By MOHAMED FARGHALY | mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas has allocated $40,000 in district initiative
funding to bolster subsidized transportation services for seniors through the
Selfhelp Community Services Northridge/Brulene/Southridge NORC Program. The
funding, presented on June 20 in Jackson Heights, aims to assist older adults who
struggle with the costs of traveling to crucial medical appointments and other
essential care services.

The initiative stems from community feedback received by González-Rojas, where
residents expressed their challenges in affording transportation for necessary
healthcare visits. This financial support is part of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 New
York State Budget, which allocated $1 million specifically for Naturally Occurring
Retirement Communities (NORC), an advocacy area championed by González-Rojas.

In addition to this targeted funding, the Assembly Member secured $100,000 in
general operating funds for SelfHelp Community Services, underscoring her
commitment to enhancing services for older adults across the state. Her legislative
efforts during the 2024 session also led to the elimination of insulin co-payments for
New Yorkers under state-regulated insurance plans, and initiatives to shield aging
communities from medical debt.

“I am so delighted to bring resources to NORC programs in my district. Aging in
place with grace and dignity is critical to the longevity and vibrancy of our
community,”  Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas said. “As a member of both
the Committee on Health and on Social Services, I recognize the incredible impact
investing in our aging population has on ensuring that our older adults are able to
safely and easily gain access to critical resources to support their independence as
thriving residents of New York. I’m grateful that this year we were able to secure
these funds for important services like these, to strengthen our older adult

population. When we invest in services like these, we are investing in all of our
futures.”

Karen Taylor, Program Director of Selfhelp Northridge/Brulene/Southridge NORC,
expressed gratitude for González-Rojas’ support, highlighting the critical role of
subsidized transportation in ensuring seniors receive necessary medical care.

“The Selfhelp Northridge/Southridge/Brulene NORC thanks Assemblymember
González-Rojas for support," Taylor said. “One of most frequently used services our
NORC provides is subsidized car service to medical appointments. We arrange over
1,000 trips each year to ensure that NORC members get the care they need to stay
healthy and independent. From cancer treatments to cardiology follow-ups, we
ensure that no older adult is forced to skip an essential medical appointment
because of the rising costs related to transportation.”

González-Rojas’ advocacy underscores a broader commitment to supporting aging
populations and enhancing their quality of life through targeted legislative efforts
and community-focused initiatives.

By MOHAMED FARGHALY | mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Mayor Eric Adams unveiled a sweeping $1 billion initiative on June 19 aimed at
overhauling New York City’s public pools, a historic investment designed to
safeguard residents from increasingly severe heat waves and bolster water safety
education.

Dubbed Let’s Swim NYC, the initiative represents the city’s largest commitment to
its swimming infrastructure since the 1970s. Over the next five years, the plan will
funnel funds into 39 pools across all five boroughs, including the construction of two
new indoor pools and the complete renovation of three others.

The announcement comes amid growing concerns over climate change, which has
intensified heat waves and underscored the need for accessible cooling centers in
densely populated urban areas like New York City. The upgrades are expected to
expand safe water access and equip New Yorkers with crucial water safety skills

As part of the initiative, the New York City Department of Education also debuted
two state-of-the-art pools at the Harry S. Truman High School campus in the Bronx.
These additions are part of a broader effort to update aquatic facilities across city
schools, ensuring safe and modern spaces for student use and community
engagement.

“New York City’s pools and beaches are incredible places for New Yorkers to come
together, learn to swim, and beat the heat — and as climate change makes heat
waves like this week’s more common and more severe, the need for pools has never
been greater,” Mayor Adams said. “We’re making a splash with our billion-dollar
investment over five years, which will open up more, better pools in all five
boroughs for working-class New Yorkers to freely use. That’s how we make New

York City a more livable place for everyone lucky enough to call the greatest city in
the world home.”

The initiative received praise from various city officials and community leaders,
highlighting its potential to improve public health and community well-being.
Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi noted the dual purpose of the
infrastructure upgrades, emphasizing their role in enhancing safety and recreation
for residents.

“This week’s heat surge reminds us that we need to use every tool to beat the heat
— sometimes that’s as simple as suiting up and jumping in,”  Deputy Mayor for
Operations Meera Joshi said. “We take real pleasure in delivering infrastructure that
does double duty, delivering both safety and joy. We’ll see you poolside!”

According to NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, the investment will include
critical repairs to aging infrastructure and the implementation of advanced filtration
and ventilation systems across multiple pool sites. This, she said, will ensure these
facilities remain operational and accessible for generations to come.

“At our free public pools across the city, New Yorkers of all backgrounds can relax,
get exercise, and cool off on hot summer days,”   Donoghue said. “But public pools
are more than a luxury — they’re a vital public resource that promotes public health
and makes our communities safer from extreme heat. With these ambitious projects
amounting to more than $1 billion, we’re proud to be part of an administration that
is investing in our public pool network to ensure all New Yorkers can access the
safe, well-maintained public spaces they deserve.”

The initiative is part of a broader strategy outlined in NYC Parks’ forthcoming Vital
Parks for All plan, which aims to strengthen the city’s health and environment
through its park system. The plan focuses on equitable investments in public spaces,
including parks, pools, and recreation centers.

In addition to the pool renovations, the city is tackling a nationwide lifeguard
shortage, with recent agreements aimed at recruiting and retaining lifeguards to
staff its expanded pool network this summer and beyond.

Local organizations and advocates have lauded the initiative’s potential to
transform community access to swimming and water-based activities. Sharon
Greenberger, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York, emphasized the
importance of ensuring water safety and accessibility for all city residents.

“I commend Mayor Adams for this important investment and making swim access
and equity a top priority for the city,” Greenberger said. “The YMCA looks forward
to continuing our work to support water safety and ensuring every child in New
York City can safely enjoy the city’s pools and beaches.”

As the city prepares to implement Let’s Swim NYC, officials anticipate that these
enhancements will not only provide relief during hot summer months but also
foster a sense of community and promote physical fitness among New Yorkers.

By MOHAMED FARGHALY | mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Forte Preparatory Academy marked a milestone in its educational journey within
the Queens community with the groundbreaking of a new high school building on
June 17. Located at 78-06 Queens Boulevard in Elmhurst, Queens, the ceremony
heralded the commencement of construction on a sprawling 60,000-square-foot lot.

The event, attended by Forte Prep students, parents, staff, and local officials
including Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, showcased plans for a six-
story standalone facility slated to open its doors in 2026. Spearheaded by Apex
Development, the innovative design promises a host of amenities tailored to
enhance the student experience.

“This represents an opportunity for the vision of our program and our facility to be
in sync with one another,” said Graham Browne, Founder and Chief Executive
Officer at Fort Preparatory Academy. “Just like our long-term home at Reeder Street,
the Queens Boulevard High School will serve as a beacon for the potential and
promise of public education in our corner of Queens. I’m so excited to be able to
deliver our long-term high school home to our current Forte Prep freshmen who
will complete their high school journey in the new building.”

Among the features outlined are a full-size basketball court, dedicated science labs,
specialized art and music rooms, a media center and library, and a rooftop terrace
designed for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The building will also boast a 3,000-
square-foot cafeteria and multipurpose room, catering to both academic and
communal needs.

Founded in 2017, Forte Prep has operated as a middle school at 51-35 Reeder Street
in Elmhurst, with a temporary high school location in Glendale since 2023. The new
high school facility aims to consolidate their educational offerings, fostering greater
collaboration and resource sharing between the middle and high school divisions.

Browne acknowledged the extensive effort required to bring the project to fruition,
expressing gratitude to Forte Prep’s leadership team, legal advisors, architects,
funders, and consultants. He emphasized the significance of the new facility in
providing a permanent home for Forte Prep’s growing student body, enabling them
to flourish in a purpose-built environment.

“This is a grand undertaking,” Browne said. “It’s not easy to get to this point, with all
the work that goes into developing and designing and building, not to mention
negotiating a lease, and so I’d like to thank Forte Prep’s Senior Leadership Team, our
legal team, architects, funders and consultants in helping to get us to this point.”

Forte Preparatory Academy, a tuition-free institution located in Elmhurst is
dedicated to empowering students from diverse backgrounds through rigorous
academics, creative enrichment, and leadership development. Founded on the belief
in the transformative power of education, Forte Prep prepares students to excel in
college preparatory high schools and beyond.

Childcare presentation for expecting mothers and families. Credit: Olivia Graffeo

By Olivia Graffeo | olivia@queensledger.com

Long Island Jewish Forest Hills Hospital held its 2nd annual Community Baby Shower and Maternity Fair on June 21st. Held at Commonpoint Queens at 67-09 108th St in Forest Hills, the event was attended by expecting mothers and family as a way to receive free childcare education and an opportunity to come together as a community.

Lorraine Chambers, Executive Director of LIJFH, was in attendance to speak with the guests as well as help provide resources to those who need them.

“This is an amazing time in their lives and the lives of their families, but it could also be a very stressful and challenging time,” Chambers said. ”The community coming together to find out, again, what are the resources that these moms need? And let’s help them with that. Educational resources, in terms of what the moms need for their birth, how to be safe, breastfeeding, that type of information, areas that they can go to, support, access to insurance, different things.”

In addition to providing families with education and resources, the event doubled as a community baby shower for those expecting. The gymnasium where the event took place was decorated with balloons and baby items one would expect to see at any baby shower. Many of the women present had never been thrown a baby shower, so the community got to have one as a group. Every expectant mother would not only leave with access to resources but also gifts that had been generously donated. Bigger ticket items like strollers and highchairs were also given out to raffle winners at the event.

Also in attendance was medical staff from LIJFH and doctors specializing in obstetrics and pediatrics. One of these doctors donating their time was Dr. Orlando Santandreu, a veteran OBGYN of many decades. Santandreu’s work is not solely focused on medical care; he also devotes a great deal of his time to widening access for women to receive comprehensive care. Santandreu often gives his time for free lectures and educational events that help disadvantaged and at-risk women in his community.

Though it is only the second year for this Community Baby Shower and Maternity Fair, it has grown significantly since its inception.

Stancy Saji, Program Manager at LIJFH, noted that last year the event took place in a small cafeteria within the hospital, and can now fit a large gymnasium. The team at LIJFH and their vendors are hopeful to see the event keep growing in the coming years to help even more mothers and their families.

“With this event, we hope that the moms leave with something that benefits them from this journey. It’s not an easy journey to be a parent,” Saji said.  “Especially in New York, especially in Queens, so we’re hoping that they get all the free resources that we have to offer, and they get education and clinical support. And hopefully, they learn about what’s here in their neighborhood and how Northwell can support them in their journey.”