Queens Chronicle South Edition 11-30-23

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

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO; FILE PHOTO; TIKTOK SCREENSHOTS

VOL. XLVI

NO. 48

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023

QCHRON.COM

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City closes deal with Corona vendors

HB residents oppose pot shop

Wintercon welcomes sci-fi fans to Queens this weekend

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PAGE 4

SEE qboro, PAGE 27

HALLWAY HAVOC Students hold pro-Palestinian protest PAGES 6 AND 10 Hillcrest High School was in a state of chaos on Nov. 20, when students stormed the halls, yelling and waving Palestinian fl ags in response to a pro-Israel photo posted by a health teacher on her personal Facebook account. On Nov. 27, Schools Chancellor David Banks, at mic, held a press conference, where he and two students told reporters the protest was planned to be peaceful, and those involved in inciting unrest would be disciplined.

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City closes a deal with Corona vendors Third-party operator will supervise plaza’s food, merchandise purveyors

by Michael Gannon

T

Senior News Editor

h e m a y o r o n Tu e s d a y announced an agreement that will return vendors to Corona Plaza, complete with arrangements for site management, proper permitting, sanitation and security.

The site, adjacent to the No. 7 elevated subway stop at 103rd Street, has been a source of tension between residents and the city since before late July, when city agencies conducted a series of sweeps against unper mitted sales of food and merchandise.

Elected officials and neighborhood advocates had accused the city of actually delaying the permits that agencies said the vendors lacked.

“Our administration has a vision for a Corona Plaza that welcomes all members of our community — keeping our neighbors safe, ensuring our streets are clean, and creating economic opportunities for local residents,” Mayor Adams said in a press release. “For too long, city government has told the community around Corona Plaza to fend for themselves, but now we are being clear that we

are here to help. This community deserves a plaza that everyone living in, working in, and visiting the area can enjoy — and that’s exactly what this plan will deliver.”

Under the plan, the vending area will operate every Wednesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. No specific starting date was given.

The city will pick a third-party operator to manage the vending area.

The Queens Economic Development Corp. will serve as the interim operator for four months, with the option for the Department of Transportation to renew its position. The DOT will issue a request for proposals in early 2024 to select a long-term operator.

The third-party operator will address safety, sanitation and quality-of-life issues caused by previous unregulated vending, while city agencies will monitor and take enforcement action as necessary to keep Corona Plaza safe and clean.

The plaza will host 14 vendors, with up to 10 selling food. All vendors will be required to apply for a food-vending permit that is specific to Corona Plaza.

Vendors in and around Corona Plaza last summer protested that city sweeps destroyed their livelihoods. A deal announced on Tuesday soon will have PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON / FILE some back to work Assembly woman Jessica González-Rojas (D-East Elmhurst) called it a positive first step in an interview Tuesday night.

“I’m pleased with the progress,” González-Rojas said. “We wanted

longer hours, additional days and more slots for people. But we understand the city believes this is something that will be revisited ... We believe it will bring good economic development back to the community.

It will get our street vendors back to work, get food on their table again.

It’s a boon for tourists and New Yorkers alike.”

Borough President Donovan Richards recently made it clear that he was willing to go as far as holding up necessary approvals for the Willets Point soccer stadium project if a deal could not be reached with the vendors. He seemed pleased in the mayor’s press release.

“There is still a long way to go to ensure Corona Plaza is returned to its rightful status as the heartbeat of Corona,” Richards said. “But I’m optimistic that we now have a framework to build upon in the weeks and months ahead.”

González-Rojas told the Chronicle that a key party in her view was the city DOT. Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez was completely on board in the administration’s statement.

“Street vending is part of the fabric of our city, and this community vending area will ensure that people can enjoy the culture of the neighborhood while addressing long-standing safety and quality of life concerns,” Q Rodriguez said.”

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Aqueduct subway station gets upgrades Includes repairs, deep cleaning and new energy-efficient lighting

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

The subway station at Aqueduct Race Track in Ozone Park was upgraded this month, according to a press release from the Metropolitan Transit Authority, as part of New York City Transit’s Re-NEW-vation Program, which utilizes planned service outages to perform repairs, deep cleaning and station upgrades.

The station received extensive concrete repairs to mitigate tripping hazards, the MTA said. Furthermore, the subway globes located at the station’s entrances were deep cleaned, and workers updated lighting with new LED fixtures, with 80 being installed in previously darkened areas.

The MTA said overgrown vegetation that had been encroaching on the platform was trimmed, and the board protecting the platform from damage as trains pass was repaired. Multiple surfaces th roughout the station were scraped, primed and repainted, totaling over 30,000 square feet.

“I’m thrilled to see this funding help one of our local subway stations by ensuring new safety improvements, lighting upgrades, intense cleaning and full repairs that were needed for this station,” said Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Rockaway Park), who said in a Monday press release that

she worked with the MTA on the upgrades, and assisted in securing funds during state budgeting to provide aid to the authority. “I applaud the ReNEW-vation Program and the MTA for their success in helping our community with these important and sought after upgrades. Let’s all shout ‘all aboard.’”

“It’s great to see the MTA putting our taxpayer dollars to work to better our communities here in Council District 32,” said Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) in the MTA’s press release. “New lighting, repainted surfaces and other repairs in our subway stations are all key components towards improving the quality of life for New Yorkers, and I would like to thank the MTA for making these incredibly necessary improvements to one of our local stations.”

In the MTA’s announcement of the upgrades’ completion, NYC Transit President R ichard Davey said the upgrades demonstrate the agency’s “continued momentum” to delivering improvements customers want at their stations.

“From brighter and safer lighting, repai red concrete, comprehensive repainting and the installation of bird deterrents at the elevated Aqueduct Race Track Station, the work ... will make the subway faster, cleaner and Q safer for customers,” Davey said.

The Aqueduct Race Track subway station in Ozone Park received upgrades, including a deep cleaning PHOTOS COURTESY MTA and replacements to light fixtures.

HB civic group says ‘no’ to pot dispensary Neighbors overwhelmingly oppose legal weed shop on Cross Bay Blvd.

by Kristen Guglielmo

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Associate Editor

Over 300 concerned residents packed into the cafeteria at St. Helen Catholic Academy in Howard Beach for the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic’s meeting to discuss a topic making the rounds at civic g roups a l l ove r Q ue e n s : m a r iju a n a dispensaries.

Specifically, the meeting called into question a dispensary application for 15702 Cross Bay Blvd., which is currently shared by multiple establishments, including medical offices and a European Wax Center. The location is about a 10-minute walk from three schools: PS 146, PS 207 and St. Helen Catholic Academy.

The applicant, Andray Sukhu, initially agreed to attend the meeting, the civic said, but later decided against it. He could not be reached for comment.

“We wanted to give the owner the chance to be transparent with us,” said Barbara

Neighbors united in objection to a proposed cannabis dispensary at 157-02 Cross Bay Blvd. at Tuesday’s Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic meeting. PHOTO COURTESY HOWARD BEACH LINDENWOOD CIVIC McNamara, the group’s co-president, in a press release.

“We gave him the option, he chose not to take it and is already showing us what type of community partner and business owner

he potentially will be by refusing to be transparent and show up in good faith for our residents,” Phyllis Inserillo, the civic’s other co-president, said.

At the meeting, Inserillo asked for a

show of hands to see how many people in the crowd, whose concerns involved safety and worries that children would become intrigued by the drug, were opposed to the dispensary. The vote was almost unanimous, with only one or two objections, the group said in its press release.

“Our community does not want this business to come to Cross Bay Boulevard, or anywhere in 11414,” Inserillo said.

Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park), state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) and Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Rockaway Park) agreed to write letters of opposition to the dispensary application, the civic said.

“The disastrous state rollout of the cannabis program has created more cause for concern than comfort, and until we have a better understanding of state plans, and the impacts these retailers have on neighborhoods, I cannot support any such establishQ ment within District 32,” Ariola said.

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Hillcrest HS protest sparks controversy Students riot after health teacher posts pro-Israel Facebook photo

by Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor

In the wake of the Israel-Hamas war and a rise in hateful rhetoric, parents and educators alike were shocked and outraged last week when videos surfaced of a raucous pro-Palestinian protest at Hillcrest High School in Jamaica. In footage of the Nov. 20 incident hundreds of students are seen crowding the hallways while chanting and waving Palestinian flags.

According to multiple reports, the protest, which students said consisted of plenty of fights and riots, was preplanned by the teens in response to a Jewish health teacher’s Facebook profile photo, showing her at a pro-Israel rally while holding a sign that reads, “I stand with Israel.” Her identity has not been publicized.

Students posted videos of the event on TikTok, spreading word of the rowdy happenings with captions reading, “When a protest brakes [sic] out because a teacher stands with Israel.”

Another video showed a water fountain Schools Chancellor David Banks, at mic, held a press conference with students and officials at pulled out of a wall, surrounded by shattered Hillcrest High School on Nov. 27 to discuss last Monday’s protest.

PHOTO BY KRISTEN GUGLIELMO tiles, with a caption saying the teacher had chosen to “wake up one day and choose sup- hatred, plain and simple, and it will not be tol- (D-Woodhaven). erated in any of our schools, let alone anyWhen the Chronicle contacted the United port against Zionism.”

The protest culminated with 25 law where else in our city. We are better than Federation of Teachers with an interview request for its president, Michael Mulgrew, to enforcement officers arriving at the school at this.”

One educator, a former substitute at Hill- speak on whether he planned to support the around 11:20 a.m., Principal Scott Milczewski told parents, and the school being placed in crest, told the Chronicle, “The students are teacher involved, the union said he was a “soft lockdown.” Initial reports said the misguided. They believe they’re doing the unavailable for an interview but supplied a teacher in question was rushed into an office right thing, they’re just going about it in the statement.

“The UFT has been working with the indito hide with the door locked until law completely wrong way.”

Asked to elaborate, the teacher, who vidual teacher, school safety, the DOE and the enforcement was able to safely escort her out r e q u e s t e d t o b e NYPD since last Monday,” it said. “The of the building. referred to as CL, union will continue to send staff to the buildFollowing the incisaid, “They like atten- ing and to work with the administration, DOE dent, repor ts said, And they like safety personnel, school safety and the NYPD Milczewski told pare are better than this.” tion. that this is reaching to restore and maintain a safe environment for ents, “There are 2,500 n a t i o n a l n e w s , faculty, students and staff.” students. Adults will — Mayor Eric Adams on the protest because they think it’s Banks, a Hillcrest alum, visited the school always be outnumat Hillcrest High School going to benefit anti- on Nov. 27 to speak with students and faculty bered. I think that’s war efforts. But they alongside Queens Borough President Donosomething we have to van Richards. He later held a press conference understand. And that’s why we’re asking you don’t realize it’s a bad look.”

On Sunday evening, Councilwoman Vick- with Richards, Assemblyman David Weprin to speak to your children. We need your supie Paladino (R-Whitestone) posted on X a (D-Fresh Meadows) and two students from port with this.”

The anonymous teacher shared a statement video an anonymous source sent to her office the school.

“Violence, hate and disorder have no place with the New York Post, which read in part, of students at Hillcrest attacking a school “No one should ever feel unsafe at school, safety officer, a week prior to the protest in students and teachers alike. It’s my hope in what the Department of Education said was the days ahead we can find a way to have an unrelated incident.

Paladino called for the school to be shut meaningful discussions about challenging topics with respect for each other’s diverse down and investigated. “... Order and disciAll are welcome to the fifth annual perspectives and shared humanity. Unless we pline must be restored. We’ve tried ‘progresOzone Park Christmas tree lighting on can learn to see each other as people we will sive’ educational theory for far too long, and Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. at Solid Rock Church, never be able to create a safe learning it’s gotten us absolutely nowhere. Our stulocated at 135-05 Cross Bay Blvd., hosted dents and our city deserve far better than community.”

by Reverend DuWayne Pass.

The event comes weeks after Mayor this.”

The evening promises toys, hot cocoa, In response to a rise in anti-Semitism in Adams and Schools Chancellor David Banks treats and, of course, a visit from Santa released a joint statement denouncing hate schools, Queens politicians held a peaceful Claus himself, providing fun for the speech in schools in response to the conflict rally against anti-Semitism outside of the Diswhole family. sparked by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel, trict 27 office in Ozone Park on Monday The lighting is brought to the commuand a Nov. 9 walkout organized by students morning. Among those in attendance were nity by the Ozone Park Residents Block Councilmembers Joann Ariola (R-Ozone around NYC, calling for a ceasefire.

Association in collaboration with the Adams condemned the incident on X, for- Park), Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) and Ozone Park Howard Beach Woodhaven merly Twitter, last weekend, writing, “The Paladino, Assemblymembers Sam Berger Lions Club, the Kiwanis Club of Ozone vile show of anti-Semitism at Hillcrest High (D-Flushing) and David Weprin (D-Fresh School was motivated by ignorance-fueled Meadows) and state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr.

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“W

in our schools,” Banks said.

He told reporters the teacher “was targeted based on her support for Israel, expressed in a permissible way outside of school hours, and her Jewish identity, and that is completely unacceptable.”

Though Banks said the teacher was never in direct danger, he said disciplinary action was taken against students responsible for “creating” the protest, and that some were suspended, but would not elaborate.

“There are some people calling for us to just suspend 500 students,” Banks said. “We are not doing that.”

He clarified the teacher was on a different floor during the protest, and was not escorted into a locked room, as initial reports said.

Additionally, Banks said the school was placed on lockdown two days after last Monday’s protest when a student said protests would happen again if the teacher wasn’t fired, but the situation did not escalate.

He called spreading the notion that the students are radicalized and anti-Semitic the “height of irresponsibility” and condemned those who did so, saying the media poured “gasoline on a situation.” He said students were hurt by those insinuations.

The students told reporters that the protest was planned to be peaceful, and that other students joined in, not knowing the purpose.

“Some of these students lack maturity.

These are teenagers,” said Muhammad Ghazali, Hillcrest’s senior class president.

The school has a 30 percent Muslim student body, according to Banks, and he said that because teens consume news via social media, they often see Palestinian people suffering and wanted to show support.

“We wanted Palestine to be free,” said student Khadija Ahmed at the press conference.

“But the message got lost.”

A student told the Chronicle, “A lot of people were joining just because they could. It was a chance to go crazy in school and not get caught.”

The teacher in question is expected to return next week, according to Banks, who is planning a Zoom session with all city school principals next week to discuss methods of addressing the situation in the Middle East. Q

Ozone Park tree lighting, 12/2 Park-Woodhaven, Our Neighbors Civic Association of Ozone Park, Solid Rock Church and the Tibbal family. Dozens of South Queens businesses are also sponsors; a full list is available on the Ozone Park Residents Block Association Facebook page.

According to the block association, the tree itself was paid for by Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) and Assemblymembers St acey Pheffer A mato (D-Rockaway Park) and Jenifer RajkuQ mar (D-Woodhaven).

— Kristen Guglielmo

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 30, 2023 Page 8

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Queens pols return from Israel Braunstein, Liu, share observations after Oct. 7

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

Several Queens elected officials, including Borough President Donovan Richards, state Sen. John Liu (D-Flushing), Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside) and Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Rockaway Park), recently returned from a three-day mission trip to Israel in order to more deeply understand the effects of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack and the ongoing conflict between Israel and the terrorist group.

Organized by the Jewish Community Relations Council, the trip offered city and state politicians the chance to see the aftermath of the attacks, meet with families of those killed and taken hostage, tour cultural centers, visit the Western Wall and meet with Israeli political and faith leaders.

Braunstein told the Chronicle the group also met with military personnel from the Israel Defense Forces, volunteers with nonprofits and first responders. He “vividly” recalls speaking with one first responder with the Hatzalah ambulance group who had arrived on scene on Oct. 7.

“She was crying — she was visibly shaken by what she’d seen,” Braunstein said.

Both Liu and Braunstein spoke of the trip to Kfar Aza, a village just three miles from Gaza. During that visit, Liu said, he spoke

Christmas caravan returns to H. Beach Join the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic and the New Hamilton Beach Civic for the fourth annual Christmas Caravan on Dec. 9. at 11 a.m. on 165th Avenue and 84th Street.

Participants should line up along the parade route, bring a gift for the 106th Precinct’s toy drive and donate $10 to be part of the show.

For more information, call (917) 488-5067 Q or email HBLCivic2014@gmail.com.

Woodhaven BID to host tree lighting Several Queens politicians recently returned from a mission trip to Israel. extensively with one man whose family members had been kidnapped or killed. He learned in recent days that the man’s kidnapped relatives were among those hostages released by Hamas during this week’s temporary ceasefire. “We were all very emotional when we found out that his family had been released,” Liu said. “But we were certainly well aware that hundreds of others are still in captivity.”

Even though that southern part of the country tends to be more progressive, both said, the attacks had made people there question

NY

PHOTO COURTESY NYS SENATE

whether a two-state solution is possible.

“Their longstanding beliefs were shaken to the core by Oct. 7,” Liu said. That included “their loss of trust in their own government.”

In addition to showing solidarity, Braunstein said he hoped to be able to share what he’d seen with constituents. “It’s one thing to read about it in the newspaper, but it’s another thing to be standing there at the kibbutz, 3 miles away from the border of Gaza, and see it with your own eyes, and to talk to people face Q to face to look them in the eye,” he said.

All are invited to join the Woodhaven Business Improvement District for its annual Christmas tree lighting on Dec. 1 at 6 p.m., at the intersection of Forest Parkway and Jamaica Avenue. The holiday kickoff will feature carols, photos with Santa Claus and hot cocoa.

For more i n for mat ion, v isit Q woodhavenbid.org/events.

Blood drive held at Jamaica’s 103rd Pct. In Southeast Queens, one can donate blood at the NYPD 103rd Precinct’s muster room, 12 to 6 pm. on Tuesday, Dec. 12, at 168-02 91 Ave. in Jamaica; blood drive Q coordinator Sgt. Navdeep Singh.

C M SQ page 9 Y K

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Page 9 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 30, 2023

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 30, 2023 Page 10

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P Discipline needed after riot EDITORIAL

“T

here are some people calling for us to suspend 500 students,” city Schools Chancellor David Banks said Monday.

“We are not going to do that.” Why not?

Banks was speaking about the anti-Semitic riot that broke out at Hillcrest High School in Jamaica Nov. 20 after students discovered that one of their teachers, who is Jewish, posted on Facebook a photo of herself at a rally with a sign saying that she stands with Israel. Of course she stands with Israel in its war against the terrorists of Hamas.

Not only is she Jewish, she is civilized, and all civilized people should oppose the massacres launched against Israel Oct. 7 — the stabbings of babies, the burnings of homes, the machine-gunning of concert-goers, the raping and maiming too.

But there’s a sizable pro-Palestinian segment among our young people, and hundreds ran rampant at Hillcrest. Mayor Adams responded with words like “We are better than this” — apparently we’re not — while teachers union boss Michael Mulgrew cited the need for “a safe environment.”

AGE

No kidding. That’s why every student who got out of control should be suspended, whether its 200, 300, 500 or more. Not just the ringleaders — they should be expelled and never allowed back into the building. But Banks isn’t telling us what administrators are doing to discipline the rioting students so much as what they’re not doing. “Violence, hate and disorder have no place in our schools,” he said. Blah, blah, OK. Neither do consequences these days. But they’re the chief answer.

So, whether it’s the Jewish students at Cooper Union or a Jewish teacher in Queens, we have people who never threatened anyone but have been forced to hunker down as out-of-control youth, fueled by TikTok, anger, hormones and misinformation, rage against some machine they don’t understand. They claim there’s a genocide against a people whose population has increased fivefold in 60 years. There isn’t. They claim anti-Zionism is not anti-Semitism; this incident again proves them wrong. Sorry, folks, but we need more good oldfashioned teaching and discipline in our schools.

LETTERS TO THE Published every week by

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President & Publisher SUSAN & STANLEY MERZON Founders Raymond G. Sito General Manager Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief Michael Gannon Senior News Editor Kristen Guglielmo Associate Editor Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor Naeisha Rose Associate Editor Stela Barbu Office Manager Jan Schulman Art Director Moeen Din Associate Art Director Gregg Cohen Editorial Production Manager Joseph Berni Art Department Associate Richard Weyhausen Proofreader Senior Account Executives: Jim Berkoff, Beverly Espinoza

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Saving Latimer, UCC Dear Editor: As a member of “The Committee to Save Latimer House,” I applaud your recent article “celebrating a Renaissance man” (“The Lewis Latimer House Museum,” 45th Annual Anniversary Edition: Cool Spots, Nov. 16).

In fact, when the committee was formed the wrecking ball date, Aug. 15, 1988, had already been decreed. On Aug. 9, 1988, then-Borough President Claire Shulman (a member of the committee) and then-City Comptroller Harrison J. Goldin announced an agreement to use $25,000 from an impact fund, established when the Port Authority’s lease for LaGuardia Airport was extended.

That special fund had been set aside for the benefit of Queens residents and what a top-shelf earmark it has become!

The vital allocation was merged with funds raised by civic groups to save the Latimer House, now a city landmark.

On a slightly snowy Tuesday morning, Dec. 13, 1988, on a flatbed truck the Latimer House traveled north on Kissena Boulevard, arriving by 1 p.m. at Leavitt Field.

As part of the Queens Memory Project (Queens College and Queens Library), enter “Lewis Latimer” in a keyword search, and one can retrieve all digitized archival materials (digitalarchives.queenslibrary.org).

There you will find images and reflections I © Copyright 2023 by MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. All rights reserved.

Neither this newspaper nor any part thereof may be reproduced, copied, or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, microfilming, recording or by any information retrieval system without the express written permission of the publishers. This copyright is extended to the design and text created for advertisements. Reproduction of said advertisement or any part thereof without the express written permission of MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. is strictly prohibited. This publication will not be responsiblefor errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Bylined articles represent the sole opinion of the writer and are not necessarily in accordance with the views of the QUEENS CHRONICLE. This Publication reserves the right to limit or refuse advertising it deems objectionable.

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

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

Compromise in Corona

W

e’re glad to see a fair compromise reached on the vendor situation in Corona Plaza, where 14 sellers, all with the required permits, will be allowed into a space that had gotten out of control. Ten will be food vendors and the rest will sell goods.

That should allow the community to again enjoy the plaza without being so jammed in, and for brick-and-mortar businesses to better compete. The vendors will be regulated and supervised by a quasi-government organization.

Taxes should be collected, making for a more level playing field with storefront businesses that pay their share already, not to mention rent.

The vendors can only be there Wednesdays through Sundays,

E DITOR

contributed when I visited — on the 175th Arrival Anniversary of Lewis H. Latimer (Sept.

4, 1849) — the now shuttered (2022) Unitarian Universalist Congregation Church, located at the southwest corner of 149th Street and Ash Avenue. Mr. Latimer was a founding UUC member in 1908, and was active until his transition (Dec. 11, 1928).

Time to save another crucial part of the landmarked tapestry that makes Queens County the “World’s Borough” at #LatimerLightLives.

Frances E. Scanlon Flushing

More caring for caregivers Dear Editor: I was in complete agreement with Roberta Morris’ letter “Care for caregivers,” Nov. 23.

As a “super ager” myself, I may need a live-in caregiver when I can no longer live indepen-

giving the city a chance to keep the space reasonably clean and residents a chance to fully enjoy it two days a week.

The deal is not quite enough for some, like Borough President Donovan Richards, who sided with unlicensed vendors en masse against the laws of the city he was elected to serve. But that’s what compromise is. He can rest assured many of the unpermitted former vendors will find other work off the books.

We hope this pattern gets repeated: that when laws are broken they get enforced, that when compromise among stakeholders is possible it gets made, and that ongoing oversight ensures it all works out well going forward.

dently. So far, I am able to drive and live at home. Assisted living facilities are far beyond most of our means. Distance to others in the family, costs and demanding jobs, rule out caregiving. I will gladly contact Assemblyman Ed Braunstein and state Sen. Toby Stavisky to increase funding for this vital program. I urge your readers to do so also.

Barbara K. Brumberg Howard Beach

No cuts to cops and fire Dear Editor: (An open letter to City Councilmember Linda Lee) You have just recently been reelected to the City Council.

As two New Yorkers, born and bred here, we appeal to you as our representative in the City Council to voice strong opposition to

C M SQ page 11 Y K

Salute Macy’s, shop locally Dear Editor: I would like to salute Macy’s for the great parade it put on Thanksgiving Day. It sure was some parade to watch, with bands, dancing, singing, floats and enormous balloons. It truly was a great kickoff to what retailers hope will be a strong Christmas season.

I hope that will come true, for it will mean more jobs, especially for those looking for extra money as things have been tough for some families.

There will be a lot of shopping going on all over New York, but let’s not forget the local stores and shops here in Queens. They have a lot to offer and good prices, too. These businesses are the heart of Queens and return back in one way or another to the community and its residents. So, let the good times roll.

Frederick Bedell Jr. Bellerose

Fight HIV harder

Write a Letter!

We want to hear from new voices! Letters should be no longer than 300 words and may be edited for length, clarity and other reasons. They may be emailed to letters@ qchron.com. Please include your phone number, which will not be published. Those received anonymously are discarded.

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Trump hides from Jan. 6 Dear Editor: Former President Trump’s refusal to debate is a blatant strategy to avoid questions that only he can answer, such as, why did he sit for three hours in front of a TV watching the Jan. 6 insurrection, while his closest advisors and his family pleaded with him to intervene and bring the assault on our Capitol to an end.

With the full power of the presidency, he could have acted sooner. Only he can answer why he did not.

Not hearing his response to questions and challenges during a debate deprives the American electorate of being enlightened about his role related to events that occurred during his incumbency.

Glenn Hayes Kew Gardens

Comics on Trump Dear Editor: House Speaker Mike Johnson (same clown, car, different driver) repeatedly criticized former President Donald J. Trump during the 2016 GOP presidential primaries, saying in a 2015 Facebook post, uncovered by The New York Times, “The thing about Donald Trump is that he lacks the character and the moral center we desperately need again in the White House.”

Earlier this month Johnson endorsed Trump, calling himself “one of the closest allies Trump had in Congress.” As Stephen Colbert said, anyone seriously considering voting for Trump needs to metaphorically jam the sharpened stick of knowledge into the soft inner thigh of their mind and just grind it around a little bit to try to reawaken the horror of what our country would be like if this hate-filled traitor and his soulless goons ever get ahold of power again. Trump referred to his political enemies as “vermin.”

Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini also used the term “vermin” to dehumanize their rivals.

So Trump is guilty of plagiarizing both of them. It’s going to be so awkward when he runs into them in hell. Then again, in order to know what words Hitler or Mussolini said, Trump would have to read. He’d have to have some basic knowledge of history. He doesn’t.

As Jimmy Kimmel said, he thinks Frederick Douglass is alive and doing an amazing job.

He thinks Lincoln invented the Town Car. Hell, he thinks our army took over the airports during the Revolutionary War. People will vote for this ignorant, treasonous fool next November. God help us all.

Robert LaRosa Sr. Whitestone

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Dear Editor: Queens is one of 50 local areas that account for more than half of new HIV diagnoses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently published new reports, estimating that 1.2 million persons in the United States were living with diagnosed and undiagnosed HIV. HIV prevention efforts must go further, and progress must be faster for national goals to end the HIV epidemic to be reached by 2030. HIV can affect anyone, regardless of sexual orientation, race, gender or age.

HIV diagnosis was highest among women ages 25 to 44 years old, with rates of new HIV diagnosis being 10 times higher among Black women than white women. White women are the only group of women whose HIV rates have continued trending upward. Although progress

is being made in HIV prevention, most women still lack the healthcare needed to prevent HIV transmission. Only 12.3 percent of women are using HIV preexposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, which is only available by prescription.

We have the tools to end the HIV epidemic in the United States, but success depends upon increasing access to proven prevention technologies, including PrEP. Diane Bruessow Middle Village The writer has been a practicing physician assistant since 1993, working at multiple locations to serve patients from across Queens.

Musnik Chiropractic Health & Wellness

AMDU-081832

the various cuts to the city budget that Mayor Adams has proposed. The duty of all public officials is to protect the citizens first, something that would be sorely compromised with the proposed cuts for the NYPD and FDNY. This is unconscionable and will not stand!

Better you look to cuts in administrative posts and fraud instead, which should be a priority in the first place.

This situation exists because of the open border policy of the Biden administration, which no Democrat has the courage to address, even though their constituents will have to pay a heavy price both financially and safety-wise.

Please do the job you were elected to do and save the New York we love because its future looks very bleak at this time.

Thomas and Constance Dowd Oakland Gardens

E DITOR

Page 11 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 30, 2023

LETTERS TO THE

Chronicle’s Toy Drive spreads holiday cheer

Donated gifts will go to residents living in Queens homeless shelters

by Kristen Guglielmo

age groups to prepare for the impending winter, as well as cosmetics, personal care In the heart of the North Pole, where the items and gift cards.

These donations will be distributed to hustle and bustle mirrors that of NYC, Santa numerous homeless shelters throughout the is tackling the usual array of holiday tasks borough, brightening the holiday season for with his helpers. those who need it most.

In the spirit of giving, the Queens The deadline for donations is Chronicle is once again calling on s Chronicle Monday, Dec. 18. those willing to step into the role n e ue All gift items can be brought of Santa’s helpers for its 27th to the Queens Chronicle office annual Toy Drive, which aims at 71-19 80 St., Suite 8-201, at to bring joy to the holiday The Shops at Atlas Park mall season for children, teenagers in Glendale during business and families in Queens’ hours: Monday through Friday homeless shelters. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Chronicle is requesting 2 7 th l The office is above Home contributions of brand-new, Annu a Goods, and one enters the building unused and unwrapped toys, where the sign says The Offices at games, puzzles, art supplies and various other items suitable for boys and girls Market Plaza.

Donations also can be dropped off at the spanning all age groups, from infants to following locations during their regular teenagers. business hours: The Chronicle is also accepting donations • State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. at 84-16 of clothing, hats, gloves and scarves for all

Q

Associate Editor

’s

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 30, 2023 Page 12

C M SQ page 12 Y K

Queens Chronicle Associate Editors Naeisha Rose, left, and Kristen Guglielmo show off some of the early donations to the newspaper’s 27th annual Holiday Toy Drive, which collects toys and gifts for children and teens in homeless shelters. Gifts should be new and unwrapped, and can be brought to the Chronicle’s office in Glendale or left at the district offices of a number of elected officials in Queens. PHOTO BY SOPHIE KRICHEVSKY Jamaica Ave. in Woodhaven; • Assemblyman Ed Braunstein at 213-33 39 Ave., Suite 238, in Bayside; • Councilman Bob Holden at 58-38 69 St. in Maspeth; and

• Goldfish Swim School at 71-03 80 St., Space 7-110, in Glendale.

Anyone seeking additional information on the toy drive is asked to call the ChroniQ cle’s Stela Barbu at (718) 205-8000.

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C M SQ page 14 Y K

Ramos still not sold on casino after town hall

Unions want jobs; others try to come up with a Plan B

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

Hundreds of Queens residents attended a town hall at the Elmcor Youth and Adult Activities Center hosted by state Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-East Elmhurst) Monday night to discuss Mets owner Steve Cohen’s proposed Metropolitan Park, a plan that would convert the Citi Field parking lot, which is legally parkland, into a casino, 250-key hotel, concert hall, food hall and 20 acres of green space.

But while the community seemed split on Cohen’s plan, it was clear that Ramos still has questions for the billionaire about the proposal, and seemed to be searching for a feasible alternative from within the community — though whether one exists remains an open question.

Ramos’ town hall follows her previous one in May, where community members were split with about twothirds of attendees against the casino (the details of Metropolitan Park were not formally unveiled until Nov. 7). Ramos announced then that she would not introduce the parkland alienation bill necessary for Cohen to build a casino at the site in the 2023 legislative session, even as her colleague Assemblyman Jeff Aubry (D-Corona) had.

Now about a month away from the next session, Ramos has yet to make a decision, she reminded the audience.

Unlike the senator’s previous town hall, Monday’s event primarily consisted of a workshop, where attendees could discuss what they might want to see in a community benefit agreement — which would legally obligate Cohen’s team to provide the community with certain attributes in exchange for supporting the project — or what ought to be included in an alternative proposal for the site. Ramos pointed to a com-

munity land tr ust, a nonprof it formed by community members that treat land as publicly owned, as a mechanism for an alternative plan.

Even before the town hall began, some community members, most of whom are from Flushing, rallied outside the event to call on Ramos not to support a casino. That included people with the MinKwon Center in Flushing and the Flushing AntiDisplacement Alliance, which is made up of various community organizers and residents. In addition to opposing the casino and supporting FADA’s proposal for a hillside park in the space with parking underneath, known as the Phoenix Meadow Park plan, some voiced concerns that the town hall was just for show.

“We will not legitimize this process,” FADA organizer Joseph Zhang said. “We demand that Senator Ramos oppose Steve Cohen’s Metropolitan casino Park plan outright, and we demand that she invest in the community’s vision to protect and restore public parkland.”

And while Zhang referred to the town hall as a “sham,” not only could Ramos be seen speaking with attendees throughout the two and a half-hour event, even interjecting to ask some to elaborate on their positions, she also had some reservations about Cohen’s project. W hile addressing the audience early in the evening, for example, Ramos commented that a casino “could become obsolete now that all the gambling is happening on people’s phones.” And when speaking with reporters at the beginning of the workshop portion of the night, she expressed concerns about the viability of such a project on what is — in her words — “an actual swamp.”

“I have had other architects question whether the renderings are actually feasible,” she said. Ramos also

Hundreds of Queens residents attended state Sen. Jessica Ramos’ town hall Monday night regarding Steve Cohen’s proposed casino and accompanying complex. Community members discussed the plan and alternative ideas in a PHOTOS BY SOPHIE KRICHEVSKY workshop format. said she has not seen renderings that include plans for basement space.

And while the plan’s draft scope of work shows the project is designed to be several feet above the required design f lood elevation, when the Ch ronicle asked Astrid Aune, Ramos’ deputy chief of staff, about that Tuesday, she said that in itself is telling. “If everything is being built 12 to 20 feet above elevation, it implies that something is inherent in the terrain that requires the development to be elevated,” Aune wrote in a message to the Chronicle.

Ramos said in a statement Tuesday her position has not changed. “If I was to introduce parkland alienation legislation, it would only be because my community has ironclad commitments where the benefits vastly outweigh the risks associated with a casino and that there is somehow no better alternative to address the problem of the asphalt parking lot,” it read. She plans to have another town hall in 2024.

“Senator Ramos has been very clear that the community and its residents must come first and we agree

While some people made clear they want a casino for the jobs it will create, Ramos has not yet committed to backing Cohen’s plan.

— which is why we have held more than a dozen community workshops and hundreds of conversations with local leaders and neighbors,” a Cohen spokesperson said in a statement Monday night. “We believe Metropolitan Park is exactly the kind of revolutionary proposal that Senator Ramos and other community leaders can support.”

As the workshop continued, those in favor of the plan were asked to come up with ideas for a community benefit agreement, which they’d share on index cards. But in reality, discussion quickly turned to the reasons why residents suppor ted Cohen’s plan. Many of the supporters were members of various trade unions, including Iron Workers Local 46, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 3, the New York City District Council of Carpenters, the Transport Workers Union and Cement and Concrete Laborers’ Local 20.

Not only did iron workers and East Elmhurst residents Steve Perez and John Clausman want the job opportunity the project offers, they were generally impressed with Cohen’s proposal. “It’s just amazing how they’re looking to put this together,” Clausman said. “And like they said, if a casino doesn’t go, it’s going to stay a parking lot.”

When Ramos asked one carpenter if his union has a memorandum of understanding with Cohen’s team, he said they are still in discussions.

An IBEW member did not have an answer for Ramos when asked that.

Nonunion members were also supportive of the project, mainly because of the economic activity it would spark in the World’s Borough.

Those included Jackson Heights resident Tammy Rose, who helped form

a group known as the Coalition for Queens Advancement, which came together after May’s town hall in support of Cohen’s project.

“We want to make sure we can bring more jobs to our community, make sure that we can build our community and make sure that we can have a community space as well, and that includes parks, places for entertainment,” Rose said.

Meanwhile, some of those who are against Cohen’s proposal emphasized the need to protect the site, which has been known to f lood.

Some argued that the Phoenix Meadows Park plan — which organizers described as, essentially, a big rain garden — would accomplish that.

But others who took up the mantle on pondering alternative proposals for the site found themselves wondering what Ramos was hoping they’d accomplish.

“My sense is she wants to see if there any viable alternatives to the casino, and that’s why we’re here: to see if somebody can come up with it,” Jackson Heights resident Bill Bruno said. “But she wants that as a backup.

Because again, she’s very clearly said, something has to be done.”

When it came time to summarize the groups’ discussions for the entire audience, most of the poi nts remained the same: While those in favor wanted jobs and economic activity, those opposed want to protect the parkland and worry about crime and the ills they say can come with a casino.

One community member who is opposed to the casino, Casey Labatt, summed up the discussion: “I haven’t heard anyone say on the other side that they’d love to have a Q casino.”

C M SQ page 15 Y K Page 15 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 30, 2023

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Howard Beach Hope first brought the

lights back to Cross Bay in 2019, and before that, the boulevard had not seen the holiday lights in more than 10 years.

“Such a warm sentimental feeling seeing Cross Bay illuminated avenue to avenue with beautiful lighting, bringing the warmth and memories of this community from many years ago. Some traditions need financing to remain viable,” the group wrote on Facebook.

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Coat drive for homeless vets The office of Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) is collecting donations of new men’s winter coats for homeless veterans through Monday, Dec. 18.

All donations can be dropped off at Holden’s district office at 58-38 69 St. in Maspeth every weekday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

All coats will be given to those at the Borden Avenue Veterans Residence in Long Island City and will help keep a veteran warm this winter.

Additional sponsors of and participants in the coat drive are the city’s Department

of Veterans’ Services and the Institute for Community Living, which operates the Borden Avenue center.

The facility is a short-term housing option for veterans that works in close coordination with the city’s Department of Homeless Services Anyone seeking further information on the coat drive or making a donation is asked to contact Alicia Vaichunas either by email at AVaichunas@council.nyc.gov, or by calling her at the councilman’s disQ trict office at (718) 366-3900.

— Michael Gannon

C M SQ page 17 Y K

Page 17 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 30, 2023

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 30, 2023 Page 18

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Less compost, more methane gas and landfill loom City-funded food-scrap programs face potential shutdown with budget cuts

by Samantha Maldonado

“We need soil and we viously reported, that projdon’t need to be flaring off ect exper ienced epic food waste. It’s graying This article was originally pub- delays. For almost a decade instead of greening the lished on Nov. 28 at 5:00 a.m. EDT a s t he project st alled , city,” she said. excess methane was burned

by THE CITY The digestion process at The city Department of Sanita- off instead. the Newtown Creek plant On Staten Island, food tion proposal to eliminate funding also produces solids in for community composting means scraps in Smart Bins get addition to the gas. most food waste collected through composted at the DSNY’s According to the DEP, less public programs will become gas facility there. In the other than half of those solids are boroughs, New Yorkers or landfill, not compost. converted into a nutrientUnder proposed budget cuts as must compost their organic rich fertilizer for soil. The part of a wider agenda to trim city waste themselves or pay for rest gets landfilled. spending, community compost services to do it for them But even though most of organizations — GrowNYC, the — unless they bring their the curbside and smart bin Lower East Side Ecology Center, scraps to community commaterial doesn’t actually get BIG Reuse and Earth Matter, as post drop-off sites. composted, getting New “There is space for both well as the four botanical gardens Yorkers to divert food scraps — must shut down their city-fund- c o m p o s t i ng a nd ot h e r from the trash is important, ed programs by the end of the year. means of processing organDatz-Romero said.

At over 200 collection sites in ic waste,” said Justin Green, “We want people to start the five boroughs, community executive director of Big getting into the habit. We composters cu r rently collect Reuse. “By eliminating the scraps and send the material to be current composting sites, Compost bins in Union Square Park on April 22, 2022. PHOTO BY HIRAM ALEJANDRO DURÁN / THE CITY want people to separate their organic material from composted locally — that is, bro- we take a step backwards in ken down into nutrient-rich fertil- terms of rolling out more compost- without a Big Reuse staff member. ket, and processes the scraps to the rest of the trash,” she said. izer or mulch used to make soil ing infrastructure.”

In remarks made last week, make compost. Datz-Romero said “Am I happy about anaerobic cohealthier.

Adams said he was “angry also” the cuts would result in a loss of 11 digestion at Newtown Creek? No, I think the city can do a lot better.

Flaring off food waste But the DSNY’s own foodabout the budget cuts, which he jobs at the organization.

Organic material makes up said were necessary because of the scrap collection prog rams — The Newtown Creek Wastewa- I call it the lazy route.” including a curbside pickup pro- about a third of New York City’s expense of providing assistance to ter treatment plant project, a partNYC’s #1 enemy gram — work differently. In most waste stream. Diverting it from migrants. nership between the city DepartThe proposed cuts will also of the city, food scraps placed in landf ills reduces emissions of Community composting makes ment of Environmental Protection orange street corner bins and in planet-warming methane as the up just over 10 percent of the over- and National Grid, was proposed result in the delay of curbside brown curbside containers are not material rots and removes rat- all $33 million annual composting in 2013 and aimed to feed biogas organic collection in Staten Island attracting food waste from gar- budget, according to DSNY. actually composted. into local homes to avoid carbon and the Bronx, first scheduled for Instead, most of the scraps get bage in bags awaiting pickup.

“You can watch that apple core emissions and replace fracked gas. April 2024, until October of that The budget cuts could result in turn into this crumbly material The utility company would install year, when Manhattan is also slatturned into a slurry, added to wastewater sludge and digested at 115 job losses, GrowNYC claims and then use it in your community equipment to purify the biogas and ed to get the service.

D e p a r t me nt of Sa n it a t io n the Newtown Creek Wastewater i n a pet it ion dema nd i ng t he garden to grow more food with it. inject it into the gas system.

Resource Recovery Facility, a administration of Mayor Eric That’s the magic and power of But any excess methane that spokesperson Robin Levine indiBrooklyn sewage treatment plant. Adams keep the community com- community composting,” said can’t be used is f lared, which cated the Adams administration is Other food waste gets digested in posting program.

Christine Datz-Romero, executive releases carbon dioxide into the “on track to deliver composting Green said that two of the three director of the Lower East Side atmosphere. If the National Grid services” to all New Yorkers by western Massachusetts to create sites Big Reuse runs — in Gowa- Ecology Center. “It’s the direct project were to operate the way it next year. energy and farm fertilizer.

“By reducing the food waste The digestion process generates nus and under the Queensboro circle of what we can create and was desig ned, f lar ing biogas biogas, which is mostly the potent Bridge — are dependent on city it’s what we need to do in cities.” would be “virtually” eliminated, that we put into trash bags, our greenhouse gas methane, and support and would need to be shut Since the 1990s, the Ecology according to a document obtained streets will look better and smell better, and best of all, we will be helps power the Newtown Creek down. He added that the third site Center has offered places for New by THE CITY. treatment plant itself. The biogas at Red Hook Farms would contin- Yorkers drop off food scraps. Now After almost a decade of delays, dealing a blow to New York City’s is supposed to service nearby ue but would likely see its com- it runs 20 collection sites, includ- the project began “consistently” number one enemy: rats,” she said homes, but as THE CITY has pre- posting capacity severely curtailed ing the Union Square Greenmar- providing gas into the distribution in a statement.

The network of community system at the end of March and shut down “automatically” in August, composters conducts educational said National Grid spokesperson outreach, including about the brown bin program. That work Karen Young.

“We conducted an assessment will help ensure the collection prowith our independent specialists gram’s success, said Green.

“Most of the people we talk to and found vibrations from the rotating equipment and impacts to the aren’t even aware of the program flow rate of biogas,” she wrote in still,” Green said. “It will take a lot an email, adding the system is now of time to talk to people and eduback online and working as origi- cate them on how to participate in the curbside program. It helps to nally designed.

To Vandra Thorburn, a member have face-to-face interactions with Q of the Brooklyn Solid Waste Advi- as many people as possible.”

THE CITY (www.thecity.nyc) is sory Board and founder of Vokashi, a small company that composts an independent, nonprofit news Flare towers at Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant in Greenpoint on Friday, April 12, 2022. A Staten Island organics for a fee, turning food organization dedicated to hardscraps into biogas is not the most hitting reporting that serves the waste transfer station was preparing to produce compost into packaged fertilizer, Feb. 8, 2023. people of New York. sustainable approach.

PHOTOS BY HIRAM ALEJANDRO DURÁN / THE CITY, LEFT, AND BEN FRACTENBERG / THE CITY THE CITY

C M SQ page 19 Y K Page 19 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 30, 2023

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OPINION

Fire safety at the holidays

by Eric Adams

The upcoming holiday season is a festive time of year. It’s getting colder, so we try to stay warm, we invite friends and family over, cook more, light candles, maybe burn a fire in the fireplace or use space heaters, buy Christmas trees and string them up with lights, and fill our homes with other decorations. That is why the winter season is also unfortunately known as the fire season, and more than one-third of all home fires occur within December, January or February.

Early during our administration, in January 2022, 17 people were killed and many more were injured in a tragic fire at the Twin Parks apartment building in the Bronx. The fire was caused by a defective space heater and self-closing doors that didn’t work properly. That loss and devastation remains with us, which is why we are asking all New Yorkers to work together and take some basic precautions this winter season so that we can make this a safe and happy time of celebration.

Smoking materials, like cigarette butts, ashes, lighters and matches, are the leading cause of home fires. Make sure they are discarded properly in large, deep ashtrays.

Smoking is followed by home heating as the second leading cause of home fires. Make sure your equipment — including central heating units, portable and fixed space heaters, as well as fireplaces — are installed by a qualified technician, and inspected and cleaned regularly. All space heaters should have the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) mark on them. Never use an extension cord with a space heater, and avoid using space heaters in places like bathrooms, where they can come into contact with water. And make sure to put out the fire in your fireplace completely before you go to sleep.

Candle fires have tripled in the past 10 years — most of these happen when the candles are left unattended or are lit next to combustible materials like paper or fabric.

If you enjoy candles in your home, make sure to be present at all times while they are burning. Keep them away from flammable materials like curtains, decorations and

bedding; and also place them out of reach of children and pets.

Electric blankets and extension cords are other sources of potential d anger.

They should also have the UL mark.

Please replace your electric blanket if it is more than 10 years old and buy ones with an automatic shut-off.

Also, inspect the condition of your extension cords, make sure that all outlets and switches have cover plates that are not discolored (a possible sign of overheating), and, however much you have going on, please don’t overload your outlets with more than two appliances.

If you are buying an artificial Christmas tree, buy one that is flame retardant. Position your trees near outlets so that you don’t have to use extension cords and unplug tree lights when you are not in the room or are going to sleep.

If you own an e-bike or other micromobility device, never charge it overnight or leave batteries unattended while charging.

Don’t store devices between you and the exit of your home (the batteries can explode, trapping you inside). Ideally, do not store your batteries or devices indoors at all.

Finally, remember that smoke alarms and carbon-monoxide detectors save lives.

Make sure to check your smoke alarms and replace the batteries twice a year. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that is released during fires or by malfunctioning heating equipment. Carbon monoxide kills, so a working carbon-monoxide detector is essential. It is also required by law in New York City.

Let’s make 2023 the safest holiday season ever so that we can all celebrate our festivals, families, friends and this beautiful city we call home. Happy holidays!

For more fire safety information, please Q visit fdnysmart.org.

Eric Adams is Mayor of New York City.

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MS-13 gang leader gets life in prison

Melvi ‘Lethal’ Amador-Rios ordered the death of two teenagers: USAO

by Naeisha Rose Associate Editor

A gang leader who ordered the murder of two teenagers, resulting in the death of one and the paralysis of the other, was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday.

Melvi “Letal” Amador-Rios, 32, of Briarwood, also known as “Pinky,” was also found guilty on various racketeering, armed robbery, firearm and Hobbs Act charges after a three-week federal trial by jury on Aug. 9. He will serve consecutive sentences for his crimes ranging from 40 to 80 years, according to the United States Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of New York.

In October 2016, Amador-Rios, the head of the Centrales Locos Salvatruchas clique, a Jamaica branch of MS-13, plotted the death of two 16-year-olds, because he suspected one was the member of the rival 18th Street gang and that a chequeo, or low-level affiliate (known as John Doe 3), in CLS was associating with people from the competing group, prosecutors said.

Julio Vasquez, 16, another CLS chequeo who was believed by Amador-Rios to have also been violating the clique’s rules by supposedly cooperating with law enforcement in a separate case, was selected to kill John Doe 3, but his failure to do so led to his death.

Josue Leiva and Luis Rivas, two CLS members, lured Vasquez to a wooded area of Alley Pond Park and stabbed him more than 30 times on May 16, 2017, according to authorities.

Vasquez’s body was described as looking nearly decapitated and was discovered by a birdwatcher, according to court documents Leiva and Rivas pleaded guilty to robbery, racketeering and to the teen’s murder on July 14, according to a USAO spokesman.

In 2016, Amador-Rios believed a second 16-year-old of being in the rival 18th Street gang and ordered three chequeos to kill him.

On Oct. 22, 2016, the trio received advice from CLS members Yan Carlos Ramirez and Antonio Salvador on how to kill their target at the latter’s home. On the early morning of Oct. 23, the chequeos went to beat up the teen and one of them shot him in the head with a gun provided by Santos Amador-Rios, the brother of the clique leader. As the 16-year-old lay on the ground, there was an attempt to shoot him a second time, but the gun malfunctioned. The young man is now a paraplegic, according to court filings.

While the three defendants were imprisoned, the gang leader called them and said,

Melvi ‘Letal’ Amador-Rios is in prison for ordering the death of two teenagers at Alley PHOTO COURTESY USAO Pond Park. “you guys already have the pass, you know, to be homeboys” indicating they will get to rise up within the CLS’s ranks, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

In February 2019, Ramirez pleaded guilty to assault in aid of racketeering and discharging a firearm in connection with the

paralyzed victim.

The three chequeos have each pleaded guilty to federal crimes for their participation in the assault and attempted murder of the victim, including assault in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Salvador pleaded guilty in August 2022 to assault in aid of racketeering. It was not disclosed what the clique leader’s brother pleaded guilty to, but the USAO spokesman said he testified against Amador-Rios at the trial.

“The defendant will deservedly serve a life sentence for the murder, attempted murder and armed robberies he committed on behalf of MS-13,” U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said in a statement. “Today’s sentence reflects justice for the heinous and senseless nature of the defendant’s crimes and the terror he inflicted on his victims, their families and the community.”

Amador-Rios will thankfully never have the opportunity to victimize another New Yorker, said NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban in a statement.

“We vow to remain relentless in identifying, arresting, and holding to full account everyone responsible for driving crime and Q disorder in our city,” Caban said.

BK man gets four years in prison Hodges, 1973 Christopher Williams sentenced for stealing widow’s home

by Naeisha Rose

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Associate Editor

A Brooklyn man is set to spend two to four years in prison for declaring a widow dead and stealing the deed to her family home. After the victim inherited the property from her deceased father, a retired police officer, the defendant sold it for nearly $300,000 during the height of the pandemic, according to the office of District Attorney Melinda Katz.

The victim, Barbara Matthews, said in August 2021 she received a notification from the city Department of Finance, which stated that a new deed, mortgage and other documents had been filed to the agency for the Jamaica property. The victim and her sister were bequeathed the home upon their dad’s death in 2011. After buying out her sister’s share of the house in 2013, she started coming up with ideas on how to renovate it, but Covid-19 put a damper on those plans, authorities said.

An investigation into the case revealed that Christopher Williams, 43, of East Williamsburg submitted a birth certificate to claim he was her son and a death certificate to declare her dead on July 9, 2017 to represent himself as the sole owner of the property. Despite misspelling her last name, the deed was transferred to him and he was

A row of houses in Jamaica.

GOOGLE MAPS

able to get a $360,000 mortgage against the property, which he sold for $270,000 on Aug. 6, 2021, according to a criminal complaint.

Willia m s received a check for $214,536.64 for the property and was able to receive $209,665.69 from a check-cash-

ing establish ment in the Bronx, said prosecutors.

The defendant was charged nearly a year later with criminal possession of stolen property, forgery, criminal possession of forged instruments, grand larceny, falsifying business records, identity theft, scheme to fraud and offering a false instrument for filing on June 10, 2022, according to court documents.

The Brownsville man was initially facing up to 15 years in prison, but pleaded guilty to identity theft and offering a false instrument for filing in August. Katz’s Office also filed a motion that applied state statute Criminal Procedure Law 420.45, which argued for the immediate restoration of the deed to Matthews. Supreme Court Justice Leigh Cheng approved the action.

“We will not allow criminals to scheme and scam their way into other people’s properties and we will use every tool available to ensure that victims are made whole,” Katz said in a statement. “In communities targeted by deed fraudsters, many people do not have the means to hire an attorney to file a civil suit and litigate against deep-pocketed mortgage companies, banks and title insurers. Our use of this new tactic allows us to provide victims Q with one-stop justice.”

Met, dies at 74 Ron Hodges, who spent his entire 12-year big league career as a backup catcher for the New York Mets, died on Nov. 24 after what published reports state was a brief illness. The member of the 1973 “You Gotta Believe!” National League championship team was 74.

Hodges, a Virginia native and resident, was drafted and signed by the Mets in 1972. No relation to the Mets Hall of Fame former Manager Gil Hodges, he would reach the majors the following season straight from DoubleA ball when two-time all-star Jerry Grote and veteran backup Duffy Dyer got hurt.

He caught a Tom Seaver win in his big league debut in a year when the Mets were unlikely pennant winners.

They were in last place on July 26, and took their division with 82 wins before stunning the Cincinnati Reds in the playoffs. They lost to the Oakland Athletics, who the following year became a three-peat dynasty, in seven games in the World Series.

Hodges walked in his only plate appearance. In his career he batted .240 with 19 home runs and 147 runs batted Q in.

— Michael Gannon

C M SQ page 23 Y K

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West pols unveil street safety plan With traffic fatalities up, blueprint calls for universal daylighting

by Sophie Krichevsky Associate Editor

Western Queens elected officials on Tuesday unveiled their blueprint for improving street safety in the region.

The plan — put together by Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas (D-East Elmhurst), Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria), state Sen. Kristen Gonzalez (D-Long Island City) and Councilmember Tiffany Cabán (D-Astoria) — outlines the politicians’ infrastructural and legislative recommendations to make Western Queens streets safer for pedestrians, drivers and cyclists alike.

The blueprint focuses on seven tactics to make streets safer, including the addition of universal daylighting, improved bike and pedestrian infrastructure, reimagined traffic enforcement, safe and sustainable micromobility, as well as making public transit more reliable and disincentivizing heavy vehicles.

The elected officials’ vision comes in light of the borough’s 43 percent increase in traffic fatalities between this year and last year. As of Nov. 21, the report on the plan says, 13 people have been killed in Western Queens accidents involving a pedestrian or cyclists; 939 have been injured.

“Too many New Yorkers have lost loved ones because of our inaction on street safety,”

Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, above, on Tuesday presented the plan she and her PHOTO COURTESY NYS ASSEMBLY colleagues designed to make Western Queens streets safer.

González-Rojas said in a statement. “I’m proud to have collaborated with my fellow Western Queens representatives ... on this comprehensive street safety plan that recommends common-sense, evidence-based policy solutions to the ongoing crisis in our communities.”

Among the policy changes discussed in the 20-page report is to make all city intersections daylit, or to remove parking spaces just before

crosswalks to make pedestrians crossing and oncoming traffic more visible. Hoboken, the report notes, has had much success with daylighting (though New York has this, it’s much more widespread in Hoboken.) In the year after the New Jersey city installed daylighting measures — combined with installing leading pedestrian intervals, or when the crossing light precedes a green light — Hoboken saw a 35

percent drop in pedestrians struck by vehicles, an 11 percent reduction in cyclists hit by vehicles and 27 percent fewer vehicle collisions.

The blueprint also calls for many more protected bike lanes to be built in Western Queens.

It notes that the city is required under the NYC Streets Plan to install at least 50 miles of protected bike lanes in 2023 and 250 miles total between 2022 and 2026, however, fewer than 15 miles have been installed as of last month.

Relatedly, the plan calls for the installation of more bike boulevards, which are extensions of the Open Streets program that allow for bikes, pedestrians and cars to use the street but significantly calm the flow of traffic through oneway diversion, chicanes (curves in the road that encourage slower speeds) and more.

Given the prevalence of micromobility vehicles, like e-bikes and scooters, the elected officials call for incentives for people who rely on them, such as delivery workers, to purchase safe, UL-certified ones rather than cheaper, uncertified vehicles with faulty lithium-ion batteries. That includes grant and rebate programs, spaces to safely charge and repair bikes and more. The report specifically says that mopeds are considered motorcycles by the state, and can be dangerous (especially in bike lanes) due to their weight and ability to reach higher speeds. Those programs would also Q serve to disincentivize mopeds.

Delendick, FDNY chaplain, dies at 74

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

For the latest news visit qchron.com

PHOTO COURTESY TMLA

TMLA donates for Thanksgiving The Mary Louis Academy prepared to celebrate Thanksgiving by giving back to the broader community with a food drive, donating canned goods and nonperishables to Faith Mission in Mineola, LI, so that others will be able to share a meal together this holiday season.

In total, Mary Louis received 1,100 donations from students, faculty and other community members.

The venerable Jamaica Estates high

school for young women thanked donors and its Pax Christi chapter for their generosity in a statement.

“This outpouring of support will directly benefit those in need, ensuring that many families facing food insecurity will have access to nourishing meals,” the statement reads. “The success of this food drive exemplifies the strength and compassion of the TMLA community united for a common cause.”

TELL US THE NEWS! REPORT COMMUNITY EVENTS AND ISSUES DIRECTLY TO ASSOCIATE EDITOR KRISTEN GUGLIELMO AT (718) 205.8000, EXT. 124

Monsignor John Delendick, a Queens native and 28-year FDNY chaplain, died on Nov. 23 from cancer caused by his work at the World Trade Center following the 9/11 attacks in 2001. He was 74.

“Monsignor Delendick was a spiritual constant and staple in our Department, in good times and in bad,” said FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh in a statement from her office. “Immediately after the immeasurable losses of September 11th, he stepped up to provide guidance and comfort to FDNY members and other first responders.” She called him a pillar at department funerals, graduations, promotions and memorials. “[W]e are heartbroken over his passing,” the commissioner said.

Delendick was ordained in 1977 at St. Sebastian Church in Woodside. He went on to serve in numerous parishes in Brooklyn. In the eight months after the World Trade Center attack, he brought families of those killed to the site and conducted countless memorial services.

In 2003, St. Pope John Paul II appointed

Monsignor John Delendick PHOTO COURTESY FDNY

Delendick a chaplain to His Holiness, bestowing the title of Reverend Monsignor and making him a member of the papal Q household.

C M SQ page 25 Y K

of the 102 in June 2022. In 2019, Kivlin worked as the precinct’s executive officer for five months.

The NYPD posted about the promotion ceremony on social media, writing that the officers’ “hard work helps to keep New York City the safest big city in America.”

— Kristen Guglielmo

The Queens Chronicle’s 16th annual Holiday Photo Contest is underway!

Take pictures of anything that reflects the season — joyous children and families, lights, miniature villages, snowy landscapes, whatever it might be — and send them on in. You might be inspired by top-quality past entries such as this one by Steve Fisher.

Our main requirement is that the photos be taken in the borough this season. We also ask that you give us all the details you can, especially the location, the names of any people in a photo, when possible, and when it was taken (but don’t use time stamps!). Some entrants give us a whole backstory, and that’s

never a problem. Please tell us your correct name, where you live and whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer.

Past winners have received passes to a family-friendly performance in or around the city, such as an off-Broadway show. Since those are hard to come by since the pandemic, some get a gift card to be used anywhere instead. Keep that flexibility in mind when entering! All winning shots, and many others, get published in print and at qchron.com.

Send your high-resolution digital photos to peterm@qchron.com, saying “contest” somewhere in the subject line, or mail prints to Queens Chronicle Photo Contest, 71-19 80 St., suite 8-201, Glendale, NY 11385. The deadline is Tuesday, Jan. 2. Good luck!

— Peter C. Mastrosimone

Page 25 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 30, 2023

The NYPD 102nd Precinct’s commanding officer was promoted from captain to deputy inspector in a ceremony last week at NYPD headquarters, surrounded by supportive colleagues and officers from other precincts also receiving promotions.

Deputy Inspector Jeremy Kivlin, fourth from right, became the commanding officer

PHOTO BY STEVE FISHER

PHOTO COURTESY NYPD / X

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ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING A

by Andrew Benjamin Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, Queens’ biggest convention is back.

Wintercon makes its return on Dec. 2 and 3 for two days of sci-fi fun at Resorts World New York City. Whenever it’s held, the convention brings a number of special guests and an d cast casst reunions to the South So Ozone Park venue, and this year Is no exception.

The big reunions reu at the con feature cast members from the sci-fi comedy classic film “Galaxy Quest” Quest from 1999, as well as the popular po sci-fi TV show “Farscape,” ssh how “Fa arscape,” which rran for four seassons so ns from fro r m 1999 to 2003.

Thee cast Th casst members from “Galaxy Quest” who will be appearing include Missi Pyle, Jed Rees, Patrick Breen and Daryl Mitchell.

For “Farscape,” cast members Claudia Black, Ben Browder, Gigi Edgley and creator Rockne S. O’Bannon will be on hand.

Frank Patz, who runs Wintercon, said “Galaxy Quest” “is a great movie,” adding, “It’s right up our alley. It’s something really near and dear to the nerds.”

When asked about “Farscape,” Patz said, “It is one of the best sci-fi shows in the Syfy Channel’s history. It’s a highly acclaimed show.”

Reunions, Patz said, are among the attractions that have made Wintercon stand out.

“A lot of conventions will have one actor from this show, one actor from that show,” he explained. “We like to do reunions.

They’re all there and they all start talking about their experiences. You get a point of view from everyone.”

One of the other shows that will be represented is the weird, sci-fi cult-classic “Lexx.”

It was a 1997 Canadian production that garnered a following much later on. “’Lexx’ is a fan favorite as well,” Patz said. “It was a weird, awesome sci-fi show.

It’s very rare to see these actors ... People are flying from all over the world for them.”

Two of the cast members are flying in from Germany and Wintercon marks star Eva Haberman’s first appearance in the United States. continued on page 29

Wintercon

Page 27 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 30, 2023

Now

C M SQ page 27 Y K

welcomes sci-fi fans to Queens this weekend

For the latest news visit qchron.com

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 30, 2023 Page 28

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I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

King Crossword Puzzle Johnny Ramone was a pioneering punk rocker

ACROSS

1 Microwave 4 Jubilation 8 Scruff 12 “-- Believer” 13 Give temporarily 14 Big-screen format 15 Layered desserts 17 Refer to 18 Irate 19 Breaks away 21 Stockholm’s land 24 JFK’s veep 25 Fleur-de- -26 Cutting tool 28 Parlor pieces 32 Now, on a memo 34 Luau bowlful 36 Karate level 37 Prison-related 39 Atty.’s title 41 Mauna -42 Soda 44 Steering device on a ship 46 Leaping antelopes 50 Hosp. hookups 51 Donald Duck’s nephew 52 Like a good golf score 56 Greek mountain 57 Cannes milk 58 Blackbird 59 Favorites 60 PC programs 61 Ewe’s mate

DOWN

1 Energy 2 Docs’ bloc

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

3 Italian cheese 4 Forest clearings 5 Tiki bar necklace 6 Tolkien creatures 7 ‘50s Ford 8 “Great work!”

9 During 10 Top of the head 11 Former mates 16 Passing craze 20 “Survivor” airer

21 High-five sound 22 Sagacious 23 Snooze 27 Misery 29 Crystalline mineral 30 Skin soother 31 Twinkler in the sky 33 Tropical fruits 35 Leb. neighbor 38 Texter’s chuckle 40 Calms

43 “Straight Up” singer Abdul 45 TiVo, for example 46 Denny’s rival 47 Inspiration 48 Nuisance 49 Break suddenly 53 Chips go-with 54 Santa -- winds 55 Crater part

John William Cummings was born on Oct. 8, 1948 in Manhattan, the son of Francis “Frank” and Estelle Cummings. In 1949, a new luxury apartment building was erected at 67-38 108 St. called “The Grover Cleveland.” Frank was making good money as a steamfitter and moved the family into the six-story building. John graduated Forest Hills High School in the class of 1966 and later went to work with his father as a The childhood home of Johnny Ramone, aka John William Cummings, at 67-38 108 St. in Forest Hills, as it plumber.

His passion for music, however, looks today. GOOGLE MAPS IMAGE; INSET BY DANNY FIELDS / FILE could not be contained. He met 1996, Cummings was one of two original future bandmate Doug Colvin, aka Dee Dee Ramone, who also loved the punk bands members who stayed with the group since its MC5 and The Stooges, in January 1974. The inception. He was listed by Time magazine as one of the 10 greatest electric guitar playduo brought in bandmates Jeff Hyman, Rich Stern and Tom Erdelyi. All the members ers. Sadly he passed away at age 55, after a five-year battle with prostate cancer, on Sept. took a new name ending in Ramone.

15, 2004.

They played before their first audience on His wife, Linda, kept his ashes and there March 30, 1974, and immediately clicked — is a cenotaph monument to him at the Hollybecoming one the most successful punk Q wood Forever Cemetery in California. bands of all time. Though they disbanded in

Answers on next page

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HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE The Queens Chronicle’s 27th Annual Holiday Toy Drive is on Now! For Children and Teens in Queens Homeless Shelters

Please bring NEW, UNWRAPPED and UNUSED TOYS & GIFTS for Children & Teens in Queens Homeless Shelters NOW through MONDAY, DECEMBER 18th during business hours: 9 am to 5 pm, Monday thru Friday to any of these participating locations:

QUEENS CHRONICLE OFFICE

71-19 80th Street, Suite 8-201, Glendale, NY 11385 Toys can also be dropped off at: Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. 84-16 Jamaica Avenue Woodhaven Assemblyman Ed Braunstein 213-33 39th Ave., Suite 238 Bayside

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C M SQ page 29 Y K

by Michael Gannon qboro contributor

Just about everyone loves the holiday season and great classic movies. So the Queens Central Library in Jamaica decided to combine them, with eight free holiday showings in the month of December.

The Classic Film Friday shows will include the musical “Meet Me in St. Louis” (1944) on Dec. 1; “Fitzwilly” (1967), a romantic comedy, on Dec. 8; the venerated “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) and “White Christmas”(1954) on Dec. 15 and 22, respectively; and “Holiday” (1930) on Dec. 29.

Monday Matinee Movies will screen “Enemy of the State” (1998) on Dec. 4 and “This Christmas“ (2007) on Dec. 18.

Liz Keogan, a research librarian with the QPL who selected each of the films for December, settled once and for all the debate over whether “Die Hard” (1988) is a Christmas movie, scheduling it for Dec. 11.

“People enjoy it, so we show it,” said Koegan who, among her other duties, has been selecting and scheduling movies since she joined the QPL back in 2016.

“It’s one of the most fun parts of my job,” she told the Chronicle.

All movies begin at 2 p.m. and end between 4 and 4:30 p.m. No Monday Mat-

first musical in which Bing Crosinee offering will be shown on by sings his signature hit. That Dec. 25, as the library will be was 12 years earlier in “Holiday closed for Christmas. Films at Inn.” other branches on other days “Holiday” also stars Astor in are listed at queenslibrary.org. the story of a man who must Some holiday selections are consider how he will fit in with easy, according to Koegan, othhis fiancee’s conservative family. ers less so. The calendar imposIt would be remade in 1938 es some limitations. with Katharine Hepburn and “There’s always a few that Cary Grant. you wish you could get in,” “Enemy of the State” feaKoegan said. “But there’s tures Will Smith unknowingly always next year. This year I stumbling into a government tried to choose movies that I conspiracy and trying to get out think people would enjoy; and I — if he can stay alive. like some of them, too. I have “This Christmas,” with a cast my personal favorites.” that includes Regina King and Perhaps her favorite of all time, not just her favorite holi- Donna Reed, James Stewart and Karolyn Grimes can be seen in Idris Elba, chronicles a family’s day movie, is “It’s a Wonderful “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Dec. 15.

PHOTO BY RKO RADIO PICTURES / FILE first full holiday gathering in four years.

Life,” which was nominated for And then there is “Die Hard,” where five Academy Awards including Best Picture “Meet Me in St. Louis” stars Judy Garwith James Stewart nominated for Best land, Mary Astor and Margaret O’Brien, Alan Rickman and his band of henchmen Actor as George Bailey, a man who never and takes place amid preparations for the get on vacationing New York City Det. really considers himself or his life to be very 1904 World’s Fair in the city called the Bruce Willis’ really, really naughty list in Los Angeles’ Nakatomi Tower. remarkable until he suddenly has every- Gateway to the West.

The Central Library is located at 89-11 thing to lose.

“Fitzwilly” features Dick Van Dyke as the “I like the story,” Koegan said. “It’s an butler for an elderly philanthropist. He also Merrick Blvd. in Jamaica. It is wheelchair incredible film. Its well-acted and well-writ- happens to be a crook and a con man, but accessible and can be reached by car, bus or subway. ten. Jimmy Stewart’s performance was his heart is in the right place.

Q. Yippee-ki-yay and enjoy the show. unforgettable.”

“White Christmas” is not, in fact, the

Page 29 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 30, 2023

Queens Library hosts holiday movie magic

Classic sci-fi and some old friends at Wintercon

Crossword Answers

from the troubles going on in the world.

“I just hope people have a good time,” he said. “With the way things are right now, a lot going on in the world. People have a lot of things to worry about. This is something [at which] you can shut off that part of your mind and have a good time, and you can see these people from these shows and interact with people that are like-minded. Everyone is there to hang out and have a good time.”

Visitors also will have ample opportunities for visitors to purchase a wide variety of merchandise. And the celebrity cast members will have a full schedule of photo opportunities for fans. Tickets for those range from $60 for some individual guests to $220 for group pictures with the “Galaxy Quest” cast members.

General admission is $30 or $35, depending on the day, or $12 or $15 for kids. Special passes are offered, and there is one way listed online to get in free.

Both admission and photo tickets can be purchased at wintercon.com.

Resorts World is located at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. It may be reached by mass transit or today’s land-speeder

It’s simply not Wintercon at Resorts World New York City without the annual cosplay costume competition, above. On the cover: Lord Vader would find your lack of attenPHOTOS COURTESY WINTERCON; COVER PHOTO BY JASON LABOY PHOTOGRAPHY dance disturbing. equivalent. Parking for the latter is free at any of the racino’s outdoor lots. Garage parking is $5, though it is gratis for

Genting Rewards members. Cash is not accepted, not from this or any other star Q system.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

continued from page 27 As always, Patz said, the big cosplay contest will be a big draw. The first-place prize will be $500, second will be $300, and third place will take home $200.

Oscar-winning makeup artist Ve Neill will be a judge of the contest, set for Saturday. The children’s contest will be Sunday.

Patz hopes attendees can have a good time and use the convention as an escape

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 30, 2023 Page 30

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Notice of Formation of 200-02 LINDEN BLVD LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/29/2022. 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: CHEICK A. K TRAORE, 14540 182ND ST., SPRINGFIELD GDNS, NY 11413 Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

APEX 7806 LLC Articles of

Notice of Formation of BUCKETS & BUBBLES CLEANING Org. fi led NY Sec. of State SERVICES LLC Articles of Organi(SSNY) 11/21/23. Offi ce in zation were fi led with the SecreQueens Co. SSNY design. Agent tary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/16/2023. Offi ce location: of LLC upon whom process Queens County. SSNY has been may be served. SSNY shall designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it mail copy of process to The may be served. SSNY shall mail a LLC 15253 10th Ave. Ste 211, copy of process to: ALICIA RAMIREZ, 10855 49TH AVENUE, APT 2R, Whitestone, NY 11357. Purpose: CORONA, NY 11368. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

For any lawful purpose.

3309 KHAN LLC. Arts. of Notice of Formation of Org. fi led with the SSNY on B.Lit Studio LLC Arts. of Org. 11/08/23. Offi ce: Queens fi led with Secy. of State of NY County. SSNY designated as (SSNY) on 09/20/23. Offi ce agent of the LLC upon whom location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC process against it may be upon whom process against it served. SSNY shall mail copy may be served. SSNY shall mail of process to the LLC, c/o process to Corporation Service Shahanara Khan, 2215 35th Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY Street, Astoria, NY 11105. 12207-2543. Purpose: Any Purpose: Any lawful purpose. lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of CARE FREE WALK LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/12/2023. 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: CARE FREE WALK LLC, 8811 169th Street JAMAICA, NY 11432. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of 360 ACHIEVO LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/18/2023.

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: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 9201 LAMONT AVE APT 3C, ELMHURST, NY 11373.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Welkom Media Group LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 10/17/2023.

Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Registered Agent Solutions, Inc., 99 Washington Ave., Ste. 700, Albany, NY 12260. General Purpose

Notice of Formation of BP BUSINESS SERVICES LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/21/2023. 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: BETINA CARMEN PLANAS, 82-37 212TH ST, QUEENS VILLAGE, NY 11427.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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PRICES FOR ESTATES, FURNITURE, CHANDELIERS, LAMPS, Government subsidies available COSTUME JEWELRY, WATCHES for families earning $111,000 or SSNY desig. as agent upon (WORKING OR NOT WORKING), less a year. See if you qualify. whom process against FURS, COINS, POCKETBOOKS, Call for your free quote! may be served & shall mail CHINA, VASES, GLASSWARE, 1-877-550-1238 STERLING SILVERWARE, FIGprocess to 89-11 107th URINES, CANDLESTICKS, PAINTAve, Ozone Park, NY 11417.

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 30, 2023 Page 32

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Legal Notices

Legal Notices

Notice is hereby given that NYS Application ID number NA0340-23-147861 for cider/wine/ beer/liquor has been applied for by the undersigned to sell cider/wine/ beer/liquor at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 35-02 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria, NY 11105 for on-premises consumption. Gonzales Partners II Inc. d/b/a Barranco 35-02 Ditmars Blvd., Astoria, NY 11105

Notice of Formation of GATEWAY SUFFICIENTCYS LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/08/2023. 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: THE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 11144 144TH ST, JAMAICA, NY 11435. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice is hereby given that NYS Application ID number NA-0346-23-148661 for cider/ wine/beer/liquor has been applied for by the undersigned to sell cider/wine/beer/liquor at retail in a Catering establishment under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 35-02 48th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101 for on-premises consumption. Sodexo Operations LLC 35-02 48th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101

Notice of formation of GC GARDEN LLC. Articles of Organization fi led with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 10/27/2023. Offi ce located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 86-23 57TH ROAD, ELMHURST, NY 11373. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

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Notice of Qualifi cation of Generation Love IP LLC. App. For Auth. fi led with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/26/23. Offi ce location: Queens County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 9/21/23. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: United Corporate Services, Inc. (UCS), 10 Bank St, Ste 560, White Plains, NY 10606. DE address of LLC: UCS, 800 North State St, Ste 304, Dover, DE 19901. Arts of Org fi led with DE Secy of State, 401 Federal St., Ste 3, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: any lawful activity.

NYC PLLC. Filed 8/28/23.

Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. for process & shall mail 84-58 151 St., Briarwood, NY 11432. Purpose: any

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lawful.

of Formation of Emet Solutions, LLC, fi led Notice HARRIS-ANIZAN HOLDINGS LLC articles of organization with Articles of Organization were fi led the NY Secretary of State with the Secretary of State of New on Nov. 1, 2023. Offi ce: York (SSNY) on 11/08/2023. Offi ce location: Queens County. SSNY Queens County. Service of has been designated as agent process designation: United of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY States Corporation Agents, shall mail a copy of process to: THE Inc. 7014 13th Avenue, Suite LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 13539 118TH ST, SOUTH OZONE 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. PARK, NY 11420. Purpose: For Purpose: any lawful purpose. any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of HI SWEET F R K TAXI LLC, Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY on NYC LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary 10/23/2023. Offi ce loc: Queens of State of New York (SSNY) on County. SSNY has been des- 10/03/2023. Offi ce location: ignated as agent upon whom Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC process against the LLC may upon whom process against be served. SSNY shall mail pro- it may be served. SSNY shall cess to: MD Faruque Hossain mail a copy of process to: THE Khan, 8906 213th St., Queens LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, 2279 19TH ST, ASTORIA, NY Village, NY 11427. Purpose: 11105. Purpose: For any lawful Any Lawful Purpose. purpose.

File No.: 2021-601/C CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK BY THE GRACE OF GOD, FREE AND INDEPENDENT To: Holy Child Jesus Church, Eileen Benson, Dominick Bonanno, Nancy Saviello, Dominick Bonanno, Joseph Bonanno, Debra Mangieri, John Bonanno, Attorney General of the State of New York, The unknown distributees, legatees, devisees, heirs at law and assignees of Sandra Rose Bonanno aka Sandra Bonanno, deceased, or their estates, if any there be, whose names, places of residence and post office addresses are unknown to the petitioner and cannot with due diligence be ascertained A copy of this citation and the accounting, as well as all amendments to it, if any, shall be served on the Guardian Ad Litem, Robert Harper, Esq. Being the persons interested as creditors, legatees, distributees or otherwise in the Estate of Sandra Rose Bonanno aka Sandra Bonanno, deceased, who at the time of death was a resident of 104-26 90th Avenue, Richmond Hill, NY 11418, in the County of Queens, State of New York. SEND GREETING: Upon the petition of LOIS M. ROSENBLATT, Public Administrator of Queens County, who maintains her office at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, Queens County, New York 11435, as Temporary Administrator of the Estate of Sandra Rose Bonanno aka Sandra Bonanno, deceased, you and each of you are hereby cited to show cause before the Surrogate at the Surrogate’s Court of the County of Queens, to be held at the Queens General Courthouse, 6th Floor, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, City and State of New York, on the 11th day of January, 2024 at 9:30 o’clock in the forenoon, why the Account of Proceedings of the Public Administrator of Queens County, as Temporary Administrator of the Estate of said deceased, a copy of which is attached, should not be judicially settled, and why the Surrogate should not fix and allow a reasonable amount of compensation to GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ., for legal services rendered to petitioner herein in the amount of $44,586.45 and that the Court fix the fair and reasonable additional fee for any services to be rendered by GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ., hereafter in connection with proceedings on kinship, claims etc., prior to entry of a final Decree on this accounting in the amount of 6% of assets or income collected after the date of the within accounting; and why the Surrogate should not fix and allow an amount equal to one percent on said Schedules of the total assets on Schedules A, A1, and A2 plus any additional monies received subsequent to the date of this account, as the fair and reasonable amount payable to the Office of the Public Administrator for the expenses of said office pursuant to S.C.P.A. §1106(3); and why the Last Will and Testament dated December 6, 1989, copy attached, should not be admitted to Probate; and why the Letters of Temporary Administration issued to the Public Administrator should not be revoked; and why Letters of Administration CTA should not be issued to the Public Administrator; and why the net residuary estate should not be paid pursuant to the Last Will and Testament as follows; 100% to Holy Child Jesus Church Dated, Attested and Sealed 1st day of November, 2023 HON. PETER J. KELLY Surrogate, Queens County Janet Edwards Tucker Chief Clerk GERARD J. SWEENEY, ESQ. (718) 459-9000 1981 Marcus Avenue, Suite 200 Lake Success, New York 11042 NOTICE: THIS CITATION IS SERVED UPON YOU AS REQUIRED BY LAW. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO APPEAR; HOWEVER, IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR IT WILL BE ASSUMED YOU DO NOT OBJECT TO THE RELIEF REQUESTED. YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO HAVE AN ATTORNEY APPEAR FOR YOU, AND YOU OR YOUR ATTORNEY MAY REQUEST A COPY OF THE FULL ACCOUNT FROM THE PETITIONER OR PETITIONER’S ATTORNEY Accounting Citation

HOME2SWEET LLC, Arts of Org. fi led with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 10/11/2023. Cty: Queens. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 11 Saint Johns Ave., Valley Stream, NY 11580.

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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 718722-3131.

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

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LEGAL NOTICE BY PUBLICATION

is hereby given to Mohammad Islam (“Islam”) and Ahmad Bostani a/k/a Arman Rezayar Bostani a/k/a Ahmad Reza Bostani a/k/a Ahmadreza Bostani (collectively referred to as “Bostani”), that

by Decision and Order dated October 11, 2023, in the matter of Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company v. Mohammad Islam, et al., Appellate Case No. 2020-03970, the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department, granted an appeal by Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company (“Commonwealth”) and awarded Commonwealth damages against you, jointly and severally, in the amount of $437,288.01, and that said Decision and Order was filed by the Queens County Clerk on October 24, 2023, arising out of an action commenced in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Queens, entitled Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company v. Mohammad Islam, et al., Index No. 702988/2015. Legal Notice by Publication is further given that on November 3, 2023, Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company submitted a Proposed Judgment to the Clerk of the Court of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Queens, for entry of a Judgment against you in the amount of Notice of Formation of IH West $437,288.01, in accordance with the Decision and Order of the Harlem Manor Views LLC. Arts.

Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate Division, Second of Org. fi led with Secy. of State Judicial Department, as set forth above. If Judgment is entered (SSNY) on 1/13/21. Offi ce against you for the relief that Commonwealth demands, the Sheriff location: Queens County. SSNY may seize your money, wages, property or other assets to pay all designated as agent of LLC or part of the Judgment. If you cannot afford an attorney, and seek upon whom process against information about the legal process, you may call the Help Center it may be served. SSNY shall at the Supreme Court at (718) 298-1024, or visit Room 100 in the mail process to: c/o Infi nite Courthouse. Copies of all papers are available by contacting the Horizons, LLC, 142-05 Rockaway attorneys for Commonwealth: Fidelity National Law Group, 103 Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11436. Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 213, Roseland, New Jersey 07068, (973) 863-7017.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

C M SQ page 33 Y K

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SUMMONS (CITACION JUDICIAL) CASE NUMBER (Número del Caso): 23PSCV00225 NOTICE TO DEFENDANT (AVISO AL SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK - COUNTY DEMANDADO): W&L LOGISTICS INC., a California corporation; OF QUEENS NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A CHAMPION YONGHONG ZUO, an individual; and DOES 1-100, inclusive YOU MORTGAGE COMPANY, Plaintiff, -against- UNKNOWN HEIRS OF Loretta Sepe a/k/a Laura Loretta Sepe a/k/a Laura L. Sepe, if living, ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF (LO ESTÁ DEMANDANDO EL and if he/she be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, DEMANDANTE): TRANSPORTATION ALLIANCE BANK, INC., a Utah claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally or corporation NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such against you without your being heard unless you respond within unknown persons being herein generally described and intended 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their response. You can find these court forms and more information respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo. of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff Ralph waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose John Sepe a/k/a Ralph Sepe a/k/a Ralph J. Sepe; The Secretary of the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be Housing and Urban Development; Bank of America, NA; City of New taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal York Department of Finance Parking Violations Bureau Payment requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you and Adjudication Center of Queens; The United States of America; do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral The People of the State of New York; and JOHN DOE AND JANE service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for DOE #1 through #7, the last Seven (7) names being fictitious and free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You unknown to the Plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services tenants, occupants, persons or parties, if any, having or claiming Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged premises described in Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting the Complaint, Defendants. INDEX # 704347/2019 Original filed your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has with Clerk March 13, 2019 Plaintiff Designates Queens County a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s is situated Queens County. Premises: 133-34 Centreville Street, lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. ¡AVISO! Lo Ozone Park, NY 11417 TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on a continuación. Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo to you within the State of New York); the United States of America protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal may appear or answer within 60 day of service hereof; and in correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el The supplemental summons and amended complaint are being Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), filed pursuant to Court order dated October 24, 2023. NOTICE YOU en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the secretario de la corte que le dé un formulario de exención de pago answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can dinero y bienes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no your case is pending for further information on how to answer conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal LLC D/B/A CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY AND FILING Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: Uniondale, New York las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en November 8, 2023. Respectfully submitted, Pincus Law Group, contacto con la corte o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por PLLC. By: Tabeetha Adde, Esq., Attorneys for Plaintiff, 425 RXR ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556, 516-699-8902. por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 Kalmegha LLC, Arts of Org. Notice of Qualifi cation of Keystone ó más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de Management, LLC, fi ctitious name: arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen fi led with Sec. of State of Keystone Management Holdings, LLC. de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso. The name Authority fi led with Secy. of State of NY and address of the court is (El nombre y dirección de la corte es): NY (SSNY) 3/24/2023. Cty: (SSNY) on 10/23/23. Offi ce location: Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, 400 Civic Center Queens. SSNY desig. as agent Queens County. LLC formed in Georgia Plaza Pomona, California 91766 The name, address, and telephone (GA) on 10/01/20. SSNY designated as number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is upon whom process against agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del may be served & shall mail to: 1170 Peachtree St., Ste. 1150, Atlanta, demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): HEMAR GA 30309, also the address required to process to 4272 80th St., be maintained in GA. Arts of Org. fi led ROUSSO & HEALD, LLP 15910 Ventura Blvd., 12th Floor, Encino, CA 91436, (818) 501-3800 DATE (Fecha): 01/25/2023 David W. Slayton, Apt. 6C, Elmhurst, NY 11373. with the Secy. of State, 2 MLK, Jr, Dr., Clerk (Secretario), by J. Gonzalez, Deputy (Adjunto) 11/9, 11/16, Suite 313, Floyd West Tower, Atlanta, GA 30334-1530. Purpose: any lawful activities. 11/23, 11/30/23 CNS-3754469# QUEENS CHRONICLE General Purpose

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Page 33 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 30, 2023

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Index No. 700909/2013 NEW RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff, vs. ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF THE LATE MARIA NISARI, IF LIVING, AND IF ANY BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS WHO ARE SPOUSES, WIDOWS, GRANTEES, MORTGAGEES, LIENORS, HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF SUCH OF THEM AS MAY BE DEAD, AND THEIR SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES AND PLACES OF RESIDENCE ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, MARY ROSE, ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF THE LATE YOUNAS MASIH, IF LIVING, AND IF ANY BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS WHO ARE SPOUSES, WIDOWS, GRANTEES, MORTGAGEES, LIENORS, HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF SUCH OF THEM AS MAY BE DEAD, AND THEIR SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES AND PLACES OF RESIDENCE ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD, NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU, NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU, AZARD RAMJOHN, VISHWANI MOHAN, COMMONWEALTH, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BY THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, SONIA MASIH, ISAIAH MASIH, ISABELLA MASIH, DASLAM SAJJA, Defendants. 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 attorneys within thirty days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service, 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.

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. This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of Honorable Lance P. Evans Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, signed the 25th day of October, 2023, at Jamaica, New York.

The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage on the following property: BLOCK: 9382 LOT: 30 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, BOUNDED AND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE CORNER FORMED BY THE INTERSECTION OF THE NORTHERLY SIDE OF BEAUFORT AVENUE, FORMERLY GRAFTON AVENUE AND NOW 97TH AVENUE WITH THE EASTERLY SIDE OF FREEDOM AVENUE, FORMERLY UNION AVENUE AND NOW CALLED 102ND STREET; RUNNING THENCE EASTERLY, ALONG THE NORTHERLY SIDE OF 97TH AVENUE, 60 FEET (DEED) (60.06 FEET ACTUAL); THENCE NORTHERLY, PARALLEL WITH 102ND STREET, 63.33 FEET (DEED) (100.09 FEET ACTUAL); THENCE WESTERLY, PARALLEL WITH 97TH AVENUE, 60 FEET (DEED) (60.06 FEET ACTUAL), TO THE EASTERLY SIDE OF 102ND STREET; THENCE SOUTHERLY, ALONG THE EASTERLY SIDE OF 102ND STREET, 63.33 FEET (DEED) (100.09 FEET ACTUAL), TO THE CORNER, THE POINT OR PLACE OF BEGINNING. Subject to easements, covenants, and restriction of record. These premises are also known as 102-01 97th Avenue aka 95-39 102 Street, Ozone Park aka Richmond Hill, NY 11416.

Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP, Attorneys for Plaintiff, 500 Bausch & Lomb Place, Rochester, NY 14604

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 30, 2023 Page 34

C M SQ page 34 Y K To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Legal Notices NOTICE OF SALE

Legal Notices Notice

of

formation

Legal Notices of

SKINISHNYC LLC fi led

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF LSY QNS L.L.C., a limited liabilQUEENS, RIDGEWOOD SAVINGS ity company. Art of Org. fi led with w/ SSNY on 10/2/23.

BANK, Plaintiff, vs. RENOTTI M. the Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) Offi ce: Queens Co. SSNY HILL ALEXANDER, ET AL., on 11/1/2023. Offi ce located in Defendant (s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Queens. SSNY has been designated designated as agent for Sale duly entered on October 31, for service of process. SSNY shall process & shall mail to: 2019, I, the undersigned Referee mail a copy of any process served will sell at public auction at the against the LLC to c/o LSY QNS 214-06 16th Ave., Bsmt, Queens Country Supreme Court, L.L.C., 3005 VERNON BLVD APT Bayside, NY 11360. courthouse steps, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York 4H, ASTORIA, NY 11102. Purpose: Purpose: any lawful. on December 8, 2023 at 12:00 any lawful activity. p.m., premises known as 17623 MING CHEUNG HOLDING CO, LLC, THOMAS E. MCCULLOUGH, 127TH AVENUE, JAMAICA, NY 11434-3300 A/K/A 17623 127TH Arts. of Org. fi led with the SSNY LLC Articles of Org. fi led NY AVENUE, ADDISLEIGH PARK, NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 10/24/23. on 10/20/2023. Offi ce loc: Queens 11434-3300 A/K/A 17623 127TH AVENUE, ROCHDALE VILLAGE, County. SSNY has been designated Offi ce in Queens Co. SSNY NY 11434-3300. All that certain as agent upon whom process desig. agent of LLC whom plot, piece or parcel of land, with process may be served. SSNY the buildings and improvements against the LLC may be served. shall mail process to 42-40 thereon erected, situate, lying and SSNY shall mail process to: The Bell Blvd., Ste. 500, Bayside, being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of LLC, 41-42 College Point Blvd., NY 11361, which is also the New York, Block: 12526, Lot: 24, 2A, Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: principal business location. approximate amount of judgment Any Lawful Purpose.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose. is $196,953.21 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold Retro Arcade Gaming and subject to provisions of fi led Judgment Index # 701087/2018.

Cafe LLC fi led 11/16/23.

All parties shall comply with the Eleventh Judicial District’s COVID-19 Policies concerning Cty: Queens. SSNY desig.

Public Auctions of foreclosed For Legal Notice Rates properties. These policies, along with the Queens County for process & shall mail to: & Information, Foreclosure Auction Rules, can be found on the Queens 89-42 Doran Ave., Glendale, Supreme Court - Civil Term Website (https://www.nycourts.

NY 11385. Purp: any lawful. gov/LegacyPDFS/COURTS/11jd/ supreme/civilterm/partrules/ Foreclosure_Auction_Rules. pdf) If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee’s attorney, or the Referee. LAMONT R. BAILEY, Esq., Referee, Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff

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Call 718-205-8000

Notice of Formation of LEAVES BY VETERAN, LLC Articles of Organization were fi led with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/06/2023. 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: THE LLC, 4617 SMART STREET, FLUSHING, NY 11355. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Tribute to Bennett at the school he loved Students celebrate music legend

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Students from the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria are performing a tribute concert on Friday, Dec. 1, to the late Tony Bennett and his wife, Susan Benedetto, who founded the school back in 2001.

Tuesday evening, school Principal Gideon Frankel was in an ideal position, literally and figuratively, to discuss the upcoming performance.

“I was just in the auditorium listening to the rehearsal,” Frankel said in a telephone interview. “We’re really excited about this.

We’ll have music in instrumental and vocal pieces. We have a jazz orchestra. Dance students will be doing pieces that have been specially choreographed.”

That, Frankel said, was just the in-house talent of students from throughout the city.

“We’ll also have a dance number specially choreographed by Jessica Lang of the Tony Bennett will be remembered and honored American Ballet Theatre,” he said. “This is at a concert Dec. 1 at the Frank SIntr School a piece they did years ago with his music, for the Arts, which he and his wife founded in and that he collaborated on.”

2001. PHOTO VIA COLUMBIA RECORDS / TWITTER / FILE “It involves every studio in the school,” — Bennett’s real last name — created the said Toby Boshak, executive director of school in order to provide talented students Exploring the Arts, a group that works with in the arts with an opportunity that he never nearly 60 schools in New York and Califorhad growing up in Astoria. nia to advance eduction in the arts He was 96 when he died last July, and ”It’s a celebration of the impact Tony had both preformed and recorded with legends on the school, the students, the administrafrom Sinatra and the big bands to Lady tion and the entire community that surGaga in a career that spanned 70 years. rounds the Sinatra School,” she added.

He was a decorated soldier in Europe in Tickets, both said, sold out almost immeWorld War II and was an accomplished diately after going on sale.

A n d y e s , t h e s c h o o l c h o i r w i l l b e painter. per“We’re very pleased that Susan Benedetto forming Bennett’s signature “I Left My donated many of his paintings for us to disHeart in San Francisco.” play around the school,” Frankel said.

Frankel and Boshak did say there would Boshak and Frankel said Bennett seemed be a few solo parts in the song, but that they to enjoy visiting the school, students and aren’t concerned that a student might get the teachers as much as they loved having him. jitters.

“It would be so evident in his face, in his “There will be very little chance of that if it is sung by a student from that school,” body language,” Boshak said. “He really loved being there and loved seeing what the Boshak said.

Q students would create.”

Frankel and Boshak said the Benedettos

NYBC: holiday season help The New York Blood Center is seeking donors of all blood types to address the ongoing blood shortage.

Each donor can help surgery and cancer patients, accident victims and new mothers and babies. Information on how to donate blood or schedule a drive is at nybc. org. Upcoming drives include: • United Sherpa Association, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 41-01 75 St. in Elmhurst; • Sunnyside Jewish Center, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3, in the bloodmobile at 40-30 47 Ave. in Sunnyside;

• Queens Jewish Center, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3, at 66-05 108 St. in Forest Hills; • Christ the King High School, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 68-02 Metropolitan Ave. in Middle Village; • NYC Dept. of Design & Construction, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 30-30 Thomson Ave. in Long Island City; and • The Shops at Atlas Park, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 17; and 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. Q 23, at 8000 Cooper Ave. in Glendale.

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BEAT

CENTURY 21 AMIABLE II

Hell Mary for the Jets

by Lloyd Carroll

718-835-4700

In most of these situations, the worst that happens is the defending team bats the ball away or intercepts it and takes a knee to end the half or the game, if it is fourth quarter. Of course, we are talking about the Jets, where the bizarre is expected. Dolphins defender Jevon Holland intercepted Boyle’s pass just before the Jets end zone and returned it 99 years for a touchdown.

The “Hail Mary” pass was quickly dubbed the “Hell Mary” on social media. Benched Jets QB Zach Wilson must have felt like the luckiest person in MetLife Stadium.

On the SNY Jets postgame show, former NFL stars Bart Scott and Willie Colon both stated they had never seen a “Hail Mary” pass returned for a touchdown. They also blasted the Jets receivers for not doing enough to bat the ball away from Holland or pursue him after he caught it and started running it back.

The good news for the Jets was although the game was televised nationally, it was shown on the streamer Prime Video instead of CBS, NBC, ABC or Fox. That meant less viewership for this game. The bad news is the Dolphins are being featured on the latest installment of HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” which means the Jets’ futility will be dissected again next week. This will make “Hell Mary” a worthy addition to the “Butt Fumble” in Q both NFL and Jets lore.

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

Chronicle Contributor

Thanksgiving has been cruel to the New York Jets. Twelve years ago, the Jets were humiliated by the New England Patriots, 49-19. As bad as that score was, what people remember about the game was not the shellacking the Jets received.

That was common during the Bill BelichickTom Brady era. What has stood out over the years, and still defines the Jets franchise, was the “Butt Fumble,” when Jets QB Mark Sanchez lost the football by running into his own guard, Brandon Moore, and it was run in for a touchdown by the Patriots.

Fast forward a dozen years, and the NFL decides to plant a flag on Black Friday by having its first-ever game played on America’s shopping day. The Jets hosted the Miami Dolphins in the inaugural game. Few expected the Jets, with their awful quarterback corps and even worse offensive line, to beat the Dolphins. Oddsmakers had Gang Green as a ten-point underdog.

The Jets were beaten, 34-13. Losing by three touchdowns to a team heading for the playoffs has been par for the course for the Jets for years.

What will be remembered from this game was the last play of the first half with the Jets trailing the Dolphins 10-6. Jets QB Tim Boyle heaved a fifty-yard “Hail Mary” pass to the end zone with two seconds left in the hopes a receiver would haul it in for a touchdown.

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Page 35 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 30, 2023

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, November 30, 2023 Page 36

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