College Point Hosts Inaugural Restaurant Week to Celebrate Local Cuisine

Mohamed Farghaly

College Point’s local business week program aims to boost community engagement and support local establishments.

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

In an effort to highlight its unique culinary scene, College Point unveiled its first-ever Restaurant Week during a press conference at Nonna Delia’s at 18-32 College Point Blvd on June 13. Organized by The College Point Board of Trade, Inc. in collaboration with the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the event aims to showcase the diverse and authentic flavors available in the vibrant Queens neighborhood. This program runs from June 16 to June 30 and visitors can look forward to receiving 20 percent off for customers coming in for in-person dine-in and pickup orders.

Settled along College Point Boulevard, residents and visitors are invited to savor a rich tapestry of international cuisines, from the robust flavors of South American fare to the comforting tastes of Italian trattorias and the exotic offerings of Asian cuisine. Participating restaurants, which include eateries specializing in Chilean, Colombian, Mexican, and other cuisines, are offering enticing discounts and special menus throughout the week.

“So, we’re very proud to partner with Tom Palma and the college point Board of Trade to put together college point Restaurant Week,” George Hadjiconstantinou, Vice President of Strategic Programs at the Queens Chamber of Commerce said. “We haven’t done this before in College Point, and frankly, this is not something that the Chamber of Commerce often does, either, but other neighborhoods in Queens have had very successful restaurant weeks, and we want to make sure that we are providing business support and assistance to businesses in College Point because we want to spur economic development, and we just want to encourage people to shop in their neighborhoods.”

The initiative, spurred by a grant from the New York City Small Business Services, underscores a concerted effort to revitalize College Point Boulevard as a thriving commercial corridor.

“A successful restaurant week is increased sales, not just for the restaurants, but for all surrounding businesses,” Hadjiconstantinou said. “We are operating on the theory that small that folks will come to college point, they’ll park their car or take the bus. Alternatively, they’ll eat at a restaurant and then they might need to buy something else. Maybe they’ll stop at the pharmacy across the street, or they’ll or maybe they’ll patronize any of the other great stores that are in the strip late. And also just, you know, this won’t be their last time they visit College point once they’ll have an excellent culinary experience. And hope that people from outside of College Point will come in to Whitestone.”

Nonna Delia’s, a cherished establishment in College Point since 1989 known for its authentic Italian cuisine, is one the local restaurants participate in College Point’s local business week. The establishment embodies a rich family legacy steeped in culinary tradition. Originally known as Cascarino’s and renamed in honor of owner Robert Cascarino’s late mother, Nonna Delia, the restaurant remains a beacon of Italian comfort and hospitality. Delia herself was the heart and soul of the kitchen, renowned for her handmade meatballs, fresh sauces, and traditional pasta dishes.

Today, Nonna Delia’s continues to delight patrons with its signature brick oven pizzas, hearty pasta salads, and flavorful entrees like the Pan Fried Chicken dish. As College Point eagerly anticipates its first Restaurant Week, Robert Cascarino looks forward to sharing his family’s passion for authentic Italian cuisine and welcoming new diners to experience the warm atmosphere and exceptional service that define Nonna Delia’s.

Nonna Delia’s, a fixture in College Point since 1989, looks forward to showcasing its traditional Italian dishes and welcoming new patrons during this exciting community event.

In addition to showcasing the area’s diverse dining options, organizers have strived for inclusivity. As residents and food enthusiasts flock to College Point for this inaugural event, organizers are optimistic about its impact.

For more information and a list of participating restaurants offering exclusive discounts, visit the Queens Chamber of Commerce website at queenschamber.org.

The Main Event; Business Leaders and their Patrons Gather as Neighbors at This Year’s Queens Business Expo

by Alexander Bernhardt Bloom alex@queensledger.com

Vendors and attendees chat and break bread.

Tuesday was held the 2024 edition of the Queens Business Expo, an annual event put on by the Queens Chamber of Commerce and held at Citi Field’s sprawling conference center space in the stadium’s upper deck level. On entry, attendees were met with views of the pristine diamond below, quiet today for the main event above.

Some 140 partners participated in this year’s edition, – including our very own BQE media, also a sponsor of the event – and the vendor’s tables they set out were there for the perusing of the expo’s estimated 2000 attendees. (The event is free and open to any interested members of the public by way of a simple web registration form).

Entrepreneuring Women in AI on the main stage.

They’d come to rub elbows with Queens’ best in the commercial sector, and also to hear remarks from featured panels, whose focus this year was Artificial Intelligence and particularly highlighted women entrepreneurs in that field.

Most importantly, the annual event is about connecting with its members, explained R.J. Zamudio, with the Queens Chamber of Commerce, and encouraging them, especially small businesses, to connect with eachother. “Networking, giving opportunities, giving government groups a chance to reach the public.” Indeed, a good number of the tables, nestled among the banks and restaurants and nonprofit advocates at their flanks, were representatives of city agencies related to development.

Much reason to celebrate at the well-attended annual event.

For Zachary Richards of Raising Cane’s, commanding a table full of company-marked giveaways, the event simply provided a good way to make an introduction to the new neighbors they’d find around their newest location in Flushing, the casual fried chicken chain making inroads there and elsewhere in the five boroughs. “We’re new to the market,” he said, “we’d like to tell you about us.”

Many happy returns.

Christian Hernandez, Director of Retail Banking at Maspeth Federal Savings, was there as a neighbor as well, looking to mingle with other smaller business leaders and conduct outreach in even the most basic of ways: “The more people who know the name of Maspeth,” a ‘hidden gem’ of a town at the edge of Queens, he described it, “the better for the bank and town.”

Victor Prado, program manager for the Queens Economic Development Corporation, was there for visibility. “When it comes to nonprofits, there are a lot of services we do for the community, and the community doesn’t know about it,” he said, from behind a desk covered in leaflets and branded ballpoint pens for handout. “We want to make it visible. We’re here to make ourselves available.”

Scoping the swag and good giveaways.

A diverse bunch, there was nevertheless a strong feeling of mutual support and kinship among the Expo participants, and when they gathered for the mid-afternoon luncheon by the dining section on the home plate side of the upper deck the banner that hung overhead seemed to speak to something bigger than baseball: We Are All Mets, it read.

Displaced Residents of Sunnyside Fire Face Termination of Temporary Lease Agreements

By Ana Borruto 

Lauren Koenig speaks to the crowd. Credit: Ana Borruto

It has been 171 days since a five-alarm fire on December 20, 2023 destroyed the homes of nearly 450 tenants living at 43-09 47th Ave. in Sunnyside, Queens and many who opted for temporary relocation now face termination of those agreements — putting them at risk of losing their homes for a second time. 

Dozens of 43-09 apartment residents, community advocates and elected officials rallied outside the scaffold-covered complex on Saturday morning to urge the building’s landlord, A&E Real Estate Holdings, to reconsider its plan to terminate the six-month temporary relocation agreements on July 2, which were signed by families from nearly 28 units. 

In the days following the blaze that was ignited by an unauthorized blow torch, the building was placed under a strict vacate order. The property owner offered tenants a short-term option to rent apartments in other A&E properties at the same monthly rent they had paid at 43-09 47th Avenue. 

Councilmember Julie Won said A&E promised tenants that if they still found themselves without a home, they would work with each tenant to ensure they had temporary ones at the same rental price. 

“We are all united in representing our neighbors and our residents, to say: No, you cannot evict our tenants,” Won said. She added that the tenants are owed more than $8 million in damages. 

Lauren Koenig, a displaced tenant and Sunnyside resident for 14 years, said she and her neighbors have received “zero updates” from A&E on when they can get back into their homes. Won said Douglas Eisenberg, the company’s CEO, has not responded to any calls or a letter sent to him back in March. 

“We have people sleeping on trains, living in other states and countries, sleeping on couches, still in hotels, living out of their suitcase, changing in storage lockers and spending thousands of dollars on transportation to get their kids to school,” Koenig said. “This is the reality of our lives, while A&E remains silent.”

She said out of the 107 units in the apartment building, roughly 103 were occupied at the time of the fire. Over 50 percent of the units are rent stabilized and an estimated 53 percent were not insured. Around 44 percent of residents have lived in the apartment complex for more than a decade. 

This includes Jennifer Rosero Arias whose mother moved to 43-09 in 1993. She and her brother opted for the temporary housing provided by A&E, which they will now lose come next month. 

With housing prices in New York City skyrocketing, real estate scams prevalent and many of the tenants financially devastated since the fire, Rosario Arias said the road to finding a new home has been a “very stressful” one. 

“We’re basically just floating around, seeing where we’re gonna go in the next three weeks,” Rosario Arias said. “I would like for A&E to really help people that have lived in this building for so many years and extend our lease.” 

Koenig further spoke about the current living situations of her fellow tenants, such as Ali Kappel, who is wheelchair-bound and was placed in a nursing home because A&E did not find her an ADA compliant temporary apartment. She talked about Preeti Bhulla, who lived at 43-09 with her father and, after the fire, had to handle his passing in a “cramped hotel room.” 

Apartment fires have become an unfortunate trend in the Sunnyside community, Koenig said, as  there have been at least four blazes from 46th to 50th Street since 2018. 

To ensure another devastating incident never happens again, Koenig said she is working alongside Senator Michael Gianaris to get legislation passed that would make landlords of rent-stabilized buildings responsible for providing comparable housing where tenants can live until their actual homes are fixed. 

“To my neighbors, my heart is gutted for you and with you,” Koenig said. “We will go big or go home, but when you don’t have a home, there is nothing left — so what are we supposed to do: fight.” 

Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez said as a congressional representative of the Sunnyside community she would use any federal leverage to put pressure on A&E to take responsibility. 

Brett Callaway, an attorney with McLaughlin & Stern, is representing approximately 172 tenants impacted by the fire. He said after six months of attempting to engage in “good faith negotiations” with A&E and their legal counsel, he and the tenants plan to file a complaint in the next two weeks alleging negligence, gross negligence, breach of contract and breach of warranty of habitability. 

“We will seek every penny from them, inclusive of punitive damages, attorneys fees and nine percent statutory interest, to which all of these tenants are entitled to legally,” Callaway said. “[A&E] still can do the right thing, they can pay these individuals and they can expedite the remediations — they have the power to do so.” 

A representative from A&E in attendance at the rally declined to comment. 

A spokesperson of A&E emailed the following statement: “We have made steady progress stabilizing the building, but the damage was severe and there are no quick fixes here. We have been transparent with tenants about those challenges, and that the emergency hotel stays and discounted apartments we provided after the fire were a temporary solution to give everyone breathing room as they made longer-term plans. Ultimately, the insurance process will determine how to compensate all parties from the losses in the fire.”

Martin Luther School of Maspeth to host Open House event on June 25th

On Tuesday, June 25th, local families from around Queens and Brooklyn will be traveling to Martin Luther School in Maspeth, Queens, to attend an open house event for middle and high school grade students.

Located at 60-02 Maspeth Avenue in Maspeth, Queens, Martin Luther is a top private school that welcomes and values students of all faiths and backgrounds, and has been serving the community since the 1960s.

This Open House event will provide families with the opportunity to tour the school, meet students and administrators, and discover why Martin Luther School has been a top faith-based private school in Queens for decades.

MLS’ Top graduating seniors are attending universities such as the Fashion Institute of Technology, Stonybrook University, Hofstra University and St. John’s University. 

A few notable MLS Alum include David Daraio, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Maspeth Federal Savings, Lou Bekios, Owner and Operator of the Grand Florist in Maspeth, and Tammy Sanchez, Co-owner and VP of The Queens Ledger Newspaper. 

Click here to register for Martin Luther School’s Open House Event.

Martin Luther School is keen on supporting its students to help them discover talents and develop interests on their journey to acquire skills for accomplishing future goals in a learning environment. Each student is given a new iPad as a learning tool device that enables 1:1 experiential knowledge in homework and collaborates on group projects to spark new ideas. The essential combination of creativity, logic, and technical skills MLS STREAMS® qualify students to visualize connections while collaborating across disciplines. 

Students have the opportunity to earn up to 27 credits toward their college education during their active presence at Martin Luther School. College partners are Concordia College – Nebraska and St. John’s University. 

What to know about the G train summer shutdown

By Ana Borruto 

The 11.4-mile long Brooklyn-Queens Crosstown G train subway service will be partially shut down this summer for track reconstruction and modern signal installation. 

Starting Friday, June 28, the G train will undergo the first phase of an extensive multi-week, 24/7 project to replace its 1930s-era legacy signal system with Communications-based train control (CBTC) — a wireless connectivity system that keeps trains in constant contact, and in turn, more reliable. 

Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, Senator Kristen Gonzalez and Councilmember Lincoln Restler hosted a town hall on Thursday, May 30 at John Ericsson Middle School in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where representatives of the Metropolitan Transit Authority and New York City Department of Transportation explained how the shutdown will catapult the G train “into the 21st century.” 

The forum allowed for regular G train commuters to ask questions and express their concerns about the shutdown, which was described as a “huge inconvenience” to the Greenpoint community and beyond. 

“When we got this news a few months ago, we pushed and prodded the MTA to consider if there are ways to do just overnight work, are there ways to limit this so we don’t have to endure a six-week full shutdown of this train line,” said Restler. “We haven’t been able to identify an alternative path forward, they are insistent that this is the necessary way to go.” 

Sean Fitzpatrick of the MTA explained exactly why the service outages are needed on the G train, the main reason being the age of the subway line. 

The G train has some of the oldest signals left in the New York City train system, which has caused “below average” performance times, according to Fitzpatrick. The current system is fixed-blocked signaling, which means the trains are divided and registered into fixed blocks with buffers up to 1,000 feet-long installed between them.

“It’s a marvel of early 20th century engineering,” Fitzpatrick said.

However, the drawbacks of this current system include not being able to pinpoint the exact location of a train, so trains run farther apart to create a safety buffer — creating service delays. 

The infrastructure for fixed-block signaling is also expensive to install and maintain. 

CBTC signaling allows trains to transpond to one another: in simple terms, the train’s position on the track is easily located because the section of track around each train moves with the train, rather than being on pre-defined, fixed blocks. 

“We are able to run them more closely together, more quickly, while maintaining safety,” Fitzpatrick said. “We also have a better view of the entire system so we’re able to respond better when there are incidents — it’s the single biggest investment that we can make to improve the reliability of a train.” 

This transition from a fixed-block to CBTC system for the G train requires the installation of new signaling equipment, replacement of 30 miles of track and more than a dozen switches and the integration and testing of the new system. 

Fitzpatrick said replacing the 1930s-period switches and tracks is particularly challenging, especially in the underground tunnels. To create a safe, workable environment for the project, the MTA said it has no choice but to shut down the G train line temporarily. 

With ridership lower in the summertime and school not in session, Fitzpatrick said it is the ideal time for the outage to take place. 

He added the MTA is promising to be finished with the reconstruction by Sept. 2. 

During the outage, shuttle buses will be available at impacted stations every one to four minutes during the weekdays and every five to 10 minutes on the weeknights. 

Shuttle buses can be expected to arrive at stations on weekend mornings and evenings every three to five minutes; every five to 10 minutes on late nights. 

Several tools will be implemented to keep traffic moving and areas clear for the shuttle buses, such as turn restrictions, daylighting, monitoring and automated camera enforcement. 

Here is the timeline of the shutdown and list of alternative shuttle bus transportation options: 

Phase 1: Friday, June 28 to Friday, July 5 

  • G trains won’t run between Court Square and Nassau Avenue 
  • Free B94 shuttle buses will run between Court Square and Nassau Avenue and make all ​ stops.

Phase 2: Friday, July 5 to Friday, August 12

  • G trains won’t run between Court Square and Bedford-Nostrand Avenues.
  • Free B98 shuttle buses will run between Court Square and Bedford-Nostrand Avenues and make all stops.

Phase 3: Friday, August 12 to Tuesday, September 3

  • G trains won’t run between Bedford-Nostrand Avenues and Church Avenue. 
  • Free B93 shuttle buses will run between Bedford-Nostrand Avenues and Jay Street-MetroTech, making all stops between Bedford-Nostrand Avenues and Hoyt-Schermerhorn. 

The overall long term work of the G train will continue into 2027. With this specific line becoming the go-to transportation option in some of the fastest growing communities in the state, elected officials are urging Governor Kathy Hochul and the MTA to further invest in the G train’s future. 

This includes extending the G train back to Forest Hills, Queens. According to Gallagher’s public campaign in favor of a full G train upgrade, the petition mentioned how up until 2010, the G train served parts of Astoria, Woodside, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, Rego Park and Forest Hills.

“The G is our lifeline in this community,” said Gallagher. “It’s going to be a very long summer.” To find out more information about the G train shutdown this summer, visit tinyurl.com/ymv5b99c.

Queens Students Illuminate Social Issues with Vibrant Bench Murals at Juniper Valley Park

By MOHAMED FARGHALY mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Students from Queens public schools showcased socially conscious bench murals at Juniper Valley Park, addressing critical topics like gun violence and climate change. Credit: Mohamed Farghaly.

In a display of artistic activism, students from public schools across Queens took center stage at Juniper Valley Park on May 30, unveiling their socially conscious bench murals that tackle pressing community issues. Under the gray skies of Thursday morning, the event took place on the circular path west of the bocce court, drawing attention to critical topics such as gun violence, climate change, neurodiversity, and housing rights.

Part of a citywide summer exhibition organized by NYC Parks, the initiative was spearheaded by The Center for Educational Innovation (CEI), under the banner of “CEI BENCHMARKS: Youth Setting the Standard for Social Change” program. The benches, adorned with vibrant murals, serve as poignant canvases for the voices of tomorrow’s leaders, reflecting a commitment to social justice and civic engagement.

Among the participating schools were P.S. 124 Osmond A. Church, M.S. 137 America’s School of Heroes, J.H.S. 226 Virgil I. Grissom, and P.S. 277 The Riverview School – High School, each contributing their unique perspectives to the public discourse.

“The benches are part of our Benchmarks program that showcases social issues, so students, they work with their teaching artists on their benches and they figure out a social issue that’s close to their heart, or that they feel that people need to be made aware of, and they put those social issues in art and then transfers them to the benches,” Tia Walker, Senior Program Manager at CEI said. “So the social issues range from things like housing and climate, housing, bullying, climate change, gender inequality, and various other things.”

The CEI BENCHMARKS program, which engaged over 1,000 students from thirty schools citywide this year, provided a structured platform for students to delve into social activism and express their concerns through art. By aligning with state learning standards and emphasizing social-emotional learning, the initiative empowers students to become agents of change in their communities.

Spearheaded by The Center for Educational Innovation, the initiative provided a platform for over 1,000 students to express their concerns through art. Credit: Mohamed Farghaly.

“In this current climate, young people need a public platform to express themselves on current social issues in a constructive, creative and powerful way, so they can join the conversation and make a difference in our world. We are so proud of our students who have confronted major social issues through their beautiful and powerful bench murals. Their messages for social change on a wide array of critical issues will inspire hundreds of thousands of people this summer in our citywide parks exhibition,” said Alexandra Leff, Creator of CEI Benchmarks and CEI Executive Director of Arts Education. 

Unisha Chetram, an eighth-grader from M.S 137 America’s Scholastic’s of Heroes participating in the venture, expresses the significance of their bench installation project. She highlights the collaborative effort between classes, focusing on addressing issues of inadequate housing and gun violence, which they feel passionately about. Unisha emphasizes the importance of shedding light on these critical issues, particularly given the ongoing challenges faced in New York. She underscores the urgent need for action, citing the devastating impact of gun violence and the struggles of individuals living paycheck to paycheck, often leading to homelessness. Through their artful benches, Unisha and her peers aim to raise awareness and spark dialogue around these pressing societal concerns.

“Our bench is a pretty special message that we are sharing to the world,” Chetram said. “It was important to kind of display these benches in what we think is very important because a lot of people are dying every day due to gun violence. And there’s just a lot of people who can’t live paycheck to paycheck. And sometimes they have problems like health problems and stuff and they have to spend money on them. And that could maybe get them on the streets and it’s just a very big problem.” 

Eighth grader Johnathan Rambally explains that the purpose of their presence is to promote their benches, intending to educate New Yorkers about the pressing issues in their city. He describes their involvement in the program as stemming from a collective recognition of the prevalent challenges facing New York. With a focus on gun violence and inadequate housing, Johnathan and his peers aimed to address the most prominent issues affecting their community through their bench project.

Student Hanah Sbatri shares her involvement in the program, stating that her school’s collective desire to make a difference led to their participation in creating the bench. She emphasizes the passion her peers and she felt towards the chosen topic, contributing ideas to the project. The process took a few months due to limited class time, but the dedication remained steadfast. Hanah underscores the importance of such projects, stressing the need to address overlooked issues to foster a safer community. She concludes by expressing her commitment to making a positive impact through their efforts.

“I think it’s important for us to do such a project because it’s very overlooked, because we really want to create a safer community but in order to do that, we need to get rid of the things that are causing harm to us,” Sbatri said. 

Their powerful messages aim to inspire change and foster dialogue across New York City, as the benches rotate through parks in each borough throughout the summer. Credit: Mohamed Farghaly.

The unveiling at Juniper Valley Park follows a Citywide Event on May 23 at Randall’s Island, where all thirty social-action benches were first revealed. From June to August, these thought-provoking installations will rotate through parks in each borough, continuing to spark conversations and inspire action across the city.

“These public artworks beautify our diverse neighborhoods, foster dialogue about pressing matters, and exemplify our core values of acceptance, inclusivity, and communal care,” said Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City. “The next generation of New Yorkers should always pave new pathways to fairness and equality and I am proud to see you have already undertaken this fundamental responsibility. Today, I commend your artistic skills, commitment to social justice, and impactful contributions to civic life in our global city.”

Protest erupts at Hochul’s office against the delay of congestion pricing

 By Jean Brannum | jbrannum@queensledger.com

Protestors against the Governors decision gathered outside her New York City office holding up signs calling for congestion pricing. Credit: Jean Brannum

In a shocking twist of events, Governor Kathy Hochul put an indefinite pause on congestion pricing and supporters of the plan are not taking the news quietly. 

Rider’s Alliance, a group for congestion pricing, gathered outside the governor’s office to show their anger towards Hochul’s change of plans. Protesters waved signs calling on Hochul to stop waiting to implement the program. 

“Governor Hochul is turning her back on the promise she made to riders and  New Yorkers,” said Rider’s Alliance Executive Director Betsy Plum.

Protestors against the Governors decision gathered outside her New York City office holding up signs calling for congestion pricing. Credit: Jean Brannum

The Gov, who has pushed to implement a $15 toll for people commuting to the city business district, was supposed to be implemented on June 30. The toll was meant to persuade commuters to take public transportation to improve air quality and decrease gridlock in Manhattan. In addition, the money from toll payers would provide funding for improvements to the subway and commuter rail systems. 

However, critics have said congestion pricing would be a burden to New Yorkers who do not live near public transportation and cause more pollution in the outer boroughs. 

“Let’s be real: a $15 charge may not mean a lot to someone who has the means, but it can break the budget of a working- or middle-class household,” Hochul said in her announcement. “And given these financial pressures, I cannot add another burden to working- and middle-class New Yorkers – or create another obstacle to continued recovery.”

There were also counter-protesters at the event. Jack Nierenberg from Passengers United, a group that has strongly opposed congestion pricing, said that while he was shocked, he believes it is the right decision.

“I’m glad to see the governor is now finally taking the action that she should have taken a while ago,” Nierenberg said. 

Plum mentioned that New York State is required to mitigate the potential air quality issues that would worsen in the South Bronx. An MTA environmental report showed that air quality in the area would worsen due to westbound traffic circumventing Manhattan through the Bronx. 

Protestors against the Governors decision gathered outside her New York City office holding up signs calling for congestion pricing. Credit: Jean Brannum

Two men disrupted the conference to protest congestion pricing. Their yelling was promptly drowned out with chants from protesters. The police outside the building eventually escorted them away from the crowd. The counter-protesters continued to make noise to disrupt the rally. 

It is not clear what Hochul’s next steps are, but in her speech, she said she was committed to further improvements to the subway and rail systems. 

Greenpoint City Councilmember Lincoln Restler and Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso joined the protesters. Restler voiced his concerns that Hochul would never approve congestion pricing. 

“Governor Hochul has betrayed us and do not believe what she is saying that this is a delay. This is a clean and simple attempt to kill congestion pricing.”

Protestors against the Governors decision gathered outside her New York City office holding up signs calling for congestion pricing. Credit: Jean Brannum

In an interview at the rally with a Reddit user who goes by the name of Miser, Restler tried to persuade state politicians, and citizens to push Hochul to go through with congestion pricing. 

“We cannot allow her to delay because it delay in all likelihood could mean the end of congestion pricing,” Restler said.

NYC Lady Bulldogs Volleyball Club Excels During 2024 Club Season

by Stephen DeSalvo

Volleyball continues to gain popularity in the local area, and the NYC Lady Bulldogs Volleyball Club excelled during the 2024 Club Season! If you do not know, club volleyball is high-level competition, national travel opportunity for both girls and boys volleyball. Club volleyball provides a next level of play for girls who are interested in improving their skills and gaining the experience necessary to play in high school and beyond. It allows players to improve skills, provides great experience through practice with a selected team and offers play in tournaments that provides the best way to help players get collegiate exposure.

The NYC Lady Bulldogs Volleyball Club is a Queens/Brooklyn base club that operates within the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU).  In only their second full-season competing against national competition, the NYC Lady Bulldogs, now with 10 teams ranging from 11 – 18-year-olds, made a significant impact this year. The under-12 Blue team especially with multiple-championships throughout the season. 

The 12U Blue team led by captains, setter Sienna DeSalvo and outside attacker Isabella Cioczek mowed down competition right away in the first tournament of the season in Philadelphia beating some teams even two years older. They brought home their first gold medal at the Martin Luther King Weekend tournament in Atlantic City where they took home the Open Level championship and earned their first national bid. 

They protected their home court by winning gold in the NYC Lady Bulldogs Invitational Tournament President’s Day Weekend and then took silver in the March Madness event at SpookyNook. However, maybe the most significant and gratifying was finishing up the season on the podium with gold at the York Strong Finish Tournament with an action-packed game, going undefeated in pool play, losing the first set 25-23, but rallying to win sets 2 (25-17) and 3 (15-8) to earn another national bid!

The rest of the team is made up of girls from all over Queens anchored by the defensive specialist, libero, Angelina Pardo, hitters Julia Wiszowaty and Barbara DiMaria, setters, Ava Leone and Milena Soltys, middles Rosalie Estrella, Liliana Labarca and Kaya Lupinska, well as assistant coach Samahra Pardo.

Head Coach, and Director of the NYC Lady Bulldogs Volleyball Club, said “It was amazing to see all of the dedication and hard work pay off this year. These girls play sick and hurt, travel hours away and sometimes play 6 games in one day, but it is all worth it when you see them celebrating and tears of joy when they receive their gold medals!” 

Other NYC Lady Bulldogs teams also made their presence felt including the 12U White (coached by Julia Dib), 13U Blue (Stephen DeSalvo and Chris Lamotta) and White (Brandon Colon) and 15U (Stephanie Filip) teams taking home multiple medals throughout the season. Teams include players all the way up to 18 years old and are comprised of players from all of the major programs in Queens and Brooklyn such as St. John’s Prep, Christ the King, McClancy, St. Francis Prep, Molloy, Mary Louis, Fontbonne, and many of the public school programs. 

DeSalvo added, “None of it could be done without the commitment of the parents and coaches. They give all this time and effort to see the girls be the best players they can be!” 

If you are interested in playing club volleyball, please go to www.nyclb.org and inquire today!

Fundraiser Hosted in Windsor Terrace in support of Congressman Jamaal Bowman

by Stefanie Donayre

On Monday, May 20th, supporters gathered in a private residence in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, NY to attend a fundraiser to rally behind Democratic representative Jamaal Bowman’s re-election for the Democratic nomination in N.Y.’s 16th Congressional District.

The event featured passionate appeals for unity and support of Bowman’s candidacy from Council Member Shahana Hanif, who represents Brooklyn’s 39th District in the New York City Council, and Rana Abdelhamid, former candidate for Congress and a Muslim human rights activist.

With topics ranging from combating racism, a call for a Gaza ceasefire, and xenophobia to housing and food insecurity, Bowman addressed concerns shared by those dedicated to advancing progressive ideals.

“This is not about an election. This is about our humanity. If we are not governing from the perspective of our humanity, then we should not be in positions of power,” said Representative Bowman. “Humanity comes first, and humanity means every single life is precious and sacred, and we have to stand up and fight for those lives, whoever they are, whether they’re in the Bronx, Mount Vernon, Gaza, Israel, Yemen, Sudan, wherever they are. That is our mission.”

Abdelhamid, Hanif, and Bowman raised questions about the substantial financial resources collected by Bowman’s opponent, George Latamier, particularly focusing on Latamier’s largest donor: AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee). 

“Just like this election isn’t only about me, it’s about everything we all have fought for our entire lives, and everything we represent, this election is also about what he represents,” said Bowman. “To make the conscious decision to do fundraisers with Trump donors, make the conscious decision to be endorsed by AIPAC, be supported by people who are going after our reproductive freedom and voting rights and affirmative action and supporting 200 insurrectionists. This is who this so-called lifelong Democrat is deciding to partner with to take the first black man in U.S. history out of this congressional seat.”

It was openly acknowledged that in addition to more general worries about racial fairness and reproductive justice, AIPAC’s role was strongly connected to issues concerning Israel and Palestine. 

“36 days left and millions have been poured in by AIPAC and they’re not just genocidal. They’re not just inciting violence on our communities. They are also anti-reproductive rights, they are also anti-climate reparations, they are also anti-racial justice, so we cannot have the other guy in that seat, too much is at stake” said Councilmember Hanif.

Councilmember Shahana Hanif praised Bowman’s track record as a leader dedicated to fighting for the well-being of his constituents as she discussed the challenges she faces as a woman in elected office. 

“There’s no, there’s no roadmap, there’s no blueprint on how to show up with dignity with the identities that we hold as a Muslim woman, as an Arab woman, as a Palestinian woman,” said Councilmember Shahana Hanif. “But Jamaal doesn’t need that blueprint because he knows how to show up with dignity. He knows how to show up compassionately and with empathy.”

Bowman expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from not only his volunteers but the women in leadership working alongside him and pledged to continue fighting for a future where social justice causes and equity are prioritized. 

The fundraiser concluded with calls to action, encouraging attendees to donate throughout the event by scanning QR codes placed around the host’s home, volunteering, and spreading the word about Bowman’s campaign as they emphasized their urgency with just 36 days remaining until the primary election.

$457,600 in Grants Awarded to 138 Queens-Based Artists and Organizations

By MOHAMED FARGHALY mfarghaly@queensledger.com

The cultural vibrancy of Queens, one of the most diverse communities globally, received a significant boost with the announcement of $457,600 in grants awarded to 138 artists, artist collectives, and small nonprofits. The grants, part of the 2024 Queens Arts Fund (QAF), are jointly funded by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) and administered by the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA).

Spanning an array of creative disciplines including music/sound, poetry, performance art, film, and sculpture, the projects aim to foster moments of joy, community, and celebration, while also addressing pressing issues such as cultural identity, social activism, and climate awareness.

Woomin Kim (QAF New Work ’24), “The Warehouse: Bins,” fabric and embellishments, 2023. Courtesy of NYFA.

“Culture is a central part of who we are as New Yorkers, and contributes to a stronger economy and healthier communities,” said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. “That’s why we’re proud to partner with NYFA to invest this funding in more than 130 artists, collectives, and small nonprofits working in every corner of Queens.”

Inclusivity and representation were paramount in the selection process, with over 70% of panelists identifying as women or gender non-conforming/nonbinary, and nearly 80% identifying as People of Color. Additionally, materials were made available in Spanish and Chinese, alongside English, ensuring accessibility.

“We’re thrilled to announce this year’s Queens Arts Fund recipients, who continue to amaze us with the creativity that they bring to the borough of Queens and to New York City at large,” NYFA Chief Executive Officer Michael Royce said. “We are grateful to the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs for supporting this program, and look forward to the work of these talented artists, organizations, and collaboratives reaching and enriching communities across Queens.”

One of the grant recipients, Concetta Abbate, shared her enthusiasm, stating, “Receiving this grant furthers my goals to utilize art towards accessibility and inclusivity.” Abbate, born with a visual impairment, aims to guide audiences through a musical exploration of Queens, highlighting shifting soundscapes and local infrastructure needs.

Another recipient, Sofia Geck from The Dream Unfinished, emphasized the grant’s significance in promoting health awareness and under-recognized classical music composers of color.

“Receiving this grant is a huge honor and a wonderful opportunity for our organization to simultaneously increase awareness of both critical health resources and under-recognized classical music composers of color,” Geck said. “With the receipt of this funding and the production of our 4th annual VITALS festival, The Dream Unfinished will continue to combine the power of music and community engagement.”

Astoria Film Festival Media Production Lab (Queens Arts Fund Arts Access ’24) filming the Group Film at Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens. Courtesy of NYFA.

The grants also empower artists to celebrate and preserve cultural heritage. Araceli Poma of Afro-Andean Funk expressed gratitude for the opportunity to produce a concert featuring original music in Quechua, emphasizing the importance of strengthening cultural roots and promoting linguistic diversity.

“Receiving a Queens Arts Fund grant means a great support, as it will allow us to produce a concert with identity, where we will share original music in Quechua, and it is a great pride to be able to spread our indigenous languages,” Poma said. “This is important because it strengthens our connection to our cultural roots, promotes the preservation of our ancestral traditions, and fosters respect for linguistic and cultural diversity. Additionally, it gives us the opportunity to bring our music and message to a wider audience, creating a positive impact in our communities and beyond.”

Similarly, Sophia Walsh-Newman from Asoso International Ensemble highlighted the grant’s validation of their efforts to preserve folk traditions. “This grant provides monetary assistance that allows us to focus on rehearsing rather than rehearsal costs,” Walsh-Newman stated.

“Receiving this grant means much to me and my fellow artists. It validates to us that the work we are doing to learn, retain, and share our folk forms is necessary and important,” Walsh-Newman said. “This grant provides monetary assistance that allows us to focus on rehearsing rather than rehearsal costs. Further, this grant will allow us to continue to bring presentations to our communities that will allow participants to learn and engage with the heritage and folk traditions of the Caribbean Diaspora.”

Afro-Andean Funk (QAF New Work ’24)’s Araceli Poma and Matt Geraghty, “Mavy Roots,” concert at Bryant Park. Courtesy of NYFA.

The QAF projects promise to enrich Queens’ cultural landscape, with upcoming events, exhibitions, and film screenings showcasing the borough’s diverse talent and heritage. From outdoor health festivals to musical comedies and community storytelling events, the QAF grants demonstrate a commitment to fostering creativity, inclusivity, and community engagement in Queens and beyond.

“I’m thrilled to see so many Queens artists, from photographers to performers and beyond, receive grants through the 2024 Queens Arts Fund,” Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said. “Queens is an unmatched hub of arts and culture, and this funding is a critical way of elevating the incredible work of the many brilliant artists chosen from across Queens, especially those from historically marginalized communities. Congratulations to all our recipients.”

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