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The People Who Will Save Our City

BQE Admin on November 19, 2024

 

By Robert Hornak

Someone once joked about the sport of hockey saying, “I went to a fight and a hockey game broke out.” This was meant to speak to the rough and tumble nature of the sport even though there is some finesse involved that’s not what the game is known for. 

 

Politics is much like that. It’s an arena where power is the main currency. But every once in a while a group of people get together and leadership breaks out. That has just happened, and those people founded an organization called “Save Our City” focused on the crises that is currently confronting NYC. 

 

Led by former Lt. Governor Betsey McCaughey, former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly, former Deputy Mayor Joseph Lhota, former U.S Attorney General Michael Mukasey, and a number of business leaders, scholars and journalists who care deeply about America’s greatest city, this recently founded organization is going to take on our biggest challenge– stopping NYC’s decline and its potential return to the chaos and dysfunction of the pre-Giuliani years. 

 

It’s easy even for those of us who were around when Giuliani became mayor to remember how bad it was and, armed only with a powerful agenda and the force of his will, what a miraculous revolution he initiated.

 

In the eight years Rudy was mayor the record was astounding. Known for high crime with a record year of over 2000 murders during the Dinkins years, crime declined 56% overall under Giuliani, while FBI crime index reported a decrease of just 16% in the rest of the nation. Murders declined 66%, shootings 72%, rapes 45%, robberies 67%, burglary 68%, auto theft 73%, and so on. 

 

This was Giuliani’s most visible success. Sales, income and business taxes were dramatically cut, saving the people over $9 billion. Welfare offices were converted to job centers and 640,000 people were moved off public assistance and back into the workforce. The city workforce was cut by 20,000 non-uniformed full-time positions. And with areas like Times Square cleaned up, the dreaded squeegee men were squeezed out, and aggressive beggars and drug addicts were eliminated from public parks and spaces, the quality of life was significantly improved for every New Yorker. 

 

The success of the Giuliani years and then Mayor Bloomberg brought a feel-good attitude that allowed people to think about other issues. People were told we could afford to try some new ideas to give a break to normally good but socially struggling people who got caught up in the criminal justice system for low-level non-violent, mostly drug use related crimes.

 

Sadly, our elected representatives in Albany pulled a bait and switch and passed all kinds of criminal justice “reforms” that benefit both non-violent and violent criminals. Working with activist pro-criminal district attorneys, violent felons are now allowed to run free and commit crimes again and again without a second look from Albany.

 

Enter Save Our City. They are getting started by holding an event called a Public Safety Action Forum with the title “Stopping NYC’s Crime Epidemic” this Thursday, November 21st at the General Society Library at 20 West 44th Street in Manhattan starting at 6pm. 

 

Moderated by Betsy McCaughey and Ray Kelly with speakers that include Nicole Gelinas from the Manhattan Institute and former Assistant Queens DA James Quinn, it promises to be the beginning of a movement to restore NYC to the greatness it had and only recently lost.

 

And with any luck thanks to these people and others like them we just may walk into an election next year and see a real fight break out over the future of New York City.

 

Robert Hornak is a professional 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.

 

 

Ridgewood Rides Gathers at Ridgewood Presbyterian Church to Discuss Need for Improved Cycling Infrastructure

BQE Admin on November 14, 2024

By: Zachary Weg

 

Ridgewood Rides gathered at Ridgewood Presbyterian Church to discuss not only their recent bike rides but also ways of improving cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in Ridgewood and the surrounding area. 

Founded in June 2022 by a few Ridgewood cycling enthusiasts, Ridgewood Rides has grown to hundreds of riders and even has over twenty-thousand followers on Instagram. But popularity is only a byproduct of the group’s passion for cycling. 

“We have two missions,” says Bree Mobley, an organizer/volunteer for Ridgewood Rides. “One is to organize a bike community in the neighborhood and bring people together, and the second is to advocate for safer and better bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in the neighborhood. It’s being a community group for cyclists in the neighborhood to connect and then basically to push the city and elected officials to make our streets safer for the most vulnerable users of the street: pedestrians and cyclists.” 

The group’s goals are particularly relevant as, unlike certain parts of other neighborhoods in Queens, much of Ridgewood is congested and often logjammed with traffic. A walk by Myrtle Avenue, for instance, reveals as many as ten cars all trying to make the light and leaving little room for cyclists to ride parallel to them. As one young member of Ridgewood Rides puts it simply, Myrtle Avenue and Metropolitan Avenue are both “bad” for riders. Seneca, Cypress, and Wyckoff Avenues, similarly, are in need of “more biking infrastructure,” as other members agree. 

Still, Ridgewood Rides organizes a ride every week, often cycling throughout the city but always starting and ending in Ridgewood. Frequently communal and joyful, the rides have even included pit stops at such popular sites as the Queens Night Market and several others. 

Yet the collective has faced challenges, as well. “Since we started, Citi Bike has expanded into the neighborhood,” Mobley says, adding, “When we first got together, we were getting held up by elected officials, and just other people in the neighborhood, primarily drivers, were feeling threatened that some of their parking spots were being taken away. But we collectively pushed to have the expansion, be on time and come to the neighborhood.” 

Besides the Citi Bike expansion, another main effort to improve Ridgewood’s cycling infrastructure, and highlighted at Saturday’s meeting, was Ridgewood Ride’s Cypress Avenue campaign. “Having that piece of bike infrastructure, leading to Highland Park, is a huge, huge improvement, in general, in the neighborhood,” Mobley explains. 

However, besides the Citi Bike expansion and the Cypress Avenue campaign, there hasn’t been that much “new bike infrastructure,” as Mobley says, and there is still room for improvement. On Saturday, after Mobley’s PowerPoint presentation that emphasized the need for this improvement to cycling infrastructure, the members of Ridgewood Rides broke out into table groups where they looked at maps and pinpointed certain congested intersections and even dangerous aspects of biking. Whether it was makeshift car wash sites and illegal activities going on by Cypress Avenue or, as one rider revealed, there being “no sidewalk on one side of Rust Street” along with heaps of trash, the necessity of enhanced cycling infrastructure remains.

Ridgewood Rides is optimistic about their goals for strengthening this infrastructure, however. “Their voices matter,” Mobley says of her fellow Ridgewood Rides members who want to go on safer and more relaxed rides throughout the city. With their next ride coming up this week, strapping on their helmets and peering at the route ahead, they are poised to do just that.

Little Neck Laboratory Workers Protest for Fair Wages

BQE Admin on November 14, 2024

Courtesy 1199SEIU union

Workers at Northwell Health’s Little Neck lab held an informational picket on November 1, demanding fair wages and benefits similar to other Northwell facilities.

 

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

 

Employees at Northwell Health’s Little Neck Parkway Laboratory took to the streets on November 1 to demand fair treatment and better working conditions. Laboratory technologists, technicians, accessioners, and clinical laboratory assistants, all members of the 1199SEIU union, organized an informational picket outside the Queens facility, urging the healthcare provider to settle a contract that aligns with agreements already in place at other Northwell locations.

The Little Neck laboratory, part of New York State’s largest healthcare provider, is staffed by over 100 laboratory professionals, many of whom voted to join 1199SEIU in December 2023. Despite months of negotiations, workers say management has failed to meet their demands for improved compensation and benefits similar to those received by other Northwell workers.

“We deserve the same type of compensation that tens of thousands of other 1199SEIU members have won in their contracts with Northwell—and nothing less. We voted for our union almost a year ago and it’s time for Northwell to respect us and settle a fair contract,” said Jesse McDade, a Clinical Laboratory Technologist at the Little Neck lab.

The workers say they have been fighting for over six months for a fair contract but have seen little progress from management. They are calling for wage increases, family health insurance, and other benefits already secured by tens of thousands of other 1199SEIU members across Northwell’s facilities.

“Although our patients may not see us, we prioritize their care every day by analyzing thousands of specimens, aiding in diagnosis, and determining the best treatment—often putting ourselves and our families at risk for serious diseases,” said Nicole Eichel, another Clinical Laboratory Technologist at the Little Neck lab. “We do this because we genuinely care about our patients’ health and well-being, yet Northwell refuses to do right by agreeing to a fair contract.”

Staff at the Little Neck facility, which processes specimens from both Northwell hospitals and other healthcare providers, are also concerned about rising workloads without corresponding increases in compensation. The lab has seen a significant increase in the volume and complexity of its work but has not been offered a contract that addresses the growing demands.

“They called us healthcare heroes without capes, but now those feel like meaningless words as management refuses our pleas for fair wages like other Northwell staff,” said Mahmudur Khan, a Clinical Laboratory Technologist. “Improved wages would help us recruit and retain more lab professionals, which is vital as we analyze more and more specimens from both Northwell facilities and other health systems.”

The ongoing contract dispute follows a broader trend of union organizing at Northwell Health. In October, over 850 laboratory staff at the Core Testing Facilities in New Hyde Park overwhelmingly voted to join 1199SEIU, signaling a growing wave of union activity within the healthcare giant.

Rose Ryan, a press secretary for 1199SEIU, explained that the informational picket was intended to send a message to Northwell management.

“The workers at Little Neck want the same contract that their colleagues at other Northwell facilities have,” she said. “There’s no reason why they should be treated differently.”

Ryan also noted that the workers’ primary concerns center around financial fairness. While Northwell has agreed to raise wages by 6% for other 1199SEIU workers, management has only proposed a 3% raise for the Little Neck lab workers. 

“They also deserve fairness,” Ryan said. “If Northwell can do right by all these other workers, why can’t they do the same for the Little Neck lab workers?”

Northwell Health has not yet officially responded to the picket or the workers’ demands. According to Ryan, negotiations with the company are ongoing.

The workers, who have already shown their unity through the picket, are determined to continue their efforts until a fair contract is reached.

In the meantime, the union remains optimistic that pressure from public demonstrations will help bring about the necessary changes.

“They just, you know, want to go in there,” Ryan said. “They want to do their work. The patients are their priorities. But they also deserve fairness.”

Over 70 Artists Showcased in The World’s Borough Exhibition

BQE Admin on November 14, 2024

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

 

This November, Flushing Town Hall is showcasing the vibrant and multicultural spirit of Queens through The World’s Borough Exhibition, a collection of diverse artworks made by more than 70 New York City-based artists. The exhibition, which runs through November 25, celebrates the rich history and evolving identity of Queens, a borough renowned for its distinctive neighborhoods, immigrant communities, and global influence.

Courtesy of Flushing Town Hall

Tell Me About Queens by Oba Iman (2024). Digital Art on Canvas with Acrylic

 

The exhibition marks Flushing Town Hall’s first open call in five years, expanding its invitation beyond the borough to artists from across New York City. Over the summer, the institution received submissions from artists working in various mediums including paintings, drawings, photographs, and mixed media. The result is a dynamic display of work that honors the borough’s legacy and the people shaping its future.

“From the flavors of local cuisine to the sounds of street life and the iconic landmarks that define the area, this exhibition offers a unique perspective on what makes Queens such an inspiring and exceptional place—through the lens of visual art,” said Flushing Town Hall’s Director of Arts Services Dan Bamba. “We plan to hold these open calls annually, on different themes, and we are excited to expand our visual arts program to be able to connect with and present more local artists.”

Our Family-Backyard in Queens Village-Celebrating 50 years plus by Julia D. Shaw, Mixed-media, collage, with acrylic paint

 

Curated by Stephanie Lee, a Flushing Town Hall Teaching Artist, the exhibition features a broad range of artists, from emerging talents to established figures in the art world.

 “We are thrilled by the incredible response from all the talented local artists to our open call,” said Lee.  “We invite visitors to embark on this visual journey through one of the most diverse regions on earth, as we celebrate its neighborhoods, history, and the people who call it home.”

Stephanie Lee, who has curated several exhibitions at Flushing Town Hall—including the popular Lunar New Year show—has long been involved with the institution. She noted that this year’s exhibition included a larger-than-usual number of artists due to the open call format.

 “We used to have about 30 artists in previous shows, but this time we expanded our reach and invited artists from outside Queens,” Lee explained. “That’s how we ended up with more than 70 artists participating.”

Many of the featured pieces depict scenes and symbols that are uniquely Queens—such as local grocery stores, subway stations, and the iconic Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. 

“Some artists created art specifically for this show. You can see Queens as it is every day—its dynamic and cultural diversity reflected in the artwork,” Lee said.

One standout piece in the exhibition is Lee’s own work, Modern Wish, which draws on the tradition of Korean folk art.

Modern Wish by Stephanie Lee, Color pigment & ink on Hanji

 

 “I took the format that my ancestors used for painting and adapted it to reflect modern-day desires,” Lee said. “I incorporated luxurious, modern items that we aspire to have, which reflect our contemporary culture.”

The exhibition features artists not only from Queens, but also from Brooklyn and Long Island, showcasing the diverse artistic voices across the New York  metropolitan area.

Borough Check, Queens! by Sherwin Banfield, Resin, stainless steel, solar power light system, wood, mason jars, rhinestones

 

The exhibition is open seven days a week from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Flushing Town Hall, and visitors can also check the venue’s website for specific events and schedules. Admission is free, and the gallery is accessible to the public until November 25, 2024.

Flushing Town Hall hopes to continue expanding its visual arts program, encouraging a broad range of artists to submit work for future shows. The World’s Borough exhibition serves as a testament to all of the artistic talent and creative power of the borough.

In Lee’s words, “You can see so much art in one place, and it’s all local. You don’t have to travel far to experience something truly special. And there’s always something happening at Flushing Town Hall—so it’s definitely worth checking out.”

Amazin’ Mets Foundation Renovates Field at Juniper Valley Park

BQE Admin on November 14, 2024

Courtesy Amazin’ Mets Foundation

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

 

The Amazin’ Mets Foundation has contributed over $430,000 to the renovation of Field #1 at Juniper Valley Park, partnering with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. The renovation work, which was led by The LandTek Group, was completed in October.

The improvements are part of the foundation’s broader commitment to supporting youth baseball initiatives, including its Sandlot Stars program and a series of baseball and softball clinics. The Amazin’ Mets Foundation has previously supported similar field renovations in the area, including work at Flushing Meadows Corona Park Fields #10 and #11.

 

“The Amazin’ Mets Foundation is committed to expanding access to the sport of baseball. This is about more than updating infrastructure – it’s about supporting our neighbors and creating opportunities to play and grow,” said Alex Cohen, President of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation. “We are proud to sponsor the renovation of Field #1 at Juniper Valley Park.”

The renovation included the installation of a new irrigation and drainage system, a full infield overhaul, and upgrades to the field’s fencing and concrete work.

 

“These refurbished baseball and softball fields at Flushing Meadows Corona Park and Juniper Valley Park provide the perfect place for our young Queens athletes to pitch, slide, bat, and root each other on while playing the sport they love,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “Thank you to the Amazin’ Mets Foundation for funding these projects, and providing updated space where ballplayers can build community, practice teamwork, and build character through competition and fun on the field of play.”

Since its founding in 2021, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation has awarded more than $13 million in grants to over 180 community organizations, including those serving the neighborhoods around the Mets’ affiliate teams. For more information about the foundation and its programs, visit AmazinMetsFoundation.org.

Little Neck Laboratory Workers Protest for Fair Wages

BQE Admin on November 14, 2024

Courtesy 1199SEIU union

Workers at Northwell Health’s Little Neck lab held an informational picket on November 1, demanding fair wages and benefits similar to other Northwell facilities.

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Employees at Northwell Health’s Little Neck Parkway Laboratory took to the streets on November 1 to demand fair treatment and better working conditions. Laboratory technologists, technicians, accessioners, and clinical laboratory assistants, all members of the 1199SEIU union, organized an informational picket outside the Queens facility, urging the healthcare provider to settle a contract that aligns with agreements already in place at other Northwell locations.

The Little Neck laboratory, part of New York State’s largest healthcare provider, is staffed by over 100 laboratory professionals, many of whom voted to join 1199SEIU in December 2023. Despite months of negotiations, workers say management has failed to meet their demands for improved compensation and benefits similar to those received by other Northwell workers.

“We deserve the same type of compensation that tens of thousands of other 1199SEIU members have won in their contracts with Northwell—and nothing less. We voted for our union almost a year ago and it’s time for Northwell to respect us and settle a fair contract,” said Jesse McDade, a Clinical Laboratory Technologist at the Little Neck lab.

The workers say they have been fighting for over six months for a fair contract but have seen little progress from management. They are calling for wage increases, family health insurance, and other benefits already secured by tens of thousands of other 1199SEIU members across Northwell’s facilities.

“Although our patients may not see us, we prioritize their care every day by analyzing thousands of specimens, aiding in diagnosis, and determining the best treatment—often putting ourselves and our families at risk for serious diseases,” said Nicole Eichel, another Clinical Laboratory Technologist at the Little Neck lab. “We do this because we genuinely care about our patients’ health and well-being, yet Northwell refuses to do right by agreeing to a fair contract.”

Staff at the Little Neck facility, which processes specimens from both Northwell hospitals and other healthcare providers, are also concerned about rising workloads without corresponding increases in compensation. The lab has seen a significant increase in the volume and complexity of its work but has not been offered a contract that addresses the growing demands.

“They called us healthcare heroes without capes, but now those feel like meaningless words as management refuses our pleas for fair wages like other Northwell staff,” said Mahmudur Khan, a Clinical Laboratory Technologist. “Improved wages would help us recruit and retain more lab professionals, which is vital as we analyze more and more specimens from both Northwell facilities and other health systems.”

The ongoing contract dispute follows a broader trend of union organizing at Northwell Health. In October, over 850 laboratory staff at the Core Testing Facilities in New Hyde Park overwhelmingly voted to join 1199SEIU, signaling a growing wave of union activity within the healthcare giant.

Rose Ryan, a press secretary for 1199SEIU, explained that the informational picket was intended to send a message to Northwell management.

“The workers at Little Neck want the same contract that their colleagues at other Northwell facilities have,” she said. “There’s no reason why they should be treated differently.”

Ryan also noted that the workers’ primary concerns center around financial fairness. While Northwell has agreed to raise wages by 6% for other 1199SEIU workers, management has only proposed a 3% raise for the Little Neck lab workers. 

“They also deserve fairness,” Ryan said. “If Northwell can do right by all these other workers, why can’t they do the same for the Little Neck lab workers?”

Northwell Health has not yet officially responded to the picket or the workers’ demands. According to Ryan, negotiations with the company are ongoing.

The workers, who have already shown their unity through the picket, are determined to continue their efforts until a fair contract is reached.

In the meantime, the union remains optimistic that pressure from public demonstrations will help bring about the necessary changes.

“They just, you know, want to go in there,” Ryan said. “They want to do their work. The patients are their priorities. But they also deserve fairness.”

Bridging Generations: Veterans and Local school students bond over breakfast this Veterans Day

BQE Admin on November 14, 2024

By Molly Sword

On Veterans Day, a group of Kew Forest school students spent the day with local heroes at the annual Veterans Day breakfast, hosted at the West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills. The breakfast event was spent honoring the veterans’ service in attendance and sharing stories and advice across generations.

Fifty people, including a dozen veterans attended the event. Veterans talked about their service, how they became engaged in active duty and some of the challenges faced every day. Put together by members of the Forest Hills Continental Post and Community Board #6Q, the discussions paid homage to the veterans’ service by providing a platform to share their experiences and life stories from their years of service. Some reflected on their journeys, including how they found their place in the military. A dozen eight graders from The Kew Forest School talked about their class project honoring veterans.

Colonel William Woods shared that it was never in his interest to join the army, especially after his father encouraged him to enlist, ‘ when he said left, I went right’. However, after initially starting in advertising for the forces, he soon discovered his passion and realized ‘this is where I need to be’. Another, Major Michael Dunne, found Xavier High School in Manhattan shaped his military life from the 1980s. For another, his journey to the forces came naturally, enlisting after 9/11 while still in high school. After assisting in the tragedy of 9/11, he ‘ got hooked’ on working in the armed service and ‘ the rest is history’.

It was obvious that the Veterans looked to make an impact on the students at the event. The Veterans spoke directly to the 8th-grade students and two students from Metropolitan High School – members of their Kiwanis Key Club, reminiscing on the opportunities and experiences they gained from their service. For many, the camaraderie was the highlight, as they expressed their gratitude for the lifelong connections that were made.

Students and Veterans had the opportunity to sit down one-on-one to engage in deeper conversations about their experiences and what it means to serve. These discussions highlighted challenges both on active duty and upon their return home, with the risk that people may treat you differently for choosing to join the armed forces.

 

The opportunity for school children and veterans to talk goes beyond an engaging experience but also acts as a way of providing mental health support. In the US, 8,030 veterans commit suicide each year, making Veterans Day not only a time to remember the past but also a chance to question what more we can do to support veterans upon their return. Coming together as a community to share experiences is one important way to contribute to the mental well-being of Veterans. As well as listening to the veterans, the children presented pieces of artwork that they had created in class to donate to the Veterans Hospital. Their pieces displayed images of peace alongside the American flag, honoring the pride of serving one’s country and expressing gratitude for the veteran’s service.

The morning proved to be a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the past, create support for the future and connect generations through the sharing of stories and advice.

 

Taylor Voted To King Manor Board

BQE Admin on November 14, 2024

Zenith Taylor has been appointed to the board of directors of The Rufus King Manor Museum. Taylor serves The New York Unified Court System as its Statewide Civic Engagement Coordinator. “Her role, in communications and promoting a connection between the public and the courts is perfect for our Museum,” said Walter Sanchez, president of the board of directors. 

The museum’s curators give tours to school groups throughout the years and Zenith is set to create opportunities to enhance an understanding of the role of the courts, legal issues and aspects of the history of the courts. King Manor was once home to Rufus King, a signer of the Constitution. His son John King, once a governor of New York, lived in the House on Jamaica Avenue in the 1850s. The museum hosts an event every September where nearly fifty new people are sworn in as American citizens.

Veterans Event at Elmhurst Park

BQE Admin on November 14, 2024

This past Friday Queens DA Melinda Katz and her staff organized an annual Veterans Day Observance at Elmhurst Park. The Vietnam Veterans War Memorial was the scene of the event at which a number of distinguished honorees took front and center. 

Photo by Walter Karling.

Honorees (l to r):  Specialist 4th Class Leonard Williams, United States Army – Vietnam War Veteran;  Sergeant Michael Coston, United States Army – 1978 to 1987 (DA Office honoree);  and MS4 William McDonald – United States Navy – 1976 to 1984.

Queens Centers for Progress Shines at TCS NYC Marathon

BQE Admin on November 14, 2024

Courtesy Queens Center for Progress

Christian Martinez, one of Team QCP’s runners, waving as he runs by.

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

The Queens Centers for Progress (QCP) celebrated a day of triumph at this year’s TCS NYC Marathon, marking a special moment for its dedicated team of runners and the community they support. Team QCP, comprising individuals who embody resilience and determination, completed the 26.2-mile race to raise awareness for people with developmental disabilities.

Queens Centers for Progress is a nonprofit dedicated to providing person-centered services to children and adults with developmental disabilities. Its mission is to promote independence, community involvement, and a higher quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental challenges. The organization offers a broad range of services aimed at meeting the needs of these individuals and their families.

This year’s marathon was not just a race, but a powerful show of unity, with participants running for a cause close to their hearts. 

“Crossing that finish line was not only a powerful achievement but also an inspiring show of support for the children and adults with developmental disabilities who rely on QCP’s services every day,” the organization said in a statement.

Courtesy Queens Center for Progress

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. and Councilmember James F. Gennaro posing with John Bowne High School’s Arista Honor Society and Bayside High School’s Key Club.

Among the runners were Sterling Ivey, Sally Brophy, Elizabeth Sullebarger, Morgan Gryga, Hayden Gill, Melissa Milstrey, William Sullebarger, and Christian Martinez. Each runner pushed through the grueling course, raising funds and awareness for QCP’s mission with every stride.

As the marathon route passed through Queens, the energy in Long Island City surged, with QCP setting up a festive cheer section to encourage the runners. For the 14th consecutive year, the organization partnered with the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) and the Queens Tourism Council to create a lively support station just past mile 14 at 44th Drive and 21st Street. Local students from Bayside High School’s Key Club and John Bowne High School’s Arista Honor Society joined in, offering high-fives and cheers that helped keep the runners energized during some of the race’s most challenging miles.

QCP was not alone in spreading motivation along the course. Achilles International, a nonprofit supporting athletes with disabilities, also participated, adding to the event’s spirit of resilience and determination. Their presence reinforced the message that physical challenges can be overcome, inspiring everyone in their path.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. made a special appearance to cheer on the runners, praising their spirit.

 “I just love the resilience of the runners and know that every single one of them has their own story to tell,” Richards Jr. said. “They trained and maybe they’re running for a purpose—but no matter what, they are finishing this race—no matter how fast, no matter how slow. It is an amazing feeling to be out here cheering with the students from local high schools in Queens, all of whom brought excitement to our cheer section, creating a great memory of our borough for the runners.”

Courtesy Queens Center for Progress

John Bowne High School’s Arista Honor Society and Bayside High School’s Key Club cheering on the runners.

Councilmember James F. Gennaro also joined the celebrations, showing his support for both the marathon participants and QCP’s mission.

 “Having Borough President Richards and Councilmember Gennaro join us made the day even more special, showcasing what it really means to have our community coming together for a great cause” said Wendy Phaff-Gennaro, QCP’s Director of Development.

The success of Team QCP was made possible through the guidance of their coach, Ottilia Demeter, whose unwavering support helped the runners through months of training.

As the event wrapped up, QCP expressed its excitement for next year’s marathon, already preparing to support a new group of runners. 

“To those on Team QCP who are gearing up to take on the marathon in 2025, we are already looking forward to cheering you on next year!” the nonprofit said.

Courtesy Queens Center for Progress

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. and Councilmember James F. Gennaro.

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