F45 Training gym opens in Sunnyside

A new chapter in fitness has begun in Sunnyside as the popular F45 Training Gym will be officially open this Saturday, May 17th at 39-11 Queens Blvd in Sunnyside.

F45 Training is a high-energy group workout studio that brings you a complete wellness solution from functional training and HIIT, to nutrition challenges and accountability.

Owner Tony Leondis is excited to be bringing F45’s unique high-energy group workout to the neighborhood.

“This isn’t just another gym, ” Leondis told the Queens Ledger. “It’s the realization of a deeply personal dream and a powerful commitment to community transformation,” Leondis added.

Leondis, a long-time resident of New York, decided to change his life path after the start of Fatherhood. Working long, strenuous hours in bars stocking shelves, running errands, and grinding late into the night he found himself questioning the future. “I realized I couldn’t keep living that way,” Tony says. “I wanted to be healthier, happier, and more present for my family. And I knew I wasn’t the only one who needed that kind of change.”

That desire to reshape not only his own life but the lives of others led Tony to F45 a global fitness phenomenon known for its team-based, functional training classes. The name ‘F45’ stands for ‘Functional 45-minute workouts,’ and the philosophy centers on high-intensity interval training (HIIT), strength, and cardio, all delivered in a motivating group setting.

Unlike traditional gyms with rows of equipment and solo routines, F45 Sunnyside thrives on community. Members don’t work out alone; they train as a team. Certified coaches lead each class, guiding participants through fast-paced, effective workouts designed to improve both physical and mental health. “It’s not just about lifting weights or burning calories,” Tony explains. “It’s about building confidence, setting goals, and reaching them together.”

The process is simple: after signing up for a membership, clients select their preferred time slots from a wide range of classes available throughout the week. From early morning sessions to evening workouts, there’s flexibility to fit every schedule. And whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, the program adapts to your fitness level, ensuring you’re constantly challenged and supported.

More than just a fitness center, F45 Sunnyside is fast becoming a hub for motivation, positivity, and transformation. “We’re creating more than a gym here,” said Leondis. “We’re building a family one that lifts each other up, pushes each other forward, and celebrates every win, no matter how small.”

As Sunnyside residents seek healthier lifestyles and deeper connections, Tony Leondis’ F45 studio offers a unique and powerful solution: structured, science-backed workouts in a community-driven environment. For anyone looking to take control of their fitness journey, or simply try something new, F45 Sunnyside may just be the life-changing step they’ve been waiting for.

F45 Sunnyside will be open on Saturday, May 17th. Follow their Instagram account for more information.

Acura introduces first SUV to Type S line with 2025 MDX 5H-AWD

Acura is bringing a SUV to their line of Type S high-performance vehicles for the first time! The 2025 MDX 5H-AWD brings together effortless power with a spacious interior, state-of-the-art safety features, and a sleek look.

A turbocharged V-6 engine produces an estimated 355-horsepower with over 350 lb-ft of torque. The super handling All-Wheel Drive, large front brake calipers, and 21-inch wheels provide unique handling and complete control. The rigid chassis and long wheelbase help make your ride more comfortable and quiet by reducing vibrations and ambient noise.

On top of its normal driving mode, MDX offers unique integrated systems for snow, sport, and comfort. The Type-S also has a Sport+ mode and Lift mode that utilize lower and higher ride heights to maximize speed or performance.

Inside MDX is a panoramic moonroof, three rows of seating, and a premium design from front to back. A built-in touchscreen display comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and has Google included.

The 2025 Acura MDX 5H-AWD Type S starts at $75,250. It’s available in 7 colors: Black Pearl, Liquid Carbon, Apex Blue, Performance Red, Urban Gray, Lunar Silver, and Platinum White. The MDX starts at $51,200 and comes in 5 colors.

JJ: “As Subway Series Dawns, The Soto Sub Plot Emerges…”

By: John Jastremski

It’s truly understood that New York City has a major case of Mid May Knicks fever. 

When you are one game away from the Conference Finals, that is to be expected. 

However, the first installment of the Subway Series awaits on Friday night and the anticipation has been building since last December. 

Juan Soto will make his return to Yankee Stadium for the first time wearing Orange and Blue. 

After a year in which Yankees fans showered him with love, praise and admiration, the tone on Friday night will be drastically different. 

Imagine the jeers that David Ortiz and Jose Altuve have received from the Bronx faithful over the last few seasons, well I think that hostility towards Soto will be even worse.

Juan Soto chose the Mets, you can’t imagine the Yankee faithful are particularly happy about that. 

It will get lost in the Soto subplot, but the first month plus of the season heading into the Subway Series has been rather glass half full for both teams. 

The Mets through 42 games are double digit games over .500 and in first place in the NL East, and that’s without Juan Soto contributing much through the month of April. 

It was only a matter of time before Soto joined the party and he has been one of baseball’s hottest hitters through the early portion of May. 

In Yankee land, despite some pot holes along the way, the boys from the Bronx lead the AL East at 24-17. 

Aaron Judge hasn’t missed a beat even without Juan Soto hitting in front of him and is on a triple crown pace.

And despite the Yankee pitching staff suffering a whole lot of adversity, newly acquired Max Fried has been everything you could hope for and then some leading the staff. 

In fact, it makes you wonder in Yankee land. Where would this team be if they hadn’t signed the lefty in the offseason. 

It’s mid may so I would be careful with rash judgements either way regarding the result of this 3 game series, but to have an October like feel to this weekend is rather exciting. 

As if we needed any more excitement right about now in the Big City…

You can listen to my podcast New York, New York after every Knicks Playoff or Subway Series Game on The Ringer Podcast Network on Spotify/Apple Podcasts. You can watch me nightly on Honda Sports Nite following Mets postgame on SNY.

MVP Roller Hockey League 1st Juniors Season Finale

By: Paul Pogozelski

It was a great day for the Junior Finals at Juniper Valley Park!

The Middle Village Players Roller Hockey League wrapped up its inaugural Juniors Season for players aged 13 to 16 with an exciting championship game on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The top-seeded Squirrels, small and mighty, faced off against the second-place Hawks in a matchup that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The Hawks took flight in the opening with standout player Mason Monahan scoring, showcasing his explosive speed as he maneuvered around defenders and slipped the puck past the goalie for the game’s first goal. However, the Squirrels quickly responded with two sniping goals from Paulie Pogozelski, followed by a tally from Freddy Faulkner, who also dished out three assists during the contest.

Nazariy Hirnyak, a key player for the Squirrels, added his first of two goals to extend the lead to 4-1. Despite the point deficit facing the Hawks, the team’s coaches, Joey Pagano and Donato Campanella, rallied their team, leading a spirited comeback effort. The League’s Scoring Leader, Conor Greany, netted a goal and assisted another to Joseph Chierichella, closing the Hawks’ gap to 4-3.

Nonetheless, Squirrels coach Mike Concepcion kept his team focused, and Hirnyak struck again with a crucial late-game goal, assisted by Faulkner, pushing the score to 5-3. The Hawks refused to quit, and Greany connected on a one-timer from Monahan to make it 5-4, but the Squirrels held on for the league’s first-ever Juniors Championship victory.

Middle Village Players Roller Hockey League President Paul Pogozelski expressed pride in the young athletes who participated in the league’s first Juniors Season in an after-game conference and said he is eager to see the sport grow in the coming years.

“Our coaches on each team make sure to give their best for these junior players and it’s reciprocated by the playersí dedication to the sport,” Pogozelski said. “Roller hockey lives on in their hearts and minds. They will make friendships here that will last a lifetime and I’m proud of everyone that steps onto the rink.”

Pogozelski also recognized the Goalies James O’Donnell and Artur Prosinski for delivering standout performances while under the early hot temperatures for the season, donning heavy gear and making key saves throughout the game.

More shoutouts to all players and coaches for their efforts throughout the season include:

Champion Squirrels, coached by Mike Concepcion: Gary O’Sullivan, Nazariy Hirnyak, Freddy Faulkner, Quinn Tashiro, Daniel Gonzalez, Gino Campo, and standout goalie James O’Donnell.

The Champion Squirrels

Runner-Up Hawks, coached by Joey Pagano and Donato Campanella: Joseph Scotti, Mason Monahan, Conor Greany, Anthony Corso, Joey ‘Cheech’ Chierichella, Joaquin Lozano, Mike Rizzo, and Artur Prosinski.

The Runner-Up Hawks

Third-Place Dolphins, coached by Paul and Giedre Pogozelski: Simon Steskal, Paulie Pogozelski, Lukas Hamrak, Patrick Fegan, Jacob Palese, Valeryn Celis, Oskar Gogolewski, and Goalie Juan Jose Munoz.

The league extends its thanks to all parents, players, coaches, and administrators, Pete Mastrandea, Gary Posylkin, Craig Tallini, Thomas and Peter Pieniadz, for their dedication and support.

Brutal Lottery for Brooklyn as Nets fall to 8th

Mavs climb 10 spots, earn rights to Cooper Flagg

By Noah Zimmerman

Noah@queensledger.com

It was a rough NBA Draft Lottery for the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, as they fell to the 8th overall pick. After holding the 6th worst record in the league, Brooklyn wasnít rewarded for a lackluster season that is best described as tank-adjacent.

To add insult to injury, the Nets will be selecting behind the Philadelphia 76ers, who were unpunished despite their blatant descent into the draft lottery.

Philly is guaranteed a chance for one of Cooper Flagg,  Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecombe, or Ace Bailey, the consensus top four in the class.

The outright winners of the lottery were surprising. Aside from the 76ers, the only other teams to move up in the lottery were the San Antonio Spurs (+6 spots) and the Dallas Mavericks (+10).

Conspiracy theorists can rejoice with Dallas landing the top overall pick, as they are just a few months removed from arguably the worst trade in NBA history. After moving Luka Doncic to the Lakers, the Mavs set a record for the highest jump in the lottery and can replace him with Flagg, the Duke standout.

Brooklyn will still be able to select plenty of talent, as they hold four first round picks (#8, #19, #26, and #27). Plenty of teams will also be calling, looking to offload albatross contracts in exchange for more picks and prospects.

For next season, the question turns back to the tank. The last two lottery winners finished with the 10th and 11th worst records, so is it wise for the Nets to hunt a top pick in 2026 even after recent lottery trends?

NBA DRAFT LOTTERY RESULTS

  1. Dallas Mavericks (+10 from 11)
  2. San Antonio Spurs (+6 from 8)
  3. Philadelphia 76ers (+2 from 5)
  4. Charlotte Hornets (-1 from 3)
  5. Utah Jazz (-4 from 1)
  6. Washington Wizards (-4 from 2)
  7. New Orleans Pelicans (-3 from 4)
  8. Brooklyn Nets (-2 from 6)
  9. Toronto Raptors (-2 from 7)
  10. Houston Rockets (-1 from 9)
  11. Portland Trail Blazers (-1 from 10)
  12. Chicago Bulls
  13. Atlanta Hawks
  14. San Antonio Spurs

NY Pancyprian Freedoms Win APSL Metro Title

Polonia SC claims first ever CSL D1 regular season championship

By Noah Zimmerman

Noah@queensledger.com

The New York Pancyprian Freedoms are APSL Metro champions after defeating NY Athletic Club 5-0

It was a big weekend for both the NY Pancyprian Freedoms and Polonia SC, as they each picked up big wins to clinch regular season titles in the APSL Metropolitan Conference and CSL Division 1 respectively. The Pancyprians downed NY Athletic Club on the road at Travers Island while Polonia battled the NY Ukrainians on their shared home field at McCarren Park.

The Pancyprians have enjoyed a phenomenal season that has brought them to the national stage. Just a few weeks ago they clashed with MLS side FC Cincinnati in the US Open Cup, and coming up soon is another match in the National Amateur Cup. They’ve only suffered one loss in the APSL this season, coming to 2nd place side NY Greek Americans.

The Pancyprians have only lost once this APSL season

Against NYAC, the Pancyprians came out on fire. On the edge of 5 minutes played, James Thristino tapped in his first goal of the game, doubling the advantage with a header at the half-hour mark. After the half, Thristino completed his hat trick in the 81st minute, the fourth of five goals for the Pancyprians. The other scorers were Junior Rosero and Nicholas Zielonka.

Goalkeeper Josh Levine was only called into action a few times. He made the one save necessary in the 90th minute to preserve the 11th clean sheet of the year for the Pancyprians.

Shortly after, Polonia SC put the NY Ukrainians to the sword in Brooklyn, picking up a 4-1 win to clinch their first regular season CSL title. Right from the kickoff, Antoine Laurient pressed and won the ball inside the Ukrainians’ half. He squared it across to Alex Goldman for the opening goal just 15 seconds in. 

Antoine Laurient won the ball in the opening seconds to help open the scoring for Polonia

Polonia would find a second strike in the 32nd minute and Chouran Camara added the third and fourth goals on either side of halftime. Goalkeeper Carter Dutton-Kneaves was only beaten once, as Ivan Koshurba pulled a consolation goal back for the Ukrainians. He maintained his impressive record, conceding no more than one goal per league match.

Polonia celebrated with bottles of champagne on the field after the win. The club will now weigh their options, as the CSL winners are offered promotion to the APSL. They’ll also look to follow up the title with their third playoff championship after the season ends.

Polonia SC celebrated with champagne on the field at McCarren Park

With the champions decided, all that’s left is to sort out razor-thin playoff and relegation battles. In the APSL the bottom five clubs are separated by just five points with one match to go. In the CSL, all that’s left to decide is the final playoff spot, up in the air between Central Park Rangers’ and Hoboken FC’s second teams.

NY Needs To Go On a SALT-Free Diet

By Robert Hornak

The fight over the federal SALT tax deduction is heating up as the time to pass the next federal budget approaches. Many House Republicans who represent districts in high tax blue states like New York are working feverishly to either eliminate or dramatically increase the cap. This, however, is not the tax code change Republicans should be fighting for. 

In 2017 Trump passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) which, according to the Tax Foundation, “reduced average tax burdens for taxpayers across the income spectrum and temporarily simplified the tax filing process through structural reforms. It also boosted capital investment by reforming the corporate tax system and significantly improved the international tax system.”

One of the reforms was to set a $10,000 cap on the state and local taxes (SALT) that filers who itemize can deduct. To help offset this for middle class taxpayers who might have previously received a small benefit from itemizing, the standard deduction was almost doubled from $6,500 to $12,000 for individuals and from $13,000 to $24,000 for married filers. 

This reform had a few major benefits. First, it reduced the number of people who itemized from approximately 30% to about 10% now, making tax preparation easier. It also helped level the federal tax playing field between high income filers in high tax (mostly) blue states and similar filers in low tax red states. 

Naturally, in their relentless mania to attack anything Trump, Democrats claimed the SALT cap was an attack on high tax blue states. It appears that Democrats suddenly forgot that for years they have been screaming that the rich don’t pay their fair share in federal taxes, and in this case they were right. They also ignore one very basic simple fact, states don’t pay federal taxes, people do. 

Democrats in places like NY have always claimed that the high local taxes were the price some people were willing to pay for living in such a dynamic city that offers so much professionally, culturally, and gastronomically. But with SALT the only people ultimately paying for that privilege were the middle class. The wealthy took this huge deduction to avoid paying for that privilege. 

Simply put, if you earn one million dollars a year and you live in Florida, you are paying the top rate of 37% before deductions and you don’t have state taxes to reduce your federal liability. But if you live in NY and earn one million dollars, you get to deduct the 10.3% you pay in state taxes and an additional 3% if you live in NYC from that 37% rate. That’s over $130,000 right off the top that a wealthy NYC filer earning a million dollars a year avoids paying in federal taxes.

Talk about not paying your fair share. These are exactly the people the Democrats have been talking about for years. The only problem is they are blue state residents (both democrat and republican) and all those people they represent, who for years have been saying that yes, they actually should pay more in federal taxes, suddenly are having a change of heart with this simple fix.

This was essentially what Hillary Clinton was attacking Trump for in that famous 2016 debate when she accused Trump of not paying his taxes. And Trump fired right back saying if you want me to pay my taxes, change the tax code. Then he pointed out that she won’t because the people who fund her campaign use the same deductions he used. 

Trump then won the election and made that change to the tax code, driving his detractors absolutely insane. Trump, a NYC resident at that time, actually raised taxes on himself in addition to all those wealthy political donors he called out in that debate. 

Trump then went ahead and did what every Republican has said is a top Republican priority for the last 40 years. He raised the standard deduction for average filers while cutting deductions for the wealthy, making the tax code simpler and fairer. And that’s the fight Republicans should continue to fight and win with when they do. There is nothing better for working class Americans than a simpler, fairer, flatter tax system that doesn’t require advanced calculus to comply with. 

Robert Hornak is a veteran political consultant who has previously served as the Deputy Director of the Republican Assembly Leader’s NYC office and as Executive Director of the Queens Republican Party. He can be reached at rahornak@gmail.com and @RobertHornak on X.

 

 

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