NYC Marathon Spotlights Two Inspiring Queens Athletes

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Two Queens runners are among the 26 athletes selected by New York Road Runners for Team Inspire, a group spotlighted for their compelling stories leading up to the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. Ceil Witherspoon of Long Island City and Karen Bdera of East Elmhurst exemplify the resilience, dedication, and community spirit that have made the marathon one of the most iconic sporting events in the world.

The marathon, set for Sunday, Nov. 2, draws more than 55,000 runners from around the globe and two million spectators lining streets across all five boroughs. The race is known for its inclusivity, welcoming Olympians, Paralympians, first-time runners, and final finishers alike. Team Inspire represents one mile of the 26.2-mile course for each athlete, highlighting the diverse and inspiring ways running transforms lives.

Origins of Running

For Bdera, a 41-year member of NYRR, running began in 1984 after seeing a bus ad that read, “Who says women can’t run the world.” She had never been a competitive runner in high school or college.

“I said, I think I can do that,” Bdera recalled. “I didn’t feel threatened, because there wouldn’t be any alpha-type men trying to push through me. I just sort of fell in love with it.” Over the years, she has completed more than 700 NYRR races and met her husband while volunteering at a race, forming lifelong connections through running.

Witherspoon’s path to running was shaped by health and circumstance. Growing up with asthma, she never imagined participating in a marathon. Her introduction to the sport came through volunteering with City Harvest, the nonprofit that provides free nutritious food to New Yorkers in need.

“The reason I did the marathon was because I could, if I could run to raise money to feed people, that’s a reason to do something,” Witherspoon said.

Training and Preparation

The two athletes approach preparation differently, reflecting their experience and health considerations.

Bdera begins her marathon build in June, gradually increasing mileage with structured runs through Queens parks, including Astoria Park and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

“Part of that is also knowing where every great bathroom is, knowing that you can get on a bus or the subway if something goes awry,” she said. Her training is methodical, building endurance while tapering before the race to prevent injury.

Witherspoon navigates the added challenge of asthma. She described her first marathon as “really hard” and admitted early coaching did not account for her limitations.

“I was a beginner. The first half of the marathon to 13 miles was okay, but starting at 11:30, everything was closing down,” she said. Over the years, she has adjusted her preparation to accommodate both weather and her health.

“This year, it’s cold outside. I have to stay as warm as possible and make sure my lungs don’t seize up like last year,” she said.

The Experience of the Race

Both runners emphasize the energy and inclusivity of the marathon, but their perspectives differ.

Bdera reflects on the growth of the marathon over her 25 years.

“Now the race has grown to the extent that there are five waves of people on all levels… It respects the entire gamut of the running community. It really is mind-blowing,” she said. She recalls her first marathon as a smaller, more intimate race and marvels at how NYRR has maintained a supportive and welcoming environment amid tens of thousands of participants.

Witherspoon, often a final finisher, experiences the race as a deeply immersive event.

“There’s so much going on—the music, the cheering, all the sounds—you really can’t concentrate on anything else but just making sure you’re walking okay, don’t hit a pothole,” she said. Completing the marathon represents more than a personal accomplishment; it is a way to inspire others and support City Harvest.

“When I come home with the medal, I think, okay, I did this. Now this is going to work out for a lot of people,” she said.

Being Part of Team Inspire

Both athletes describe Team Inspire as a unique opportunity to motivate others.

“For me, Team Inspire means I can motivate someone who is older to do something they never thought they would and enjoy doing it,” Witherspoon said.

Bdera sees the team as a network of support and inspiration.

“The group that has been assembled… have stories that are truly amazing. It really makes me feel like I’ve got a support net that we just met, and we feel like family,” she said.

Looking Ahead

Bdera is considering future marathons cautiously, with the milestone of 25 looming large.

“25 is a convenient number, although I’ve had a few people say, well, the marathon is 26.2 so you have to at least one more after this one,” she said.

Witherspoon reflects on her journey from a first-time marathon walker to a five-time finisher.

“I was going to quit after the second marathon, but then something inspired me to keep going,” she said. “I have to wait and see what happens, to figure out if I’m going to do it six times next year.”

For both, the marathon is more than a race; it is a celebration of resilience, community, and the transformative power of running.

“Anything is possible if you set your mind to it,” Bdera said.

NYC Students to Rally at City Hall Against Statewide Device Ban

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

A coalition of New York City students is planning a rally at City Hall during winter break to oppose the state’s newly implemented ban on Wi-Fi-enabled personal devices in public schools, arguing the policy widens inequities and hampers learning.

The demonstration, organized by Voluntas Juvenium, a student-led nonprofit known as “Will of the Youth,” follows a petition with more than 5,000 signatures and growing online support. The group’s campaign calls for what it describes as a “student-centered device policy” — one that balances classroom focus with flexibility for caregiving, communication, and academic needs.

Students from across the five boroughs have joined the effort, representing schools such as Brooklyn Technical High School, Bronx Science, Townsend Harris, Newtown, Francis Lewis, LaGuardia, and Eleanor Roosevelt. Many are helping to organize petition drives, coordinate outreach, and mobilize classmates to attend the upcoming City Hall protest. Voluntas Juvenium leaders say the cross-school coalition reflects a shared frustration with the ban’s impact on learning and communication, uniting students from specialized, arts, and neighborhood high schools under one cause.

“It’s our social responsibility to dismantle barriers and make sure overlooked voices are heard,” said Yu Hei Ip, a board member of Voluntas Juvenium and founder of the initiative. “We’re not asking for phones in class — we’re asking for policies that respect students’ lives, promote learning, and close equity gaps.”

The policy, which took effect statewide this fall, restricts students from bringing or using any Wi-Fi-enabled personal device, including phones, tablets, and laptops on school grounds. While the move was intended to curb classroom distractions, students say it has created logistical problems and academic setbacks.

“When they announced it on the first day of school, everyone just booed,” said Jin Park, founder of Voluntas Juvenium and student body president of The Brooklyn Latin School. “Our school doesn’t even have enough working laptops. Phones often fill that gap. For many students, they’re the only way to access Google Classroom, email teachers, or complete assignments.”

Park and Ip, both seniors, said enforcement has varied widely across schools. Some campuses use locking pouches to store phones, while others require students to surrender their devices to the main office. “At our school, the line to pick up phones at the end of the day is 20 minutes long,” Ip said.

Beyond inconvenience, students say the ban disproportionately impacts lower-income schools that lack up-to-date technology. “Private schools and wealthier communities still have access to resources,” Park said. “This just widens the digital divide.”

Students interviewed described difficulties completing college applications, studying during lunch periods, and communicating with family members — especially those who serve as caregivers or work after school.

“The time it takes just to log into a school laptop can eat up half the period,” Ip said. “Everything is online now. Taking away devices takes away the tools we need to learn.”

Teachers, too, have expressed reservations, according to Ip, who serves on his school’s student senate. “Most of the teachers I’ve spoken to didn’t want this policy,” he said. “They know students rely on devices to check grades, submit homework, and communicate through email.”

Voluntas Juvenium, which has more than 1,200 members across 17 countries, has organized hundreds of community service and advocacy projects. The group’s leaders say their experience working with local legislators, including Assemblymember Emily Gallagher and Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, has prepared them to navigate the political aspects of the campaign.

The upcoming City Hall protest is expected to draw at least 500 students, according to organizers, though they are aiming for double that number. The event will feature student speakers, press briefings, and outreach to elected officials.

“This is about setting a precedent,” Ip said. “We want to show that youth can organize, speak up, and influence change. Every major movement starts with students.”

The group has proposed a compromise policy allowing devices to remain “off and away” during instruction, but accessible during non-class periods such as lunch or passing time. Their framework also calls for restorative enforcement approaches and better funding for schools with outdated technology.

Park said the goal isn’t outright defiance, but reform. “The ideal outcome would be a full repeal,” he said. “But if that’s not possible right now, we want amendments that make this policy livable — and fair — for students.”

The rally date has not yet been finalized, but Voluntas Juvenium plans to coordinate with the NYPD and City Hall for permits. In the coming weeks, student organizers will continue recruiting high school representatives citywide to mobilize participation.

“When you dare to share your perspective,” Ip said, “you don’t just claim your own space, you give others permission to do the same. We’re building something that can outlast us.”

 

Inside Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Dr. Roudakova

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month unfolds, Dr. Kseniya Roudakova, MD, a fellowship-trained and board-certified breast surgeon at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, reflected on the significance of the month, her experiences treating patients, and the ongoing fight against one of the most common cancers affecting women today.

“It’s a time for us to come together, honor survivors, celebrate their strength, and acknowledge everything healthcare providers are doing to combat breast cancer. In the process, we’re also raising awareness,” Dr. Roudakova.

For Dr. Roudakova, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not only symbolic—it can be lifesaving. “I actually had an interesting case,” she recalled. “One of my patients, a man, discovered a lump on himself during Breast Cancer Awareness Month after learning that males can also be affected. He palpated a mass and came to see me. That’s how he was diagnosed with breast cancer. So, yes, this month truly makes a difference. It’s impactful.”

Understanding Breast Cancer

Dr. Roudakova explained that breast cancer has no single cause, and that patients should not blame themselves. “When my patients ask why they got cancer, I always tell them, ‘Don’t blame yourself.’ It’s not anything that you did or didn’t do,” she said. “It’s multifactorial—it can be related to genes, environmental factors, or sometimes things beyond our control.”

She added that the best line of defense is early detection through regular screenings. “Hopefully, everyone is getting their mammograms annually if they’re over the age of 40 and at average risk,” she said. “You might not feel anything wrong, but imaging can detect early signs before symptoms appear. Early detection gives patients the best possible prognosis.”

Why Early Detection Matters

“The earlier you catch it, the more likely you are to treat it successfully,” Dr. Roudakova emphasized. “When we diagnose breast cancer early, there are more treatment options available, and outcomes are better.”

For women, she explained, annual mammograms beginning at age 40 are the standard for those at average risk. “For high-risk women, supplemental or earlier screening might be necessary,” she said. “Everyone over the age of 25 should undergo a risk assessment with their provider to determine whether they’re average or high risk.”

While breast cancer in men is rare, she said awareness remains essential. “Male breast cancer accounts for about 1% of all cases, but it does exist,” she said. “If men notice changes in their breast, they should bring it up to their doctor. There’s no official screening recommendation for men, but vigilance is key.”

After a Diagnosis

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, Dr. Roudakova said the next steps involve a multidisciplinary approach. “It starts with imaging, followed by a biopsy,” she said. “If cancer is confirmed, I meet with the patient to discuss what type of breast cancer they have. The treatment is tailored to the individual—it’s not one-size-fits-all.”

That treatment, she explained, often involves a team of specialists. “It’s not just me as a surgeon,” she said. “We have medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other professionals who all come together to propose an individualized plan. It’s a team effort.”

Clearing Up Misconceptions

Dr. Roudakova said one of the biggest misconceptions she encounters is the belief that breast cancer must show symptoms before it’s serious. “Sometimes it’s not symptomatic—and that’s actually the best time to catch it,” she said. “Just because you don’t feel a lump doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be screened.”

She also cautioned against comparing one’s treatment to another’s. “Breast cancer is unique to each patient,” she said. “Just because your mother or sister had a certain treatment doesn’t mean it’s the right one for you. Every case is individualized, and that’s what makes personalized care so important.”

When Cancer Goes Untreated

When left undiagnosed or untreated, breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body—a stage when surgery is no longer curative. “Too late, for me as a surgeon, would be stage four cancer,” she explained. “That means it’s metastasized to areas like the lungs, bones, liver, or brain. At that point, treatment becomes palliative. Timing is everything. The earlier you catch it, the more options there are for treatment—and the better the chances for survival.”

Advances in Treatment and Surgery

Dr. Roudakova said that breast cancer research and technology continue to evolve rapidly, giving patients more options and better outcomes than ever before. “Tumor genomics is a big advancement,” she said. “It helps predict whether the cancer might recur and whether chemotherapy will be beneficial. It allows us to personalize treatment—sometimes even avoiding chemotherapy altogether if it’s not necessary.”

She added that surgical techniques have also advanced to preserve both form and function. “We’re constantly working to make procedures less invasive while maintaining the best cosmetic outcomes,” she said. “We now have hidden-scar surgeries, nipple-sparing mastectomies, and various reconstructive options. We also take measures to reduce long-term complications, like arm swelling after surgery. It’s an exciting, ever-evolving field.”

A Message of Hope

As the month dedicated to breast cancer awareness continues, Dr. Roudakova’s message remains one of urgency, trust, and hope.

“Don’t wait until the last minute to address symptoms,” she said. “Timing is of the essence. Trust your healthcare providers, especially if they have the right credentials. And remember, if breast cancer is caught early, everything is going to be okay. It’s very much treatable, and we’re here to help.”

Courtesy Freepik

Flushing Employee Accused of Stealing DOE Fund

A former school staffer at a Flushing public school has been charged with stealing more than $415,000 intended for educational materials and using the funds to benefit her private cheerleading business, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on October 13.

Abi Corbin, 53, of Laurelton, was arraigned on a grand jury indictment charging her with grand larceny and identity theft for allegedly diverting funds from the East-West School of International Studies (P.S. 281Q), where she worked as a community associate.

Prosecutors said Corbin’s duties included processing work orders and managing purchases for the school. Between July 2021 and July 2024, she allegedly used the school principal’s login credentials to authorize fraudulent orders for cheerleading merchandise, which were then used by her private company, Queens Campus Cheer.

District Attorney Katz condemned the alleged theft, calling it “a serious breach of trust.”

“Instead of purchasing necessary educational materials to help students thrive, the defendant is accused of stealing school funds for her own private cheerleading company,” Katz said. “My office will hold accountable anyone who violates that trust and undermines the integrity of our public education system. I thank our partners at the Office of the Special Commissioner of Investigation for the New York City School District and members of my Public Corruption.”

Bureau for their work on this case.”Anastasia Coleman, special commissioner of investigation for the New York City School District, said Corbin’s alleged actions represented “a brazen abuse of her official position.”

“The hundreds of thousands of dollars she diverted to her private cheerleading business represent vital taxpayer funds intended for the education and well-being of East-West School students,” Coleman said, thanking Department of Education staff for reporting the misconduct.

The investigation began after several boxes containing cheerleading merchandise were delivered to the Flushing school on July 31, 2024. The school does not have a cheerleading team and is not affiliated with Queens Campus Cheer.

Corbin surrendered to authorities earlier on Oct 13. She was arraigned before Queens Supreme Court Justice Toni Cimino, who ordered her to return to court on Dec. 2. If convicted, she faces up to 15 years in prison.

The case was investigated by the Office of the Special Commissioner of Investigation for the New York City School District and the Queens District Attorney’s Public Corruption Bureau.

Queens Welcomes Maspeth Federal’s New Astoria Location

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Maspeth Federal Savings celebrated the grand opening of its newest branch in Astoria on Oct. 15, marking the bank’s first new location in more than two decades and reinforcing its long-standing commitment to serving local families and businesses.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by community members and press, kicked off a week of festivities designed to engage the neighborhood. Guests enjoyed interactive entertainment, a donut wall, coffee and refreshments, visits from Mr. and Mrs. Met, and other Mets royalty, alongside a newly unveiled mural by Queens-based artist Zeehan Wazed.

“This is the opening of our Astoria branch, the first Maspeth Federal branch in 25 years. We’re very excited to be partnering with the Astoria community,” said Thomas Rudzewick, president and CEO of Maspeth Federal Savings. “The Astoria area has been part of Maspeth Federal for a long time. We hold a lot of mortgages here, and we thought it was time to open a branch and let people join us as members. As a mutual institution, we are owned by our depositors, and this is a great chance for them to take advantage of some of the great rates we’ll have in Queens.”

The mural, painted by Wazed, highlights the vibrancy and creativity of the Astoria community. “I’ve always prioritized creating public art in Queens,” Wazed said. “Growing up here, there was a bit of a dearth of public art, so I’ve made it my prerogative to beautify the borough. The process was seamless — the bank had a clear vision, and it was rewarding to include Astoria Park and local festivities in the mural. It took about two to three weeks, and my assistant Fernando helped a lot.”

The opening drew praise from local leaders for the bank’s longstanding generosity. Tom Grech, president of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, noted Maspeth Federal’s extensive community contributions, including paying off the mortgage of a fallen NYPD detective and supporting his child’s education. “Maspeth Federal has been beyond generous. Their dedication to the community is bar none,” Grech said. “I know Astoria will welcome them as another key part of the local financial scene.”

In addition to celebrations, the branch is offering exclusive welcome CD rates and product offers for 60 days following the opening, underscoring the bank’s commitment to residents and small businesses in the area.

 

Cord Meyer Development and the nonprofit Dancing Dreams recently celebrated the season with their annual Fall Fest at the Bay Terrace Shopping Center. Held in the newly created outdoor dining and seating areas of the Bay Terrace, the after-school event drew hundreds of festivalgoers who enjoyed pumpkin painting, live performances, face painting, delicious baked goods, and much more. For information on Dancing Dreams and its commitment to serving children with physical and medical challenges who want to dance, visit www.DancingDreams.org. To learn more about Cord Meyer Development, visit www.CordMeyer.com.

Christian Spencer

Diwali no longer belongs only to the temple. It has become part of the city’s official calendar, drawing attention from politicians, corporate sponsors, and Queens, the borough with the largest Hindu population, which serves as the center of the celebrations.

The week leading to the October 20 celebration saw the glow of Diwali lights spread across Queens as temples, parks, and streets filled with prayers, parades, and performances marking the Festival of Lights, a holiday now recognized as a New York City public school holiday.

Political campaigns have increasingly leveraged the festival, turning religious observance into a stage for civic engagement. Queens has emerged as the focal point for both worship and political attention, combining tradition with contemporary influence in a borough that has become a crucible for cultural visibility.

At the Hindu Center in Flushing on October 16, Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. led a ceremony honoring local South Asian leaders for their service to the community.

Richards, a fixture in Queens politics known for cultivating connections with immigrant communities, acknowledged the borough’s evolving demographics.

“We as the Borough of Queens are built on a foundation of outstanding people working together toward a wonderful community based on hard work and mutual respect,” he said.

One honoree, Rasik S. Sanghvi, has spent decades leading the Jain Center of America, a religious and cultural hub in Manhattan. “We are so proud that the borough president cares about every community, every religion, and everyone,” Sanghvi said, noting the significance of official recognition for minority communities.

Shreya Tuladhar, executive director of the Minority Empowerment Network, works to connect historically marginalized groups to local government initiatives. She said the presence of elected officials at the festival carries weight for civic engagement.

“This Diwali was so special because it’s the first time they’re doing it in a Hindu temple, and that means a lot to our South Asian community. Having a Borough President who goes out of his way to show up for minority communities is truly remarkable. Representation matters — it makes us feel seen and heard, and it encourages civic participation across all communities.”

Two days later, in South Richmond Hill on October 18, the Diwali Motorcade returned after a five-year hiatus. The procession of floats, music, and cultural performances along Liberty Avenue drew families from across New York and the diaspora, many attending for the first time. The motorcade’s revival illustrated the aplomb with which the community has reclaimed its space in the city’s cultural calendar.

Pandit Ravi Latcha, a Hindu priest and spiritual leader in the borough, opened the festivities with rituals that connected participants to the festival’s deeper meaning.

“This event celebrates the Divine Mother, Lakshmi Ma, who is the source of happiness and the remover of all darkness, ignorance, hatred, jealousy, and passion. This year is especially meaningful because New York now recognizes Diwali as a public holiday. We have been working for this for a long time, and it is finally here,” he said.

Stephanie Karamchen, a longtime organizer with the Divya Jyoti Association, has helped make the Little Guyana event at Smokey Park inclusive for all attendees.

“Last year, we didn’t have the Diwali Motorcade. This year we’re bringing it back, and it’s amazing to see everyone come together from Long Island, the Bronx, Queens, Guyana, and beyond,” she said.

Savita Singh, a singer from Trinidad and Tobago, energized the crowd and acknowledged volunteers who made the comeback possible.

“Thank you so much! Richmond Hill, give yourselves a big round of applause! … Now, after five years, we are here bringing the Diwali Motorcade back! We love that we are at Smokey Park … so I want everybody to have an amazing time … Thank you, and Happy Diwali!” she said.

Leon Jameson Souseran, a local resident and community advocate, described the motorcade as a salient sign of the community’s resilience.

“It’s bigger than I anticipated. After COVID, a lot of celebrations died down, so it’s great to see the resurgence of this most auspicious Festival of Lights here in the Little Guyana community. Tonight’s motorcade is returning in grand style along Liberty Avenue. Celebrations like this show unity, sharing cultures, food, and music, and they bring people together at a time when there’s so much acrimony,” he said.

Olivia Valois, a queer Hindu and community advocate with the Caribbean Equality Project, pointed to Diwali’s growing inclusivity. “Diwali has become bigger and bigger as the years go by. More inclusivity is being attached to Diwali and other holidays rooted in Hindu culture. Spread love over light — Diwali is about good over evil and love over hatred,” she said.

Mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa addressed the crowd, connecting the festival to his broader platform on public safety.

“Diwali is a ceremony that brings light to darkness, where good triumphs over evil. I’ve dedicated my life to protecting people and animals, and that is what I will bring to City Hall. I will be here every year for Diwali and Pagwa,” he said.

His campaign manager, Rusat Ramgopal, reinforced Sliwa’s consistent presence in the borough.

“Curtis Sliwa always remembers this community. He has participated in Holi, Pagwa, and now Diwali. Other politicians may conveniently remember the community, but he consistently shows up,” Ramgopal said.

In the midst of political and social divisions, the visibility of Diwali has become a catalyst for civic engagement.