Rosa’s Pizza Celebrates Fresh Look, Same Great Taste

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Rosa’s Pizza, a beloved neighborhood institution located at 55-26 69th Street, officially reopened its doors on August 8 following a major renovation aimed at refreshing the space while preserving its longtime culinary traditions.

Angela Lobello, whose father Calogero Troia and uncles co-own the pizzeria, spoke about the remodel and what customers can expect from the updated establishment.

Angela explained the reasoning behind the renovation: “My dad and my uncles are workers, and they don’t care too much about the aesthetics and the place itself. They care more about the product. So it’s been a while that they haven’t renovated, and we finally thought, 50 years was a good time to do that and freshen up the place.”

The remodel expands seating and creates a more open, modern vibe while retaining the pizzeria’s classic, old-school charm. “I think it has more seating and more of just like an open feel, a more modern vibe, but keeping in with, like the old school, like aesthetic of the place, and just freshen up and make it look new,” Angela said.

Despite the facelift, she emphasized that the food remains unchanged: “The flavors, the recipes, the pizza is all the same, the working ethic, the love behind the recipes, is all the same. People should come check it out at some point. I think if they haven’t already checked it out, they should come check it out, for sure. And if they’re long time customers, I think they should just keep coming, because it’s going to keep being the same as they know and love.”

Rosa’s Pizza was honored with a citation recognizing its longstanding community impact, presented by Representative Grace Meng, State Senator Joe Addabbo, Councilman Bob Holden, and Assemblyman Steven Raga.

Assemblymember Steven Raga, representing Assembly District 30, praised the pizzeria’s role in the community and expressed enthusiasm for the renovation.

“Rosa’s has been an amazing institution here. Our office is right across the street, so we see every day how the community comes together as friends and families to come here and eat and dine together. And this is pretty amazing,” Raga said.

He also joked about his personal fondness for the pizza: “Also, Rosa’s is single handedly, one of the reasons why I can’t fit in my clothes. The Sicilian here is the best in Queens, and so happy to see them refurbish this place and really bring it into 2025 cool. Thanks.”

Rosa’s Pizza has been serving Maspeth residents for five decades, and with its refreshed look and steadfast commitment to quality, it looks poised to continue its legacy for years to come.

NYPD Marching Band, Puppet Show, and More Highlight 114th Precinct’s National Night Out in Astoria

Photos Courtesy Walter Karling

Christian Spencer

In the outdoor area of Astoria Park, just under the Queensboro Bridge near the skating rink, the grounds were alive with activity as the 114th Precinct hosted its annual community fair on Monday, August 4.

Children and families gathered from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the Great Lawn of Astoria Park, between 19th Street and Hoyt Avenue North, to meet the friendly faces of their local first responders in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

The event featured stations for face painting, music, and complimentary Coca-Cola products, a proud sponsor of the fair.

Diana Turek, a key organizer, explained, “It’s a celebration for your local precinct. It brings community vendors together so people can meet their neighbors. It’s also about safety — really, it’s National Night Out Against Crime and Drugs.”

This year’s event was especially notable for featuring the NYPD marching band, which performed the Star-Spangled Banner during the opening ceremony, a first for the precinct’s fair.

A Christian puppet show, hosted by members of Eternal Hope Ministries, was also part of the day’s entertainment.

John Kemp, a representative from the church, said the show was impromptu but well-received.

“Kids love to see puppets,” he said. “Sometimes in a setting like this, there’s not always something geared toward their age. So when you see a puppet, it really gets your attention, and that’s beautiful.”

Building strong connections between law enforcement and residents remains a cornerstone of safety and unity in the neighborhood.

“Every time our pastor has connected with the police department, it’s been very positive,” Kemp said. “We also like to communicate to the police how much we appreciate and pray for them because they are key and essential.”

The event drew about 40 vendors this year, including Coca-Cola — participating for the first time — along with RCN, Fidelity Insurance, the Parks Department, the District Attorney’s Office, FDNY, breast cancer awareness advocates Sharon and Karen, At Home Solutions for seniors, and AT&T.

The police rounded out the celebration with a parade that brought smiles and cheers from neighbors of all ages.

Tyler Smith and his wife Paige attended the event together. Tyler shared his thoughts on the festivities, saying, “I showed up during the last 45 minutes, and I thought it was really nice to have live music from the NYPD band. I really enjoyed their performance.”

When asked if the police’s performance helped foster a sense of solidarity, Paige added, “Yeah, it felt like a sense of community.”

The 114th Precinct, which serves Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, and North Corona, continues its active participation in the National Night Out Against Crime series.

National Night Out Against Crime is an annual event held on the first Tuesday in August when precincts throughout Queens and across the country come together to promote community engagement and crime prevention.

Precincts across Queens held their own events on Tuesday, August 5, to engage communities and promote safety.

 

NY’s Threat to Re-Redraw Congressional Lines

Robert Hornak

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.

One of the great traditions of American politics is for both political parties to try their best to gerryman der the lines of the political districts in their states. There is nothing new about this or unique to either party.

There has been recent attention brought to this process, sparked by two recent Supreme Court decisions. In 2019, the court ruled that issues related to partisan gerrymandering – the process where district lines are drawn to favor one party over the other – are “beyond the reach of the federal courts” changing how past voting rights cases, that advantaged democrats over republicans, would be considered by the court.

Then in 2024, the SCOTUS ruled in favor of a South Carolina district that was challenged as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. Writing for the majority, Justice Alito stated, “inferring bad faith based on the racial effects of a political gerrymander in a jurisdiction in which race and partisan preference are very closely correlated” would no longer be accepted as a basis for challenge by the court, recognizing the difference between political and racial gerrymandering.

Now there is talk about drawing new lines in certain red states where partisan gerrymandering in the past had been thwarted by the courts as being racially, not politically based. Texas is leading the charge, looking to redraw their congressional

lines to increase partisan advantage, as democrats have already done in many states, looking to fight fire with fire.

Democrats, naturally, are up in arms, screaming about how unethical this effort is, while trying to cover their Cheshire cat grin for having done it themselves so successfully in states like Illinois, California, and Massachusetts.

But nowhere were they more blatant about this than in New York. In 2014, NY voters approved a referen dum to make the redistricting process “a fair and readily transparent process by which to redraw the lines of state legislative and congressional districts” according to the NYC Independent Redistricting Commission. The newly created IRC would draw the lines of new districts with strict constitutional limitations on gerrymandering to advantage either political party. However, the legislature must approve the final maps, a legislature now dominated by democrats.

Unlike Texas, the NY Constitution mandates that district lines be redrawn once and only once a decade. The IRC submitted their constitutionally required plan for redistricting for the 2022 elections, but they were not gerrymandered enough for the Democrats in Albany.

Unable to get the 2/3 vote required to pass their own gerrymandered lines, the process was handed

to the courts. A nonpartisan expert was engaged and the court set the new lines. Lines that were generally seen as fair by just about everyone – except the Democrats in power who were highly displeased that Republicans gained three seats that election.

So, committed to finding a better way to gerrymander within constitutional boundaries, Democrats pledged to draw new lines for the 2024 election. And they did. Republicans, who had 11 seats after the 2022 election but lost one in the special election to replace George Santos, went from 10 seats to 7 after 2024.

So now Texas is effectively doing what NY did just a year ago. But not to be outdone, NY Democrats are declaring themselves the masters of gerrymandering and telling Texas Republicans you ain’t seen nothing yet.

While Democrats around the country yell foul and claim that Texas is violating the constitution (al though without challenging Texas’ authority in court and with Texas creating three new majority His panic districts), NY Democrats are threatening action and pledging to once again redraw NY’s lines and gerrymander them even more with the explicit goal of eliminating five more NY Republicans.

Democratic Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris said very bluntly, “We can come up with

lines that comply with constitutional criteria that still accomplish our goal” just as they did in 2024. Only one thing stands in their way, the NYS Constitution. They need to change the state constitution to allow middecade redistricting. All this depends on a positive outcome for their referendum in a future election with an electorate that has already expressed their disapproval of partisan gerrymandering.

Middle Village Car Bursts into Flames

Monday afternoon, around 4PM, the residents of 76th Street gathered and watched as a car erupted into flames on the corner of their block. Bystanders made their way outside when the strong smell of burning fumes made its way into their homes, only to find big, dark clouds of smoke and black BMW SUV on fire. A neighbor who was making her way home with her daughter, saw the owner of the vehicle on 69th Road, attempting to put out the fire by using a piece of cardboard. This only caused the flames to grow bigger. Unsure if the owner or anyone else called authorities, the woman with her daughter stopped and took it upon herself to call 911. She said in a statement, “I didn’t know if anyone else called and I didn’t know if the car was going to blow up”. When FDNY Engine Company 319 or “Lone Wolf”, arrived they worked diligently to subdue the flames, drenching each and every crevice of the burning BMW with water and even making sure to wet the nearby telephone pole that was smoking. There were no reported injuries and the cause of the fire is still unknown.

National Night Out Strengthens Forest Hills Ties

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

The 112th Precinct in Forest Hills welcomed hundreds of residents and local organizations for its annual National Night Out on Aug 5, a community gathering dedicated to strengthening the bond between police officers and the neighborhoods they serve. Observed nationwide on the first Tuesday of August, the event stands as a celebration of unity, safety, and partnership.

This year’s festivities offered something for everyone. Families enjoyed a lively atmosphere, with children entertained by a balloon artist and guests sampling food from popular local restaurants and clubs.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of certificates of appreciation to local residents, businesses, and elected officials who have played a role in fostering neighborhood safety and cohesion. New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. was represented at the event, emphasizing the value of civic participation and presenting citations to community groups.

As one of many National Night Out celebrations held across the country, the gathering in Forest Hills reaffirmed its role as a trusted tradition—bringing neighbors together, promoting public safety, and strengthening ties between the NYPD and the community it serves.

Retro Fitness of Forest Hills to open new pickleball courts

On Monday, August 18th, Retro Fitness of Forest Hills will debut two new pickleball courts at a Grand Opening celebration style event.

The afternoon event, which will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. at Retro’s Forest Hills location (89-89 Union Tpke.,) is free and open to the public, including members and non-members.

Guests can enjoy pickleball in style with open play, all-level games led by Retro’s awesome instructor, and non-stop entertainment. Groove to beats from their live DJ, snap selfies and connect with special guest influencers, and treat your taste buds to our crowd-favorite Pickled Pizza.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to the game, this is your chance to be part of something exciting, energetic, and unique. The special event gives community members the opportunity to get moving while having fun and connecting with others.

“National Wellness Month is the perfect opportunity to celebrate our 24/7 approach to exercise, health, and fitness,” said chief brand officer of Retro Fitness, Kim Gouch. “We’re so excited to open our pickleball courts and get the whole community moving,” added Retro’s District Manager, Lisa Imbriale.

While you’re enjoying the good vibes and friendly competition, you’ll also have the chance to win exciting prizes during open play. Whether you’re go for the game, the music, the food, or just the fun atmosphere, there’s something for everyone. Grab your friends, bring the energy, and be part of Retro Fitness history.

Retro Fitness is open from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. To explore membership options at the Forest Hills club, visit their website or follow them @retrofitness.foresthills.

Political Whisperer: New York’s Threat to Re-Redraw Congressional Lines

By Robert Hornak

One of the great traditions of American politics is for both political parties to try their best to gerrymander the lines of the political districts in their states. There is nothing new about this or unique to either party. 

There has been recent attention brought to this process, sparked by two recent Supreme Court decisions. In 2019, the court ruled that issues related to partisan gerrymandering – the process where district lines are drawn to favor one party over the other – are “beyond the reach of the federal courts” changing how past voting rights cases, that advantaged democrats over republicans, would be considered by the court. 

Then in 2024, the SCOTUS ruled in favor of a South Carolina district that was challenged as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. Writing for the majority, Justice Alito stated, “inferring bad faith based on the racial effects of a political gerrymander in a jurisdiction in which race and partisan preference are very closely correlated” would no longer be accepted as a basis for challenge by the court, recognizing the difference between political and racial gerrymandering.

Now there is talk about drawing new lines in certain red states where partisan gerrymandering in the past had been thwarted by the courts as being racially, not politically based. Texas is leading the charge, looking to redraw their congressional lines to increase partisan advantage, as democrats have already done in many states, looking to fight fire with fire. 

Democrats, naturally, are up in arms, screaming about how unethical this effort is, while trying to cover their Cheshire cat grin for having done it themselves so successfully in states like Illinois, California, and Massachusetts. 

But nowhere were they more blatant about this than in New York. In 2014, NY voters approved a referendum to make the redistricting process “a fair and readily transparent process by which to redraw the lines of state legislative and congressional districts” according to the NYC Independent Redistricting Commission. The newly created IRC would draw the lines of new districts with strict constitutional limitations on gerrymandering to advantage either political party. However, the legislature must approve the final maps, a legislature now dominated by democrats. 

Unlike Texas, the NY Constitution mandates that district lines be redrawn once and only once a decade. The IRC submitted their constitutionally required plan for redistricting for the 2022 elections, but they were not gerrymandered enough for the Democrats in Albany. 

Unable to get the 2/3 vote required to pass their own gerrymandered lines, the process was handed to the courts. A non-partisan expert was engaged and the court set the new lines. Lines that were generally seen as fair by just about everyone – except the Democrats in power who were highly displeased that Republicans gained three seats that election. 

So, committed to finding a better way to gerrymander within constitutional boundaries, Democrats pledged to draw new lines for the 2024 election. And they did. Republicans, who had 11 seats after the 2022 election but lost one in the special election to replace George Santos, went from 10 seats to 7 after 2024.

So now Texas is effectively doing what NY did just a year ago. But not to be outdone, NY Democrats are declaring themselves the masters of gerrymandering and telling Texas Republicans you ain’t seen nothing yet. 

While Democrats around the country yell foul and claim that Texas is violating the constitution (although without challenging Texas’ authority in court and with Texas creating three new majority Hispanic districts), NY Democrats are threatening action and pledging to once again redraw NY’s lines and gerrymander them even more with the explicit goal of eliminating five more NY Republicans. 

Democratic Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris said very bluntly, “We can come up with lines that comply with constitutional criteria that still accomplish our goal” just as they did in 2024. Only one thing stands in their way, the NYS Constitution. They need to change the state constitution to allow mid-decade redistricting. All this depends on a positive outcome for their referendum in a future election with an electorate that has already expressed their disapproval of partisan gerrymandering.

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.

JJ: “Panic & Stress Is Contagious For NY Baseball in 2025”

By John Jastremski

I think it’s fair to say for a month plus, the narrative around NY Baseball and panic has been front and center around the New York Yankees. Totally fair, totally justified might I add… 

However, over the past month. The New York Mets have basically said to their crosstown rivals, “Hold my beer.”

The Mets were a team that at one point in the season was 20 plus games over .500 and basically found themselves in a dead heat with the Philadelphia Phillies for first place in the NL East. 

The past month around the Mets has changed that narrative quite significantly. The Mets have fallen on some very hard times as a team. They have lost 7 consecutive games entering Tuesday’s game against the Atlanta Braves. 

After the sweep at the hands of the Brewers, the Mets have stunningly lost 11 of their last 12 games and now cling to the 3rd Wild Card spot in the NL Playoff Picture and find themselves 6 games back of Philadelphia for first place in the NL East. 

The pressing question is how in the world has this happened? A couple of different reasons. 

The Mets cannot get any length out of their starting pitchers. For the past two months, their starters have averaged less than 5 innings a start. I don’t care if it’s the modern day game in 2025, that is 100 percent unacceptable. 

The Mets inability to get length out of their rotation has compromised their bullpen dramatically. 

The Mets also have seen their stars struggle mightily. Francisco Lindor was the conquering hero of the 2024 team. He has been dreadful for the past two months, where you have to wonder if indeed he is 100 percent right? 

Juan Soto falls under that microscope too. Yes, his numbers on the surface look solid, but much of the damage Soto has done was during a red hot month of June.

In the biggest of spots so far in 2025, Juan Soto has come up too small. Soto was the king of the moment a year ago for the Yankees. The Mets need him to meet the moment over the final two months of the season. 

The Mets schedule is very tricky after the next two weeks. It is imperative for the Mets to beat up on the Atlanta Braves, and yes I realize how weird it was typing that exact sentence. 

Yes, the Braves have been a thorn in the Mets side for years. However, the Braves are a hot mess in 2025. 

They are well under .500 and it’s been a lost season. Time to punish a team that wants to be put out of their misery. 

The Mets have time to get their season back on track, but if the stars don’t play like stars and the rotation doesn’t find a way to give them some length, the problems and the misery will continue.

You can listen to my podcast New York, New York on The Ringer Podcast Network on Spotify/Apple Podcasts every Tuesday & Friday. You can watch me on Honda Sports Nite following Mets postgame on SNY. 

Nets and Cam Thomas at Standstill Over New Contract

By Noah Zimmerman

noah@queensledger.com

The dust has largely settled across the NBA, but one big question still looms for the Brooklyn Nets. Young starlet Cam Thomas is due for his next contract, but a difference in valuation has led to a standstill.

The 23-year-old is reportedly seeking a deal worth well over $30M, hoping to outearn players like Immanuel Quickley, Jalen Green, and Tyler Herro. A lack of landing spots make a deal that large doubtful this offseason, as Thomas is increasingly likely to take the qualifying offer and seek a long-term deal as an unrestricted free agent after the 2025-26 season.

Thomas remains one of the best pure scorers from the 2021 draft, where he was selected with the 27th pick. Back in 2023-24, Thomas set a NBA record with three consecutive 40-point games before the age of 22. In November against the Knicks, he dropped 43 points at The Garden. It was his 9th career 40-point showing, a hallmark of his young career. 

His immense scoring ability has made him a fascinating player despite shortcomings on defense and ball movement. Despite injuries cutting his last season short, Thomas set career highs in points, assists, and rebounds per game.

If the Nets look beyond Thomas, there are a number of interesting Free Agents who could land in King’s County. Among them are former Thunder and Bulls guard Josh Giddey and Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, both drafted before Thomas in 2021.

Chicago and Golden State can’t match a contract offer in ranges either player is seeking, as Brooklyn is the only team in the league capable of offering a $30M deal to the restricted Free Agents.

Brooklyn holds the most cap space in the NBA entering the 2025-26 season, and are poised to lead the league again in 2026-27. Regardless how the offseason ends, it should be an interesting season in Brooklyn as the Nets continue to rebuild.

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