58th Annual Maspeth Tree Lighting
Mohamed Farghaly
Mfarghaly@Queensledger.com
THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED QUEENS CULTURE & ARTS NETWORK ENGAGES CELEBRATED ARTS PROFESSIONAL AS ITS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Arts in Queens is getting a makeover! With over 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector, successful arts innovator Susan Agin now leads a new arts organization that reimagines how the borough’s distinct communities access its cultural programming and arts services.
The Queens Culture & Arts Network (QCAN) is a full-service arts organization that ensures the arts have a vital presence in every community. A subsidiary of the long-established Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens (VBGCQ), QCAN is the organization’s latest initiative. Just over a year ago, it established the Sky Farm LIC, an urban agriculture learning hub.
QCAN creates art experiences that cater to the unique needs and characteristics of each community it serves. The organization provides a wide range of programs and services for individuals of all ages, aimed at educating and celebrating the borough’s diverse cultures. Its “menu of services” includes distinctive workshops, pop-up art exhibitions, borough-wide concerts and shows, arts-in-school residencies, mentorship programs for high school juniors and seniors aspiring to gain admission to competitive art colleges, career coaching for the professional artist, neighborhood beautification murals, and free park events. “The Arts are a vibrant and diverse field that cannot be reduced to a one-size-fits-all approach. Each community has unique cultural and artistic needs and deserves tailored experiences. It’s your community, your arts,” stated Susan Agin, Executive Director of QCAN.
“Through QCAN, individuals discover and engage with the arts in their local neighborhoods. As the only arts organization within Queens that facilitates such accessibility, we are highlighting the crucial role of community engagement in the arts.”
“In the wake of the COVID pandemic, companies (like Instacart, Amazon, and Uber Eats) have successfully recognized and adapted to evolving consumer behaviors. The arts have also undergone significant changes. QCAN is poised to deliver the arts in a bold and transformative way,” said Costa Constantinides, Chief Executive Officer, of Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens.
“Susan Agin is a true visionary, and her talents will be instrumental as Queens Culture & Arts Network continues to adapt and evolve to the changing world. I look forward to working with Susan in this new capacity and am excited to see all she will accomplish. Queens Culture & Arts Network is a fantastic organization doing great things, and I am proud to have allocated $17,000 to the organization in this year’s budget. Our successful partnership stems from QCAN’s expertise in designing arts programming that reflects the unique characteristics of the communities they serve. Under Susan’s leadership, I am confident that QCAN, and the communities they impact – will thrive.” stated Council Member James F. Gennaro.
Council Member Vickie Paladino states: “The Queens Culture & Arts Network is one of my favorite organizations – the events they provide are some of the best in the district. Between the excellent collaboration with my office and the talent available, every year I am floored by the caliber of concerts we host together. QCAN’s expertise in designing arts programming gives them the ability to perfectly reflect the unique characteristics of the communities they serve, and I have witnessed that firsthand in District 19! I am so grateful to everyone at QCAN for working with my office to put these events together, and I’m looking forward to our two upcoming concerts in the new year, and many more in the future with QCAN!”
“I want to congratulate Susan and the Queens Culture & Arts Network on the establishment of this wonderful organization, which I am confident will enrich and strengthen communities across Queens for years to come,” said Councilmember Sandra Ung. “Since I took office, I’ve had the pleasure of working with the team behind the Queens Culture & Arts Network to bring vibrant and engaging programming to District 20. One standout initiative has been Concerts in the Park, which brings together families from across Flushing for a joyful day of music in our green spaces. I look forward to continuing our partnership in the year ahead, including collaborating on a mural project to beautify our commercial corridors.”
“Providing fantastic music and shows is a key pillar of my office’s commitment to bringing back tax dollars for the community through exceptional entertainment. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Susan Agin for years and look forward to continuing our successful partnership with QCAN to deliver quality programming for our constituents” state Council Member Robert F. Holden.
“The neighborhoods of Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Woodside that I represent are some of the most ethnically diverse places in the world. The Queens Culture and Arts Network will ensure that our borough’s rich arts and culture scene reflects that diversity. I am proud to support QCAN and look forward to partnering with them on engaging and enriching arts and culture programming for our community,” said Council Member Shekar Krishnan, District 25.
Agin is also the Director of Arts Programming for Variety, inspiring children and teens to discover their passions and cultivate their futures through diverse youth development programs. Variety is about to embark on a redevelopment of its building that will include a state-of-the-art 1500-seat arena and 200- seat black box theatre which will become the largest venue of its kind in Western Queens.
Pols and Execs Break Ground for New York City FC’s Etihad Park
By Noah Zimmerman
noah@queensledger.com
Local politicians, club executives, and hundreds of fans and union workers gathered around Willets Point last Wednesday to watch shovels hit dirt, signifying the start of construction for Etihad Park, the future home for New York City FC. The 25,000 stadium is the first soccer specific venue in the city, set to open for the 2027 MLS season. It’s part of a sweeping development project designed to transform the “Valley of Ashes” into a bustling neighborhood.
“Willets Point will generate $6.1 billion in economic impact over the next 30 years,” announced NYC Mayor Eric Adams. “It will create 1,500 permanent jobs and 14,000 construction jobs, and we’ve laid the groundwork covering $50 billion in union work across the city.”
The Willets Point development project is one of the largest in the city, finally set into motion after decades of work to transform a forgotten corner of Queens. Alongside the 25,000-seat stadium comes the largest all-affordable housing project in NYC in 40 years, a school, and public spaces.
“I grew up in the shadow of this stadium,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said, pointing at the walls of Citi Field in the distance. “Never in my life did I think I’d be standing in my literal backyard, breaking ground on a facility that will capture the hearts and minds of the biggest, most important city in the world.”
“We all know that we’re standing in the ‘Valley of Ashes’ that F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote about in the Great Gatsby,” said Councilman Francisco Moya, a prominent voice in the push for a soccer stadium in Queens. Moya spoke about the work done by Robert Moses to transform the pile of ashes into the grounds for the World’s Fair, where his parents would meet, but also how Moses was unable to fully transform the area he promised to develop.
“I stand here as a Latino kid from 102nd street in Corona, Queens, whose life was molded by the choices Robert Moses made. I’m building my own legacy by correcting one of his greatest failures. From the moment I was elected I knew I was going to bring a soccer stadium to Queens. I knew it needed to be union-built and alongside affordable housing.”
It’s far from the first time Moya has been involved with bringing the city’s first soccer specific stadium to Queens. Back in 2021, Moya helped develop plans for incoming USL club Queensboro FC to build a soccer stadium at York College in Jamaica. Despite the club building a strong academy and invested following, finances and plans fell apart, with the club quietly going defunct years later.
No development was started at York College. Despite this, Moya remained insistent in his dreams to bring the world’s game to the world’s borough.
“I never stopped believing that we were going to bring professional soccer to Queens and I think when you find the right partners it really makes a difference. Meeting with the folks from New York City FC, they had a real desire to make this their home. This is a really special day because it’s being built privately funded and 100% union.”
New York City FC is slated to begin play at their new home in the 2027 MLS season, putting an end to what will be 12 years of nomadism. After years of instability, playing on baseball fields, and drawing endless criticism from viewers, the 2021 MLS Cup champions will finally have their house all to themselves. Most importantly, they’re not the only ones getting a new home.
“This is not just about a soccer stadium,” said Moya. “This is about building a brand new neighborhood, something that hasn’t happened in this city in four decades. We’re building homes for people who are going to work here, whose kids are going to go to school here.”
“This man is what great politicians should be all about,” Garber lauded about Moya. “For 15 years he fought for this community and he delivered.”
Maspeth Lions Club Brings Holiday Cheer
By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
The Maspeth Lions Club held its annual Christmas party on Saturday, spreading holiday cheer to up to 100 underprivileged children from the local community. The event, which has been a long-standing tradition, aims to bring joy to children who might otherwise go without presents during the holiday season.
Joe Papavero, a past president of the Maspeth Lions Club, explained the significance of the event and the club’s mission.
“The Maspeth Lions Club is part of Lions Club International, the largest service organization in the world,” Papavero said. “We’re located in every community around the globe, and we step in to help when disasters strike, such as hurricanes or tsunamis. But locally, we help our own community, especially during the holiday season.”
Founded over 40 years ago, the Maspeth Lions Club is known for its commitment to serving those in need, particularly children. Papavero emphasized the importance of this particular holiday themed event.
“Every year, we host a Christmas party for needy children, and through partnerships with organizations like St. Vincent de Paul and local homeless services, we ensure we reach children who might not otherwise experience the joy of the holiday season.”
The event included a magic show, entertainment from a clown, and plenty of snacks, including pizza, chocolate, and popcorn. But the highlight for many was the gift-giving at the end.
“We provide each child with five to six toys, carefully selected based on their age and gender,” Papavero said. “Each child gets a personalized bag, and at the end of the party, Santa Claus himself hands out the gifts to the children by name.”
For Papavero and the other Lions Club members, the event is a way of giving back to the community.
“It’s important for these kids to experience the magic of Christmas in some way,” he said.
Papavero shared a touching memory from about 10 years ago that highlighted the lasting impact of the Maspeth Lions Club’s Christmas party. He recalled an event when a woman, carrying five garbage bags full of toys, approached him. She explained that she had attended the same Lions Club Christmas party as a child, during difficult times when her family struggled. Her father was an alcoholic, and the party provided her with happy memories and gifts during those challenging years.
Now, as a mother, she wanted to show her own children what the party had meant to her and give back to the community in gratitude for the support she had received.
“It was one of the biggest give-backs to me as a person,” Papavero said.
Papavero reflected on the impact it has on the children and the volunteers alike.
“It’s all about giving back,” he said. “It’s such a rewarding feeling to see the kids’ faces light up. They’re in awe of the magician and the magic of the season. It’s a reminder of how fortunate we are and how much we can do to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Photos Courtesy of Robi Carrasco
Hydroponic Gardens Nourish Body and Soul in JASA Community Initiative
Courtesy JASA
The JASA Far Rockaway Older Adult Center partnered with students from The Scholars’ Academy and Teens for Food Justice to harvest hydroponic produce and educate seniors on healthy eating.
By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
The JASA Far Rockaway Older Adult Center recently joined forces with high school students from The Scholars’ Academy and Teens for Food Justice, a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating food insecurity, to harvest fresh produce and engage in an educational event focused on healthy eating habits.
The event, which culminated in a shared meal between students and older adults, showcased the benefits of hydroponic farming and emphasized the importance of intergenerational collaboration. This partnership has already seen remarkable results, including over 3,000 pounds of produce harvested by students at The Scholars’ Academy and delivered to JASA’s Van Cortlandt Older Adult Center.
“The program we’re highlighting this week is an initiative that started last year between JASA and Scholars and the Teens for Food Justice program that runs the hydroponic garden in the Scholars Academy school,” Tania Collazo, Director of Nutritional Services at JASA said. “They also run other gardens in other schools around New York City. This started with them providing some produce to the older adults in the community, and it has now snowballed into providing over 3,000 pounds of produce, education, and tours of the garden.”
Courtesy JASA
The initiative, which has provided over 3,000 pounds of fresh produce, fosters intergenerational collaboration and empowers both students and older adults to address food insecurity in their communities.
Teens for Food Justice operates hydroponic gardens in schools throughout New York City, including The Scholars’ Academy, where students are responsible for growing nutrient-dense produce. These students not only learn how to grow food but also gain an understanding of the critical role nutrition plays in health. Through the partnership, older adults have had the opportunity to tour the gardens and learn more about how they can grow their own food at home.
“It has become a real community effort to help our older adults in the community, and it has really become a wonderful intergenerational project between the kids and the older adults, where the students are learning about giving back, they’re learning about service to others,” Collazo said. “They’re seeing a real value in this.”
The event was also a chance to showcase the power of youth-led initiatives in addressing food insecurity. Students from The Scholars’ Academy worked alongside older adults, teaching them how to harvest and prepare fresh produce.
“It’s beyond just nourishment of food, but it’s nourishment of you, of your character, of your soul,” Collazo said. ‘You know, it is a way for you to just feel good about yourself, to give back in this way, and to see that the work that you’re doing, quite literally, the harvesting and the cultivating of these plants, is actually feeding other people who are vulnerable, who are food insecure, living in food deserts.”
Hydroponic farming, a method of growing plants without soil, is particularly well-suited to urban environments like New York City, where space for traditional gardening can be limited.
“In a city like New York, where it’s hard to grow fresh produce year-round, hydroponic farming offers a sustainable solution,” Collazo said. “Produce grown hydroponically can be harvested at its peak of freshness, which means it retains more nutrients and is more beneficial for people in food deserts who might not have access to high-quality fresh food.”
Older adults at the event expressed deep appreciation for the program, highlighting the personal connections formed during the day.
“It’s not just about handing someone a piece of broccoli or some collard greens. It’s about showing them how to grow their own food,” Collazo said. “It’s about giving them control over their health.”
The program has become a model for community-based solutions to food insecurity, and Collazo hopes to see it expand in the future. This initiative is a vital part of JASA’s mission to provide older adults not just with food, but with a sense of community and purpose.
“This is a way in communities, especially in communities where there are food deserts, to have produce all year long,” she said. “And produce given out to people who are basically living in food deserts, or who are living in places where there may be some food, but the food is of NOT of high quality.”
As the program continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between generations and communities.
“I would love to see it expand,” Collazo said. “I would love to see more schools have this. I would love to see our older adult centers have the ability to have our own hydro products in the centers where older adults could help manage the garden, be in charge of that, cultivate their own garden, and feed more people together.”
Highland Park Disc Golf Course Sparks Tensions Between Community and NYCDGA
Courtesy CB5 Stream
Steve Langston, a resident of the Highland Park area, voiced his concerns about the disc golf program at the most recent CB5 meeting.
By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
Concerns have emerged about the newly implemented disc golf program at Highland Park, with local residents raising issues about safety, harassment, and the loss of peaceful space for park goers. Representatives from the community and the New York City Disc Golf Association (NYCDGA) have presented opposing views on the matter, with each side seeking a resolution that addresses their respective concerns.
Tammy Green, a representative from the Upper Highland Park Association, voiced strong objections during the most recent Queens Community Board 5 (CB5) meeting, describing several months of escalating issues since the program’s introduction. Green, who had initially supported the program, expressed frustration that attempts to resolve the problems through community meetings with the NYCDGA had largely been ignored.
Courtesy NYCDGA
Concerns have arisen over the new disc golf course at Highland Park, with residents citing safety, harassment, and the disruption of peaceful park spaces, while the NYCDGA defends the course, highlighting its positive community impact and commitment to safety and inclusivity.
She cited discriminatory comments made toward park regulars, many of whom are of Central and South American descent, and emphasized that such behavior was unacceptable. In addition to the harassment, Green raised serious safety concerns, particularly incidents where flying discs had come dangerously close to parkgoers.
“We want to raise this issue before the Queens community board so that we can address it professionally, intellectually, and progressively,” Green said. She thanked the board for hearing the community’s concerns and expressed hope for a positive resolution.
Steve Langston, a Highland Park resident for nine years, echoed Green’s worries. He explained that the park had been a tranquil space for him and his family before the disc golf course was established. Langston, who described the discs used in the sport as “very hard plastic projectiles” capable of traveling up to 200 feet, expressed concern over the safety of parkgoers. He suggested relocating the course to a separate area to avoid conflict between disc golfers and other park users, ensuring that both groups could enjoy the park without interfering with each other.
Jasmine Chino, a mother and teacher in the area, also shared her concerns about the impact on the community. Chino explained that the park had been a “special place” for her daughter, particularly the quiet areas like the “troll bridge.” She lamented the disruption caused by the disc golf course, noting that the presence of flying discs had made the space uncomfortable for families and children.
In response to the complaints, a representative from the NYCDGA defended the program, emphasizing the positive impact the course has had on the community.
“It’s unfortunate to hear about concerns raised at the Queens CB5 meeting, as we’ve received a tremendous outpouring of support and positive feedback from the community about the course, our events, and our programming,” the NYCDGA representative stated.
The spokesperson pointed to community engagement efforts such as free teaching events, school programs, and volunteer initiatives that have contributed to the success of the course.
According to New York City Disc Golf Association (NYCDGA), the disc golf course at Highland Park has had a highly positive impact on the community over the past year. The course has introduced hundreds of local children to the sport through school programs and community events, and the NYCDGA has given away hundreds of free discs to ensure the activity remains accessible. Volunteer cleanups have enhanced the park’s natural beauty, and residents have reported that the course has improved safety by creating a rotating presence of engaged park users. The course has become a gathering place for people of all ages and backgrounds, with overwhelming feedback expressing gratitude and enthusiasm for its contribution to the community.
“Our organization’s focus is on building community through programming, education, and stewardship,” the representative said. “Our aim is to be nothing but a positive presence in the community and we take feedback and community engagement very seriously.”
The NYCDGA highlighted the impact the course has had on local children, introducing hundreds of them to the sport through school programs and events. Additionally, the group has organized volunteer cleanups to remove litter and improve the park’s natural beauty.
“While Highland Park is free and open to all, we understand that some park users may not be affiliated with the NYCDGA. We actively remind our players to prioritize safety and respect, and have worked with the Parks Department to install clear signage at every hole that states, ‘Safety is the top priority. Never throw until the hole is clear of all people.'”
The NYCDGA representative emphasized that safety is a top priority and pointed to the organization’s efforts to mitigate risks by installing signage at every hole reminding players not to throw until the area is clear of people. The representative also stressed the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and ensuring the park remains a welcoming space for all park users.
“Disc golf is built on respect—respect for the land, for other park users, and for the game itself,” the NYCDGA representative said. “This ethos is central to the NYCDGA’s mission, and we are deeply committed to ensuring that Highland Park remains a welcoming, mixed-use space for everyone. Our organization is dedicated to being a positive, inclusive presence in the community and to fostering connections among park users.”
As both sides continue to express their concerns, the future of the disc golf program remains uncertain. While the NYCDGA defends the positive impact of the course, local residents are calling for changes that would allow both disc golfers and other parkgoers to coexist peacefully. The issue remains unresolved, but ongoing discussions are expected as the community works toward finding a solution.
“It is our mission and personal commitment to be nothing but a positive presence in this community,” NYCDGA said. “We are passionate about stewarding green spaces, fostering inclusivity, and creating opportunities for connection through disc golf.”
Mayor Adams Has No Future as a Republican
By Robert Hornak
In September, Mayor Adams was indicted for soliciting illegal campaign contributions and accepting bribes that go back a decade. With the election for Mayor of NYC coming next year, and Adams planning to run for a second term, NYC’s political world is in chaos.
Adams trial is scheduled for April, well before the June primary. But after petitions need to be submitted by candidates confirming what office they will run for next year. According to the Campaign Finance Board, there are now 32 candidates registered to run for mayor in 2025.
However, no Republican candidate has filed yet. Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa, who ran in 2021, has declared he will run again, but due to his radio hosting gig on WABC Radio, he has not filed to run yet.
This has led some to speculate that Adams, who also has to deal with the court of public opinion and a number of very well-known and well-funded democrats preparing to challenge him next year, could possibly avoid the crazy democratic primary by becoming a republican.
After all, Adams did spend a little time as a republican, changing his registration in 1997 at the same time Rudy Giuliani was running for a second term and when many democrats were crossing over to support Rudy after his incredibly successful first term. But that clearly wasn’t a comfortable fit for Adams, who flipped back four short years later and well before he ran for State Senate in 2006.
When asked if he would consider changing his party registration now, Adams didn’t clearly rule it out. This has set the non-stop news world on fire, endlessly speculating that Adams could make the flip. They are not, however, asking the one question that really matters – would he be welcome in the Republican Party.
The affinity they point to is two-fold. First, that Adams, after defending NYC’s sanctuary city status and welcoming illegal immigrants to flood into the city, made some comments critical of Biden’s open border policy and, more importantly, the lack of federal funding for the myriad of services Adams was providing. Second, Adams claimed the DOJ was targeting him with Trump-style lawfare after his pleas for that additional federal funding.
A deeper look at these issues would indicate a cynical opportunism, as well as the multitude of other issues where Adams has taken positions antithetical to most republicans.
On immigration, Adams only problem was the lack of federal funds for migrant services, even as thousands of NY’ers are living on the streets. Adams claim of lawfare, while convenient, is farcical. If Adams committed the campaign finance violations he is accused of, something others have gone to jail for, he clearly broke the law. Unlike Trump, who was attacked in novel ways where the activity alleged isn’t clearly criminal, even if it occurred.
Then there is the rest of the Adams agenda. In spite of Adams tough talk on crime, the NYPD still has its hands tied. City streets feel less safe than they have since pre-Guiliani. Crime in many categories is up, while Adams denies there is a problem. He has refused to take on sanctuary status and use his emergency powers to facilitate the removal of criminal gang members.
He put migrant shelters in residential communities across the city. And, in the ultimate insult, he pushed through his City of Yes rezoning scheme that will allow multiple family dwellings to be built in neighborhoods for one and two-family homes.
Every step of the way Adams has shown his values are starkly in opposition to those of most republicans and the idea that he would be embraced by many in the party, or could win a republican primary, is misguided at best.
Robert Hornak is a professional political consultant who has previously served as the Deputy Director of the Republican Assembly Leader’s NYC office and as Executive Director of the Queens Republican Party. He can be reached at rahornak@gmail.com and @RobertHornak on X.
Glacial Pace of Change”: Judge Holds City in Contempt for Inaction on Rikers Closure, Paving Way for Fed Takeover
By Jack Delaney | jdelaney@queensledger.com
In 2019, lawmakers gave one of the largest jails on earth until 2026 to shut down completely. Five years later, officials are still dragging their feet on reforms — so the federal government is poised to wrest control of the facility from New York City officials to ensure the closure actually happens.
On November 27, Manhattan federal judge Laura Swain held the city in contempt on 18 counts for its handling of Rikers Island, ruling in favor of the plaintiffs in Nunez v. the City of New York, a case first brought in 2012 that alleges “a pattern and practice of using unnecessary and excessive force against incarcerated individuals.” The decision paves the way for a federal receivership, which would strip local agencies of jurisdiction over Rikers.
The case was settled in 2015, with the stipulation that the Department of Correction (DOC) take concrete steps to fix what critics have described as a culture of impunity for officers within the jail. As part of the deal, a monitoring team was created to track compliance with the plan.
But in a 65-page decision, Swain observed that the monitors had consistently found DOC unwilling or unable to implement changes. “Progress will likely not be achieved,” they wrote in December 2021, “no matter how many remedial orders or other potential sanctions may be imposed,” because of “foundational” problems within the department.
If anything, Swain noted, progress has trended backward. “The use of force rate and other rates of violence, self-harm, and deaths in custody are demonstrably worse than when the Consent Judgment went into effect in 2015,” she wrote, with cases in which corrections officers used force against inmates climbing from around 4,500 incidents in 2016 (or a rate of 4 per 100 people) to nearly 7,000 (more than 9 per 100 people) in 2023.
These issues have been compounded by DOC’s unreliable record-keeping. Last year, the New York Daily News reported that the monitor had “no confidence” in the department’s in-house data on violence at Rikers and cited six attacks made with blades that had not been classified as slashings or stabbings.
At two recent hearings in September and October, City Council members pressed DOC leadership to explain why reforms recommended by watchdogs had not been fully implemented, and why a track record of abuses appeared to be continuing unabated.
At the October hearing, several formerly incarcerated women testified to what they said was a decades-long system that abetted sexual abuse of inmates by corrections officers at Rikers. Over 700 sexual lawsuits have been filed to date against the DOC through the 2022 Adult Survivors Act (ASA), which amended state law to allow sexual assault victims to file civil cases even if the statute of limitations had lapsed, for a one-year window.
Representatives for the corrections officers union argued that the federal judge’s concerns were mislaid.
“Seventy percent of our inmate population is facing violent felony charges,” said Benny Boscio, president of the Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association. “That same population is driving the hundreds of assaults on our officers, including sexual assaults, as well as inmate on inmate attacks, which requires necessary, not excessive force, to keep everyone in our jails safe. Outsourcing control of Rikers Island to a federal receiver will not be a silver bullet and will not solve any of these problems. Giving correction officers the manpower and resources to enforce law and order in our jails will.”
Historically, the union has wielded significant power over any changes within city jails. As The CITY reports, it has previously stonewalled reforms that would have introduced stab-resistant vests and reduced cases in which solitary confinement can be used to punish inmates.
Even when fixes are implemented, many do not last long. Federal monitors argued for years that body cameras were necessary to keep corrections officers accountable, and it eventually won out: by 2020, nearly every officer in city jails was required to wear one. But in 2024, the 3,500 devices were recalled by DOC Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie after a camera caught fire. According to Vital City, the review was slated to take at most two weeks; months later, the body cameras are still out of circulation.
While the initial target date for closure was delayed by a year until 2027, the city has maintained it is on track to close Rikers. Yet the federal judge’s decision reinforces broader skepticism that the DOC’s plan to redirect the island’s inmates to four borough-based jails will be feasible.
Per Swain’s order, the next step will now be for the Legal Aid Society, which filed the initial case back in 2012, to negotiate the terms of the receivership—including who will helm the effort—with city and federal officials. The relevant parties have until mid-January to do so.
Veterans Day Celebration Highlights Service and Sacrifice
Courtesy JASA
The Rockaway Park Older Adult Center hosted a Veterans Day celebration honoring local veterans, including Linda Gree, a retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant.
By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
In a tribute to local veterans, the JASA Rockaway Park Older Adult Center hosted a special Veterans Day celebration last month, recognizing the service and sacrifices of men and women who have served in the armed forces, including Linda Green, a distinguished local veteran. The event, held just days before Veterans Day, not only highlighted the veterans’ heroic contributions but also emphasized the lasting impact they continue to have on their communities.
JASA, a leading organization that has been serving older adults in New York City for more than 50 years, provides critical services to over 40,000 individuals each year. With its commitment to fostering independence and dignity for seniors, JASA has become a lifeline for older New Yorkers, offering a wide range of services from housing and home care to legal aid, health services, and social programming. At the heart of JASA’s mission is the belief that aging is an opportunity to continue living with purpose, and the Rockaway Park Older Adult Center is a prime example of this ethos.
The Rockaway Park center, like JASA’s 17 other Older Adult Centers across New York City, serves as a hub for seniors to socialize, engage in educational and cultural activities, and receive a nutritious meal in a supportive environment. On this occasion, the center hosted a special ceremony to honor its veterans, providing a space for them to come together and be recognized for their invaluable service. The event included speeches, presentations, and a heartfelt moment of silence in remembrance of those who had passed.
Among the veterans celebrated was Linda Green, a long-time Rockaway Park resident and a retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant. Linda’s life story is one of determination, service, and community involvement, and her journey from a young woman in Queens to a decorated military leader is a testament to her resilience and dedication to helping others.
Born in Jamaica, Queens in 1950, Linda moved to Far Rockaway in 1959, where she would live for most of her life. Growing up in a close-knit family, she describes her upbringing as “good” and “lovable,” surrounded by two supportive parents and a doting grandmother. However, like many young people, Linda faced the challenge of finding a meaningful career path after high school. It was during this period that she decided to enlist in the U.S. Army, a decision that would change the course of her life.
“I had a good upbringing. Two lovable parents, very good upbringing. Grandmother, very good. At the time, I was job hunting, ” Green said. “Something told me to give the military a try. I was 30 years old when I enlisted. It wasn’t the usual age for someone to join, but it felt right, and I’m glad I made that choice.”
Courtesy Linda Green
Green’s decision to join the Army in 1980 was a pivotal moment in her life. Over the next 22 years, she served in various roles, ultimately retiring as a Master Sergeant in 2002. During her service, Linda worked in several capacities, but she is especially proud of her work as a liaison for military chaplains. In this role, she helped coordinate religious services for service members of all faiths, ensuring they could practice their beliefs in a respectful and supportive environment.
“I worked with the chaplain to set up ceremonies—whether it was Baptist, Jewish, or other services. It was about making sure people had the spiritual support they needed while they were away from home,” Green said. “It was something very good to do for people, and I liked It.”
Green’s work wasn’t confined to just one job in the military; her responsibilities were diverse, ranging from organizing religious ceremonies to managing logistics for military personnel. Despite the often demanding nature of her role, Green said she found fulfillment in helping others navigate the complexities of military life, offering support when needed, and ensuring that they had access to the resources they required.
After retiring in 2002, Green transitioned from military service to community service. She remained committed to helping others, particularly veterans and those facing serious health challenges. One of her primary outlets for service has been through knitting and crocheting for various causes, including the American Cancer Society and veterans’ organizations. Green and a group of dedicated women work together to create blankets, hats, and scarves for cancer patients, as well as red, white, and blue items for veterans.
“What I’ve been up to is I knit and crochet for the Cancer Society,” Green said. “I crochet hacks for the kids children. I make blankets for the kids and I knit the cotton hats for the cancer patients. That’s what I do. That’s what I’ve been doing since I’ve been out.”
Green’s charitable work doesn’t stop there. She has also been involved in supporting local veterans’ events, including an upcoming celebration for disabled veterans.
As a member of the Rockaway Park Older Adult Center, Greea’s efforts to support veterans are not only personal but also part of a larger community of seniors who gather regularly to participate in social activities, enjoy hot meals, and support one another through life’s challenges. The center offers a “home away from home” for seniors, with a robust array of programs designed to keep them active, engaged, and informed.
The Veterans Day event at the Rockaway Park Older Adult Center was a testament to the importance of community, memory, and service. The center’s warm, welcoming environment allowed veterans like Green to reflect on their time in service, share their experiences with others, and feel appreciated for their contributions.
In Green’s case, the recognition she received at the Veterans Day celebration was a moment of shared pride—not just for her military service but for the ongoing role she plays in her community. “It was a very nice event,” Green said of the ceremony. “We had a lot of veterans there, and it was nice to see people appreciate what we did, even if some people didn’t realize we were veterans.”
Green’s pride in her service is palpable, and it extends to her entire family. “I’m proud to be a veteran,” she said. “My father was a veteran, my brothers were veterans.”
Cross County Savings Bank, The Kiwanis Club of Middle Village & Village Barn Hosted Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive Giveaway
Branch Ambassador Diane Marzuillo, UB Mauricio Romero, FSVP/Regional Manager Al Gentile & Management Trainee Andrew Trumbetti
Cross County Savings Bank’s six branches recently teamed up with The Kiwanis Club of Middle Village and Village Barn to host their 13th Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive giveaway. Thanks to the generosity of numerous donors, over 200 local families were provided with complete Thanksgiving dinners. In addition, nonperishable food donations were distributed to several area food pantries. Pictured are members of the Cross County Savings Bank’s team, who volunteered their time to help make this event a success.
