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Queens Chamber Hosts Annual St Patrick’s Day Luncheon

webadmin on March 25, 2024

by Queens Ledger Staff  | news@queensledger.com

The Queens Chamber of Commerce welcomed leaders in business, politics and culture from across the borough to Antun’s in Queens Village for their annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon March 13. The event celebrated the contributions of Irish-Americans to Queens with food, entertainment, and recognition of honorees Jack Schlossberg and Mary Murphy.

President and CEO of the Queens Cham­ber of Commerce Tom Grech opened the event by honoring former NYC Council Member Paul Vallone, who passed away in January, before invocations from Bishop Robert Brennan and Rabbi Joseph Potasnik. The luncheon featured traditional Irish fare, performances by Fallon O’Brien of the Hagen Kavanagh School of Irish Dance, music by The Cobblers, and presentation of colors by the 2nd Battalion 25th Marines. The National Anthem was performed by Emily Kightlinger of St. Francis Prep.

Murphy is an award-winning journalist born and raised in Queens. She served as an anchor for PIX11 News for nearly 15 years and received multiple Emmy awards her reporting, spanning the opioid crisis, the September 11th terror attacks, the “Junior” case in the Bronx, the death of Princess Diana, Hurricane Sandy, the Black Sunday fire in 2005, and 1996 explosion of TWA Flight 800. Murphy said the stories that stuck with her the most were missing people and cold cases in which families were still looking for justice.

“The main reason I lasted so long on TV is because every day, New Yorkers trusted me to tell their stories and for that I am in their debt,” Murphy said. “They gave me a career.”

 

Schlossberg, the only grandson of President John F. Kennedy, is an activist and attorney currently serving on President Biden’s reelection campaign as part of their voter protection team in battleground states. In his speech, Schlossberg spoke about his passion for paddleboarding. He can be found in the East River in the early hours of most mornings with a few friends and said it was an essential part of his routine as he prepared to pass the bar exam last year.

With a large portion of his speech focusing on the 2024 election and his belief in President Biden, Schlossberg looked to Queens as an example for what it means to bring the country together at a tense political moment.

“Queens is the most diverse place in our country,” Schlossberg said in his speech. “These days, people like to talk about how divided they think we are. They should come to Queens, because people out here seem to get along pretty well.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANDREW J. FRAZIER

webadmin on March 25, 2024

Andrew J. Frazier, died Monday, March 18, 2024 at the age of 100. Beloved husband of the late Virginia Frazier, loving father of Kathleen DeRouin, Edmund Frazier and Eileen Frazier, cherished grandfather of Renee, Colette, Matthew, Keith, Veronica, Samantha and the late Andrew, great-grandfather of Evelyn, Lily, Eli, Eliot, Isaac, Morgan, Cody and Reese, and dear brother of Richard Frazier and the late George Frazier and Raymond Frazier. Mr. Frazier was a United States Navy Veteran who served during World War II. Funeral Services held at Papavero Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024 at 10 AM. Interment followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Maspeth, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue Maspeth, NY 11378 www.papaverofuneralhome.com

How to protect yourself from AI Deepfake Technology

webadmin on March 21, 2024

In the age of rapid technological advancement, artificial intelligence has become a double-edged sword. While it brings unprecedented convenience and innovation, it also opens doors for malicious actors to exploit cutting-edge technologies for illicit activities. One alarming trend on the rise is the use of AI deepfake technology by scammers to infiltrate and compromise individuals’ bank accounts.

Deepfake technology, which employs artificial intelligence algorithms to create hyper-realistic synthetic media, has evolved beyond its initial entertainment applications. In recent times, criminals have harnessed the power of deepfakes to impersonate individuals and gain unauthorized access to sensitive financial information.

One common tactic employed by these scammers is the creation of fraudulent phone calls. Using deepfake technology, they can simulate the voice and face of trusted figures such as family members, colleagues, or even official representatives from financial institutions. Victims may receive a phone or video call that seemingly originates from someone they know and trust, making it more likely for them to comply with the caller’s requests.

Once the scammer gains the victim’s trust, they may employ various ruses to extract sensitive information. For instance, they could pose as a concerned family member in distress, claiming to urgently need access to financial resources. Alternatively, they might impersonate a bank representative seeking to verify account details for security purposes. In the heat of the moment, unsuspecting individuals may inadvertently disclose passwords, PINs, or other confidential information.

The consequences of falling victim to such scams can be severe. Hackers can swiftly access and drain bank accounts, leaving victims grappling with financial losses and emotional distress. Moreover, the sophisticated nature of deepfake technology makes it challenging for both individuals and financial institutions to discern between genuine and manipulated communications.

“The banking industry needs to be on high alert for AI-boosted fraud by constantly testing and improving their defenses. This will require ongoing vigilance, including monitoring and the sharing of insight and best practices between firms and across sectors,” said Gabriela Guallpa, a Systems Administrator in the IT department at Maspeth Federal Savings Bank.

“If you suspect that you are the target of a deepfake scam, ask the scammer personal questions, listen for voice distortions, and call the person on their normal phone number to verify,” Guallpa added.

Law enforcement agencies worldwide are also intensifying efforts to track down and prosecute those responsible for deepfake-based financial crimes. Governments and regulatory bodies are exploring legislative measures to criminalize the malicious use of deepfake technology and enhance penalties for those found guilty of exploiting it for fraudulent activities.

If you believe that you are a victim of AI fraud, contact your financial institutions immediately, change your passwords, notify necessary credit bureaus, and report the scam details to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at http://www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/

As technology continues to advance, society must adapt its security measures to stay one step ahead of those who seek to exploit it for nefarious purposes. The battle against deepfake-based scams requires a collaborative effort involving individuals, businesses, and governments to protect the integrity of financial systems and safeguard the trust that underpins modern society.

Kudos to banks like Maspeth Federal Savings for informing the community about AI Deepfake technology. Maspeth Federal Savings is constantly monitoring for scams, and their line is always open to those who have any questions or concerns.

Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens & Queens Council on the Arts Announces Merger for a Brighter Future

webadmin on March 20, 2024

Left to right: Walter Sanchez, Frank Raffaele, and Costa Constantinides in front of the Queens Council on the Arts Building in Long Island City.

Excerpted from a Variety Boys and Girls Club press release.

On Monday March 18, 2024, the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens (VBGCQ) announced a potential merger where the Queens Council on the Arts (QCA) will become part of the Variety family.  The Queens Council on the Arts has been a beacon for the arts here in the borough of Queens providing services to the community since 1966.  This new merger will provide QCA with the resources and support necessary to continue their great work into the future.  Variety Boys and Girls Club will provide a shared CEO model along with staffing, financial and organizational support as QCA joins the Variety family of organizations.

The Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens is the largest youth development organization in Western Queens, serving more than 4,000 young people every year. An anchor in the Astoria/Long Island City community since 1955, VBGCQ offers children a safe haven to learn, play, and grow into tomorrow’s leaders. The Club’s 30,000 square foot facility is open to the community seven days a week and includes an indoor swimming pool, makerspace lab, computer room, teaching kitchen, gym, auditorium, art studio, dance studio, film studio, and outdoor playground. While the Club has evolved over time to meet the changing needs of our community, its founding mission remains the same: to make a difference in the lives of young people and enable all children — especially those who need us most — to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible New Yorkers.

VBGCQ also announces the revival of the Middle School /High School to Arts School program where students in the borough of Queens will be given the opportunity to receive free mentorship and assistance in creating their high school and middle school professional portfolios. This program saves families thousands of dollars in expensive art lessons helping to give every child in Queens access to their art dreams at no cost.  There are also plans for additional programs to support artists in various artistic realms.

“We are excited to merge QCA into the Variety family providing long term support for young artists throughout Queens. Every young person who has dreams of becoming an artist deserves the resources and support they need to make those dreams a reality. The merger we have drawn up today will help them reach for the stars and become the artists of the 21st century.  QCA has been a leader in the arts world for almost sixty years and we here at VBGCQ look forward to ensuring it continues to be here for the next 100,”  said CEO of Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens Costa Constantinides.

“I am overjoyed at our merger with the Variety Boys and Girls Club.  QCA has provided transformative support for Queens artists for over half a century and this partnership with Variety will ensure that we will continue to champion the rich cultural landscape of The World’s Borough for many decades to come.  I greatly appreciate Walter and Costa having the vision to continue the amazing work started by Ms. Jeanne Dale Katz in 1966 and expanded on by countless QCA team members and leadership — most notably Hoong Yee Krakauer.” said Frank “Turtle” Raffaele, President of The Board of Trustees of Queens Council On the Arts.

“I’m so excited for all the Queens kids who will get the support they need to nurture their artistic dreams and aspirations now that QCA is becoming part of the Variety family,” said Council Member Tiffany Cabán. “With two such important pillar organizations joining forces, our neighborhoods will become more hopeful, more joyful, and more equipped to sustain Queens’ proud legacy of fostering pathbreaking artists. Congrats to everyone who worked hard to make this happen!”

Activist Investors Are Coming After New Yorkers’ Safe Investments. Here’s How We Can Stop Them.

webadmin on March 18, 2024

by Pastor Michael Battle

For generations, millions of middle-class New Yorkers and other Americans have used a type of investment vehicle called closed-end funds (CEFs) to secure their financial future. 

A close relative of better-known mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), CEFs often deliver more reliable distribution income than other funds as a result of their holdings. This makes them very popular with seniors and folks planning for retirement. 

However, all of the benefits CEFs provide are facing a grave threat.  Activist investors on Wall Street have set their sights on these funds, planning hostile takeovers to enrich themselves at the expense of the regular Americans who have invested in the fund, and it’s time for New Yorkers to pay attention.

These activist investors have billion-dollar bankrolls and have discovered they can buy up shares of a CEF and wage a proxy campaign to change the adviser. Surprising no one, they appoint their own firm as the CEF’s adviser, completely shift the investment strategy to riskier assets, and then sell their position for a quick profit while continuing to earn management fees, leaving American retirees holding risky assets they never intended to have when they originally invested in the fund.

These billionaire activist investors are using a loophole in the Investment Company Act – a law passed in the wake of the Great Depression to protect investors and prevent fraud – when they buy up shares and orchestrate these hostile takeovers of CEF boards, the fund’s governing body. 

Suddenly, American retirees who invested in the CEF because it provided reliable distribution income from safe assets may now be holding a highly speculative fund made up of assets like crypto and high-risk corporations. In many cases, these activist investors have taken control and made the changes before regular investors even realize what’s happening. Even worse, sometimes a CEF will be liquidated entirely as a result of an activist’s takeover, eliminating the income stream original investors were expecting to have for their retirement or other savings purposes.

Alarmingly, the billionaire activists are using this strategy increasingly often, which is why New Yorkers must start paying attention now and speaking up. Income New Yorkers were counting on in retirement may be at stake. On top of this, now fewer CEFs are being created in part because investment managers see activists preying on these funds. With fewer CEFs available for retirees and middle-class Americans to safely invest in, regular people are being left without this useful option. 

While some may argue these hostile takeovers are simply the free market at work, that argument fails to recognize the legal intent of the Investment Company Act. For more than 80 years, the Investment Company Act has protected investors and ensured funds serve the best interests of shareholders. The law has allowed for the growth of CEFs, mutual funds, and ETFs that have generated billions of dollars in wealth for Americans saving for their retirement, college for their kids, or a downpayment on a new home. If activist investors with hostile intentions are allowed to exploit loopholes in the law to enrich themselves instead of long-term shareholders’ interests, millions of CEF investors will continue to suffer.

It’s time for robust action to protect American retirees who invested in CEFs long before activist investors started to prey on these funds. Thankfully, New York Congressman Gregory Meeks has proposed a bipartisan bill to protect CEF investors. His Increasing Investor Opportunities Act, would prevent hedge fund managers from exploiting the loopholes they use to take over CEFs, and it would expand opportunities for retail investors to participate in investment opportunities. With both Democrats and Republicans behind the bill, this should be a no brainer.

It’s time for Congress to help investors and retirees stand up to hedge fund bullies. New Yorkers deserve some peace of mind that rich activists won’t take over their investments and exploit them for personal gain. Passing the Increasing Investor Opportunities Act is the best way to do that.

PETER ARENA

webadmin on March 18, 2024

Peter Arena, died Saturday, March 9, 2024 at the age of 65. Beloved husband of Angela Arena, loving father of Lauren Arena, dear brother of the late Domenica Spataro, cherished uncle of Robert & Dina Spataro and Anthony & Vanessa Spataro, great-uncle of Nicholas, John, Jordan, Giovanni and Andrew Spataro. Peter was the proud owner of Tatco Installations. He worked very hard and treated his employees like family. He was a trusted friend and was instantly loved by all who met him. He was always there to lend a hand when anyone needed him. He kept everyone entertained with his storytelling and loved having parties. He had a zest for life and, although he had been through a lot, he kept a positive attitude and greeted everyone with a smile. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. In Lieu of Flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Lauren Arena Fund for MEAK Research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Mass of Christian Burial offered at St. Adalbert’s Church on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 10 AM Entombment followed at St. John Cemetery Resurrection Mausoleum, Middle Village, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue Maspeth, NY 11378 www.papaverofuneralhome.com

UGO P. MARCHITELLI

webadmin on March 18, 2024

Ugo P. Marchitelli, died Sunday, March 10, 2024 at the age of 92. Beloved husband of Loredana Marchitelli, loving father of Ugo N. Marchitelli Jr. and Paolo A. Marchitelli, father-in-law of Lori, cherished grandfather of Luciana and dear brother of Fernando Marchitelli. Mass of Christian Burial offered at St. Mary’s Church on Monday, March 18, 2024 at 9:45 AM Entombment followed at St. John Cemetery Ave Maria Garden Mausoleum, Middle Village, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue Maspeth, NY 11378 www.papaverofuneralhome.com

AMPARO CALVACHE COAJI

webadmin on March 18, 2024

Amparo Calvache Coaji, died Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at the age of 71. Beloved wife of Danilo Carvajal Tovar, loving mother of David Rodriguez, Diana Bonilla, Viviana Carvajal, Tatiana Calvache, Daniela Carvajal and Valeria Carvajal, cherished grandmother of Juan, Camilo, Brandon, Kianna, Katie, Giaizabella, Hailey, Zarahy, Meghan, Ethan and Zairah. Mass of Christian Burial offered at St. Joan of Arc Church on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 10:45 AM. Interment followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Maspeth, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue Maspeth, NY 11378www.papaverofuneralhome.com

PATRICIA BAGLEY

webadmin on March 18, 2024

Patricia Bagley, died Thursday, March 14, 2024 at the age of 69. Beloved wife of the late Edward Bagley, loving mother of Edward A. Bagley, James Bagley and Charles Bagley, dear sister of Susan Hessel and the late Anita DeStefano, and cherished aunt of Joanne, Judy and Jeanine. Mass of Christian Burial offered at Holy Cross Church on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 9:45 AM. Interment followed at Calvary Cemetery, Woodside, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue Maspeth, NY 11378 www.papaverofuneralhome.com

ROSEMARY ORLOVSKY

webadmin on March 18, 2024

Rosemary Orlovsky, died Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the age of 89. Beloved wife of the late Leslie P. Orlovsky, loving mother of Paula Barthelemy, Laurie Soderman and Leslie Orlovsky Hoover, mother-in-law of Paul J. Barthelemy, Eric Soderman and the late Mike Hoover, cherished grandmother of Peter, Paul, Barbara, Victoria, Lindsay, Jamie and Dean, great-grandmother of Brayden, Camden, Luke, Gabriella, Amelia, Dominic, Michaela and Andre, and dear aunt of Billy & Sandi Lipnoski and June & Frank Warren. Mass of Christian Burial offered at Transfiguration Church on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 9:30 AM. Interment followed at Lutheran All-Faiths Cemetery, Middle Village, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue Maspeth, NY 11378 www.papaverofuneralhome.com

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