Facebook Twitter Instagram
718 426 7200
Facebook Twitter Instagram

Smyth Gets Our Endorsement in the 30th

BQE Admin on June 13, 2025

The voters in this district covering Maspeth, Middle Village, parts of Ridgewood, Glendale and Rego Park, want an activist and have elected legacy community organizers in the past. A legacy activist is someone who has been active in a civic for a decade or more. Civic membership is high here, with organizations like The Ridgewood Property Owners, COMET, Juniper Civic and Glendale Civic. But the current councilman, Bob Holden, while giving the constituents what they want, as someone who has their social values and does the constituent service part of the job better than most, is an outcast in the city council. That might not necessarily be a bad thing, but with this city council, they dump on districts of council people that they see as weak inside the chamber. Case in point, this district is targeted to have a lithium battery storage facility, have had an extra-large ‘problem homeless shelter’ dumped in Glendale and all our council sources tell us that the 30th is considered a district that the council body ignores.

While there is no clear legacy activist running, there are three contenders on the democratic side that are clearly different. While Holden staffer Phil Wong would not come to meet with us to tell us all about his platform, candidate Paul Pogozelski has fully engaged with the media, has walked the district for a few months now, has even gone as far as becoming active on park issues as well as bringing attention to what he sees as a plight on the quality of life – those nasty campers that sit on some of our more industrial streets. He is a newbie to politics, and we find his engagement with internet-trollers troublesome. The territory comes with detractors, and most of it just distracts a POL from doing their job effectively. Since he has little experience and few friends in politics his endorsement list is empty, so he touts he is endorsed by ‘the people.’ Very creative indeed! He has put together a pretty lively youth hockey program in Juniper Park, which means he is an effective community organizer.

Queens’ UFT government relations veteran Dermot Smyth has gotten endorsements from anyone who matters. Not only did he get the UFT and a host of labor organizations, he also has a host of influential legislators who have told us that Dermot has always been ‘the adult in the room’ when the UFT has been at the negotiations table. Although endorsements from politicians don’t typically matter to us, there is an overriding issue with the city council that makes it vital Dermot gets this spot. District 30 has been an outsider in all city council votes for a decade now. Support around Manhattan Councilperson Julie Menin to be the next council speaker is important. The city council has moved so far to the left that the movement by a group of ‘common sense’ council members (which happens to be more than just Republicans) to have a moderate speaker is more important to this district than anything else. The stage is set to have Menin become the next speaker. Menin and her supporters have helped Dermot. Smyth will be part of the leadership fairly immediately.  

Dermot first broke the news that he was running for this seat with our newspapers a year ago. He has lived in this district for decades and has spent the past year learning the ins and outs of constituents’ needs, knocking on doors. He was quite impressive in our editorial meeting a few weeks ago, in that he learned a great deal about the neighborhood’s priorities while campaigning. He listened, and that’s crucial for our endorsement. Vote early.

Two Teens Charged With Attempted Gang Assault

BQE Admin on June 12, 2025

Two 16-year-old girls have been charged with attempted gang assault, assault, attempted robbery, and other crimes for the beating of a 15-year-old girl in the Astoria 46th Street subway station on June 2, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz recently announced. If found guilty in court, the defendants could face up to 15 years in prison.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz commented, “A high school student was mercilessly tased, kicked, punched, and stomped on by a mob of fellow students at a train station after dismissal from William Cullen Bryant High School.”

When the victim was dismissed from the high school at the end of the school day on June 2, the defendants – both high school juniors – and others followed her to the subway station. Inside the stairwell of the station, she was attacked by a mob of teenagers. The mob allegedly punched, kicked, and stomped on her head, face, and body. According to the charges, the victim was also tased during the assault, and she was hospitalized after.

“What an outrageous display of bullying and brutality,” Katz said. “This will not be acceptable behavior here in Queens and I will hold students accountable for this behavior to the extent the law allows.”

The two 16-year-old defendants were arraigned on June 10 on a criminal complaint with the charges. Judge Bruna DiBiase ordered the defendants to return to court on June 18.

The Queens District Attorney’s office reported that the investigation into the conduct of other individuals who took part in the assault remains ongoing.

Governors Ball Weekend Returns to Flushing Meadows

BQE Admin on June 12, 2025

Dusana Risovic

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

The 2025 edition of Governors Ball has officially come to a close, capping off a vibrant weekend of music, food, and festival experiences at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

The three-day event kicked off Friday, June 6, with high-energy performances from Tyler, the Creator, Mannequin Pussy, JPEGMAFIA, Mk.gee, Tyla, and BigXThaPlug, among others. Despite a weather delay on Saturday that pushed back start times, the festival rebounded with a standout headline performance from Olivia Rodrigo, who surprised fans by bringing out Talking Heads frontman David Byrne.

Sunday saw Hozier take the stage for a soulful closing set, wrapping up the festival on a high note. Also performing on the final day were Key Glock, Clairo, The Japanese House, and Glass Animals.

Beyond the music, this year’s Governors Ball leaned into the full festival experience. Attendees sampled a wide array of food options, including offerings from the beloved Queens Night Market like Eemas Cuisine, Mao’s Baos, and Twisted Potato. Festivalgoers also enjoyed local favorites such as Roberta’s Pizza, Fan Fan Doughnuts, Walter’s Hot Dogs, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, Gotham Burger Social Club, and La Newyorkina.

Taylor Regulski

For those looking to fill time between sets, the grounds offered plenty to explore. Fans picked up skincare samples at the Kiehl’s SPF Remix Booth, sipped cocktails at the Grey Goose Lounge, shopped exclusive merchandise at the Pacsun Festival Hub, and grabbed a caffeine boost at the Dunkin’ Donuts Scoop Shop.

Just before the Glass Animals took the stage on Sunday night at the 2025 Governors Ball, the festival crowd was met with an unexpected guest — not a musician, but Queens Borough President Donovan Richards.

Greeted with cheers from the packed audience at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Richards used the moment to welcome concertgoers to Queens and deliver a passionate speech celebrating the borough’s diversity and resilience.

“We are the most diverse county in the United States of America,” Richards declared. “We love our diversity in Queens County, and we will never cower in the face of an administration who doesn’t believe in that.”

Dusana Risovic

The borough president’s remarks quickly turned political, as he rallied the crowd with a call to stand up for civil rights and social justice.

“We celebrate Pride because we believe in our LGBTQ community,” he continued. “We will never cower in the face of those who challenge our civil rights, our human rights, women’s rights, and immigrant rights.”

The unexpected appearance added a powerful tone of civic pride and defiance to the final day of the festival, reinforcing Queens’ reputation as a bastion of multiculturalism and activism.

Taylor Regulski 

Taylor Regulski 

Ismael Quintanilla III

Jessica Ramos: A Mayor Who “Doesn’t Just Fight, She Wins”

BQE Admin on June 12, 2025

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

One afternoon near Elmhurst Hospital, Jessica Ramos spotted a woman selling churros on the street corner — a former nurse from her home country, now trying to make ends meet far from the life she once knew. This moment crystallizes the urgency that drives Ramos’ mayoral campaign: fighting for immigrant economic opportunities, affordable child care, and a city that works for everyone, not just the well-connected.

As New Yorkers prepare to vote in the June 24 mayoral primary, New York State Senator, Jessica Ramos is mounting a campaign grounded in her lived experience as a daughter of immigrants and a long career in city government. Ramos is focusing on a platform that addresses the intertwined crises the city is plagued with — all wrapped in a call for practical governance and proven legislative results.

Born and raised in Queens, Ramos has deep roots in the city she hopes to lead. “My first job was at a law firm in Roosevelt Avenue. I’ve worked on rezoning all over the city. I know this city inside and out.”

“Given my legislative record and the fact I’ve had a desk at the mayor’s office and on city council, I have the most well-rounded perspective as a mayoral candidate compared to the others,” Ramos said of her campaign during a roundtable with the Queens Ledger.

Readers should be aware that the day following our conversation with Ramos, she formally backed Andrew Cuomo as the future mayor of New York City. Ramos said she will continue to run and be on the ballot so she can continue to speak out in support of her issues. Ramos acknowledges that she won’t win the primary election with the endorsement but we still wanted to inform our readers about her campaign and platform. 

Ramos places childcare at the forefront of her agenda, mentioning how it has become “so damn expensive it’s like college tuition now.” She wants to reform access to child care vouchers, noting the new state budget requires New York City to increase these vouchers but acknowledges that “the city has a very big challenge when it comes to funding these programs” because it cannot levy its own taxes. Ramos’ goal is to expand eligibility from 200 to 400 percent of the poverty line to at least 500 percent, a level that would cover more than 90 percent of New York families.

She also advocates for streamlining access to services, calling for an update to the city’s 311 app. “I think the 311 app can be updated and it should be the central place where everyone can go for any and all city services. We shouldn’t have 5+ apps. Everything should be a one stop shop.”

Queens, often called the modern-day Ellis Island, is a vibrant gateway for immigrants, and Jessica Ramos has proudly represented its diverse communities. As mayor, she plans to expand affordable housing through programs like the Housing Access Voucher Program, strengthen funding for immigration legal services, and improve language access across city services. Ramos also aims to boost workforce development with adult literacy and job training, while advocating for federal reforms to speed up work authorizations, ensuring newcomers can thrive and contribute to New York City’s economy.

A strong voice for immigrant rights, Ramos frames immigrant work permits as an essential “entry point to the economy.” She warns, “If you don’t offer them an entry into the economy, someone else will. Those people are usually bad actors.” While she laments that “case law prevents us from creating a NYC work permit,” she insists, “I think the mayor of NYC should be the loudest voice in DC for work permits… We should at least allow and believe a person’s right to self-determination.”

On the issue of sex workers, particularly on Roosevelt Avenue, Ramos criticizes current enforcement as ineffective and unfair. “Mayor Adams wants to tout over a thousand arrests for Roosevelt Ave, just women not the traffickers or pimps, it’s unserious,” she said. These women are not being provided alternative employment options, she said, leaving them trapped. Ramos proposes better job pathways, education, and certification, leveraging institutions like CUNY to accelerate English learning and professional integration.

“I think Eric Adams bungled the migrant influx from the very moment those people stepped off the buses,” she said, referring to buses sent by Texas Governor Abbott. “The minute they get off the bus, I as mayor have the option to use the sanctuary law as a shield or a sword.”

Ramos sees housing as a foundational element to improving public safety: “As soon as we’re able to get a roof over someone’s head, the safer we can all be.” She is calling for expansion of low-income and supportive housing units, along with more mental health resources, arguing that “I resent that we have to wait for someone to get hurt to get the help that they need.”

Addressing the costly and ineffective incarceration of mentally ill individuals, she said, “For a cheaper price to the taxpayer, we can expand psychiatric beds at hospitals and talk about the people who can’t be on the streets right now because they’re a threat to themselves or someone else.” She advocates for closing Rikers Island and opening smaller jails in each borough but acknowledged that this goal may not be realized until after 2030.

Ramos also criticized the lack of outreach to minority communities in politics. “We only really talk about politics in English, so we need to do a better job sharing institutional knowledge and local history with people in their native language… There’s also apathy and great skepticism.”

She stresses the importance of engaging ethnic and community media, noting low voter turnout is partially due to information barriers. “We are such a diverse borough we need to be more accommodating to help people understand why things are the way they are in their neighborhood.”

On development, Ramos is firmly against the proposed Metropolitan Park City Field casino. “These jobs do not create generational wealth,” she said, emphasizing the need for union jobs with safety and living wages. “Most unemployed people in my district are undocumented and cannot have those jobs. It’s not anti-development, it’s anti-casino”

If elected, Ramos said her legacy would include infrastructure upgrades critical to climate resiliency, “Replace the sewers and waste system… the skeleton underground that supports all that in an era of climate change with sewage backup and flooding.”

Ramos also said that on day one as mayor, she would declare a mental health emergency to unlock more funding to rapidly expand mental health facilities, aiming to end chronic homelessness and better support those struggling with severe mental illness by the end of her term.

As voters weigh their choices, Ramos’ message is clear: “I don’t just fight, I win.”

This Father’s Day, Recovery Becomes a Celebration

BQE Admin on June 12, 2025

Courtesy NYC Health + Hospitals

After a Decade, Father and Son Share a Meal Again

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

For the first time in over a decade, Harry Perks Jr. will sit at the table this Father’s Day and feed himself. A simple act — but one that, until recently, was unimaginable.

The 43-year-old Queens resident nearly died from a heroin overdose in 2015 that left him in a coma for 30 days and caused permanent brain damage. For 3½ excruciating minutes, his brain was deprived of oxygen. The result was spasticity and muscle contractures that left him unable to speak clearly, walk unassisted, or use his right hand — until now.

For the past 11 years, Harry Sr. has served as his son’s full-time caregiver, navigating a healthcare system often short on answers but full of challenges. From feeding tubes to fears of amputation, the road to recovery has been long and painful. “He looked like a fetus,” Harry Sr. recalled. “His knees up under his chin, his arms were curled. It was really scary stuff.”

But then came a breakthrough.

After years of therapy and Botox injections that brought modest improvement to Harry’s legs and left hand, his physiatrist, Dr. Jonah Green at NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull, referred him to orthopedic hand surgeon Dr. Eitan Melamed at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst.

Harry’s right hand — curled tightly at the wrist and long rendered useless — had become a daily reminder of all that had been lost. But Dr. Melamed saw potential.

“I thought he’s a great candidate for surgery because he’s just a tough guy,” Melamed said. “He wants to get better. He has an amazing family support… Harry is very, very goal oriented.”

The procedure, a three-hour selective neurectomy, involved lengthening contracted muscles and cutting motor nerves to decrease the exaggerated tone. It was a delicate dance of weakening the overactive muscles and bolstering the weaker ones to restore balance. “Once we lengthen the contracted muscle and augmented the weak muscles and added the neurectomy, he could slowly start using his arm,” Melamed explained. “You can open the hand, acquire objects, and close the hand and grip objects.”

Four months after surgery, Harry could do something he hadn’t in over a decade — grasp a fork, hold a cup, type a message. “Harry’s confidence just went through the roof after the hand was done,” said his father. “The biggest thing that I’ve seen was his confidence level… you could see it in his eyes and his whole attitude was like, ‘Okay, I’m almost normal again.’”

The recovery wasn’t easy — splints, therapy, and the hard relearning of basic functions. But Melamed emphasizes it wasn’t just the surgery that made the difference. “I really created a very strong connection with him and his dad… I think what stands out in Harry is his motivation and his family support. And these two ingredients, in addition to the surgery, were the key to his recovery.”

Harry Sr., a lifelong Queens resident who lives near Juniper Park, now reflects on their journey with equal parts sorrow and pride. “These last two years, now we couldn’t be closer,” he said. “We wound up here… but the last 10 years have been nothing but a miracle.”

For Harry Sr., the moments after surgery were filled with quiet victories — like watching his son grasp his walker more firmly, or beating him in an arm-wrestling match. “He’s stronger than me,” he laughed. “We arm wrestle, and now he’s beating me. In the old days he couldn’t, but now he’s doing it.”

The emotional cost has been high, but so has the reward. “I just look at him, I see how much he’s developed. That’s what it means to me,” said Harry Sr. When asked what he’s most proud of about his son, he answered simply: “Everything. What he came through, how he fought, how he didn’t give up.”

This Father’s Day, over a shared meal, that resilience will be quietly celebrated. “It’s our best times in the backyard,” said Harry Sr. “That’s when we really sit and talk about what’s going on.”

Harry Jr., who communicates sparingly, managed a sentiment that speaks volumes: “Father’s Day is every day.”

After a decade of fighting for every inch of recovery, Harry Sr. knows what matters most. “Stick with it,” he said to other families facing long-term caregiving. “It’ll happen if you put the time in. You spend time with them, talking to them, giving them a hard time to make sure that they’re awake and realize what’s going on around them. They can come back… He did. He’s proof.”

And when asked what he’s most proud of?

“Everything,” he said. “What he came through, how he fought, how he didn’t give up. Yeah. It’s everything.”

For more information on the Center for Hand Surgery at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, which offers comprehensive care for hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow conditions, call 718-334-2663.

Queens Rising Begins 2025 Summer Initiative

BQE Admin on June 12, 2025

Alice Moreno

This June will be dedicated to the arts and culture surrounding Queens. That is all thanks to the efforts behind Queens Rising.

According to its website, Queens Rising is known as a “multidisciplinary arts and culture celebration designed to highlight the borough’s creative diversity. ” It launched its summer initiative on April 21 at the Queens Museum, celebrating its fourth anniversary. Throughout June, Queens Rising will host a plethora of creativity-driven events meant to lift up the voices of those who live in Queens.

“What we’re really excited about is it’s a borough-wide celebration of the artists and arts organizations,” said Jeff Rosenstock, director of Queens Rising and Assistant Vice President, External & Governmental Relations at Queens College. “We try to promote to the Queens community and the greater metro area, and really the rich cultural legacy of Queens, and that reflects who our borough is and the work that they do.”

Queens Rising began pre-COVID, when a group of twelve people who run various arts organizations came together to amplify the arts community in Queens. They met every week, deciding on how and when to launch their initiative. At first, Queens Rising’s focus was on the art institutions around Queens. Now, they want to focus on the artists, calling it “Queens Scenes.” It features open calls for artists to display their work in a variety of neighborhoods surrounding Queens, such as Flushing Town Hall, Queens Botanical Garden, Culture Lab LIC, and Resorts World.

“One of our primary goals is we wanted to create a sense of shared community and allow artists, arts administrators, curators, [and] directors to get to know each other better, discuss potential collaborative efforts, help each other, and be there for each other,” said Rosenstock.

Queens Rising is sponsored by Northwell Health, Kupferberg Center of the Arts, the Howard Gillman Foundation, and Resorts World NYC, who, according to Rosenstock, are the borough’s strongest advocates.

During the reception, various city officials and leaders came together to discuss the art community in the borough. Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr. gave a speech, jokingly remarking not to pay the congestion pricing fee to get to Manhattan, but to explore Queens instead, taking in all that the borough has to offer.

“I think that’s a lot of what came out of COVID. People want to be out there, belonging to something, going outside and being part of something,” said Richards. “Queens Rising provides that for this community.”

Katha Cato, the founding executive director of the Queens World Film Festival, also spoke to the audience. The film festival, which has showcased over 1,979 films since its inception, featured 274 Queens-based films, with some of them being from public school students. The students were also in attendance, as their films played on a monitor. Cato spoke on the importance of hearing the voices of young people, who also deserve a spot in the borough’s art community.

“It literally makes me weep to see young people understanding that their voice is necessary, and to have the agency to do it,” said Cato, before introducing some of the student filmmakers.

The reception concluded with a seven-minute performance, titled “Echoes of Arrival,” given by Tommy Ong and Shan Y. Chuang. From Malaysia and Taiwan, respectively, Ong used the Cello while Chuang used spoken word to describe what it is like to be an immigrant living in Queens. They used their voices to describe what it was like first touching down in New York City at JFK, reality settling in as they are far away from not only their culture and country, but their comfort zones.

Queens Rising’s main goal is to showcase the world of talent Queens has to offer. They hope to use their platform and connections to connect the art community, offering to display their work in a variety of settings.

“Hopefully it will spark other people to […] identify their own stories, [and] to find importance within themselves,” said Ong. “Like, ‘oh, I am a person, and I’m living this life here. I’m not just a robot trying to survive capitalism.’”

To view the events held in June, visit https://queensrising.nyc/.

 

Queens Jazz Trail Concert Series Returns This Summer

BQE Admin on June 12, 2025

Courtesy KCA

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Queens’ storied jazz legacy will take center stage once again this summer with the return of the Queens Jazz Trail Concert Series, a free outdoor music event running from June through August across parks throughout the borough.

Presented by the Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College in partnership with NYC Parks, Flushing Town Hall, and the Louis Armstrong House Museum, the series celebrates Queens’ vital role in jazz history, showcasing performances by acclaimed artists tied to the borough’s rich musical tradition.

Kupferberg Center for the Arts (KCA) is dedicated to offering high-quality, accessible, and affordable cultural experiences to both the Queens College community and the borough’s 2.4 million residents. As the largest indoor, year-round, multidisciplinary arts organization in Queens, KCA presents world-class artists and performances on its main campus stages, while also highlighting emerging and regional talents through off-site events in neighborhood venues. Recognized as a cultural leader in one of the nation’s most ethnically diverse areas, KCA fosters connections between residents and their unique cultural backgrounds, sharing these rich traditions with wider audiences and celebrating the vibrant contributions that shape both the campus and the broader community.

The concert series is inspired by the Queens Jazz Trail Map, a treasured cultural resource originally printed in 1998 by Flushing Town Hall. The map traces the homes, venues, and landmarks connected to over 125 jazz legends who once called Queens home—including icons such as Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald, and Count Basie.

“The launch of a digital Queens Jazz Trail Map will inspire greater visitorship to Queens, a borough rich in musical history and home to a diverse and thriving cultural scene today,” Seth Bornstein, Executive Director of the Queens Economic Development Corporation said. “I encourage map followers to come for the jazz, delight in our history, and discover all else that Queens has on offer, including beautiful parks and restaurants serving up authentic cuisines from around the world. You name it, it’s in Queens—the world’s borough!”

The new website, launched in September 2024 with support from the Queens Economic Development Corporation and Queens Tourism Council, offers users the ability to explore detailed biographies, historical photos, and venues by clicking points on an interactive map. Visitors can also contribute their own stories and media, further enriching the evolving digital archive.

“We’re proud to celebrate the extraordinary jazz history of Queens with this concert series,” said Jon Yanofsky, Director of Kupferberg Center for the Arts. “After a successful launch in 2024, we’re excited to bring the series back this summer. It’s a joy to share this music in local parks with audiences of all ages across the borough.”

The 2025 concert series invites audiences to experience this living legacy in the very neighborhoods that shaped jazz’s evolution. Highlights include Grammy-nominated trumpeter Wayne Tucker opening the series on June 19 at Astoria Park; Queens native vibraphonist Bryan Carrott performing July 10 at Baisley Pond Park; the energetic Rubén Coca Quintet at Rockaway Beach Park on July 17; Alí Bello & The Charanga Syndicate bringing Cuban rhythms to Flushing Meadows Corona Park on July 20; bassist and bandleader Kim Clarke at Jackson Heights’ Travers Park on August 7; The High and Mighty Brass Band electrifying Forest Park Bandshell on August 14; and the series finale featuring the Mingus Big Band honoring Charles Mingus at Archie Spigner Park on August 28.

Seth Bornstein, Executive Director of the Queens Economic Development Corporation, praised the series and the digital map for promoting Queens as a cultural destination. “The Queens Jazz Trail Concert Series and interactive map showcase a borough rich in musical history and vibrant with diverse cultural experiences,” Bornstein said. “We invite jazz fans and curious visitors alike to explore Queens — its parks, eateries, and world-class music — through these free performances.”

All concerts are free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic snacks to enjoy quality live jazz outdoors.

For more information about the Queens Jazz Trail Map and concert series, visit kupferbergcenter.org/qjt.

Man Sentenced to 34 Years for Sexual Assaults of Minors in Queens

BQE Admin on June 12, 2025

3D render of a crime scene tape against defocussed city background

Courtesy Freepik

A Queens man has been sentenced to 34 years in prison for raping two underage girls in separate incidents, the Queens District Attorney’s Office announced last week.

Viando Ricketts, 31, of St. Albans, was convicted in March on multiple charges, including first-degree rape, first-degree sexual abuse, kidnapping, and witness tampering. He was sentenced Friday by Queens Supreme Court Justice Gia Morris to 34 years in prison, followed by 10 years of post-release supervision. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Prosecutors said Ricketts first encountered a 16-year-old girl in June 2022 while the two worked at neighboring businesses in St. Albans. He gave her food and later took her to the Belmont Motel in Queens Village, where he raped her. He continued to engage in sexual activity with her over the following months at her home and his barbershop. In October 2022, during an argument, he physically assaulted her, and weeks later raped her again inside his vehicle.

Despite a court-issued order of protection, Ricketts contacted the girl by phone and text, urging her to drop the charges, authorities said.

In a separate case in November 2022, Ricketts met a 12-year-old girl who had recently run away from a group home. He offered her alcohol at his barbershop before taking her to the same motel, where he raped her. The girl later disclosed the assault during a hospital visit, prompting police to open an investigation.

“This sexual predator targeted unsuspecting children, brought them to a hotel near his place of employment, and raped them,” District Attorney Katz said. “After the defendant was arrested, he violated an order of protection against one of the girls, and continued to contact her in a bid to have her drop the charges. We thank the brave victims for coming forward. The defendant will now serve 34 years in prison and be required to register as a sex offender upon his release.”

After the first assault, Ricketts admitted what he had done and repeatedly apologized to the victim. He continued seeing her over the next several months, during which he engaged in sexual activity with her multiple times each week, both at her home and at his barbershop.

On October 8, 2022, an argument between the two escalated into violence, and Ricketts punched the girl several times in the face.

About a year later, after the relationship had ended, Ricketts drove to her home and invited her into his vehicle to talk. Another argument followed, during which he raped her inside the car. Weeks later, the victim contacted the police. Although an order of protection was issued, Ricketts violated it by calling and texting her, urging her to drop the charges.

Several days later, the victim went to the hospital for an unrelated issue and during the assessment by the doctors she disclosed the rape. The police were immediately notified.

Assistant District Attorney Sean Jaime of the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau prosecuted the case under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys Eric C. Rosenbaum, Bureau Chief, Debra Lynn Pomodore, Senior Deputy Bureau Chief, Brian Hughes and Lauren Parsons, Deputy Bureau Chiefs, and under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for Special Prosecutions Joyce A. Smith.

Queensmark Ceremony at Sanger Hall Honors the Coventry

BQE Admin on June 6, 2025

Bronze Accolade Now Installed at Rock N’ Roll History Mural

By Michael Perlman | mperlman@queensledger.com

One could sing “The Heat Is On” or any Rock N’ Roll tune that comes to mind. Afterall, it was a hot crowning moment for Queens when the Queens Historical Society’s “Queensmark” accolade was installed on May 17 at 7 PM in front of Sanger Hall at 48-20 Skillman Avenue. The façade’s mural, “Coventry: A Sunnyside Staple In Rock N’ Roll History,” now has an addition of the prestigious bronze plaque. This event featured a ceremony with the Sanger Hall staff, the legendary Sub family, and a live performance by Charlie Sub & Sound Dogs, the Coventry founder’s son’s band.

Residents across Queens and even other boroughs are grateful that Sanger Hall, a modern-day classic bar, lounge, and restaurant that hosts musical events, is preserving the memory and spirit of the historic Coventry, the birthplace of shock rock and glam rock, which existed at 47-03 Queens Boulevard. The Coventry musical venue originated in 1972, and was originally known as the Popcorn Pub, but the building was later demolished. Within those walls, Forest Hills’-own Ramones, KISS, Blondie, New York Dolls, and Dictators, among other legendary rock musicians made history and their careers were launched. Based on tradition, the Queensmark’s installation was planned for the façade of the high-rise replacement at the Queens Boulevard site, but did not materialize after an extended period. Sanger Hall warmly agreed to be the host.

Charlie Sub & Sound Dogs performs, Photo by Vita Phoenix

“I admire how remarks were delivered on behalf of Sanger Hall, congratulating the Sub family and speaking how their ethos for Rock N’ Roll, originality, and local neighborhood pride aligns with that of Coventry’s,” said Ally Redmond of ATeam Partnerships, in affiliation with ATeam Communications, a public relations firm.

Recently released is a podcast series titled “Echoes of Coventry” by host Jef Canter, where a “Sizzle” reel overview can be retrieved at https://drive.google.com/file/d/16rpgB9n-w3Rjw-url8LdT5wkhY6DKGLg/view. On Spotify, four episodes have been uploaded to date: https://open.spotify.com/show/7jhoGxANd5QlkikF54SJr4. They are titled “Popcorn, Punk, and Paul Sub: The Origins of Coventry,” “Glitter, Grit, and KISS: The Scene That Sparked A Movement,” “Teenage Lust: Rocking The Coventry with Billy Joe White,” and “Perspiration, Plaques, and the Power of Place: Budd Mishkin & the Queens Historical Society on Why Venues Like Coventry Still Matter.”

It was history-in-the-making at the inaugural event at Sanger Hall on October 30, 2024, which this columnist helped coordinate with ATeam Communications and Queens Historical Society. Patrons were greeted by the unveiling of a unique pop art and rock-inspired mural, produced by well-known street artists Dylon Thomas Burns and Dylan Bauver. It features mixed media, consisting of vintage music ads, signage including Sunnyside’s Bliss Street, and legendary musicians whose careers were launched and cultivated at Coventry. Above the mural, a projector transposed historic facts and vintage images onto the façade, educating attendees and passersby. Residents and visitors can scan a QR code, opening the door to a more elaborate history lesson.

The Popcorn Pub accommodated 700 patrons and was a pivotal platform for artists to express original voices and a style at a time when New York City was undergoing significant cultural shifts. The Coventry became a sanctuary for neighborhood youths, who found solace through music. KISS notably debuted their now-iconic Kabuki makeup on site. As KISS is celebrating their 50th anniversary with a farewell tour, it is crucial to recognize where their storied career began. The two ceremonial events coupled with the mural and the newly installed Queensmark, serves as an anchor to educate generations about the transformative power of music and resilience.

Charlie Sub unveiling the installed Queensmark, Photo by Vita Phoenix

Patrick Walsh, owner of Sanger Hall, was grateful to honor what he feels is a landmark in Queens and rock music history. “Before glam rock or punk had names, their sound and performances were already taking shape. The Coventry wasn’t polished. It was a rock and roll bar. Bands didn’t need a name or a label, just something to say and the guts to say it on stage. The music was loud, the crowds loyal, and the impact lasting,” he explained.

Walsh continued, “None of it would’ve happened without Paul Sub, who believed in this neighborhood and gave artists a chance. His vision and entrepreneurship helped shape the music scene in Queens and beyond.”

He expressed much gratitude to Queens Historical Society and the Sanger Hall team, and said, “We are proud to place a Queensmark plaque at Sanger Hall, honoring the Coventry’s legacy and keeping its spirit alive in this vibrant live music venue. It’s more than a tribute. It is a reminder of the music history made right here in Queens. To the Sub family, the artists, the fans, and everyone keeping this story alive — thank you. Let’s keep the music rocking in the neighborhood.”

Paul Sub in center with Charlie Sub & Sound Dogs, Photo by Vita Phoenix

Coventry founder Paul Sub with Queensmark, Photo by Vita Phoenix

Rehashing last October’s milestone event, pizza, hors d’oeuvres, and an open bar was available for guests, setting the mood for a memorable lineup. Jef Canter, an actor, singer, and musician at large was the evening’s host, who energized the crowd in Coventry meets Sanger Hall spirit. He asked the audience to take a look at the mural, if they have not already. He said, “It is an amazing piece of art. Some of it is paper that has been lacquered onto the wall, and some of that is paint. This beautiful collage is meant to represent the way that bands would put up their posts and bills in the old days.”

Canter referenced the transition of the Popcorn Pub to the Coventry, and pinpointed its musicians who “cut their teeth” in the business. He also explained why he is standing on stage. “I became part of the Coventry family, since there was a musical about it titled ‘Bliss Street.’ I had the marvelous opportunity of playing Paul Sub.” He introduced “the real Paul Sub” as a legend and the Coventry’s brainchild, and then continued, “I am hosting a sixth episode video podcast about the history of the Coventry titled ‘Echoes of Coventry.’” Attendees learned that it was being directed by Tal Kissos, who was among the audience members.

Canter continued, “We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Michael Perlman, who is a coordinator for this historic project, and he put a lot of energy into preparing for the event and was instrumental in planning the guest speakers, the mural, and this amazing venue.”

Coventry Queensmark newly installed, Photo by Vita Phoenix

Nick Gulotta, Chief of Staff for Councilwoman Julie Won for Sunnyside, Long Island City, Woodside, and Astoria, spoke on her behalf. He pinpointed and extended gratitude to many attendees, including members of Sunnyside Shines, the local BID. He said, “We are extremely happy to have this mural in the district. What a gift to Queens and Sunnyside! I am one of those people who rock n’ roll saved my life as a kid. I grew up around concert venues, and I’m sure many of you can relate. The idea that future generations in Sunnyside can remember exactly what happened here, just warms my heart. So many of my neighbors, artists, and folks that will see this and think about the history every single day, will be inspired and know their own potential.”

Next to take the stage was performing arts musician Phil Ballman, who embarked upon worldwide tours and serves as Queens’ Director of Cultural Affairs and Tourism on behalf of Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. Ballman is well-known for his drum set work with Grammy-nominated band Antibalas, and according to Canter, he embodies the spirit of cultural vibrancy, being honored at the event. “I’m a child of the seventies and a huge KISS and Ramones fan. It is a thrill to be here, and to be with Mr. Paul Sub whose vision created the incredible club and the legacy. Donovan Richards is a true music fan who invested over $30 million in our Queens cultural institutions.” He later extended congratulations to everyone who played a role in “a piece of Queens and NYC music history.”

Paul, Mina, & Charlie Sub in front of mural, Photo by Vita Phoenix

Popcorn Pub circa 1972, Later renamed Coventry, Courtesy of Sub family

Another distinguished guest speaker was Jacqueline Crossan, who serves as Communications Director for State Senator Michael Gianaris. “It’s an honor to recognize a cornerstone of Queens history. On behalf of the senator, I would like to commend everyone involved,” she said. “It really is important that we celebrate such venues, and real institutions in our community that bring us all together.”

Among the most dramatic moments unfolded when the Queens Historical Society unveiled its bronze historic Queensmark program plaque in honor of the Coventry. This distinctive accolade was presented by seven-time Queens history book author, historian, and Queens Historical Society Executive Director Jason Antos in conjunction with Rob MacKay, an author who serves as the society’s board president and Deputy Director, Community for the Queens Economic Development Corporation and is the face behind the Queens Tourism Council. Antos and MacKay also played a significant role in the event’s planning.

At first, they spoke independently. “We will present our coveted Queensmark plaque. When this originated in 1996, it was only given to buildings of great architectural merit, but recently we wanted to branch out by giving it to historic businesses, since Queens is a community of businesses,” said Antos, the son of a mom and pop business owner. “We understand how hard it is to have a dream and build a place where the community will make its routine and love for many years.” Most recent Queensmark recipients were Neir’s Tavern in Woodhaven and Friend’s Tavern in Jackson Heights. As for the Coventry, he explained, “We are proud to present it and will let everyone know about its amazing music history.”

Queensmark plaque installation, Photo by Vita Phoenix

MacKay was invited on stage and added, “We don’t give out these awards very much. A site really has to be worth something. All of the other people on our board felt that it was worthy of our Queensmark. Let’s make that mural Instagrammable!”

Austrian immigrant Paul Sub, at 94, is a Holocaust survivor who immigrated to America and later founded the Coventry and fulfilled the American dream. He came on stage with his son, Charlie Sub. Paul said, “It’s a lot of fun. Thank you for all the work that you do. Hopefully it will continue in different ways, with young people playing music and enjoying the shows.” The father and son duo held up the Queensmark in pride, after Antos turned it around and read its inscription honoring “47-03 Queens Boulevard” as the Coventry site.

In an interview, Charlie Sub said, “The American dream was really just a better life for our family, full of opportunities, and my dad achieved that.” He is committed toward keeping Coventry and rock n’ roll history, and his family’s legacy alive through interactive events, art, and his indie band “Charlie Sub & Sound Dogs,” which blends classic and new rock influences. “Our goal is to continue sharing the music and stories that shaped us,” he continued. He also composed the score for the “Bliss Street” musical.

Rob MacKay & Jason Antos of Queens Historical Society with coordinator Michael Perlman in front of Coventry mural, Oct 30, 2024, Courtesy of Michael Perlman

Sanger Hall was proud of the turnout and positive energy that the event brought to their venue. “It was heartwarming to see such a diverse group of people come together to celebrate Coventry’s legacy. It’s a testament to the venue’s impact across generations and cultures,” said Charlie Sub. The evening’s set included “Big Boss Man,” “Bronx is Burning,” and “Another Place.” “Each song resonates with the gritty and vibrant spirit of the Coventry era,” he explained.

Sub felt honored by the Queensmark plaque and the mural, and is hopeful for current and future generations. “It’s moving to see our story immortalized in such a creative and permanent way. I hope the mural and plaque inspire curiosity and respect for the roots of rock music in Queens. I want younger generations to feel connected to the legacy of creativity and bold expression that defined that era.” He remembers Coventry’s electric ambiance that captured the rebellious spirit of the times. “It was outfitted with multiple stages, which allowed for a dynamic variety of performances.”

Rob MacKay, Jason Antos, Charlie Sub holding Queensmark & his father Paul Sub, Jef Canter, Oct 30, 2024 inaugural event photo by Michael Perlman

NYC Must Crack Down on Two-Wheeled Travel

BQE Admin on June 6, 2025

By Robert Hornak

There is a plague that has overtaken New York City and in just about every neighborhood in every borough people feel at risk and that the government is doing nothing about it. 

This plague is being caused by the proliferation of unlicensed, unaccountable operators of a variety of two-wheeled “vehicles” that drive recklessly on streets, in bicycle lanes, and even on sidewalks, and often at speeds high enough to seriously injure and even kill pedestrians. This includes bicycles, e-bikes, mopeds, and scooters. 

This has been an ongoing problem for years with bicycles, often driven by arrogant, entitled riders who think the law doesn’t apply to them. They screamed for bike lanes on just about every street in the city, then often don’t use them, weaving in and out of car traffic, peddling at high speeds, and ignoring traffic lights and stop signs, putting people at constant risk just for trying to cross a street.

Most people have experienced a close call or worse from a reckless bicyclist. But now, in recent years, we have seen an explosion of people riding e-bikes, electric scooters, and mopeds, mostly driven by delivery drivers who obey none of the traffic laws. 

All of these “vehicles” are capable of driving at spends that can seriously injure pedestrians and can often startle and cause problems for drivers of cars that are used to operating safely with other cars but are not prepared for the Evil Knievel-style driving tactics of these unlicensed and often overly competitive operators. 

Over Memorial Day weekend a woman walking a dog on the upper east side was the victim of a reckless e-bike rider who hit both her and the dog she was walking, killing the 18-month old pup. The bike operator drove away and when contacted, the NYPD sadly informed the dog’s owner she could not even file a report that a crime had occurred. 

As so often happens with liberal policies, the stated objectives are not only not achieved, but things are worse than before. 

In 2015 there were 4,433 bicyclist injuries reported with 16 fatalities. After years of building protected bicycle lanes in every borough, reducing the speed limit for autos, putting speed cameras everywhere, and reducing the number of lanes for cars to use forcing them into an orderly, almost parade-like procession moving around the city, those numbers have not decreased, but instead increased. In 2023 there were 4,829 reported bicyclist injuries and a peak of 30 fatalities. 

Bicycle activists (yes, that’s a real thing) claim it’s because they don’t have protected bicycle lanes everywhere. But we have them now throughout much of the city. That SHOULD increase safety and cut down on accidents and fatalities in many areas, making the overall numbers go down. But with 27% of bicycle fatalities occurring at intersections, that isn’t something that protected lanes would address, rather cyclists obeying the traffic laws would be a better place to start addressing this problem. 

By making cars second class street users and allowing the operators of all these two-wheeled machines think the roads exist for them and that they don’t need to follow the rules, we embolden them to act increasingly recklessly. The incident with the woman’s dog being murdered by a cyclist with not even the pretense that there might be repercussions shows just how off our public policy is here. 

It’s time we take this seriously and treat these machines, whether human powered or motorized, like the potential threat they often are. Licensing of all these motorized vehicles is not an option. We must begin that process immediately. Insurance also must be obtained to legally operate these machines. Without that, the NYPD must begin to impound illegal e-bikes and mopeds. Cyclists must be required to have ID and be ticketed for breaking traffic laws. 

In nearly every reported crash between a cyclist and a pedestrian, the pedestrian is reported to be injured. This needs to end. NYC must take this problem seriously and start cracking down on the reckless operators of these two-wheeled machines. 

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.

 

 

Fill the Form for Events, Advertisement or Business Listing