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Dancing Dreams Stuns in ‘The Nutcracker’ at St. Francis Prep

BQE Admin on December 17, 2024

Zachary Weg

News@queensledger.com

This past Saturday was full of holiday cheer and childlike wonder as Forever Dancing presented The Nutcracker at St. Francis Prep in Fresh Meadows.

         With a line that snaked around the school’s lobby, full of parents eager to get to their seats, anticipation was high for the event. One mother donned a shirt bearing the inscription, “Faith Over Fear,” which turned out to be a fitting theme for the Christmas-centered The Nutcracker.

         As the audience of around two-hundred members took their seats and the lights began to dim, the festivities began. Consisting of approximately seventy children, the play opened with the classic Party Guests Dance scene during which the youths blazed across the stage with their dancing moves and delighted the adults in the crowd. Next came other iconic bits such as Drosselmeyer’s Magic Show, Harlequin Dolls, and Mice (comprising nine toddlers). 

         The highlight of the afternoon, however, was Dancing Dreams’ choreography of the show’s iconic snow scene. Featuring eight of the Bayside dance school’s children performers, the scene was impressive as a showcase of both Christmas spirit and youthful possibility.

         Dancing Dreams, which has been running for over fifteen years and has two other locations in Manhattan and Plainview, consists of children with physical and medical challenges that, still, love to dance. The organization began with, as goes its mission statement, “the dream of little girls to put on a tutu and glitter—and dance just like other little girls their age.”

         As Dancing Dreams’ founder, Joanna Ferrara, says, “We have 130 dancers in three locations. Our biggest one is in Bayside in the Bay Terrace Shopping Center (thank you, Cord Meyer, for being so generous). I’ve known Marianne, who runs Forever Dancing, for many years and she invited us this year to be part of the show, to bring our dancers.”

         Gesturing to her child dancers in the green room pre-show, Ferrara notes, “These are our dancing divas,” and continues, “We also have a very big teen leadership program, which is teenagers coming and volunteering weekly to assist our dancers.” Says one of the teen volunteers in the room, “Most of our helpers are actually from this location, St. Francis Prep. We have a good amount from all around but St. Francis Prep is definitely one of our best friends.”

         Ferrara, who is a trained pediatric physical therapist and was inspired to start Dancing Dreams after a chance encounter with a little girl with cerebral palsy, adds, “The goal was just to give children with challenges the ability to be on stage, be superstars, and have a great time. What’s been successful is watching the joy of the dancers dancing on stage and watching their parents seeing them dance, and just the fact that they’re having fun, watching our teenagers mature and learn the value of volunteering and of helping someone.”

         When asked about some of the highlights of Dancing Dreams over the years, Ferrara motions towards one of today’s performers and this year’s National Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Leah Zelaya, who gives a shy smile of recognition. 

         As Ferrara says, “It’s not about the perfect plié. It’s about each child feeling special and maximizing their own potential.” Smiling as she asks her dancers, some of whom are high schoolers, about their college plans, Ferrara adds, “Their stories inspire the other dancers and the families. And we give back. We run parent workshops.” 

         After The Nutcracker ends, amidst all of the performers’ hugs and picture-taking, one of those parents, Barbara Eliaas, says, referring to her daughter Emma, “She was a patient of Joann’s, and how the circle sort of closes is that now we are performing here.” 

         As the crowd disperses from St. Francis Prep, and the Forever Dancing Spectacular ends, the Dancing Dreams dancers celebrate, another marvelous performance in the books. 

Back To Bob’s! The Spanking New Pet Store Puppy Ban…. A Bag of Coal For Pet Store Owners

BQE Admin on December 17, 2024

An early Christmas present to pet storeowners last week has proprietors shaking their heads in disbelief. Dogs, cats and rabbits are now forbidden to be sold in pet shops. Only a licensed breeder can now sell them to the public. It’s called The Puppy Mill Pipeline Act and it is sponsored by none other than Astoria’s Senator Mike Gianaris.

Just try to find a licensed breeder…..

When our family purchased a cockapoo from Bob’s Pet Store on Myrtle Avenue in Ridgewood, she was an instant hit with our family. After four months, Mocha started walking into walls. When the vet told us the pooch needed cataract surgery we called Bob’s only to be told we could return the dog and get one of ‘equal or lesser value.’ She wasn’t a pair of sneakers for goodness sake, but when we asked what they would do with Mocha we were told, “what does it matter?”

Yikes. She was part of the family. We, of course kept her and nearly $15,000 of operations over the next decade later, we had to keep her going. She became fully blind pretty early on. Later we were told she was probably bred in a puppy mill and many products of this type of breeding lead to things like this.

We would jokingly threaten her with “Back to Bob’s.” In fact when our kids acted up we would jeer “Back to Bob’s.”

Stories like this are surely common, and undoubtedly led to the genesis of this new law that will effectively put most pet shops out of business. The law aims to eliminate the pipeline that moves dogs and cats from these mills to the pet stores. We can’t argue with eliminating puppy mills and stopping the pipeline, but eliminating it by crushing the retail seller can’t be the answer. We’re now relying on people to buy their pets to actually go to certified puppy breeders? We are not convinced in the attorney general’s explanation that this law will make people “…. will adopt at a humane society, humane society or licensed breeder,”

The precedent it sets is the idea that if there are bad actors in an industry, that lawmakers look to make bills and acts that punish the entire industry. Go after the puppy mills that are wholesaling the animals. Make a law so puppies need official papers from breeders. But to cut off an entire legacy industry is reckless.

Santa Cohen Wants to Stuff a Casino into Queens Stocking

BQE Admin on December 17, 2024

By Robert Hornak

If Mets owner Steve Cohen gets his way, he will present a vast new development project to Queens for Christmas. Among the many proposals vying for one of the three new gaming licenses being issued by the state, Cohen has partnered with Hard Rock Entertainment to develop the property at Willets Point, an area that previously was a dilapidated area just east of Citi Field that for decades was home mostly to auto junkyards.

Discussions for redevelopment have been ongoing since the Bloomberg administration and have included plans for a mall with a movie theater, hotel, housing, and local infrastructure. The plan for Willets Point has changed numerous times in recent years, with support ebbing and flowing depending on the specifics of the plan. In 2022 a soccer stadium was approved for a portion of Willets Point, where it borders on Flushing Meadows Park. 

While there are a few proposals being pushed for the area, the Cohen plan seems to offer a lot to Queens. Manhattan has typically been the location of choice for large development projects like this, but as NYC struggles to become less Manhattan-centric, proposals like this spread the wealth around, and the jobs that this project will bring. 

And in an attempt to win over naysayers, Cohen has sweetened the project, now called Metropolitan Park, taking 50 acres of land covered in asphalt being used only as parking and turning it into a massive entertainment complex with 20 acres dedicated to parkland, 5 acres for athletic fields and playgrounds, a food hall, music and entertainment venues, and a Hard Rock casino and hotel. 

There would also be much needed improvements to mass transit and local road and highway infrastructure to handle the expected increase in an already heavily traversed area known for rush hour traffic heading into neighboring and rapidly developing Flushing or when the Mets play. There would also be new connections to the waterfront, Flushing Meadows and Corona parks, and surrounding community

The $8 billion dollar plan would bring thousands of high-paying construction jobs and then thousands more permanent good-paying union jobs with benefits and would transform this north Queens area into a major entertainment destination instead of people driving through Queens into Manhattan to spend money there. 

With plans for restaurants, bars, and conference space it would also be a location for businesses to use for meetings, conferences and events, driving additional revenue to the area. And this would add to Queens reputation as a choice for foodies in the competition between the boroughs for the best pizza, dumplings, and anything that people can rate and livestream about eating. 

But, some say, gambling is a vice that doesn’t benefit anyone but the casino. And, yes, we know the odds favor the house. But operating casinos is a legitimate business that draws millions of people and their dollars who are just looking for entertainment. And they spend that money not just in the casino, but in the restaurants, shops, and other entertainment. 

And the biggest benefit is that most of the jobs will be good-paying jobs and an opportunity for local residents to start a career in the hospitality industry without having to travel into Manhattan or elsewhere. Good jobs close to home are good for everyone, reducing commuting times, putting less stress on the environment and reducing traffic into Manhattan – which continues to tell drivers you’re not welcome. Not to mention that many people now find Manhattan a less attractive location for a night out due to the increase in migrant crime. 

Ultimately, casinos are a fact of life. Right now, people looking for a destination that includes casino gambling go to Las Vegas, Atlantic City, tribal casinos, or the Caribbean. Bringing that money in NYC and increasing tax revenue while creating thousands of jobs that will be beneficial to the people in Queens, raising their standard of living, and for many opening a pathway to home ownership and financial independence, would be a good long term plan for Queens.

 

 

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.

 

 

Timeline: Drone Sightings, Possible Adams Pardon

BQE Admin on December 17, 2024

Experts Say Drone Sightings in the Northeast Are of American Origin

Drone sightings have been reported along the Northeast this past week, with the machines flying overhead in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. While law enforcement agencies have provided little information to the public regarding their origin, some of the drones have been reported to be as big as 6 feet long. Experts have said due to the large size of the machines, the drones would need to be refueled within the continental United States, meaning they cannot be solely international. The Pentagon has assured the public that the drones are American, but the FBI noted that little is known about their usage or who is controlling them. Colonel William Dunn, formerly of the United States Marine Corps, is concerned about these developments. “The concern is definitely valid. One thing I do believe, I believe the government knows the source of these drones, and I believe the source of these drones is from inside the U.S., especially the larger drones,” he said. Many are asking the federal government to provide more information into this mystery. 

 

School Shooting in Madison, Wisconsin Leaves A Student and Teacher Dead

Earlier this week, another tragedy struck in Madison, Wisconsin when a 15-year-old girl opened fire in a private Christian K-12 school. The shooter, since identified as Natalie Rupnow, committed suicide on the scene after killing a teacher, a student, and wounding six others. The school, Abundant Life, is said to have many students who were bullied or having trouble at other schools; Rupnow was a new student this year. While law enforcement has not yet released a possible motive for the shooting, they are reviewing writings that Rupnow had describing some of her thoughts. The writings, which many are referring to as a manifesto, are currently being reviewed by police. A copy of the writings was allegedly leaked online. “A document about this shooting is circulating at this time on social media, but we have not verified its authenticity,” the Madison police chief, Shon Barnes, said. This incident has attracted particular attention due to the perpetrator being a female, which is extremely uncommon for this type of crime. Investigators are still looking into the incident, hoping to find more information. 

 

President-Elect Donald Trump Says He Will Consider Pardoning Mayor Eric Adams

Mayor of New York City Eric Adams has been dealing with a hefty federal indictment for months. Charges against him include bribery, wire fraud, and corruption. If found guilty, Adams could possibly be facing years of jail time. Democratic challengers have come from all sides during Adams’ crisis, with many hoping to unseat him as mayor next year. Adams claims these federal charges are a form of revenge, due to his public dissatisfaction with the Biden administration. President-Elect Donald Trump has previously expressed sympathy to Adams, claiming he was being treated unfairly by the federal government and the public. Now, he has openly stated he would consider pardoning Adams should he be found guilty at trial. At a recent news conference, Trump promised he would “look” at the case and consider a pardon. Adams’ upcoming trial should occur within the next year. 

 

Some New York City Amazon Workers Ready to Strike Amidst Holiday Rush

Two Amazon facilities in New York City are facing a shutdown when workers voted and announced they are prepared to strike if the company refuses to participate in contract negotiations. The workers in these facilities, one in Staten Island and one in Queens, are being represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, one of America’s largest unions. They gave Amazon a deadline for earlier this week to sit down with the organizers and begin negotiations. The deadline has passed, and the Teamsters Union has yet to make a statement regarding it. Amazon officials disagree with the tactics employed by the union. “The truth is that the Teamsters have actively threatened, intimidated, and attempted to coerce Amazon employees and third-party drivers to join them, which is illegal and is the subject of multiple pending unfair labor practice charges against the union,” said Eileen Hards, an Amazon spokesperson. This strike comes after a scathing report led by Senator Bernie Sanders revealed that Amazon had a 30% higher rate of injuries than the industry standard last year. It also reported other workplace violations, such as hostility and lack of care. If Amazon chooses not to negotiate and the union refuses to back down, New York City deliveries will have a serious problem right before the holiday.

 

High Ranking Russian Military Official Killed in Moscow Bombing

Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, the head of the Russian military’s chemical weapons division, was killed this week after a bomb was placed outside the building he was exiting. Along with his assistant, Kirillov appeared to have died instantly from the e-scooter bomb outside a residential building in Moscow. Ukraine’s security service, the SBU, had charged Kirillov with war crimes only one day before his killing, citing his usage of chemical warfare on the Ukrainian army. The SBU quickly confirmed speculation and took credit for the bomb. Previous to this, Russia had been sanctioned for using chemical weapons which Ukraine reports put 2,000 people in the hospital. Kirillov’s death is being called a “terrorist act” by Russian officials, while Ukraine is rejoicing in their successful mission. Many are speculating that Ukraine is attempting big moves in order to hurry the pace of the war before the President-Elect comes into power and begins to limit aid to the country. 

 

Uncovering Mass Graves in Syria Following Assad’s Fall, Could Contain Hundreds of Thousands of Bodies

Following the recent fall of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, citizens are frantically searching for loved ones that were detained under the regime. Officials report over 150,000 people in Syria are missing, many assumed to have been kidnapped or killed by the former government. While people have reunited with their family and friends who were previously detained, attempts are currently being made to account for the many who are dead. Close to the Syrian capital of Damascus lies a mass grave filled with bodies and bones. A grave digger there told a Syrian advocacy group that trucks filled with 150 bodies each would arrive twice a week from the years 2012 to 2018, meaning there could be hundreds of thousands of people buried there. Efforts continue to reunite families, identify the dead, and bring peace to the war-torn country.

 

South Korean President Officially Impeached After Instituting Martial Law

After President Yoon Suk Yeol instituted martial law in South Korea, the country broke out in wide protest. Even members of Yeol’s party decried the decision, finding it corrupt. After weeks of protests and calls for Yeol’s resignation, a vote to impeach came after his refusal. The vote was passed, and Yeol was formally impeached as South Korean President. The final decision belongs to South Korea’s highest court, which has 180 days to make a final decision. Until that time, Prime Minister Han Duk-soo is serving the role of President. Yeol was ordered not to leave South Korea, and investigations are being made into possible crimes. Officials have accused Yeol of attempting to incite an insurrection, a crime that can be punishable by death in the country. When official investigators attempted to gain access to the President’s office, they were declined entry and waited for over seven hours. The team seeks to investigate the President’s computers as well as any incriminating documents within the office. This is now the second time they have tried and failed to gain entry, thus greatly hindering the investigation into any possible wrongdoing. While Yeol has been reported as putting together a legal team, it is unknown whether he will comply with court summons on the 21st of December. The final fate of the South Korean presidency is yet to be decided, and remains unclear.

THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED QUEENS CULTURE & ARTS NETWORK ENGAGES CELEBRATED ARTS PROFESSIONAL AS ITS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BQE Admin on December 12, 2024

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

BQE Admin on December 12, 2024

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

BQE Admin on December 12, 2024

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

BQE Admin on December 12, 2024

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

BQE Admin on December 12, 2024

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.”

 

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