Queens Chronicle South Edition 09-07-23

DOE tackles migrant enrollment concerns

Schools chief Banks assures all will be OK — but is the public convinced?

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

The first day of school is upon us, and to address the persistent concerns regarding migrant students entering schools, Department of Education Chancellor David Banks held a press conference on Aug. 30 with his Chief of Staff Melissa Aviles-Ramos and Deputy Mayor Anne Williams-Isom.

“As we stand here today, our focus remains undeterred on the education, the wellbeing, and the holistic development of every student that steps into a New York City public school, regardless of where they come from or the language that they speak at home,” Banks said at the event, held at City Hall.

“... Since July of 2022, nearly 19,000 students in temporary housing have enrolled in our schools across all five boroughs,” he added. “These numbers not only signify the vastness of our great city, but also the trust and faith that these families place in us.”

Some New Yorkers might not be so trusting. Ahead of the first day, Howard Beach parent Joseph L., who did not want his last name published in fear of retribution, said, “I am concerned, very much so. My family came here from Europe 40 years ago, so I am not antiimmigration. But I do not see this going well once schools are in session.”

Asked to elaborate, he added, “Overpopula-

tion and funding will be issues. Students not needing to be vaccinated right away? An issue.”

Vaccines will not be necessary for asylum-seeking children in order to enroll in school, but Aviles-Ramos clarified at the press conference that the DOE will “work within the timeframe of 30 days for them to be able to get vaccinated.”

At the press conference, Banks attempted to quell any concerns regarding funding.

“This year, we completely changed our school funding formula to provide additional funding to schools based on the number of students in temporary housing that they enroll,” he said. “... throughout the fall, we will keep in close coordination with principals and superintendents who see our newest New Yorkers join their school communities and we will disperse funds as necessary throughout the year.”

Another concern is the issue of language barriers. Many migrant children do not speak English, and will need ENL (English as a new language) teachers.

Again, according to Banks, it is being handled. “We have over 3,400 English as a new language licensed teachers and more than 1,700

certified bilingual teachers who are fluent in Spanish,” he said at the conference. “Additionally, to bridge any communication gaps, we provide translation services to assist our families and caregivers.”

One Woodhaven educator, who agreed to speak under the condition of anonymity, is less concerned after meeting with her principal.

“Initially, I was worried,” she admitted.

“People were reporting how much of a disaster the migrant crisis was going to be in schools. But my boss met with all the faculty, and I do think we have the resources to adequately do our jobs.”

A Long Island City high school teacher said his school is not expecting to see an influx in asylum-seeking students this year, because many came the year before and there is no more room. He spoke on his experience teaching migrant high school students, and their impact on test scores.

“There were students who didn’t speak the language who took the English state exam last year, and they had no chance,” he said. “That’s like me moving to Germany, and I don’t speak the language and I take a state exam in German. What am I going to write? So there’s no doubt this impacts the school.”

Asked how his school handled the migrant students last year, the educator said, “It was definitely not easy. We tried to support them in as many ways as we could. They seem to be happy to be in a school and be around people their age.”

Banks also assured the public that there is additional information to come.

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Schools Chancellor David Banks held a press conference on Aug. 30 to discuss migrant children enrolling in schools, about which many still have concerns. YOUTUBE SCREENSHOT / NYC MAYOR’S OFFICE

Mayor’s Office says it will follow the law but finds City Council’s plan lacking Speaker, CM Rivera insist on jail closure

by Naeisha Rose

Associate Editor

City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Jamaica) and Member Carlina Rivera (D-Manhattan), chair of the Criminal Justice Committee, released a joint statement last Thursday in response to concerns voiced by Mayor Adams about closing Rikers Island.

During a fireside chat at New York Law School in Manhattan last Tuesday, he said the plan to do so “was flawed from the beginning.”

In their response, the councilwomen said the 413-acre facility cultivated a culture of brutal violence and dysfunction, then emphasized that the city must adhere to the 2019 law to close Rikers by Aug. 31, 2027.

“Public safety demands that we remain on-track to closing without delay,” said the joint statement. “To achieve this goal, it is imperative that Mayor Adams’ administra-

tion take responsibility for implementing the law, including working collaboratively with stakeholders involved in the criminal legal system to advance necessary progress.”

The mayor’s administration has missed several deadlines related to turning over unused parcels of land from the city’s largest jail complex for the development of an energy hub, reported the Queens Daily Eagle.

The Office of the Mayor said via email that Adams will always follow the law.

“It has become painfully clear that the plan passed by the City Council during the previous administration leaves open serious questions about the city’s ability to keep New Yorkers safe, while the costs are exploding,” a City Hall spokesman told the Chronicle on Aug. 31.

When conceived, the closure of the facility was estimated to be approximately $8 bil-

AM Rajkumar to host public safety town hall

NYPD commish will be keynote speaker

by Kristen Guglielmo

Associate Editor

Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-Woodhaven) is hosting a public safety town hall and dinner on Sept. 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Woodhaven Manor, located at 96-01 Jamaica Ave.

Multiple members of the NYPD will be in attendance, including Commissioner Edward Caban as the keynote speaker.

Other guests include First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella, Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, Chief of Patrol John Chell and Assistant Chiefs Christine Bastedenbeck and Kevin Williams.

Queens residents might see some familiar faces: 102nd Precinct Commanding Officer Capt. Jeremy Kivlin, 104th Precinct Commanding Officer Deputy Inspector Kevin Coleman and 106th Precinct Commanding Officer Deputy Inspector Jerome Bacchi.

All the NYPD attendees are expected to

speak, according to a Rajkumar aide.

“My top priority is to protect our community and keep the people safe,” Rajkumar wrote in an email to her constituents.

Dinner will be provided courtesy of private donors, her office said, and valet parking will be available. The event is open to anyone residing within the confines of the assemblywoman’s district, an aide said.

Attendees must RSVP by texting or calling (929) 353-5470, or by emailing rajkumarj@nyassembly.gov. Q

lion. In October 2022, the Independent Commission on New York City Criminal Justice and Incarceration Reform said it would be closer to $10.2 billion due to inflation.

“This is due to: necessary environmental remediation and landfill stabilization; the island’s isolation and single bridge on and off; and the presence of active jails, which would limit construction hours and require a staggered schedule to maintain sufficient capacity during construction,” according to the report. “In addition, the city would have to pay over $800 million to demolish the existing jails on Rikers. The city has already spent $500 million on design, demolition, project management, and site preparation for the new borough-based jails.”

The commission also said scrapping the shutdown plan and modernizing Rikers would cost 15 percent more than the $10 billion price tag and take years longer. Smaller borough-based jails will save the city $2 billion in operating costs annually, it said.

The city must make consistent investments in pretrial services, alternatives to incarceration and re-entry services, while addressing unacceptable lengths of stay with the courts, district attorneys and public defenders, said the councilwomen’s joint statement.

The mayor also blamed the city’s courts for failing to process cases. Commissioner Louis Molina of the city’s Department of Correction said that he believes the jail population will hit 7,000 by 2024, reported the Queens Daily Eagle. The new jails will have room for no more than 4,200 inmates, the mayor has said.

Asked about the rising costs of the jail and where the detainees will be placed during the transitional period, a City Council official said it’s up to the mayor to address.

“We cannot allow Rikers to continue undermining public safety and must continue the necessary work of implementing a more effective approach to public safety,” continued the joint statement. “The record deaths and continued violence, which endangers both staff and detained individuals, reaffirms the Council’s ... decision to bring this shameful chapter in the city’s history to an end.”

In response, the Office of the Mayor said that despite the challenges of Covid-19 and inflation, the administration is continuing to move forward with the borough-based jail projects by accelerating the timeline, managing costs and adding capacity to protect public safety.

“And the administration remains focused on keeping New Yorkers safe and pursuing upstream solutions to keep young people out of the criminal justice system wherever possible,” added the City Hall spokesperson. “As always, we look forward to partnering with our partners in the City Council to keep New Yorkers safe and spend taxpayer dollars wisely.”

In July, the administration moved forward with an increase in the capacity of the Brooklyn jail from 886 beds to 1,040 due to the realities of the city’s jail system. That will bring the combined number of beds from 3,300 to 3,454, the city said. Q

Problem gambling online chat

September is Responsible Gaming Education Month and Recovery Month, and in recognition, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) is hosting a virtual discussion on Zoom on Sept. 13, from 7 to 8 p.m., to educate the public on problem gambling and connect those in need of services with organizations that can help.

The talk is presented by the New York Council on Problem Gambling and cosponsored by Resorts World. Participants can remain anonymous by not signing on with their full names and turning off their camera and microphone. They will

be able to ask questions verbally or through text.

“For some, gaming is a casual pastime, but for others it becomes all-consuming, and they need help,” Addabbo, chairman of the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering, said. “... If we can help just one person from taking this preventable trip down the road to selfdestruction, then we have accomplished something really important.”

To join the session, go to the Zoom website and type in the meeting ID, 840 5365 7492, and passcode, 767130. Q

— Kristen Guglielmo

Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, seen here at the 102nd Precinct’s National Night Out, will host a public safety town hall.

PHOTO COURTESY NYS ASSEMBLY / TWITTER

Speaker Adrienne Adams said in a statement that she wants Mayor Eric Adams to commit to the 2027 deadline to close Rikers Island.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Baby Parade returns to Hamilton Beach

Parents showed up with creative parade floats and kids with pinchable cheeks decked out in bright colors for a day of fun at the New Hamilton Beach Civic Association’s annual Baby Parade & Carnival on Sunday, Sept. 3 at the West Hamilton Beach Volunteer firehouse.

Clockwise, from top right: Jay, 4, and Alexis, 10, rode the parade’s biggest float — the Viking Marauders of Hamilton Beach. The float won best overall at the parade. Below, Hunter, 7, Skye, 7, and River, 4, pulled their own Magic School Bus float. At right, Penelope, 2, sits in the wagon as a princess. Her friends Greg, 6, and Greyson, 5, attend as Luigi and Mario, respectively.

Leading the parade, above, are Dan Brown, left, aide to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, Roger Gen-

dron, head of the New Hamilton Beach Civic Association, Betty Braton, chairperson of Community Board 10, and state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr., who represented the neighborhood for 20 years until legislative district lines were redrawn last year. Asked why he showed, he replied, “I missed it.”

Above them, clockwise, residents Michael O’Dea and Alex Vasquez pony up for the 50-50 raffle to help support the volunteer fire company; Vasquez is accompanied by his four well-mannered four-legged friends; a kid excitedly runs between the bouncy houses; and center, Nixon, a 15-month-old, shows off his decked out autumn squash stroller for his first baby parade.

— Kristen Guglielmo, with reporting by Michael Shain

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SHAIN

P

Delay or drop Rikers replacement

Mayor Adams has been dealt an impossible hand on the jail situation. The law says Rikers Island must be closed in 2027. New jails are supposed to be built in four out of five boroughs to replace it. But those are way behind schedule. Of course they’re over-budget. And they would not house nearly enough detainees even if they were somehow to open on time.

It’s the prior City Council and prior mayor who left this ticking time bomb for Adams to deal with — or for his successor to handle, if Adams is somehow defeated in 2025, as unlikely as that seems. And a majority of the current City Council, including its Queens-based leadership, has no interest in fixing the problem.

When the mayor said last week that you can’t house 6,000 detainees in jails with space for 4,200, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams basically said that’s for him to deal with.

“Public safety demands that we remain on-track to closing Rikers without delay,” the speaker and Criminal Justice Committee Chair Carlina Rivera said in a joint statement, saying the administration must “take responsibility for implementing the law.” To do that, it must work with “stakeholders” to achieve “progress.” Key to their vision of progress is keeping enough people from being locked up, using alternatives to incarceration, so that only 4,200 beds are needed (or maybe the 3,300 reported-

ly planned for the new jails until the mayor spoke of 900 more).

Key to most New Yorkers’ vision of progress is locking up dangerous people where they can’t hurt anyone. But the leaders of the Council think they can cut the jail population nearly in half and everything will be sunshine and lollipops. They say Rikers undermines public safety. No, criminals undermine public safety.

Rikers is a terrible place, where gang violence is rampant and some officers abuse their power, making things worse. But it could be reformed and rebuilt. It could be taken over by a federal monitor in the interim. In October 1986 Rikers held 14,000 people. You think it can’t be made better with only 6,000 there?

The mayor is right when he says the plan to close and replace Rikers “was flawed from the beginning.” Even if the city sticks with that plan, the Council should grow up and recognize that it must pass a new law delaying the move. If not, this mayor or the next one may need to issue an emergency order of some kind putting the Rikers shutdown on hold and challenging the diehards to take him to court. Yes, the executive branch is supposed to execute the laws passed by the legislative branch, but the timeline as it stands is impossible to fulfill. Something has to give. And contrary to what some believe, that must not mean compromising public safety by leaving dangerous people free to roam around.

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Planes ruin Rego, FoHi

Dear Editor:

Strangely, no one seems upset or perturbed by the very loud noise and pollution of our skies in Forest Hills and Rego Park. Our once-quiet and peaceful neighborhoods are now an airport tarmac. Day in, day out we have to endure plane noise every few seconds, from early in the morning to past midnight. Yet no one raises an eyebrow.

NY backs Israel

The anti-Israel crowd is at it again, last week holding an event to push a bill that would let New York State disband charities based here that aid Jews in their historical homeland. A majority of Assembly Democrats oppose the bill in writing, but that hasn’t stopped leftist lawmakers such as Queens’ own Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani and Sen. Kristen Gonzalez from preaching to the anti-Semitic choir about it (h/t Queens Post for quality reporting on that).

The bill would enable Albany to decertify charities that operate in the disputed West Bank, where Jews are building homes. It would not help bring Palestinians back to the negotiating table. It has no chance but dismays pro-Israel New Yorkers and divides Democrats. Whose interests does that serve?

Radicals must not be able to chip away at Israel’s defenses, economy and people with things like this bill.

tection Act. This law, now awaiting Gov. Hochul’s signature, would sharply curtail toxic neonicotinoid pesticide use.

What is she waiting for? Neonicotinoids are dangerous neurotoxins that, according to EPA research, are driving over 200 species to extinction, including the pollinators agriculture depends on. And they’re not just used on farms, but on lawns and gardens as well, replaceable by more effective and safer alternatives.

Motorized bikes run amok

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Am I the only one affected by the disturbing din of airplanes in my apartment? I have contacted the Senate and Congress people and belong to a group on Facebook. We are trying to bring attention to this awful situation in Queens wreaking havoc on our rooftops.

I hope this letter reaches other like-minded people. We cannot let the Federal Aviation Administration force us to endure this abuse.

Neonicotinoids are accumulating in our water supply and soils, doing demonstrable harm to humans. These substances attack the brain and nervous system, and increase the risk of memory loss and muscle tremors in adults. They readily pass from mother to fetus, and are linked to developmental and cognitive disorders. Neonicotinoids are behind mass losses of birds and fisheries, degradation of entire ecosystems and agricultural productivity loss.

We hope our complaint is going to be addressed about this problem of the motorized bikes. We called 311 the other evening to make a complaint, and asked over the phone, ”Have the laws changed here in NYC to allow these motorists to drive on sidewalks? We thought they made bike lanes for them.” We eventually just got a text saying the complaint was closed. We are seriously concerned about these motorized bikes, scooters, etc., these delivery persons driving God knows what, hitting unsuspecting pedestrians!

Guv, save the bees!

Dear Editor:

Florence Arnow Forest

Hills

I stand for Queens beekeepers and all New Yorkers in supporting The Birds and Bees Protection Act. Gov. Hochul must sign it now!

Daniel Boggiano Fresh Meadows

The other night when we were walking ou r dog, we saw a nice-sized motorcycle, with not one but two people on it, driving on the sidewalk at a fast rate of speed. It did not look like a delivery to us, driving for quite a while. We’ve seen a motorcycle where it looked like he or she was actually aiming at the pedestrians in the crosswalk, and it looked like the people were running for their lives! Can this very serious issue be addressed here in Middle Village before Middle

Queens is honey central in New York City. Astoria, Bayside, Maspeth, Glendale and Ridgewood are among the communities hosting commercial apiaries, and the Queens County Farm Museum’s is the city’s largest. I’m one of the many backyard beekeepers in Queens, and beekeepers care about The Birds and Bees Pro-

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Village also ends up on the news with all the other stories I’m seeing with motorists hitting pedestrians on the sidewalk?

One of us asked Councilman Bob Holden’s office what actions he has taken, or is taking, to address this very serious safety problem here in our community, and was told he’s working on it. We’ll be glad if something can be done about this problem.

Daniel and Christine Mleczkowksi Middle Village

Classic cinema survives

Dear Editor:

Re Peter Mastrosimone’s Aug. 31 qboro report “Queens libraries show great movies all the time”:

The writer recalled a magical time when movies not featuring superheroes and computer animation were shown on reels of film. That’s how I viewed them at Kew Gardens Hills’ Main St. Cinemas from 1946 until it closed on Labor Day 2022.

“Rebel Without a Cause,” “Vertigo” and “A Streetcar Named Desire,” all cited in the story as showing at a library, were among the many great movies I enjoyed there. Creators of those cinema classics regarded their films as serious works of art, not as franchises with sequels, prequels and remakes. They had their own kind of CGI — creativity, genius, imagination — qualities sadly lacking in most current movies.

1939 — the year of my birth — is hailed by film buffs as cinema’s greatest year ever. Movie studios produced “Gone with the Wind,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” “Stagecoach,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Wuthering Heights” and many more time-honored treasures that continue to delight audiences today.

evidence that would have helped them in their investigation, such as not being allowed to access Hunter’s laptop computer and not being told that a highly reliable informant said that the head of Burisma claimed to have paid $10 million to Joe and Hunter in bribes. There is no evidence that Justice ever followed up to investigate the claim.

When the Hunter plea deal reached the judge’s desk she asked if anyone else was ever given immunity from all other past actions (a last-minute insertion into the deal). The prosecutor said no and the deal quickly fell apart. Maybe Mr. LaRosa can offer a nonpolitical explanation for all of the above.

A recent New York Post editorial was correct when it said that calling both Trump and Biden crooks is not mutually exclusive. It is a point Mr. LaRosa should learn from.

Lenny Rodin Forest Hills

No one goes unanswered

Dear Editor:

ONLINE

Miss an article or a letter cited by a writer? Want breaking news from all over Queens? Find the latest news, past reports from all over the borough and more at qchron.com.

Hollywood was called “the dream factory” in its golden age and movies were “the stuff that dreams are made of” — that’s Humphrey Bogart’s final line in “The Maltese Falcon,” a film released in 1941, the year the Main St. Playhouse (as it was then called) opened. I keep hoping it will reopen, although the odds against that happening are high. But as Scarlett O’Hara said at the end of “Gone with the Wind” — “Tomorrow is another day.” Perhaps there will be a bright new tomorrow for Kew Gardens Hills moviegoers.

Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

Biden probes blocked

Dear Editor:

In his Aug. 17 letter, Robert LaRosa wrote that a second Trump administration would mean “The destruction of the Department of Justice, the FBI [and] the federal government’s rule of law.” Unfortunately for this country that has already happened.

We now know due to two IRS whistleblowers and a retired 20-year FBI supervisory agent that officials high up in the Justice Department were blocking investigations into the activities of Joe and Hunter Biden.

The IRS investigators were not allowed to interview Hunter and were denied access to

Thomas and Constance Dowd claim David Weiss’ being appointed as special counsel to the Hunter Biden case is a disgrace, believing Weiss is “firmly in Biden’s corner.” (“Department of Injustice,” Letters, Aug. 31). How could such a miscarriage of justice happen? Which Democrat is responsible for appointing Weiss as a U.S. attorney? Oh my god! After checking “facts,” something to which Republicans are allergic, it seems Weiss was appointed by Trump himself in 2018! But now it’s a conspiracy? What an embarrassment for the MAGA morons. Just like every single instance of Trump blaming and labeling individuals as corrupt for ruling against him. Even though they were all appointed by him. It is not the Department of Justice that thinks people are gullible or stupid regarding Weiss’ appointment. It’s Trump. And they believe anything Trump says as they open their wallets to defend this traitor.

As for Craig Schwab questioning the “truth” of the 2020 election (“Can’t handle the truth,” Letters, Aug. 31)? Extensive investigations led by Trump appointees proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that Trump lost the presidential election in what has been called the most secure election in U.S. history. Investigations of voter fraud in six states that Trump has challenged found fewer than 475 potential instances out of more than 25 million votes cast (That’s 0.0019 percent), a number that would not have come close to changing the outcome of Trump being declared the loser. Which he is.

Robert

LaRosa Sr.

Whitestone

Write

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ADA subway plans are staying on track

Hochul, MTA say record number of upgrades remain on a record pace

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Gov. Hochul and mass transit honchos last week said the state is continuing on its record pace for making subway stations handicap-accessible.

Hochul and leaders within the Metropolitan Transportation Authority gathered on Aug. 31 at the Grand Street L train station in Brooklyn to mark completion of the 142nd ADA-accessible station of the 472 in the New York City system.

In Queens, work was completed on the G train station at Court Square in Long Island City. MTA officials said the M train stop at Metropolitan Avenue in Glendale and the A train station in Arverne are among eight others on schedule to be completed later this year.

“The Grand St. L station is the most recent example of our hard work to ensure that no New Yorker has to worry about whether they can safely access public transportation,” Hochul said in a joint press release with MTA officials. “The MTA shares our commitment to delivering accessibility improvements across New York City and will continue to strive to make transit accessible to all.”

“This has been a summer full of accessibility milestones in the system, from enhanced wayfinding for customers with disabilities to a number of newly accessible subway stations,” New York City Transit President Richard Davey said. “We will keep up this momentum, and I look forward

to celebrating several more accessible stations opening later in 2023.”

“When it comes to accessibility, the MTA is delivering on an unprecedented commitment — both in terms of dollars or number of stations — and we are going to keep going at the same pace and level of investment until we achieve full accessibility,” MTA President and CEO Janno Lieber said. Numbers released by Hochul’s office appear to bear Lieber’s statement out.

According to the statement, the MTA has been awarding contracts five times faster than before 2020. The agency awarded 13 station contracts in 2020, 10 in 2021 and 13 in 2022. A total of 17 new stations are expected to be under contract by the end of this year.

The 2020-24 MTA Capital Plan includes a historic investment of $5.2 billion to make 67 subway stations ADA-accessible, more than any capital plan in the MTA’s history and more than the last three capital plans combined.

In addition, it is delivering accessibility projects at an unprecedented pace, completing 21 ADA-compliant stations since 2020, double the number completed in the previous six years.

Six other stations scheduled for completion this year include Lorimer Street in Brooklyn, Tremont Avenue and E. 149th Street in the Bronx and New Dorp in Staten Island. Manhattan stations include 181st Street and 7th Avenue six blocks south of Central Park. Q

A new elevator was among the improvements at a refurbished G train station at Court Sqaure in Long Island City by the time the project was finished in July. An M train station in Glendale and an A train stop in Arverne are slated for completion this year. PHOTO BY TRENT REEVES / MTA / FLICKR

NYBC seeking all blood types

The New York Blood Center is experiencing a critical shortage. Blood donors are needed for surgery, cancer patients, accident victims and new mothers and babies, among others.

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

Upcoming drives include:

• NYPD 112th Precinct, noon to 6 p.m. today, Thursday, Sept. 7, at 68-40 Austin St. in Forest Hills;

• Sunnyside Jewish Center, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 10, at a bloodmobile at 40-20 47 Ave. in Sunnyside;

• St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17, at 39-60 57 St. in Woodside;

• St. Paul’s School of Nursing, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 97-77 Queens Blvd. in Rego Park;

• NYC Department of Design & Construction, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 20, and Thursday, Sept. 21, at 30-30 Thomson Ave. in Long Island City; and

• NYPD 110th Precinct, noon to 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 25, at 94-41 43 Ave. in Elmhurst. Q

Ulrich pens children’s book

Calls writing a ‘positive distraction’ from legal woes

by Kristen Guglielmo

Associate Editor

Eric Ulrich has some remarkable titles under his belt: previous city councilman of Queens’ 32nd District, previous city buildings commissioner, licensed insurance broker and now ... children’s book author.

Written by Ulrich and illustrated by Joan Coleman, “If Pets Could Vote...” was released on Aug. 29. The book, which is dedicated to Ulrich’s daughter, touches on the idea of animals in political roles, including kittens in Congress, dogs as judges, turtles as senators and a parakeet as president.

“I always wanted to write a children’s book, but I never had the time,” Ulrich shared with the Chronicle. “Over the summer, I had a lot more time on my hands. I started this process in mid-June, and I wrote about what I know and what I care about: politics and pets. ... And in my spare time when I’m not working or helping my family, I said, you know, I’m not going on vacation anytime soon. So I said, whatever spare time I have, let me dedicate to doing something I always wanted to do, which is writing a children’s book.”

Recently, Ulrich’s name has been in the press for his legal issues. According to

reports, Ulrich is expected to be indicted by the Manhattan district attorney on charges relating to corruption, organized crime and illegal gambling. Asked what he would say to critics who will almost certainly claim he wrote the book

to distract from his legal troubles, Ulrich responded, “Well, I put my trust in God and my trust in my attorney, and I’ll let them handle my legal issues.”

He continued, “For the time being, I have not been charged with any crimes or offenses. And instead of sitting around twiddling my thumbs, or speculating about things I don’t know enough about, I decided to distract myself with things that were positive — taking care of my family, writing a children’s book and taking care of myself. ... So if it’s a distraction, it’s a good distraction. It’s a positive distraction.”

Ulrich, a Republican, shared that he has been getting overwhelmingly positive comments on social media, telling the Chronicle that parents and kids alike have really enjoyed the book. He also lauded Coleman for her role in illustrating.

Asked about the book’s overall message, Ulrich said, “I thought that this book would be a really great way for parents to introduce the topic of elections or politics to their kids in a nonpartisan way, and also to reinforce an underlying message that pets, as I say in the book, are not people, but they have rights too, and we should respect and take good care of our pets.” Q

Former Queens Councilman and ex-Buildings Commissioner Eric Ulrich published a children’s book on Aug. 29, titled, “If Pets Could Vote...” OWL ADVISORS INC., VIA AMAZON

Brothers brawl with an off-duty cop: DA

Shots fired, one hitting officer, other man after possible W’side road rage

by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

Two brothers from Woodside face charges including assault on a police officer after allegedly attacking an off-duty cop in what apparently began as a road-rage incident and ended as a brawl with two shots fired.

The trouble began at about 12:50 p.m. Aug. 30, when Officer Christopher Campos was driving along 70th Street toward Queens Boulevard in Woodside, according to the office of Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. Campos had to go around a white Chrysler Pacifica, a minivan, that was partially parked on the sidewalk and partially blocking the street. As he did, the Pacifica accelerated toward his car, nearly hitting it, the DA’s Office said.

Campos got to the intersection but thought he heard something hit the back of his car, the prosecutors said. He backed up toward the Pacifica to see what had happened. At that point he allegedly saw one of the brothers, Shawn Rivera, 27, run toward his car and punch out the back window, shattering it.

Campos got out, identified himself as a cop, drew his gun and ordered Rivera onto the ground so he could arrest him, according to the DA’s Office. But while the cop was trying to take Rivera into custody, his

brother, Edwin Rivera, 32, allegedly jumped in. Both brothers pushed Campos to the ground, the prosecutors said, and Edwin Rivera put his arms around the officers’ neck and squeezed.

“As Campos tried to stand up, the brothers grabbed him and pushed him, preventing him from getting up,” the DA’s Office

Schenectady suspect arrested for murder

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

A Schenectady man was arrested last Sunday and charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the killing of another man in South Richmond Hill, according to authorities.

On Sept. 2, at 4:19 a.m., police responded to a 911 call and discovered Treva Sookmangal, 31, of South Ozone Park, at 101-12 125 St. with a gunshot wound to his chest. EMS rushed the victim to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, but he was pronounced dead, according to the NYPD.

Pursuant to an investigation, Shawn Singh, 23, was arrested for the killing on Sept. 3 at 2:30 a.m.

A spokesman for the NYPD said that the Police Department does not know what led to the crime or what the motivation was for the shooting, but the investigation is

ongoing.

The Daily News reported that the Hibiscus Restaurant and Bar, located at 124-18 101 Ave. in South Richmond Hill, recorded a group of men who appeared to be arguing outside a nearby eatery shortly after 4 a.m. on Saturday, but the shooting was not caught by the restaurant’s cameras. An employee of Hibiscus said neither establishment had anything to do with the incident. The other eatery had its gates closed for hours before the fight, the person told the News.

A friend of the victim said that Sookmangal and Singh traveled in the same circles, were well acquainted and that the eatery was a favorite of both men, reported the Daily News.

“Trev was out there,” said Ryan Nowrang, a friend of Sookmangal. “He knew everybody.” Q

said. “Edwin Rivera tried to take Campos’ gun while Shawn Rivera put his arm around the officer’s neck and squeezed, causing Campos to see black and white, have trouble breathing and begin to lose consciousness.”

During the struggle, while Edwin Rivera allegedly was trying to take the gun, Campos fired one round that hit himself in the leg and the elder brother in the hand.

Videos of the fight have circulated online. In one posted by the Daily News, taken from a nearby home, a second gunshot can be heard, but at a point when the fight is hidden from the viewer by a curtain. The DA’s Office said the second round did not hit anything.

Uniformed officers busted up the fray and arrested the Riveras. Campos was taken to NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, where he underwent knee surgery, Katz’s office said. He was released Friday.

“Thanks to the care administered by the staff at @NYCHealthSystem Elmhurst Hospital, our injured officer was released today to continue on his road to recovery,” the NYPD said in a tweet.

The post on X, the new name for Twitter, included a video of Campos being applauded by a crowd of officers and other wellwishers as he was wheeled out of the hospital and into a waiting ambulance. Some of the top officials in the Police Department were there, including the highest-ranking officer, Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey. Behind him, a color guard held the flags of the United States, New York State and New York City.

The Riveras, who live on 70th Street, each were charged with assault in the first degree, assault on a peace or police officer, two counts of attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, three counts of assault in the second degree and strangulation in the second degree. Shawn Rivera also was charged with third-degree criminal mischief.

“We will not allow our streets to devolve into the Wild West,” Katz said in a prepared statement. “The rule of law and the officers who enforce it must be respected. After clearly identifying himself as a police officer, this off-duty cop was attacked while trying to make an arrest and the charges reflect the seriousness of the assault against him.”

Both men were held without bail, according to the Department of Correction’s online system. Judge Anthony Battisti ordered them to return to court Sept. 5. If convicted, they each face up to 25 years in prison.

“We’re happy that these individuals were charged with assault 1, and we believe that this was the just charges in this case [sic],” Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry told reporters. “And we need these individuals to stay in jail.” Q

Battery cause another blaze?

A Haz Mat team was called to the scene of a fire in Corona Tuesday night to remove lithium-ion batteries that were present, the FDNY said Wednesday.

While the cause of the blaze had not been determined by press time, reports on the Citizen app, which monitors police and fire calls, said an exploding e-bike battery started the fire. “Firefighters advise that this fire was caused by a lithium ion battery,” Citizen posted just before 9:41 p.m. Three minutes later, the site said, “Police advise an E-Bike battery exploded.”

The location was 35-09 100 St., a private

dwelling. A call to 911 was received at 9:21 p.m., according to the FDNY press office.

Twelve units with 60 members of the Fire Department responded, and the fire was under control by 10 p.m.

Citizen reported one person injured but the FDNY said there were “no patients associated with this incident.”

The number of fires caused by lithiumion batteries such as those in e-bikes has been growing rapidly, with at least 14 people killed so far this year in the city, compared to six in all of 2022. Q

— Peter C. Mastrosimone

Officer Christopher Campos is applauded by colleagues including top brass as he is discharged from NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst. SCREENSHOT / NYPD VIDEO / TWITTER

“We will not allow our streets to devolve into the Wild West.”

— Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz

Biden taps Lew as ambassador to Israel

U.S., Israeli leaders praise FoHi native

by Michael Gannon

Senior News Editor

President Biden has nominated Forest Hills native and former U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew to serve as the country’s ambassador to Israel.

The announcement was made in a press release from the White House on Tuesday morning.

Lew, 68, grew up on Yellowstone Boulevard and was a member of Forest Hills High School’s Class of 1972.

An attorney, Lew served as director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget under Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. He served as White House chief of staff under Obama from 2012 to 2013, and was his treasury secretary from 2013 to 2017.

Lew’s nomination now heads to the U.S. Senate for confirmation. Democrats and three independent senators who caucus or mostly align with the party hold a 51-49 majority.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) voiced his full support on the Senate floor on Tuesday.

“Israel is one of America’s most important allies and will remain an essential partner in the years ahead on security, tech innovation, and cultural ties, so it’s vital we have a strong American Ambassador in Jerusalem,” Schumer said in a transcript from his office.

“Mr. Lew is precisely the person for the job of Ambassador to Israel that we need: as former Treasury Secretary and Chief of Staff under President Obama, he’ll bring a wealth of experience, of diplomatic skill that will ensure the partnership between the U.S. and Israel remains strong.

“And you know why else I know Jack Lew will do a great job? He’s a proud Queens boy, and a graduate of Forest Hills High School, which I used to represent in Congress. I commend President Biden for nominating Mr. Lew, and I look forward to

his nomination here in the Senate.”

Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Eli Cohen was hopeful in a tweet on Tuesday.

“We look forward to working with you in the spirit of our close cooperation and alliance,” he wrote.

The Chronicle contacted the office of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ken.) for comment on the nomination, but did not receive a comment by its deadline on Wednesday.

The White House said Lew presently serves as managing partner of Lindsay Goldberg LLC, and is a visiting professor of international and public affairs at Columbia University.

He also is chairman of the board of the National Committee on United States-China Relations; is co-president of the National Library of Israel USA; and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

He has a bachelor of arts degree from Harvard and his law degree from Georgetown. Q

Juniper Civic marks 85 years

The Juniper Park Civic Association will celebrate its 85th anniversary on Saturday, Sept. 23, at a dinner at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Middle Village.

Guests of honor at the event will include Queens Chronicle Publisher Mark Weidler; Deputy Inspector Kevin Coleman, commanding officer of the NYPD’s 104th Precinct; and firefighters with the FDNY’s Squad 288 and HazMat 1 units, who are stationed on 68th Street in Maspeth.

The celebration is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. The church is located at 63-70

Dry Harbor Road.

There will be a buffet dinner, live music, raffles and pictures from throughout the organization’s history.

The civic association was founded in 1938 just as Queens was preparing for the 1939 World’s Fair. The area still was largely rural with many farms.

Tickets are $85 and can be purchased at junipercivic.com, or can be obtained by sending $85 per person to PO Box 790275, Middle Village, NY 11379 by Sept. 13. Space is limited. Q

— Michael Gannon

Forest Hills native and former Obama Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew has been nominated by President Biden to serve as ambassador to Israel.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON / FILE

Mets and Mariners visit the Hollis Hogs

New York Mets players DJ Stewart, Danny Mendick and Jeff Brigham, and Seattle Mariners Justin Topa, Tayler Saucedo and Gabe Speier visited FDNY Engine 301/Ladder 150 in Hollis last Friday as part of the Amazin’s tradition of visiting firehouses every September to pay tribute to firefighters who died on 9/11 and show appreciation for the everyday heroes.

Clockwise, from top right: Stewart, Mendick and Brigham pose with firefighters from Engine 301. Brigham arrives to a kid eagerly running up to him. The child excitedly asked, “Are you a Mets player?” When Brigham confirmed, the boy ran back into the firehouse, exclaiming, “A Mets player is here!” Mendick is assisted in suiting up in some FDNY protective gear. Stewart exits a fire truck after the FDNY took the

players on a spin around Hollis; Brigham shares a laugh with an FDNY member. FDNY family and friends pose with the Mets and Mariners players; Stewart and Brigham autograph baseballs for some of the kids in attendance; the three Mets players share a laugh while wielding firefighting equipment.

Center, all six baseball players dressed in their protective gear pose in front of a fire truck; below, the players check out some of the training facilities in the basement of the fire house. Brigham was taught how to break open a locked door. After the feat was accomplished, asked if his arm would be OK to pitch later that night, Brigham quipped, “Well, I’m warmed up now!”

— Kristen Guglielmo

PHOTOS BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO

Blaze hits DOT’s Willets Point facility

Cause of 5-alarm fire that tore through warehouse roof unknown

by Sophie Krichevsky

Associate Editor

A Department of Transportation warehouse at Willets Point suffered a fivealarm fire late Monday night, lasting into the early hours of Tuesday, FDNY officials said.

Security guards at the DOT facility at 32-11 St., which consists of several buildings, first noticed the 750-by-350-foot warehouse was aflame at approximately 10 p.m. on Labor Day. Within minutes, the FDNY reported to the scene, having received numerous calls about the blaze, which videos on the Citizen app show could be seen from the Whitestone Expressway and across Flushing Creek. The fire rose to three alarms within 15 minutes, and eventually, to five alarms, Queens Borough Commander Joseph Ferrante said at a press conference Tuesday morning. Due to low water pressure in the area, the commander said firefighters drafted water directly from Flushing Bay, which he said was “something we don’t do very often.”

Four hours, 60 units and 200 FDNY and EMS personnel reporting later, the blaze was declared under control. No civilians or DOT employees were injured; five firefighters suffered minor injuries and were in stable condition.

The warehouse is used to store and maintain DOT vehicles, Ferrante said. He added that oil and other typical maintenance materials were present.

But Ferrante said the buildings’ contents

“really didn’t come into play” in the blaze, as the flame was contained to the roof, which he said was made of “heavy timber.”

“You could almost look right through the building — the contents wasn’t burning,” he said. “It was all in that roofing area, which due to the heavy wood, created a very spectacular-looking fire.”

DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, who said he was at the scene until about 1:30 a.m., thanked the FDNY for its efforts.

World

“To see the men and women of the Fire Department in action is something that should make all New Yorkers very proud,” he said.

Ferrante said the cause of the fire is still under investigation, and that FDNY personnel would be monitoring the site throughout the day Tuesday to make sure no hot spots arise.

By press time Wednesday, the cause had not been announced. Q

Charter Schools

• Rigorous academic curriculum Plan de estudios riguroso

• Spanish beginning in Kindergarten

Español comenzando en Kindergarten

• ICT program/SETTS

Programaa de Co-enseñanza integrada

• Study of world cultures

Estudio de las culturas del mundo

For more information: Please contact the Admission Office

• Physical Education, Arts & Music integrated into curriculum

Educación física, arte y música integrado en el currículo

• Social-emotional learning

Aprendizaje socioemocional

• Robust technology program

Programa tecnológico robusto

• Free breakfast & lunch

Desayuno y almuerzo gratuitos

https://www.owncs.org/admissions/how-apply

Educating our students to be independent thinkers and lifelong learners

Educar a los alumnos para que sean pensadores independientes y aprendices de por vida.

A fire broke out at the Department of Transportation’s Willets Point warehouse, right, on Monday. At left, FDNY Queens Borough Commander Joseph Ferrante, center, and DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, right, held a press conference on it. CITIZEN APP, ABOVE, AND FDNY SCREENSHOTS

Notice of Withdrawal of the Record of Decision for the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Proposed LaGuardia Access Improvement Project at LaGuardia Airport (LGA), New York City

This notice is intended to advise the public that the FAA is withdrawing the July 20, 2021, Record of Decision (ROD) for the federal actions included in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the LaGuardia Airport (LGA) Access Improvement Project (Project). The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (the Port Authority), as the airport sponsor, has notifi ed the FAA of its intent to terminate the Project in lieu of alternative access improvements at LGA. Accordingly, the components identifi ed in the LGA Access Improvement Project ROD are no longer needed at this time.

The FAA Order withdrawing the ROD is available for review and download on the project website at: www.lgaaccesseis.com and at FAA’s website: www.faa.gov/airports/environmental/records_decision

In 2018, the Port Authority, as operator of LGA, proposed the Project to construct and operate a new Automated People Mover (APM) system to provide a reliable transit alternative for air passenger and employee access to the Airport. The Project would connect two on-Airport stations with an off-Airport transfer station at Willets Point. The off-Airport station would provide connections to the Mets-Willets Point stations of the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) Port Washington Branch and the New York City Transit (NYCT) Subway Flushing Station (7 Line). The off-Airport station would also provide a connection to a new off-Airport employee parking option located at Willets Point. After preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), the FAA signed a ROD approving the Project on July 20, 2021, with a Notice of Availability being published in the Federal Register on July 23, 2021 (86 FR 15704).

Subsequent to the issuance of the ROD, New York Governor Kathy Hochul directed the Port Authority to review alternative mass transit options to the Airport. In November 2021, per the governor’s request, the Port Authority assembled a 3-person panel to oversee the study and provide recommendations based on the study’s results.

In March 2023, the Port Authority released the “Options for Mass Transit Solutions to LGA” report, which included the panel’s independent analysis of 14 different mass transit options to LGA. The panel recommended that the Port Authority proceed with implementing improvements to the existing Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Q70 LaGuardia Link bus service and constructing a new non-stop airport shuttle service from Ditmars Boulevard, the terminus of the N/W subway line in Astoria, Queens. On July 20, 2023, the Port Authority notifi ed the FAA of its intent to offi cially abandon the Project as approved by the FAA’s ROD in favor of pursuing the recommended bus service improvements.

Based on consideration of this substantial new information and the changed circumstances concerning the Port Authority’s planned access improvements at LGA as discussed above, the FAA has withdrawn the July 2021 ROD for the LGA Access Improvement Project. Accordingly, all approvals for FAA actions within the ROD are also withdrawn. The Port Authority must reinitiate any requests for FAA review and approval as necessary for all aspects of the Project contained within the now-withdrawn ROD should it wish to proceed with any component of the Project, in part or as a whole.

For further information contact: Mr. Andrew Brooks, Environmental Program Manager, Eastern Regional Offi ce, AEA-610, Federal Aviation Administration, 1 Aviation Plaza, Jamaica, NY 11434. Telephone: 718-553-2511.

Arnie Mig Memorial Concert

More than 100 people turned out for a night of classic swing at the 12th annual Arnie Mig Big Band Memorial Concert in Howard Beach in the St. Helen Church parking lot on Aug 31.

The concert was hosted by state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. and Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato. Addabbo has been honoring Arnold Migliaccio’s legacy with concerts since 2009.

The show featured music from Frank Pedulla and the Music Staff Swing Orchestra & Dixieland Band, and vocalist Michelle Collier from

the Swing 46 Jazz and Supper Club. Howard Beach resident and comedian Randy Novick, better known as Rockn’ Randy, performed a comedy routine.

“I am so pleased that this concert brings so much joy to the community,” said Addabbo, seen above at left with Collier, Pedulla, Novick and Pheffer Amato. “It’s important to keep community traditions like this one alive, so that future generations can enjoy this special type of music, and learn about people like Arnie Mig.” — Kristen Guglielmo

Continuing Ed back at York College Oct.

The restructured program will focus on the Jamaica community job needs

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

The Continuing Education and Professional Studies program is coming back to York College in Jamaica in October.

Closed down in 2019, the program was restructured for improvement with the intention of a relaunch in spring 2020, but plans were hampered by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Alexis Greene, the CUNY school’s director of continuing ed.

“Even before Covid, that decision was put in place,” Greene told the Chronicle. “Things related to fiscal stuff, I’m assuming, is why they made that decision, but we were closed before Covid came on the scene.”

Greene said that the department also acted separately from the four-year college’s primary function.

“They had another direction for the department,” Greene said. “Continuing Ed was in its own microcosm. It was in its own galaxy.”

Now that the initiative is under the purview of the Office of the President at York, the college’s strategic goal is to use the program to help revitalize the community by increasing enrollment and increasing revenue for the school, according to Greene.

“That’s everybody’s concern,” she said. “Colleges are not seeing the need, or that they should or that was there. There is a focus on Continuing Ed being that revenue driver.”

There have been enrollment declines across the board CUNYwide, according to a report from the New York Post in February. CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos had to impose a hiring freeze in February as the preliminary incoming fall student body stood at 220,260, a 9 percent drop from fall 2021.

Stimulus money prevented the public university system from being in debt, according to a mid-year financial report that was shared among CUNY presidents and deans in January, which was obtained by the Post. In order to close the deficit, each school within the system has to find a way to save 5 percent, as expenditures are expected to go up 5 percent and tuition revenue to drop by 4 percent.

“I’ve been working at CUNY for 10 years, and whether it’s CUNY or private, declined enrollment tends to be everybody’s issue nationwide,” Greene said.

Bestcolleges.com, an online education research site, said that undergraduate enrollment was down before Covid-19, but accelerated between spring 2019 to spring 2023. Since the pandemic hit, 1.4 million people

have decided to not embark on a college education. In comparison, 1.95 million opted not to pursue secondary education over the last decade.

“Student enrollment is going down, and here at York it is a focus,” Greene said. “The decision to restructure is more about focusing on the community ... with classes that are of interest and making sure that they are affordable and not being so off target with getting a

certain population of people and focusing the program there. The people in the surrounding community might not even have a diploma to begin with.”

Some continuing education programs help people get back on track in finishing associate, bachelor or graduate degrees or provide enrichment courses for students whose employers want them to refresh their skillsets, while others help people obtain a degree or with on-the-job training, learning English as a second language, personal development, military training or receiving a personal certification.

The classes range from $850 to upwards of $1650 per class, but have the benefit of being one-and-done, according to the continuing education director.

“You do it in one semester and that all ties together with everything you are learning, and if there is a practical skills training, you are going to get that as part of your instruction,” Greene said. “That is going to prepare you to sit for a national certification in most cases.”

The courses range from two months to upwards of 13 weeks, she said.

“We are focusing on adult learners who have commitments during the day, who are able to take an evening class on campus or online after 6 p.m.,” Greene said. “Evenings and weekends are our sweet spot.”

Classes will start around 6 p.m. and end at

continued on page 24

Alexis Greene, the director of continuing education at York College, says the professional studies program will be back starting Oct. 16.

PHOTO BY TAWASI CLARKE / YORK COLLEGE

Queens comes out to the US Open

Some folks come from around the country or around the world each year to see tennis at its finest at the US Open.

Others can get to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center simply by hopping on the Grand Central Parkway or the No. 7 train.

And a lot of the people who said hello to the Chronicle had ties to Forest Hills, where the tournament was played at the West Side Tennis Club from 1924 to 1977.

In the top row, left, Forest Hills native Erin Storch, her husband, Adam, and their son, Lucas, were checking out the

Migrant kids

continued from page 2

“We will be having some announcements that will be coming up very shortly that we think are going to be really exciting. That will, I think, will really serve to address some of the challenges that we’re facing right now. Not prepared to announce it just yet, but it’s coming soon.”

The Chronicle asked multiple Queens City Council members to comment on whether they believe schools are equipped to handle migrant children. Councilmember Jim Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows), a member of the Committee on Education, politely declined to comment.

grounds near the souvenir shops.

In the center, top, Tanyta Pulkhaondam, whose family lives in Elmhurst, Elena Mancini, formerly of Maspeth, and Bill Wu of Jackson Heights were taking in the action on the big screens outside Arthur Ashe Stadium. Below them, Lili Chu of Forest Hills and her daughter, Cassie, relax at the food court. Lili Chu has been attending the Open long enough to have seen Jimmy Connors play at the West Side Tennis Club.

At top right, former Astoria resident Mary Mendez, left, takes a break with David Moskowitz and JQ King.

“The influx of migrant children into our city’s schools is obviously going to be a challenge for our principals and teachers for a variety of reasons, from available classroom space and the need for bilingual staff to evaluating the education level of these new students,” said Councilmember Sandra Ung (D-Flushing), who is also on the committee.

“The key to navigating this unprecedented situation will be clear communication between our school administrators and the DOE to ensure that the needs of our educators are being met,” she continued.

Councilmember Shekar Krishnan (D-Jackson Heights) also serves on the Committee on Education. “Our communities of Jackson Heights and Elmhurst have welcomed genera-

Above left, former Queens residents Risa and Steven Kaiser enjoy a light lunch in the shade of the South Plaza

Next to them, Dorette Wilson, left, of St. Albans, was spending time at the fountains on the plaza outside of Arthur Ashe Stadium with friends. So were Carolyn Krasinski, formerly of Flushing, ex-Douglaston resident Robyn Weisman and their friend Phyllis.

At far right, Woodside native Lisa Corcoran, in black, was watching the matches in Louis Armstrong Stadium with son Jamie, husband Jim and daughter Cailin. — Michael Gannon

tion after generation of immigrants to NYC, and we will work closely with the DOE to ensure the agency is prepared to welcome our newest migrant children to our public schools,” he told the Chronicle. “As a start, we need more bilingual programs and trained staff, as well as more social workers to help these students process the difficult journeys that have brought them here.”

Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) said, “Every child of school age in this city — by law — needs to be in school. However, when talking about a sudden influx of approximately 19,000 new students being enrolled without having proper vaccinations, we run into a very real problem. ... We are spending almost 400 million in tax payer dol-

lars to support this student population — this is simply unsustainable, and we need to begin looking into concrete steps to slow the flow of migrants into this city.

“... I believe that the children of migrants should have an option for remote learning until they are fully vaccinated and prepared for the classroom. This can not only give them opportunities to learn in their native language while also taking the appropriate ESL courses — things which I believe are crucial to ensure that they don’t fall behind their peers — but it also helps to prevent classroom overcrowding,” she said.

When asked for a statement regarding the situation, the DOE referred the Chronicle to Banks’ press conference. Q

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GANNON

How diabetes affects various parts of the body

Diabetes affects millions of people across the globe. Data from the International Diabetes Federation indicates that the number of adults with diabetes reached 537 million in 2021. Despite a growing awareness of the disease and ad campaigns designed to educate individuals about diabetes prevention, the number of people with diabetes is predicted to rise by more than 100 million by 2030 and reach 783 million by 2045.

Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin or cannot effectively utilize the insulin it produces. When an individual has diabetes, various parts of that person’s body can be affected. Recognizing how diabetes affects the body can shed light on just how debilitating the disease can become.

Eyes

The National Eye Institute notes that chronically high blood sugar from diabetes can cause damage in the retina that ultimately leads to diabetic retinopathy. That’s because excessive sugar in the blood can lead to the blockage of tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina. That blockage effectively cuts off the blood supply to the retina, prompting the eye to attempt to grow new blood vessels. However, the Mayo Clinic notes that these new vessels do not develop properly and can leak easily. The longer a person has diabetes and the less controlled their blood sugar is, the more likely they are to develop diabetic retinopathy, which can cause blindness.

Heart

According to the Michigan-based Beaumont Health, individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing heart disease at a younger age and in a more severe form than those without diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that this link is due to the damage that high blood sugar causes to the vessels and nerves that control the heart. In addition, people with diabetes

are more likely to have high blood pressure, too much LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol in their bloodstream and high triglycerides, which is a type of fat in the blood. Each of these conditions increases a person’s risk for heart disease.

Skin

Diabetes also affects the skin. In fact, the Michigan-based not-for-profit group Beaumont Health notes that a skin issue is often the first sign that a person has diabetes. That’s because diabetes damages blood vessels in the skin, leading to issues such as diabetic dermopathy. Diabetic dermopathy is characterized by brown, raised patches of skin, typically on the legs. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that, when diabetes affects the skin, this is often a sign that blood sugar levels are too high. The AAD offers a list and brief rundown of the various ways diabetes and prediabetes can affect the skin at aad.org/public/diseases/a-z / diabetes-warning-signs.

Kidneys

The National Kidney Foundation® notes that diabetes damages small blood vessels throughout the body, including in the kidneys. When vessels in the kidneys are damaged, the kidneys cannot clean blood properly. As a result, the body retains more water and salt than it should, which produces a host of negative consequences, including weight gain and the buildup of waste materials in the blood. In addition, elevated blood sugar levels force the kidneys to work harder. Over time, all that extra work can lead to kidney failure.

Diabetes is a potentially deadly, yet often preventable disease. By taking measures to safeguard themselves against diabetes, individuals also are protecting various parts of their body from the ripple effects of the disease. P

— Metro Creative Connection

Recognizing how diabetes affects the body can shed light on just how debilitating the disease can become.

Elder abuse: combating injustice

by Eryn Zayas

Elder abuse is the intentional mistreatment or harming of an older person. An older person is defined by the Social Security Act as someone over age 60. This abuse takes many forms — including physical; emotional and sexual harm; neglect; and financial exploitation. More than one in 10 older adults experience some form of abuse each year. That number is likely much higher because elder abuse is often underreported — especially in underserved communities. Abuse victims typically show emotional and behavioral red flags, such as depression, unusual fear or anxiety, or intentional isolation. Many victims are abused by someone they know or trust. It’s important to look for unusual changes in behavior around:

• family members;

• staff at inpatient facilities;

• hired or volunteer caregivers; and

• people in positions of trust like doctors or financial advisors.

You can also help make a difference by checking in with older loved ones. Looking for warning signs of mistreatment is the first step to preventing abuse.

Signs of physical abuse include bruises, burns or other unexplained injuries.

There may also be signs of neglect like:

• poor nutrition or hygiene; and

• lack of necessary medical aids like glasses or medications that a caretaker should be providing.

There may also be indications of financial abuse. These may include:

• unpaid rent;

• sudden changes to a will;

• unusual changes in money management;

• large, unexplained financial transactions;

• mortgages despite sufficient financial resources; and

• allowing someone new to access bank accounts.

If you suspect that someone is a victim of elder abuse, don’t ignore it! If you or someone you care about is in a lifethreatening situation, call 911. If you suspect that something isn’t right — but nobody seems to be in immediate danger — contact:

• Your local Adult Protective Services at napsa-now.org/help-in-your-area.

• the National Center on Elder Abuse at

Preparing for another winter

Winter isn’t even close, and already we’re seeing an increase in illnesses.

They’re calling it a tripledemic, and it includes the regular flu, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and our enemy Covid. Instead of the cold driving us indoors (and around others who can pass along an illness to us), we’ve been pushed indoors by the heat as we seek cooler temperatures.

year’s variant is said to have enough overlap to protect from the new EG.5 — when it’s finished being manufactured. The estimate at this point is that it will be available in October.

That means we’ll be offered three shots, at different times.

Some suggestions to get through the winter:

WOMEN'S IMAGING

1 (855) 500-3537 (ELDR).

You can also find additional local resources by searching the Eldercare Locator for your community at eldercare. acl.gov/Public/index.aspx.

Take some time to call or visit with an older adult. Ask if they are okay and listen to what they tell you. Pay attention to signs of abuse or unusual behavior. Most of all, don’t be afraid to report instances of suspected abuse. Please share this information with those who need it. P Eryn Zayas is a Social Security Public Affairs Specialist located in Queens.

The flu by itself always hits seniors hard. RSV does as well. There are vaccines for both, with the one for RSV being approved in May. Unfortunately, people with RSV can pass the virus to others in the first few days when they don’t know they’re ill, and then stay contagious for three to eight days.

And now we have a new variant of Covid, a subvariant of XBB, which was a variant of omicron, which they’ve labeled EG.5 and nicknamed “Eris” on social media. It’s becoming the dominant strain. While there is no specific booster for it, the new booster that is being made for last

Check your stock of masks. If you need more, order them now, before others clear the available stock.

Check your supply of antibacterial hand soap and get more if you need to. Stock up on sanitizing wipes as well, for countertops and doorknobs.

Call your doctor and ask if you should have one, two or three of the available shots, and make appointments to get those.

And don’t forget to plan for fun over the winter. New books, hobby supplies, games, new recipes, different senior workout videos on YouTube, online language classes, etc.

We can do this. P

— King Features Synd., Inc.

The circus will be back in St. Albans

UniverSoul to return to Roy Wilkins Park starting Thursday, Sept. 14

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

UniverSoul Circus will be back in Queens at Roy Wilkins Park in St. Albans on Sept. 14 to Oct. 9.

The circus will offer a combination of global acts with an urban flair of music, dance and aerial stunts with a theme of “Spirit of Soul,” this year as it features performers from Antigua, Barbados, Chile, China, Cuba, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Gabon, Jamaica, South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago, alongside people from other countries in Latin America, said Hank Ernest, a UniverSoul Circus

spokesman, to the Queens Chronicle.

UniverSoul founder and CEO Cedric Walker in a statement said, “With every performance, our new tent will be filled with the magic and ‘Spirit of Soul.’ We want to continually surprise and amaze. It’s crucial that EVERYONE — kids, moms, dads, and grandparents — has fun. If you leave our show with a smile and positive feelings deep in your soul, we’ve done our job.”

This year, the extravaganza will move forward with a new purple and yellow customizable Canoppia big top and Anchesi Strutture Mettalliche theater-style seating system with

new multimillion-dollar lighting and a dramatic new sound system manufactured in Italy, according to a press release from the circus.

The female and male duo of ringmasters for this year are Cheyenne-Rose Daily of Trinidad and Tobago and Donald “N.O.” Long of New Orleans. Legends like Zeke the Sidekick, Sifiso the Whistleman and Fresh the Clownsss are returning and joined by a 20-person Chinese trapeze troupe never seen in the U.S., along with a gravity-defying hand-balance duo from the Dominican Republic and a thrilling roller-skating act from Cuba.

Other acts include souped-up motorcycles flipping, whipping and somersaulting in midair, a Caribbean Carnival with Moko Jumbie stilt dancers, Fire Limbo Benders, gravitydefying acrobats on the Wheel of Death, daredevils on the high wire and costumed dancers. Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com. People interested in learning more about the upcoming performances may visit universoulcircus.com.

If you are not able to make it to any of the shows in the World’s Borough, the circus will also have performances in the Bronx at Orchard Beach from Oct. 12 to Nov. 5. Q

UniverSoul Circus will be back with motorcycle tricks, clowns, carnival performances, hand-balancing performances and more star ting Sept. 14 in St. Albans. PHOTO BY JERRY KELLY / UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS

ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING

by Naeisha Rose

The Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning is presenting its second Visual Voices art exhibit, with an opening reception on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Visual Voices, a three-year initiative of JCAL, which is located at 161-04 Jamaica Ave. in Jamaica, puts curators of color at the forefront.

Juliet James of Jamaica will be the second individual to showcase the work of 25 artists at the center’s Miller and Communities galleries with her “You Feel Me” art exhibit, which runs until Saturday, Nov. 4.

“We identified Juliet via an open request-forproposal process for candidates who identify as BIPOC, who are demonstrably in the ‘emerging’ phases of their careers, and whose work is closely linked to our borough of Queens,” Leonard Jacobs, the JCAL executive director, told the Chronicle via email. “Juliet’s proposal communicated a palpable and persuasive sense of curatorial practice, and a refreshing, exciting artistic vision.”

James’ exhibit includes art pieces that guests will have the chance to explore via touch, according to the self-taught artist and curator.

James, a former Department of Education teacher’s aide, who helped students showcase their art during her tenure (2014 to 2019), left the

agency to pursue an art career full-time. She has had her own work featured in more than 20 showcases from Miami to New York, including at the Allure Art Studio in Hollis, where she began curating in 2022 with work that focuses on the Black experience.

“I was really excited,” James said about being selected for Visual Voices. “It is my first time being able to curate in a space that big. I love curating at Allure, but we are confined to one wall because we use the space for so many other events during the month. I was excited to be in a space to hold so many other artists’ work.”

Since her exhibit will be tangible, James narrowed down her search for pieces by examining the texture of the 50 art submissions she received from her June open call.

continued on page 25

King Crossword Puzzle

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

Shanker could teach his union all about Astoria

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

Morris Shanker was born in Osowa, Poland, on June 5, 1897. He came to America on Sept. 1, 1923. He married Mamie Burko on Dec. 4, 1927. Their firstborn child, Albert, was born Sept. 14, 1928. A sister, Pearl, was born on April 30, 1930. Morris was granted U.S. citizenship the same year. Needing more room, the family moved to an apartment building at 41-20 29 St. in Astoria.

It concerned young Albert why his father, who owned a newspaper stand, and mother, working in a factory, had to work 70 hours a week. He joined a socialist youth movement and became an activist. He was a mathematics teacher at JHS 126 in Astoria from 1953 to 1959. He became a fulltime union organizer and beefed up the old teachers guild into the United Federation of Teachers in 1960. He married Edith “Eadie” Gerber in 1961, also a teacher’s who bore him three children. In 1964 he became the UFT president. He called strikes in 1967 for which he spent days in jail. In 1968 called a 36-day strike.

York’s Continuing Ed program

continued from page 17

9:45 to 10 p.m., she added.

“With our daytime program, we have things that will start as early as 9 a.m. and go until 6 p.m.,” she said. “In terms of new programming, my goal was to focus on sectors where there are labor market shortages and there is a need for having people quickly, upskilled and coming with certifications, so technology, business and health were always the sectors I wanted to focus on.”

Cyber security, data analytics, IRS enrolled agent certification, project management, bookkeeping, real estate, certified nurse aide, pharmacy technician, notary public and allied healthcare programming are just a few of the new continuing education programs offered and they do not require a high school degree to enroll.

“EKG and phlebotomy, because that is a skill in need,” Greene added. “On the newer side we are doing a lot of youth development.”

In April 2024, Greene will offer The Young York Scholars Program, which is going to be an academic enrichment program for youth ages 7 to 14.

“The programming is designed to give youth the exposure of being on an academic campus and also leading or coming up with classes that tap into social and emotional learning,” she said. “While it is

great to give them the hardcore academic things they should know like ELA, math, STEAM and science, we want to do something innovative with our classes by making sure that we have that SEL component.”

The college also received an earmark for $575,000 in congressionally directed funds for the Workforce Step-Up program, according to Greene.

“That also is going to have a mix of classes that are going to be available to students and residents at no cost,” Greene said. “Aside from youth programming, you have to be at least 18 for the Continuing Education program.”

The IRS enrolled agent certification will have basic and advanced courses.

“It’s basically tax prep, but you get a federal credential to assist people who were ever audited,” she said.

That tax program, along with the bookkeeping and project management courses will have a baseline test to assess people’s reading and math comprehension, she added.

“We are here for Queens and Southeast Queens residents and people who are interested in lifelong learning,” Greene said. “We are excited about the courses that are geared toward the community.”

Courses are expected to start on Oct. 16, and a website to register should be up by Sept. 24. Q

The childhood home of UFT President Albert Shanker at 41-20 29 St. in Astoria, as it looked in the early 1940s, when he was a teenager. INSET VIA LIBRARYOF CONGRESS / WIKIPEDIA

Shanker was a lifelong activist, making changes in the system until his death from bladder cancer at age 68 on Feb. 22, 1997.

President Clinton awarded The Medal of Freedom to him in 1998, posthumously. Q

SPORTS EAT

A Major 50th anniversary

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

An Andy Warhol-inspired portrait of Billie Jean King is the official 2023 poster of the US Open. It commemorates the 50th anniversary of equal prize money for male and female players in the tournament.

It was an uphill battle for King, Rosie Casals, Margaret Court, Virginia Wade and other female tennis stars back in 1973. One of the greatest players of all time, Jack Kramer, was the sport’s major promoter. Kramer was a bit of a chauvinist, and he also wanted to save a buck, so he had little incentive to offer women equal prize money.

With the backing of Virginia Slims, which marketed its cigarettes to women, King was able to form a women’s tennis tour separate from those of the men in 1972. King and the other members of the Virginia Slims Tour threatened to boycott the 1973 US Open if they were not playing for the same prize money as the men. Kramer and the United States Tennis Association capitulated.

King did not win the 1973 US Open as she was bested by Court. She did, however, win a more important match a few weeks later when she defeated 55-year-old former tennis star and one of life’s great hustlers Bobby Riggs. “The Battle of the Sexes” was the first tennis match to air in primetime. ABC had its most famous personality, Howard Cosell, handle the play-by-play. King’s victory that night proved women’s tennis was a

Bmajor audience draw.

What’s more, 2023 also represents the 20th anniversary of the last time an American male player won any of the four Grand Slam events. In 2003, Andy Roddick won the US Open. I asked current American star Taylor Fritz about the pressures of ending that dubious streak. I mentioned how retired English tennis star Tim Henman admitted he hated playing at Wimbledon because he felt the hopes of a nation on his shoulders.

“There are other American players here, so I don’t feel the same burden Tim did. Of course we are all aware that it has been 20 years since Andy Roddick won here, and we all want to end that streak,” Fritz replied.

Fritz showed surprising candor in his press conference following his first-round win in the 2023 US Open. After defeating Rafael Nadal to win the 2022 Indian Wells Tournament, which is the most prestigious American tennis event outside of the US Open, Fritz became the great American hope going into the 2022 US Open. He lost in the first round last year. “My nerves got the better of me,” he admitted.

John Isner has been one of the best American male players over the last 15 years. He retired after losing his second-round match. Isner is sure to be inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, RI.

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

Botanical Garden still a destination in September

by Peter C. Mastrosimone editor-in-chief

Any gardener can tell you the joy, and work, do not end when the summer ends, not around Labor Day when society says fall begins and not at the autumn equinox when science says so.

And at the Queens Botanical Garden, there are plenty of ways to experience the joy of growing things for the rest of September. The QBG is also glad to put you to work maintaining and improving its grounds if you wish to volunteer.

“With Fall almost upon us, we will be marking the changing season with a number of exciting public events here at the garden,” QBG Public Programs Director Wei Du said over email, citing Apples and Honey Day, NYC Audubon’s bird walk and the garden’s seasonal tour, as well as crafting and picking up produce at the farm stand. “It’s always a great time to visit Queens Botanical Garden!”

Apples and Honey Day promises to be sweet. It’ll be celebrated from 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, with themed crafts, lawn games, music,

apple and honey tastings, local beer and cider and the chance to meet a beekeeper. T-Klez will play danceable klezmer music at 12:45 and 3:15, while Dance Entropy will perform at 2. The event is free with garden admission.

The bird walk with NYC Audubon is set for 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. Attendees will spot and identify birds and learn how the garden provides them resources such as water, shelter and insects to eat. That event costs $11.49 on top of admission, or

$9.39 for QBG members. A week later, from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday the 23rd, the garden will host one of its seasonal walking tours, highlighting the flora and fauna on its 39 acres. The fee is the same as for the bird walk.

The QBG also hosts a number of recurring events that will run through September. The garden’s one-acre farm, which produced more than 6,000 pounds of food last year, is open each Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Come tour the Farm and visit

the farm stand, where you can purchase produce and tea bags, fresh off the Farm, on a pay-whatyou-can sliding scale,” the QBG says on its website. There’s no charge to visit beyond regular garden admission.

If you’re agriculturally inclined and want to get in a workout too, you can even do some volunteer work on the farm, each Tuesday and Wednesday in September from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

“Depending on the season and need, garden activities might

include raking, mulching, weeding, planting, garden bed maintenance, pruning, harvesting, and more,” the QBG says. “Volunteers learn how to foster a farm ecosystem and grow healthy crops!”

Pitching in is free, naturally, but registration is required.

One can also do volunteer work involving the QBG’s compost site — weeding, mulching, planting, applying compost and gardening — though there’s only one day left for that: Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Another event that does run all month is Storytime & Craft. Seasonally themed and family-friendly, the event is held each Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Lastly, the QBG is hosting an event focused on women’s and children’s health from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30.

Details on that, and all the garden’s events, are posted online at queensbotanical.org. One can even get a glimpse at October’s events. Hint: Some involve large orange gourds. But we’re not there just yet. Things are still green. Q

Touch the art, you won’t get in trouble at JCAL

continued from page 23

“Then I chose a lot of colorful pieces and ones that spoke to me and that I thought other people will find interesting,” James told the Chronicle. “I like art I don’t fully understand right away, so I pick a lot of art that I had questions about.”

James plans on asking the 25 people selected for the exhibit more about their work in artists talks scheduled for Sept. 30 and Oct. 4.

Crossword Answers

To learn more about the artist talks, visit jcal.org. To RSVP for the free exhibit and its reception, go to eventbrite.com.

A few of the artists featured in the showcase are Juliana Castaneda, Lee Jensen and Stanislava Ivanova, also known as DarkReconstruction.

Castaneda, a recent graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology (2019), with a specialty in knitwear, has an art piece, “Reanimation 1,” which features T-shirt scraps.

“I wanted to imagine a world where all the trash was actually transformed into something beautiful,” said Castaneda, a Corona resident. “It’s deconstructing the product industry ... gender, gender roles, beauty and beauty in society. I wanted to make characters that break those boundaries.”

Jensen’s piece, “Into the Wilderness,” uses textile, thread and yarn.

“I went to the School of Visual Arts and I

have a background in graphic design, but I have been a fine artist at heart,” said Jensen, who lives in Jackson Heights. “I started making textile pieces (after the pandemic) ... The piece is about venturing into the unknown and finding the right path forward, even when it’s hard to see.”

DarkReconstruction’s work, “Sea Bunny,” uses glass and mixed media.

“I’m super excited,” she said. “Ever since I started showing my work professionally, I wanted to show my work at the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, because it’s so close by to where I live and it’s such a beautiful building. It’s been five years since I first applied to one of their open calls, and this is the first time I got in.”

The Woodhaven resident lives along the J train, which brings her to Jamaica, where she frequently shops.

“I use a technique where I combine acrylic paint with pieces of glass, crushed crystals and nail art beads — everything to create a very rich and sensual texture.”

“Sea Bunny” is inspired from her time visiting a friend who had a rabbit as a pet.

“I did a show in Lake Como and my friend brought her pet bunny. It was a really fun time,” she said. Q

“Reanimation 1” by Juliana Castaneda. On the cover: Curator Juliet James, “Sea Bunny” by DarkReconstruction and “Into the Wilderness” by Lee Jensen. PHOTOS COURTESY JCAL; CURATOR PHOTO BY GERRY FORTILUS

Storytime, led here by Regina Forlenza, is a weekly event at the Queens Botanical Garden. Tours, such as this one led by Teresa Monge, are monthly.

PHOTOS BY ANNE TAN-DETCHKOV, ABOVE, AND DYLAN HOUSE

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Legal Notices

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A LICENSE, NUMBER 1352340 FOR RESTAURANT WINE HAS BEEN APPLIED FOR BY THE UNDERSIGNED TO SELL BEER, WINE AND CIDER AT RETAIL IN DON CHINGRI RESTAURANT INC, UNDER THE ALCOHOL BEVERAGE CONTROL LAW AT 30-78 STEINWAY STREET, ASTORIA NY 11103 FOR ON PREMISES CONSUMPTION.

Notice is hereby given that a full liquor restaurant license number 1355459 for liquor/cider/wine/ beer has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor/ cider/wine/beer at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 25-01 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11103 for on-premises consumption.

MATIGY CAFE CORP 25-01 Steinway St Astoria NY 11103

Notice of Formation of 11935 191 MADISON PROPERTY

LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/20/2022.

Offi ce 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: NEKEBWE SUPERVILLE, 14419 107TH AVE., JAMAICA, NY 11435.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

125 MOUNT LLC Articles of Org. fi led NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 7/5/23. Offi ce in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to 172-14 89th Ave., Jamaica, NY 11432. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Legal Notices

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK - COUNTY OF QUEENS BANK OF AMERICA

N.A., V. ERROL W. PARRIS, AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF SYLVIA BELL AKA SYLVIA JUSTINA BELL, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated January 05, 2022, an d entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens, wherein BANK OF AMERICA N.A. is the Plaintiff and ERROL W. PARRIS, AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF SYLVIA BELL AKA SYLVIA JUSTINA BELL, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the COURTHOUSE STEPS OF THE QUEENS COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD., JAMAICA NY 11435 on September, 15, 2023 at 11:30AM, premises known as 216-24 132ND AVENUE, SPRINGFIELD GARDENS, NY 11413: Block 12923, Lot 18: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE BOROUGH AND COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 704124/2015.

Martha Taylor, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

170-21 JAMAICA AVENUE, LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 08/22/23. Offi ce: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 89-05 138th Street, Jamaica, NY 11435. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF Queens, NYCTL 2019-A Trust, and The Bank of New York Mellon as Collateral Agent and Custodian for the NYCTL 2019A Trust, Plaintiff, vs. One Three Seven 24 Holdings LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated February 23, 2023 and duly entered on March 10, 2023 and a Short Form Order dated June 9, 2023 and duly entered on June 12, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the outside steps of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on September 15, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 137-24 231st Street, Laurelton, NY 11413. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 13172 and Lot 50. Approximate amount of judgment is $33,426.59 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fi led Judgment Index # 724281/2020. The Referee shall comply with the Eleventh Judicial District’s COVID-19 policies concerning public auctions of foreclosed properties. These policies, along with the Queens County Foreclosure’s Auction Rules, can be found on the Queens Supreme Court - Civil Term website. William Driscoll, Esq., Referee, Bronster, LLP, 156 West 56th Street, Suite 703, New York, New York 10019, Attorneys for Plaintiff

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (LLC).

Name: 212A Properties, LLC. Articles of Organization fi led with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on June 5, 2023. Offi ce location: Queens County.

SSNY is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY may mail a copy of any process to: 212A Properties, LLC, c/o Aram P. Cazazian 166-25 Powells Cove Blvd., Beechhurst, New York 11357. Purpose: for all legal purposes.

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff - against - HUGO VELASTEGUI, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on December 27, 2019. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the Courthouse steps of the Queens Supreme Court, located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on the 15th day of September, 2023 at 10:45 am. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York. Premises known as 103-12 104th Street, Ozone Park, New York 11417. (Block: 9507, Lot: 12) Approximate amount of lien $722,088.99 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fi led judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 704393/2014. Charlane O. Brown, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840, New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 Dated: July 12, 2023 During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.

Notice of Formation of 70TH ROAD, LLC Arts. of Org. fi led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/19/23. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Real Estate

EQUAL HOUSING. Federal, New York State and local laws prohibit discrimination because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, familial status or disability in connection with the sale or rental of residential real estate. Queens Chronicle does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect housing discrimination call the Open Housing Center (the Fair Housing Agency for the five boroughs of New York) at 212-941-6101, or the New York City Commission of Human Rights Hotline at 718-722-3131.

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

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9155 Gold LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 4/6/2023. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Frances Ariola, 157-05 91st St., Howard Beach, NY 11414.

General Purpose

Notice of Formation of APRD LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/21/2023. Offi ce 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: APRD C/O ASHLEY, 9511 64TH ROAD, APT. 11B, REGO PARK, NY 11374. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of CUCCHIARA FAMILY, LLC, a domestic LLC in NY. Articles of Organization fi led with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/14/2023. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to: 87-11 163rd Avenue, Howard Beach, New York 11414. Purpose: Any lawful act.

DEAR INNER SELF, LLC Articles of Org. fi led NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 06/27/2023. Offi ce in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Maisie Wong, 102-55 67th Road, Apt. 5X, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

DS11, LLC, Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 08/29/2023.

Offi ce loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Simon Blitz & Daniel Gazal, 11-11 44th Drive, Long Island City, NY 11101.

Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of Formation of Golia LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/11/2023. Offi ce 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: MICHAEL J GOLIA, 233-34 40TH AVE., DOUGLASTON, NY 11363.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

GRAMPS GIFT LLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 08/24/23.

Offi ce: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, c/o Melissa Katz-Fusco, 600 S Ocean Boulevard, Apartment 407, Boca Raton, FL 33432.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of KUSH & KEMET HOLDINGS, LLC

Arts. of Org. fi led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/21/23.

Offi ce location: Queens County. Princ. offi ce of LLC: 111-12 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11435. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Legal Notices

LAW OFFICE OF MICHAEL

NAGHDI, PLLC. Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on 08/18/23. Offi ce: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the PLLC, 109-21 Jamaica Avenue, Queens, NY 11418. Purpose: For the practice of the profession of Law.

Notice of Formation of MORNINGSIDE NELSON APARTMENTS

LLC Cert. of Conversion fi led with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/17/23, converting MORNINGSIDE HOUSING ASSOCIATES, L.P. to MORNINGSIDE NELSON APARTMENTS LLC. Offi ce location: Queens County. Princ. offi ce of LLC: 118-35 Queens Blvd., Queens, NY 11375. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Nelson Management Group at the princ. offi ce of the LLC. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of SINKHOLE PRESS LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/08/2023. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: DANA BUHL, 454 SENECA AVE, 1L, RIDGEWOOD, NY 11385. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation:

XQ Realty, LLC, Art. Of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 06/22/2023. Offi ce Loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 511 NEW HYDE PARK RD, NEW HYDE PARK, NY 11040

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action Supreme Court Of The State Of New York County Of Queens Action to Foreclose a Mortgage Index #: 721980/2022 HSBC Bank USA, National Association, As Trustee, On Behalf Of The Ace Securities Corp. Home Equity Loan Trust, Series 2005-SN1, Asset Backed Pass-Through Certificates Plaintiff, Vs Khadiza Khanam If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff, Lucus Valley Inc., New York City Environmental Control Board, Capital One Bank USA, NA, People Of The State Of New York, New York City Department Of Finance, United States Of America On Behalf Of The IRS John Doe (Those unknown tenants, occupants, persons or corporations or their heirs, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, assignees, creditors or successors claiming an interest in the mortgaged premises.) Defendant(s). Mortgaged Premises: 4057 Junction Boulevard Corona, NY 11368 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Queens. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Khadiza Khanam, Lucus Valley Inc. Defendants In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Ulysses B. Leverett of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Twenty-Sixth day of July, 2023 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens, in the City of Jamaica. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, dated June 27, 2003, executed by Khadiza Khanam to secure the sum of $582,140.00. The Mortgage was recorded at CRFN 2004000030303 in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County on January 15, 2004. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed June 26, 2009 and recorded on October 30, 2009, in the City Register of the City of New York, Queens County at CRFN 2009000355947. The mortgage was subsequently modified on October 25, 2011. The property in question is described as follows: 4057 Junction Boulevard, CORONA, NY 11368 HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The state encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or the Foreclosure Relief Hotline 1-800-269-0990 or visit the department’s website at WWW.DFS.NY.GOV. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO STAY IN YOUR HOME DURING THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME UNLESS AND UNTIL YOUR PROPERTY IS SOLD AT AUCTION PURSUANT TO A JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AND SALE. REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO REMAIN IN YOUR HOME, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY AND PAY PROPERTY TAXES IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE AND LOCAL LAW. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. § 1303 NOTICE NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: August 3, 2023 Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100, Williamsville, NY 14221, The law firm of Gross Polowy, LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 77469

DIVISION OF BRIDGES INVITATION FOR BIDS PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE OF BROOKLYN, MANHATTAN, WILLIAMSBURG AND ED KOCH QUEENSBORO BRIDGES

Borough of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens

Contract No. ERBPM23, Federal Aid Project No. TBD

NYSPIN: X764.27, NYCPIN: 84123MBBR548

EPIN: 84122B0035

EPIN: 84122B0035 - PIN:84123MBBR548 - Preventive Maintenance of Brooklyn, Manhattan, Williamsburg and Ed Koch Queensboro Bridges, in the Borough of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. This Competitive Sealed Bid is released through PASSPort, New York City’s online procurement portal. Responses to this Bid must be submitted via PASSPort. To access the Competitive Sealed Bid, vendors should visit the PASSPort public Portal at https://www. nyc.gov/site/mocs/passport/about-passport.page and click on the “Search Funding Opportunities in PASSPort”. Doing so will take one to the public portal of all procurements in the PASSPort system. To locate the Competitive Sealed Bid, insert the EPIN: 84122B0035, into the Keyword search field. In order to respond to the Competitive Sealed Bid, vendors must create an account within the PASSPort system if they have not already done so.

A pre-bid conference via ZOOM is scheduled for 09/13/2023 at 9:30 am. Those wishing to attend must email the authorized agency contact for a link.

The deadline for the submission of questions is 09/20/2023 by 4:00 pm.

The bid due date (submission via PASSPort) as well as hard copy as instructed is due 10/25/2023 by 11:00 am.

Bid opening date via ZOOM is 10/25/2023 at 12:00 pm.

This Project is federally aided and is subject to the provision of Title 23, U.S. code, as amended, and applicable New York State Statutes. In compliance with these provisions the minimum wages to be paid to laborers and mechanics are included in wage schedules that are set out in the bid proposal. This procurement is subject to DBE participation goals. The DBE goal for this project is 3%.

As-Built Drawings will be available upon request from the Contractors. Contractors need to sign Confidentiality agreement to view As-built drawings.

Any inquiries concerning this Competitive Sealed Bid should be directed by email, under the subject line “Preventive Maintenance of Brooklyn, Manhattan, Williamsburg and Ed Koch Queensboro Bridges” to the email address of the Authorized Agency Contact, Navneet Kumar, at nkumar@dot.nyc.gov

Eric Adams, Mayor Ydanis Rodriguez, Commissioner

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF QUEENS – BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST, Plaintiff, -againstISHA CLAYTON, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY FRANCES CLAYTON; ANY AND ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF MARY FRANCES CLAYTON; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; RAVIN CLAYTON AKA RAVINE CLAYTON, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY FRANCES CLAYTON; RADIN CLAYTON AKA RAYDIN CLAYTON, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY FRANCES CLAYTON; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ACTING ON BEHALF OF DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #10,” said names being fi ctitious and unknown to plaintiff, intended to be possible tenants or occupants of the premises, or corporations, persons, or other entities having or claiming a lien upon the mortgaged premises, Defendants - Index No.: 721325/2022

Plaintiff Designates Queens County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Queens County. To the above named Defendants–YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated July 27, 2023.

NOTICE-YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME – If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Allan B. Weiss, J.S.C. Dated: July 27, 2023 Filed: July 27, 2023. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 17911 Eleventh Road, Jamaica, NY 11434. Dated: March 28, 2023 Filed: August 12, 2023 Greenspoon Marder LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Meir Weiss, Esq., 590 Madison Avenue, Suite 1800, New York, NY 10022 P: (212) 524-5000 F: (212) 524-5050 No Service by fax) Service purposes only: Trade Centre South 100 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 P: (888) 491-1120 F: (954) 343-6982

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF QUEENS – WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION TRUST 2019-HB1, Plaintiff, -against- ANY AND ALL KNOWN OR UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF HATTIE BEARDS; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; CAROLINE FRANCIS BEARDS AKA CAROLINE F. MURPHY, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF HATTIE BEARDS; AMOS S. BEARDS AKA AMOS S. BEARDS III, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF HATTIE BEARDS; JULIUS BEARDS AKA JULIUS C. BEARDS, AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF VERONICA BEARDS, DECEASED HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF HATTIE BEARDS; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ACTING ON BEHALF OF DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #10,” said names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, intended to be possible tenants or occupants of the premises, or corporations, persons, or other entities having or claiming a lien upon the mortgaged premises, Defendants – Index No. 706218/2019

Plaintiff Designates Queens County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Queens County. To the above named Defendants – YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated June 15, 2023.

NOTICE-YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME – If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION TRUST 2019-HB1) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Phillip Hom, J.S.C. Dated: June 15, 2023 Filed: June 20, 2023. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 24624 N Conduit Avenue, Rosedale, NY 11422. Dated: February 19, 2023 Filed: August 8, 2023 Greenspoon Marder LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Meir Weiss, Esq., 590 Madison Avenue, Suite 1800, New York, NY 10022 P: (212) 524-5000 F: (212) 524-5050

(No Service by fax) Service purposes only: Trade Centre South 100 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 P: (888) 491-1120 F: (954) 343-6982