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Seneca Stroll Returns

BQE Admin on October 31, 2024

By: Nova M Bajamonti

Rudy’s Bakery & Cafe celebrated a huge milestone on Saturday, October 26 with the Ridgewood community – its 90th Anniversary during the return of the Seneca Avenue Stroll. The high energy of the festivity was palpable, as owner Antonetta Binanti, who goes by “Toni,” greeted all her enthusiastic, and loyal customers with a warm embrace and hearty smile.

The bakery offers a special touch, and one that you don’t experience often – it provides feelings of attending a wholesome, and cheerful family gathering. Rudy’s is also a foodie’s dream come true, by offering a huge plethora of delicious options, ranging from its old-fashioned jelly doughnuts, signature Black Forest Cake, to its Homemade Dark Hot Chocolate. “Everyday I walk into Rudy’s, I never feel like I’m going to work,” Binanti said. “I feel like I’m going to a happy place and my customers are just amazing, and today, the love and the support that I’m getting from all my customers, from every age – I mean I got a two-year-old this morning, telling me ‘Toni, congratulations,’ and then I got a lady coming in, and she’s 94 years old, and she told me she’s been coming to Rudy’s since the 60s. That just inspired me.”

Binanti’s uncle Ralph DiFonzo purchased the store in 1980, and as a young baker, she learned from him. Her uncle inspired her to take cooking classes in high school, and to then attend a trade school for baking. Her love for the delicious craft grew while working under him, and it stayed with her, long after his passing 22 years ago. Binanti’s uncle offered her the gems of his wise advice when he told her, “Stay focused, love what you do, and be honest and be true to your customers, and they’ll never fail you.” In the ever-changing and challenging economic times, especially in a huge metropolis such as New York City, Binanti thinks that the secret behind Rudy’s longevity is adaptation.

The bakery shop has created gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan pastries to ‘please’ Rudy’s customers of all needs, who have a sweet tooth. Binanti also believes that it’s the team-mentality that is the special ingredient to the bakery’s success. “The main thing [is], I think the way I run Rudy’s,” Binanti said. “First of all – I have an amazing staff. Anybody that joins me – they become my team and I tell them, ‘you’re Team Toni, and you’re Team Rudy’s, and we need to focus only on these two things, and we need to work on us.’

Pastry Chef Cristina Nastasi, who graduated from the Institute of Culinary Education, has been on the bakery’s talented team for the past 14 years. Her first high school job at 17 years old was at Rudy’s, and she’s known Binanti for over 20 years. Nastasi shares the same ‘passion for food, desserts and sugar,’ with Binanti and she’s inspired by the owner’s enthusiasm. “[Toni] loves what she does,” Nastasi said. “I love what I do. When you wake up every morning, and you’re excited to go to work and help customers – Toni loves her customers. She loves her business. She lives for this. So I know what gets her through every day is her love and her passion for her business. This is her baby. Seeing a woman like that, who wakes up everyday and loves what she does – I actually followed in her footsteps too when I wake up every day, and I love the same thing.” Nastasi holds dear the insight that Binanti once told her. “If you don’t love what you do, you will never make it, and you will not be happy,” Nastasi recalled.

Binanti’s daughter-in-law Giuseppa Capritto-Binanti, who works at Rudy’s believes that it’s Binanti’s bright aura that keeps customers coming back. “I think it’s her personality and just the way she talks,” Capritto-Binanti said. “She’s so strong and warm at the same time, because her caring demeanor is what attracts people here. I think it has to do with the warmth of everyone here, and everyone feels like family with customers. We know each other’s life stories and we know your order. We could just look at you, and we don’t have to ask certain people what they want. We just know it. It’s crowded like this, all the time honestly [on] some days, and it has to do with her mainly.” As for Binanti’s plans for Rudy’s future, she hopes to pass the torch. “My hope is one day, I could sell this to a young couple that have the same dream that I had when I first started 43 years ago,” Binanti said. “If you love what you do, it’s not a job.”

From Brooklyn to Queens: Two Runners Unite in NYC Marathon Spirit

BQE Admin on October 31, 2024

Courtesy New York Road Runners

An 88-year-old former dentist, Danil Farkash, is set to run his first marathon since 2009, inspired by his children’s participation and cherishing the shared experiences.

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

With just days to go before the TCS New York City Marathon, the nonprofit New York Road Runners (NYRR) has unveiled Team Inspire, a group of 26 runners chosen for their remarkable stories—one for each mile of the race. Among the team members are local runners Danil Farkash from Forest Hills, Queens, and Larry Lewis from South Slope, Brooklyn.

Since its inception in 1970, more than 1.4 million people have completed the TCS New York City Marathon, which is expected to attract over 50,000 participants from all 50 states and more than 150 countries this year. The marathon is renowned for its inclusivity, with both the first and final finishers navigating the same course on the same day.

NYRR aims to foster healthier lives and stronger communities through running, serving nearly half a million New Yorkers annually via races, community events, youth initiatives, and school programs across the five boroughs. Over its nearly 70-year history, NYRR has evolved from a local running club to the world’s leading community running organization, producing over 60 races each year, including the TCS New York City Marathon, held on the first Sunday of November.

Danil Farkash, at 88 years old, is among the oldest participants in this year’s marathon. Originally from Ukraine, he immigrated to the United States in 1979 but did not take up running until his 70s. Since 2009, he has completed every TCS New York City Marathon.

Farkash, who is a retired dentist, shared insights into his marathon journey, which began after his daughter inspired him to run her first marathon. He and his children have since participated in several New York City marathons together, cherishing those shared experiences.

Farkash emphasizes that every part of the marathon experience holds significance for him, from the start to the finish. He trains primarily on city streets, favoring routes like the Brooklyn Bridge and Queens Boulevard. Currently, he practices about two to three times a month.

A standout memory for Farkash is the time he ran the marathon alongside his children, relishing the moments spent together, including their ferry ride to the event. Having also completed marathons in states like New Jersey and Florida, he appreciates the camaraderie and excitement surrounding each race.

“Each part of all parts from the first race to the last one, it’s difficult to say what my favorite part is,” Farkash said. “When we all ran it together, that was probably a very good memory, because we went together in the morning to the Staten Island Ferry. We got to enjoy all of the activities before the marathon.”

For first-time marathon runners, Farkash advises them to enjoy the experience and the vibrant atmosphere of New York City, noting the numerous musical performances along the route. He highlights the health benefits of running, encouraging newcomers to embrace the journey.

Courtesy New York Road Runners

Larry Lewis, a seasoned marathoner, is returning to the race after overcoming a stroke, emphasizing the importance of community and support in his running journey.

Larry Lewis discovered running in 1982 when a colleague invited him to run the Boston Marathon as a bandit. He became captivated by the sport and ran his first New York City Marathon in 1983, completing it for 33 consecutive years—earning him Streaker status for those who have participated 15 times or more. However, his 34th marathon in 2018 was interrupted by a stroke, which required extensive rehabilitation and relearning to walk. Despite challenges, he is set to return to the TCS New York City Marathon this year, competing as part of a duo team with a guide from Achilles International, an adaptive sports nonprofit. For Lewis, the marathon is a cherished event filled with memories, and he currently trains regularly in Prospect Park.

Lewis reflected on his long-running history with the New York City Marathon. This year, with support from Achilles International, he is set to complete that milestone.

Achilles International helps athletes with disabilities take part in endurance events. Living near Prospect Park in Brooklyn, Lewis became involved with the organization after observing their athletes in local races. He now trains using a Hoyt running chair, participating in long runs with Achilles volunteers to prepare for the marathon. 

A Hoyt running chair is a specially designed racing chair that allows athletes with disabilities to participate in running events, featuring a lightweight frame and safety harness for the seated athlete, while being pushed by a partner.

Lewis began his running journey in 1982, inspired by a colleague who suggested he join the Boston Marathon. After completing his first marathon in 1983, he continued his passion for running and registered for the New York City Marathon the same year.

What motivates him to run the New York City Marathon is the community he has built over the years, with friends and family cheering him on along the course. He finds the atmosphere exhilarating, noting how even strangers in the crowd support the runners.

“Even though there’s thousands of runners in this particular race, it’s a small community that I have built over the years,” Lewis said. “Complete strangers are out there screaming your name, cheering for you to complete this task of 26 miles.”

In preparation for this year’s marathon, Lewis has been training primarily in Prospect Park, taking advantage of familiar routes like the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. He emphasizes the importance of mental preparation, offering insights from his extensive experience to his training partners.

For first-time marathon runners, Lewis advises starting slowly in the first half to conserve energy for the latter part of the race. He warns that the initial excitement can fade, leaving runners to face the mental challenge of the later miles.

Lewis hopes to highlight the importance of community among athletes, particularly through organizations like Achilles International, which foster connections and support among endurance runners.

“The hope and possibility of doing this event for me is about building a community of athletes who I have come to know over the years of participating in endurance events,” Lewis said. 

Team Inspire includes a diverse mix of first-time marathoners, experienced runners, and charity participants, all united by the transformative power of running. Representing the spirit of New York City, the team reflects the marathon’s essence and the city’s vibrant community. For more information, visit nyrr.org.

LaGuardia Community College Expands Support for New Yorkers with New Fund

BQE Admin on October 31, 2024

Courtesy LaGuardia Community College

LaGuardia Community College is boosting support for non-citizen students with the new $1.5 million Friedman Fund, offering scholarships, stipends, and emergency aid.

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

LaGuardia Community College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY), is enhancing access to higher education for New Yorkers seeking college degrees and workforce training.

In recent years, the LaGuardia Community College Foundation has provided over $4 million in financial assistance annually to approximately 3,000 students. With the introduction of the Friedman Fund for New New Yorkers, the college will increase its financial support for students regardless of their citizenship status.

“The Friedman Fund provides more dedicated funding to individual non-citizen students within existing programs of aid of almost every kind – scholarships, stipends and emergency aid,” Jay Golan, Executive Director of the LaGuardia Community College Foundation said. “In addition, the Fund inaugurates a program, the Friedman Fellows, for non-citizen students to get paid positions helping other LaGuardia students on campus in academic work, peer counseling and mentoring. “

The Friedman Family established the Friedman Fund for New Yorkers at the Community College out of a deep commitment to improving the quality of life for New York City students. Their grant for non-citizen students was inspired by visits to the LaGuardia campus, where they met students and evaluated existing support programs, reinforcing their desire to contribute meaningfully to the community. 

Funded by the $1.5 million commitment from the Friedman Family, the new initiative aims to address the diverse needs of the city’s immigrant population. The Friedmans, who have had notable careers in New York, recognize the integral role education plays in fostering aspiration and achievement, contributing to a stronger city and region.

“When we stepped back from our professional careers,” the Friedmans said, “We were interested in giving back to New York City. Our interests led us to CUNY and to LaGuardia Community College for its diversity and critical role in working with immigrants, old and new, in degree, literacy and career-building initiatives. We were gratified to find partners at LaGuardia who shared our vision for a great city.”

Courtesy LaGuardia Community College

This initiative aims to enhance educational access and community integration for immigrants.

The Friedman Fund will enhance support for non-citizen students at LaGuardia Community College by offering increased financial aid through scholarships, stipends, and emergency assistance, as well as creating paid positions for students to help their peers in academic and mentoring roles.

“It is extremely gratifying to LaGuardia Community College that its mission to give every students avenues to achieve their dreams to build careers and fulfilling lives, has been validated by the Friedman Family,” Golan said. “Their partnership with the LaGuardia Foundation expands participation of private philanthropy in this mission and focuses on the particular needs of the substantial non-citizen segment of the LaGuardia student body.”

LaGuardia Community College President Kenneth Adams expressed gratitude for the Friedmans’ commitment, emphasizing the importance of providing quality education to all students. The support from the Friedman Fund will enable scholarships, experiential learning stipends, and emergency aid through LaGuardia CARES, which connects students with resources to help them overcome financial barriers and remain in school.

“Our conversations with the Friedmans were fascinating,” President Adams said. “This family has a passion for helping in ways that feel right to them, and this led them to focus on new New Yorkers and their needs. They, like all of us at LaGuardia, believe that it is possible for New York to address the challenges of integrating all kinds of aspiring New Yorkers by public education and workforce development. What LaGuardia’s donors add is invaluable privately funded quality-of-life student aid.”

“The Friedman family brings a lifelong concern for New York City students and their quality of life, and a commitment to give back to New York in a substantial way,” Golan said. “The Friedman Family grant for non-citizen students followed visits to the LaGuardia campus to meet students and a review of existing programs to aid students.”

LaGuardia Community College, located in Long Island City, Queens, offers more than 50 associate degrees and over 65 continuing education programs. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, LaGuardia has played a significant role in advancing the socioeconomic mobility of its diverse student body since its founding in 1971.

LaGuardia Community College hopes to inspire other universities to integrate non-citizen students into campus life and encourage increased private philanthropy to support these initiatives.

“It is LaGuardia’s hope both that other universities recognize the potential that exists for integrating non-citizen students into the life of the university and the surrounding community, and that more private philanthropy can be tapped into their support,” Golan said. 

Queens Residents Indicted in Major Gun Trafficking Operation

BQE Admin on October 31, 2024

Courtesy the New York Attorney General’s Office

Firearms and ammunition recovered by the investigation.

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

The New York Attorney General’s Office has announced the indictment of three individuals from Queens for their alleged involvement in a significant gun trafficking operation that illegally transported 184 firearms from North Carolina to New York City. 

The defendants—Deundre Wright, 22, Abner Sparkes, 31, and Ethan Charles, 22 are facing a wide array of charges, including Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree and Criminal Possession of a Firearm in the First Degree.

The indictment, which consists of 579 counts, was unsealed in Queens County Supreme Court and underscores the serious nature of the offenses. Among the firearms recovered were numerous assault weapons, semiautomatic pistols, high-capacity magazines, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. The operation reportedly spanned several months, from March to July 2024, and involved a network that facilitated the illegal sale of these weapons in New York City.

“The majority of guns used in crimes in New York City are illegally trafficked from other states with lax gun laws along the Iron Pipeline and are fueling deadly gun violence in our communities,” said Attorney General James. “This investigation shut down a major gun trafficking operation that brought a flood of dangerous weapons, including assault weapons, from North Carolina into New York City in the span of just a few months. I will continue to use every tool at my disposal to keep New Yorkers safe and get illegal guns off our streets. I thank our partners in this investigation for their work to stop gun violence.”

According to the investigation, Wright was the key figure responsible for sourcing firearms in North Carolina, where gun laws are comparatively lax. He allegedly transported the firearms back to New York by traveling on buses, hiding the weapons in luggage. Once in Queens, Wright stored the firearms at various locations, including friends’ homes and parked cars in Jamaica, Queens. Reports indicate that he set prices for the weapons, which ranged from $1,000 to $2,500 each.

Courtesy the New York Attorney General’s Office

The rocket-propelled grenade launcher and one of the assault weapons seized by the investigation

“Often times we see drug and gun violence go hand in hand. The indictments of these three individuals are thanks to the hard work of our DEA Strikeforce, New York’s Attorney General, and our law enforcement partners, when targeting those who pose a threat to our communities through the sale of illegal firearms,” said DEA New York Division Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “The removal of over 150 firearms, which includes numerous assault weapons and semiautomatic pistols, just made the streets of New York City and our neighborhoods safer. The DEA remains committed to protecting our communities, reducing gun violence, and enhancing public safety.”

Sparkes played a crucial role in facilitating the sales. He reportedly met with customers at designated locations, conducting transactions discreetly from his vehicle. After each sale, he would return the cash to Wright, who monitored the transactions from a nearby location.

The investigation, a collaborative effort led by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF), also involved the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the New York City Police Department (NYPD). Law enforcement officials employed a combination of controlled purchases, physical surveillance, and covert video monitoring to gather evidence over several months.

“Today’s charges are a stark reminder that high-powered, illegal firearms continue to proliferate and circulate in our communities, and that NYPD investigators and our law enforcement partners are doing the dangerous work of preventing them from getting into criminals’ hands on the streets,” said NYPD Interim Commissioner Thomas G. Donlon. “Disrupting and dismantling gun trafficking networks is a top priority for our city. I thank everyone at Office of the Attorney General and all of our local, state, and federal partners for their hard work on this important case and for their ongoing commitment to our shared public safety mission.”

On August 8, 2024, authorities made a significant breakthrough when they detained Wright and Charles in Manhattan as they were disembarking from a bus carrying multiple suitcases. In the course of this operation, investigators seized 41 firearms, including four shotguns and an inoperable rocket-propelled grenade launcher, which were hidden in their luggage. This seizure highlights the alarming nature of the operation and the types of weapons that were being trafficked into New York City.

Each of the defendants faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison if convicted of the most serious charges. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by illegal firearms in urban areas and the interconnectedness of gun and drug violence.

The Attorney General’s Office expressed gratitude to its law enforcement partners, including the DEA and NYPD, for their collaborative efforts in addressing this pressing issue. The investigation illustrates a commitment to dismantling illegal gun trafficking networks, which are believed to contribute significantly to the rise in gun violence in the city.

The investigation was led by DEA New York Strikeforce’s Task Force Officer, NYPD Detective Ryan Foy, with oversight from NYPD leadership. The Attorney General’s Office also highlighted the contributions of various agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Queens District Attorney’s Office, and law enforcement partners in North Carolina.

Arts4All Foundation Hosts Diwali and Navaratri Festival

BQE Admin on October 31, 2024

By: William Ruben Helms

Arts4All Foundation, a New York-based non-profit that is “committed to educating, advocating and empowering individuals and communities to be artists of change,” hosted a free and open to the public Diwali and Navaratri Festival near Flushing Meadows-Corona Park’s Unisphere on Oct 5.  Celebrated by Indians of many different faiths, cultures, ethnicities and social backgrounds across the world, including some seven million folks across the US and nearly 150,000 of our neighbors here in Queens, Diwali and Navaratri are two holidays that are deeply connected with one another. Both holidays celebrate the light of knowledge removing ignorance and despair and righteousness triumphing over injustice. They’re also anchored in the oncepts of upholding and preserving inalienable, universal human rights, and protecting the planet and the universe. Depending on the lunar calendar, both holidays take place during October and November – with Navaratri kicking off the holiday season and Diwali closing it out. 

Festival attendees enjoyed a variety of musical and dance performances highlighting South Asian culture, high-quality, vegetarian meals and snacks, educational and cultural games and toys for kids, a henna station, yoga, books and other arts and crafts because “all people deserve access to high-quality food, entertainment, the arts and education,” Arts4All Foundation’s founder Dr. Sumita SenGupta says. According to SenGupta, the festival’s specific focus was to showcase, “the rich artistic techniques of Indian music and dance, and the diversity of Indian art forms.”  Of course, as expected, a gorgeous array of brightly colored traditional celebratory clothing.  And when the sun went down, there was a parade and Diya lighting ceremony at the Unisphere, for the first time ever. 

The location near the Unisphere was symbolic. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park was the site of the 1964 World’s Fair. That event, which celebrated innovations in arts, culture and sciences through exhibitions, activities, performances, films, art and food presented by 80 nations, 24 US states and roughly 350 American companies had a central theme – peace through understanding. And the centerpiece of the 1964 World’s Fair was the Unisphere.  According to SenGupta, the site was chosen to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the World’s Fair and “to inspire future generations to continue to advance global human rights and world peace.” 

Adams Indictment Turns City into State of Confusion

BQE Admin on October 25, 2024

 

By Robert Hornak

It’s almost two weeks since Mayor Eric Adams was indicted, and NYC’s future couldn’t be murkier. Right on cue, the calls for Adams to resign was immediate. No due process required.  AOC and her gang of far-left radicals, who never found Adams sufficiently far left enough, lead the charge along with people like Brad Lander and Scott Stringer who covet the office Adams now holds. Ulterior motives abound. 

 

Some are defending Adams and his right to due process, led by Adams allies Hazel Dukes from the NAACP and Al Sharpton, no stranger to corruption charges himself. Now Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the top House Democrat, has come out on Adams behalf. 

 

Meanwhile, Adams has been defiant, proclaiming his innocence. So, if Adams refuses to resign, what happens next?

 

There are many possibilities. First, Gov. Hochul has the power to remove him according to chapter 1, section 9 of the City Charter, and as affirmed in 1932 by the court when FDR explored using it to remove Jimmy Walker. However, it’s unclear if Hochul wants to risk the backlash from Black Democrats. 

 

It’s also unlikely that the Democrats want to trigger a very unpredictable special election to replace Adams. The same goes for the Inability Committee provided for by the charter, consisting of five people, only one of whom would be appointed by someone who has called for Adams to resign. And it’s unlikely that Brad Lander would want next in line Jumaane Williams – who wasn’t even considering running for mayor next year – to become acting Mayor, giving him the chance to act mayoral for the non-partisan special election.  

 

A special election also opens the door for many wildcard candidates, including Andrew Cuomo, who has expressed interest in running in a special election knowing that his chances are far worse in the June partisan primary. Some members of the City Council may also get in on the action, wanting a platform for their issues or just to enhance their name ID, but can then still run for re-election to their council seat. 

 

However, should Adams hold on into the new year the opportunity for a special election runs out. The charter prohibits a special election once it gets within 90 days of the regularly scheduled primary, which would occur in late March – right in the middle of petitioning for anyone looking to run for the full four-year term. That makes petitioning for a seat like Public Advocate very messy, inviting people to jump into that race as well.

 

Democrats who need to make decisions on what office to run for next year will want a potential special election to be held by early February, which will require Adams removal no later than early December. Who wins that special will determine what November race they petition for later that month. 

 

There is no easy or clear path forward. Adams lawyers could negotiate a plea bargain sometime next year that would require him to plead guilty and resign, and we get an acting mayor, either Williams or Lander, until the end of the year. The only thing certain is that the timing of this has made a bad situation worse, nothing that anyone could have wanted.

 

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.

 

 

Can Trump Turn New York Red?

BQE Admin on October 25, 2024

 

By Robert Hornak

The seemingly never-ending presidential election is almost over. With less than three weeks to go the polls are showing a very tight race and the political trash-talking is flying. And, of course, nobody trash talks in politics like Donald J. Trump. In politics he’s the Larry Bird of trash talking. 

So, naturally, what does Trump do to get more under the skin of Kamala Harris and the Democrats? He declares that he’s going to win NY and plans a huge rally at Madison Square Garden in the campaign’s final days to show just how serious he is. 

But can Trump really win NY and its 28 electoral votes? 

The last time a Republican won NY was Ronald Reagan in his 1984 landslide victory against Walter Mondale, where Reagan won every state but Minnesota and received 53.8% of the vote in NY. The closest a Republican has come since then was George H.W. Bush, with 47.5% the year he beat Michael Dukakis. The only other Republican to crack 40% was his George W. Bush in 2005 with 40.1% against John Kerry. 

So how realistic is it that Trump can put NY in play? Well, if you look at the results from the election for NY Governor in 2022 some would say very realistic. With the rise of the Democratic Socialists in NY and their electing Alexandrea Ocasio Cortez to congress in 2018, the same year the democrats won control of the State Senate after years of trying, NY has undergone a major lurch to the far left. 

The Democrats almost immediate reforms to cash bail and discovery rules have made many people very unhappy. Not to mention afraid to walk the streets and ride the subways as crime and a general sense of lawlessness increased rapidly. Some might say that protecting criminals was their top priority. 

This in addition to the draconian covid lockdowns resulted in the closest a republican has come winning a statewide election since George Pataki was governor, with the Republican candidate receiving 46.7% of the vote in 2022. Ans since then things have not gotten any better. Crime is still a major issue, even more so now with the massive wave of illegal migrants flowing into NY, magnifying the sense of lawlessness many have experienced. 

This is part of what Trump believes he can tap into. If not for himself then for the Republicans in swing congressional districts on Long Island and upstate, where the vote has been trending republican over the last few years. Ultimately, whoever wins the presidency will likely have coattails that swing close House races all over the country. Having a congress that he can work well with this time, should he prevail in wining back the presidency, will make life a lot easier for him in moving his agenda forward. 

Trump winning NY would be beyond devastating to Harris and would likely end with a 1984 style blowout. Some say that can’t happen because of how closely divided the electorate is. But in 1984 Reagan won that landslide with only 53.8% of the popular vote. 

So, the answer to the question is, it’s unlikely Trump wins NY. But the idea that it’s even remotely possible is very exciting, should still make NY democrats very nervous, and probably signals how this election will end.

 

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.

 

 

Lost in Lawfare

BQE Admin on October 25, 2024

 

By Robert Hornak

Heading into the 2024 election, Democrats had what they thought was a great way to defeat Donald Trump, even after it appeared he was immune to their political attacks. They planned to go after him with civil and criminal cases in friendly jurisdictions to tie him up fighting legal proceedings instead of fighting political battles.

   The only problem was it didn’t work.

   Not only did Trump manage to keep most of the prosecutors chasing their tails all year, ever the showman he managed to turn every day in court into a political opportunity to dominate the news cycle with everyone talking about him all day, every day. He even pulled off a what most of see as a successful  rally in the Bronx, once again flipping the political bird at his haters.

   The one pyric victory they got, their holy grail for the election, was to win one criminal conviction to call Trump a felon. And they did, by contorting a case based on bookkeeping records for legal payments to his then attorney, that they dressed up as “hush money” payments to an adult actress and morphed from misdemeanors into felonies.

   They had an uber-partisan DA push the case through a kangaroo court in one of the most liberal venues in the country. And presto! A conviction. But even that didn’t work, as many legal scholars decried the partisan verdict and predicted it would easily be overturned on appeal.

   So, when all the lawfare has failed, what do the Democrats do? Try, try again. Now, on cue, they are filing another lawsuit against Trump based on his response to Kamala Harris bringing up the Central Park Five rape case.

   The case from April 19, 1989, was extremely controversial at the time NYC was dealing with out-of-control crime and a skyrocketing murder rate. The details of the case are well documented. Some of the teens confessed on video, then later recanted their confessions. They were all convicted on numerous charges, one on attempted murder due to the severity of the beating. Then in 2001 Matias Reyes, who was already serving 33 years to life for rape and murder, confessed to raping the jogger and acting alone.  His DNA was a match and the convictions of the other five were vacated, despite protests from investigators who were convinced of the five’s participation.

   Donald Trump was involved by running full page ads later that April 1989,  in the four major daily newspapers that called for the return of the death penalty for murderers. The ads didn’t mention the defendants or the jogger case, but connections were made.

    This was what Harris brought up in the debate, claiming that Trump called for the execution of the five. This weak attempt at an “October surprise” by filing another lawfare right before the election won’t have the desired effect – again. And since the likelihood that defamation – the damaging of someone’s good reputation – is unlikely to be proven, this is yet another exercise in futility generating headlines that will likely work for Trump instead of against him.

 

 

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.

 

 

The Sunnyside Shines ‘Taste of Sunnyside’ Food Crawl Celebrates 14 Years

BQE Admin on October 24, 2024

By William Ruben Helms

The annual restaurant crawl Taste of Sunnyside returned to the neighborhood for its 14th installment on Sunday, October 13, boasting an expanded look with 64 participating venues and a block party. Created and produced by Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District (BID), the event aims to showcase the area as a dining destination. 

During a warmer than normal October afternoon, at 46th Street and Queens Blvd., near the Sunnyside arch, DJ Abraham was spinning a collection of smash hits across a diverse range of pop, hip-hop, salsa merengue and more at an eardrum shatteringly loud volume. Occasionally, DJ Abraham would welcome attendees to Sunnyside and to Taste of Sunnyside. 

Under the 7 train viaduct, a handful of tables were set up in a U-shape. Four were for event registration, The rest were for local sponsors to hand out branded tchotchkes. Small but steady waves of people picked up Taste of Sunnyside badges. If you were of legal drinking age, and wanted to imbibe, you’d have to stop by security to verify your age. But by far, the second most important stop of the afternoon was to grab a Sunnyside map, which featured the location of each participating business and a brief description of the cuisine each served at the business. Or if you were tech-inclined, you scanned the QR code for a digital version of the map. 

If you were like my girlfriend and me, you quickly mulled things over and made a quick plan of action. Nepali or Mexican first? Japanese or Korean fusion? Or maybe the Indian Chinese fusion place? When do we get sweets? Do we split up to tackle places that the other didn’t want to try? Decisions, decisions, decisions. The options were dizzying. Every restaurant had a line of curious and adventurous folks excitedly lining up for a menu tasting. Depending on how busy the business was during your visit, you might have a chance to chat with the owner or the head chef, creating a deeply personal, small town touch. 

“Everybody’s putting their best culinary foot forward to show what’s unique and distinct and wonderful at their restaurant,” explained Sunnyside Shines BID director Dirk McCall. “The food is amazing. Our restaurants are the best in New York.” He added that the crawl, which typically sells anywhere from 40% to 50% of its 1,200 tickets to neighborhood locals, “is a way to get people to come to Sunnyside.”

According to festival organizers, the 14th edition was “bigger and better than ever.” with new elements that attendees enjoyed throughout the afternoon, including a photo booth, live music headlined by a brass band, and a block party under the iconic Sunnyside arch on 46th St. that was DJ’d and emceed by DJ Abraham. Tickets cost $55. “Restaurants and bars,” exclaimed McCall. “And nice food. That’s a steal!” 

The event featured a handful of businesses that just opened this year. Curley’s Bagels, located at 43-04 47th Avenue, opened on July 3.  “Anything that we can do to be a part of a neighborhood event like this — we’re all in right away, one hundred percent,” Curley’s Bagel’s proprietor Mark Curley told the Ledger. When asked what his aspirations were for this year’s Taste of Sunnyside, Curley said that “people coming over and having a little taste of some of our bagels and smears hopefully brings them in.” 

Masa Madre Artisanal Bakery, located on 47-55 46th Street, opened just a few days before Taste of Sunnyside. The business’s head baker and proprietor José Luis Flores shared that his business was three years in the making. And although it took a while, the neighborhood has been very supportive. That’s not surprising. Their artisanal baked goods, which are made with a sourdough starter, take a lot of work – and have a lot of love put into them. He added that participating in the event was an opportunity to collaborate with the neighborhood, and equally to promote his newly-opened business. 

Seoul Bystro, a Korean Fusion restaurant and gastro pub, located at 43-10 Queens Blvd., opened a few months ago. Seoul Bystro’s Alvaro Lopez and Javier Alavardo said that the recently-opened spot is “one of the few, or maybe the only Korean restaurant over here.” Stationed at their tent, which featured attention-grabbing music selections and large portions of food, they joined the chorus of venues in saying that they looked forward to attendees getting to know their restaurant.  

Of course, Taste of Sunnyside featured some of the neighborhood’s more established businesses as well. Empire Shop, a sandwich and smoothie spot located at 47-10 39th Place, opened three years ago. When asked about his participation in the event, proprietor Daniel Astudillo said that he enjoyed “the fact that the whole community is together.” Much like the other participating businesses, he hoped the event would bring in more traffic, while giving people the chance to “come and taste what the Sunnyside taste is.” 

Tangra Asian Fusion, located at 39-23 Queens Blvd., is a neighborhood mainstay. Head chef Sim Lon explained that the restaurant, which infuses Indian herbs and spices into Chinese food, has been open for nearly 19 years. He bemoaned the fact that folks passing through often don’t realize that their restaurant and the cuisine they specialize in exists, echoing other owners’ enthusiasm for the buzz generated by the event.

Taste of Sunnyside offers one of the best opportunities to explore one of the city’s most interesting and criminally unheralded food destinations at an incredibly affordable price point. With a significant portion of attendees coming from the area and from Queens, it keeps money that would often leave the borough, in the borough. At its core, it’s a great, economically sound way to support diverse, local businesses run by our neighbors.  

“Everyone’s been amazing today,” said Mark Curley. “Everyone seems to be having a really great time walking around and experiencing all the food and community of Sunnyside.”

Stephen Dachtera Seeks Queens Civil Court Judgeship in Upcoming Election

BQE Admin on October 24, 2024

Stephen Dachtera, a Queens native and St. John’s alumnus, is running for Civil Court Judge in the upcoming election on November 5, emphasizing fairness and transparency in the judicial process. 

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Stephen Dachtera, a Queens native and St. John’s alumnus, is running for Civil Court Judge in the upcoming election on November 5, emphasizing fairness and transparency in the judicial process. 

With a commitment to serving the community and addressing biases within the system, Dachtera aims to create a more equitable environment for all residents.

With the election for Civil Court Judge just weeks away, Stephen Dachtera, a Queens native and St. John’s University alumnus, is campaigning for a position that he believes will allow him to serve his community with fairness and integrity. The election is set for November 5, and Dachtera, running with the Republican Party, is determined to bring a fresh perspective to the bench, addressing pressing issues within the judicial system and fostering a more equitable environment for all.

Born into an Italian American family, Dachtera’s journey has been shaped by a deep respect for tradition and a commitment to public service. Following in his mother’s footsteps, he pursued a law degree while working as a mortgage consultant, focusing on real estate. His early experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic and a desire to make a difference in his community. From a young age, Dachtera was drawn to the idea of teaching and engaging in constructive dialogue, which eventually led him to a career in law.

“I’ve always loved arguing and wanted to do something more in court,” Dachtera explained during a roundtable with the Queens Ledger. 

He believes that judges often arrive at their decisions with preconceived notions. His candid observations reflect a commitment to transparency and accountability within the judicial process. Dachtera argues that judges should prioritize fair evaluations over personal biases, an ethos he intends to bring to the bench.

“I want to serve the community of Queens and to be fair,” Dachtera said.

Dachtera emphasizes the importance of a judge’s role in civil disputes, particularly those involving contract disagreements and boundary issues. Dachtera’s legal philosophy centers on the belief that “the law is written a certain way,” and it should be applied without bias. 

“My job is to interpret the law the way it’s written and apply equally to you, you or you, no matter what your political beliefs are,” he said. “That’s the way it’s supposed to be.”

With a commitment to serving the community and addressing biases within the system, Dachtera aims to create a more equitable environment for all residents.

He aims to demystify the judicial process for everyday citizens, ensuring that they understand their rights and the legal avenues available to them. A significant part of Dachtera’s campaign is focused on addressing the perception of favoritism within the judicial system.

“A big problem is judges favor people,” he emphasized, vowing to break that toxic chain. 

He aims to foster an environment where every individual, regardless of their background or financial means, receives an equal opportunity for justice. 

“I’m color and ethnicity blind,” he said, emphasizing that his commitment to fairness transcends personal beliefs and societal pressures.

“I value my faith, so to me, I want to be fair to everyone. I don’t care if you’re Jewish, if you’re a practicing Muslim, I don’t care,” Dachtera said. “To me, my boss is the man upstairs. That’s who I report to. So when I go to sleep at night, I want to make sure that I treated people fairly.”

Dachtera recognizes the challenges faced by the Queens judicial system, particularly regarding the increasing backlog of cases. He has been actively engaging with local civic associations, including the South Ozone Park Civic Association, to discuss the judicial system’s impact on residents. 

His approach to the position is rooted in the belief that he doesn’t submit to anyone but the law, while leaning toward principles that align with fairness and integrity.

As an alumnus of St. John’s, Dachtera also holds a strong sense of responsibility toward maintaining traditions, both in education and in the broader community. He believes that preserving the legacy of institutions like St. John’s is essential to fostering a sense of identity and purpose among new generations.

Tom Principe, a partner at Kramer, Dillof, Livingston & Moore, first met Stephen Dachtera during a lecture at St. John’s in 2012, and they have since connected at various Queens Bar Association events, sharing a passion for St. John’s basketball. Principe praised Dachtera’s pro-bono work and his experience as a housing court attorney, noting that he is “very attuned to the community.” He emphasized that Dachtera embodies the values of St. John’s, stating, “Service to others — he fits that to a ‘t,’ besides being a delightful man.”

“Stephen impressed me right from the start. He’s very dogged, he just keeps at it,” Principe said. “He’s got a delightful personality — that’s why I think he’d be a terrific judge, he treats people with dignity and respect. I’ve never seen him raise his voice or get angry with anyone. He’s a natural for the civil court. We need good candidates to run, Republican or Democrat, and he certainly fits the bill.”

Dachtera’s vision for the role of Civil Court Judge extends beyond simply adjudicating cases; he aims to be an advocate for the community. He believes that judges should be approachable figures who take the time to understand the nuances of each case. 

“I like to take my time with people and cases,” Dachtera said. “All that matters is are they telling the truth on the stand?”  Dachtera said. “No one should not be judging based on political beliefs.”

As the election date approaches, Dachtera is focused on communicating his vision to voters. He aims to ensure that Queens residents understand the role of a Civil Court Judge, which often involves resolving everyday disputes that affect their lives.

“I’m always going to be giving you a fair shake,” Dachtera said. “One, because I owe it to you as a human being. And two, because I don’t care about playing politics, because, as I said, my boss is God. When I sleep at night, all I’m to say is, these people came before me, I gave them a fair shake.”

In a political landscape often marred by division, Dachtera’s message of unity and fairness resonates deeply with voters seeking change. With his unique background and dedication to the community, Stephen Dachtera wishes to bring a fresh approach to the Queens Civil Court. Voters will have the opportunity to support him on November 5, as he strives to become a judge who truly listens and serves the people of Queens.

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