Faraz Ansari / @fkaphoto

Mayoral Rally Sends Message: New York Belongs to Its People

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

“New York is not for sale,” Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani declared to a roaring crowd at Forest Hills Stadium on October 27, capping a weekend of early voting with a rally that drew an estimated 13,000 supporters. The Queens lawmaker headlined the event alongside U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, emphasizing a platform of free buses, universal childcare, and a citywide rent freeze. With Election Day less than a week away, Mamdani called on volunteers to sustain the grassroots energy that has defined his campaign. Over three hours, political, labor, and religious leaders rallied behind Mamdani’s message of economic justice and working-class power.

Union and socialist leaders opened the event, linking their workplace struggles to Mamdani’s platform. A longtime 32BJ member highlighted years of fighting under-resourced public institutions and praised the union’s support for Mamdani’s vision of a “people’s university.” Security officer Clarissa Baines drew attention to poverty wages, noting that the city’s low-wage security officers earn an average of $40,000 a year. Healthcare and education workers emphasized similar challenges, with one noting that the affordability crisis is harming patients and another praising Mamdani’s plan for a Department of Community Safety, highlighting the need for alternatives to traditional policing in mental health emergencies.

Other unions expressed concerns for fairness and dignity in their workplaces. Leaders warned of executives cutting hours for educators to protect their own power, denounced corporate greed, and called for a mayor who would take on entrenched economic interests. SEIU President April Verrett closed the segment with a call to action, emphasizing that Mamdani “knows how to fight, and he doesn’t just fight, he wins.”

State Senator Julia Salazar and Assembly Member Claire Valdez positioned Mamdani within the city’s growing socialist movement. Valdez declared, “They think if they can set enough money on fire, they’ll win—but we know the truth that New York is not for sale.”

New York City Comptroller and former mayoral candidate Brad Lander then addressed the crowd with humor and conviction, introducing himself as “your second choice in the primary” before giving full-throated support for Mamdani. Lander praised the coalition Mamdani is building, calling it proof that politics can be “a team sport for building the New York of our dreams.” He contrasted Mamdani’s grassroots approach with the “sour, selfish ego trip of Cuomo or Adams or Trump,” drawing cheers when he said, “We had to send that corrupt, abusive bully, Andrew Cuomo back to the suburbs.”

Lander also spoke directly to Jewish and Muslim New Yorkers, condemning Islamophobia and political exploitation of religious divisions. “Jews and Muslims will not be divided against each other,” he said. “Our safety, our freedom, our thriving, is bound up together.” Linking that to global justice, he asserted, “Israelis will not be free and safe until Palestinians are free and safe,” demanding “the end to the genocide in Gaza.” Lander recalled his arrest during immigration protests and credited Mamdani as “the first mayoral candidate to show up and demand my release,” before rallying the crowd: “It’s not Donald Trump versus Zohran Mamdani—it’s Donald Trump versus New York City… elect Mayor Zohran Mamdani to build the New York of our dreams.”

Governor Kathy Hochul followed, tying Mamdani’s campaign to a broader fight against Republican extremism. “Tonight, we are here for one reason… Do you want to elect Mamdani as the next mayor of New York?” she asked. Hochul warned that Donald Trump and Republicans were “taking a wrecking ball to our very values, our people, and our progress,” citing cuts to “food assistance for babies,” “money for seniors,” and “health care for New Yorkers.” She condemned their attacks on reproductive rights, unions, and immigrants, calling out “ICE agents flooding our streets… terrorizing innocent people.” Hochul concluded with a call to ongoing political engagement: “Take that energy, that passion, and take it into 2026 so that we can take back the House of Representatives, take the Senate, and take back our country.”

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez returned to her home borough to thunderous applause, framing the mayoral race as part of a larger fight for democracy. “It is so good to be home… in Queens, New York, the world borough, the jewel of America,” she said. “We are a working people’s borough in a working people’s city, and all of that makes us a fascist’s worst nightmare.” Ocasio-Cortez warned that Mamdani faces national-level authoritarian threats, citing “an authoritarian, criminal presidency… and an eroded bygone political establishment.” She targeted former Gov. Cuomo directly: his “pursuit of power has blinded [him] from what that power is supposed to be used for… to aid and put the working people of America and New York City first.”

Ocasio-Cortez framed Mamdani’s campaign as a rebuke to the billionaire class, declaring, “Their greatest fear is an equitable, affordable and prosperous city for all.” She called for moral courage and solidarity: “We are not the crazy ones, New York City… it is not radical to demand affordable housing, a decent wage, the right to health care… it is basic and core humanity.” She invoked Mamdani’s platform of “child care, buses, rent and our rights” as an embodiment of that humanity, urging voters to “send a loud message to President Donald Trump that his authoritarianism is no good here.”

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders addressed the crowd with global stakes, framing the NYC mayoral race as a test of working-class power. “This is not a normal election,” Sanders said. “It takes place in a moment when we have a rigged economy with more income and wealth inequality than we have ever had in the history of our country.” He asked a central question: “Is it possible for ordinary people, for working-class people, to come together and defeat those oligarchs? You’re damn right we can.” Sanders criticized tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy under the Trump administration and said a Mamdani victory would signal that “this country belongs to us, not them.”

Defending policies critics call radical, Sanders outlined Mamdani’s agenda: rent freezes, expanded affordable housing, universal childcare, and free public transportation. “These ideas are not radical,” he said. “They are common sense and they are what the people of New York City want and need.” Sanders, a former mayor of Burlington, Vermont, noted the challenges of local governance but urged sustained engagement beyond election night: “When he is elected, your job is not over… Do everything you can to make him and his administration the best in the history of New York.” He closed with a warning not to be complacent: “Forget about the polls… None of us want to wake up the day after the election and find that we lost because our opponents outworked us.”

Mamdani concluded the rally by emphasizing the power of grassroots organizing and the inclusivity of his campaign. He recalled leading a hunger strike with Ocasio-Cortez in 2021 that won $450 million in debt relief for taxi drivers. “She was there with us on the picket line, on the phone after everyone else had gone home, and again in the primary of this election,” he said.

Highlighting the movement’s rapid growth, Mamdani said, “So many small donors chipped in that we had to ask you to stop donating. People started to learn how to pronounce my name,” he joked, drawing laughter, “and the billionaires got scared.” He called out Islamophobia and big-money efforts to label his campaign as radical. “Time and again, they have encouraged you to imagine less because they know a reimagined New York hurts their bottom line. We deserve a city government as ambitious as the working New Yorkers who make it the greatest city in the world,” he said.

He outlined his policy priorities for affordability and dignity: “We are going to freeze the rent for more than 2 million rent-stabilized tenants, build housing for everyone who needs it, eliminate the fare on every single bus line, and create universal childcare at no cost to parents.” Closing with a call to action, Mamdani urged supporters to continue mobilizing in the final days before Election Day. “If you have knocked a door, turn your flashlight on. If you have more to give, turn your flashlight on. Together, let us make a light bright enough to banish any darkness over these final nine days and the months and years that follow… On November 4, we set ourselves free.”

As he closed the evening, flanked by Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez, the three raised their arms in solidarity, symbolizing a united front for what Mamdani described as a movement for New Yorkers rather than billionaires.

Silverman Brings 40 Years of Legal Experience to Bench Bid

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Susan Silverman, a lawyer with nearly four decades of experience in criminal and family law, is seeking election as a civil court judge in Queens County, emphasizing impartiality, fairness, and a commitment to the law rather than politics.

A lifelong Queens resident, Silverman grew up in Bayside, attending PS 154, PS 159, and Bayside High School. After completing her undergraduate studies in psychology at the State University of New York at Binghamton in three years, she pursued a law degree at St. John’s University School of Law, following in her father’s footsteps. Since passing the bar in 1987, she has worked primarily in criminal defense, as well as in family law including divorce and separation, at The Legal Aid Society.

Silverman’s campaign for civil court judge is her first run for public office. She is running on the Republican and Conservative lines but emphasizes that political affiliation should not influence voters’ decisions. “I don’t think a judge should be politically based at all,” Silverman said. “A judge has to be impartial, fair, and unbiased, applying the law to the facts. I feel like my party lines are not relevant for voters. I want people to vote because of me and what I can do for the county as a sitting judge.”

Throughout her career, Silverman has observed the court system closely, identifying both its strengths and weaknesses. “Having been in the courts all these years, I see what works and doesn’t work,” she said. She noted inefficiencies in scheduling and clerical processes that can slow the pace of justice, comparing the current system to outdated methods such as signing in on a clipboard. “Judges use screens in trial to reduce the reliance on passing around papers, but the overall experience of going to court is still clunky and drawn out. We need rapid justice, versus the wheels of justice just turning slowly.”

For Silverman, the most essential quality of a judge is the ability to listen. “A judge needs to listen to both sides. How do you find out who’s telling the truth? I want to get it right,” she said. Her approach is rooted in years of practice and observation, including interactions with colleagues, prosecutors, and judges throughout Queens County.

Silverman also highlighted her work with pre-sentenced probation and supervised release programs, which provide alternatives to cash bail for defendants who are reliable and pose no threat to public safety. She described the role of these programs in creating a more equitable system for defendants who cannot afford bail. “It’s just to secure they come back. I hope as a judge I will be able to decipher who is reliable,” she said.

Her perspective on the evolution of law and justice is informed by her decades-long career. “A lawyer can’t know every statute. You have a book and you can look it up. Your understanding of law to the facts, that’s what matters. Judges can be appealed, so you have to get it right,” she said. She described her own professional growth in understanding how to apply statutes fairly, balancing the rights of defendants with the demands of justice.

Silverman’s experience also informs her views on judicial efficiency. She suggested that court procedures could benefit from better scheduling and transparency, similar to how the Department of Motor Vehicles manages appointments. “If a judge knows that certain cases will be adjourned, they should knock out all the easy adjournments in the first half hour of the day. Attorneys should be able to see when their case is coming up so they can plan accordingly,” she said.

Despite the challenges she has observed in the legal system, Silverman remains optimistic about programs aimed at addressing social issues underlying criminal behavior. “There are many programs available — drug programs, mental health programs, veterans courts — but they don’t always work because people have serious issues. It’s a positive development, and I see the value in trying to provide alternatives to incarceration whenever possible,” she said.

Silverman describes her professional identity as one grounded in law, not politics. “I will do my best to make the right decision. I want to be impartial, fair, and treat everyone the same. My goal is that people will receive a fair shake,” she said. Her approach is characterized by availability and responsiveness; colleagues describe her as someone who is always willing to help and cover cases when needed.

Her work has left lasting impressions on her, particularly cases where the right outcome was not immediately clear. She recounted small claims and criminal cases where she wrestled with evaluating the truthfulness of parties and balancing the needs of justice with fairness. “Even after I walked away, I asked myself, ‘Did I do the right thing?’ That effort to get it right, that’s what matters,” she said.

As she campaigns across Queens County, Silverman continues to connect with voters at supermarkets, civic association meetings, and other community gatherings. She hopes to convey her decades of experience, her commitment to fairness, and her deep understanding of the local legal system. “People who meet me, they listen and they’re excited to connect. I want voters to choose me for what I can do for the county, not for my party line,” she said.

With nearly 40 years in law and a career rooted in service and fairness, Susan Silverman presents herself as a candidate focused on thoughtful, impartial justice for all residents of Queens County.

In the shadow of the Kosciuszko Bridge, you’ll find more than greenspace and fun times—just across Newtown Creek, in Queens County, is the largest cemetery in New York City: Old Calvary Cemetery. More dead people than living people can be found in the city’s most populous borough; Calvary alone has nearly three million burials.

Calvary Cemetery has its own rich and fascinating backstory, tied firmly to the history of New York City’s impoverished Italian, Irish and German immigrants. Its age makes it a glorious showcase of some of the most beautifully carved tombstones and mausolea to be found in the state, alongside its large number of celebrities and notables interred there. Most interestingly, Google Maps doesn’t appear to know it exists.

In the words of local Newtown Creek historian Mitch Waxman, the tale of Old Calvary is one of perpetual change. When it was opened, most of the city skyline was comprised of tenements, church steeples, and the occasional courthouse dome; by the time it was filled, the Empire State Building was being built. The practice in the early 19^th century was to bury the dead of Manhattan in local church graveyards, or even in the dirt floor of the basement of the deceased’s house. After a series of cholera outbreaks, the city began doubting the wisdom of this practice and mandated the creation of a series of rural cemeteries, “out in the country,” in Mr. Waxman’s words, which at the time meant Queens County.

Under the leadership of Archbishop John “Dagger John” Hughes, an old and venerable Dutch homestead called the Alsop farm in Queens was bought for the construction of Calvary Cemetery. An army of Irish laborers descended on site in 1845 and proceeded to level the ground, landscape the terrain, and install a vast sewer system draining into Newtown Creek. By July 1848 the cemetery was ready to receive its first burial, a washerwoman named Esther Ennis, who died, Mr. Waxman says, “Of a broken heart.” The following month, the site was officially consecrated by His Excellency. The graveyard takes its name from Mount Calvary, also known as Golgotha, the place of the skull, where Christ was crucified and where legend says Adam’s skull is buried. Millions of Catholic Italians, Germans, Irish and other ethnicities would be buried there in the coming years.

Numerous Catholic Civil War dead were interred in Calvary. In 1863, the city bought part of Calvary from the Archdiocese of New York for the construction of a monument honoring Civil War soldiers, later finished in 1866. Only a year later, the cemetery was filled. The archdiocese bought more land and expanded, forming Second, Third and Fourth Calvary Cemetery several blocks east of Calvary Cemetery, now called Old or First Calvary.

Over the years, many of the stones appear to have melted, and numerous statues of the Virgin, angels, and the Christ Child appear to have been warped. A copper refining plant once sat across Newtown Creek in Greenpoint, spewing fumes across the water that induced decay in the statues. The archdiocese ultimately sued the refining plant and won a case against them in the early 20^th century. Today, Calvary is one of the most prestigious cemeteries in the city, with burials continuing in the other three sections.

Calvary contains the costliest real estate in Queens; one plot in Calvary can reportedly cost as much as $600,000. Some of the city’s most notable citizens rest in Old Calvary, among them Patrick Jerome “Battle-Axe” Gleason, the last mayor of Long Island City; three Robert F. Wagners of political fame; Steve Brodie, who supposedly jumped from the Brooklyn Bridge and survived; and many now-forgotten Tammany Hall bosses. Numerous other gangsters are buried in Calvary as well, such as the Artichoke King, Lupo the Wolf, Sonny Black, the Clutch Hand, and Joe Diamond.

Joe Masseria, the former head of the Genovese crime family whose death led to the formation of the Five Families, is also buried in Calvary. Fresh flowers are always placed on his grave; the identity of his mysterious mourner is unknown. Anthony Arillotta, former Genovese family capo, asked around but was unable to find any information right away. “The only thing I can offer is that it would be Joe’s family putting the flowers there,” Mr. Arillotta said. “No Mafia family would participate in that.”

Aside from the stones and mausolea, St. Calixtus’s Chapel sits on Old Calvary’s grounds. The chapel has a large mausoleum underneath for the interment of religious sisters and brothers, nuns, and priests, which was recently rediscovered through the efforts of Mr. Waxman. Mr. Waxman is the former Newtown Creek Alliance’s group historian (among his numerous other titles) and provided most of the historical background for this article.

St. Calixtus’s takes its name from Pope Saint Calixtus, patron saint of cemetery workers. Prior to becoming bishop of Rome, Calixtus founded and maintained a cemetery that later bore his name on Rome’s outskirts. He ultimately became pope around A.D. 218 and served for four years before he was lynched by a Roman mob around A.D. 222.

Among the cemetery’s most notable living inhabitants are red-tailed hawks, as well as flocks of migrating birds, which take advantage of the greenspace several times a year. The Audubon Society makes occasional forays into the graveyard to quantify and observe said birds. Coneys, the type of rabbit Coney Island takes its name from, are also frequently seen. Even in this place of death, life finds a way to thrive.

If you’re trying to get to Old Calvary Cemetery, don’t use Google Maps. Searching “Calvary Cemetery” directs you to Second Calvary Cemetery, the more modern addition, bordered by Third and Fourth Calvary Cemeteries. Old Calvary Cemetery is on Greenpoint Avenue and can be reached by taking the B24 to the Greenpoint Ave/Gale Av stop, right by the main gates. Another entrance is located at Laurel Hill Boulevard and Review Avenue. Old Calvary is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mass for the souls of the dead is celebrated every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in the St. Calixtus Chapel.

When you visit, remember to always follow all cemetery rules and regulations, cooperate with staff and other personnel, and remain respectful of the dead, mourners, and other visitors.

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Residents of Middle Village gathered at St. Margaret’s Church on October 21 for a meeting of the Middle Village Property Owners Association, addressing local development, safety concerns, and the upcoming city elections.

Paul Pogozelski, president of the association, opened the meeting by highlighting community issues, including opposition to a proposed lithium battery storage facility near PS 128, and outlining upcoming neighborhood events. Pogozelski also encouraged residents to join the association, noting membership benefits including a subscription to the Queens Ledger and participation in local cleanups.

The meeting featured several political figures. Walter Sanchez, chairman of Community Board 5, discussed the board’s newly approved budget priorities, explaining the process by which capital and expense budgets are ranked. He noted that recent prioritization emphasized field workers for water and sewer operations over increased police presence, reflecting the collective vote of board members. Sanchez encouraged residents to attend board meetings, held at Christ the King High School, to raise concerns about neighborhood quality of life.

Mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa spoke about his personal connection to the neighborhood, recounting family visits to St. John’s Cemetery and emphasizing the importance of home ownership in residential neighborhoods, particularly in the outer boroughs. Sliwa warned residents of the potential risks posed by the “City of Yes” initiative and lithium battery storage facilities, citing dozens of fires at such warehouses nationwide. He urged voters to oppose the initiative on the ballot, arguing it would allow developers to bypass local oversight, zoning restrictions, and community input.

“The most dangerous part of it,” Sliwa said, “is these lithium ion battery warehouses. Forty-five fires around the country. No fire department has figured out a way to put these fires out. If there’s a fire here, the toxic air will affect everyone.” He encouraged residents to educate themselves and vote against the initiative to protect homes and neighborhoods.

Sliwa also addressed questions from the audience about auxiliary police protections, civil settlements, and local infrastructure projects, including the proposed IBX transit line.

City council candidate Alicia Vaichunas spoke next, emphasizing her work monitoring nightlife and addressing public disturbances such as drag racing. She highlighted her open-door policy for constituents and shared her personal phone number with attendees to facilitate direct communication. Vaichunas also encouraged residents to apply early for senior benefits and to address local Department of Buildings and Finance discrepancies.

Representatives from Senator Joseph Addabbo’s office provided updates on upcoming events, including a “Trick or Treat Street” program and the Java with Joe community forum on November 8 in Forest Hills. They also explained the IBX proposal in detail and offered guidance on pre-registration for residents wishing to provide input.

Marty Dolan, candidate for public advocate, spoke about the importance of city resources for youth and middle-class residents, outlining his vision for NYCHA and budget oversight. “Public advocate is supposed to make sure resources are spread properly across the city,” he said, emphasizing financial stewardship and the role of community boards in local governance.

The association’s board of directors includes Pogozelski as president, Giedre Rogozelski as secretary, Augie Trinchese as vice president, Joe Crifasi as director, Peter Mastrandea as sergeant-at-arms, and Christopher Tscherne as trustee.

The meeting concluded with discussion of ongoing community concerns, including opposition to additional lithium battery facilities near schools, flooding mitigation projects, and coordination with local law enforcement. Residents were encouraged to participate in civic matters and upcoming elections, with early voting beginning October 25 and running through November 2.

Christian Spencer

At Bloom Botanical Bistro in Forest Hills, the music carried more than rhythm, it carried hope.

On October 17, the Etcetera Band transformed their monthly performance into a night of healing and remembrance, raising funds for stage 4 breast cancer research and for their friend, Jeanette Mercado, who is currently fighting the disease.

For band members James and Claire Ramsay, the cause hits home.

Claire, a breast cancer survivor, lost her mother, Leslie Connolly, to stage 4 breast cancer in March of last year.

“I wanted to do something that would honor my mom and give back to the women I know,” Claire said. “This isn’t just an event. It’s personal.”

The Ramsays partnered with Reclaim October, a grassroots organization founded by Trish Michelle to empower women and promote breast cancer awareness.

Together, they organized a fundraiser featuring live performances, raffles, and giveaways at the Metropolitan Avenue restaurant, where the Etcetera Band performs monthly.

The event also supported the Magee Women’s Research Institute, which focuses on women’s cancers, including breast and gynecological cancers.

“We’ve been close to the cause for years,” James said. “My wife is a survivor, and we lost her mom just a year ago. We’ve performed for the American Cancer Society and other events before, but this one felt different — this one was family.”

While Claire worked with the band and venue owners to bring the event to life, she also leaned on her friendships forged online through shared experiences of cancer. One of those friends is Mercado, whose own fight has inspired many across Queens.

Mercado, who was first diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2021, endured chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery before learning in 2022 that the cancer had spread to her bones, liver, and lungs.

“I did everything they advised,” she said. “Then I started getting pain in my hip, and it turned out to be stage 4.”

Despite her diagnosis, Mercado has continued working full time and uses her story to spread hope.

“I’ve had so much support — from strangers, family, friends, my colleagues. It’s been amazing,” she said. “It’s all about your mindset. There are hard days, but you have to stay positive and believe that you’ll get through it.”

That mindset echoed throughout the evening at Bloom, where community members filled the cozy bistro, singing along, bidding on raffles, and celebrating the survivors among them.

“Music heals,” Claire said. “We wanted people to leave feeling encouraged and to know they’re not alone.”

As the band played their final set of the night, applause swelled, not just for the music, but for the message.

A good song can make healing feel possible.