JCAL Exhibitions at Greater Nexus Spotlights Local Artists Queens Visual Arts Consortium Launches at Greater Nexus

By MOHAMED FARGHALY | mfarghaly@queensledger.com

JCAL and GJDC are collaborating for three years to bring dynamic art exhibitions to Greater Nexus, aiming to enhance the space and inspire creative thinking. Photo courtesy of JCAL

Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) and the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation (GJDC) have embarked on a transformative three-year collaboration aimed at bringing dynamic art exhibitions to Greater Nexus, Jamaica’s pioneering co-working space.

“Displaying art throughout Greater Nexus enhances the atmosphere in multiple ways,”  Justin Rodgers, President and CEO of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation said. “It beautifies the entire space, makes a welcoming, comfortable environment, and helps inspire creative thinking. Furthermore, Nexus is about providing a place for Queens minds to grow. We are thrilled to be part of JCAL’s Queens Visual Arts Consortium to showcase the talents of local artists.”

The partnership marks a departure from static displays, promising a quarterly rotation of artists, each infusing their unique themes and styles into the venue. This innovative approach not only celebrates local talent but also expands the reach of art beyond traditional gallery settings, aiming to engage a broader audience.

The partnership features quarterly artist rotations, prioritizing Queens residents and showcasing a variety of framed artworks. Photo courtesy of JCAL

“Diving into the deep JCAL talent pool was thrilling as our partnership with Greater Nexus strengthens the notion that art is a part of our daily lives,” JCAL Director of Program Operations Wendy Arimah Berot said.  “In a space where business is being conducted almost around the clock, the work of local visual artists will create an ambiance that may invite someone to pause for a moment to recognize and appreciate the talents of their fellow community members.”

The selection process prioritizes artists residing in Queens, ensuring their work resonates with the vibrant local culture. Artworks are curated to complement the professional atmosphere of Greater Nexus, predominantly consisting of framed pieces suitable for office display.

Jaime Todd, a self-taught multidisciplinary artist from Queens, kicks off the inaugural exhibit at Greater Nexus. Known for her bold abstract paintings, Todd’s work explores themes of identity and human biology, offering viewers a visual journey through intricate patterns and vibrant colors.

Jaime Todd, a local artist, launches the inaugural exhibit with abstract works celebrating life and identity. Photo courtesy of JCAL

“This collection of abstract paintings and drawings celebrate the vitality of life through pattern, bold lines, and vivid colors,” Artist Jaime Todd said. “The works come from two series: ‘Cellular Networks,’ which examines the wonder of human biology, and ‘Searching for Proginoskes,’ which explores the power of identity and bearing witness.”

The collaboration is part of the broader Queens Visual Arts Consortium, a coalition of nonprofit arts institutions and commercial enterprises dedicated to promoting local artists and enhancing community engagement through art. This initiative not only provides exposure but also economic opportunities for participating artists, including potential sales of their artwork.

“Our partnership with GJDC is truly about our community,” JCAL Executive Director Leonard Jacobs said. “There is, right now, a vast and flourishing cultural renaissance here in Queens, especially in Southeast Queens. We’re grateful for partners who see what we see, and who embrace the economic, educational, and humanitarian impact of arts as we do. After all, don’t artists always lead the way?”

For selecting artists to exhibit at JCAL, the primary focus was on Queens residents, aligning with their commitment to spotlight local talent from within New York City’s boroughs. The organization emphasizes artworks that strike a balance between neutrality and vibrancy, ensuring they complement the professional environment of our co-working space. Pieces must be framed and of moderate size, typically around 30 by 40 inches, to fit the gallery walls effectively. While the current lineup features artists with whom they have a history of collaboration or submissions, they aim to rotate through diverse talents who have showcased their work with them over the past three years.

Unlike a formal application process, they evaluate submissions received over the years—totaling approximately 2,000 artists—to curate compelling exhibitions that resonate with their diverse audience. This approach allows them to maintain a dynamic showcase of visual art while supporting local artists and providing them with exposure and potential sales opportunities through our exhibitions at JCAL.

Future exhibitions at Greater Nexus will continue to feature diverse artists from Queens, each bringing their unique perspectives and artistic visions to the forefront. The ongoing rotation ensures a dynamic and ever-evolving cultural experience for visitors and residents alike.

For more information about upcoming exhibits and the Queens Visual Arts Consortium, visit JCAL’s official website at jcal.org.

“Visual Arts makes a world of difference when it comes to public spaces,”  JCAL Artistic Director Courtney Ffrench said. “Color, texture, symbolism and expression, stimulates the mind and inspires creativity and revolution. The exhibitions coming to Greater Nexus are set to deliver, intentionally, a stimulating experience for all who are fortunate enough to see it.”

Cheerful Clefs Perform for Women for Afghan Women

by Christine Sung

For the second year, Cheerful Clefs performed a small concert for Women for Afghan Women, a grassroots civil society organization in Queens, New York dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of disenfranchised Afghan women and girls in Afghanistan and the United States. This year, in celebration of the last day of their Youth Program, Cheerful Clefs, a student volunteer organization of six student volunteers passionate about the arts, provided a 40-minute concert including both vocal group and solo performances that included the following repertoire: O Del Mio Dolce Ardor by Christoph Willibald Gluck, I Wish You Love by Laufey, Rainbow Connection by Jim Henson, Let Us Adore You from Steven Universe, The Moon Will Sing by The Crane Wives, and Blackbird by The Beatles. 

Christine Sung, Katie Machado, and Nyla Anderson opened the performance by doing a short dance to The Pink Panther Theme Song, jumping straight into a group vocal performance of The Moon Will Sing by The Crane Wives. After, they introduced themselves warmly greeting everyone. Then, the group performed vocal solos: Katie performed Rainbow Connection by Jim Henson, Nyla performed I Wish You Love by Laufey, and Christine performed O Del Mio Dolce Ardor by Christoph Willibald Gluck. After the vocal solos, the group performed Let Us Adore You from Steven Universe. Lastly, the group performed Blackbird by The Beatles. To close the performance, Claire Shin gave a Korean Drum (buk) performance. Christopher Sung was on the Cheerful Clefs staff and assisted performers in setting up technical aspects of the performance. After the performance, they left some goody bags for the students to take on their way home.


The performance was anticipated with excitement and met with enthusiasm. Some audience members recorded parts of the performance and after the performance found members of the organization to thank them for the performance and exchanged kind words with performers. 

“We are grateful that Women for Afghan Women allowed us to join them for the last day of the Youth Program and perform for the students. We appreciate deeply that we were able to spread some joy of music and art on a day of celebration!” – Cheerful Clefs

Politicians, Community Members Weigh in on City of Yes

Courtesy of @NYCPlanning

By Jean Brannum and Celia Bernhardt| news@queensledger.com

The City of Yes for Housing Opportunity got a marathon of a public hearing on July 10, with residents and representatives testifying to the City Planning Commission for over 12 hours.  

The third section of the Adams administration’s three-part City of Yes plan (with other proposals addressing climate and commercial businesses), City of Yes for Housing Opportunity includes a broad set of zoning and policy changes that would allow “a little more housing in every neighborhood.” 

Last week’s meeting was part of a larger public review phase for the housing proposal, where borough presidents and community boards can weigh in and suggest alterations. The next step after public review concludes is a binding vote from the City Planning Commission; following that, the City Council can vote to either approve, modify, or deny the plan. That final vote is expected to take place before the end of 2024. 

Many residents of Queens and Brooklyn expressed concerns about suburban neighborhoods losing their quiet environment. Some residents are worried that the population increase will exacerbate existing issues in the neighborhood. 

“Let us be clear about what this housing proposal does in fact represent: A little more Manhattan in every neighborhood,” said John Sheridan, a City Island resident who also said the changes would cause neighborhoods to lose their unique characteristics. 

On the flip side, many in the meeting argued that the changes are needed to create more affordable housing options. Vice President of Policy at TechNYC and former City Council member Marjorie Velasquez explained how the lack of affordable housing keeps potential talent out of the technology industries.

“Young professionals, even those with promising careers, are priced out of the market, forcing them to relocate or furlough living in New York City,” Velasquez said. “We want people building technology in New York City and build their families here.”

One of the most outspoken critics of the City of Yes was Councilmember Vicky Paladino, whose district includes College Point, Douglaston, and North Flushing. She said the city has pushed the proposed zoning changes “like a freight train” and said it would be better to have a pilot program for the changes. 

Paladino compared the process of the City of Yes to the legalization of cannabis, saying that the quick legalization process led to multiple smoke shops popping up around the city. 

Department of City Planning Director Daniel Garodnick argued with Paladino saying that 50% of the people in her district are rent-burdened, which means people pay more than 30% of their income towards housing. Paladino replied that her district is affordable due to Co-op apartments and condos. 

A map of community districts shows some neighborhoods in Paladino’s district built between 2,000 and 4,000 new buildings between 2010 and 2023. A section including the Douglaston area shows between zero and 2,000 new buildings. 

Carol Mccarthy from the Douglaston Civic Association said that only developers would benefit from the proposal and that no affordable housing would be built. Mccarthy also said that if the City of Yes passes, then Douglaston would consider seceding from New York City. 

“If passed we will be forced to consider the real possibility of secession from the city of New York,” Mccarthy said. “This can be done and it will be done if necessary. We have the means to do it”

Another disagreement ensued between Paul Graziano — an urban planner at the forefront of advocacy against the housing proposal — and the City Planning director. Graziano argued that increasing housing density would be “apocalyptic” due to the increase in number of people living in areas built for single-family homes. He also said that the population of New York City has not changed since 1960. According to city data and census data, the population of the city has increased since 1960 by about 1 million. 

Graziano’s other point was that the city already allows for more housing to be built, so there is no need to loosen restrictions more. Graziano claims the current zoning laws allow housing for up to 20 million people to be built now. 

“I am tired of listening to the propaganda from the City Planning Commission and Department of City Planning,” Graziano said. “You’ve heard the voices of the folks from outside of Manhattan, from the community boards, as well as the civic organizations. And if you persist in going forward with this, there will be consequences to this and we’ll find out what they are.”

Garodnick said that this has been brought up at other community board meetings and said it indicated a “fundamental misunderstanding of how zoning works.” 

According to Garodnick, land zones are rarely completely utilized due to existing buildings and finances among other reasons. He also said that the proposal would not eliminate single-family homes. Gardonkick used his response to also say that people should stick to the facts during the hearing. One person from the crowd told the committee to “stop lying” though it is not clear what they were referring to. 

The Department of City Planning will vote on the proposed changes in September. In the meantime, New Yorkers can make public statements at the next public hearing on July 24. 



Dermot Smyth Declares Candidacy for District 30 Seat

by MOHAMED FARGHALY | mfarghaly@queensledger.com


Dermot Smyth, an advocate for education and community empowerment, contends in the upcoming district 30 election.

Dermot Smyth, a passionate advocate for education and community empowerment, emerges as a formidable contender in the upcoming district 30 election for Council Member Robert Holden’s seat.

With a robust background in education policy and a deep- seated commitment to improving local schools, Smyth’s campaign resonates with voters seeking substantial reforms in the education sector. 

Smyth, a Democrat and newcomer to the political arena, emerges with a unique blend of experience and a deep-rooted commitment to community service. Born to Irish immigrant parents who sought a better life in America, Smyth was inspired by their spirit of hard work and determination. 

His father’s journey to citizenship resonates strongly with him, shaping his belief in the importance of inclusive policies and opportunities for all. Currently residing in Middle Village, Smyth has been an integral part of the district for three decades, deeply embedded in its fabric long before his political aspirations took flight. Smyth, a dedicated father, has two children: a 30-year-old daughter and a 17-year-old son. 

Smyth’s professional journey is equally diverse. Starting as a janitor, Smyth witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs of local schools in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Initially trained as a teacher with a degree in history from Queens College, he found his calling in education, passionately shaping young minds for years. His tenure as an educator instilled in him a profound understanding of the challenges facing both students and teachers, fueling his drive for educational reform. 

In a roundtable with the Queens Ledger, Smyth emphasized the critical role of public schools in shaping the community fabric. 

“Education is extremely, extremely important to me,” Smyth said. “I’ve been a teacher, I’ve worked in the education space for 25 years now. Education is my number one priority because our kids matter.” 

Transitioning into the political sphere, Smyth honed his advocacy skills at his current position with the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) as Political Coordinator, where he tirelessly fights for better resources and support for educators. His grassroots approach and firsthand knowledge of educational issues distinguish him from other candidates, underlining his commitment to improving educational standards and opportunities for every child.


Smyth’s diverse experience and deep ties to the community underscore his platform for inclusive policies and community development.

Dermot has been an exceptional advocate for our public schools for almost 20 years, not only in Queens but across the city,” Michael Mulgrew, President of the United Federation of Teachers said. “I look forward to Dermot taking part in our nomination process. His extensive experience in education and politics, and his deep knowledge of Queens communities,  would make a real difference in the lives of families in the 30th City Council district.”

Smyth’s stance on education policy is nuanced, reflecting a broad understanding of the challenges facing both public and charter schools. He acknowledges the achievements of charter schools but is wary of their potential impact on traditional public schools, especially those in underserved communities. 

Smyth’s primary focus remains on education, aiming to overhaul curriculum standards, enhance teacher training, and expand access to technology in schools. Additionally, he plans to champion small businesses, advocating for policies that support local entrepreneurs and stimulate economic growth within the district. 

Central to Smyth’s platform is his support for community schools, a model he believes can bridge educational gaps and serve as community hubs beyond school hours. His endorsement of community schools aligns with his vision of community development, where schools play a pivotal role in neighborhood cohesion and support. 

Beyond education, Smyth is vocal on various community issues, including housing affordability and neighborhood preservation. He highlights the plight of residents forced to move further away due to rising costs, advocating for policies that enable families to stay rooted in their communities. 

“The issues here actually carry over across the city,” Smyth said. “Affordability in neighborhoods is everywhere, and it’s overcrowded. There’s school overcrowding. These are issues that have to be addressed, and I’m looking forward to working with community leaders and elected officials and the city administration to make sure all of these issues are addressed.” 

Throughout his campaign, Smyth emphasizes transparency and community engagement “It’s sugar coating crime that certain crimes are allowed and should be tolerated as a way of people surviving,” Smyth said. “And we’re a nation of laws. We’re a nation of laws, and if you start undermining that, or whittling away at them, it undermines the fabric of what this country is.” 

While acknowledging his limited visibility in traditional community boards, he asserts that effective leadership transcends boardroom politics.

 “Politics has gotten very, very toxic the way we have a conversation about it,” Smyth said. “People can disagree, you can have ideas and have different ideas, and that’s the way it should be.” 

Looking ahead, Smyth envisions a district where every child has access to quality education, families can afford to live and thrive, and communities are empowered to shape their own futures. His candidacy represents a call for inclusive leadership and pragmatic solutions to the district’s most pressing challenges. 

Dermot Smyth’s candidacy has garnered support from prominent figures, including Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Congressman Tom Suozzi, Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, and UFT President Michael Mulgrew. 

“Having known and worked with Dermot over many years in his role with the UFT, I have seen first-hand his ability to work with a variety of elected officials, city agencies, and community stakeholders, to make sure the issues advocated for were moved in the right direction,” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said. “His knowledge of city government, and his vast experience working with leaders across the borough and city, make him the very best candidate to take on this role in the city council. I look forward to supporting Dermot in this race and working with him once elected.” 

Smyth aims to represent a fresh voice in local politics, grounded in a rich tapestry of personal and professional experiences. His candidacy symbolizes a blend of passion for education, advocacy for community interests, and a commitment to inclusive, sustainable growth for all residents of the district.

ENT and Allergy brings vital healthcare services to Flushing

By Yasin Akdag

ENT & Allergy held a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting event at their new office, located at 35-26 Francis Lewis Blvd. in Flushing, Queens on June 25. 

ENY & Allergy offers patients access to a world-renowned team of experts that work together on complex ear, nose, throat, and head and neck disorders.

Dr. Andrew L. Blank,  led the ribbon cutting ceremony, and the entire Flushing ENT & Allergy team of doctors was present. Dr. Blank delivered a speech to honor all of the doctors and emphasized how much his team cares about the Queens community- noting how many local patients rave about the care they receive.

The BQE Media and Marketing team participated in the event and exchanged a few words with ENT & Allergy Doctors.

“Opening the urgent care facility has brought great value to our community. We are truly privileged and proud to serve Queens residents with dedicated and compassionate care.” said Dr. Blank.

Dr. Tamekia Wakefield, the board member of the Variety Boys and Girls Club, who specializes in pediatric otolaryngology, stated that she is very happy about serving the community of Queens.

“The doctors are also pleased at the fact that parking is very reasonable in the area,” said Wakefield.

ENT and Allergy marketing associate, Amanda McDonald, organized the event, and ushered attendees over to breakfast items, from bagels with cream cheese to beverages like orange juice to cakes and cookies. 

I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to community for attending our ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, and we look forward to serving the Flushing, Queens community with our best effort ” said McDonald.

Kudos to the ENT & Allergy Team for serving the Queens community efficiently and passionately.

 

 

 

 

Queens Flag Day Committee Awards Dinner Honors NYPD, FDNY, Military

The Queens Flag Day Committee held its annual awards dinner at Douglaston Manor on June 27. Individuals from the NYPD, FDNY, DSNY, Sheriff’s Department, and the military were celebrated for outstanding service to the community. 

Attendees drank, chatted and enjoyed some hors d’ourves on the Manor’s scenic patio before heading inside for the night. The ceremony began with a presentation of colors by the US Army NYC Recruiting Battalion, a rendition of the national anthem, and an invocation by Pastor Gordon Jones.

 David Locker, senior advisor for the NYC Department of Veterans Services, was among the speakers. He emphasized the shared sense of duty, responsibility, and dedication that those carrying out military and public service experience. 

“Putting on the uniform is a profound act that signifies a commitment to something greater than one’s self,” Locker said. “It is vital that we support one another, recognizing that our shared experiences create a bond that transcends our individual path.” 

16 honorees in total were brought up to the stage and presented with awards. 

Staff Sergeants Kiara Magee and Johan G. Villamil Novoa were selected as the US Army awardees; Gunnery Sergeant Christopher G. OConnor was selected for the honor from the Marine Corps. 

FDNY Captain Robert Wind was honored, as was Undersheriff Julio Lopez. Mr. Mark Boccia won the John J. Farrell Sr. Award. 

As for the NYPD, 10 names were honored — one being Detective John Diller, who was shot and murdered while conducting a traffic stop in Far Rockaway. The others were Officers Brett Boller, Thomas Corey, Kevin Donato, Robert Sheron, Matthew Simpson, and Matthew Yeung; and Detectives Anthony Cutaia, Imtiaz Mohamed, and Steven Rosa. 

The Queens Flag Day Committee has held its awards dinner for over two decades

“It’s always a lot of fun,” Colonel Peter J. Sammarco, executive director of the Flag Day Committee, said. “It’s humbling to watch different individuals […] see what they’ve done, and why we want to honor them for their service and sacrifice.” 

In Queens, Local Pharmacies Pushed Around On Medication Pricing

By Alexandra Byrne 

Gary Normatov stands behind the prescriptions desk of Catalpa Chemists, the pharmacy he has owned in Ridgewood, Queens since 2016. Image by Alexandra Byrne. May 4, 2024.

Across Queens, chain pharmacies like Walgreens and Rite Aid are closing, sending customers to one of the borough’s 600+ independently-owned options. So why are local pharmacies struggling to make ends meet? Owners say insurance intermediaries called Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are to blame.

PBMs are pushing customers to mail order or chain pharmacies that PBMs themselves own. When customers do stay local, PBMs shortchange the pharmacy, reimbursing less than what they charge customers. 

Yury Tsadyk, owner of Big Six Pharmacy, an independent pharmacy in Woodside, says he loses money on about one third of prescriptions he fills. 

“Sometimes patients get frustrated at the pharmacies, because they take it out on us,” Tsadyk said. “… the insurance companies control it, we have no say in that. But we establish good relationships with the patients, give all the possible service we can just to have volume.”

Tsadyk isn’t the only one. Joel Kurzman, the director of State Government Affairs at the National Community Pharmacists Association, says local pharmacies across the country are closing due to a lack of PBM regulation.

The top three PBMs control about 80 percent of the market, Kurzman said, and they control each step of the process. CVS Health Corporation, for instance, owns CVS pharmacies; CVS Caremark, a PBM; and Aetna, a major insurance provider.

“PBMs are exceedingly powerful in the negotiation of contracts with pharmacies,” Kurzman said. “They offer ‘take it or leave it’ contracts where the PBMs dictate the terms. The walk-away for pharmacies is that you’re not going to be able to stay in business if you don’t abide by the terms. I don’t think it’s really a negotiation at all.”

On May 1, Kurzman sent a memo to the New York State Department of Financial Services outlining a solution that gives the consumer the power to choose which pharmacy is best for them. New York State has been aware of the issue since at least 2019, when a senate committee determined PBMs manipulate drug prices “to enhance their own profits at the expense of plans and its members.” 

That investigation, led by upstate Senator James Scoufis, found that PBMs have “strained the contemporary healthcare system.” 

“Initially created to control drug costs and manage prescription claims, PBMs have grown and consolidated so that only a handful of near-monopolies with limited accountability dominate the drug market,” the committee wrote, adding that PBMs wield “power to affect the price of pharmaceuticals being paid by consumers and the State.”

Following that report, the state senate passed legislation in late 2021 regulating PBMs and requiring they provide the government with financial information. Since then, however, ongoing negotiations over specific regulations have cut back the strength of the bill, said Leigh McConchie, President of the Pharmacists Society of the State of New York. Notably, McConchie said a payment floor—a minimum amount PBMs would have to pay pharmacies—was removed from the legislation and unions would be exempt from the changes.

McConchie and Kurzman both said PBMs have immense lobbying power, allowing them to stymie or avoid complying with legislative efforts. In the meantime, local pharmacies take losses in order to care for their patients.

At Silver Care Pharmacy in Flushing, Queens, Haseeb Shah says his patients come first, even if he loses money on their prescription. Image by Alexandra Byrne. May 3, 2024

“We have lost a lot of business,” said Haseeb Shah, who owns Silver Care Pharmacy in Flushing. “A lot of pharmacies lose money on certain products. We do too, but we’re willing to accept those losses just to help out the patient. I’m a businessman, but I’m a pharmacist first. For me, making sure we can take care of patients — that’s what’s important.”

Gary Normatov, the owner of Catalpa Chemists in Ridgewood, agreed.

“There’s not much you can do — if your patient needs something, you’ve got to give it to them,” Normatov said. “You’re hoping in the end you’re not losing money. It’s like gambling. It’s not the way it should be.”

In addition to losing money, Normatov is losing patients to mail order. In one instance, he filled a patient’s prescription for two months after a hospital stay before his insurance pushed him to a mail order pharmacy. For Normatov, mail order poses risks, like improper storage and lost medications.

“Mail order is part of a bigger picture of patient steering,” Kurzman explained. “Patient steering is when a PBM prevents a patient from using a pharmacy of their choice and they’re steered, either through incentives or requirements, to use a pharmacy dictated by the PBM.”

Shah expressed a similar frustration.

“There needs to be more transparency — they’re steering business to themselves and that’s not fair for us,” Shah said. 

Silver Care Pharmacy in Flushing, Queens. There are roughly 2,000 local pharmacies across New York City. Image by Alexandra Byrne. May 3, 2024.

In the face of challenges with PBMs, each owner emphasized that local pharmacies offer a level of care and service patients can’t get elsewhere. For some pharmacies like Nature’s Way Pharmacy in Ridgewood, pharmacist technician Luz Perez said she’s seen business increase, with customers coming from Walgreens, in particular. Unlike other pharmacies in Queens, Perez said she hasn’t seen many customers leaving for mail order. She says customers are also attracted to the pharmacy’s offerings of natural and organic products.

“A lot of them say that we’re really friendly, they have a lot of issues getting their medications, they don’t have a lot of compassion for them, and so they switch to the small business because we can give them that one-on-one attention they need,” Perez explained. “At big businesses, they just want you in-and-out.” 

During the pandemic, local pharmacies were crucial in maintaining community health. Now, owners are urging their communities to not forget that as they confront the challenges PBMs pose.

“We love them, we take care of them,” Normatov said. “We were there for them all throughout COVID … We love it, this is what we do. This is why I became a pharmacist.”

New York City Restores Funding for Community Compost Program in FY25 Budget

New York City has reinstated over $6 million in funding for its community composting program in the FY25 budget. This action reverses Mayor Eric Adams’ previous cuts and ensures stability through a revised funding mechanism, despite ongoing challenges and concerns over unresolved issues in composting infrastructure and community support.

By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com

In a significant reversal, New York City has allocated over $6 million to reinstate funding for its community composting program as part of the newly approved fiscal year 2025 budget. This move comes after Mayor Eric Adams initially slashed all funding for the initiative last fall, citing escalating costs and budgetary shortfalls amid increased service demands.

The restoration of funds marks a victory for advocates and city council members who rallied behind the program, emphasizing its environmental benefits and community impact. Under the revised budget, the City Council restructured the funding mechanism to safeguard it against future cuts, shifting control away from the Department of Sanitation to ensure stability.

Among the beneficiaries of the renewed funding are longstanding groups like GrowNYC, along with a broader spectrum of organizations including microhauler Bk Rot and The Brotherhood Sister Sol, which operates a community garden in Manhattan.

“We are never going to slash and burn our way to a green city,” Council Member Shaun Abreu, who chairs the sanitation committee, said in a statement. “Today, we celebrate these wins. Tomorrow, we continue the work toward a cleaner, safer, climate-resilient city.”

The FY25 budget, totaling $112.4 billion, also earmarks $5 million for organic processing infrastructure at the Lower East Side Ecology Center and $25 million for rodent-proof litter baskets and enhanced trash pick-up services across the city. These allocations underscore a commitment to improving sanitation and environmental sustainability amidst ongoing urban challenges.

Despite the funding’s reinstatement, organizations face challenges in ramping up operations after months of uncertainty and reduced services. Christine Datz-Romero, Executive Director of the Lower East Side Ecology Center, highlighted the logistical hurdles of rehiring and retraining staff, underscoring the disruptive impact of abrupt budget cuts.

“It’s really hard for these programs to have this stop and go,” Datz-Romero said. “You have to start this whole process of hiring again and training people.”

Looking ahead, New York City plans to launch curbside organics collection in several boroughs later this year, aimed at further bolstering its composting infrastructure. However, concerns linger over unresolved issues from previous cuts, such as the delayed construction of a composting facility in Canarsie and the imminent eviction of a long-standing composting site in Queens.

During a rally on June 27 aimed at overturning the decision, Justin Green, Executive Director of Big Reuse, disclosed that despite efforts by several council members to persuade Parks leadership, they were unsuccessful in reversing the decision. Green has expressed intentions to explore alternative sites within New York City, acknowledging the challenges posed by limited options.

“We built out a system that Parks should be multiplying,” Green said at the rally Thursday. “When Parks and government agencies won’t listen to elected officials… It is a bad sign for our democratic process and how responsive government operates. They should not operate like that.”

Despite these setbacks, advocates remain optimistic about the program’s future, buoyed by community support and ongoing efforts to expand sustainable practices across the city.

Eagle Academy in Queens Receives $10,000 Grant for Music Education


Courtesy Eagles Academy
Eagle Academy for Young Men in St. Albans, Queens, has received a $10,000 grant through AXS TV’s Band Together For Music Education initiative, presented during their spring recital and graduation ceremony.

By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Eagle Academy for Young Men, located in St. Albans, Queens has been named a recipient of a $10,000 grant through AXS TV’s Band Together For Music Education initiative, a joint effort by AXS TV and Spectrum aimed at bolstering music education in public schools nationwide.

The presentation took place during the school’s annual spring recital at the end of June, coinciding with the graduation ceremony where 40 students received their diplomas. Spectrum’s Director of Government and Community Strategy Jonelle Johnson and AXS TV’s Gyneen Meyers handed over the award. The event featured speeches from Eagle Academy Principal Dr. Christopher Smith and Assistant Principal Dawn Story Rodgers.

“With gratitude and determination, on behalf of Eagle Academy for Young Men of Southeast Queens we accept AXS TV’s generous grant to amplify music and education in our school,” Principal, Dr. Christopher R. Smith said. “This partnership will harmonize creativity and knowledge, nurturing the next generation of innovators and artists. By supporting music and arts education we ensure that young minds are equipped with the tools to innovate, communicate and effectively enrich lives through the power of creativity.”

Eagle Academy is one of five schools selected for the grant this spring, reflecting AXS TV’s commitment to supporting exemplary music programs that often face funding challenges in public education.

“Our continued partnership with AXS TV supports a new round of grants boosting fundamental music and arts education,” said Camille Joseph-Goldman, Group Vice President, State Government Affairs at Spectrum. “It’s important for us to continue investing in initiatives that benefit the communities we serve. ‘Band Together’ does this by providing much-needed funding to music programs so students can access the instruments, instruction and equipment they need to appreciate music.”

David C. Banks, New York City Schools Chancellor and keynote speaker at the ceremony, emphasized the critical role of music education in developing young leaders. 

In addition to Eagle Academy, Spectrum has previously presented grants to other deserving programs including Heart of LA – HOLA in Los Angeles, CA; Harvey Rice Wraparound School in Cleveland, OH; Deep Springs Elementary in Lexington, KY; and London Elementary in Corpus Christi, TX.

AXS TV, owned by Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc., is a leading television, streaming, digital, and social music and entertainment brand. Its programming celebrates music’s rich history and keeps its audience informed about current music trends through various platforms.

Spectrum, a service offered by Charter Communications, Inc., provides advanced communications services including internet, TV, mobile, and voice across the United States.

For more information about AXS TV’s Band Together For Music Education initiative and Spectrum’s involvement, visit axs.tv/subscribe.





Queens DA Charges Forest Hills Man with Attempted Murder in Violent Deli Assault


Courtesy Dean Moses Twitter
Osvel Diaz, 29, of Forest Hills, Queens, faces attempted murder and assault charges for allegedly brutally beating 62-year-old Abdul Alshawish unconscious at a Woodside deli, as announced by Queens authorities on June 24.

By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com

A Forest Hills man has been charged with attempted murder and assault for allegedly brutally beating a deli worker unconscious in Woodside, Queens, authorities announced on June 24. 

Osvel Diaz, 29, was arraigned on June 23  on charges stemming from the June 17 attack on 62-year-old Abdul Alshawish at the Sunnyside Mini Mart, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced.

“The defendant is alleged to have brutally beaten a defenseless store employee until he was unconscious and then went on to repeatedly kick the motionless victim in the head,” Katz said in a statement. “Business owners and their workers should never have to fear that they will be the targets of violence. We will do everything we can to protect shopkeepers because when our local businesses thrive, our communities thrive.”

According to prosecutors, surveillance video captured Diaz punching and kicking Alshawish multiple times, causing him to lose consciousness. Diaz then allegedly continued kicking the victim in the head while he lay on the deli floor.

Alshawish suffered severe injuries, including a brain hemorrhage, facial fractures, a mid-face separation, and fractures to his eye socket, nose, and sinuses. He remains hospitalized.

Diaz, who was arrested at his home, faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of attempted murder and assault charges.

In addition to the June 17 incident, Diaz also faces separate charges related to vandalism. According to prosecutors, he was seen on surveillance video on two occasions earlier this year spraying graffiti on buildings in Maspeth and Woodside.

Assistant District Attorney Thomas Salmon is prosecuting the case under the supervision of Michael Whitney, Roni Piplani, and Shawn Clark.

Diaz was remanded following his arraignment and appeared in court again on July 2. He has not entered a plea, and under New York law, criminal complaints and indictments are accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.





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