For the latest news visit qchron.com
OPINION
I am woman, hear me roar by Stacey Pheffer Amato
Last year, I wrote about the historic bill I had introduced, A.8537 (2022). Not only was it signed into law, but we are now celebrating the one-year anniversary of giving women full autonomy over their post-mastectomy bodies. As it is October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I found it important to re-address this topic. In case you don’t remember, or for any new readers, this law ensures that insurance companies must pay for how a woman wants her chest to look after a mastectomy, with either a flat chest wall or full reconstructive surgery. The he problem was that while many womenn pursue reconstructive surgeries after a full or partial mastectomy, some women pursue aesthetic flat closure, alsoo known as “staying flat.” However, this option was not covered ed by insurance, which meant doctors hadd too leave flabs or pockets of skin on a woman’s ’ chest, or force a woman to pay completely out of pocket for this surgery. That was unacceptable, and last year through my legislation, New York State became the first state in the country to require insurance companies to cover both procedures after a mastectomy: reconstruc-
tive surgery or aesthetic flat closure. I n add it ion to post- ca re, I also want to stress the importance of precautionary measures women can take to detect and hopefully prevent breast cancer. We know that early detection of this disease can lead to a much better outcome. As your state legislator, I have been -working -workin to protect women’s health for -w years. y arss. In 2019, I worked to pass legislaye tion tion that th determined that a mammogram is necessary, which then i medically me m expanded insurance coverage for eexp annual mammograms for women 35 aan and an older. About one in eight U.S. women will with invasive breast canill be b diagnosed di cer in the course of their lifetime, and sadly, we all know someone who has been impacted by breast cancer. A mammogram is the most effective screening tool to detect breast cancer in most women, and there should never be a concern over whether this necessary method is covered by insurance. I’m honored to know that for women in New York, there is no longer that type of barrier. As we honor the brave women, and even men, who have battled breast cancer, we also celebrate these developments in resources. With all we have achieved, I know our work for women is not done. I am committed to helping women and everyone to the best of my ability in my capacity as your assemblywoman. As always, do not hesitate to contact my office by email at amatos@nyassembly.gov or by phone at (718) 945-9550. As always, it is a pleasure to serve you and I look forward to representing you for Q many years to come. Stacey Pheffer Amato is New York State Assemblywoman for the 23rd District, in southern Queens and the Rockaways.
Primary school coming to RH The School Construction Authority closed on four lots in Richmond Hill on Oct. 12, according to records from the city register. The $18 million acquisition, from Beige Family Realty Company LLC, comprises 120-08, 120-20 and 120-30 Jamaica Ave., and 87-14 121 St. The first site listed was previously the flagship location for Rubie’s Costume Co., a neighborhood institution that closed during the Covid pandemic. Upon learning of plans to build a school in Richmond Hill earlier this year, parents had widely expressed their desire for a mid-
dle school at the location — not the thenrumored elementary school. Parents said middle schools within District 27 are too far, and ones in neighboring District 28 are difficult to obtain seats in. SCA spokesperson Kevin Ortiz, however, told the Chronicle the authority plans to build a 696-seat primary school at the location. There is not yet a development time line, Ortiz said, and more information will be known as the authority begins to go through Q the design process. — Kristen Guglielmo
PHOTO COURTESY NY METS
QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, October 26, 2023 Page 12
C M SQ page 12 Y K
NY Mets searches for the ‘Taste of Queens’ for 2024
The New York Mets are inviting small businesses throughout Queens to be a part of Citi Field’s 2024 All-Star Culinary Lineup for next season. During its last season, Citi Field had a portable “Taste of Queens” food station, which rotated among different eateries from the World’s Borough on its field-level concourse. Participants included the Korean restaurant Tang in Flushing, Mexican restaurant Fresco’s Cantina in Astoria, Colombian restaurant The Arepa Lady in Jackson Heights and the health food and juice bar The Nourish Spot in South Jamaica. The businesses’ owners are Bam Cho, Brian Martinez, Alejandro Osorio and his mother Maria Piedad Cano and Dawn Kelly, respectively. “I believe that entrepreneurs seeking to increase awareness of their food and beverages should seriously consider applying,” Kelly, owner of The Nourish Spot, told the Chronicle. “After having had the luxury of
being in residence for two months of the 2023 season, I can report that it is an awesome opportunity to showcase and grow your brand and menu with new customers.” If interested in being in 2024’s lineup, visit Mets.com/TasteOfQueens to learn more and apply. Taryn Donovan, Mets’ vice president of hospitality, expressed excitement about continuing the program. “We are thrilled to be able to give back to the Queens community by helping small local businesses gain exposure to our fan base with the Taste of Queens portable at Citi Field,” Donovan said in a statement. “We were able to highlight some incredible local small businesses through Taste of Queens last season and are looking forward to building on that success for the 2024 season.” The Mets won the 2023 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest for Best Stadium Food. — Naeisha Rose
Early voting starts Oct. 28 Election Day in New York City is less than two weeks away, and early voting is even sooner: Voters can begin casting their ballots in this fall’s general municipal races starting Saturday, Oct. 28. City Council members, district attorneys and more are up for election. Early voting will be available every day Oct. 28 through Nov. 5; there is no early voting on Monday, Nov. 6, the day before Election Day. However, early polling sites will be open at different times throughout the nine-day period: • Saturday, Oct. 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
• Sunday, Oct. 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; • Monday, Oct. 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; • Tuesday, Oct. 31, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; • Wednesday, Nov. 1, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; • Thursday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; • Friday, Nov. 3, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; • Saturday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and • Sunday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Voters must vote at their assigned early voting site, which may differ from their Election Day polling place. To find your e a r l y vo t i n g s i t e , g o o n l i n e t o Q findmypollsite.vote.nyc.
