Queens Chronicle 01-29-26

Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, City Line and JFK Airport

Con Ed hikes OK’d, but dialed down PAGE2AND10

ORDERED Ex-CIA official to manage Rikers PAGES8AND10

Adopted plan incrementally raises bills over the course of three years State OKs Con Ed gas, electric hikes

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

The state Public Service Commission last Thursday approved a plan to increase Con Edison’s gas and electric rates over the next three years.

Residential electric bills for a typical customer in the city using 280 kilowatt-hours of energy per month will go up by 3.9 percent in 2026; 3.3 percent in 2027; and 3.2 percent in 2028, according to a Department of Public Service spokesperson. The average customer using 100 therms of gas for heating per month will see bills rise 2.4 percent in 2026; 7.8 percent in 2027; and 5.6 percent in 2028, the spokesperson said.

The joint proposal by parties including Con Ed, DPS staff and the City of New York delivers more than $150 million in total efficiency savings, defers nonessential capital projects and supports both energy affordability programs and protections for vulnerable customers, the PSC said in a press release.

“The adopted joint proposal meets the legal requirement that the company continue to provide safe

and adequate service at just and reasonable rates,” PSC Chair Rory Christian said in the release, adding that the “forward-looking plan” both serves the public interest and advances state objectives.

The adopted plan takes effect retroactively, as of Jan. 1, 2026.

Con Ed last year proposed double-digit hikes to electric and gas bills of 11.4 percent and 13.3 percent on average, respectively. Gov. Hochul last February urged the PSC to reject those increases, as did several elected officials in Queens.

Borough President Donovan Richards hosted a rally against them at Borough Hall last April.

The PSC said the adopted plan reduces Con Ed’s initially proposed rates by nearly 87 percent, and that the approved rates are limited to approximately the rate of inflation.

Earlier this month, after the three-year proposal was introduced, more than 70 elected officials — including several who represent Queens — urged the PSC to reject them, as City & State first reported.

City Councilman Phil Wong (D-Maspeth), one signee, on Face-

indoortreez.com

HOURS: 8:00AM-12:00AM 7

A plan to raise Con Ed’s gas and electric rates over the next three years was approved last week

book called the approved hikes “outrageous and unacceptable,” calling on state lawmakers to stop “these relentless utility increases.”

“New Yorkers are being crushed by costs driven by bad energy policies that make power scarcer and more expensive,” Wong said. “Enough is enough.”

Ken Lovett, Hochul’s senior communications advisor on energy and environment, said she has been “clear” that the state must do more to keep rates down, which is why she discussed proposals in her State of the State address to “hold energy companies accountable and ensure a reliable grid.” Among them are plans

to invest an extra $50 million in the EmPower+ program, which helps low- and moderate-income households finance energy improvements.

The city in a filed statement applauded that an agreement was reached on the proposal, noting that infrastructure needs, present economic conditions and a higher demand for electricity have made a rate freeze impossible.

Some environmental advocacy groups also supported the plan. The Environmental Defense Fund said it found an “appropriate balance” in reducing the initially proposed rates while advancing clean energy and other programs.

“We work every day to strike the right balance, making critical investments in resilience and reliability while managing costs for customers,” Con Ed said in a statement. “Our investment plan, shaped by an 11-month, inclusive process with the Public Service Commission and a broad range of stakeholders, balances the investments needed for resilient and reliable energy our customers need with customer costs.” Q

Resorts World to offer free dealer school; 106 focused on auto crime Civic talks casino, cops and housing

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

After winning a gaming license from the state, Resorts World New York City’s long-awaited full-scale casino in South Ozone Park is on its way — and with it, thousands of jobs that company representatives say they want area residents to fill.

During a Jan. 27 meeting of the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic, which co-Presidents Phyllis Inserillo and Barbara McNamara shifted to Zoom because of the weather, Resorts World representative David Tanis said the existing gaming facility is moving quickly to staff up ahead of a soft opening this spring and a full opening in early July.

He said Resorts World isn’t putting shovels in the ground for its new hotel for another year or so, after additional revenue is generated from the new gaming operations.

“We envision we’re going to be onboarding about 5,000 jobs into the community — permanent workforce jobs,” Tanis said, adding there would be another 5,000 construction jobs and about 14,000 additional positions supported indirectly.

One key focus is the on-site dealer school, Tanis said, where residents can train for the role.

“We’re actually covering the cost for our community for a dealer license,” he said, noting that no prior gaming experience is needed and that successful graduates can earn six-figure salaries with union benefits.

“With the tips, what you could be walking out of there annually with is a salary of between 150 to 200,000,” Tanis said.

Those interested can apply online at rwnewyork.com/ table-games-dealer-school.

On public safety, Capt. Mario Deras, the commanding officer of the NYPD’s 106th Precinct, reported that major crime in 2025 was up by 1 percent, driven largely by grand larcenies and car thefts in Howard Beach and Lindenwood.

He said the precinct will get a “conditions team,” which allows officers to focus on one specific spiking crime in a precinct — in this case, car theft.

“‘I’m happy to say we were approved for one sergeant and four

more being built. She said she has no concern regarding 78-08 Linden Blvd., noting that the developers listened to community concerns and adjusted the proposal based on feedback, including on senior housing and the building’s structure.

Inserillo said the civic is more concerned about the Jewel Streets Neighborhood Plan, under which discussions that began with sewer upgrades have evolved into a proposal that includes thousands of units of housing.

“Not 5,000 people — 5,000 units,” she said.

officers to be out there proactively looking to apprehend these perpetrators,” Deras said.

Inserillo used the moment to urge residents to call the police instead of only venting on social media.

“Please make sure that you are calling 911 or 311 to report crimes,” she said. “Facebook is not an answer to getting your concern addressed. It’s just a place for people to com-

plain and [then for] everybody else to turn it into something that it’s not.”

In other civic news, the zoning proposal for 78-08 Linden Blvd. in Lindenwood is about to go through the review procedure at the City Council. A hearing is scheduled for Feb. 3 at City Hall.

Inserillo said that with Mayor Mamdani’s goal to create more housing, the neighborhood will surely see

Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) told the group she recently met with NYPD leadership, including the commanding officer of Patrol Borough Queens South, Assistant Chief Christopher McIntosh, along with Councilmember Ty Hankerson (D-Jamaica), to push for more officers and share neighborhood concerns.

She praised Deras’ work in the command, and said that she believes the meeting went well and that it was understood that more officers are needed. Q

Bin mandate causes backlash, confusion

Ariola presses Mayor’s Office, DSNY for answers and solutions

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

By June, all properties with one to nine residential units, including one- and twofamily homes, are required to use official NYC-branded trash receptacles, the NYC Bin, or face fines.

But ongoing issues with the procedure and with the bin’s manufacturer have frustrated many residents, causing a lawmaker to take action.

The bins are manufactured by Otto Environmental Systems. An Otto spokesperson confirmed to the New York Post that it closed warehouses and imposed layoffs after its request to hike bin prices was denied by the city.

Until recently, residents could purchase the bins by visiting bins.nyc online, or by calling (855) 692-2467. But those methods are now unavailable, and the only place to purchase the bin is at The Home Depot stores.

Homeowners who have already purchased their bins should have received a reimbursement check, and those who bought one at a Home Depot need to use a voucher

If you don’t have an NYC Bin by June, you may face fines. But many residents who purchased one online still haven’t received it. DSNYPHOTO

code with proof of purchase for their check.

But a Howard Beach resident on Tuesday told the Chronicle that many in the neighborhood, including senior citizens, are frustrated. Residents have not received their

bins, nor their rebates, and others had no idea about the mandate to begin with.

“I called that number three times today,” the resident said. “It’s been out of service since Dec. 1.”

She said she’s frustrated with the lack of communication.

“You’ve got to give some direction to us,” she said. “Especially to the senior citizens. My whole block never got bins.”

Another area resident was completely unaware of the mandate.

“I bought a bin with a lid, now they tell me I need a different kind of bin that also has a lid.” he said. “What’s the point?”

The NYC Bins, according to the city, are compatible with mechanized collection trucks and are easy to use by sanitation workers.

Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) heard plenty of complaints from constituents on the bin issues.

“Mayor Adams, when he left office, he just left lots of loose ends,” Ariola told the Chronicle of his NYC Bins rollout. “And here we are, left with more loose ends because Otto, the company, is no longer

around. They keep saying they’re going to get more bins, but I’m not hopeful.”

On Jan. 21, Ariola penned a letter to Mayor Mamdani in which she “strongly urged” him to retract the mandate.

“Since the announcement of the New York City trash can mandates in 2024, the rollout for these required bins has been an unmitigated disaster,” Ariola wrote. “From the very start, there has been a lack of transparency and communication from both the department and the former administration, and those issues have only gotten worse as time went on.”

She said that if retracting the mandate is an impossibility, steps should be taken to expand the sale of the bins to include “small local hardware stores,” saying that making them only available on the malfunctioning Otto website and The Home Depot places strain on smaller hardware stores and other businesses that traditionally sold trash cans. Ariola told the Chronicle that her “main ask” is for the current administration to turn the mandate around, but if that can’t happen, residents should be able to buy the bins

continued on page 6

SICILIA N PIES SICILIAN R EGUL A R PIES REGULAR

City crews still clearing weekend snow; more could be on the way Dig-out and freezing temps continuing

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

Sidewalks and curbs may be encumbered by the remnants of last weekend’s snowstorm a bit longer, as temperatures in Queens are forecast to remain well below freezing until early next week.

And the National Weather Service is saying that at least a bit more of the white stuff could arrive this coming Saturday or Sunday.

Figures released by the NWS on Monday said the storm left 11.1 inches in Whitestone; 11 inches in Howard Beach; 10.5 inches in Bellerose; 10.3 inches at John F. Kennedy International Airport; 10.1 inches at LaGuardia Airport; 10.1 inches in Little Neck; 10.1 inches in Astoria and 9 inches in Elmhurst.

Mayor Mamdani was cheering on his troops and the city on X Monday.

“Thank you to all of the city workers who have been working around the clock this weekend to keep us safe,” he said. “No job is too small, no storm is too big.”

The city has announced that alternate side of the street parking regulations have been suspended through Sunday, Feb. 1, to allow snow removal operations to keep going. Parking meters still are in effect.

Plowed and packed snow continued to be piled up along curb sides, crosswalks and bus stops as of Wednesday.

A spokesman for the Department of Sanitation said in an email Tuesday afternoon that staff would remain deployed in full force, with 2,500 workers on 12-hour shifts.

“They are salting and plowing roads, collecting trash, and, with the help of 550 emergency snow shovelers, addressing crosswalks, bus stops and fire hydrants,” the spokesman said.

Property owners, he said, are required to shovel their sidewalks, and violations are being issued. Covered bus stops are the responsibility of DOT’s contractor, JCDecaux. For uncovered bus stops, those that are just a sign along the street, the DSNY shovels 3-foot paths between the sidewalk and the street, so that people can board the buses. He added that more than 500 emergency snow shovelers also are working throughout the city.

“There’s a lot of snow and ice out there, and clearing it will take time, but we are on it,” the spokesman said.

The MTA said Monday on X that its crews kept 2.300 buses and 4,400 subway and Staten Island Railway trains running throughout the storm.

The weather also may have contributed to the deaths of three Queens residents.

Floral Park resident Roger McGovern, 60, a retired NYPD sergeant, died Sunday while shoveling snow at his church in Nassau

NYPD: Teen missing from Richmond Hill

Second area girl to disappear within days

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

Cops are searching for a 16-year-old girl from Richmond Hill who went missing last week. She is the second teenage girl from the area, within the confines of the NYPD’s 102nd Precinct, to go missing in a matter of days.

Police said Aazoria Smalls left her home, at 115th Street and Atlantic Avenue, on Jan. 16 at around 5 a.m. and has not been seen since.

She is described as 4 feet, 9 inches tall and was last seen wearing a black jacket, black sweater and black leggings.

Riya Riya, a 13-year-old from South Richmond Hill, as previously reported, went missing just two days later, also from her home. She has not been located.

Cops told the Chronicle that there is no known connection between the cases “at this time.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477), or, for Spanish, 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782). One may also submit tips by

Aazoria Smalls, 16, of Richmond Hill, has been missing since Jan. 16, according to police. PHOTOCOURTESYNYPD

going to crimestoppers.nypdonline.org; or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering TIP577; or by going to @nypdtips on X.

All tips are strictly confidential. Q

County [see separate story in some editions or at qchron.com].

Police said one person was found in the early morning hours of Saturday, Jan. 24, at 185-46 Hilburn Ave. in Jamaica. The man was pronounced dead at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens.

On Sunday morning a 52-year-old man was found at the intersection of 96th Street and 34th avenue in North Corona.

The NYPD said the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of both deaths.

The NWS, on the website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said Queens must stick it out a few days more.

The forecast as of the Chronicle’s Wednesday deadline said Thursday could have an overnight low of 7 degrees, with wind chill values between 0 and minus 10 degrees.

Friday is expected to hit 19 degrees with an overnight low of 3.

Saturday will have a high of 20 degrees. Saturday night could hit 15 degrees with a 30 percent chance of more snow. Sunday will have a high of 26 degrees with a 40 percent chance of snow.

No estimates on the possible amount of

more snow accumulation was given in either instance.

Queens residents can find weather forecasts for conditions in their own ZIP codes at noaa.gov. Q

NYC Bin mandate confusion

continued from page 4

closer to home.

“We should be able to have them at our local hardware stores, where they’re more easily accessible,” she said.

On Jan. 27, Ariola received a response from DSNY Acting Commissioner Javier Lojan, though it was dated Jan. 22.

Lojan remarked that since the containerization mandate went into effect, rat sightings have declined.

“As you are aware, DSNY does plan on requiring residents to only use the official NYC trash bin starting in June,” Lojan wrote. “However, this is contingent on the successful resolution of the ongoing issues with our trash bin vendor, Otto Environmental Systems.”

but said the DSNY would only allow them to be sold at the same price as The Home Depot.

“This means that any businesses selling the bins would have to give up store space, and the low price of the bins could potentially affect their sales,” Lojan said.

A DSNY rep told the Chronicle that it is aware of ongoing issues with the outside vendor. Residents with additional questions or who want to request a bin refund are encouraged to email the vendor directly at info@otto-usa.com.

“The rollout for these required bins has been an unmitigated disaster.”

— Councilmember Joann Ariola

The agency also said it explored the option of allowing small businesses to sell the official bin, with the concessionaire.

“We are open to allowing this,” Lojan said. “Once we resolve the current issues with Otto, we will explore this again.”

He implored Ariola to notify the agency of small business and hardware stores that would be interested in selling bins,

Overall, Ariola said she was pleased to get a response to her letter.

“I was very happy that the Mayor’s Office forwarded the letter to DSNY. I’m glad to see that they’re considering our options,” she said. “But the only option I will be happy with is what is the right thing to do — for this mayor to revoke this mandate so that our citizens can go back to putting their garbage in their pails that already have a lid.”

She added, “I will still be pressing Mayor Mamdani to reverse this unnecessary tax mandate on our citizens and our constituents.”

Federal judge appoints Nicholas Deml to remediation manager post Former CIA officer will oversee Rikers

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

After finding the city in contempt of 18 court orders to reduce violence and the use of excessive force on Rikers Island in late 2024, U.S. District Judge Laura Swain last spring said she would appoint a remediation manager to oversee conditions at the jail complex.

On Jan. 27, Swain tapped former Central Intelligence Agency official Nicholas Deml for the post.

Deml in a court document is described as a “national thought leader on correctional leadership” with more than 15 years of senior leadership experience.

From 2021 to 2025, Deml was the commissioner of the Vermont Department of Corrections, and earlier in his career, he was a directorate of operations officer at the CIA.

He also served as an aide to U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) on the Senate Judiciary Committee, the court document said, and in the Office of the Assistant Majority Leader.

Deml beat out more than 30 candidates who applied for the Rikers position, according to multiple reports.

Swain’s ruling for a remediation manager stemmed from the class action lawsuit Núnez v. City of New York, filed in 2012, in which current and former inmates alleged that they were subjected to excessive force by the

Department of Correction.

Deml is ordered to “meet and confer promptly” with the defendants — in this case, the city — to develop compensation parameters, discuss staffing of his remediation management team and discuss other arrangements and logistics, including a preliminary budget.

Deml and the city have to submit a confidential report to the court within 21 days of Jan. 27’s order detailing their agreement. Upon review of the report, Swain will formally appoint Deml to the post.

After he takes office, Deml will have 90 days to submit his first action plan to the judge.

The remediation manager may enact or change city Department of Correction policies; direct personnel actions; procure supplies, equipment, goods and services; and take disciplinary action against DOC policy violations.

A 2019 law mandates the closure of Rikers Island by 2027. Little progress has been made on the four planned borough-based jails, including one in Kew Gardens, meant to replace the jail complex, and many officials have speculated that it’s near impossible for Rikers to close by the deadline.

Prior to assuming office, Mayor Mamdani had said he is committed to closing the jail complex by 2027, and was in support of a court-appointed receiver there.

City Hall press secretary Joe Calvello in a

Nicholas Deml was appointed by U.S. District Judge Laura Swain as the remediation manager for Rikers Island. PHOTOVIAU.S.COURTRECORDS

statement to the Chronicle said that Mamdani believes the city’s jail system “must do better than the history of dysfunction and disorder that has plagued it for too long, and looks forward to working closely and collaboratively with the new remediation manager to improve conditions on Rikers Island.”

Mary Lynne Werlwas, the director of the Prisoners’ Rights Project at The Legal Aid

Society, and Debra Greenberger of Emery Celli Brinckerhoff Abady Ward & Maazel, who represent the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, applauded Deml’s appointment in a statement, calling it a “historic step” toward ending the “egregious conditions” New Yorkers face during incarceration.

“The people who spoke with us about Mr. Deml described him as a leader with fortitude, compassion, and political acumen — someone who can bring a steady hand and fresh ideas to a crisis,” the statement said.

Werlwas and Greenberger also urged the Mamdani administration to “embrace this moment and work collaboratively with all parties to ensure that lasting, meaningful reforms are finally implemented.”

Benny Boscio, the president of the Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association, also addressed the appointment.

“Correction Officers have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years and it is our hope, that as a former Correction manager, the new Remediation Manager understands the critical role our workforce plays in maintaining safety and security for everyone in our correction facilities and the danger we face everyday,” Boscio wrote in a prepared statement. He said he looks forward to working with Deml and ensuring the voices of the union are heard. Q

CONZA | MCNAMARA

PLANNING ATTORNEYS

J. CONZA,

EDWARD R. MCNAMARA, ESQ.

Harvard University, A.B.

St. John’s University School of Law, J.D.

EDITORIAL AGEP

Con Ed hikes reined in

We appreciate the state Public Service Commission for living up to its name and doing right by the people vis-a-vis the outrageous rate increases sought by Con Edison for electric and gas service.

The utility, a private company, had sought permission to raise rates an average of 11.4 percent for electricity and 13.3 percent for gas in one year. Instead, it’s getting a hike of 3.9 percent, followed by 3.3 and 3.2 percent over the following two years. For gas, Con Ed had wanted 13.3 percent; instead it’s getting 2.4 percent, with 7.8 and 5.6 percent increases to follow.

Apparently, that’s all the company will need in order to “balance the investments needed for resilient and reliable energy our customers need with customer costs.” Makes you wonder why Con Ed comes in with such grandiose demands in the first place.

Regardless, the governor rightly said the higher increases must not be approved and the

PSC followed through on her pledge. At the same time, anyone hoping for no rate hike has to recognize that a freeze is not possible. In addition to regular maintenance, the electric grid needs serious modernization and upgrades to handle ever-increasing demand. The computerization of everything and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence require levels of power never provided before. Demand is only going to grow as AI use skyrockets and electric vehicles, despite some fits and starts, become better and more common.

All of that means not only that Con Ed must keep up, which costs money, but the state must adopt an all-in approach to energy production.

Along with wind power, which the Trump administration must stop trying to block, that means being open to modern nuclear power, as the governor is, and slowing the drive to phase out natural gas. The fewer sources of energy, the more expensive it is, and the bigger the rate hikes needed to cover it.

A new day at Rikers Island

The long-awaited appointment of a remediation manager to preside over the Rikers Island jails will, we hope, mark the beginning of a new era of justice there.

It’s certainly needed. The number of detainee deaths last year tripled to 15, from five in 2024, according to The New York Times. The safety of both inmates and guards must be improved. That’s job No. 1.

The manager, appointed by the federal judge handling the lawsuit surrounding Rikers, is Nicholas Deml, recently commissioner of Vermont’s Department of Corrections and, before that, a CIA officer. Interesting. Aside from getting a handle on the violence at Rikers, and concurrent with it, Deml has to fix whatever it is that has the guards taking so much of

their unlimited sick time and leaving the jails understaffed. It’s just not working. The correction officers union boss rightly said his members are facing “unprecedented challenges” and looks forward to working with Deml, while the plaintiffs’ lawyers said he has been described as “someone who can bring a steady hand and fresh ideas to a crisis.” We hope he can bridge the gaps among inmates, guards and advocates.

He also has to deal with the reality that the jails will not be closing next year, despite an ill-advised 2019 city law from cloud nine. The number of detainees is back around 7,000, and they won’t fit in the hoped-for borough jails, a terrible idea that should be officially abandoned with new law. Let’s see how Deml handles them.

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LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

Backing Jewish folk

Dear Editor:

Thank you for condemning the pro-Hamas protest in Kew Gardens Hills earlier this month. In a time of deafening silence about the alarming rise in antisemitism in New York, the Jan. 15 editorial “Fight antisemitism in this renowned home for Jews” provided much-needed moral clarity. Your Jewish readers greatly appreciate this support and advocacy.

Shalom Weberman Forest Hills Gardens

Rego Center’s best use

Dear Editor:

So what will it be? It’s interesting that there are two conflicting reports about the use of the vacant Rego Center I mall in the Queens Chronicle of Jan. 22.

The editorial page makes it sound like the mall will become the new Forest Hills Hospital, which is located currently in Forest Hills, as Long Island Jewish Forest Hills, part of Northwell Health (“Make that old mall a hospital,” Editorial).

Of course this would be a welcome addition, with a huge amount of parking for patients and visitors. Until one realizes that the noise of emergency ambulances blaring their sirens would permeate the area.

Then, reading further in the newspaper (in some editions), the article “What Rego Center I

used to and could be” states a totally different view, lamenting the loss of commercial space and saying that a temporary training center permit, for three months use by Northwell Health, was issued by the Department of Buildings.

Yet people are complaining about all the apartment buildings being constructed along the Queens Boulevard corridor, when there is an apparent shortage of housing. Is this the NIMBY scenario?

The best solution: Accommodate all three, with stores on the street level, apartments above, where the old Alexander’s used to be, and the hospital in the expanded section of Rego Center I.

John Ngai Rego Park

Vote to disturb the Force

Dear Editor:

Hopeless as it almost certainly is, it’s still good to learn of any disturbance in the sclerotic Queens political Force. There’s the Battle

Royale shaping up for the Nydia Velázquez congressional seat, which includes Glendale (“Valdez launches bid for Congress in NY-7,” Jan. 15, multiple editions). Then we read further in the Chronicle of a primary challenge by one David Orkin for the state Assembly in District 38 (“David Orkin set to primary Rajkumar”). As with any challenge to any incumbent anywhere in Queens, it’s certainly worth close consideration if not automatic enthusiastic support. In this case the target happens to be Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, herself once a similar voter roll of the dice, eventually famous for weird, inauspicious mayoral press event appearances as a quasi-Mayor Adams groupie. This fresh-faced Mr. Orkin vows to “fund affordability reforms in Queens.” A suitably euphemistic sop to property tax reform hopefuls? Rajkumar showed last year she would sooner lose than raise the issue in her run against Jumaane Williams for public advocate, choosing instead to try to convince citywide liberals and Black voters they should go with her campaign essentially based around

LETTERSTO THE EDITOR

mocking Williams as lazy. Candidates can learn and win easy victories. Be less cute and deferential to political bosses and trumpet affordability reforms in Queens more explicitly. Nothing to lose except losing.

Edwin Eppich Glendale

ICE: Trump’s storm troopers

Dear Editor:

Nurses on strike should get back to work. Be happy with the contract you have. Because nurses in Minneapolis are getting shot for holding a cell phone.

That’s right, masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents (President Trump’s storm troopers) are murdering American citizens. Thirty-seven-year-old Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen who lived in Minneapolis and worked as a nurse, was holding his phone with one hand and using the other to shield a woman who was being pepper-sprayed. An ICE agent took away Pretti’s licensed firearm and then Pretti was shot at least 10 times. Murdered for trying to help another protester who was being assaulted by ICE agents who’ve been given license to break down the door of an American citizen without a warrant. To hell with the Constitution.

The Trump crime family and his administration full of cult followers want Americans to believe what they are told and not what they see. Fools elected him, and respected news organizations are fearful of his retaliation if they report the truth. To quote Bertrand Russell, “[First] they fascinate the fools [Make America Great Again]. Then they muzzle the intelligent.” Trump’s personal SS are murdering American citizens. Trump, rightfully so, is upset about the protesters being killed in Iran. After all, killing protesters is his administration’s “thing.”

Speaking in Minneapolis, Vice President JD Vance tried to defend violent ICE officers by saying they’re looking for sex offenders. Vance said, “Like, if we’re trying to find a sex offender, tell us where the guy lives.” Let me help. The address is 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20500.

Robert LaRosa Sr. Whitestone

Martyrs of mayhem

Dear Editor:

What is a modern version of martyrdom? In our society, there’s no limit to the number of ways anyone can become a household name. Given the current political climate, individuals with a penchant for creating chaos can find themselves fodder for agendas and social media platforms.

The latest examples are events in Minnesota, where people have challenged ICE agents, causing avoidable deaths. Those inclined to view these unfortunate incidents as a means to further their own political views are likely not capable of realizing the factors associated with cause and effect. Instead, they view every aspect of their causes without regard for the consequences. They cannot understand the split-second decision-making of our law enforcement officers when placed in danger.

The problem with such one-sided views is the lack of seeing the difference between following the rules of law and deliberately ignor-

ing it. The lesson being: “Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it.” Stay safe and remain calm.

Craig Schwab Glendale

Hear Republican voices

Dear Editor:

Newly elected City Council Speaker Julie Menin is only allowing Queens Councilwoman Vickie Paladino to serve on two committees, as opposed to the seven she served on last year.

Though Ms. Paladino said she wanted fewer committee assignments, she is an outspoken member of the Republican Party and represents many New Yorkers concerned about the current trend of radicalism exhibited in today’s politics, which is detrimental not only to democracy, but to our own very way of life.

With Democrats in New York City outnumbering Republicans, it is only right that more Republican voices be heard.

This calls to mind the attitude expressed by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and current Gov. Kathy Hochul when they had the audacity to say that Republicans should never be seen or heard, since they were against the status quo.

If this isn’t “taxation without representation,” what is? Speak up, New Yorkers! Thomas and Constance Dowd Oakland Gardens

Foreign aid freeze a failure

Dear Editor:

(An open statement to the public)

Jan. 20 marked one year since President Trump’s executive order freezing U.S. foreign assistance, which abruptly ended decades of bipartisan progress countering poverty, eradicating infectious diseases, and saving lives overseas around the world. As a direct result of President Trump’s actions, an estimated 3 million people will die from preventable causes, 95 million people will lose access to basic health care, and at least 23 million children will be forced out of school.

As the Trump administration presides over an unprecedented retreat from global leadership, China has filled the void left by the United States’ absence, tightening its influence over the world’s fastest growing economies and undercutting American businesses’ ability to fairly compete in emerging markets. Actions such as the dismantling of USAID, the U.S. Agency for International Development, have left the United States with fewer tools to counter these trends and advance our strategic interests.

I applaud the dedicated staff who supported U.S. efforts to save lives, promote democracy, counter poverty, and foster stability overseas. I will continue to champion this work and broader U.S. global leadership, which is critical to protecting our national security. Cutting foreign assistance has not saved the taxpayer money, balanced the budget or made us safer, stronger or more prosperous. Instead, it has pushed countless countries closer to China and left the United States weaker and more isolated than when President Trump assumed office.

Gregory W. Meeks

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NYC Council Members Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, Ty Hankerson, Linda Lee and Nantasha Williams invite

City expands youth mental healthcare

NYC H+H/Queens hosts one of two clinics geared toward young adults

by Michael Gannon Senior News Editor

NYC Health + Hospitals last Thursday opened clinics at medical centers in Jamaica Hills and Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn that are centered on providing mental healthcare for teens and young adults up to age 25.

The Queens-based Elevate You clinic is at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens at 82-68 164 St. The Brooklyn clinic is at NYC H+H/Woodhull.

Mayor Mamdani joined the ribbon cutting in Brooklyn.

The program is being supported by $4 million from MetroPlusHealth, and aims to let youths in need have continued access to mental health treatment and other medical care once they age out of pediatric programs.

In a press release from the Mayor’s Office, MetroPlusHealth said nearly 90 percent of youth stop seeing their mental health provider after they turn 21.

The new clinics will provide behavioral healthcare, primary care, reproductive care, vocational support and social support services from a consistent care team. Treatment teams include a social worker, psychiatrist, nurse, youth peer and family advocate.

“If we want young New Yorkers to chase their dreams here, we have to make it clear that their struggles are not just their own,” Mamdani said. “Access to consistent, high-quality health care is not optional — it’s essential, and our City is showing that. These new youth clinics will support young people as they move into adulthood and are just one example of a city government that is on their side, every step of the way.”

Features of the program include:

• whole health support, including coordination for mental health, physical health, reproductive care and preventive services tailored to youths;

• care teams that are intended to work with the same patients from age 16 through 25;

• life skills and goals, including vocational and educational resources to help youth pursue

Corrections

The Jan. 22 story “Carson and Henson together again at MoMI” misstated part of the museum’s website. It is movingimage.org.

The Jan. 22 item “Holiday photo contest” mistakenly added a person to the Reilly family, which has three boys, in a caption for the photo “A Norman Rockwell Christmas.”

We regret the errors.

college, careers and independence; and

• youth-friendly clinic spaces that have been updated to create welcoming environments with hangout areas and meeting rooms designed especially for young adults.

In an email, Mamdani’s office said most of the funding will come from reimbursements from health insurance companies for the care provided.

But it also said NYC Health + Hospitals serves all patients, regardless of health insurance status, immigration status or ability to pay.

“If you have health insurance, you may be charged a co2-pay for a behavioral health visit,” the email stated. “If you don’t have health insurance, we can connect you to a financial counselor who can help you determine if you’re eligible for insurance and help you sign up. If you’re not eligible for health insurance, you can sign up for NYC Care, the health care access program at NYC Health + Hospitals to access low-cost or no-cost care.”

Patients can be referred from within the NYC Health + Hospitals system, or can contact the agency on their own to make an appointment.

“These clinics are for youth ages 16-25 experiencing a mental health issue,” the statement continued. “Anyone in this age bracket can contact NYC Health + Hospitals for an appointment at 1 (844) NYC-4NYC (6924692). They do not need to be an existing patient of NYC Health + Hospitals.”

“MetroPlusHealth is committed to investing in the future of our city’s youth — building continuity, fostering safety, and inspiring hope during one of the most pivotal stages of human development,” said Dr. Talya Schwartz, the company’s president and chief executive officer. “As a mother, pediatrician and leader, I am honored to be part of an initiative that stands beside our children as they grow.” Q

Legislation aims to legalize bodega cats

City and state bills would permit felines in retail food shop locations

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

“Seeing her is always a delight,” said Joe Mancuso, a regular at a dollar store on Fresh Pond Road in Ridgewood. “She knows what’s up.”

The “her” in question?

Xixi, a cat who has been a staple of the business for five years. According to shoppers and store management, Xixi will often take a seat by the window to bask in the sun or greet patrons as they peruse the aisles. A sign posted to the front of the business warns shoppers that there is a cat inside.

Throughout New York City, cats such as Xixi reside in plenty of bodegas and other small stores. But their presence is illicit.

reintroduce it during this session.

The bill, according to its text, would override the provisions of the city Health Code that prohibit owners of retail food shops from keeping a cat within a store.

It would also require the Office of Animal Welfare, in collaboration with the city Department of Small Business Services, to establish a program to provide free vaccinations and spaying and neutering services to cats residing in retail food stores, and to conduct an outreach campaign to inform shopowners of the program.

“Bodega cats are just part of everyday life in New York City.”

— Assemblymember Steven Raga

The city Department of Health prohibits animals from food establishments, including retail stores that sell packaged food, with limited exceptions for service animals.

Two bills — one in the City Council and one in the state Assembly — aim to change that.

Int. 1471, the Council legislation, was introduced in 2025 by then-Councilmember Keith Powers (D-Manhattan), but Councilmember Frank Morano (R-Staten Island) has said he will

The city bill alone, however, would not permit shop owners to keep cats in their stores — further action would be required by the state Department of Agriculture and Markets to change its regulations on keeping live animals in stores.

That’s where A08341 comes in. Sponsored by Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan), the legislation would amend the Agriculture and Markets Law by adding a new section updating sanitary guidelines to establish health and safety regulations for cats living in retail food stores.

The law would allow bodega owners and operators to care for cats inside their establish-

ments. There was no state Senate counterpart and no co-sponsors listed on the bill on the Assembly website as of publication. On Jan. 7, the legislation was referred to the Agriculture Committee.

Assemblymember Steven Raga (D-Sunnyside), who is on that committee, said he would vote in favor of it.

“Bodega cats are just part of everyday life in New York City, especially in working-class and immigrant neighborhoods where delis, bodegas and sari-sari stores are at the heart of the community,” Raga said in a statement.

continued on page 14

The integrative medicine facility will focus on disease prevention, wellness Holistic center set to open in the summer

by Naeisha Rose Editor

A holistic health center is expected to open in Jamaica in the summer.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s integrative medicine center was initially supposed to open January 2024, but red tape from city and state agencies led to delays, said Dr. Alan Roth, JHMC’s chief of the Division of Integrative and Palliative Care Medicine.

“The project is now going amazingly well,” Roth told the Chronicle. “It wasn’t after the last time we spoke. We had a bunch of hurdles from the Health Department related of getting approvals to move ahead from the state and from the city related to building approvals.”

In order to get the state Health Department approval, the hospital had to gather data proving that the surrounding community needed such a facility to address health issues among the disabled, seniors and other underserved groups.

“You need to get a Certificate of Need in New York,” said Roth.

Because the hospital purchased a generic building, the city Department of Buildings wanted it to be outfitted as a health facility.

Roth said the building, located at 143-02 Jamaica Ave., cost about $12 million, but another $12 to 13 million was necessary for internal construction.

“It wasn’t built as a medical facility,” said Roth. “Fortunately, we have overcome all of those hurdles.”

Lifestyle medicine incorporates nutrition and exercise and addressing physical wellness, the cleanliness and safety of patients’ homes, their ability to purchase medications and if they have family support.

“The old way of looking at healthcare is, a patient would come, you ask, ‘Why are you here? They say I have diabetes,’” said Roth. “’You say, OK, you need to see a nutritionist and here are these diabetes meds.’ That was the visit. I practiced medicine like that for 20-something years. For the population we serve, that doesn’t work.”

Southeast Queens has a diverse population and the old standard care of medicine won’t work for every ethnic and racial group, said Roth.

“Throwing drugs at someone does not make them healthier,” said Roth. “We need to treat people holistically with a global approach ... that is focused on wellness and prevention. We’ve gone from a reactive system to a proactive system to make people healthy.”

A huge percentage of people in the community JHMC serves is obese or morbidly obese, said Roth.

“It leads to high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol,” he said. “Those things lead to heart attacks, stroke and cancer.”

“Throwing drugs at someone does not make them healthier.”

— Dr. Alan Roth, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Work started in September and the project is a nine-month job, said Roth, who is also JHMC’s chairman of the Department of Family Medicine and Ambulatory Care.

Roth said he has always believed in patientcentered holistic care that focuses on wellness and health.

“It’s about preventing diseases so you don’t have to treat chronic diseases,” said the integrative medicine chief. “One of the cornerstones of that is called lifestyle medicine.”

Glucagon-like peptide shots, such as Ozempic, may help people lose weight, but they don’t address the underlying health problems, he said, adding, “It will work for a while.”

When underlying health issues, such as mental illness, stress or a lack of access to healthy foods or exercise, or both, are not corrected, problems will persist, said the doctor.

To help address the root causes, the center has a rooftop garden, four levels and a basement.

“The rooftop garden is going to grow healthy food and vegetables,” said Roth, who believes people need to connect with being outdoors and in nature in general to further

Rich Hill Kiwanis scholarship

Do you know a high school senior in the neighborhood who may need some help paying for college? The Kiwanis Club of Richmond Hill is now accepting applications for a scholarship in the amount of $2,500.

The funds are to be awarded to a high school senior who will be continuing his or her education in fall 2026.

Applicants must reside in ZIP codes 11375, 11415, 11418, 11419 or 11421, and demonstrate academic excellence along with a record of community service.

The club’s Scholarship Committee will

ist in the center and we are already getting volunteers who are trained chefs to teach the major cultural groups that we serve,” said Roth. “We can have a hundred people learning at the same time, because in addition to the stations, there are going to be TVs around the room. ... The people will also get to eat the food, which hopefully will be picked from the rooftop and eat it in the group while learning about what healthy eating is.”

The third floor has eight exam rooms for medical care and will have primary care physicians, all of whom have been trained in integrative and lifestyle medicine, said Roth.

“We’ve already hired five different primary care doctors that will be delivering the medical care,” he said.

The second floor will be for movement and exercise.

review all applications and make a decision by late May.

For more information or to view the scholarship application, one may visit kiwanisrhw.org.

The completed application with supporting documents, which include letters of recommendation, should be sent to the secretary of the Scholarship Committee, Joseph Indelicato, at josephindelicato@ yahoo.com, or mailed to him at 133-21 83 St. Ozone Park, NY 11417.

The scholarship will be presented at an awards dinner in June. Q

improve their health outcomes. “We also want youth in the community to get to see what a healthy garden looks like and get to spend time there and have educational classes during the spring, summer and early fall and pick a vegetable or healthy fruit.”

The fourth floor is a large open space with a professional cooking demonstration kitchen and smaller cooking stations. There will be chefs and others who work in the culinary field who will teach about cooking and culturally appropriate food for the diverse community and how to prepare it.

“Telling someone from certain ethnic background that they can’t eat the foods that are in their background ... doesn’t work,” said Roth, whose wife is Hispanic. “Current nutrition says rice is bad for you; don’t eat it. We can’t do that. We need to come up with culturally appropriate meal plans for that group, whomever they may be.”

The holistic center is going to team up with Cornell Cooperative Extension, a group that focuses on social well-being, to help teach healthy eating.

“We are going to have a full-time nutrition-

Bodega cats

continued from page 13

He noted that the felines keep pests away, greet regulars and feel like part of the neighborhood.

“As a cat owner myself, I know how quickly these cats become part of our daily routines and community life,” Raga said.

“Our laws should reflect how New Yorkers actually live and work, not penalize small shop owners for commonsense practices, which is why I support this effort in the State Legislature.”

For similar reasons, one bodega patron said she looks forward to seeing cats during

“It is not a gym for the community,” Roth said. “It is to teach patients what is exercise, what is the importance of resistance training, what is the importance of balance training. One in four people over 65 have a fall every year that requires medical intervention. The best way to prevent falls is balance training and home safety.”

Tai chi or balance and movement therapy would help seniors from falling, said Roth.

“We are writing exercise prescriptions for our patients,” said Roth. “We are writing food prescriptions for our patients and we are writing less drugs because patients are following the plan.”

The ground floor is administrative space.

“The anterior has two things,” Roth said. “It has a holistic pharmacist ... who will dispense healthy and evidence-based herbs and vitamins. ... The front of the main floor is a not-forprofit green grocer. Some of what is there is stuff that we produce.”

The basement or the concourse level will have a classroom for 40 to 50 people for patient and disease education.

“These ideas are going to be the future for caring for our culturally diverse and medically underserved population that has numerous health-related social needs,” Roth said. “By addressing them in a comprehensive way, we think we can improve the healthcare of our borough.” Q

her morning coffee run.

“That’s how you know it’s a good one,” Madison Roccio of Ozone Park told the Chronicle. “They’re like little managers. A bodega cat is a sign of a clean bodega — you can be sure there’s no mice running around with [a cat] nearby.”

But a Glendale deli employee, who declined to be identified, said he would “never allow” a cat in his establishment.

“Who wants fur in their bacon, egg and cheese? A whisker in their cream cheese?” he said. “Go to the animal shelter if you want to see cats, or find one of dozens of strays on any street corner if you want to see cats. You don’t need to go into a food business to see cats.” Q

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Even Sunday’s snowfall couldn’t stop intrepid veteran photographer Walter Karling from venturing out to see what his lens might see. And it saw plenty, finding a lot of smiles amidst the resolve, inner and outer strength and hard work he encountered around his Woodside haunts.

At top right, plowman Dario Ortiz fills up at the gas station at Northern Boulevard and Woodside Avenue, across the street from the historic Woodside Trolley Barn and Tower Square Shopping Center.

At top left, Jimmy Diosa, left, and Alejandro Nieto clear out their piece of Woodside. Below them, Tashi Gurung, left, originally of Nepal, and Sonam Phuntsok, a native of Tibet, a pair of livery drivers, remain of good cheer as they wait for a jump or tow for their stalled Cadillac. Below them, Alan Fate isn’t digging out his car but digging out a spot to park it, at Broadway and 57th Street.

Next to him, the snow flies around Tower Square at the height of the storm. Next to that, a barbecue grill is a snow pyramid and a door is snowed in at a Woodside residence. At near right, a maintenance crew clears out the Queens Innovation Center high school complex on Northern Boulevard. And at far right, a fun mirror selfie for our lensman.

— Peter C. Mastrosimone, with reporting by Walter Karling

Climbing bus stop mountain: Snowfall makes a mess

City agencies and property owners all play a role in clearing the way for bus riders

by Samantha Maldonado THE CITY

This article was originally published on Jan. 26, 5:50 p.m. EDT by THE CITY

In the aftermath of a winter storm that belted New York City with more than 10 inches of snow, officials said hundreds of bus shelters and stops were still snowed in, forcing commuters to scale slushy mounds Monday before going on their way.

The piles created by the city’s biggest snowfall in five years were, in some cases, stacked even higher by plows clearing the streets of accumulation and also creating icy obstacle courses for riders.

“It was a bad decision for me, OK?” Virgilio Gabarra, 78, said at a snowed-in bus shelter at Columbus Avenue and West 80th Street in Manhattan. “I thought it would be more convenient to take the bus and get dropped right in front of the church where I’m going — then I got to the stop and saw all this snow and oh, it’s too late now.”

City officials estimated that, by Monday morning, just over half of the 3,400 bus shelters citywide where riders can partially escape the elements before boarding a bus had been cleared. That’s with sub-freezing or single-digit temperatures in the forecast for the rest of this week, upping the potential for a stretch of icy and treacherous commutes.

There are approximately 10,000 New York City Transit bus stops across the city, according to the MTA, which kept more than 2,300 buses running throughout the storm, along with 4,400 subway and Staten Island Railway trains. The 3,400 bus shelters have benches where riders can sit while waiting for a ride.

“It is the Department of Transportation’s responsibility to clear bus stops and we have activated extra resources and DOT staff to be working on that,” Julia Kerson, deputy mayor for operations, said Monday. “This was sort of an extraordinary amount of snow.”

At those shelters that had not been cleared

after a storm whose total city accumulation ranged from 8 to 15 inches, according to the National Weather Service, commuters helped each other scale the slopes or navigate around them into the street.

Geraldine McMillian struggled over mounds of snow at the East Fordham Road and Valentine Avenue bus shelter with the help of two fellow commuters at the stop.

“My balance isn’t great,” the 72-year-old woman told THE CITY while waiting in the street for an eastbound Bx12. “This lady helped me, this gentleman helped me and there was another woman who helped me previously where I could not get through.”

McMillian was joined on Fordham Road by several other commuters.

“We’ll be all right as long as they don’t run us over,” she cracked.

The clearing of the areas around bus shel-

ters and bus stops requires help from various parties, including city agencies, contractors and property owners.

Sidewalks and bus stops without shelters are the responsibility of neighboring property owners, according to the DOT, while contractor JCDecaux is charged with removing snow within its 3,400 bus shelters and three feet around them. A DOT spokesperson said the contractor’s crews had been out since 1 p.m. Sunday — a few hours into the winter storm — clearing sheltered stops.

Anyone with complaints about unsafe conditions at bus stops or on sidewalks should contact the city’s 311 service.

The Department of Sanitation had more than 500 emergency snow shovelers at work Monday to clear 3-foot paths between the sidewalk and the street so that people can board buses, a spokesperson said. The

department hires the workers for $19.14 an hour — a rate that goes up to $28.71 after the first 40 hours worked in a week — to help clear snow and ice from bus stops, crosswalks, fire hydrants and other public areas.

A top official with the largest union for transit workers told THE CITY that conditions during and after snowstorms add up to create a “very challenging” environment for bus operators.

“The piles of snow at the bus stops limit the space people have,” said Gary Rosario, a vice president with Transport Workers Union Local 100. “If you have a small group at a bus stop, they all have to squeeze into a little spot.”

Donald Yates, another TWU vice president, said that during snowstorms, buses move at slower speeds, with operators instructed to pull up parallel to bus stops to avoid the potential of a bus sliding.

Mounds of snow blocked bus stops along Fordham Road in The Bronx,

“Sometimes the customers get angry as to why the bus driver didn’t pull into the bus stop,” said Yates, who represents Manhattan and Bronx bus operators. “But we’re not supposed to so the bus doesn’t get stuck and it’s more of a safety thing.”

While waiting on East Fordham Road, Arnaldo Duarte, 59, acknowledged the challenge of quickly clearing thousands of bus stops after such a significant snowfall.

“They’re doing the best they can,” he said. “But they really should be doing a better job.”

A few minutes later, a Bx12 pulled up and Duarte stepped over the snow bank to help a lady wearing a backpack and then a man walking with the help of a cane.

“It can feel like climbing a mountain,” he said. Q

Additional reporting by Katie Honan. THE CITY (www.thecity.nyc) is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to hard-hitting reporting that serves the people of New York.

Rabbi attacked in Forest Hills street River ice nixes all ferry service

All NYC Ferry service is shut down due to ice in the water. It is not clear when operations will resume.

“NYC Ferry service remains suspended across all routes due to continued ice in the East and Hudson Rivers and across New York Harbor,” the commuter boats’ operators say in an alert on ferry.nyc.

“The safety of all crew, passengers, and vessels is of the utmost importance, and NYC Ferry crew continues to monitor evolving waterway conditions and prepare the fleet to ensure service can resume once conditions improve.”

Updates will be given via the website and the NYC Ferry app.

According to the National Weather Service, high temperatures are to remain in the upper teens or low 20s through Saturday at least. Weather Channel projections are slightly better, but with no high above freezing forecast until Tuesday.

Separate from the freeze out, NYC Ferry plans service changes for about two weeks starting Feb. 2 due to construction at Manhattan’s East 34th Street landing. Queens routes will be affected. Q — Peter C. Mastrosimone

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

A rabbi was physically and verbally assaulted on a street in Forest Hills Tuesday afternoon.

An assailant approached the 32-year-old man at the intersection of Queens Boulevard and 71st Avenue just before 3 p.m., made antisemitic comments and engaged him in a verbal dispute before punching him in the face and chest, according to the NYPD.

City Comptroller Mark Levine said on X that the perpetrator called the rabbi a “f— ing Jew.” Levine noted that the attack took place on Holocaust Remembrance Day.

“Yet another sickening reminder of the scale of the hatred we are confronting,” Levine said. “We need everyone in this city united in combatting this.”

Officers arrested Eric Zafra-Grosso, 32, of Corona Avenue in Corona, on charges of hate crime assault, hate crime aggravated harassment and assault to cause injury. The investigation is ongoing, police said.

EMS treated the victim on the scene for minor injuries.

In a joint statement, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing), state Sens. Joe Addab-

bo Jr. (D-Woodhaven) and Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), Assemblymembers Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills) and Sam Berger (D-Flushing) and City Councilmember Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) said they are “outraged” by the “targeted act of hate” in which the rabbi was assaulted and threatened for being Jewish.

“No one should ever fear for their safety because of their religion, identity, or beliefs,” the statement reads.

The attack comes on the heels of other recent incidents in Queens that were condemned for antisemitism. Area leaders in Jackson Heights are calling for an investigation into a pattern of antisemitic vandalism in the area. Earlier this month, protesters chanted pro-Hamas slogans across from a synagogue in Kew Gardens Hills.

Mayor Mamdani said on X that he is “horrified” by the assault, adding that antisemitism is not a thing of the past, but a present danger that demands action.

“There is no place for antisemitism in our city,” Mamdani said. “I stand in solidarity with Jewish New Yorkers and my administration is committed to rooting out this hatred.” Q

Blood donors urgently sought

The New York Blood Center recently declared a blood emergency and has issued an urgent call for eligible donors.

Holiday and winter weather disruptions led to a decline in donations, and in recent weeks, they have dropped nearly 40 percent below what is needed to meet hospital demand.

To make an appointment, one may go online to nybc.org. There are several upcoming blood drives in South Queens:

• American Airlines, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at arrivals at JFK Airport Terminal 8; blood drive coordinator Alex Perez;

• Knights of Columbus #197, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 94-04 Linden Blvd. in Ozone Park; coordinator Paul Eggert;

• Gurdwara Sikh Cultural Society, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15, at 95-30 118 St. in Richmond Hill; coordinator Inderjeet Singh; and

• Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18 in the private dining room at 89-00 Van Wyck Expwy. in Richmond Hill; coordinator Elmer Ariza. Q

Gunpoint robbery in FoHi

Cops are seeking four people for a gunpoint robbery in Forest Hills.

Just before 8 p.m. Jan. 18, the perps entered the Holistic Cove at 73-15 Yellowstone Blvd. and approached a 46-year-old woman, police said. One assailant struck her in the face with a firearm, and the other three individuals stole a safe.

They then fled southbound on Yellowstone Boulevard in a blue sedan, as per the

NYPD. The victim had bruising and a laceration to the face, but was not hospitalized.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477), or, for Spanish, 1 (888) 57-PISTA (74782). One may also submit tips by going to crimestoppers.nypdonline.org; or by texting 274637 (CRIMES) and entering TIP577; or by going to @nypdtips on X.

— Stephanie G. Meditz

The people’s push for parks grows in LIC

Advocates tour Court Square

by Andrew Karpan Chronicle Contributor

The promise of new acres of green space in Long Island City was enough to convince at least one Queens politician and a sizable group of her supporters to bear out the weekend’s frigid 5-degree wind chill, shortly before a massive snowstorm descended on the city.

“You all are truly the warriors for more green spaces in New York City,” City Councilmember Julie Won (D-LIC) told the group, which assembled together at various spots around Court Square. Led by New Yorkers for Parks, a nonprofit group that promotes open spaces across the city, the group visited a handful of sites last Saturday afternoon, with attendance estimated at “over 80.”

“Having just 30 people for a walking tour would be a nice sized group,” Kathy Park Price, a director with NY4P, told the Chronicle before the event, which began at the future site of the Baseline, a new park set to open in LIC in the spring.

It’s an acre-sized space, a former city Department of Transportation parking lot nestled under ramps to and from the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, located at the intersection of Dutch Kills Street and Jackson Avenue.

The architects hired by the city promise it will contain a “flexible plaza designed for community gatherings, pop-up art installations, and relaxation,” along with “a children’s playground, a play yard, and a dog run.” It’s still boarded up for now.

“Long Island City, we have done something historical,” said Won, who dropped in briefly along the tour. “We’re getting over 10 new acres of green space and we’re starting at the Baseline.”

She added, “Within my tenure, I gave the most funding to parks in all of the Borough of Queens.”

In addition to the new plaza and park space, Won pointed to the resto-

ration of “Baby Park,” also set to open later this year, located under a different segment of the Queensboro. Once a haven with basketball courts, a wading pool, showers and play areas for infants, the park had closed in the 1980s for lead paint removal from the bridge. It is set to finally reopen later this year, after the city approved $2.3 million to build it last year, as part of the larger OneLIC Neighborhood Plan, a rezoning effort designed to add thousands of new apartments to the neighborhood.

Per Won’s count, LIC will be getting, all told, 13.6 acres of new open space as a result of the plan, much of it by the waterfront.

Won also promised an end to over a year of complaints from residents about the dog run in Murray Playground.

“We want to see a dog park at Murray Park reopened, we want to see the toxins in our parks to be mitigated and we want to make sure there is adequate funding,” said Won. The dog run, at 21st Street and 45th Road, has been closed since February 2024, following the discovery of potential soil contamination shortly after it opened.

“When you have aging parents and you’re raising toddlers, you definitely see that there are just not enough green spaces here,” said Eugene Noh, both Won’s husband and a longtime political consultant in his own right, who was volunteering at the event.

Noh had worked for two months last year as a manager for former Mayor Eric Adams’ aborted re-election campaign, but was feeling optimistic that new Mayor Mamdani has his eye on improvements needed in this corner of Queens.

area and talk need for

more green space

supported Zohran very early and was one of the first elected officials to do so,” he said. “They’ve worked together, hand-in-hand, with Zohran representing a large chunk of the Court Square area. He knows exactly what the infrastructure needs are. He knows we don’t have enough school seats.

“There’s really nowhere where you can go and sit.”

— Andrew Fowler

“There are a whole host of issues that I think the Adams administration, they were not great on. Zohran, I’m hoping, is going to do much better.”

“I know that the councilmember

“We live right near here, near the station, and it’s very well-connected transport-wise, but there’s really

nowhere where you can go and sit,” said Andrew Fowler, a capital project manager at nearby Cornell Tech, LIC resident of about 10 years and subscriber to Won’s email list who showed up Saturday morning, along with his wife, Okki. “It’s very carcentric and I feel like a good vision for New York City in the future, at least for Long Island City, is fewer cars and more pedestrian-focused.”

‘The neighborhood has changed a lot,” chimed in Okki Fowler, a consultant for a software company.

“We looked at community boards across the city and identified community boards that had the least amount of parks and public spaces. And Long Island City is one of those. It was 57th out of 59,” Adam Ganser, one of the architects behind the High Line in Chelsea, who now runs NY4P, told the Chronicle.

“This is one of the boroughs that suffers from some of the least amount of parks and open space.

Lotta concrete,” said Ganser, who also bemoaned spending cuts during the last mayor’s time in office.

“The Adams administration cut the Parks [budget] significantly while he was in office and made the agency really depleted,” said Ganser. “There were roughly 600 positions at the agency that were just erased and these were people who were out and about in our city’s parks, making sure that they were clean.

“We’re in a different era right now. People demand fantastic parks

and open spaces.”

Steve Flack, a freelance video editor from Brooklyn who also volunteered at the event, noted that LIC has changed a lot.

“Long Island City just never ever felt like an area where people were from,” Flack said. “I went to school in Queens, I knew people around Queens, I never really knew anyone from Long Island City. It’s such a neighborhood in flux with all the crazy developments over the years.

“I’ll be honest, my first memories of Long Island City was my friend’s 18th birthday and we came to a strip club here. And that’s not what Long Island City is anymore. As the population is changing, as more things are going up, you need more green spaces.”

Mika Garcia, a grad student studying urban planning, lives in Sunnyside and told the Chronicle that she came along because she wants to see green space developed closer to home.

“There’s no big parks [there] — or even small parks with greener,” Garcia said. “There’s just playgrounds. It doesn’t feel the same. I want more trees and grass, more greenery that you can walk around.

“We can see it already with these changes happening here. I’m hoping it will be the same in Sunnyside and extending even more to Woodside, because that is also in Julia Won’s district, so hopefully, she will also focus on those areas.” Q

Middle Village pastor is new diocesan chancellor

by Stephanie G. Meditz Editor

The Rev. Peter Purpura, pastor of Our Lady of Hope in Middle Village, will serve as the Diocese of Brooklyn’s next chancellor starting Jan. 30, Bishop Robert Brennan announced last week.

Purpura, now the Regional Episcopal Vicar of Queens West, will replace outgoing chancellor Monsignor Steven Aguggia, the pastor of Glendale’s St. Pancras, who has served in the role since 2020. Among the duties of chancellor is to oversee the documentation of ecclesiastical acts, manage diocesan records and archives and advise the bishop.

“Father Peter Purpura has done a fantastic job working with me as a vicar, showing himself to be talented, dedicated, and engaged with the priests in the diocese,” Brennan said in a statement. “His broad background in canon law, and his pastoral heart is the perfect combination to build upon what Monsignor Aguggia has already accomplished.”

Purpura was ordained a priest in 2007. He holds degrees in philosophy and sacred theology, the former from St. John’s Uni-

Years later, a rescued dog still needs a home

by Kristen Guglielmo Editor

It’s been several years since Athena, a 7-year-old pit bull mix, has had a home.

In July 2022, she was discovered abandoned outside of the Bobbi & The Strays animal shelter in Freeport, LI, left in a crate too small for her to stand.

versity, and a licentiate in canon law.

He has served as parochial vicar at several parishes in Brooklyn and Queens, and as the diocese’s vice chancellor. He also was sworn in as an FDNY chaplain last year.

He will remain pastor of Our Lady of Hope through June 30.

“I thank Bishop Brennan for his confidence in entrusting to me the important work of the Chancellor,” Purpura said in a statement. “I hope that I can continue the great work of my predecessor.” Q

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Rescuers who were at the scene in Freeport said the stench was overwhelming. Athena’s body was covered in sores, her strength nearly gone. She was barely alive.

Athena, a 7-year-old pit bull mix, has been looking for a home since she was abandoned in 2022. PHOTO COURTESYBOBBI&THESTRAYS

“Athena couldn’t even hold her head up,” Richard Flynn, a rescue worker, said. They weren’t sure the dog would make it through the day, but by the next morning, she was showing a will to live.

The severity of the abuse was shocking: Athena suffered from severe anemia, muscle wasting and injuries consistent with prolonged confinement. Tears to her flesh suggested prolonged abuse, possibly linked to

dogfighting.

Dr. Ashley Davis of Howard Beach Animal Clinic said it was one of the worst cases of abuse she’d ever seen, according to Bobbi & The Strays.

Damian Douglas of West Hempstead, LI, was charged with animal cruelty and abandonment in the matter, facing two misdemeanor charges under the state Agriculture and Markets Law.

Douglas pleaded not guilty, but little is known of the outcome of the trial, which was not made public.

While the rescue has another location in Glendale, at the Shops at Atlas Park, Athena has been at the shelter’s Freeport spot for years. She has proved she can thrive with love and guidance, the rescue said. She is lively, affectionate and ready to meet her new family.

Those interested in meeting Athena should contact the rescue at (516) 378-4340 or go online to bobbiandthestrays.org. Q

SQPA’s ‘Colors in Black’ art exhibit

Opening reception March 1; deadline for artists to register is January 31

by Naeisha Rose Editor

The Southern Queens Park Association’s “Colors in Black” exhibit proudly returns with an opening reception Sunday, March 1, from 2 to 6 p.m.

The 22nd anniversary of the exhibit arrives during the SQPA’s 50th anniversary celebration, said Jermaine Sean Smith, SQPA’s executive director.

“This year we are proud to showcase more than 90 artists, representing an incredible range of mediums including sculpture, textile work, oil painting, wood art, quilts, and mixed media,” said Smith via email. ‘Colors in Black’ is not just an exhibit — it is a gathering place for storytellers, visionaries, and community members to experience the depth, creativity, and history of Black artists across generations.”

Wilkins Park Family Center, located at 177-01 Baisley Blvd. in St. Albans.

Artists interested in participating in the exhibit may send a money order, certified check or Zelle of $45 for the registration fee, which covers up to five pieces of art. To learn more, email curator Olney Marie Ryland at information@sqpa, putting: “Art Registration” in the subject line; or call her at (718) 2766430, ext. 100.

“This year’s exhibit will feature local artists, artists from across the five boroughs, and most importantly — students ...”

— Olney Marie Ryland, curator

Smith said it is not too late for other artists to join the showcase, which will be at the Roy

Ryland said SQPA is also seeking volunteers to work twohour shifts from March 2 to 7, which is when the exhibit will end. People who wish to volunteer may contact her at olneymarie @gmail.com.

The exhibit will be open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“This year’s exhibit will feature local artists, artists from across the five boroughs, and most importantly — students from elementary, middle and high schools throughout

Queens,” said Ryland in a statement.

Ryland is also encouraging schools to schedule tours to see the artwork.

Supporters of the exhibit include Spectrum, Airbnb, JFK Terminal 1 and the SAJ Heritage Group.

On Feb. 28, “Colors in Black” will have a Divine 9 night honoring members of historically African-American sororities and fraternities.

“We hope you’ll enjoy us making this 50th anniversary year truly unforgettable by sharing your talents at the 2026 ‘Colors in Black’ exhibit,” she said.

Smith said the exhibit is an opportunity for the public to support artists, engage with powerful narratives and witness the creative legacy that continues to thrive in Southeast Queens. Q

B SPORTS EAT

Carlos to Cooperstown

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

It was not a surprise that former Mets centerfielder Carlos Beltran was named as one of the newest inductees (along with fellow centerfielder Andruw Jones) to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, last Tuesday. Beltran finished with 70 percent of the vote in 2025, just below the requisite 75 percent threshold. He appeared on 84 percent of the ballots submitted by Baseball Writers Association of America voters this time.

Beltran would have been elected in 2022, his first year of eligibility, had it not been for his involvement with the Houston Astros 2017 World Series sign-stealing scandal. Unlike gambling on baseball, or taking performanceenhancing drugs, sign-stealing has been a debatable baseball sin. It has been occurring as long as games have been played. The BBWAA properly treated his crime as a misdemeanor, rather than a serious felony.

It can be argued that as good a player as Beltran was for the Mets, he was not properly appreciated by the Flushing fans. The leading reason is his misfortune of being at the plate as the Mets’ last hope in Game 7 of the 2006 N ational League Championship Series with the St. Louis Cardinals. Cards ace Adam Wainwright threw a wicked curveball to strike him out, ending their World Series dreams.

There were other reasons. He was a member of the 2007 and 2008 Mets. Both collapsed in September and failed to make the playoffs. If that was not bad enough, the Mets owners at the time, the Wilpons, were investors with Madoff Securities when that scandal hit. It led to massive Mets payroll slashing. Beltran was traded to the San Francisco Giants in late July 2011 for pitching prospect Zach Wheeler. Beltran was always a straight shooter with the media. I remember being in the clubhouse when catcher Ramon Castro learned he had been traded to the Chicago White Sox. To say Castro was distraught would be an understatement. Beltran asked me why he was upset. When I told him Castro did not want to leave the Mets, he replied, “Doesn’t he know we are nothing more than furniture which can be moved at any time?”

It was that no-nonsense attitude that led the Mets to hire Beltran as their manager for the 2020 season. The witch hunt hysteria caused by the sign-stealing issue forced the Wilpons to ask him for his resignation, and he complied. Luis Rojas was named to replace him. He was fired after the 2021 season. I believe the Mets’ fortunes would have been better had Beltran been the Mets’ skipper.

Beltran is currently a Mets executive. Q See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com.

by Allison Plitt

Queens residents can escape the frigid temperatures this winter at Studio 41, where the work of 20 local artists is on display.

Studio 41, a gallery space in Long Island City, is also the name of a collective formed four years ago by two neighborhood artists, Dianne Martin and Nancy Gesimondo. The collective holds several exhibits a year in the gallery. Besides its cofounders, eight other area artists are members.

Every year Studio 41 holds an exhibition called “One + One,” in which each collective member invites a guest to exhibit in the gallery with them. Gesimondo, the curator of the exhibit, commented on its creation during the opening reception on Jan. 18.

“I look at all the images, and I put something together that looks cohesive where the pieces speak to each other and there is like a thread of ideas,” she said. “Our idea is also to get more people to come visit the studio.”

In addition to curating, Gesimondo is showing her own piece in the exhibit called “Between Worlds.” She explained that she created her assemblage in 2020 as part of a project to save the United States Postal Service.

“One artist would start a piece and mail it to another artist who had agreed to collaborate and then they would do whatever they wanted to it,” she said. “So, my piece is an assemblage in a shadowbox, and it

includes a small painting by another Long Island City artist called Sandra Mack Valencia, who is amazing.

“I incorporated her painting into the image. It was then mailed. All the artists’ work was mailed to various venues all over the country, so it was really all about keeping the post office alive because there was talk during the first Trump administration about privatizing the post office. It was against that idea.”

Fellow cofounder Martin has several works on display that she created from her own etching press.

Discussing her creative process, Martin said, “My work comes a lot physically from my garden, and most of my work has natural things in it. What I do is

continued on page 27

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE

IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME

COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS

SANTANDER BANK, N.A., Plaintiff - against - ILAN DAVIDOV, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on October 29, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY, on the second floor in Courtroom 25 on the 6th day of February, 2026 at 10:00

AM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Queens, City and State of New York. Premises known as 8083 Kent Street, Jamaica Estates, NY 11432. (Block: 7250, Lot: 6) Approximate amount of lien $395,124.13. Premises being sold is subject and subordinate to a first mortgage recorded May 19, 2014 in the original amount of $729,750.00 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 700306/2019. Richard A. Piccola, Esq., Referee. Stein, Wiener & Roth LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 1400 Old Country Road, Suite 315, Westbury, NY 11590 Tel. 516-742-1212

DAVIDOV-75778 Dated: November 24, 2025 During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure

Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. Auction Locations are subject to change.

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT. QUEENS COUNTY. WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS CERTIFICATE TRUSTEE OF BOSCO CREDIT II TRUST SERIES 2010-1, Pltf. vs MARLENE DODD, et al, Defts. Index #724440/2022. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered May 28, 2025, I will sell at public auction in Courtroom #25 of the Queens County Supreme Court, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY on February 6, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. premises k/a 22707 108th Avenue, Queens Village, NY 11429 a/k/a Block 11193, Lot 15. Said property located beginning at a point on the Northerly side of 108th Avenue, distant 40 ft. Easterly from the corner formed by the intersection of the Northerly side of 108th Avenue with the Easterly side of 227th Street; being a plot 100 ft. x 40 ft. Approximate amount of judgment is $197,227.03 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. RICHARD GUTIERREZ, Referee. HILL WALLACK LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 261 Madison Avenue, 9th Floor, Ste. 940-941, New York, NY. File No. 022721-00029 #102722

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR CASCADE FUNDING MORTGAGE TRUST HB8, Plaintiff, vs. MARIE CLEMONS AKA MARIE REDD, AS PRESUMPTIVE HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JULIA MARION FAIN, DECEASED; ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 2, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on February 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 111-48 168th Street, Jamaica, NY 11433. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough of Queens, County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 10205 and Lot 56. Approximate amount of judgment is $498,814.47 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 710033/2019. Judah Maltz, Esq., Referee Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff

King Crossword Puzzle

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

Alison Arngrim had a little house in Briarwood

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

Norma MacMillan was born in Vancouver, Canada, on Sept. 5, 1921. She married Thor Arngrim, also born in Canada, on Nov. 25, 1928 — seven years her junior — in 1954.

They immigrated to the United States and moved into a oneyear-old apartment building at 140-55 Burden Crescent in Briarwood. A son, Stefan, was born on Dec. 23, 1955.

Norma had lucrative work in cartoons as the voices of “Casper the Friendly Ghost,” “Gumby” and Davey of “Davey and Goliath.”

The childhood home of Alison Angrim, co-star of “Little House On The Prairie,” was at 140-55 Burden Crescent in Briarwood, seen here as it looks today.

GOOGLEMAPSIMAGE;INSETPHOTOVIAFACEBOOK/ALISONARNGRIM

Daughter Alison joined the family on Jan. 18, 1962. Norma’s connections got her into child modeling immediately. They moved out to the West Coast and one thing led to another for the youngster. From 1974 to 1982, Alison co-starred as notorious mean girl Nellie Oleson on the hit TV show “Little House on the Prairie.”

Afterward, she got some acting work

but never found the same fame. Her parents returned to Canada in 1993 and lived out the rest of their lives there, with Norma passing in 2001 and Thor in 2009.

Alison wrote a powerful book on her life as a child star and still does guest appearances. She embraces her legacy as Nellie, still posting about it on social media and doing a comical live show she calls “Confessions of a Prairie B--ch.” Q

Bodies in living color at new Ridgewood gallery

by Stephanie G. Meditz editor

Ridgewood’s newest art space is brightening up the dark, cold winter with kaleidoscopes of light and color.

“Light Baths: Focus,” an exhibition displaying selected works from a long-term project by Jarid Blue, will be on view at the center for information alternatives — cia — gallery through Feb. 8.

The show includes photographs of bodies, objects and spaces presented in a new way — through colorful, patterned light projections.

“I felt it was so important for people to have that kind of ownership and to be able to feel comfortable in their skin,” Blue told the Chronicle. “I think an important facet of being a human is just being able to find solace in people’s own bodies, and that can be so hard to do nowadays.”

Blue said the practice behind the project was born “by accident” about a decade ago. He had done a series of paintings on large wooden panels in 2013 called “Cosmic Nudes,” with the central concept that human beings are “a bunch of nude bodies, more or less floating in space.”

He said he turned to projectors to display his work when it was too large to be hung on a wall. He was working on a nude paint-

ing one day and had a projector on hand, so he decided to see how the light would appear on the model’s skin.

“It was kind of like a lightbulb moment of, wow, this transforms someone’s body instantly,” Blue said. “I don’t need to make a whole painting to get across what I’m saying.”

The project only grew from there, as the medium enables him to present his work in

numerous ways, from individual portrait sessions to larger installations to live performances.

In addition to highlighting the beauty of the human form, Blue said he would like to incorporate more projections of natural and manmade elements. He shot some new works in Joshua Tree, Calif., that are on view for the first time at cia gallery.

“These are kind of the focus points that

I’d like to take during the year. I’ve been doing my practice for a little over a decade now, all working with projectors, all working with different bodies and installations,” he said. “And I was like, this is a great time to showcase the things that I want to set my intentions on.

“Everything that’s being shown will be kind of what you can expect to see more from me, the direction I want to take my practice.”

Blue is the second artist to do a solo show at cia gallery. Its inaugural exhibition, entitled “Seventh Helleaven,” by Julia Sinelnikova, who sits on the gallery’s curatorial board, opened last month.

Blue said Sinelnikova is a longtime friend and collaborator of his, and he said it was a “very fluid and seamless” process to put his show together.

Up next at cia gallery is “Black is Not a Monolith,” a group exhibition curated by board member Akeem Duncan. Its opening reception is from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 11.

Numerous other shows are planned for the rest of the year, and the full calendar is available online at cia.gallery.

One may contact ciagallerynyc@gmail. com for the address or to learn more. The show is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays. Q

Studio 41 offers the warmth of an art collective

continued from page 25

I make monotypes on an etching press using real things, like leaves and branches. The word monotype is used because it is a unique image.

“A lot of prints, like etchings and engravings, you can make copies of it, but this has no copy. It is just a unique image.”

Another member, Jim Seffens, has a selfportrait on display called, “Tommy and Jimmy.” Describing the composition of the

Crossword Answers

painting, he said, “My painting is based on a photo of me when I was about 4 years old. I am holding my cat, Tommy.

“The reason the photo was taken is that I am wearing a jacket that had been my father’s CPO [chief petty officer] jacket from World War II. The scene is in a little town in Ohio, which was part of my grandfather’s farm.”

A new member of the collective, Mary Pinto, is exhibiting a work entitled “Chemical Landscape.” Detailing an innovative photographic art form she used, Pinto explained, “It’s called a chemigram. It is made only with photographic paper and chemicals and there is no negative. There is the just the interaction of the chemicals, the paper, and the light to make the image.”

“One + One” will be on view until March 29. Besides painting and sculpture, there is a table set up at the exhibit where the artists also sell jewelry and tableware that they have designed themselves.

Studio 41 is located at 27-15 41 Ave., and the gallery is open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit the website studio41lic.com.

Works on display at Studio 41 include, clockwise from left, “Lady Liberty” by Casey Concelmo, “Between Worlds” by Nancy Gesimondo, with Sandra Mack Valencia, and “Tommy & Jimmy,” by Jim Seffens. On the cover: Studio 41 is Amy Geller, left, Dianne Martin, Katie Marie Frank and, standing, Seffens, Mary Pinto, Daniel Cordani, Gesimondo and Mark di Battista. Behind them are “Rhubarb Leaf” by Martin and, at left, pottery by Sheila Ross. To the right are other pieces in the exhibit. COURTESY PHOTOS AND, COVER, PHOTO BY

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EVERLYST LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 12/10/25. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC 42-02 Crescent St., 21C, Long Island City, NY 11101. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of W & W Group Capital LLC. Art. of Org. filed Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/25/2025. Office location: Queens County. SSNY

Designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: The LLC, 90-75 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11435. Purpose: any lawful activity.

and Stars within a shield, guarded by the lion, signifying endurance across generations. The lineage motto, “By Land, Sea, Stars, We Endure,” affirms continuity from origin through future generations

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT: QUEENS

COUNTY CI NOTES LLC v. METRO GROUP 7512 LLC, et al. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated October 29, 2025 and filed with the Clerk of the Supreme Court, Queens County on November 5, 2025, bearing Index no. 711879/2024, I will sell at public auction on February 6, 2026 at 10:00 am on the second floor, Courtroom 25 of the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11435, the premises known as 75-12 Metropolitan Avenue, Queens, NY 11379 (Block: 3773, Lot: 12). Premises sold subject to filed Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Terms of Sale. Judgment amount $318,048.57 plus interest and costs. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with the Unified Court System Safety and Operational Protocols in effect at this time. Auction location and time are subject to revision based on Court policy, current protocols and health conditions. Richard Gutierrez, Referee. Harry Zubli, Esq., attorney for plaintiff (516) 487-5777.

MEADOW PARK REHABILITATION AND HEALTH CARE CENTER

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

In Accordance With State And Federal Law, That, Meadow Park Rehabilitation And Health Care Center Shall Ensure That No Person In The United States Of America Shall, On Grounds Of Race, Color, Creed, National Origin, Sex Or Sexual Orientation, Religion, Handicap Or Mental Disability, Age, Marital Or Family Status, Blindness, Source Of Payment Or Sponsorship, Be Excluded From Participation In, Be Denied Benefits Of, Or Be Otherwise Subjected To Discrimination Under Any Program, Activity Provided By The Facility, Including But Not Limited To, The Admission, Care And Retention Of Residents.

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS. FORETHOUGHT LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, Plaintiff against ROQUE ESTATE DEVELOPMENT LLC, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated December 15, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, 88 11 Sutphin Blvd., in Courtroom # 25, Jamaica, NY on February 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, known and designated as Block 1396 Lot 5. Said premises known as 31 08 85TH STREET, QUEENS, NY 11370

Approximate amount of lien $733,788.47 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 705201/2024.

CAROLYN CLYNE, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW

GROUP PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 DLG # 39539

Notice of Formation of GLOBAL LINK CULTURAL PROGRAM

LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/13/2025. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: ROSSANNA CAMURUNGAN, 7121 AUSTIN STREET, SUITE 202, FOREST HILLS, NY 11375. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of GLOW WITH THE FLOW, LLC

Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/21/2025.

Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: THE LLC, 22-25 29TH STREET, ASTORIA, NY 11105. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, Plaintiff, vs. GLORIA A. EDWARDS, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 27, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on February 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 109-65 198th Street, St. Albans, NY 11412. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 10938 and Lot 95. Approximate amount of judgment is $259,858.77 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 720539/2024. Vincent F. Spata, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.:240364-1

Notice of Formation of Miah Hosting Services LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/12/2026. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: M M AREFIN HAQUE SHIRAZEE, 191-02 105TH AVE, SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

KIRBY ASSOCIATES LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12/17/25. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 3999 48th Street, Sunnyside, NY 11104. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF SALE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that in accordance with applicable provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted in New York, by virtue of certain Event(s) of Default under that certain Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of March 19, 2024 (the “Pledge Agreement”), executed and delivered by DEIRK L KEITT JR. (the “Pledgor”), and in accordance with it rights as holder of the security, NEXTRES CAPITAL, LLC (the “Secured Party”), by virtue of possession of that certain Share Certificate held in accordance with Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code of the State of New York (the “Code”) and by virtue of those certain UCC-1 Filing Statement made in favor of Secured Party, all in accordance with Article 9 of the Code, nand to the following: 11321 204 LLC (the “Pledged Entity”), and (ii) certain related rights and property relating thereto (collectively, (i) and (ii) are the “Collateral”). Secured Party’s understanding is that the principal asset of the Pledged Entity is that certain fee interest in real property commonly known 113-21 204TH STREET, JAMAICA NEW YORK 11412 (the “Property”). Maltz Auctions (“Maltz”), under the direction of Richard B. Maltz or David A. Constantino (the “Auctioneer”), will conduct a public sale consisting of the Collateral (as set forth in Schedule A below), via virtual bidding, on February 19, 2026 at 1:00pm in satisfaction of an indebtedness in the approximate amount of $357,500.00 , including principal plus interest, and reasonable fees and costs, plus default interest through February 19, 2026, subject to open charges and all additional costs, fees and disbursements permitted by law. The Secured Party reserves the right to credit bid.Online bidding will be made available for pre-registered bidders via Maltz's online bidding App available for download in the App Store or on Google play and via desktop bidding at RemoteBidding.MaltzAuctions.com. Bidder Qualification Deadline: February 18, 2026 by 4:00 pm. Executed Terms & Conditions of Sale along with ten (10%) of Bidders intended bid amount (to be submitted via wire transfer) are required for consideration by any interested party and submitted directly to Maltz. Requests for wiring instructions should be sent to rmaltz@maltzauctions.com.

SCHEDULE A Pledged Interest PLEDGOR

DEIRK L KEITT JR. ISSUER 11321 204 LLC

INTERESTS PLEDGED 100% membership interest

The UCC1 was filed on September 26, 2025 with the Secretary of State of the State of New York under the Filing No. # 202509260381115.

VALLELY MITOLA RYAN PLLC

Attn: Erick R. Vallely, Esq. Attorneys for Secured Party 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 165 Syosset, New York 11791 (516) 386-3900

Notice of Formation of KORTIVA, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/01/2026. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: CARL CHINATOMBY, 9101 138TH PLACE, JAMAICA, NY 11435. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

WE DO MULTIMEDIA LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 01/07/2026. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 65-24 162nd Street, Apt 6A, Flushing, NY 11365. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Wyoming Legacy Estate: 14.5 horse-zoned acres bordering Bridger-Teton National Forest. South of Jackson Hole. Custom Lodge, 360 mountain views, hot tub, access to four-season outdoor recreation. https://2antelopetrailpinedalewy.com

PLACING AN AD IS EASY, JUST…

NOTICE OF SALE EASTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK (ISLIP)

Allison Lending, LLC.; Plaintiff v. NLL Properties Incorporated et al; Defendants Attorneys for Plaintiff: Hasbani & Light, P.C., 450 7th Ave, Suite 1901, NY, NY 10123; (212) 643-6677 Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale granted herein on 12/30/25, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder in EDNYIslip, 100 Federal Plaza, Central Islip, NY 11722. On February 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM Premises known as 109-09 211th Street, Queens Village, NY 11429 and identified on the Queens County Tax Map as Block: 11 Lots: 7-9 All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the County of Queens, City and State of New York. As more particularly described in the judgment of foreclosure and sale. Sold subject to all the terms and conditions contained in said judgment and terms of sale. Approximate amount of judgment: $297,011.18 plus interest and costs. Docket Number: 23cv-9385 Janine T. Lynam, Esq., Referee

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST AIDA RIOS, JASMYN C. STEVENSON, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 23, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on February 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM, premises known as 137-35 171st Street, Jamaica, NY 11434. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 12577, Lot 16. Approximate amount of judgment $641,437.59 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #718306/2018. For sale information, please contact XOME at www.Xome.com or call 844-400-9633. Bruce S. Povman, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-007681 88161

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, NYCTL

1998-2 TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK

MELLON AS COLLATERAL

AGENT AND CUSTODIAN, Plaintiff, vs. ELDER AVE

REALTY CORP., ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 21, 2025 and entered on November 26, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY on February 6, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., all that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 5137 and Lot 1127. Said premises may also be known as 138-35 Elder Avenue, Parking Garage Unit No. 127, Queens, NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $153,866.58 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index # 711986/2019. Martha Taylor, Esq., Referee The Law Office of Thomas P. Malone, PLLC, 100 Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, New York 10017, Attorneys for Plaintiff

Notice of Formation of VELTOR LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the SSNY on December 31, 2025. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: 8330 260TH STREET, GLEN OAKS, NY 11004. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME

COURT QUEENS COUNTY

QUEST TRUST COMPANY

FBO ELIZABETH HAUG IRA #3101621, Plaintiff against CLARA YRVANIA DIAZ, et al

Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Margolin, Weinreb & Nierer, LLP, 575 Underhill Boulevard, Suite 224, Syosset, NY 11791. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered February 19, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at the Queens County Supreme Court, Courtroom #25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on February 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Premises known as 91-52 112th Street, Richmond Hill, NY 11418. Block 9318 Lot 14.

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. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $238,421.55 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 714155/2021. This is the foreclosure of a 2nd mortgage lien subject to an existing 1st mortgage. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 11th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. Referee will only accept a certified bank check made payable to the referee.

Lamont R. Bailey, Esq., Referee File # 20-0966

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME

COURT QUEENS COUNTY

FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff against ABDOOL ZAHEER RAMJITT

A/K/A ABDOOL Z. RAMJITT, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840, New York, NY 10170. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered December 16, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at the Queens County Supreme Court, Courtroom #25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on February 27, 2026 at 11:00 AM. Premises known as 110-31 196th Street, Saint Albans, NY 11412. Block 10936 Lot 209. 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. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $562,897.73 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 708334/2024. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 11th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. Referee will only accept a certified bank check made payable to the referee. For sale information, please contact XOME at www.Xome.com or call (844)400-9633. Frances Yetta Ruiz, Esq., Referee File # 23-13993NY

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE STRUCTURED ASSET MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS II TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-AR8, -against- JOSE TAVAREZ, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Queens on March 10, 2023, wherein THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE STRUCTURED ASSET MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS II TRUST, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-AR8 is the Plaintiff and JOSE TAVAREZ;, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the QUEENS COUNTY COURTHOUSE 88-11 SUTPHIN BLVD., COURTROOM #25, JAMAICA, NY 11435, on 02/20/2026 at 10:00AM, premises known as 62-22 BURCHELL ROAD, ARVERNE, New York 11692; and the following tax map identification, -16007-9. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE COUNTY OF QUEENS, CITY AND STATE OF NEW YORK, Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 706209/2014. Fearonce G. LaLande, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff AGAINST LUIS COLON INDIVIDUALLY AND AS SURVIVING SPOUSE OF METHABEL COLON, ET AL, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 8, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on February 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM, premises known as 16702 118th Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11434. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 12368 Lot 1. Approximate amount of judgment $494,041.10 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #718315/2022. For sale information, please contact XOME at www.Xome. com or call (844) 400-9633.

Katherine B. Huang, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-003046 88241

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, NYCTL 19982 TRUST AND THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AS COLLATERAL AGENT AND CUSTODIAN, Plaintiff, vs. ELDER AVE REALTY CORP., ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated December 15, 2025 and entered on December 17, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY on February 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., all that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 5137 and Lot 1162. Said premises may also be known as 138-35 Elder Avenue, Parking Garage Unit No. 162, Queens, NY. Approximate amount of judgment is $135,354.64 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index # 711997/2019. Nicole D. Katsorhis, Esq.,Referee The Law Office of Thomas P. Malone, PLLC, 100 Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, New York 10017, Attorneys for Plaintif

January 29, 2026