Kirby, Wilpon and O’Grady Added to Board of Governors at Variety Boys & Girls Club

The Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens, located on 21st Street in LIC, announced three additions to its Board of Governors joining the founding leaders of the group.  The three leaders joining the Board of Governors are Paula Kirby, Matthew O’Grady and Maria Wilpon.  The Board of Governors at VBGCQ play a pivotal role in the organization bringing together some of the Borough’s best and brightest to help chart the course for Variety’s substantial growth goals of serving 30,000 youth by 2030.  The ‘30 by 30’ campaign provides youth in Queens free access to afterschool and weekend programming allowing each child to reach for the stars and their dreams.

Paula Kirby is Managing Director of Plaxall, a third-generation family business that owns and manages nearly a million square feet of property in Long Island City. Prior to joining Plaxall in 2014, Paula worked in Europe for over 20 years, notably as Head of Marketing for Prada based in Milan. She and her family have lived in Larchmont, NY for the past 17 years. She received a BA in Art History from Duke University, a Masters in Italian Language and Literature from Middlebury, and an MBA from the international business school INSEAD. A Queens native who grew up in Forest Hills, Paula serves on the Boards of the Queens Museum as Chair, the Queens Public Library Foundation as Vice Chair, Queens College Arts Advisory Board as Acting Chair, the Citizens Budget Commission, and the LIC Business Improvement District (BID), as well as on the Board of Advisors of Mount Sinai Queens. She is an active member of the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) and the LIC Partnership. “The Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens has been an incredible pillar of our community for so many years,” said Kirby, “and I am deeply honored to join such an illustrious group of community leaders. I look forward to working with CEO Costa Constantinides and his team to improve the lives of so many children in Queens.”  

Matthew O’Grady is Vice President Leasing at Cord Meyer Development Company, one of New York’s oldest and most prestigious real estate organizations. At Cord Meyer Matthew is responsible for leasing activity throughout the company’s extensive collection of prime retail and office properties, including the 300,000-square-foot Bay Terrace Shopping Center in Bayside.  Prior to joining Cord Meyer in 2022, Matthew served as Director of Acquisitions, Development & Leasing at Colin Development L.L.C. Matthew began his professional career serving as a commercial real estate broker, providing landlord representation across various asset types and tenant representation for retailers in their expansion into new markets throughout New York. A 2002 graduate of University at Albany, where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics, Matthew went on to study relevant coursework in Real Estate Development & Investment at New York University. He resides in Sea Cliff, New York with his wife and three children and is a licensed NYS Real Estate broker. “I am deeply honored to join the Board of Governors of the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens. This organization has been a pillar of hope and opportunity for young people in our community for over six decades. I am committed to upholding its legacy and working alongside my fellow board members to execute its vital mission of enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.” Stated O’Grady.  

Maria I. Wilpon is a Principal at DLR Group’s New York City office, where she brings over 30 years of diverse experience to drive impactful projects that enrich communities and promote sustainable futures. A visionary leader, Maria seamlessly integrates expertise across public and private sectors, excelling in strategic planning, high-performance team development, and adapting to evolving industry trends. Her talent for building strong client relationships through business development and fundraising has been central to her success. Maria is renowned for her ability to lead organizational change, fostering agility and resilience within her teams. She actively participates in design organizations and industry associations. Her exceptional leadership was recognized with the prestigious UJA Design & Construction Division Award, celebrating her extraordinary vision and achievements in the field. Maria holds a Master of Architecture from Pratt Institute and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Architecture from Universidad De Los Andes. She is currently an active board member of the Salvadori Center and has previously served on the boards of the Association of Medical Facilities Planning (AMFP), Professional Women in Construction (PWC), and the North Atlantic Council of the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP). Beyond her professional pursuits, Maria is a passionate advocate for cancer research, channeling her commitment into fundraising efforts. She has completed three New York City Marathons and numerous half-marathons around the world in support of this vital cause.

These leaders join the President & CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce; Tom Grech, Group Strategy Director at BBDO; Amadeo Plaza, Senior Director, Stakeholder Relations at Hydro Quebec; Peter Rose, Former Chair of Pediatrics for New York Presbyterian, Queens; Jay Abularrage MD., former NYC Council Speaker Honorable Peter Vallone Sr. and Bob & Su Robotti, as the founding leaders of the Board of Governors.  

“We are thrilled to add highly talented and passionate people like Paula KirbyMatthew O’Grady and Maria Wilpon to our team. When you bring leaders like these together with our existing Board of Governors only amazing things happen.  The future for the youth we serve and hope to serve by 2030 will be exponentially brightened by the additions we make today”.  – Said Walter Sanchez, President Board of Directors Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens and President of BQE Media.   

“I’m thrilled to welcome Paula Kirby, Matthew O’Grady, and Maria Wilpon to the Board of Governors at the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens. Their extraordinary leadership and diverse expertise will undoubtedly strengthen our mission of empowering Queens’ youth. Together, we are poised to make an even greater impact as we work toward achieving the ambitious goal of serving 30,000 children by 2030. The Variety Boys and Girls Club is a cornerstone of our community, and I’m honored to serve alongside such dedicated leaders in shaping a brighter future for Queens.” said Tom Grech President and Executive Director of the Queens Chamber of Commerce and one of the founding leaders of the Board of Governors for VBGCQ.

Middle Village Park Vandalism Escalates to Hate Crime Investigation

Courtesy Paul Pogozelski

 

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

 

A troubling wave of recent graffiti vandalism has disrupted the atmosphere of Juniper Valley Park in Middle Village, with offensive imagery and hate speech appearing regularly over the past few weeks. The vandalism has primarily targeted areas around the park’s hockey rink, track, and baseball batting cages, causing growing concern among local residents and community leaders.

Paul Pogozelski, the leader of the Middle Village Players Hockey League, which serves around 150 families in the area, has been vocal about the issue. The league is a cornerstone of community engagement in the area, and the recent graffiti has sparked fears of its impact on families who frequent the park.

“We first noticed it about a month ago,” Pogozelski said. “At first, it was just regular graffiti, but then it escalated to something much more disturbing. We’ve seen images that are graphic and hateful, including swastikas and other forms of racist and hateful speech. It’s really troubling.”

The offensive graffiti, which often includes anti-Semitic symbols like swastikas and other explicit imagery, has been found around the park’s most popular areas. In some cases, the graffiti targets local elected officials, including current City Councilmember Bob Holden.

The local parks department has responded quickly to reports of the graffiti, with crews typically covering up the offensive messages within 24 hours. However, Pogozelski said that despite the rapid cleanup efforts, the vandalism continues to resurface soon after.

“Once the graffiti is covered, it usually shows up again pretty soon,” he said. “We’ve been working with the parks department and the NYPD to stay on top of it, but it’s really become an ongoing issue.”

The New York Police Department’s 104th Precinct is actively investigating the vandalism. Pogozelski recently met with officers to discuss the situation and share any leads. Though no suspects have been identified yet, authorities are allegedly reviewing surveillance footage from nearby cameras to track down the culprit.

“We think it might be an adult responsible for this, not a teenager or high school kid,” Pogozelski said. “We haven’t heard anything from the usual network of local teens, and we haven’t been able to trace it back to anyone we know. It’s been really quiet on that end.”

Local speculation has linked the vandalism to an incident that occurred several weeks ago when a large-scale crackdown on motorized scooters led to several vehicles being confiscated. Some believe the vandalism could be the result of a disgruntled individual, though this theory is unconfirmed.

“Right now, we don’t have a solid lead, but we’re hoping that information will help us catch the person responsible,” he said.

The graffiti, which has predominantly included swastikas and other graphic symbols, has been described by Pogozelski as both offensive and deeply concerning for the community. The issue has escalated beyond the local precinct, with the investigation now being handled by the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Unit due to the repeated presence of swastikas and other racially charged symbols.

 “It’s crazy to think that someone would come to a public park to spread this kind of hate,” Pogozelski said.

Despite the challenges, Pogozelski remains hopeful that the community can work together to address the issue. He has urged local residents to report any suspicious activity to the 104th Precinct and to remain vigilant as the investigation continues.

“We need to stay proactive,” he said. “If anyone sees something, they should reach out to the police right away.”

From Erasure to Empowerment: New York’s Game-Changing MENA Data Bill Becomes Law

The Governor has signed a historic bill into law recognizing Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) communities as a distinct ethnic category in New York’s demographic data.

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

In a major victory for Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) communities, Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a historic bill into law that will officially recognize MENA people as a distinct ethnic category in New York State demographic data. This legislation, known as S6584B/A6219, will end the practice of categorizing MENA individuals under the broader “White” racial group, providing a clearer, more accurate picture of the state’s diverse population.

“We’re so proud that communities from across the globe call New York home,” Governor Hochul said. “Reviewing accurate data is a key starting point when crafting public policy. By ensuring that Middle Eastern and North African communities are accurately represented in State data collection, we’ll be able to identify ways to support this community going forward.”

The bill, which was championed by State Senator Michael Gianaris and Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas earlier throughout last year, requires state agencies to collect demographic data that separates MENA populations from the white demographic. This move aims to address the longstanding underrepresentation and invisibility of MENA communities in government data, which advocates argue has led to insufficient support and resources for these groups.

The new law represents a major step forward for MENA communities in New York, ensuring they are no longer overlooked in state-level demographic records. 

As Rana Abdelhamid, Executive Director and Founder of the anti-violence advocacy group Malikah, said, “As someone who grew up in and organizes in Little Egypt, I’m thrilled to see the passage and signage of the NY MENA Data Disaggregation bill by Governor Kathy Hochul, with the leadership support of State Senator Gianaris and Assemblymember Gonzalez Rojas. This is a much-needed and long-awaited step toward ensuring that MENA New Yorkers are counted, seen, and supported. This effort has significant civil rights and equity implications, but we know this is just the beginning.”

Abdelhamid, who has been a driving force behind the push for MENA data disaggregation, emphasized the importance of continued advocacy. “We must continue organizing as a coalition to ensure that MENA communities in New York achieve the equity, visibility, and representation we deserve. Malikah is committed to this work, and I’m proud of the grassroots power and our NY MENA coalition that has made this victory possible.”

The legislation aims to ensure that the unique needs and challenges of MENA communities are better understood and addressed. With more accurate demographic data, policymakers can create targeted solutions to tackle disparities in healthcare, education, housing, and social services.

“For far too long, Middle Eastern and North African New Yorkers have been afforded data disaggregation only in matters of surveillance and suspicion,” said State Assembly member, Zohran Kwame Mamdani said at a rally last year. “The time has come for that to be applied for the purposes of state support, instead of the policy of erasure that we have today.”

MENA communities, which include a broad range of ethnic, cultural, and religious groups, have often been invisible in demographic data, leading to a lack of tailored support in areas such as healthcare and social services. Advocates argue that this new law will help illuminate disparities, including higher COVID-19 death rates within MENA populations, and enable government programs to more effectively address their needs.

The passage of this bill comes at a time of growing recognition of MENA populations on both state and federal levels. The Biden administration recently approved new census options to identify “Middle Eastern or North African” individuals separately, with the 2030 census set to include a MENA category for the first time. However, New York has taken the lead by implementing this change before federal action, establishing the state as a pioneer in ethnic data collection.

Courtesy Malikah Instagram Page

This landmark legislation aims to address MENA communities’ unique needs by providing more accurate data for targeted policy solutions and resources.

Senator Gianaris, who represents parts of Astoria, Sunnyside, and Maspeth, where many MENA residents live, has been a tireless advocate for the bill. 

“Miscategorizing a New Yorker’s race is not only offensive but has real-world impacts on services and resources particular communities receive,” Ginaris said. “I am proud the Governor is signing this critical legislation to recognize and dignify New York’s Middle Eastern and North African communities.”

The bill’s success is the result of months of grassroots organizing and coalition-building, with over a dozen MENA organizations across the state coming together to push for this change. 

“For too long Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) communities have been made invisible by our lack of data collection or lack of disaggregation of the data,” Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas said. “By not including categories for these various communities in the Census and not disaggregating the data in our state institutions, the needs of neighbors have been unaccounted for, and the government should always work to better represent the needs of all our constituents. I am so proud to have worked with Malikah, the coalition of organizations, and my Senate partner, Senator Gianaris to have gotten this bill signed into law. It is past time that these communities are accounted for and better understood and represented. Thank you to Governor Hochul for recognizing this and signing the bill. This will allow us to better serve MENA communities as a government and to offer them the resources they need and deserve.”

With this new law in place, the NY MENA Coalition and other advocates are optimistic that this legislation will provide a foundation for future policy improvements, ensuring that MENA communities in New York are properly counted, represented, and resourced.

“So excited to see Middle Eastern and North African New Yorkers properly recognized and represented in our data,” State Senator Kristen Gonzalez said. “Thank you to the Governor, Sen. Gianaris, AM Gonzalez-Rojas, and all the advocates who stood up for MENA communities.”

 

The Garden School: Rooted in Tradition, Thriving in Innovation

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

In a borough known for its cultural diversity and influential communities, The Garden School has become an anchor for families seeking an independent education with a personal touch. Founded in 1923, Garden School serves children from Kindergarten through 12th grade and has earned a reputation in the community for its commitment to community, individual attention, and academic excellence.

Located at 33-16 79th St, Jackson Heights, the co-educational, K-12 independent school has been a place where generations of students, families, and staff have forged lasting bonds. From small class sizes to personalized academic programs, Garden School is designed to help students grow into who they are meant to be.

For many teachers and staff, the Garden School becomes a second home. Bill Vogel is one example of a faculty member who has had a long and impactful career at Garden School, as a part of the community for 48 years. He first arrived as an upper division math teacher, stepping in mid-year after a teacher left for personal reasons. With a degree in mathematics from St. John’s University, Vogel quickly fell in love with the school and its mission, which spans from kindergarten through 12th grade. Over time, he transitioned to teaching in the lower division, where he worked with 4th, 5th, and 6th graders—an area of the school known for its departmentalized approach, which allows faculty like Vogel  to teach specialized subjects at a young age.

What has kept Bill at Garden School for nearly five decades is its strong sense of community, where he has had the opportunity to develop lasting relationships with students and their families across generations. This sense of belonging is shared by many teachers, some of whom, like Vogel, have had their own children attend the school. His dedication to the mission of the school is evident not just in his career but also in his personal investment in the Garden School community. He is one of many long-term staff members who have committed decades of their professional lives to the school, creating a stable, supportive environment for both students and teachers.

“The sense of community here at the school has really kept me here, knowing students and their families for generations, being able to work with teachers who enjoy being with students and so many people have given a lot of their professional life  here to the school,” Vogel said. 

In one example of longevity, the school recently celebrated a momentous milestone when its valedictorian, coined a “lifer,” graduated after attending Garden since nursery school—just like her mother before her. The community spirit at Garden is perhaps the school’s most distinguishing feature. 

The school’s tight-knit nature fosters meaningful relationships, with students often remaining friends throughout their academic careers and long after that. 

“It’s really that people really get to know who you are as a person, and we are able to structure different kinds of activities for children,” Head of the school, Chris Herman said. “So it’s not just the academic piece that happens here at school, but it’s also that social piece, and the clubs and the sports teams, the trips that you can take with children, all sorts of things.”

Despite its traditional values, Garden School is far from stagnant. The school has expanded its academic offerings in recent years, integrating cutting-edge programs like robotics, arts, and global studies. 

One of the school’s hallmark features is its small class sizes, which allow teachers to give personalized attention to every student. Whether it’s through tailored coursework, extracurricular activities, or international travel opportunities, Garden ensures that each child receives an education that fits their unique strengths and interests.

“If a student around here has an idea about something, we foster that kind of community to support those kinds of dreams here at the school,” Vogel said. 

One of the key aspects that sets this school apart is its commitment to keeping tuition affordable, which makes independent education accessible to a wider range of families. Despite offering a robust array of programs—such as sports teams, international trips, and advanced academic courses—the school has worked hard to maintain a lower tuition rate without compromising the quality of education or opportunities available to students. 

This lower cost of entry has opened doors for families who may not have otherwise considered private schooling as a viable option, particularly those from diverse backgrounds in the local community. By ensuring that tuition remains reasonable, the school fosters a more inclusive environment, allowing families in the surrounding neighborhoods, including those in Jackson Heights, to experience the benefits of an independent education without the financial burden typically associated with it.

“Because of the commitment we’ve made over the years to keep the tuition so low, it has opened the doors and opportunities for people who may not have even thought Independent School was possible,” Herman said.

For a school with such strong local roots, Garden also takes pride in its global perspective. Every year, students embark on international trips to destinations like Spain and Portugal, immersing themselves in new cultures and gaining real-world experience. These trips complement the school’s focus on global studies, with courses in French, Mandarin, and Spanish, as well as a satellite campus opening soon in South Korea.

Garden’s commitment to diversity isn’t just reflected in its student body—it’s embedded in the school’s curriculum and extracurriculars. The school offers 31 varsity and junior varsity sports teams, ensuring that all students have an opportunity to participate in athletics. Clubs such as Key Club, Debate, and the Women’s Leadership Initiative provide students with platforms to explore their passions and develop leadership skills.

The school’s lunch program is also a standout feature, offering students a nourishing, family-style dining experience that emphasizes home-cooked meals made with care. Led by Chef Anna who has been with the school for over 20 years, the menu includes a wide variety of nutritious options, from tilapia with quinoa to homemade ravioli and lasagna, ensuring that every meal is balanced and fresh. 

Students eat together everyday at round tables, fostering a sense of community and conversation, rather than the traditional long rows often seen in larger institutions. This approach not only promotes healthy eating habits but also helps build social connections among students, creating an environment where mealtime is an opportunity for students to relax, bond, and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Beyond the global studies program, the school fosters an inclusive environment by integrating cultural awareness into its daily activities. The International Student Program brings students from various backgrounds together, and the school offers language classes in languages like Bangla, Hindi, and Urdu. There’s also a Peruvian Cultural School that hosts cooking and dance classes on campus, allowing students to learn about different cultures through hands-on experiences.

The academic facility also offers a Community Resource Center, where local parents and teachers can access educational resources for free. This initiative benefits not just students, but the broader Jackson Heights community, helping parents stay involved in their children’s education and providing teachers with professional development opportunities. The school hosted over 20 programs last year, offering everything from financial literacy workshops to college admissions counseling.

The Garden School doesn’t just focus on its internal community—it actively engages with its local neighbors. The school hosts the city’s free swim program, where hundreds of second graders from local public schools receive free swimming lessons. It also provides a space for local groups, such as sports leagues, to use its facilities

As Garden School continues to grow, its focus on community, excellence, and leadership remains unchanged. With plans to expand its international presence and a commitment to maintaining low tuition rates, the school is making high-quality education accessible to a wider range of families.

“Here at Garden, it’s not just about educating the mind, it’s about nurturing the whole person—academically, socially, and emotionally,” Herman said. “We believe in the power of community, and that sense of belonging is what sets us apart.”

Interested readers can reach out to The Garden School for more information by calling (718) 335-6363, or emailing info@gardenschool.org to learn more.

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