities that they patrol and police. She said that the George Floyd Act that the Congressional Black Caucus and Pelosi have put forward looks like a “solid piece of legislation” and added that reforms should bring back more federal dollars for training.

Ocasio-Cortez said she supports reducing the $6 billion NYPD budget and using those cuts for human services. In addition, she made the case for legislation to end qualified immunity for the police and to demilitarize departments. She has specifically signed on to the Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act, which aims at regulating military surplus programs.

Khan and Caruso-Cabrera agreed that military equipment should not be delivered to police officers, though they stopped short of citing support of any bills.

“I definitely want it looked up,” CarusoCabrera said.

The winner of the primary will face a Republican opponent in November, but in a district, made up of parts of Queens and the Q Bronx, that is heavily Democratic.

Page 19 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2020

Ocasio-Cortez faces pair of challengers

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“Growing up, I was told that discrimination would magically disappear if we stop acknowledging racial difference. ‘All people are the same. Skin color doesn’t matter.

Only bad people are racist. If we are all nice and well-behaved, racism will go away.’

This is the fallacy of colorblind ideology.

It’s a tool to keep us complicit in white supremacy. Don’t be a tool.”

Jeffrey Herskovitz of Queens Parents United and father of a 7-year-old at PS 144 in Forest Hills is concerned because that is a passage on the Books for Littles website that the school sent parents in an email.

“When you click on all these links it’s, to me, extremely bigoted and unhelpful,” Herskovitz said.

Another link, to Parent Tool Kit, quotes Dr. Margaret Hagerman, a sociologist who wrote “White Kids: Growing up with Privilege in a Racially Divided America.”

Herskovitz believes the readings are too mature for elementary school students.

“It’s just that the material sent is college at best because there’s a certain understanding of what you’re reading. To try to promote these ideas to little kids, to me, that’s indoctrination,” Herskovitz said, adding “They’re not [in] high school. They have no power to go outside at any given time without a parent. Wrong level.”

The email was sent in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, as the 46-year-old man was killed by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Protests have occurred around the country criticizing police brutality and calling for change.

Herskovitz, saying the email was wellintentioned, called it a “swing and a miss,” adding, “It’s entirely inappropriate for an elementary school at the end of the day.”

In an email to Herskovitz, PS 144 Princi-

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pal Reva Gluck-Schneider told him he doesn’t have to use the materials if he doesn’t want to.

“Please do not use any resources you find objectionable,” she wrote. “The resources are being gathered from all kinds of places.

I’m sorry if you object, as we are honestly doing our best to be [of] service.”

Gluck-Schneider did not respond to Chronicle emails requesting comment.

DOE spokesman Nathaniel Styer said, “We have seen educators across the city sharing resources, and we are encouraging them to do so, and to connect with their students and families to have open conversations about the past week.”

Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza, in a June 3 message to families, wrote, “It is hard to recall another time as gut-wrenching and heartbreaking as these recent days have been.”

He added, “Racism also causes new harm in other ways, every day, because it is systemic — woven deeply into the fabric of our institutions, our economy, and the systems that make up our shared community. That is true in New York City, as progressive and forward-thinking as we are, including in our public school system.”

The letter, which can be seen by visiting schools.nyc.gov/togetherforjustice, is followed by resources for families.

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Says links from PS 144 are ‘bigoted and unhelpful,’ citing racial wording

by David Russell

Page 21 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2020

Parent rips language in school’s message

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2020 Page 22

C M SQ page 22 Y K

Day of no death just a dream

ESSAY

How Norma Doggett, gone at 94, danced into my life

by Mark Lord Some friendships are just meant to be.

So it was with Norma Doggett and me, beginning with a chance encounter 20 years ago.

I was appearing in a production of “Bells Are Ringing” in a community theater in Forest Hills, my adopted hometown. Following one performance, a meticulously coiffed older but still striking woman came up and congratulated me, casually mentioning that she had once been in a production of the show.

“Aww, how sweet,” I thought to myself.

“And where did you do it?” I asked.

“On Broadway,” she said. The tone seemed to imply, “Where else?”

“You mean the original production with Judy Holliday?” I asked incredulously.

“Yes,” she answered matter-of-factly.

I asked Norma how she had come to see our show. She explained that she lived only a few blocks away and had wanted to hear the songs again.

I mentioned to her that I was a reporter for this newspaper and that I would love to do a story about her. She agreed.

A couple of weeks later, I found myself in her small, memory-filled apartment, tucked unobtrusively in a corner of the basement in a building just off Queens Boulevard. She shared with me some of her scrapbooks, overflowing with programs, photos and letters culled from a lifetime in show business. The letters included one from composer Richard Rodgers. Another one, from songwriter Irving Berlin, was displayed proudly in a frame on the wall.

Her talent had taken her to nearly a dozen Broadway shows, where she worked with the likes of Ethel Merman, Gwen Verdon and Jerome Robbins. She appeared in sum-

Norma Doggett in 2012 with a Dance magazine cover she was on, and in a publicity still for 1954’s “Seven Brides for Seven FILE PHOTO BY MARK LORD, ABOVE; Brothers.”

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mer stock, in nightclubs and on television . He r m ajo r claim to fame was as one of the brides in the f ilm musical classic “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”

And on the evening of Dec. 12, 1949, she became a Broadway star — for one night only — when she went on for leading lady Allyn McLerie in Berlin’s musical “Miss Liberty.”

Still, she always maintained that her career was “modest.”

Norma was tiny, but even as she got older, she demonstrated a degree of the toughness needed to make it as a performer.

And she continued to take dance classes in Manhattan into her 90s.

It was in 1970 that she and her husband settled in Forest Hills, where she would spend the rest of her life. She passed away on May 4 at the age of 94.

Over the years, we shared many happy times. She came to see several of the shows I wrote or directed. In a musical revue, I included a number from “Seven Brides.”

W hen t he song ended , Norma was introduced in the audience. She loved the recognition.

Norma never hesitated to give of her time. I was a high school English teacher and she was happy to oblige when I invited her to come to speak to my students about her life in show business.

She once arrived at a local community center to watch a screening of “Seven Brides.” When the audience found out she was there, they decided to scrap the movie in favor of hearing Norma’s personal stories.

She loved to write poetry and would often send me copies of her latest creations in the mail. Every occasion surely meant I would receive a handwritten note of thanks from Norma, ever the epitome of social grace.

I wrote a book last year, “The Theater and I,” in which I included a photo of Norma and me, taken the day we met, as well as the story of how it came to be. I planned to share a copy of the book with her but she had already taken ill and I never got to see her again.

Q I shall miss my friend forever.

Mark Lord is a Queens Chronicle contributing writer, retired teacher, lifelong lover of Broadway, playwright, community theater actor and author of “The Theater and I,” who lives in Forest Hills.

Many media outlets, including this one, were glad to report last Friday that the city had, two days earlier, recorded its first day with no coronavirus deaths since they started being recorded March 11.

The more careful reports, including the Queens Chronicle’s, noted that there also were three probable but unconfirmed deaths that day.

But it was all wrong.

Checking Wednesday on the city Health Department’s website for an update for the print edition, the Chronicle discovered the zero deaths of June 3 had

gone to 26, with 12 more probable.

Asked over email if that revision is typical, and “Are the numbers really kind of meaningless for the first couple of days?” a department spokesman said: “As noted, all of the data posted on our data page are preliminary and subject to change. While I wouldn’t say numbers reported out on the previous day are ‘meaningless’, it can take a couple days before a death is reported to us.”

The data do show a large drop in deaths over time, though not every day. Q — Peter C. Mastrosimone

Vote by mail for June 23 It’s not too late! Registered voters have until June 16 to request an absentee ballot for the June 23 primaries.

Under the gover nor’s Execut ive Order 202.15, all registered voters have the opportunity to vote by mail for the June 23 elections to prevent the community spread of COVID-19. Absentee ballots can be submitted until the day of the election.

Those interested can request an absentee ballot at nycabsentee.com. The website can be used only by registered New York City voters.

If you are affected by COVID-19,

check the box for “Temporary Illness” on the application. The definition has been temporarily expanded to include both those affected by COVID-19 and those with the potential of contracting the virus.

Enter your information exactly as it appears in your voter record. Failure to do so may result in a “Record Not Found.” That does not mean you are ineligible, but the information was submitted incorrectly.

For more information, visit voting. nyc. For f u r ther assist ance, email AbsenteeJune2020@boe.nyc or call 1 Q (866) VOTE-NYC (868-3692).

BLM out on the streets, literally Taking its cue from the capital of the United States, the capital of the world will soon rename streets in all boroughs for the Black Lives Matter movement and paint the slogan on the pavement.

“The streets of our city will now affirm the vital work activists have done to bring us forward,” Mayor de Blasio said in emailed statement. “With a street in every borough painted with the words Black Lives Matter, we are recognizing where we have been and looking forward to where we will go.”

Washington, DC, recently painted “Black Lives Matter” in letters stretching

from curb to curb on 16th Street where it faces the White House across Lafayette Park.

Asked if City Hall knew which street in Queens would be painted and when, a spokeswoman for the Mayor’s Office said, “We’ll be having conversations with City Council and advocates to determine best location[s] and we are working with the Council to get street co-naming legislation passed as soon as possible.” Asked if anything similar had been done before, she noted that the crosswalk by the Stonewall Inn had been painted in rainbow colors. Q — Peter C. Mastrosimone

LIC hosts a Rally for George continued from page 16 keep us safe!” rang out along the route.

Following Abbott’s warnings about provocateurs, the crowd remained loud but peaceful the whole way. Many held up their fists in solidarity. One participant held a sign that read, “I’m not black, but I see you, I hear you, I will mourn with you and I will fight for you!”

At the courthouse, organizer Mario Scott read off a list of federal, state and city reforms, including the requirement of body cams for all state police officers, the Stop Militarizing Our Law Enforcement Act, the Emmett Till Antilynching Act and the City Council’s bill to criminalize chokeholds, among others.

“The Supreme Court of the State of

New York works for us. And we are going to put them to mother f---kin’ work,” said Abbott.

In addition to listing a legislative slate for their electeds, the group encouraged everyone to take individual steps to show solidarity as well. Manuela Agudelo, who spoke about her Afro-Colombian ethnicity, said that she takes it on herself to attack colorism in the Latin American community. She encouraged the audience to do the same with other types of intolerance.

“I want you to do three things. Sign every petition. If you can vote, get your ass to vote, period,” said Agudelo.

“Think about your own biases. Sit down Q and reflect to be a better person.”

C M SQ page 23 Y K

Class★ of 2020★ ★

We are so Proud of You!

Giovanni Bailo

Ethan Intriago

Jade Ochoa

Marco Bailo

Colin Klinger

Matthew Pepa

Charlotte Burridge

Jessica Liberto

Michael Portella

Anthony Caffarone

Valeria Lombardo

Theresa Reitor

Antoinette Campanella

Jacqueline Lowenhaupt

Victoria Saccenti

Juliet DeCandia

Luca Manco

James Savino

Marco Diaz

Kayla Miller

Jadon Stewart

Joseph Ferrante

Ayden Montalvo

Michelle Tokar

STUDENTS OF OF ALL ALL FAITHS FFAITHS WELCOME WELCOME -- FOR FOR MORE MORE INFORMATION INFORMATION A CONTAC T TUS USBELOW BELOW STUDENTS CONTACT PHONE:

For the latest news visit qchron.com 2020 Graduation Section

Erika Fiallos

Page 23 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2020

O Y F D G A R L A R CE U O A C C I A L D O E H M T A Y C Congratulates The

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2020 Page 24

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2020: A graduating class like no other Schools making a shift to virtual celebrations because of COVID

by David Russell Associate Editor

Students completing a more-than-decadelong journey of attending school will not have a typical high school graduation.

No walking across the stage. No hugging friends. No signing yearbooks in person.

“I’m sorry. This is not what you were promised,” Cardozo High School Principal Meagan Colby wrote in a letter to the Class of 2020. “This is not at all what any one of us was anticipating. This is unfair. This is crazy!”

Cardozo, in Bayside, will be holding a virtual graduation ceremony on June 23.

The High School for Construction Trades, Engineering and Architecture in Ozone Park plans to have a virtual graduation on June 26.

Senior items are being delivered to students’ homes by Department of Education courier service.

“The staff and administration at CTEA acknowledge that a virtual graduation is no substitute for the in-person experience students and their families looked forward to and deserve,” school treasurer and senior activities coordinator Alyce Ortiz wrote in a letter posted on the school website. “Our

students are far too important to us, and we will do all that we can to honor and celebrate this great life achievement.”

As schools across the borough make their individual plans, the DOE will honor the Class of 2020 with a virtual graduation ceremony with a date to be announced. Graduates were invited to make a sign, invite other family members to join or to express themselves in other ways for a video, which was to be sent in by today, June 11.

Speaking last Sunday, Gov. Cuomo said socially distanced outdoor graduation ceremonies for up to 150 people will be allowed as of June 26. Days earlier he said drive-in and drivethrough graduations would be allowed.

“Graduation is a deeply meaningful event for students, families and entire school communities,” said DOE spokesman Daniel Styer. “We are reviewing the State’s guidance regarding drive-in ceremonies and continue to support schools in creating significant and meaningful virtual moments in the lives of seniors and their families.”

Seniors are winding down their final weeks of high school not in school but, most likely, at home.

“It is not lost on me that your senior year

wasn’t supposed to be this way,” Flushing High School Principal Ignazio Accardi wrote in a letter on the school’s website.

“You all have waited for 12 years of schooling to arrive at your senior year and all of this has occurred. I know it is not fair and I Q wish I could change that for you.”

Schools are shifting to virtual graduation to celebrate seniors because of the coronavirus.

Homes around the borough, like this one in Glendale, above, are being decorated to mark the accomplishments of the graduates.

PHOTOS BY DAVID RUSSELL

Congratulations

Class of 2020 For the latest news visit qchron.com 2020 Graduation Section

We wish you much success in all your future endeavors!

C M SQ page 25 Y K

Page 25 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2020

For the latest news visit qchron.com 2020 Graduation Section

For the latest news visit qchron.com 2020 Graduation Section

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2020 Page 26

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Catholic high schools celebrate class of 2020 Institutions honor students from a distance, graduation plans still on

by Katherine Donlevy Associate Editor

Because traditional graduations and senior ceremonies violate social distancing mandates, Catholic high schools across the borough have initiated unprecedented and creative events in order to celebrate their respective graduating classes of 2020.

“We made a vow to our senior class that they would not be forgotten,” said Patrick McLaughlin, principal of Saint Francis Preparatory School in Fresh Meadows.

The school would have had its gradu- a t i o n ceremony on June 6, but is still holding out hope that it can hold the commencement on Aug. 1.

“I’d rather not do a drive-up or a virtual graduation — the seniors would really appreciate coming together again, so we’re trying really hard,” McLaughlin said. “I think there’s a greater appreciation about being in school. Everyone loves a snow day, but no one loves a snow day for three months.”

In the meantime, St. Francis Prep hosted a senior parade where the 604 graduates traveled through the campus in their respective vehicles to pick up their cap, gown, stole, graduation hat, T-shirt, lawn sign and yearbook. They also had a digital celebration to celebrate the last day of classes, which featured a graduation liturgy, senior awards, a send-off from their homeroom teachers and a scene from the school play “Hairspray,” which the actors perfor med from their homes.

Christ the King Regional High School of Middle Village similarly hosted a drivethrough celebration. Students were encouraged to decorate their cars as they drove through the school’s large campus, were blessed by the priest and given graduation goodies, such as caps, gowns, class pictures, yearbooks, lawn signs and even a specially made Christ the King face mask.

“They’ve been cheated out of their senior year so we really wanted to do something,” said Serphin Mal-

tese, chairman of the board.

Maltese said the school is committed to giving the graduates a ceremony on June 27, which is possible with Gov. Cuomo’s mandate allowing ceremonies of 150 people beginning June 26.

“We’re going to figure out a way to give them a graduation,” said Maltese. “We have to figure out how we can do it. We have 151 graduates but a large campus.”

The school hasn’t made any confirmed plans yet, and is considering splitting the ceremony into separate sessions to limit the number of attendees and limiting the number of guests each student can bring.

While Prep and CTK are waiting to perform their graduation ceremonies, Holy Cross High School in Flushing conducted individual graduations at its students’ homes.

“Each one of our graduates was visited at his home, many of which were decorated with signs and special awards,” said Michael Truesdell, president of the school. “Lots of tears were shed ... it was very heartwarming.”

Holy Cross administrators and

A Christ the King student participates in the drive-through ceremony to collect his graduation gifts, which included a specially made face covering.

PHOTO COURTESY CHRIST THE KING HIGH SCHOOL

faculty split into smaller groups and conducted each ceremony over the course of a week. Each student was read the proclamation and moved their tassel from right to left. Some parents played “Pomp and Circumstance” from their phones to com-

plete the ceremony.

“Education is so individualized.

We need to reach out to each student and make sure we are fulfilling his potential ... We did this because we care for them as an individual perQ son,” Truesdell said.

HOLC-077797

C M SQ page 27 Y K

We wish you all the best!

St. Helen Catholic Academy 83-09 157th Avenue, Howard Beach, NY 11414 718-835-4155 Email: info@sthelencatholicacademy.org Isabella Alvira

Peter Macchia

Melanie Snyder

The Mary Louis Academy ****************

Archbishop Molloy High School ****************

Xaverian High School ****************

Ashley Mangar

Kyle Spelman

Holy Cross High School ****************

High School for Construc on Trades, Engineering and Architecture ****************

Jovanna Donaruma Archbishop Molloy High School ****************

Ehinomen Eromosele Cathedral High School ****************

Jolene Fiorello Rockaway Collegiate High School ****************

Giovanni Gizzi

Angel Mensah Archbishop Molloy High School ****************

Loren Paguntalan

Leandro Trovato Robert H. Goddard High School ****************

Leonardo Trovato

Saint Francis Preparatory School ****************

Robert H. Goddard High School ****************

Christopher Gomez

Enza Perna

Lukas Weiss

Division Avenue High School

Saint Francis Preparatory School

Holy Cross High School

Archbishop Molloy High School ****************

Page 27 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2020

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2020!

STHE-077779

To The Class of 2020

From the faculty, staff and board of trustees of Vaughn College

For the latest news visit qchron.com 2020 Graduation Section

Despite the recent struggles you have faced, you consistently met the challenge and prevailed.

We recognize your commitment, congratulate your achievements and wish you the best as you start your futureproof careers.

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2020 Page 28

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At left, York College graduate Kesi Gordon is joined by Michelle Mack-Corley and interim York President Berenecea Johnson Eanes. Standing tall, center, is York valedictorian Aamina Bibi. Vaughn PHOTOS COURTESY YORK COLLEGE AND VAUGHN COLLEGE College held a virtual commencement ceremony, right.

Local colleges host virtual graduations

by Max Parrott Chronicle Contributor

As the semester comes to a close, colleges across Queens have assembled family, friends, faculty, staff and special guests for ceremonies to celebrate their departing classes.

While the pandemic has forced all graduation ceremonies to happen virtually, many of the schools have had to get creative planning special events and other things to remember their seniors.

Queens College, for instance, created a spe-

cial digital booklet and hosted a toast night for its seniors. Along with St. John’s University and Vaughn College, Queens College will hold inperson commencement ceremonies to be announced at a later date.

Below, the Chronicle has listed what each college did to celebrate graduation under quarantine: York College York held a week of celebrations for the Class of 2020, the largest in the

college’s 54-year history, including the “One York Town Hall,” held on May 27.

The commencement ceremony was hosted on WebEx and York College’s Facebook and YouTube pages for the 1,239 graduates.

Interim York President Dr. Berenecea Johnson Eanes thanked the Alumni Association for leading her with a modest caravan to visit the homes of a few graduates to deliver free diploma covers on May 26th.

“I so look forward to the day that we’ll be able to be together and celebrate,” said Eanes.

Queens College Queens College celebrated the 9,904-member Class of 2020 by releasing its digital booklet May 28, in lieu of a physical commencement.

The 58-page booklet contained speeches from prestigious alumni and community figures. The college clarified that it would postpone an in-person commencement for when continued on page 30

For the latest news visit qchron.com 2020 Graduation Section

5IF 4'1 $PNNVOJUZ CongratulatFT thF Class of 2020

“High School is four years; St. Francis Prep is Forever” ST. FRANCIS PREPARATORY SCHOOL 6100 Francis Lewis Blvd. Fresh Meadows, NY 11365

(718) 423-8810 www.sfponline.org

#SFP4ever #TerrierTough STFR-077822

C M SQ page 29 Y K

STRENGTH, STABILITY & SERVICE SINCE 1859

Page 29 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2020

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2020!

For more information, call (877) 786-6560 or visit myNYCB.com

For the latest news visit qchron.com 2020 Graduation Section

STJO-077806

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2020 Page 30

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2020 QC grad earns doctoral scholarship Vallaire Wallace heading to UVA Queens College 2020 graduate Vallaire Wallace has earned a full scholarship to the University of Virginia to pursue a doctorate in English. Wallace, who majored in English with a minor in Drama and Theatre, graduated from QC summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts.

Wallace would have addressed this year’s graduates and their families as the student speaker at the college’s May commencement, but the ceremony — with its annual audience of up to 10,000 people — did not take place due to COVID-19-imposed restrictions on large gatherings.

“The MMUF fellowship has changed the entirety of my undergraduate life,” says Wallace. “I am so excited to continue my studies at University of Virginia, where I will be pursuing my Ph. D. in English. I have been awarded the Dean’s Fellowship in addition to my base stipend as a testament to my academic excellence. At UVA, I plan to continue my research on the Harlem Renaissance and develop my training as an African Americanist.”

An award-winning undergraduate, Wallace focused on 20th-century African-American Literature and the Harlem Renaissance and plans to pursue the topic in her doctoral studies. She is a resident of OakQ land Gardens.

Vallaire Wallace PHOTO COURTESY QUEENS COLLEGE

College grads continued from page 28 health circumstances permit, and that more details will be forthcoming.

Vaughn College Vaughn College virtually celebrated its 88th commencement on May 17.

Upwards of 1,000 families and friends tuned into the Zoom for the virtual prequel ceremony, during which the college bachelor’s, master’s and associate degrees in engineering, technology, management and aviation were given to its graduating classes.

David Garrison, chief executive officer of Endeavor Air, delivered the commencement address and was awarded an honorary degree. Garrison has more than 27 years of experience within Delta TechOps. State Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul also attended the farewell address.

President Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo ended the commencement ceremony by expressing her gratitude for the work of the graduates and wishing them well in the next chapter of their lives. College plans to host an in-person commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 when the campus reopens to students.

St. John’s University SJU held its virtual undergraduate ceremony for more than 2,700 students on May 31 and its graduate ceremonies on May 30.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Simon Møller gave the graduates

credit for adjusting to online learning swiftly and doing so without in-person interaction with their friends and professors.

“The bad things that happen to us are another opportunity for us to prove to ourselves and others how strong we really are,” said graduate Evelyn T. Austin, who earned her degree in public administration and public service.

LaGuardia Community College Because LGCC’s academic calendar consists of two enhanced 18-week semesters, it will be celebrating its virtual commencement later than the other Queens schools at 1 p.m. June 16.

It will be led by Paul Arcario, the college’s interim president, and feature Antonio Alarcón, an immigrant rights activist who is a coplaintiff in the landmark case before the U.S. Supreme Court on the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Alarcón is himself a LaGuardia Community College graduate, who earned his associate degree in mass communications/media studies with the Class of 2015.

Queensborough Community College QCC also will host its 59th commencement ceremony later than the senior colleges.

Its more than 2,300 graduates will have their virtual graduation at 1 p.m. June 26.

During the virtual event, graduates will be able to chat live, share videos and send words of encouragement to each other via social media. The ceremony will feature a Q presentation by the Music Department.

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Page 31 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2020

ARTS, CULTURE C & LIVING

Back on track

by Michael Gannon

all the best trainers and best jockeys came right back and picked up where they left off.”

David Hill, a racing writer from Nyack, thinks there may be a greater appreciation for the sport.

“I think it’s important to have sports come back in general,” Hill said. “I think sports are something

sports for entertainment, for escape, something to bond with friends over, something to get them out and around. And that was missing during quarantine.”

Hill, who always has been a fan, said with racing taking place in other parts of the country, friends would call him to discuss horse racing in general and eventually began asking his thought s on horses in upcoming races.

“People began connecting with me on Zoom,” he said. “We have new horse racing fans.”

Sport Sp port of K Kings ing gs re returns etur rns t to o ed edge dge e of Q Queens uee ens best trainers who want to race there.

For two months, a lot of them didn’t have a lot of places to run. A lot of them spent some extra time in Florida. And when New York opened up,

we took for granted until we didn’t have them anymore. Racing was the one thing going on when for the last two months there’s been no basketball, no baseball. People look to

continued on page 33

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Star of the West may never go down in the history of thoroughbred racing with the likes of Secretariat or American Pharoah.

But when he crossed the finish line at Belmont Park on June 3, paying $4.90 to win, horse racing was back in the metropolitan area for the first time since the C O V I D -19 o u tbreak prematurely shut down winter racing at Aqueduct in March.

Gov. Cuomo back in May cleared horse racing to open after June 1, without fans in the grandstand

for now.

And devotees of the sport said restarting horse racing is important — and not just for the sport itself.

“New York racing is the best racing anywhere,” said Mark DiLorenzo, a handicapper who runs the website Giddyupbets.com. “You have the best horses, the best jockeys and the

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2020 Page 32

C M SQ page 32 Y K

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

King Crossword Puzzle Hollywood sex offender was produced here in Queens

ACROSS

1 Impale 5 Father 8 Waller or Domino 12 Operatic solo 13 Playwright Levin 14 “Step --!” (“Hurry!”)

15 Kindly bloke 16 Make a mock-up of 18 I before E except -20 Draw forth 21 Doesn’t feel good 23 Overly 24 Kiss 28 Winter forecast 31 Debt notice 32 Detroit team 34 Payable 35 Calm before the storm 37 Vary a tone 39 Winning hand’s winnings 41 Cupola 42 Notlikethis 45 Random drawing?

49 Count 51 Require 52 Right angles 53 Knight’s title 54 On the rocks 55 Encounter 56 Skirt terminus 57 “Finding Nemo” character

DOWN 1 Long story

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

2 Not kosher 3 “It -- Necessarily So” 4 Flat-bottomed boat 5 Deny 6 “Exodus” hero 7 Knighted woman 8 Page numbers 9 Big snake 10 South American monkey 11 Undo a dele

17 Last (Abbr.)

19 Small stream 22 Remained upright 24 Lubricant 25 Old French coin 26 Guilty 27 Germ layer 29 Result of three strikes 30 Tiny 33 Wrestling style

36 Noisy swarmer 38 Nikita’s successor 40 -- Aviv 42 Branch 43 Wan 44 Morse morsel 46 Retro art style 47 Lecherous look 48 Vortex 50 Dead heat

Max Weinstein was born in Manhattan on June 4, 1924, son of an Austrian immigrant fish peddler. He had a passion for diamonds and started as a diamond cutter for the Universal Diamond Co. as soon as he turned 18.

In June 1950, he married Miriam Postel, the daughter of an immigrant from a part of Belarus that had been in Poland. They moved to the new Electchester Co-ops in Fresh Meadows at 65-90 160 St., apt. 1G. Their first son, Harvey, was born in March 1952, followed by Robert in October 1954.

Always fans of the cinema they knew as teens what industry they would be going into. After graduating John Bowne High in Flushing, Harvey went to the University of Buffalo, where he produced rock concerts. In 1979 the brothers blurred the line between “independent” and “studio” production, creating Miramax, its name honoring their loving parents, Max and Miriam. They promoted “niche market” films, which eventually led to Oscar-winning films. Harvey in particular was praised many times in Academy Awards speeches, second only to Steven

The childhood home of Harvey Weinstein was in this Electchester co-op at 65-90 160 St. in Fresh Meadows, seen here as it appears today.

Inset, his 1969 John Bowne High School yearGOOGLE MAPS IMAGE; JBHS PHOTO book photo.

Spielberg, according to a 2015 study.

But whispers of sexual misconduct broke through to the media. Many allegations were made, and Weinstein eventually was charged with and convicted of rape. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison, faces another trial and recently tested positive for COVID-19. His childhood home looks exactly the same today Q and is still a fine place to raise a family.

Answers on next page

For the latest news visit qchron.com

I QUIT FOR LOVE. I QUIT FOR GOOD.

QUIT SMOKING TODAY. Smoking may increase the risk of severe illness with COVID-19.

For free help quitting, visit nysmokefree.com or call 1-866-NY-QUITS. X

C M SQ page 33 Y K

by Peter C. Mastrosimone editor-in-chief

Just like you, William Shakespeare lived through a deadly pandemic, but alas, the England of yore lacked Zoom, and when the bubonic plague shut down the Globe and other London theaters, that was that.

Luckily for us, Shakespeare used his break from acting to write more plays.

Today, while playwrights and poets with the luxury of not working can churn out scripts and verse as the Bard did, The Gingerbread Players of St. Luke’s Church in Forest Hills are making sure everyone also gets a chance to perform, however briefly.

It’s “Shakespeare-aoke! The Ultimate Shakesperience!” and it’s your chance to try your hand reading from one of his plays or poems before an audience. But fear not if you’re susceptible to stage fright; the crowd you’ll be performing for will only see you on electronic devices.

Calendar Special Notice The Queens Chronicle will not be publishing What’s Happening — our Community Calendar for the time being. We look forward to resuming publication as soon as possible.

The event will be held at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday, June 13. Participants must sign up at gingerbreadplayers.org or via an email sent to boxoffice@gingerbreadplayers.org. Time slots are limited, and registration is firstcome, first-served, but the organizers were optimistic there would still be space for new people as the workweek wraps up. There may be time for “walk-ins,” at the time of the event, but that’s not assured.

Participants are asked to submit three possible readings, with The Gingerbread Players letting them know in advance which they can perform to avoid repetition.

But that doesn’t mean people can’t ask to read some of the Bard’s most famous passages, whether it’s Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” monologue, Macbeth’s “Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow” speech or Romeo’s “But soft! what light through yonder window breaks?” paean to Juliet. In fact, two of those three have never been done at a prior “Shakespeare-aoke!,” according to Louise Guinther of The Gingerbread Players.

And readers are not limited to his plays.

“Sonnets are very welcome,” Guinther said via email. “If the Bard wrote it, it counts.”

Costumes are encouraged, too.

Asked what insight Shakespeare himself might offer people today who like him are living through a time of pestilence, Guinther

WILLIAM S., ENGLAND

Page 33 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2020

Hark! Your chance to act out Shakespeare is here

William Shakespeare couldn’t hold a Zoom performance when a pandemic closed his theater 400 years ago, but you can this Saturday, thanks to The Gingerbread Players of FREEPIK.COM; MARTIN DROESHOUT VIA WIKIPEDIA, INSET St. Luke’s Church in Forest Hills. offered a sonnet transmitted to The Gingerbread Players by the spirit of the Bard himself.

Dear King’s Men (and Lord Chamberlain’s as well), The theater world, you know, has felt the pain, The terror, the uncertainty, the hell, Brought by the dread coronavirus bane, For once, alas, the show must not go on: Without the groundlings, what would be the point?

By fiat dire, the audience is gone.

Indeed, the entire Globe is out of joint.

But if you’re thinking things could not be worse, Beloved Shakespeareans, pluck up your heart; For here’s a chance to play my deathless verse In safety, from a good six feet apart.

Sign up for Shakespeare-aoke, if you please — A great distraction from CO-VID disease.

Miss it and the fault is not in your stars. Q

Is Belmont’s comeback a boost? You bet!

Crossword Answers

“People wanted to know what I had to say,” he said. “I started out with 30 people and got to 500 or 600. Then I started a website and have 3,0 0 0 or 4,0 0 0 subscribers.”

State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) also was thrilled with Belmont reopening, and not just in his role as chairman of the Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering.

“I grew up in the shadow of Aqueduct,” Addabbo said. “I’m a horse racing fan.”

He said people are clamoring for some sense of normalcy, and that horse racing in the New York area is a part of that.

“It’s also an important industry in the state,” he said, including breeders, harness racing in Yonkers, off-track betting parlors, racinos and related businesses.

Hill and DiLorenzo said while the state is keeping the fans out for now as a precaution, the industry in New York has and will go to great lengths to protect the personnel who show up and keep the track running.

The Belmont Stakes, normally the third leg in the Triple Crown after the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness in Maryland, was originally scheduled for June 6.

Belmont Park isn’t seating fans yet, but horse racing is back in New York. On the cover: American Pharoah and jockey Victor Espinoza en route to winning the Belmont Stakes and the Triple Crown in 2015. FILE PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER BARCA, AND, COVER, BY MIKE LIZZI / WIKIPEDIA It now will be on June 20 and serve as the first leg, with the Derby rescheduled for Sept. 5 and the Preakness on Oct. 5.

“I think that’s going to be great for Belmont,” DiLorenzo said. “You always have

good turnout for the Belmont Stakes, but more if there’s a chance for the Triple Crown. This year it’s the first leg. All eyes will be on Belmont. This year is going down Q in horse racing history.”

For the latest news visit qchron.com

continued from page 31 DiLorenzo also said his love for the sport developed early, with his family often owning small shares of thoroughbreds.

“My father and I would bond at Belmont and Saratoga the way others would bond at baseball games.”

He spent many years working in finance, but would still write about racing and get emails asking for his advice on picking horses. He eventually started a newsletter.

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2020 Page 34

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City expanding bus priorities in Queens Flushing, Jamaica in line for busways; Merrick Blvd. getting new bus lanes

by Michael Gannon Editor

It was not the 60 miles that transit advocates and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority asked for, but the city on Monday announced plans to add 20 miles of bus lanes plus five car-free busways by the end of the year.

The sites in Queens include a 0.3-mile busway on the northbound side of Main Street in Flushing between Sanford Avenue and Northern Boulevard, with work to begin this month.

Future plans also call for a busway of nearly one mile on Jamaica Avenue from Sutphin Boulevard to 168th Street and 6.4 miles of bus lanes on Merrick Boulevard from Hillside Avenue to Springfield Boulevard.

“As New Yorkers head back to work, they’ll be relying on the bus more than ever — and I’m proud to offer them faster and more reliable options,” Mayor de Blasio said in a press release issued by his office.

Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg called the plan transformational.

“As New York City emerges from the difficult days of COVID-19, our commitment to faster and more reliable bus service has never been more important, as buses serve a critical role — both in communities hit hard from the pandemic and by essential front-

Work is slated to begin this month on a northbound busway on Main Street in Flushing between Sanford Avenue and Northern Boulevard, including this section at 38th Avenue. Bus accommodations also are being planned for Jamaica Avenue and Merrick Boulevard. PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON line workers,” she said.

In an accompanying statement, Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman (D-Springfield Gardens) also supported the move.

“Well known as a transportation desert, our busy hubs of Merrick Boulevard and Jamaica Avenue carry our community to and from home,” she said. “I look forward to

working together to increase the reliable service in the area.”

In an email from the Straphangers Campaign, Campaign Director Jaqi Cohen also applauded the decision.

“We’re encouraged to see this significant step towards improving bus service on our streets — what it signals to riders is that as

our city reopens, better transit is on the horizon,” she said.

But Cohen also said her group is counting on the city to commit to the remaining 20 to 40 miles this year.

Numerous businesses line both sides of the street along the 0.9-mile stretch of Jamaica Avenue. A spokesman for the DOT said businesses will have no issue with the busway impacting their deliveries.

“Each new busway will be a one-year pilot, and all will allow buses, trucks, and emergency vehicles to travel through and along the entire corridor,” he said in an email to the Chronicle. “Local access for other vehicles will be allowed, but with some changes that will restrict travel along the entire corridor.”

He said the success of the 14th Street Busway in Manhattan — which has been made permanent — has shown that providing priority for buses and trucks can have a tremendous benefit for bus riders, while allowing deliveries and pickups and drop-offs to still happen effectively.

He added that the existing southbound busand-truck-only regulations on Main Street in Flushing has shown similar benefits.

“DOT is in communication with community leaders on each project, and that outreach will continue throughout implementation and Q the pilot duration,” he added.

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LEGAL NOTICE BY PUBLICATION is hereby given to Ahmad Bostani a/k/a Arman Rezayar Bostani a/k/a Ahmad Reza Bostani a/k/a Ahmadreza Bostani (collectively referred to as “Bostani”), of an action commenced in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Queens, entitled Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company v. Islam, et al., Index No. 702988/2015, the object of which is, among other things, to recover damages against defendant Bostani in an amount of no less than $430,000.00 and expenses in an amount of no less than $7,288.01, plus interest from the date of April 14, 2014, costs, disbursements and expenses, for his role in the improper transfer of a certain piece of real property and for failure to repay a loan in a principal amount of $472,000.00 borrowed by Bostani in connection with said transfer of real property. Pursuant to its obligations under a policy of title insurance, plaintiff Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company (“Commonwealth”) paid the above sum and incurred the above expenses to quiet title to the property.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: 542 51st AVE LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 2/18/20 Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the Rosemarie Ciavarella, 542 51st Ave., Long Island City, NY 11101.

For any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation KIMBERLY ROSE LLC. Articles of Organization (Dom. LLC) filed with Secy. of State of N.Y. (SSNY) on 03/10/2020. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC for service of process. SSNY shall mail process to: Kimberly Rose Stabile, 4-75 48th Avenue, PH 3708, Long Island City, NY 11109 which is also principal business location.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

Legal Notice 72-47 Realty LLC Articles of Org. filed with NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 03/10/2020. Office location: Queens County. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to c/o Law Offices of C. Fred Weil, 35 Roosevelt Avenue, Syosset, NY 11791. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of Naturally Becoming LLC. Filed with SSNY on 05/27/2020. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail copy to: Naturally Becoming LLC, 118-55 224th Street, Cambria Heights, NY 11411.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose

Notice of Formation of BrenNic Family First Ventures, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 05/12/2020. 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: Nicole Blair Barzey, 169-06 Foch Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11434.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of PRISON MOVIE PRODUCTIONS CONSULTING, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/06/2020.

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: REGISTERED AGENTS INC, 90 STATE STREET, SUITE 700, OFFICE 40 ALBANY, NY 12207. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Legal Notice by Publication is further given that the Court has denied Commonwealth’s request for damages, by Order dated April 23, 2020 and entered by the Clerk of the Court on April 27, 2020.

Notice of formation of FYEH Kitchen LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/12/2020.

Office located in Queens County. SSNY is designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to Ross Pineda, 2808 35th St., #1L Astoria, NY 11103. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Shakti Devi, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/26/2020.

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: Annie Sukhnandan, 8565 114 Street, Richmond Hill, NY 11418. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

JOSEPH TURCIC PHYSICAL THERAPY PLLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 4/29/2020. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to 4750 59th St., Apt #8A, Woodside, NY 11377, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: To practice Physical Therapy as well as any activities necessary and incidental thereto.

Notice of Formation of The Ninja Base LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/21/2020. 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: THE NINJA BASE LLC, 33-07 91ST ST., APT 1B, JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY 11372.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Legal Notice by Publication is further given that Commonwealth has filed a Notice of Appeal dated May 21, 2020 and appeals from the above referenced Order to the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Second Department.

Copies of all papers are available by contacting the attorneys for Commonwealth: Fidelity National Law Group, 105 Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 103, Roseland, New Jersey 07068, (973) 863-7017.

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C M SQ page 39 Y K

Goodell admits blame

Parker Jewish Institute received 3,000 N95 masks in memory of Mr. Par-Moo-Ro and Mrs. Chin-Tze Lin Ro, who were active Parker’s Adult Social Day Care participants for nearly four years before returning to Taiwan in 2015.

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

“They enjoyed the program very much,” said their daughter, Sylvia Huang, a recently retired social worker. Ms. Huang, along with her siblings, Sandy Su and Chun-Hwai Tom Su, donated the masks to Parker.

Their parents looked forward to each weekday morning, when a bus would bring them to Parker’s Adult Social Day Care, Ms. Huang said.

There, they made friends, enjoyed lunch and snacks, and returned to their home in Flushing, fulfilled. At Parker, they could take part in exercises, activities and entertainment that they likely would not have ready access to otherwise.

And Ms. Huang, a singer and dancer, had the opportunity to perform for the group, gaining a first-hand appreciation as to why her parents enjoyed the program so much.

BEAT

memory-impaired, while also offering relief and support to caregivers and families. The program, which includes door-to-door transportation, enhances quality of life through stimulating physical, cultural and social activities that engage participants. Currently the program is on hiatus during the coronavirus pandemic.

Now, the family’s donated masks are worn “It’s really tough for senior citizens when they by Parker’s frontline workers, helping to protect sit home alone when their children are not able them and the patients and residents they care to take care of them,” Ms. Huang pointed out. for against the COVID-19 virus.

“But the staff at Parker were supportive, loving, “On behalf of all the front-line workers at and caring.”

Parker, we humbly extend our heartfelt thanks Led by a highly experienced professional staff, to Sylvia Huang, Sandy Su and Chun-Hwai Tom the program is now called Parker on Madison Su for their generous donation and for honoring Adult Social Day Care. It is located in a homelike the memory of their parents in such a meaningvenue in Hempstead, and provides a safe and ful way,” said Michael N. Rosenblut, Parker’s stimulating environment for older adults and the president and CEO. –ADVERTORIAL–

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell admitted the league was wrong in ostracizing players who opted to kneel during the playing of “The StarSpangled Banner” during the 2016 season.

This issue had quieted down over the past four years but came back to life in the aftermath of the senseless murder of George Floyd.

Goodell is the son of the late Charles Goodell, a moderate Republican who was appointed U.S. senator from New York following the assassination of Robert Kennedy in 1968.

Goodell is showing the bloodlines of a smart politician by realizing the winds have quickly shifted, and he wants to quell a certain controversy before the start of the 2020 season, whenever that may be.

He realizes he’ll have to make amends to quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who has been out of the NFL since the end of the 2016 season with most assuming it was because he started the anthem-kneeling. The league would be wise to settle with Kaepernick on the compensation he lost and offer him a job in the front office for an NFL franchise if not in its NYC headquarters assuming he can’t find one as a quarterback.

New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees may have forced Goodell to make his statement Friday night because two days earlier he ignited a firestorm by saying that he would never agree

with anyone disrespecting the flag of the United States of America, which appeared to be code for kneeling. Brees is entitled to his opinion but his timing sure seemed tone-deaf in light of what was going on in our nation last week as well as the fact 75 percent of NFL players are people of color.

After his playing career ends Brees is slated to join the broadcast booth of the highest-rated weekly fall program, “NBC Sunday Night Football.” I have a feeling NBC Sports CEO Mark Lazarus must have been popping Rolaids after learning of Brees’ statement and quickly placed a phone call to him. Brees tearfully apologized the next day for appearing insensitive.

The Athletic is a sports website that launched four years ago. At the time of its founding CEO Alex Mather promised that it would survive solely on paid subscriptions and would accept no advertising. Mather also vowed to send newspapers to the graveyard.

He spent big bucks on some big-name scribes and hired a lot of writers. I can’t see how Mather’s enterprise can ever have a positive P&L financial statement. Sure enough last week The Athletic announced it had laid off 46 writers and implemented pay cuts across the board.

COVID-19 may not have been the only reaQ son for this retrenchment.

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

Page 39 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, June 11, 2020

SPORTS

Parker Jewish Institute receives 3K N95 masks

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