Jessica Meditz
Jessica Meditz
Community editor and designer of the Queens Ledger, Glendale Register and Forest Hills Times

NYPD, FDNY go head-to-head in 2nd annual volleyball game
Game at Maspeth High raises funds, honors fallen heroes By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Cheers filled the gym at Maspeth High School this past Saturday as

Forest Hills resident competes on ‘Jeopardy!’
Dan Wohl defeats four-day champion By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Dan Wohl represented Forest Hills with pride last Wednesday on “Jeopardy!” Wohl, a 36-year-old Forest Hills

Ken and Barbara Rudzewick: A Maspeth love story
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com “It’s not just mortgages and money, it’s romance as well,” Kenneth Rudzewick said with a smile as he reminisced on the

Electeds advocate for bike infrastructure a month after tragic death
By Alicia Venter aventer@queensledger.com Last Friday, a month after the tragic death of 62-year-old cyclist Tamara “Tammy” Chuchi Kao in Astoria, the neighborhood’s elected officials

Climate resilience plan developed for Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
Congressional grant solidifies plans to ID climate hazards, resilience strategies By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com A climate resilience plan is in the cards for Flushing Meadows–Corona

Forest Hills middle schooler brings air pistol to campus
Russell Sage parents feel situation was ‘mishandled,’ sparking safety concerns By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Parents of students attending Russell Sage Junior High School in Forest

Queens honors life, legacy of Tyre Nichols
“Enough is enough,” attendees say at candlelight vigil By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com On a chilly Monday evening, Queens leaders and community residents gathered at Borough

Pol introduces bill to ban e-bikes, e-scooters
Cites lithium-ion battery fires, traffic violations By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com While members of the City Council examine ways to regulate e-vehicles and make their lithium-ion

Councilwoman, cops burn illegal weed shops
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Two smoke shops in Whitestone were busted for selling to underaged children, marijuana products while unlicensed, along with illegal substances, the

Forest Hills couple to share passion project
‘The Monkey King: A Kung Fu Musical’ coming to Queens Theatre By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Husband and wife team Jonathan and Kimbirdlee Fadner first moved

New bubble tea shop opens its doors in Ridgewood
Tsaocaa strives to bring quality food and drink to locals By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Earlier this month, residents of Ridgewood extended a warm welcome to

Maspeth Federal Savings teaches financial literacy to Molloy High School students
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Last Thursday, Maspeth Federal Savings Bank (MFS) ventured out into the community to educate students about financial literacy. Employees of the

Excessive trash near Frank Principe Park affects quality of life
Tractor trailers parked there every day, residents say By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Residents of Maspeth say their quality of life has been negatively impacted since

CB5 member booted for racist language
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com A member of Queens Community Board 5 (CB5) has been removed from the board after using racist language at the last

Robbery pattern plagues Ridgewood, Bushwick
Perps targeting intoxicated people, police say By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com As the 104th Precinct prepares for what 2023 will bring, its Ridgewood sector still faces

$21.3M in federal funds secured for Queens projects
Platform to be extended, elevators to be added at LIRR station in Forest Hills; largest project of the bunch By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Just before

Group criticizes DOT rollout in Ridgewood
Residents hope for pedestrian ramp at Stanhope & Fairview By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com As of Dec. 1, the troublesome intersection near Grover Cleveland Park in

Queens’ top news stories of 2022
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Given the events of the two years previous, 2022 was a year of opportunity for many. It had its ups, but

Friends, foes of Drag Story Hour show up in Jackson Heights
Proud Boys make appearance outside children’s event By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com In response to a group of people openly against Drag Story Hour and their

Ardila prepares to serve AD37: ‘I want to give everything I have’
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com As residents of Assembly District 37 say “goodbye” to longtime Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan, they’ll say “hello” to a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed

JPCA updates Citi Bike counterproposal
Group will negotiate with DOT before finalized plan By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Following a pause for additional community feedback on the Department of Transportation’s (DOT)

New Citi Bike stations ‘on hold’ for District 5
CB5 votes to send letter to DOT requesting input By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com As the implementation of new Citi Bike stations for Queens District 5

Maspeth Chamber of Commerce seeks new members
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Since 1953, the Maspeth Chamber of Commerce has dedicated itself to preserving the community and helping local businesses thrive. With factors

Local child athletes shop with NY Liberty star
DiDi Richards, DICK’S treat children to shopping spree By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Young basketball players had the experience of a lifetime shopping for sports gear

Maspeth family wants you to remember the reason for the season
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com The holiday season is a time when many people become more grateful for what they have, admire the little things in

Queens Chamber of Commerce hosts Business Persons of the Year 2022
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Last Tuesday, some of Queens’ most prominent movers and shakers were honored by the Queens Chamber of Commerce at their 2022

Massive $739M Kew Gardens Interchange project completed
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com After what feels like forever for many Queens residents, the $739 million Kew Gardens Interchange reconstruction project is finally complete, Gov.

Rego Park man indicted for brutal subway attack
A Rego Park man was indicted and arraigned today for the alleged subway attack of a woman back in November, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz

Fogo de Chão cuts ribbon in Elmhurst
Brazilian steakhouse experience comes to Queens By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Queens residents are now able to enjoy a Brazilian steakhouse experience without having to travel

56th annual Maspeth tree lighting awakens holiday spirit
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Last Friday, the Maspeth Chamber of Commerce brought holiday cheer to the neighborhood with its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Held in

Influencer eats her way through New York
Bria Braithwaite engages 100K+ audience, supports restaurant industry By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com With her iPhone, ring light and zest for life, Brooklyn-based influencer, Bria Braithwaite,

Three-alarm fire at Metro Deli shocks community
Residents of Middle Village and travelers on Metropolitan Avenue watched in awe as flames tore through Metro Deli last Wednesday. The fire began at 67-30

Stop signs, crosswalks added to intersection of Stanhope St. and Fairview Ave.
Safety signals approved by DOT following group’s activism By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Following residents’ months of advocacy and pleading with the DOT, new stop signs

Alleged animal abuser busted on Woodhaven Boulevard
Dog and seven puppies rescued by 104th Precinct By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Last Saturday, officers from the 104th Precinct rescued an adult great dane and

Gaton Foundation gives back to families in need
Give & Go Delivery Project supplies food, necessities By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Following her own personal humanitarian mission, Angela Gaton-Wiltshire dedicates much of her life

Local McDonald’s employee participates in Thanksgiving parade
Dominican immigrant embraces New York tradition By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com At one point in his life, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was something Dominican-born Carlos

On The Record: Tom Padovano
Comedian/Comedy Writer By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Tom Padovano of East Elmhurst loves nothing more than making people laugh. When he’s not up on stage performing

Maspeth Starbucks files for union
Employees participate in national strike By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Maspeth’s only Starbucks store, located inside the Shops at Grand Avenue, has become the third one

Zum Stammtisch celebrates 50th anniversary
Iconic German eatery serves Glendale for 50 years By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Known for its hearty meals, fresh beer and comforting ambiance, Zum Stammtisch on

Porcelli: The Other Side of Education (11/24)
CTE Shop Class: Now It’s High-Tech Students: Be thankful for… By Mike Porcelli During this week of Thanksgiving, what should students be grateful for? American

CB5 gives thumbs up to Glendale street conversions
DOT conducted area-wide study By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Since late 2021, residents of Glendale have advocated that a select few streets in the neighborhood be

Locals show support at Queens Veterans Day Parade
Glendale resident honored as grand marshal By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com The Queens Veterans Day parade stepped off in Middle Village on Sunday after a two-year

Grand Avenue sees death of two truck drivers
Two dead in separate Maspeth incidents on same day By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Two truck drivers died within hours of each other in two separate

Homeless Committee formed in wake of antics
‘Listen, learn, react,’ CB5 says By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com In response to the stark impact Cooper Rapid Rehousing Center has had on Glendale and its

Goldfish Swim School cuts ribbon in Atlas Park
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Goldfish Swim School commemorated the recent grand opening of its Glendale location inside The Shops at Atlas Park with a ribbon

2022 Election Profile: Michael Conigliaro runs for AD28
‘I’ve touched every part of the district’ By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Republican challenger Michael Conigliaro hopes to win big next week against incumbent Andrew Hevesi

Drag story hour rally met with backlash
“Bigotry has got to go,” local electeds say By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com In response to a rise in hate against the local LGBTQ+ community, Jackson

Middle Village ‘Halloween House’ spooks locals for 20 years
‘It’s a labor of love,’ Patrick ‘Halloween Guy’ Kenniff says By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com During Halloween season, the typically tame and tucked away 75th Street

Lee Zeldin visits Glendale, gubernatorial candidate hones in on tough-on-crime approach
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Following last Tuesday night’s heated gubernatorial debate, Republican candidate Rep. Lee Zeldin of Long Island took to the streets of Glendale

Ridgewood’s Panther Solidarity Organization; Group devotes itself to serving the people
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Dedicated to serving the community through empowering people, Ridgewood’s Panther Solidarity Organization (PSO) chapter seeks to further expand their mission and

Jim Regan inducted as Maspeth Kiwanis president
“We’re going to continue to move forward,” he said By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Local Kiwanians gathered for an afternoon of celebration at O’Neill’s in Maspeth

Group calls for regulation of all two-wheeled motorized vehicles
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com As locals continue to see more motorized vehicles other than standard cars on the streets, many hope that the operators —

Chic new cafe opens in Forest Hills
Forest Cafe wants to be an ‘oasis’ for locals By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com All coffee lovers of Forest Hills and its surrounding communities now have

(SEE VIDEO): Brutal Middle Village robbery shakes up community
66-year-old man beaten, robbed of $17K By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Residents of Middle Village were appalled to see the shocking footage released by the 104th

Elmhurst resident to run in his 24th NYC Marathon
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com For Raymond Choy, nothing quite beats the tranquil feeling of being in “the zone” while running. For the 24th time in

Porcelli: The Other Side of Education (10/20)
CTE Shop Class: Now It’s High-Tech By Mike Porcelli Last week brought another workforce development event to our city, the annual NYC Employment and Training

Fallen NYPD Detective Brian Simonsen honored with street co-naming
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Family, friends and the community at large gathered in Richmond Hill on Saturday to honor the life and career of NYPD

Middle Village resident spreads good luck through jewelry
‘A little extra protection neva hurt nobody,’ says Erma Camporese By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com If New York had a personality, it would be seen in

Celebrating home runs with doughnuts
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Baseball is America’s national pastime. It’s a game that often calls for celebrations of victory. Best known for his 22-season career

Spirits Alive returns to Maple Grove
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com After a couple years of slumber, The Friends of Maple Grove awakened the spirits of some notable figures who rest in

Broadway in the Boros sees massive turnout
Audience enjoyed tunes from ‘Beetlejuice,’ ‘SIX,’ ‘Wicked’ By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com It was all about “Popular” at last Friday’s Broadway in the Boros performance in

NYC hasn’t forgotten about freestyle
Exploring the story of freestyle music from yesterday into today By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com There are already a million things that make New York the

Maspeth Lions host First Annual Bocce Tournament
All proceeds from event go to charity By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Cigar smoke and Frank Sinatra songs were in the air in Frank Principe Park

CPC gives thumbs up to Innovation QNS
Commissioners voted 10-3 in favor of controversial project By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com The City Planning Commission gave a thumbs up to the large Innovation QNS

Group holds Free Store pop-up in Ridgewood
Woodbine seeks to build autonomy, community, resilience By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Neighbors of Ridgewood and its surrounding areas arrived on Woodward Avenue last Saturday for

High Line-esque linear park to come to Queens
Opposition says QueensWay is not the way By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com After over a decade of advocacy, the QueensWay is slated to make its way

Queens kid makes it big as an influencer
3M followers and counting, Blaise Ffrench shoots for the stars By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com When becoming acquainted with Blaise Ffrench, the typical icebreaker question of

Metro Village hosts 2nd Community Day
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com This past Saturday, community residents from all walks of life gathered on Metropolitan Avenue in Forest Hills to celebrate Metro Village

A community of MisFits unite
Business owner creates safe space through health, fitness By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Growing up, Queens Village native Anthony Oll-adikankwu Jr. always felt like he didn’t

Maspeth honors Squad 288, Hazmat 1 firefighters 21 years later
Memorial ceremony remembers those lost on 9/11 By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com In true “Maspeth is America” fashion, residents gathered on Grand Avenue to remember Sept.

Joe ‘the Dancer’ Ferrante, the true star of local concerts
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com If you live in the area and have attended a free, local concert or parade, chances are you’ve seen Joe Ferrante

Flight attendants say, ‘Assault Won’t Fly’
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Last week, flight attendants from around the country gathered at one of the top destinations, John F. Kennedy International Airport in

Relatives of killed DoorDash worker demand justice; Tran family speaks out
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Anh Tran wanted nothing more than for her 74-year-old father, Be Tran, to come home to Flushing and relax on the

Shawn Eldot: The local king of chess
Forest Hills teacher inspires students through chess By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Although some teen movies portray the game of chess as a thing for “nerds,”

Maspeth local remembered: Joe Martino, the ‘13th Apostle’
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Many people utter the phrase, “I wear many hats” when describing themselves in an interview or biography. It’s true for some

Ridgewood rallies for killed DoorDash worker
Groups, pols demand DOT make streets safer By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Two back-to-back hit-and-run incidents took the Ridgewood community by surprise in mid-August. On Aug.

Knights of Columbus hosts drive for Kentucky floods
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Although Kentucky is hundreds of miles away from New York City, distance didn’t stop local Knights of Columbus councils from helping

Maspeth Federal Savings celebrates 75 Days of Giving
Lucky local wins Ford Mustang Mach-E By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Last Wednesday, Maspeth’s music lovers of all ages traveled back in time to a night

Ridgewood hit-and-run suspect who struck 3, including mom and toddler, charged
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com The individual who allegedly struck three people with his car and fled the scene last week in Ridgewood has been identified

Area sees 3 hit-and-run incidents in few-day span
Two in Ridgewood, one in Elmhurst; one dead, one in critical condition By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Residents of Ridgewood, Elmhurst and its surrounding neighborhoods were

Jackson Heights resident starts fashion company
Peachi app helps users find personal style By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com In an age of online shopping, many people find themselves spending more time and

Program empowers locals with dementia
‘Stories in the Moment’ engages folks through movement, storytelling By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com The community of those living with dementia is often underestimated—due to the

Fogo de Chão partners with Queens Together to feed locals
First Queens location to open in Elmhurst later this year By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Fogo de Chão, an internationally renowned restaurant founded in Southern Brazil

104 celebrates National Night Out Against Crime
NYPD precincts across Queens and their surrounding communities gathered in parks for National Night Out Against Crime. The event, which takes place on the first

Zhiwen Yan’s alleged killer commits suicide
Last Friday, detectives found the body of Glenn Hirsch, 51, of Briarwood—the alleged killer of Zhiwen Yan, a Chinese food delivery man who worked in

Town hall informs about COVID vaccines for kids
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com As summer begins to fizzle out and school is in sight, many parents are on the fence about how to best

Queens College grad designs Discover cards
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com A recent Queens College graduate now has the chance to be close to people’s hearts — or perhaps, their wallets. Dana

Ridgewood bar out of control, residents say
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com A Ridgewood establishment has sparked concerns among residents, causing them to lose sleep—literally. Neighbors say that the patrons of Suad Sports

Locals take control of their health
Last weekend, men ages 45 and up had the opportunity to take control of their health and get tested for prostate cancer. On July 24,

Festival of Cinema NYC returns to Forest Hills
Showcase includes over 120 films from 25+ countries By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Next week, residents of Forest Hills and its surrounding communities will have the

Police impersonation, home invasion, robbery on Doran Ave.
Perp got away with $10K, still at large By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com A home invasion and robbery occurred Saturday at around 1 a.m. on Doran

Locals don’t see eye-to-eye on Citi Bike
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com As Citi Bike continues to expand in Queens and throughout the city, cyclists, drivers, and other commuters are becoming more vocal

CB6 advocates for enhanced COVID protocols
Locals worry about increased positivity rate As Omicron and its subvariants, BA.5 and BA.2.12.1 continue to affect New Yorkers, one Queens Community Board is taking

Local gymnastics group performs at Barclays
Although the New York Liberty lost last Tuesday’s game against the Aces, another New York team walked out of Barclays Center victorious. Students of Forest

Electeds, GrubHub bring meals to homeless vets
O’Neill’s of Maspeth donates 500 meals Last Friday, the cafeteria of Borden Avenue Veterans Residence in Long Island City looked a little bit different. Instead

Celebrating 21st birthday at Giglio Feast
Enrico Saviano of Middle Village honors heritage and ancestors While many 21-year-olds might spend their birthday hungover, Middle Village resident Enrico “Eddie” Saviano spent his

Assault suspect still at large
No arrests have been made Two women were physically assaulted on June 16, along Myrtle Avenue in the vicinity of the Glendale Library. One of

Ridgewood locals form bike collective
Ridgewood Rides to focus on community rides, activism Last week, concerned Ridgewood cyclists gathered at Grover Cleveland Park to voice their safety concerns and ideas

The Eighties Strike Back in Middle Village
Rubix Kube performs at Juniper As part of Councilman Robert Holden’s summer concert series in partnership with NYC Department of Parks and Recreation and Queensborough

Planet Fitness opens in Forest Hills
A new Planet Fitness location opened its doors at 7 a.m. on Monday, July 11. Prior to the opening, the staff welcomed NYS Senator Joseph

Local teacher creates short film
‘Coming Home’ made quarterfinals in Big Apple Film Festival Between school plays, off-off Broadway shows, and the front of school classrooms—Angelo Amato has performed in

Two women assaulted in Glendale
Perpetrator still on the loose On June 16 at around 12:30 p.m., two women were physically assaulted on Myrtle Avenue in Glendale. A 33-year-old woman,

Virgil Abloh’s vision brought to life at Brooklyn Museum
‘Figures of Speech’ open now through Jan 29, 2023 Virgil Abloh, a first-generation Ghanaian-American who rose to success as a fashion designer, entrepreneur, and artist,

Raga claims Dems ticket in Assembly primary
On track to becoming first Filipino-American elected in New York Steven Raga, a lifelong Woodside resident and former chief of staff for Assemblyman Brian Barnwell,

Speech pathologist assists locals with disorders
Whitney Thomas, 34, a speech-language pathologist living in Downtown Brooklyn, was originally on track to pursue nursing. However, she learned about speech pathology during her

Food Bank’s mobile pantry to serve Ozone Park
The Food Bank for New York City brought its Mobile Food Pantry Program to Ozone Park last week, along with an $80,000 donation from Stop

New Commanding Officer of the 104
Deputy Inspector Kevin Coleman discusses plans for community, uptick in crime Although he doesn’t have a New York accent, NYPD Deputy Inspector Kevin Coleman is

Catalytic converter theft pattern raises eyebrows
New state legislation to address issue While almost universally used in most modern cars to reduce harmful pollution, catalytic converters are a hot commodity in

Middle Village Relay For Life raises $78K
Cancer survivors, caregivers, family, friends, prominent community figures, and even pets gathered in Juniper Valley Park on Saturday to stand up against cancer. For the

WellLife Network brings affordable housing to Glendale
Housing for homeless, income-eligible folks After years of planning, vying for community support, and construction, WellLife Network finally cut the ribbon on a brand new

New Eagle Scouts congratulated by prominent figures
From former U.S. President Jimmy Carter to Pope Francis, four local Eagle Scouts were celebrated by numerous prominent figures both close to home and far

Maspeth Pre-K student diagnosed with brain tumor
St. Stan’s community supports August Vinti’s family By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Like most four-year-old boys, August “Auggie” Vinti has a contagious smile, loves spending time

Youth organization relieved after restoration of funds
SAYA was slated to lose half its budget By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com South Asian Youth Action, or SAYA, is a 501(c)3 youth development organization headquartered

St. Stan’s hosts 11th Hall of Fame Dinner
School gym renamed ‘Rudzewick Hall’ On Saturday, the St. Stanislaus Kostka Educational Endowment Committee hosted its 11th annual dinner dance fundraiser, with parents, faculty and

Ridgewood student hits milestone while achieving dreams
Despite these uncertain times Kylie Gordon, 11, has clung to her passion for the performing arts. Considered a “triple threat”—skilled at singing, acting, and dancing—Gordon

Local Girl Scouts save lives
Glendale girl receives Medal of Honor When thinking about Girl Scouts, cookies, crafts, or badges might come to mind. But for Suzanne Ramos, 15, of

Forest Hills resident competes on ‘Jeopardy!’
Tom Philipose of Forest Hills made a national TV appearance last night on America’s favorite quiz show, “Jeopardy!” The 18-year Forest Hills resident and writing

Richmond Hill street co-named ‘Ivan Mrakovcic Way’
Last Monday, community residents, leaders, family, and friends gathered at 114th Street and 85th Avenue in Richmond Hill to honor the life and legacy of

Four local scouts earn Eagle rank
Four young men from Troop 45 of Woodside have recently joined the four percent of Boy Scouts in the U.S. to achieve the rank of

Forest Hills Parade returns
People filled the street along Metropolitan Avenue on Sunday for the annual Forest Hills Memorial Day Parade. This year’s event was the community’s first in

Ridgewood/Glendale honors Veterans on Memorial Day
Residents of Ridgewood, Glendale, and neighboring communities showed up for the long awaited 84th annual Ridgewood/Glendale Memorial Day Parade on Monday. Veterans, active military personnel,

Jones Surgical Co. storefront gone but not forgotten
Eighty years, four sets of owners, and numerous generations of supporters later, Jones Surgical Co. has decided to close its doors. The iconic, long-standing mom-and-pop

Candlelight vigil honors community vets
In preparation for Memorial Day and the festivities to come, the United Veterans & Fraternal Organizations of Maspeth held a candlelight vigil to honor U.S.

Vigil honors slain food deliveryman Zhiwen Yan
Last week, the Forest Hills community came together for a candlelight vigil in front of Great Wall Chinese Restaurant to honor Zhiwen Yan, a food

NYC Comptroller visits Flushing businesses
Lander connects local business owners to city resources As part of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander ventured

First ‘Art Walk’ comes to Metro
A little rain did not stop the Forest Hills and surrounding communities from coming out to support local artists over the weekend. Metro Village Forest

Nonprofit provides green space to underserved communities
Seven years ago, Jamaica resident Alicia White realized that there was green space in her community that wasn’t being used to its fullest potential. She

Queens rallies for safe, legal abortion
Local elected officials, gender justice groups, and other community advocates followed the lead of other protesters across the country when they gathered at the steps

Queens Theatre presents ‘Forward Festival’
Uplifting the artistry of deaf/disabled performers From circus to musical theater performances, audiences of Queens Theatre can expect a series of diverse, captivating performances as

Community discusses Bus Network Redesign
As part of their public outreach efforts, the MTA is holding workshops in each community district — from Astoria to Rockaway — to hear feedback

104 Pct. Council says goodbyes to Len Santoro
Longtime community volunteer and 104th Precinct Community Council president, Len Santoro, led his final meeting at Maranatha Baptist Church in Ridgewood last week. Santoro, who

Hardworking food delivery worker fatally shot
The Forest Hills community mourns the loss of Zhiwen Yan, a food delivery worker at Great Wall Chinese Restaurant, who is remembered by locals for

McClancy honors Brother Robert Connolly
Known by many as the cornerstone of Msgr. McClancy Memorial High School, Brother Robert Connolly was honored by the school’s community with the 2022 Lifetime

Queens director films series in local neighborhoods
In an era of online dating, many single people know the highs and lows (but mostly lows) of dating all too well. A brand new

Gopee inducted as NYS Supreme Court justice
Becomes first Indo-Caribbean judge to serve on Supreme Court Family, friends, local elected officials, and other community members gathered at Queens Borough Hall last week

Playwright breaks a world record
Bobby Lang, the local playwright, director, and producer behind Nu Imperial Image Productions, recently made history in Queens with his original play, “Allure.” “Allure” is

Pizza Dance to hold family day at Atlas Park
Org to raise funds for trade school scholarships By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Founded in 1997 by Tony Modica, owner of Prima Pasta & Cafe in

Maspeth Federal Savings turns 75
Maspeth Federal Savings was joined by the community in celebration of its 75th anniversary. Around 100 residents, students, and local elected officials gathered at the

Elmhurst resident Helen Sokol turns 100
Born in 1922 in Nanticoke, Penn., Helen Sokol eventually moved to Queens as a young woman to spearhead her life, career, and family. Now, Sokol

Innovation QNS met with community backlash
The development team of Innovation QNS — a project that seeks to rezone five city blocks to build a mixed use residential and commercial district

Orsolya Gaal’s alleged murderer confesses to crime
David Bonola, 44, of Richmond Hill is facing murder charges in the case of Orsolya Gaal, a 51-year-old mother of two from Forest Hills. The

Activist arrested during Myrtle-Wyckoff sweep
Update: Raquel Namuche’s case was dismissed and sealed in the interest of justice. Ridgewood Tenants Union aimed to protect belongings of homeless As Mayor Eric

SQWM celebrates new Richmond Hill office
South Queens Women’s March started out as an idea from founder and director Aminta Kilawan-Narine over two years ago, with the goal of promoting gender

Sunnyside Community Services wins national caregiving award
A senior center in Sunnyside received national recognition for the quality of care they provide to clients. Sunnyside Community Services, an organization dedicated to providing

On The Record: Kayleen Seidl, Actress
During summer 2014, Kayleen Seidl relocated to Astoria, Queens from the Midwest to pursue her musical theater career. It was during a summer stock in

JPCA releases Citi Bike counter proposal
JPCA argue that DOT draft plan would disrupt Middle Village, Maspeth, Glendale and Ridgewood As ridership increases and environmental preservation efforts are further encouraged, the

Flushing Town Hall awards $100K to Queens artists
Aligning with their mission to provide a platform to local artists, Flushing Town Hall announced it has awarded grant funding to various Queens-based artists and

Forest Hills resident celebrates 30 years living with MS
When AnnaMarie Prono was 27, she woke up one morning feeling like her left hand had fallen asleep. She brushed it off and went on

Burrito BLVD to open Astoria location
Two years ago, Robert Matos opened up Burrito Blvd at 72-64 Metropolitan Ave. in Middle Village, having no prior experience in the food industry. Matos,

Garden of Dreams presents talent show at Radio City
After a two-year hiatus, the Garden of Dreams Foundation will once again present their annual Talent Show on April 13, hosted at Radio City Music

Club of Sharing Hearts joins Queens West Kiwanis
Queens West Kiwanis have officially chartered Kiwanis Club of Sharing Hearts/Queens West to the division. The club, whose members have been diagnosed with intellectual/developmental disabilities,

Longtime FSSA dance teachers to retire
Ani Udovicki and Olivier Heuts reflect on their teaching journeys By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Ani Udovicki and Olivier Heuts first got acquainted in the early

LIC Business Wins Big at ‘Make It Awards’
For the fifth consecutive year, the New York Knicks and Squarespace hosted the Make It Awards, which support and celebrate the small, local businesses and
Amazon partners with The Fund to assist CUNY students
As countless New Yorkers continue to face financial hardships by way of inflation and the ongoing COVID pandemic, a newly developed initiative by Amazon and

Briarwood native touches hearts with ‘H Is For Haiku’
New York City children—particularly those who grew up in Queens—haven’t always had the easiest time relating to the flowery descriptions of nature detailed in the

Queens Kiwanis charter first-ever club for disabled
This week, Queens West Kiwanis will welcome a brand new club to the division. For the first time in Kiwanis International history, the club is

Pols host vigil to remember AAPI hate crime victims
Last year, eight victims, including six Asian women, were killed when suspected gunman Robert Aaron Long opened fire in a shooting spree targeting three spas

614 Woodward Avenue repossessed by the city
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Correction* New information regarding the story “614 Woodward Avenue repossessed by the city” learned by the Queens Ledger after press time,

Elmhurst native makes impact on sneaker industry
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com The sneaker and fashion industries were always an interest of East Elmhurst native Sarah Sukumaran, but they were never something she

Queens pols send supplies to Ukrainian refugees
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Citizens of the Ukraine continue to cross into Poland, fearing for their safety as Russian troops invade the Eastern European nation.

City Tutors partners with Bloomberg for mentors program
The City Tutors deliver free professional mentorship to NYC college students and professionals By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com The City Tutors, a nonprofit dedicated to providing

Ridgewood’s biggest eye-sore: 614 Woodward Avenue
By Jessica Meditz jmeditz@queensledger.com Known for its eye-catching architecture, swanky cafes and rich cultural history, Ridgewood is a community appreciated by lifelong residents and first-time