Maspeth family wants you to remember the reason for the season

By Jessica Meditz

jmeditz@queensledger.com

For the past 15 years, the Cotoia family has transformed their own little corner of Maspeth into a winter wonderland.

The holiday season is a time when many people become more grateful for what they have, admire the little things in life and make their loved ones feel special through the art of gift giving.

Seventy-five-year-old Maspeth native Angelica Cotoia — better known as “Mrs. Maspeth” or “the bracelet lady,” wakes up and lives her life like this every day, and the holiday season is just another time to shine.

As an Italian and devout Christian, Cotoia is all about giving to others, keeping tradition and being thankful every day for God.

“I’ve been doing the bracelets for about seven years…I buy them and give them out. They have crosses on them,” Cotoia explained. “I give them to everybody, and there are times when people really need to feel God. I’ll pray with them.”

Each year for the past 15 years, Cotoia and her children work hard after the Thanksgiving holiday to transform their little corner of Maspeth, on Caldwell Avenue and 70th Street, into a winter wonderland.

The Cotoia family. Angelica Cotoia is wearing blue.

Her home, easily spotted by its awning adorned with a cursive letter C, is decorated from top to bottom with multi-colored lights, lit-up candy canes at the entrance, a blow-up Santa Claus, snowman and Christmas tree, a wreath and most notably, in the center, a sign that reads “Jesus is the Reason.”

Her daughter, Christina Dimitropoulos, lives across the driveway from her mother on Caldwell Avenue. They embrace their neighborly setting with decorations that connect the two houses in the middle of the driveway.

Passersby are greeted by Bumble, the Abominable Snowmonster of the North when they walk by Dimitropoulos’ home.

Dimitropoulos’ home features a 20-foot blow-up statue of Bumble, the Abominable Snowmonster of the North from the Christmas classic, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” as well as a light-up sign that says “Celebrate Jesus!”

Her daughters, Paula Behling and Graceann Faulkner, and son Joey Cotoia, also live within the circle, taking part in the decorating tradition each year. Her son, Michael Cotoia, lives in Whitestone, but makes a regular appearance at their Sunday night dinners.

Faulkner’s home on 70th St. illuminates the block with Christmas spirit.

All six Cotoia children were born and raised in that original house on Caldwell Avenue, including Freddy Cotoia, who was killed in 2001.

I lost a son, and I remember telling God, ‘Why did you do this to me? How come you did this to me?’ And God, in my spirit, told me, ‘I know how you feel because they killed my son, too,’” Cotoia said. “That took me to a new place…a place where I could deal with this. Now I’m to a point where I celebrate his life, and he is a part of this life — every single day.”

Freddy is a big part of why Cotoia feels it is essential to keep Christ in Christmas, along with her six grandchildren — all named after the Cotoia children — Michael, Joseph, Gracie, Freddy, Christina and Paula.

We believe the gift from God was Jesus. because it opened the door for gates of heaven. He was a true gift, and that’s why people started to give out gifts,” Cotoia said. “It was just to show love, and God is love. There isn’t anything about God, that’s not love.”

The Cotoia family’s outdoor Christmas decorations are their way of giving a gift to the community during the holiday season, making others smile with special sights and kindness.

In the past before COVID, they would hire a man to sit outside the house and play Santa Claus and purchase gifts for local children. Locals would come to celebrate and donate, and those funds were given to charities, including Boston Children’s Hospital to support cancer research.

Cotoia said she would like to bring that level of community engagement back at a future time.

She’s proud to continue living in the community she’s always called home, and treasures her deep familial connections to Maspeth — exemplified by her family’s longtime businesses, such as Occhiogrosso’s Bakery, as well as her son Joey’s business, J. Cotoia Construction Inc., with the blue van that can be spotted all over town.

In fact, family legend has it that in its early days, this newspaper’s earliest editions were printed in the basement of Grosso’s Groceries on Grand Avenue in the ‘40s, which was owned by her grandparents.

“I really believe that my gift from God is not necessarily money, he gives me enough to pay my bills and I do, then I share with others,” Cotoia said. “He gave me children, grandchildren, in-law children and extended family that I can’t be anything more than grateful for.”

Queens Chamber of Commerce hosts Business Persons of the Year 2022

By Jessica Meditz

jmeditz@queensledger.com

Loycent Gordon, owner of Neir’s Tavern in Woodhaven, with their mascot.

Last Tuesday, some of Queens’ most prominent movers and shakers were honored by the Queens Chamber of Commerce at their 2022 Business Persons of the Year Awards Gala.

Family, friends, partners and sponsors gathered at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park to honor seven influential business people in the borough: Serge Abergel, CEO of Hydro Québec Energy Services; Rachelle Antoine, Manager External Affairs & Community Outreach Manager at Port Authority of New York & New Jersey for the JFK Redevelopment Program; Kevin O’Connor, CEO of DIME Community Bank; Loycent Gordon, owner and proprietor of Neir’s Tavern; Dr. Stacie NC Grant, Community Advisory Council Facilitator for the JFK Redevelopment Program; Peter Kapsalis, CEO and owner of Cine Magic LLC Studios; and Dr. Edwin Simpser, president and CEO of St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children.

Queens Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO Tom Grech also took the opportunity to applaud how far Queens has come since the pandemic, bouncing back from many losses in the business community.

Tom Grech, CEO and President of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, took the opportunity to applaud how far Queens has come since the pandemic.

“Queens turned the corner starting in early 2022 with COVID in the rearview mirror and our momentum has only

grown since then,” Grech said in a statement.

“Just over the past few weeks, we have learned about a new soccer stadium, 2,500 deeply affordable housing units, a new hotel and school at Willets Point, a well-deserved final approval of Innovation QNS in Astoria and a signed contract and start to the redevelopment of JFK,” he continued. “All-in, these public and private investments total near $25 billion…and all in Queens.”

Before the seven business people received their awards, the Queens Chamber surprised its Chief Operating Officer, Joanne Persad, with an honorary Business Person of the Year award for her hard work and dedication to keeping all things running smoothly.

The Queens Chamber of Commerce is at the forefront of major projects in Queens, including the massive $18 billion JFK Redevelopment Program — in which honorees Antoine and Grant play major roles in. Both women feel incredibly honored to have received the award.

“It’s humbling to know that others see your efforts in trying to create space for others…Even during COVID, keeping the community encouraged through a very challenging time by offering free resources and using media as a way to connect and to create space for a very confusing time we were all witnessing,” Grant said. “I believe wherever you live, you should also serve — and it’s my honor to serve Queens.”

Dr. Stacie NC Grant

Throughout the evening, attendees and honorees remarked about the beauty of Queens’ diversity, and how every person has their own story to tell.

Kapsalis, of Cine Magic LLC Studios, recalled how his parents emigrated to the U.S. from Greece with just $17 in their pockets, and is proud to now be the owner and CEO of a roughly 100,000-square-foot studio operation in Long Island City.

Neir’s Tavern owner and proprietor, Loycent Gordon, reflected on his experience as an immigrant who arrived in the U.S. at the age of 10, and struggled academically. He went on to preserve the well-loved establishment in the community, after it was at risk of shuttering after an increase in rent.

“I came into Neir’s Tavern seeing that it was going to close. The long forgotten place that was special, just as I felt I was, but wasn’t given the love,” Gordon said. “This was my opportunity to give back. What if I could save one of America’s oldest places as an immigrant, as my service.”

After the awardees delivered heartfelt speeches upon accepting their awards, the energetic crowd of attendees danced the night away, looking forward to the advancements in tech and business to come into the borough they call home.

Queens Name Explorer project honors notables

Mapping the names of streets, buildings, parks

By Michael Perlman

mperlman@queensledger.com

Mickey Leigh, black shirt center, among FHHS grads, The Ramones Way, Oct 2016, Photo by Michael Perlman.

Every day, residents take a stroll, relax in a park, encounter a sculpture, attend school, go to work and take pride in “home sweet home,” but not everyone stops to wonder, “What’s in a name?”

Throughout Queens, a borough that is most culturally diverse and the largest in land area, lies a trail of street names, building names and scenic destinations awaiting rediscovery.

Thanks to the recently launched Queens Name Explorer project, the accomplishments and memory of our ancestors will be honored by telling their story, and the public is invited to participate.

“I believe that the history of Queens is one of the richest histories in America, and the Queens Name Explorer project is helping to preserve this great legacy,” said Jason D. Antos, executive director of the Queens Historical Society and author of seven Queens history books.

He describes the street names of Queens and greater New York City as “fascinating.”

“There is a lot of depth and history behind some of these names, and the public should be educated about who these people or places are,” he continued.

Antos was born in Flushing and is a 38-year resident of Whitestone. Since high school, he has been intrigued by Queens history, and feels there are some mysteries that need to be solved.

Jason Antos, Queens Historical Society executive director & Queens Memory presenter.

“There are so many names of families and individuals of whom I would love to know about,” he said. “We must preserve our local history to pass down these stories to future generations.”

Jackson Heights resident Natalie M. Milbrodt is the Metadata Services coordinator at the Queens Central Library.

She not only founded and directs the Queens Memory Project, but serves as director of Queens Name Explorer project, its outgrowth.

“Since the Queens Memory Project’s founding in 2010, I lead a talented team of staff and volunteers who recorded approximately 1,000 oral history interviews. We also host countless public events and workshops on local history, memoir and archival preservation,” Milbrodt said.

The twofold mission is to raise awareness of local history collections and to encourage Queens neighbors to contribute their own history to the library.

“Every volunteer who records an oral history interview with a neighbor, friend or relative and shares it with us, has made a contribution to the way future researchers will understand Queens in 2022,” she continued.

The Queens Name Explorer project originated from a dialogue with their technology partner, Urban Archive, about how to explore monuments and other named Queens sites.

“Currently, there’s a national conversation about how the individuals we celebrate in public places with statues and other namings, shape our understanding of what is important to know about the past. There was no single list of honorary namings for schools, streets, parks, and other public places, so we wanted to create one,” Milbrodt said.

Data specialist Angela Miskis was appointed to mine public datasets for places named after individuals, while a team of researchers under Lori Wallach assembles biographical information about each honored notable.

Geraldine Ferraro Way unveiled Oct 2012, alongside historic Ascan Ave & Austin St names, Photo by Michael Perlman.

“All data is public, but our project is bringing it all together for the first time. Thanks to Urban Archive, we are able to present it in the form of an interactive map, where visitors can locate named places in any section of Queens,” Milbrodt explained.

“Since our emphasis as the Queens Memory Project is on people’s lived experiences and personal connections to history, our goal was to create an opportunity through this map for people to share the kinds of details about those who are honored, but not included in official proclamations or historical markers.”

The public can explore the Queens Name Explorer map and share their story and photos at https://nameexplorer.urbanarchive.me.

“Anyone can click the ‘Add/Edit’ button to share a photo, a memory or report a missing or damaged sign online,” she said.

The majority of data is honorary street names after notables of the past century.

“We want their friends, family members and colleagues to share stories and photographs, which will offer a better sense of their personalities, talents and motivations for the pursuits that inspired their neighbors to honor them after their passing,” said Milbrodt.

There are over 700 live entries on the interactive map, and hundreds more will follow in the upcoming weeks.

“I want to get their names live on the site quickly, so people can begin interacting with them by sharing photos and stories,” Milbrodt said.

This project has no expiration date. “We will keep compiling biographical details in the coming months and years,” she added.

Milbrodt also referenced mysteries, since some mapped street names are in need of bios.

She explained, “We are beginning an outreach campaign to public schools and community boards to help us solve these mysteries, but invite anyone with an interest in local history to see if they can contribute.”

To date, a search through some archives retrieved no results for Gerard Place in Forest Hills, but rumor has it that it was named after a farmer.

Local residents wonder how the Rego Park Crescents were named, which consist of Asquith, Boelsen, Cromwell, Dieterle and Ellwell Crescents, followed by Fitchett Street.

Local interactive map entries include a number of sites, but await historic data from the public, as in the case of P.S. 175 The Lynn Gross Discovery School and Annadale Playground, J.H.S. 157 Stephen A. Halsey, P.S. 220 Edward Mandel, P.S. 144 Col. Jeromus Remsen, P.S. 174 William Sidney Mount, J.H.S. 190 Russell Sage, P.S. 206 The Horace Harding School, Ehrenreich-Austin Playground, Samuel Picker Square and Lefrak Memorial Square.

Stephen A. Halsey JHS 157 in 1949.

Bios appear for local sites, but also await public contributions.

They include Rabbi Dr. Asher Murciano Way, MacDonald Park – named after Captain Gerald MacDonald, Federoff Triangle – named after Barnett and Gussie Federoff, William Cooper Walk, Harry Van Arsdale, Jr. Avenue (69th Road), Abe Miller Way, Walter Becker Way, The Ramones Way, Rue Barry Lewis Way, Detective Jeffrey A. Lee Way, Ilyau Aronov Corner, Alex Braginsky Drive and Nathaniel Schneider Triangle.

Walter Becker Way unveiled, Oct 2018. Photo by Michael Perlman

Milbrodt shared her passion for the larger picture of history. “History is most interesting when I can learn about larger historical events through the lives of individuals. I think we often fail to see how we are all part of history, how much our circumstances shape our lives and how much each of us can impact the future.”

On Dec. 6, Antos, in partnership with Queens Memory, presented “Naming Queens” at the North Forest Park library branch, which attracted a great turnout.

He demonstrated how residents can have a street co-named and pinpointed notables who are honored locally. A recording will soon be published in the digital archives, and the public can anticipate similar programs over time.

Antos is open to street co-naming collaborations with residents and community organizations.

“In 2015, I worked with Bayside Historical Society to co-name the intersection of Northern Boulevard and Marathon Parkway as Matinecock Way, honoring the history of the Native Americans of Queens. This tribe once resided in villages spanning Little Neck, Flushing, Pomonok, Bayside, College Point, Douglaston and Whitestone.”

Milbrodt cited solid examples of public interaction. A main map entry is for Joe Imp Way in Long Island City, followed by a second entry consisting of an image and detailed story by his widow, Marie Imparato.

“You can see that the photo isn’t perfect, but her contribution is so moving and personal, and it’s precisely what we were hoping for. As for the person who moves to an apartment building on that street a century from now, ‘Joe Imp’ will just be words on a sign, until they come across Marie’s contribution,” she said.

A contributor who has superb local expertise is Ed Wilmarth III, historian of the Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department, who told the story behind Chief Christian Hoobs Way.

Another example is Susan Latham’s contribution to an entry for Latham Park entry, named after her grandfather.

There have been four walking tours of named places in Forest Hills, Ridgewood, Long Island City and Jamaica, in affiliation with Open House New York in October.

Another public lecture was led by geographer Joshua Jelly-Schapiro, which entailed named places and their role in capturing local history.

On Jan. 4, the team will host an “office hours” event online to address questions about Queens Name Explorer, and will feature additional information on site navigation and the resource’s progress.

The public can visit various online resources, such as the Project Launch clip: https://queenslibrary.aviaryplatform.com/r/3f4kk95b4r and the Latham Park clip: https://youtu.be/rDYKKX38Yos.

For more information, follow @queensmemory on Instagram or visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/queensmemory.

Porcelli: The Other Side of Education (12/15)

CTE Shop Class: Now It’s High-Tech

Progress in trade education…I hope

By Mike Porcelli

For most of my life, I’ve participated in trade education from every possible angle. I’ve served on high school and college trade ed advisory boards and lobbied elected officials to increase CTE programs as they were continually diminished.

Four years ago, I was inspired by an article from a high school classmate about how college was a waste for many of those attending. He got me thinking about why the programs offered in our high school, those I had promoted for decades, were no longer available to most students.

Around the same time, I discovered an article by Michael Bloomberg and Jamie Dimon on why vocational education is crucial to the economy, but schools were no longer teaching those skills.

That experience led me into researching the subject more deeply and advocating more strongly for the restoration of CTE programs on radio and TV, as well as in these pages. I also began more actively working with DOE schools and workforce organizations to expand CTE as much as possible. It has been frustrating to see virtually no increase in training programs over that time…until now.

Recently, I’ve been pleased that DOE is beginning to see the light. Three months ago, at a news conference with Mayor Adams and Schools Chancellor David Banks, a partnership was announced between DOE, New York Jobs Ceo Council and CareerWise New York to create job training for high school students who were not heading directly into the college-debt-mill.

Their modern apprenticeships offer students opportunities in growing NYC industries and practical learning experience in addition to their classroom instruction.

CareerWise New York is an employer-led, student-focused collaboration, with a mission to ensure young people have access to job opportunities and employers get the talent they need. The program is based on the Swiss system, widely regarded as the world standard in linking apprenticeships, education and industry. 

Since Bloomberg and Dimon wrote about the need for trade education years ago, Bloomberg L.P. and J. P. Morgan Chase have contributed millions into education and training programs, locally and nationwide.

At the September news conference, along with other businesses, they pledged even more money to fund the CareerWise partnership.

The mayor, chancellor and every other sponsor are to be commended for establishing this program to benefit students and industry together.

To learn more: https://working.nyc.gov/?p=1991 & https://www.careerwisenewyork.org/en/ 

As commendable as this program is, it appears to suffer from the same problem many CTE schools have, which is an implicit bias regarding “vocational education programs.” The career fields in this program do not appear to include any of the “hands-on trades.”

The construction and mechanical trades are somehow not included when most people advocate for CTE education. They prefer “clean” CTE programs, at the expense of training mechanics, carpenters, plumbers and the other highly skilled people who keep the world running.

Industrial bias must end. Begin by opening this program to all trades, especially those in shortest supply. Workforce skills must match demand.

Academic & Trade Education are Two Sides of a Coin. This column explores the impact of CTE programs on students, society, and the economy.

Mike Porcelli: life-long mechanic, adjunct professor, and host of Autolab Radio, is committed to restoring trade education in schools before it’s too late. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-porcelli-master-mechanic-allasecerts/ 

ANN M. CHIRICHELLA

Ann M. Chirichella passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at the age of 84. Loving Sister of John Chirichella and sister-in-law of Patricia. Cherished Aunt of Patricia Valero and the late John Chirichella. Mass of Christian Burial was offered at Transfiguration Church on Thursday, December 1, 2022 10:45 AM. Interment followed at St. John Cemetery, Middle Village, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth NY 11378.

VIRGINIA FRAZIER

Virginia Frazier passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at the age of 92. Beloved Wife of Andrew J. Frazier. Loving Mother of Kathleen Derouin, Edmund Frazier and Eileen Frazier. Cherished Grandmother of Renee, Colette, Matthew, Keith, Veronica, Samantha and the late Andrew and Great Grandmother of Evelyn, Lily, Eli, Eliot, Isaac and Morgan. Dear Sister of Eileen Hagen. Also survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews and friends. Religious Services were offered at Papavero Funeral Home on Friday, December 16, 2022 10 AM. Interment followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Maspeth, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth NY 11378.

EMILIO RODRIGUEZ

Emilio Rodriguez passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at the age of 78. Beloved Husband of Maria C. Rodriguez. Loving Father of Cristina Rodriguez, Emilio Rodriguez Jr. and Nancy Rodriguez. Cherished Grandfather of Alejandro and Naomi. Mr. Rodriguez was a United States Army Veteran. Mass of Christian Burial offered at St. Stanislaus Church on Saturday December 10, 2022 9:30 AM. Interment followed at Cypress Hills Cemetery, Brooklyn NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth NY 11378.

NICHOLAS JAMES PIACENTE

It is with a heavy heart that the family of Nicholas James Piacente is announcing the death of their son and brother. Nicholas was 31 years of age and died suddenly November 19, 2022. His death was caused by a two inch, (2″), blood clot in the left anterior descending coronary artery in his heart, which is rare for his age. Nick was a gentle soul and was an animal lover. He enjoyed vacationing in the mountains and recently joined a hiking club.  He also enjoyed the arts, especially opera.  He played the clarinet and was first chair clarinetist consecutively three years in Suffolk County,(S.C.E.M.A.), consecutively three years at New York State Music association., (N.Y.S.S.M.A.).  Additionally,  he was first chair clarinetist at the Best of All Eastern, 2009.  Moreover, he performed at Carnegie Hall. To describe Nick as a scholar is an understatement.  Nick was valedictorian of the class of 2009 while attending Mattituck High School. In 2013, he graduated from Princeton University: Summa Cum LaudeIn 2014 he decided to change careers and left the financial district.  He attended St. John’s Law school where he received a full scholarship. For the past 4 years he has been a practicing attorneyNick is survived by his parents Keith and Christine, his sister Christine M., (Giles Smith), his niece Lillian, his nephew Augustine, and Uncle Al. The family hopes that God is holding him in the palm of his hand. Please donate to : The American Heart Association or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, (A.S.P.C.A.) New York City.  Visitation Fri Dec 2nd, 2022 2-5pm & 7-9pm.  Funeral Service Sat Dec 3rd 2022 10am St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 85 Greenway South, Forest Hills. Interment  to follow at 11:20am Maple Grove Cemetery, 83-15 Kew Gardens Road, Forest Hills under the direction of Fox Funeral Home, 98-07 Ascan Avenue, Forest Hills.

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