By MOHAMED FARGHALY | mfarghaly@queensledger.com

A recent gunpoint robbery of a USPS mail carrier in Maspeth has heightened demands for federal action to address escalating mail theft and improve postal security in Queens.

A gunpoint robbery of a United States Postal Service (USPS) mail carrier in Maspeth last week has intensified calls for federal action against rampant mail theft in Queens.

Police say an unidentified suspect approached the 48-year-old mail carrier on Monday, July 29, at the corner of 55th Avenue and 63rd Place, shortly after noon. 

The bandit displayed a gun and robbed the mail carrier of her mail key before fleeing the scene. Officers from the 104th Precinct responded shortly after the incident. No injuries were reported.

Council Member Robert Holden, representing Maspeth as part of New York City Council District 30, condemned the USPS following the brazen robbery.

“The USPS is on the brink of collapse, and we’re beyond the mayday call,” Holden said. “We need the federal government to step up, protect our mail carriers, and invest in fixing the infrastructure and securing our mailboxes and relay boxes instead of relying on outdated methods like the arrow key. Our Postal Inspectors and Police need to be bolstered, more need to be hired, and the judges need to throw the book at those who break federal laws, assault our mail carriers, and steal our mail.”

Last year, Holden worked with the USPS, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the 104th Precinct, and local residents to successfully catch a mail theft ring in another area of Maspeth. Despite this success, mail-related crimes remain a significant issue.

Holden emphasizes the need for immediate federal intervention to address these escalating threats. He calls for increased funding to enhance the security of mailboxes and relay boxes and to support hiring additional Postal Inspectors and police officers. Furthermore, Holden urges stricter penalties for those who commit crimes against mail carriers and tamper with the mail.

“With the USPS teetering on the brink of collapse, it’s a damn shame to see dedicated workers like our local mail carrier endure such a horrific crime for doing their jobs,” Holden said. “My office is in close contact with her, the union, and all stakeholders to ensure she receives the support she needs, and we will not rest until this criminal is caught and put behind bars for a long time.”

Postal insiders reveal that the universal mail key, or arrow key, can open cluster mailboxes, apartment mailbox panels, green USPS relay boxes, and some apartment building doors, making it a prime target for thieves. A recent federal audit found major mismanagement of security in the Postal Service’s response to the spike in Queens.

The National Association of Letter Carriers is pushing for new legislation. The Protect Our Letter Carriers Act, introduced in Congress in May, would devote $7 billion to enhanced postal security.

By MOHAMED FARGHALY | mfarghaly@queensledger.com
Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas praised New York State’s announcement of $350 million in supplemental payments for over 1 million low- and moderate-income families through the Empire State Child Credit program. Photo courtesy of Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas’s Office.

Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas today praised the announcement that New York State will distribute approximately $350 million in supplemental payments to over 1 million low- and moderate-income families. This aid, provided through the Empire State Child Credit program, offers eligible families direct payments of up to $330 per child without any application process.

The Empire State Child Credit, a refundable tax credit for income-qualified New Yorkers with children, was expanded in 2023 by Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature to include children under four years old. This expansion benefits an estimated 600,000 additional children annually. The current round of supplemental payments, based on 2023 tax filings, ranges from 25% to 100% of a family’s original credit amount, depending on income.

Eligible families, who received at least $100 in Empire State Child Credit for the 2023 tax year, will receive checks automatically. The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance will start mailing the checks in the first week of August and continue over the next several weeks.

Eligible families will receive automatic checks in the mail, watch your mailbox for a check that looks like this. Courtesy of tax.ny.gov

Assembly Member González-Rojas, a co-sponsor of the legislation, emphasized the importance of this financial relief. 

“I’m so proud of the work we were able to accomplish this year. We fought so hard to ensure New Yorkers would receive the support and relief they need to better take care of their families,” González-Rojas said. “As the cost of living continues to rise, we have to make every effort to reduce disparities. These payments will help provide much needed relief for low and middle-income families and help address the hunger epidemic. One in ten New Yorkers, including nearly one in six children, struggle with hunger and in a state as abundant in resources as ours this should not be the case. While this is a major victory, there is much more work to be done. I congratulate my colleagues for passing the legislation and look forward to making more progress on these efforts in the upcoming legislative session.”

Governor Hochul underscored the state’s commitment to easing financial burdens for working families.

“As New Yorkers get started with back-to-school shopping for their kids, we’re putting some money back in their pockets,” Governor Hochul said. “My team is making sure these supplemental payments reach every eligible New Yorker – and I’m going to keep working every day to address the cost of living for working parents across our state.”

Since 2022, Governor Hochul and the State Legislature have provided over $2.6 billion in financial support through various programs, including the homeowner tax rebate credit, supplemental Earned Income Tax Credit and Empire State Child Credit payments, and the gas tax suspension. In addition to these efforts, Hochul recently launched a digital portal, ny.gov/childcare, to make free or low-cost childcare more accessible through New York State’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).

Assembly Member González-Rojas, reflecting on her role as a parent and legislator, expressed her dedication to continuing to advocate for family-friendly policies.

 “”We were able to include a supplemental tax credit that gives up to $330 per child,” González-Rojas said. “The great news is that the parents don’t have to do anything. If you receive the Empire State Child Tax Credit, you’ll just get a check in the mail. Many parents are now preparing for the new school year. So this helps put money back in the pockets of families, particularly when you often have to buy supplies and new clothes. It’s very timely and exciting.”

She also expressed gratitude to fellow Queens Assembly Member Andrew Hevesi, chair of the Committee on Children and Families, and the collective efforts of the ‘mom squad’ in the State Assembly and Senate.

“We want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to help with everything from child care to school meals to access to health care for our children,”  González-Rojas said. “We’re going to keep advocating for it in next year’s budget and hopefully make it a permanent part of our budget system.I want to thank my fellow moms in the State Assembly and the State Senate. It takes a village to advocate for these policies, and the mom squad came through.”

The Assembly Member also highlighted another victory in the state budget: automatic re-enrollment for children on Medicaid or the State Child Health Plus program until age six. This policy, designed to reduce paperwork burdens for parents, ensures continuous healthcare coverage for young children during their critical developmental years.

“During those critical years, from birth until the age of six, having access to a provider and health insurance is so critical,” González-Rojas said. “This was a victory for me personally, but it was also a collective win for all advocates who care deeply about children’s health and family well-being.”

For more information on the Empire State Child Credit and supplemental payments, visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance’s website.

By MOHAMED FARGHALY | mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Charter Communications, Inc., which operates the Spectrum brand of connectivity and entertainment services, today announced it has awarded $80,000 in scholarships to four college students from Queens. Each student will receive $20,000 in scholarships and have the opportunity to participate in a two-year educational and professional development program through the Spectrum Scholars initiative.

Each of the rising college juniors selected for the 2024-2025 program will receive a scholarship for their junior and senior years, a Spectrum mentor, access to networking events, career readiness education, and the chance for a paid Spectrum internship. The program is tailored to the development needs of young professionals, empowering them to expand their skill sets, explore new career paths, and grow their networks.

Spectrum received over 930 applications for the Spectrum Scholars program this year. The 2024-2025 class includes 15 students from eight states and various academic majors. With this $300,000 commitment, Spectrum has provided $1 million in scholarships to students with financial need since 2020. 

The 2024 New York City Spectrum Scholars are Jimmy Chen of Flushing, Queens, attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for Computer Science; Brian Lin of East Elmhurst, Queens, attending Cornell University for Business Administration; Zhenbin Lin of Flushing, Queens, attending Stony Brook University for Computer Science; and Chidera Okonkwo of Cambria Heights, Queens, attending the University of California, Los Angeles, for Finance.

Chidera Okonkwo of Cambria Heights

The selection criteria focused on financial need and academic achievement. 

“Spectrum Scholars creates a supportive and educational environment that arms students with the experiences and skills to prepare them for the corporate world while actively guiding them towards their desired career goals,” Paul Marchand, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Charter said. “Now in its fourth year, the program builds a better talent pipeline and nurtures next generation leaders through meaningful financial support, mentorship and career development.”

The two-year educational and professional development program goes beyond financial support, offering professional growth opportunities through one-on-one mentorship, access to learning and networking events, and the chance to participate in a paid six-week internship with the company. These experiences are designed to ensure the Scholars’ long-term success by equipping them with essential skills and insights needed to thrive in their future careers.

Jimmy Chen expressed that being a Spectrum Scholar means having the chance to be part of a community of driven individuals passionate about technology and innovation. 

“It means having the chance to be a part of a community of driven and talented individuals who are passionate about technology and innovation,” Chen said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for me to grow, learn, and make meaningful impacts at Spectrum and ultimately, towards the world.”

Jimmy Chen of Flushing

Brian Lin echoed this sentiment, stating that being a Spectrum Scholar means being part of a network of like-minded students who can help one another throughout college and beyond, and receiving mentorship now so that he can pay it forward in the future.

“Being Spectrum Scholar means being part of a network of likeminded students that can help one another out throughout college and for the rest of our lives, and receive mentorship now so that I can pay it forward at a larger scale in the future,” Lin said.

Brian Lin of East Elmhurst

The Spectrum Scholars program also provides unique access to networking and professional development opportunities, including the Scholars Summit, a three-day event hosted at Charter’s corporate headquarters in Stamford. In December, the 2022 and 2023 classes traveled from across the country for the 2023 Scholars Summit, where they participated in networking activities with Charter mentors and attended keynotes and career development sessions on topics like communicating in a corporate environment and exploring different career paths at Charter.

Mentorship plays a crucial role in the Spectrum Scholars program, with volunteer mentors from various business units, including sales, marketing, and field operations across Charter’s service area. These mentors are nominated by their business and human resources leaders and paired with Scholars based on the students’ major and interests.

 Zhenbin Lin highlighted the importance of mentorship. 

“Having a connection with an industry professional at Spectrum means someone I can look up to for personal and professional mentorship,” Lin said. “I’m looking forward to picking the brains of my mentor for not only technical and career advice, but also on navigating the transition between college and the work force.”

Zhebin Lin

The Spectrum Scholars initiative aims to address the development needs of young professionals by providing comprehensive mentorship, career readiness education, and networking opportunities. Each scholar is paired with a Spectrum mentor, participates in exclusive events with Charter leaders, and gains hands-on experience through paid internships, all designed to equip them with the skills and insights necessary for successful career growth.

Participation in Spectrum Scholars can also open the door to potential Spectrum career opportunities after graduation. Byron Coulter, a Spectrum Scholars alumnus, started a position with Spectrum as an Associate Development Operations Engineer this past May after graduating from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a degree in Computer Information Systems.

 “Spectrum Scholars was instrumental in helping to shape my career path, providing not just financial aid but exposure to new career opportunities,” Coulter said. “Initially, I was interested in cybersecurity, but the broad experiences offered by the program redirected me towards data center infrastructure and ultimately, a full-time job offer with the company before I had graduated.”

The benefits of the Spectrum Scholars program extend far beyond financial assistance, offering young professionals the opportunity for professional development and the chance to expand their skill sets, explore new career paths, and grow their networks with a chance for a paid internship with the company.

“Spectrum Scholars is tailored to the development needs of young professionals, providing comprehensive mentorship, career readiness education, and networking opportunities,” Shelley Loo, Spokesperson said. “Each scholar is paired with a Spectrum mentor, participates in exclusive events with Charter leaders, and gains hands-on experience through paid internships, all designed to equip them with the skills and insights necessary for successful career growth.

by Marcus Ramos | news@queensledger.com

Six campaign volunteers were indicted on July 25 for voter fraud charges for allegedly submitting counterfeit absentee ballots during the 2023 New York City Council elections. The suspects are being charged for tampering ballot applications for the campaign of Yu-Ching James Pai, who was a Republican candidate in the June 2023 Primary for New York CIty Council District 20.

The defendants of the case are Sydnee Pai (19), who is the daughter of Yu-Ching James Pai; Li Zhen Wan (46); Yee Ping Yam (53); Lisbeth Cheng (24); and Crystal You (20). Each defendant was arraigned before Supreme Court Justice Leigh K. Cheng, with an order to return to court on September 19. A later date is anticipated for the arraignment of a sixth defendant. 

Defendants Pai and Cheng face two counts each of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree; falsifying business records in the first degree; illegal voting; offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree; criminal possession of a forged instrument in the third degree; falsifying business records in the second degree; and offering a false instrument for filing in the second degree.

Defendants Wan, Yam and You are charged with four counts each of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree; falsifying business records in the first degree; illegal voting; offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree; criminal possession of a forged instrument in the third degree; falsifying business records in the second degree; and offering a false instrument for filing in the second degree.

The defendants each face up to a seven year sentence if convicted.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz released a statement on the issue.

“Our democracy relies on integrity at the voting booth, and we will not allow that to be compromised in Queens County,” Katz said. “As alleged in this case, the defendants went to the Board of Elections and filed fraudulent absentee ballot applications on behalf of 23 voters they had never met.”

According to the charges, the defendants volunteered for Pai’s City Council Campaign between approximately March 1, and June 27, 2023. The defendants went to the Forest Hills office of the New York City Board of Elections during that period in order to retrieve ballots for voters who allegedly wished to cast absentee ballots in the primary election scheduled for June 2023. When a voter complained that they had been informed they had already cast their ballot when they arrived at their assigned polling station, the Queens District Attorney’s office launched an investigation. After speaking with a number of people whose names and personal details were on the ballot applications, Queens DA investigators learned that the voters had not filled out or signed the application, had never met the defendant designated authorized to pick it up, and had never gotten an absentee ballot. In total, 23 Queens County voters were affected.

Yu-Ching James Pai is currently not believed to be involved in the scheme.

 

 

 

By Alexander Bernhardt Bloom | alex@queensledger.com

 

The Socrates Sculpture Park in Astoria, on a scorching midweek afternoon in the mid-summer, has a great deal to offer the casual visitor seeking a brief respite from the afflictions beyond its gates.

Mothers settle into benches there and let their children run in the shaded underbelly of the garden’s cluster of trees. Construction workers take their midday meal. Older men in weathered baseball caps cast fishing lines into the bend of the northern leg of the East River that the garden sits up against.

Others, perhaps less casually, on a scorching midweek afternoon recently, wandered among the elements in the sculpture exposition on view there this summer, engaged in reflection of the sort to recall the memory of the great, Greek thinker for whom the park takes its name.

Suchitra Mattai’s We are nomads, we are dreamers, installed there until August 25th, gives one a lot to think about.

It all begins rather playfully, some of the artworks engaged in a game of hide and seek with a visitor, dangling from trees like beehives in unexpected corners of the garden. The tone shifts in Becoming, whose elements are arranged in a circular constellation that sweeps across the park’s northern lawn.

Described in an explanatory panel at the park’s entrance as “a monument to the journey of becoming,” what the sculptures literally are, are sedan-sized constructions of net and metal in the form of a woman’s wedge sandal. From particular angles they resemble Claude Monet’s famed haystacks: colorful, squat in whimsy, peaceful and prominent at once.

The base of each of the six pieces is woven with saris, many hundreds of them. The sari is not, of course, a conventional artists’ material but a traditional mode of dress for women from India whose descendants, including Mattai, carried the garments with them as diaspora brought them to new and unfamiliar corners of the world. Mattai assembled a collection of them large enough to weave into the tapestries that wrap the bottom of each sculpture, about 40 feet long a-piece, thereby constructing a new story of the thousands of distinct stories each of the saris carried with it before.

The result is arresting; to look is to become lost. The colors and textures are so varied, and the conditions they are in too, subject to the wear and tear of weather and other acts of god out in the open air where they have been presented. How very many roads must each have traveled before its arrival to here and now.

In stark contrast are the sleek, reflective metal faces that seal each piece on the top. On this scorching midweek afternoon the sunlight they returned to the visitors who got close enough blinded and burned; a midday meal of fried eggs might have been realized on their surface.

And while the sari-woven tapestries beneath them remain fixed in their arrangement and static in their appearance, the image one sees on the surface up top is changing constantly. Drifting clouds, passing avians, the visitors themselves, all become a part of the artist’s installation in a breath, Mattai insisting that the future, even with so much recorded behind it, remains ours to make.

Last week a major political party in our country nominated, for the first time, a woman who counts South Asian among the lines of descent that make up her identity. Mattai’s sculptures remind us that her’s is an example of a characteristically-American story; and also, that none of us are simply the sum of our demographic parts; and also, that in our achievements we stand on the shoulders of many, many others who came before.

A casual visitor to the Socrates Sculpture Park this summer should find respite there and much more.