Doordash, Masbia deliver Kosher meals for Passover

Masbia, a nonprofit soup kitchen network that provides nutritious meals for New Yorkers in need, has partnered with DoorDash to deliver groceries in Queens and Brooklyn to families facing food insecurity via Project DASH, the company’s initiative to enable food banks, food pantries and social impact organizations to leverage DoorDash’s last mile logistics.

DoorDash has already made nearly 2,500 deliveries since the start of the partnership, which launched in February, with plans to make over 1,000 weekly deliveries for families that Masbia serves.

The partnership addresses a need for expanding access to kosher food for members of the Orthodox Jewish communities in Queens and Brooklyn, providing groceries that meet religious dietary restrictions. Fresh produce, dairy products, eggs and more are included in the deliveries.

Brooklyn and Queens are among the boroughs with the largest populations facing food insecurity, according to the New York City Office for Food Policy.

“DoorDash is proud to partner with Masbia, an organization that New Yorkers in need have been able to rely on for over a decade, to power the delivery of groceries and kosher food,” Sascha Owen, senior manager of Government Relations for DoorDash, said. “This partnership is part of our ongoing work to broaden food access through Project DASH and underscores the importance of businesses and community leaders coming together to break down barriers and meet our most vulnerable neighbors where they are.”

With 38 million people facing food insecurity in the United States, DoorDash is continuing its ongoing work to broaden food access to vulnerable communities.

The company has delivered thousands of charitable meals to New Yorkers in need through Project DASH, which enables food banks, food pantries and social impact organizations to leverage DoorDash’s last mile logistics to carry out their mission.

Last year, the initiative reached over 1 million deliveries, serving more than 21 million meals in more than 900 cities across the U.S. and Canada.

“We have seen firsthand the challenges to meeting the growing need for getting food to our neighbors in need — especially by providing dignity to people by eliminating their breadline experience one family at a time,” Alexander Rapaport, executive director at Masbia Soup Kitchen Network, said. “DoorDash’s commitment to making a community-wide impact and understanding of the urgency for addressing food insecurity speaks to their pledge of being a reliable community partner.”

With 38 million people facing food insecurity in the United States, DoorDash is continuing its ongoing work to broaden food access to vulnerable communities.

The company has delivered thousands of charitable meals to New Yorkers in need through Project DASH, which enables food banks, food pantries and social impact organizations to leverage DoorDash’s last mile logistics to carry out their mission. Last year, the initiative reached over one million deliveries, providing more than 21 million meals in more than 900 cities across the U.S. and Canada.

DoorDash is inviting New York City organizations interested in working together to expand its existing delivery efforts or brainstorm how delivery could enhance their programs to contact the Project DASH team.

Jastremski: First round flop for drama-filled Nets

On Monday, the Nets chaotic and disappointing 2021-2022 season came to a close with a major thud.

At the beginning of the year, the Nets were title favorites.

There was no possible way the Nets could be a 7 seed and get swept in the first round right?

Believe it.

In fact the Nets are the first preseason title favorite to be swept in the first round ever.

So, the preseason narrative would have suggested that there is no way the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets would be comparable teams.

After all, the Nets took down the Celtics in 5 games in the first round a season ago.

Well, the Nets and Celtics weren’t comparable teams this year.

The Celtics were flat out better.

The Celtics taking down Brooklyn shouldn’t surprise anyone who watched NBA Basketball over the last four months.

The Celtics played as a team, got better as the season went along and looked like a group that had cohesion and unity.

The Nets featured none of those qualities.

It’s tough to have cohesion when the so called “Big 3” of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden is broken up midseason.

It’s tough to have top notch team chemistry when Kyrie Irving missed almost all of your home games because of the vaccine mandate.

Plus the kicker, Ben Simmons the headliner in the midseason Harden blockbuster didn’t find his way into one Nets game this season.

You lay out that adversity plus the injury to sharp shooter Joe Harris and it shouldn’t surprise anyone that the Nets fell well short of their championship or bust goal.

The reality for the Nets franchise is simple going into this summer, the past three years haven’t been good enough.

If I told a Nets fan after the Durant/Irving signings in the summer of 2020 that their team wouldn’t have seen a title, an NBA Finals appearance or a Conference Final three years later, they wouldn’t have believed me.

The franchise and their two best players Durant and Irving have fallen short of very lofty expectations.

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were outplayed by Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart in this series.

How was Brooklyn supposed to have a chance against this dangerous Celtics team when it’s two star players weren’t leading the way.

The Nets window is not fully closed, but it’s closing fast.

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are not getting any younger.

Who knows what Ben Simmons will add if anything to the Nets next season?

Can Steve Nash lead the team as a championship caliber coach, for my money the jury is very much still out on that.

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving can still write a happily ever after ending to this story, but they better start re-writing the script now.

Three years in, Nets fans haven’t gotten enough bang for their buck.

You can listen to my podcast New York, New York every Sunday & Thursday plus my picks on The Ringer Gambling Show every Tuesday & Friday on The Ringer Podcast Network on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. You can also watch me nightly on SNY’s Geico Sportsnight.

On the Record: Gerorge Hadjimanolis, Uber Driver

George Hadjimanolis, 64, loves his Astoria neighborhood. But sometimes living in America can come with its own hardships.

Hadjimanolis first immigrated to Astoria, from his home in Athens, Greece, in 1982. It’s where he raised his two sons. It’s a place with “low crime and [is] very family-oriented”. Although, Hadjimanolis says that crime has gone up a bit since the Greek and Italian wiseguys left the neighborhood.

“Although it’s counterintuitive, these guys made sure people were safe – even if they were doing illegal things,” Hadjimanolis said in an interview.

Hadjimanolis first came to the states to study business administration. He never got his degree but after 30 years working in the restaurant industry, he was finally able to open his own businesses in Greece when he moved back in 1999.

He did well for himself, owning multiple stores including a cafeteria and a retail shop. But it all came to a tumbling halt in the 2010s when the Greek economy faltered. He tried to keep the businesses afloat for another two years, sinking even more money into it before having to call it quits.

“I must not be lucky, there must be something after me,” Hadjimanolis joked.

Since coming back to the states Hadjimanolis has worked a slew of different jobs. Despite his resume filling up three pages, he says that it’s hard to find a job at his age.

“Put all this together, and then they never call you. Never bothered. You are qualified but never getting called – it’s surprised me many times,” Hadjimanolis said.

When he came back to Astoria in 2012 he got a job as a driver. It was for a coffee shop near his home and was good work but during the COVID pandemic was laid off. During the few months he was looking for his next job, was the only time Hadjimanolis has ever accepted any unemployment or government benefits – a point of personal pride. Hadjimanolis doesn’t even have health insurance as he says he doesn’t want to take from government-provided plans and can’t afford a plan on the regular market.

Hadjimanolis says his plan now is to work for Uber for another five months before he goes back home for a trip to Greece. Afterwards, he will look for a different job since Uber doesn’t pay well enough and requires too many hours.

“Hopefully, I will get lucky this time.”

PingPod opens new location in Astoria

PingPod, a futuristic table-tennis company, providing 24/7 on-demand access for players, recently opened its fourth location at 30-18 Steinway Street in Astoria.

Since it first launched in 2020 on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, the pod-based ping-pong company has rapidly expanded adding new locations at West 37 Street and Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

The brand new 3,200 square-foot gaming space in Astoria features a six-table multi-pod space, including two private pods with a separate entrance, and a dedicated robot table.

Max Kogler, one of the three partners behind PingPod’s unique business model, said that the company’s main goal is to make it easy for people to play table tennis by bringing smaller pods, which are highly visible from the street, to residential areas of the city.

“When we first started exploring Astoria for PingPod we were struck by the vibrancy and diversity of the neighborhood,” Kogler said in a release. “While Astoria is teeming with life and with an abundance of restaurants, there seemed to be a lack of recreational activities. We believe that PingPod will help fill that void by providing a safe and comfortable space for all people from retired adults to young families. We are so excited to be in Astoria.”

PingPod was created by David Silberman as a state-of-the-art concept, aimed at launching a network of the world’s first tech-enabled autonomous table tennis “pods,” which are open retail spaces, ranging from one to six tables that are available to rent in 30-minute increments via an online application.

There are no on-site employees and the locations operate 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. Players who register can reserve a table online and check-in at an automated kiosk. When participants arrive at the table, they are provided with a basket full of high-quality ping-pong balls and free paddles to use.

In the two years since it launched, PingPod has proven to be a popular spot for casual players seeking fun date nights, new fitness opportunities, and training for competitive players preparing for their next tournament. So far, PingPod has registered more than 14,000 people to play, with more than 40,000 hours of logged game time.

Community plagued by overnight commercial parking

Finding a parking space is complicated enough without having to worry about commercial trucks illegally parking overnight on residential streets.

To address this issue, which continues to plague residential neighborhoods in Eastern Queens, New York City Councilwoman Linda Lee approached DOT representatives during a Transportation and Infrastructure hearing, about the department’s efforts to correct the issue.

“A lot of colleagues of mine are struggling with the commercial truck parking issue which has been prevalent in Queens, and I know the Bronx as well,” Lee said. “It’s been something that the State and City have been trying to address through legislation and higher fines for some of the commercial truck drivers, but also there are no places for them to park. I know a lot of us are hearing from our constituents about this because it is also causing litter and other issues related to commercial truck parking.”

Lee suggested that the department explore options to increase overnight off-street parking for trucks and commercial vehicles, including potentially using federal funding to expand the parking infrastructure.

Commercial truck drivers are limited in the number of hours they can drive each day and are required to take mandatory rest stops if they exceed those hours. Because of this, many park illegally in residential communities, particularly in the outer boroughs, causing concern over the quality of life.

Moreover, the already existing parking lots near JFK Airport and other shipping hubs are currently at full capacity and are unable to accommodate the demand for parking. Several even have waitlists for the next available spot.

Due to the rise of e-commerce, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, trucking in New York City has increased significantly while commercial parking has remained limited.

Lee suggested that because of a lack of off-street parking for trucks and commercial vehicles, many companies and owner-operators are left to pay the fines as a cost of doing business. She also indicated that enforcement through booting and towing operations has also proven insufficient due to the overwhelming number of trucks involved and the limited towing and storage space available.

DOT replied that they are working with the NYC Economic Development Corporation to expand sites for overnight commercial truck parking, but could not provide specifics regarding the proposed locations or the estimated number of additional spots.

New York State lawmakers are also considering two active bills that aim to stiffen penalties for trucks left unattended overnight.

One would seek to increase fines specifically for tractor-trailers, truck trailers, tractors, and semi-trailers parked on residential streets in New York City, while the other, would increase fines to $1,000 for illegally parked trailers and semitrailers “in a city with a population of one million or more.” Both proposals are currently in committee.

 

RICHARD RODRIGUEZ

Richard Rodriguez passed away on Friday, April 22, 2022 at the age of 60. Beloved Husband of Milagros. Devoted Father of Richard Rodriguez Jr. Loving Son of Olivia Rodriguez. Dear Brother of Glaydes Rodriguez-Whiteman, Elsie Russo and Victor Rodriguez. Also survived by 5 grandchildren.  Mr. Rodriguez was a Retired NYPD Officer.  Services were offered at St. Barbara Church on Friday April 29, 2022 at 9:30 AM. Interment in All Faith Cemetery under the direction of Hess-Miller Funeral Home, 64-19 Metropolitan Avenue, Middle Village NY 11379.

ROSARIO RUSSO

Rosario Russo passed away on Saturday, April 16, 2022 at the age of 82. Beloved Husband of Cecilia Russo. Loving Father of Andrea & the late Ricky Spencer, Christine & Frank Petroski and Sandra & Bobby Olenick. Cherish Grandfather of Ryan, Nicole, Hunter, Jake, Karlie, Kayla and Kasey. Dear Brother of Marianna Russo, Nunzio (Pat) Russo and the late Carmela Asaro and Anthony Russo. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends. In Lieu of Flowers, memorial donations may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Funeral Services held at Papavero Funeral Home on Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 9-10:30 AM. Private Cremation followed at Fresh Pond Crematory, Middle Village, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth NY 11378.

CARMEN M. JIMENEZ

Carmen M. Jimenez passed away on Sunday, April 17, 2022 at the age of 87. Beloved Mother of William Reillo, Harry Reillo, Jose Reillo, Luis Reillo, Luis Cortez and the late Fulgencio Reillo and Edwin Reillo. Loving Grandmother of 8 Grandchildren. Cherished Great-Grandmother of 4 Great-Grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial offered at St. Sebastian’s Church on Friday, April 22, 2022 9:45 AM. Interment followed at Calvary Cemetery, Woodside, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue Maspeth NY 11378.

FRANK MEAGHER

Frank Meagher passed away on Monday, April 18, 2022 at the age of 84. Beloved Father of Michael (Laurie) Meagher and Chris (Julie) Meagher. Loving Pop-Pop of Erika, Anjelica and Natasha. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends. Mr. Meagher was a United State Navy Veteran who served during the Korean Conflict. Mass of Christian Burial offered at St. Adalbert’s Church on Saturday April 23, 2022 9:30 AM. Interment followed at St. Raymond Cemetery, Bronx, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth NY 11378.

REBERTA CHORNEY

Reberta Chorney passed away on Monday, April 18, 2022 at the age of 84. Beloved Wife of the late Anthony Chorney. Loving Mother of Karen Russell, Nancy Gallo, Cynthia Cudak, Charlotte Shiger, Christine Virgo, Donna Rios, Joseph Chorney, Deborah Delgado and the late Anthony Chorney. Cherished Grandmother of 19 grandchildren and Great-Grandmother of 5 great-grandchildren. Dear Sister of Carol Samide. Funeral Service held at Papavero Funeral Home on Tuesday April 26, 2022 from 10 AM – 1 PM. Interment followed at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Maspeth NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth NY 11378.

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