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Community Board 5 Tackles Traffic, Safety, and Park Concerns 

BQE Admin on December 2, 2024

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

At the November 13 Community Board 5 meeting, local residents and board members discussed key issues affecting the area. These included recent improvements like the resurfacing of Wyckoff Avenue and the development of a bike lane, as well as ongoing concerns about illegal car washes in Ridgewood. Highland Park residents voiced frustration over safety issues and conflicts caused by a new disc golf course. The meeting also included an update on a city initiative to shut down illegal smoke shops and encouraged community cooperation in addressing these concerns.

Daniel Heredia, a first-year board member, took a moment to reflect on the progress the board has made during his tenure and to raise concerns about ongoing issues in his district. Heredia, who also attends various other board meetings across the city, expressed pride in the work the board has accomplished, particularly in his home neighborhood of Ridgewood.

He highlighted the recent resurfacing of Wyckoff Avenue, which had long been a source of frustration for residents, particularly along the nine-block stretch of Summerfield Street. Heredia credited the board’s efforts and Eric Butkiewicz for his instrumental role in pushing the project forward. 

In addition to the improvements on Wyckoff Avenue, Heredia also acknowledged progress on the bike lane along Cypress Avenue, another important project for the area. However, he pointed out that more work remains to be done, especially when it comes to installing physical barriers to better protect cyclists using the lane. He also raised concerns about illegal car washes operating on local streets, which have contributed to increased traffic and disruption in the neighborhood. Heredia urged the board to continue addressing these issues in order to improve quality of life for local residents.

“We’re working on getting those illegal Car Wash stops off of that street, which is making a ton of traffic and a ton of issues for our community,” Heredia said. 

Closing his remarks, Heredia expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve on the board and his optimism working with the boarabout tackling future challenges. 

Tammy Green, a representative from the Upper Highland Park Association, raised concerns regarding the newly implemented disc golf program at Highland Park. Green explained that while she had initially supported the introduction of the program, several months of its operation had brought to light significant public safety and quality of life issues that needed addressing. She shared that attempts to resolve these problems through community meetings with the Disc Golf Association had been unsuccessful, with the issue largely ignored until recently.

Green emphasized that the situation had escalated to the point where District 37 Council members became involved to help facilitate a resolution. One of the most troubling developments, she said, was the harassment of longtime parkgoers and local homeowners by some members of the Disc Golf Association. She specifically pointed to discriminatory comments made towards park regulars, many of whom are of Central and South American descent. Green made it clear that such behavior would not be tolerated, especially from an organization or corporate entity using public spaces like Highland Park.

In addition to the harassment, Green highlighted safety concerns, particularly incidents involving flying discs that had come dangerously close to park goers. She noted that members of the community would be sharing their experiences during the meeting, underscoring the real dangers posed by the program. Green called on the board to address the issue in a professional and progressive manner, stressing the importance of finding a solution that balances the interests of all park users.

“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 resident of the Highland Park area, voiced his concerns about the disc golf program that has recently been implemented in the park. Langston, who has lived in the area for nine years, explained that one of the main reasons he bought his home was because of the park’s natural beauty, which he had always enjoyed as a peaceful place to relax with family and friends.

He described the discs used in the sport as “very hard plastic projectiles” that are designed to travel great distances at high velocities—up to 200 feet. With multiple disc golf holes spread throughout the area, Langston said the game takes up large portions of the park, which had previously been a tranquil space for people to enjoy nature.

Langston also expressed concerns about safety, noting the potential danger posed by flying discs. However, he emphasized that his main issue was the conflict of interests between disc golfers and other park users. He explained that disc golfers, who are focused on their game, often view parkgoers as obstacles in their way. Meanwhile, families and other visitors, including Langston and his own family, simply want to enjoy the park in peace. 

While he acknowledged that the disc golfers themselves are polite and passionate about their sport, Langston argued that the park would be a better place if the two groups could be separated.  He suggested that disc golf could be relocated to a different area, much like how baseball fields are designated for sports, allowing both disc golfers and parkgoers to coexist without interfering with one another. Langston concluded by asking the board to consider the concerns of local residents and help address the ongoing conflict in the park.

Jasmine Chino, a mother and teacher from the Highland Park area, shared her concerns about the impact of the newly introduced disc golf course on the local community. Chino explained that she had raised her daughter in the area, and they spent many cherished moments together in the park, enjoying picnics and the natural beauty of the space. She described the park as a “special place” for her daughter, particularly the quiet areas like the “troll bridge,” a spot loved by local children.

Chino emphasized that before the introduction of the disc golf course, the park was a peaceful haven for families, children, and dog owners. Highland Park offers a variety of recreational facilities, including baseball diamonds, soccer fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts, but Chino noted that the disc golf course occupies a unique, beautiful green space that had previously been a quiet refuge.

However, she explained that since the disc golf course was introduced, the atmosphere in that part of the park has changed. The presence of flying discs has made it uncomfortable for parkgoers who want to relax or enjoy the area. Chino cited incidents where people have been asked to move, and in some cases, individuals have even been hit by flying discs. She expressed frustration that such a large portion of the park is now taken up by the course.

Later at the meeting,  Dermot Smyth introduced himself to the community as a candidate for City Council in the upcoming election, vying for the seat currently held by Bob Holden, who is term-limited. Smyth, a 30-year resident of the district, shared his background, noting that he had spent 10 years as a middle school teacher in District 30 and, for the past 15 years, worked with the United Federation of Teachers. In his role with the union, Smyth became well-known as a political strategist and coordinator, working on campaigns across the city.

Smyth emphasized that he hoped to bring his experience, skills, and relationships to the City Council, advocating for the district and standing up against any agendas that could negatively impact the community. He expressed his enthusiasm for engaging with local residents, saying he looked forward to getting to know them better.

Kevin Morris, the Queensborough Director for the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs, provided an update on a citywide initiative called Operation Padlock, which aims to combat illegal smoke shops. Morris explained that this program, launched in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office and the Sheriff’s Department, focuses on identifying and shutting down illegal smoke shops operating throughout the city.

Morris shared that, as part of the ongoing effort, 1,200 illegal smoke shop sites have already been closed across New York City, with over $80 million worth of illegal products seized. He reassured the community that these seized products will not be dumped within the city. Instead, they will be safely disposed of at a designated facility in Ohio within the next couple of weeks.

Morris encouraged residents to continue reporting any illegal smoke shops they come across, urging the public to inform his office so that the city can take swift action. He emphasized that the Mayor’s Office is committed to addressing this issue and asked for the community’s continued cooperation in keeping neighborhoods safe from the harmful effects of illegal operations.

Young Lawyers Committee hosts fifth annual Friendsgiving

BQE Admin on December 2, 2024

Nova Bajamonti

The Queens County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Committee hosted its fifth annual Friendsgiving, and all the proceeds went towards the Dancing Dreams organization. Dancing Dreams provides free-of-charge dance classes to children of all ages, who have medical and physical challenges, and are interested in the world of dance, but have not had the opportunity to do so previously.

The life-changing organization was inspired by dancer Veronica Siaba, whose mother tirelessly searched for a place for her to take ballet classes like her cousin did, but she was met with constant rejection. Siaba, who has cerebral palsy and is wheelchair-bound, was devastated by consistently being “turned away everywhere.”

Siaba was a patron at Joann Ferrara’s pediatric physical therapy office, and Ferrara once got her festively dressed up in a tiara and a tutu, and the special bonding moment was one to remember for both. “[Ferrara] for the first time said that I actually look like a ballerina,” Siaba said. After Siaba shared her frustration about not being able to find a ballet class, Ferrara took matters into her own hands and created Dancing Dreams.

Dancing Dream’s Founder and Executive Director, Ferrara, recalled that when Siaba told her “nobody wants me,” Ferrara thought, “no four-year-old should ever be saying, ‘no one wants me.’ The word quickly got out about the representative company, and within weeks, classes increased from having five students to having more than 15, which led to the organization moving to a larger space and becoming a non-profit. Now the organization proudly has 125 young dancers within three locations. Additionally, it also has 150 high school students who participate in a leadership program and volunteer weekly.

The organization has been life-changing for Siaba and the other students. “Yeah I’m in crutches. I’m in a wheelchair. Yeah, I use a cane, and I can be a dancer,” Siaba said. “Those things aren’t mutually exclusive anymore. That makes me really happy to see – not only how much we’ve grown, but how much society has changed. [Dancing Dreams is] changing the narrative around disability, just entirely.”

Leah Zelaya, who has been in the company for over 12 years, first joined being “really shy and ashamed of who [she] was.” After seeing all the representation and positivity around her at Dancing Dreams, she “changed her output on life, and [it] encouraged her to continue and to succeed.” “Joann has created a company for kids to have hope, and to just enjoy and push and live their lives to the fullest,” Zelaya said. The company also helped her “build lifelong friends.” “Our bonds are undefeatable and unmatchable from anybody else’s, cause there’s that understanding, and I love that about this organization,” Zelaya said. The activist has gone on to be named the 2023 National Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Bevi Zelaya, who is Leah’s proud mom saw a drastic transformation in her daughter as well. “I saw a young lady grow into a wonderful flower, and for me [as a parent], it was so empowering, and I finally got the tools to continue to push her,” Zelaya said. Not only did Leah find “lifelong friends,” but so did her mother, alongside fellow parents. “We become best friends,” Zelaya said. “Our kids came together. We become a family. We go to each other’s birthday parties. We love each other. We cheer for our kids. We encourage each other, and we’re able to help each other, and pick each other up as parents.”

The empowering fundraiser was organized by Queens County Bar Association’s Junior Board Co-Chair, Sydney A. Spinner, who was “one of the first helpers” at Dancing Dreams. She went on to become a lawyer and when she heard from Ferrara that Dancing Dreams had a flood, she was emotionally moved to create a fundraiser, which successfully brought in $6,500, and Spinner continued the fundraiser annually for the organization. The company left a lasting impact on her, especially being a dancer herself. “I think everyone should be able to dance if they want to,” Spinner said. “These girls are so inspirational, and I definitely get more from them than I’ve given them, but I do my best to give them as much as I can. Joann does everything for free. The kids don’t pay anything. She provides the shoes [and] the costumes, and everyone should be able to dance if that’s their thing. ‘Dance for every child,’ and it really is true, and being a small part of that is so important.”

Queens County Bar Association’s President Zenith T. Taylor explained that the lawyers who are participating are helping create a huge positive change. “Giving back is the most important thing – its service,” Taylor said. “Whether you want to say ‘its moral’ – its the right thing to do and to give back to our communities, especially Queens, where there’s so many marginalized and new immigrants – its important. It gives you a feeling of self-worth, having done something for your community.”

Community says ‘No’ to ‘City of Yes’

BQE Admin on December 2, 2024

Nova Bajamonti

Civic leaders and residents attended a Queens rally in Jamaica, on Saturday, November 2, in an effort to say “no,” to the “City of Yes.” The “City of Yes” is a proposed plan by the NYC Planning Department, and it is a part of Mayor Eric Adams’ proposal for the city.

The agenda behind the “City of Yes” is to change zoning regulations in order to overcome the housing crisis in New York City. A huge consequence of the proposed plan would be gentrification, which leads to long-time residents getting priced out of the same community they’ve lived in for generations. The long-term effects of the proposal will not only lead to a huge displacement of people, but also the mom-and-pop shops in the area, both of which would target marginalized people disproportionately.

The flyers that were given out to residents pertaining to the rally, included a powerful and bold statement. “It’s urgent – stop the ‘City of Yes’ housing proposal,” the flyer read. “We need to preserve our NYC communities. Your City Council member votes on this proposal before this year ends. Say ‘no’ to the ‘City of Yes.’ Make sure that your City Council member hears your voice. Please join Queens civic leaders and residents as we rally against the ‘City of Yes.’ Please bring signs, friends, [and] family, and let your neighbors know how this ‘City of Yes’ will destroy our city.”

During the heated rally, Reverend and Chairperson of CB12 Queens, Carlene Thorbs, took the stand. “We have to keep our voices heard,” Thorbs said. “There’s no exception. We cannot sit quiet and wait for somebody else to stand up for us. This [is also a] message being sent to our elected officials – we already voted on behalf of the people. Stand with us or we’ll meet you at the polls, and it will be a different vote. Our quality of life has to be addressed. If you’ve been on Jamaica Avenue, you’ve already see it. If you look around you, there are people, there are contractors, who are already trying to operate as if the ‘City of Yes,’ has been ok. Right on Jamaica avenue – 16 stories behind this lady’s house. [A] 16-story building. That’s the ‘City of Yes.’ We can’t continue to allow or have things like this go on, and we’re not going to stand for it. Again, we will see you at the polls. That is a guarantee.”

Next the Vice President of the Queens Civic Congress, Rene Hill, took the podium. “The building that she’s talking about – a lot of these other tall buildings that you see out here – we voted ‘no’ and they totally ignored us,” Hill said. “These street namings – same thing. They just do what they want and they work for us, and we’re not having this. We have to save something. We can’t be quiet. These homes over here – they’re mainly one-family, [or] two-family. They plan on making them three or four-family [homes]. On a house like this on a main street – that can be a high-rise building – five stories. We have to say ‘no’ to this. ‘No’ to the ‘City of Yes.’

Then, Urban Planning Consultant and Historic Preservationist Paul Graziano joined the podium. “These elected officials are supposed to work for us,” Graziano said. “They’re supposed to represent the interests of us. It’s all about data. I’m a planner – this is what planners are supposed to do. They’re not supposed to give propaganda and ideology to you, and lies – gas lighting. Remember [those] words. This is the data. The data says, ‘[if] you allow this to happen, this is what’s going to happen in your neighborhood.’ Will it happen? I always say, ‘if you zone it, they will come.’ You say, ‘this [area] now can have a three-story building on this corner.’ Well, they’ll pay $800,000 for that house, and that house next to it, and then they’ll be able to take those two, one-family homes, and replace it with a 20-unit apartment.”

After the passionate rally concluded, during which residents and civic leaders loudly and proudly, repetitively shouted “no,” the Founder and President of the Black Institute and The Black Leadership Action Coalition, Bertha Lewis, called the ‘City of Yes,’ a ‘City of Mess,’ instead. “Our coalition of people from Manhattan, Brooklyn, and other parts of Queens are in solidarity with this group, however, we’re not saying, just ‘no,’ Lewis said. “We call the Mayor’s plan, the Speaker’s plan, the City Council’s plan, ‘the City of Mess. M-E-S-S,’ cause this administration is a mess, this housing plan is a mess, this zoning plan is a mess, but we’re going to get out of this mess, so our coalition that is coming together, could stop the City of Mess.”

11th Annual Bishop Ignatius Catanello Scholarship Dinner

BQE Admin on December 2, 2024

Henry Rubio

Hundreds of people celebrated the 11th Annual Bishop Ignatius Catanello Scholarship Dinner at Douglaston’s Immaculate Conception Hall on November 23rd, where Henry Rubio, President of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators, is being honored as Educator of the year. Bishop Catanello was a graduate of Cathedral Prep in Elmhurst and went on to serve as Auxiliary Bishop from 1995 through 2010. He died in 2013. “Iggy” was known as a priest who had a strength in engaging with people on various levels. “When you talked with him, it felt like you were the only person in the world,” said Frank Steele, one of the organizers of the Scholarship Event. “… that’s a skill, but it turns out it was really more about how he saw the world and how every person was a treasure.” So in late November nearly a hundred individuals who knew him well, get together for a dinner and Mass to celebrate Iggy, with proceeds to benefit Cathedral Prep Seminary, where Catanello served as principal in the early 1990s.

Henry Rubio, the educator of the year was honored at the dinner. He began serving as the President of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators in January 2023, after having served as the union’s Executive Vice President and First Vice President. Prior to that he represented school leaders as the District Chair for Manhattan High Schools and was elected by his colleagues to serve on the CSA Executive Board.

Henry was born, raised, and educated in New York City, and entered the field of education with a background in business and an undergraduate economics degree from Fordham. He later earned a graduate degree from Queens College and administrative certification from the College of Saint Rose. He began his career in 1997 as a Bilingual Social Studies teacher in Queens.  Additionally, he completed studies at Cornell University’s AFL-CIO Union Leadership Institute and served as CSA’s chief negotiator for the union’s most recent agreement with the city.

In 2007, Henry was selected to participate in Columbia University’s Cahn Fellows program, and in 2011 he became a mentor and coach to school leaders across New York City through CSA’s Supervisory Support Program. He is currently also the president of the New York State Federation of School Administrators and a vice president of the American Federation of School Administrators. Henry serves on several committees and boards, working with labor and research organizations such as the NYC Municipal Labor Committee, the NYC Central Labor Council, the Cornell Labor Institute Advisory Board, the Independent Budget Office, and the Research Alliance for NYC Schools.

Help with respect, not with pity: Celebrating 125 years of Catholic Charities

BQE Admin on December 2, 2024

Molly Sword

Last Saturday, St. John’s University celebrated the 125th anniversary of Catholic Charities of Brooklyn/Queens. The event hosted numerous speakers, including Dr. Sabina Alkire, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, professors from St. John’s University and leaders of Catholic Charities.

The speeches explored the realities of poverty on a local and global scale, assessing how it impacts communities worldwide and in our own neighborhoods. Speakers commemorated the achievements of the past 125 years and looked ahead to the future efforts that are needed to combat poverty. A central theme throughout the speeches was that of respect and the importance of treating those in need as equals not as individuals to be pitied.

The opening discussion focused on poverty from a global perspective, predominately in the developing world. Dr. Sabrina Alkire, an Oxford University professor introduced her developed multidimensional poverty index (MDI). The MDI is a way of measuring poverty by examining quality of life as opposed to solely focusing on financial value. The 12 main indicators, nutrition and years of schooling, that assess poverty at an individual level, if the person is deprived of a third or more, they are described as MPI poor.

The presentations outlined some shocking statistics such as how there are 1.1 billion people in the developing world who are MPI poor, with half of those being children. The discussion highlighted a shift in understanding poverty not solely as a measure of household income but as a broader reflection of living standards, as is observed through the MPI. While in the past poverty has only been measured by income the MPI allows for a deeper look into the realities of living in poverty. For example, how a family may have a reasonable income, but they achieve this by the costs of their children working instead of completing education, living in unsanitary conditions, or lacking access to essential healthcare.

In our own lives, many of us have had to cut back on expenses to save money. For those in the developing world, this is a daily reality. They might sacrifice a stable roof to feed their children or travel an hour to collect clean water to avoid diseases from a local unprotected well. It is these difficult sacrifices that are measured through the MDI, capturing the realities of poverty in all areas of life beyond that of financial income.

So, how does this relate to Brooklyn and Queens? While the insights into global poverty and the MPI were fascinating, it was the afternoon discussion that bridged the gap between poverty on a global scale and a local scale. Tim McManus’ speech observed that it was not only about providing shelter to those in need, as a ‘home is one thing, but a life is another’. Using this principle, Catholic Charities have created community spaces for the elderly to avoid loneliness which is as harmful as ‘smoking fifteen cigarettes a day to the brain’ and organized workshops to help the homeless find jobs and open bank accounts. In the same way, those working for the UN recognize there is more to poverty than observing finances, the people of Brooklyn and Queens understand what is needed to improve one’s quality of life. Recognizing that being poor is more than not having money in the bank.

This theme was continued into a discussion on mental health focusing on the vicious cycle of poverty and mental illness. Explaining that when threatened with poverty one’s mental state deteriorates, meaning they become involved in a cycle of financial worries and subsequent health problems. Whether it was last week or twenty years ago the anxiety of checking a bank statement is one we can all relate to. Now imagine, that worry is a 24/7 reality. This perspective allows us to understand why mental health support is crucial in combating poverty throughout New York.

Another presentation on food pantries revealed the harsh reality that poverty can happen to anyone. Following the Covid-19 pandemic the average number of people using food pantries ‘went from 25 to 350 people’. These were hardworking individuals such as Uber drivers and restaurant workers who found themselves without a stable income and queuing alongside their families and young children for food. It was the community that came together to help one another, and they did this out of mutual respect and support.

Becoming poor does not make a person deserving of your pity from your privileged position but deserving of your support from a foundation of equal humanity. This was reiterated through Cardinal Christophe Pierre’s speech reflecting how we are all the ‘ children of God’ and in this instance ‘equals under God’. He stressed the importance of approaching charitable acts with respect, reminding us not to look upon others as lesser but as complete equals. Understanding that the people we help today may be the people who help us tomorrow.

The day commemorated the work of Catholic Charities over the last 125 years who have provided food, housing, health care and a multitude of support to the community. The predominant theme throughout was to remember how we are all equals under God.

Therefore, any support we provide to those in need both in the global and local sphere should come from a place of respect for others as equals, not pity for someone we perceive as lesser.

On Thanksgiving Make Sure to Thank Wall Street

BQE Admin on November 26, 2024

 

By Robert Hornak

 

America’s deep connection to capitalism isn’t an accident. Without the creation of public companies and the ability to raise capital by issuing stock it’s very possible America never would have happened. Crazy assertion? Well let’s look at the history. 

In the 1500’s savvy businessmen hired captains and crew to sail around the world engaging in trade for fabric, spices, and other commodities they could sell back home. But these adventures were very risky. Owners could lose everything from either pirates or bad weather. An early form of LLC was created to finance each of the voyages, with investors sharing in the profit or loss of each trip. 

In 1585, businessman Sir Walter Raleigh set out to establish the first permanent colony in the new world. He set up the colonists and went back to Europe. returning five years later to find the colony had been abandoned and the colonists missing. The venture was a total loss, with a mystery that continues to this day.

A better way was needed. These risk-taking businessmen realized that instead of financing each voyage they could create a company where the investors would share in the success of the company as long as they owned their share. The first of these companies were the East India companies established in the early 1600’s by the Dutch, French and British.

This created the need for a way to buy and sell these stocks, and the Amsterdam Stock Exchange (the oldest in the world, now the Euronext Amsterdam) was founded in 1602 to support these new jointly-owned companies. They sold shares and paid dividends, just as modern corporations do today. The success of this system allowed the trade industry to grow, with the founders building more ships and hiring more crews.

This enabled another attempt to create a permanent colony in the new world. In 1620, the Mayflower, with families of Pilgrims recruited for this voyage, set sail from England after bad weather blocked earlier attempts. Originally heading for an area in the Hudson river, then part of a region known as Virginia, persistent bad weather caused them to land on Cape Cod in Massachusetts that November instead. This, of course, is not an ideal time to be in New England under any circumstances. 

We all know the rest of that story. How the Pilgrims struggled to establish their colony, finally realizing success after making each family responsible for their own plot of farmland. And then celebrating their success in a fall harvest feast that was held with members of the local Indian tribe that helped them survive.

The New York Stock Exchange was founded much later in 1792 – when local businessmen signed the Buttonwood Agreement – established almost simultaneously with the United States. The NYSE, which made its home on Wall Street, sat at the gateway to the new country, supported all U.S. trade and business activity.

The new exchange grew rapidly by having a fairly open system that set listing requirements and charged fees for traded securities. It quickly outgrew the London exchange, founded almost 20 years earlier in 1773, due to that exchange’s more restrictive approach to securities trading, and quickly became the most powerful and successful stock exchange in the world.

In many ways this was the wild west before there was a wild west. The success of the exchange led to an explosion of business activity.  The ability to mitigate risk through joint-stock ownership and the capacity for great reward through investment, allowed the United States to grow into a business giant that fostered almost all the great companies and innovations in modern history. 

And this brings the legacy of Thanksgiving full circle and ties it directly to the success of the NYSE and the destiny of NYC to become the most powerful city in the world. So, when you give thanks on Thursday, be sure to say a thank you for the capitalist spirit of Wall Street that allowed all the rest to follow. 

 

 

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.

 

 

Plaza College Launches Queens’ First Surgical Tech Learning Center

BQE Admin on November 21, 2024

Plaza College unveiled Queens’ first surgical technology learning center, a $1 million state-of-the-art facility, to launch its exclusive Surgical Technology Degree Program.

 

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

 

Plaza College celebrated a milestone on Friday, unveiling Queens’ first surgical technology learning center during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Forest Hills campus. The $1 million state-of-the-art facility, designed to replicate operating rooms found in New York’s premier hospitals, marks the launch of Plaza’s new Surgical Technology Degree Program—the only one of its kind in Queens.

Leaders from six top hospitals, including NewYork-Presbyterian, Elmhurst, Jamaica, and Mount Sinai, joined Plaza College faculty, students, and community leaders for the ceremony. Among the guests were Queens Chamber of Commerce President Tom Grech and FDNY EMS President Oren Barzilay.

Grech highlighted the borough’s diversity, emphasizing how the new program at Plaza College reflects the inclusive future of healthcare by preparing a diverse cohort of professionals. He acknowledged Queens’ historical challenges as a “hospital desert” but praised initiatives like Plaza College’s training programs for addressing staffing needs and supporting local hospitals.

The program aims to address the growing demand for Certified Surgical Technologists, offering hands-on training in a cutting-edge environment to prepare students for high-stakes operating room careers.

 

“You can see the wide array of diversity here, women and men, people of color that are the next generation of health care for our for our county,” Grech said. “We’re fully in support of this plaza has been a loyal member since their founding in 1916 and we’re here to help them any way we can.” 

Certified Surgical Technologists (CSTs) play a vital role in operating rooms, working alongside surgeons to maintain safety and efficiency during procedures. According to the National Institutes of Health, surgeries generate nearly half of a typical hospital’s revenue, making the shortage of CSTs a significant concern for the healthcare industry.

Plaza College’s 20-month program aims to address this gap, offering hands-on training in a cutting-edge simulation environment. “This immersive training environment allows us to refine our technical abilities and prepare for the high-stakes environment of surgery,” said Kaylee Venta, a student in the program’s inaugural cohort.

Venta, who shared her journey from medical assistant to surgical technology student, emphasized the program’s impact on her career. “The surgical tech program gives us the skills and confidence to succeed in real-world operating rooms,” she said.

The need for healthcare workers in New York City is growing rapidly. Healthcare employs over 750,000 people—20% of the city’s workforce—and contributes $201 billion annually to the state’s economy, according to the Healthcare Association of New York State.

With its cutting-edge facility and innovative program, Plaza College has positioned itself as a leader in surgical technology education, equipping students to meet the challenges of a dynamic and essential field.

Trickled Down Decadence: Screams for Hope

BQE Admin on November 21, 2024

By: Dana Fialkowski 

Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning hosted a new edition of a visual voices art exhibition to prevent youth gun violence on Friday, October 26. This exhibit was curated by Wanda Best, who founded Art Transforms which is a nonprofit organization that uses art to educate, communicate and express social injustice and healing. 

“This exhibition serves as an education about the dire need to strengthen gun control laws,” said Best. “It is a cry for help to stop the decadence that is taking over this society with youth killing youth. It is our hope that the exhibition moves someone to hear the screams of those who lost their lives to gun violence and stand up to be a part of the solution to stop this genocide.” 

Her vision on this art exhibit is that it could sometimes change lives, save lives and inspire change. 

Best curated many exhibits including the Social Justice exhibit from 2017-2020 and in 2023 she curated the Environmental Justice exhibit in the Queens Community House. Trickled Down Decadence is the fifth exhibition in Visual Voices, JCAL’s three-year initiative to support emerging, Queens-based BIIPOC curators. As part of their work, the cohort cultivates and elevates emerging BIIPOC artistic talent, designs open calls, produces artist talks, collaborates with local collectives, and runs arts workshops and demonstrations in connection with each exhibition, with a schedule set through year-end 2025. 

With this powerful art exhibit that is giving a message to the community about the prevention of youth gun violence, this viewing will be going on until Saturday, December 14. Throughout this time for this program, this exhibit will include different events like an evening of live music, dance and poetry on Saturday, November 23 titled “Solace.”

If anyone in the community would like to come and see amazing artwork about youth gun control violence, the JCAL at 161-4 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed Sundays and Mondays. 

     

 

Healthy Eating Initiative Helps Rebuild Lives

BQE Admin on November 21, 2024

Samaritan Daytop Village has launched a nutrition initiative to support individuals in recovery by teaching healthier eating habits and culinary skills.

 

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

 

Samaritan Daytop Village, a nationally recognized provider of addiction treatment services, has launched a nutrition initiative aimed at improving the overall well-being of individuals in its recovery programs. With residential facilities in New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley, the organization is focusing on teaching residents how healthier meals and nutrition can support their recovery, both physically and emotionally.

The initiative is implemented across two residential programs in Queens: Van Wyke and Richmond Hill. At the heart of the program is a commitment to fresh, nutritious meals, led by a team of chefs who train clients in culinary skills. The ultimate goal is to help individuals not only improve their eating habits but also empower them to live healthier lifestyles long after they leave the program.

Daniel Mendoza, a cook and cook instructor at the Richmond Hill facility, emphasizes how the program has evolved to incorporate more nutritious ingredients.

 “We’re trying to marry sobriety and cooking for medicine, which is a great concept,” Mendoza said. He explained that the kitchen now uses more garlic, fresh vegetables, and fruits to prepare meals, aiming to replace the simpler diets of rice, beans, and processed foods that many clients are accustomed to. “We try to make them healthy with the food,” Mendoza said, noting that many clients have spent years living on the streets with limited access to healthy food.

With a focus on fresh, nutritious meals, the program helps clients improve their health and build a foundation for long-term recovery and employment.

 

The transition to healthier eating can be difficult for some clients, but Mendoza has seen positive changes. “As we go by, they’re starting to enjoy it,” he said. He’s seen firsthand the impact the program has had on individuals, not just in terms of nutrition, but in providing hope and skills for the future. Mendoza, who has been sober for over 30 years, views the program as a way to give back, sharing the lessons he learned from his own recovery journey.

The program has already seen success, with two clients graduating from the cooking instruction program. Mendoza works with clients not only to teach cooking skills but also to help them build confidence and prepare for employment in the culinary field. “With a job, you have hope,” he said. “I’m hoping that when they leave here, it’s not Chinese food and pizza. They can make brown rice and other healthy meals on their own.”

For clients like Wayne Kostu, the changes in the kitchen have had a profound impact. Kostu, who has been in the program since August 2023, describes his experience in the kitchen as a transformative one. 

“Being in the kitchen has been a good experience,” Kostu said, noting that he’s seen a positive shift in the types of meals being prepared. “You can see that what Danny is doing in there, he’s passionate about what he does.” Kostu points out that the kitchen has not only provided a source of nourishment but also a sense of community and involvement in the recovery process.

Tawana Spriggs, the program administrator, highlights the broader importance of the initiative in the recovery process.

“The purpose of this is to train our staff on nutrition and wellness, so that we can then pass that training on to the clients,” Spriggs said. She stresses the significance of educating clients about how nutrition impacts their recovery, particularly with regard to chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, which are common among people with a history of substance use.

“The initiative will hopefully carry itself beyond the treatment program, so when they’re returning home and back into the communities, you have the education to continue the work of healthy living and having a healthy lifestyle,” Spriggs said.

For some participants, like Jose, the program has become a lifeline. Jose, who joined the program four months ago, was struggling with a lack of direction before getting involved in the kitchen.

“Before, I didn’t know what to do,” he said. “Now I want to be part of the kitchen, working here or outside.” 

Jose credits Mendoza for his guidance, saying the chef has helped him feel valued and capable. “He teaches me how to cook different, healthy food,” Jose said. “Now I feel like I’m somebody. I can help another client. I can make it easier for people.”

The initiative is not just about nutrition, but about building a sense of self-worth and hope. As the program continues to grow, its impact is felt both in the kitchen and beyond, offering participants the tools to rebuild their lives and health.

With the ongoing support of donors and partners, including a recent grant from Valley National Bank, the program is set to expand, providing even more clients with the opportunity to learn valuable skills and embrace healthier lifestyles. For Samaritan Daytop Village, the nutrition initiative is an integral part of its mission to support individuals in their recovery, helping them build a foundation for long-term health and success.

New York Proposes Ending Regents Exam Requirement

BQE Admin on November 21, 2024

Courtesy Freepik

New York officials have proposed ending the Regents exam requirement for graduation, allowing students to show proficiency in key skills like critical thinking and communication.

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

New York state education officials unveiled a set of proposed changes that would eliminate the requirement for students to pass Regents exams in order to earn a high school diploma. The proposal, part of an ongoing effort to update graduation standards, would offer students more flexibility in how they demonstrate their knowledge and skills before graduating.

Under the new framework, students would be required to show proficiency in a range of areas critical for success in the modern world. These areas include critical thinking, effective communication, cultural and social-emotional competence, innovative problem-solving, and literacy across various content areas. Additionally, students would need to meet standards for becoming global citizens. These attributes are outlined in what the state is calling the “Portrait of a Graduate,” a guiding concept that officials say will help redefine what it means to be ready for life after high school.

The proposed changes stem from recommendations made by the New York State Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures, which aims to provide greater equity and opportunity for all students. While the Board of Regents did not take formal action on the proposals during Monday’s meeting, officials plan to present a detailed implementation plan in November.

As part of the changes, education officials are recommending that high school credits be redefined to focus on proficiency rather than the completion of time-based coursework. This would allow students to demonstrate mastery through various means, such as work-based learning, capstone projects, dual credit programs, and career and technical education (CTE) courses, in addition to traditional classroom-based learning and assessments.

“I think that the regents are antiquated and New York State is the only state in the 50 states that gives the regents. Its validity is questionable due to different teachers having different curriculums,” Audrey Martin, MLS Special Education Teacher Support Services at Martin Luther School said. “I believe that New York State will vote for removing the Regents from all schools. Standardized tests do not reflect the aptitude of a student. The time to update the system to measure a student’s critical thinking skills is now in order for future abilities to fit our new technological world.”

Courtesy Freepik

The changes, set for full implementation by 2029, aim to provide more flexible graduation pathways.

Though Regents exams would no longer be a mandatory graduation requirement, they would still be available as one option for students to demonstrate proficiency. The state’s Regents exams have been a central feature of New York’s high school graduation requirements for more than a century. However, they have come under criticism in recent years from students and educators who argue that the exams do not always reflect the full range of student abilities or learning.

Along with the shift away from mandatory exams, the state is proposing a move to a single, unified diploma. The existing system, which offers local and advanced diplomas, would be replaced by a statewide standard diploma. Local districts could still offer additional distinctions, such as seals or endorsements, but the primary graduation requirement would be the completion of the state’s core standards.

Education officials emphasized that these changes are not designed to lower academic expectations but rather to create more flexible pathways for students to meet them. They also noted that students will continue to be assessed through a combination of measures, including assessments required by federal law, and will still take state exams in certain subjects.

“I think the regents have value in that they are able to hold students and schools accountable to an outside standard,” Rebekah Stohlmann, Math Teacher at Martin Luther School said. “I think that it will be important to schools that they are following a standard so that students are getting the appropriate level of instruction.”

The proposed changes, which have been in development for several years, are expected to take effect starting with the Class of 2028. This means that students who entered high school in 2023 will be the last cohort required to meet the current graduation standards, including passing the Regents exams. The full implementation of the new system is projected for 2029, when the state will have fully phased in the new diploma structure and proficiency requirements.

Officials from the state’s Education Department have said the changes are aimed at better preparing students for the challenges of a rapidly changing world. They hope the new approach will help ensure that New York’s high school graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in both higher education and the workforce.

The proposals will continue to be discussed at public forums over the coming months, with feedback from educators, students, and other stakeholders helping to refine the final plan. Any changes will require approval from the Board of Regents before they can be implemented.

Until then, the state’s current graduation requirements, including the Regents exams, remain in effect for all public school students in New York.

 

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