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Glendale Kiwanis Puts The Fun in Fundraising At Myrtle Avenue Street Fair 2025

BQE Admin on August 20, 2025

Christian Spencer

Children tugged at their parents’ hands as the scent of grilled chicken and sweet funnel cakes drifted down Myrtle Avenue.

Some jumped around with excitement while others perched on the edges of their strollers as parents soaked in the sights and sounds of this year’s Myrtle Avenue Street Fair, a lively block party presented by the Glendale Kiwanis Club.

Money raised from vendor sales and ride admissions supported youth programs and community initiatives like scholarships, youth sports, and neighborhood cleanups, something the civic group has been doing for more than seven decades.

Beyond fundraising, the July 20 celebration was about bringing Queens, and even Brooklyn, neighbors together. It was a moment when local vendors wanted not only to sell but also to share in the fun.

“I just want people to have a good time and enjoy our strawberries and our agua frescas,” said Vanessa Dominguez, who runs La Mera La Coca, offering free samples to entice new customers.

Nearby, Randy Nueva’s booth drew anime fans and curious passersby with colorful plant pots inspired by Pokémon and Studio Ghibli films.

“We do street fairs. We started with animated planters for, like, ourselves, and then people just started asking if we did them, so we started a business, and we sell planters now,” he said about his small business, Nena’s Garden.

While Kiwanis did not hold a booth this year, its presence was felt through its partners. The Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement District helped organize the event, while FDNY and NYPD teams were stationed at key points to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow.

For visitors, the fair was just as much about the experience as the shopping.

“I always go to the fair for food,” said Justin Guiracocha, who enjoyed chicken shish kebabs that reminded him of flavors from his Ecuadorian culture.

His friend, David Quito, mirrored the sentiment, saying the event felt welcoming and lively.

“I felt like it was really an experience that I really enjoyed because everywhere I felt comfortable. There was a lot of police, a lot of family, a lot of people. The food was amazing,” he said.

Debate Over Horse Carriages Pits Tradition Against Welfare

BQE Admin on August 20, 2025

Heritage or Humane Progress for Horse Carriages?

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

A push to ban New York City’s horse-drawn carriage industry is intensifying with Ryder’s Law, legislation that would phase out the practice by June 1, 2026, and replace the carriages with electric vehicles.

The bill, formally titled Intro 0967, was introduced by City Council Member Robert Holden and has more than a dozen co-sponsors. It would also require humane disposition of carriage horses, prohibiting their sale for slaughter or transfer to other carriage businesses.

The proposal follows years of controversy and repeated incidents of horses collapsing, bolting into traffic, or dying while working in Manhattan. Public outrage surged in August 2022 when Ryder, a 26-year-old underweight horse, collapsed on Ninth Avenue in the summer heat. He died weeks later.

Chris Green, executive director of the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), said the case highlighted the dangers horses face daily.

“This is important because well, they keep dying on New York streets, that would be top of my list. I mean, it’s just this horrific anachronism. You know, horses were not meant to walk on pavement and just being in traffic and it’s happening pretty regularly,” Green said.

He pointed to multiple incidents in recent years, including crashes and heat-related collapses, as evidence that regulation has failed.

“Records show that children, cyclists, pedestrians, carriage drivers, passengers, and even New York Police Department and police officers had all been physically injured by accidents involving New York’s horse carriages,” Green said. “In one of those instances, a child was rushed to the hospital after falling out of the carriage and being run over by the wheel.”

Under current law, horses can be worked nine hours a day, seven days a week, and are housed in cramped midtown stalls with no pasture access. Green said the conditions compound the risks.

“Heat, you know? I mean, New York City gets hot, and that’s when it’s high tourist season,” he said. “And again, they’re doing that nine hours a day, seven days a week, and they’ve got no access to anywhere else to get through any other sort of just normal exercise or run or… it’s not just an animal welfare issue, although the animal welfare concerns are huge, you know, it’s a really public safety issue as well.”

Courtesy Animal Legal Defense Fund

Ryder’s Law has been referred to the Council’s Committee on Health, but advocates say progress has stalled under pressure from the Transport Workers Union, which represents carriage drivers.

“So, it’s just, it’s really frustrating when you have something that’s very obvious, animal cruelty and public safety issue, and you’ve got 70% of New Yorkers wanting it, but you’ve got these sorts of special interests controlling, preventing it from happening at the city council level,” Green said.

Other cities including Chicago, Biloxi, Camden, Las Vegas, London and Paris have already banned horse-drawn carriages. Green said New York could follow suit by embracing alternatives.

“There was back in like 2014, or 15, the same donors that had sort of knocked out de Blasio competitor, paid all this money to develop this really amazing looking electric carriage. It was huge, and it turned so many heads. I went for a ride in it once. You know, there’s, there’s a lot of things you could do that would be just as appealing to tourists and having an actual, you know, poor animal having to drag them around,” Green said.

For Green, the stakes are moral as well as practical.

“As a resident, I think, you know, there’s the famous Gandhi quote that the moral progress of a nation can be measured by how it treats its animals,” he said. “And you know, as a city, people want to be proud of the city that they live in, and if their city is allowing this type of very visible, overt cruelty to continue where you’ve got literally, these poor horses dropping dead on the streets of New York, sort of with alarming frequency now, yeah, so why? Why are we letting our city do this?”

The ALDF is urging New Yorkers to contact their City Council members in support of Ryder’s Law.

“You can just contact your city council member and ask them why the hell this hasn’t happened yet,” Green said. “Hold your council members’ feet to the fire and just ask them to justify why they’re allowing this type of cruelty to continue.”

As lawmakers and animal welfare advocates press for Ryder’s Law, which would phase out New York City’s horse-drawn carriage industry, Cowboy Eddie of Lynne’s Riding Center in Forest Hills sees things differently.

Eddie, whose family-run stables date back to 1960, said the industry has safeguards in place to ensure horses are not overworked. “Number one, I think that measures have been taken to make sure that the horses are well kept. As a matter of fact, my stables, were asked to be a vacation spot for those city horses that they have to be relieved from their duties at least two weeks a year, or something like a vacation, where they don’t work at all, and they are really taken off the premises and brought to another location.”

According to Eddie, horses thrive when given work to do. “I think that the if those horses weren’t being used for what they are doing, which they love to do, and horses love to pull. They love to work. They love it. They can’t wait to get out there and just do it. And what these people don’t know. If those horses weren’t out there, they’d be dead somewhere. They’d be euthanized, and they’d be useless just because they’re not doing what they’re supposed to be doing.”

Eddie argued that the recent collapses and deaths, including Ryder’s, are being misrepresented. “The last horse had a blood clot or something. So… I don’t think it’s abuse, not at all,” he said, adding that the ASPCA inspects barns like his regularly.

Concerns about extreme heat or cold, Eddie said, are misplaced. “Horses don’t feel the hot pavement because a horse’s hoof is made out of the same thing your fingernail is made out of. Yeah, they don’t transfer heat or cold. You see what I’m saying?” He added that horses are naturally adapted to both seasons. “In the wintertime they grow thick, hairy coats… and in the springtime… I cut away the winter coats to expose the summer coat.”

To Eddie, the bigger issue is preserving New York’s horse heritage. “Me personally talking to an old school guy. I think that New York is one of the largest appreciated horse states in the country. I mean, we have Aqueduct, Belmont, Yonkers Raceway, Saratoga… the oldest surviving horse ranch, cowboy ranch in the country is in New York. There’s a deep Hollow Ranch, which is in Montauk that’s been there since the 1800s. So, I understand that they need the space well, as long as they got the space and the availability to take care of those horses, like I believe they do, I think that they’re doing a disservice to this, to the state, by not allowing that heritage to be still existing in Central Park.”

The future of New York City’s horse-drawn carriage industry now hangs in the balance, caught between competing visions of heritage and humane progress. As the debate continues in the City Council, New Yorkers face a defining question: whether to uphold tradition or chart a new path that reimagines the iconic carriage ride for a modern era.

Borough President Hosts Opioid Overdose Awareness Event

BQE Admin on May 15, 2025

— 463 purple ribbons at Queens Borough Hall represent the number of Queens residents who lost their lives to overdose in 2023 —

 

On Monday April 28th at Queens Borough Hall the Queens Borough president Donovon Richards Jr. and Samaritan Daytop Village honor the Queens residents who lost their lives to Opioid overdoses in 2023. The event was a sea of purple ribbons to represent those that lost their lives. As of the last decade deaths from opioid overdoses have soared. In 2023 3,046 died from overdoses in New York City according to data from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. In 2023, 463 residents of Queens died from an overdose. 

 

At the event, Peer Recovery Professionals from Samaritan’s Peer Alliance Recovery Centers (PARC) spoke about the importance of harm reduction tools and strategies, including the life-saving medication Narcan. Byron Summers, one of Samaritan’s peer professionals, shared his personal experience with substance use and recovery.  If you or someone you know is seeking recovery support in Queens, you can reach Samaritan Daytop Village’s PARC Queens program at (929) 244-1445. 

 

The CEO & President of Samaritan Daytop Mitchell Netburn talks about the ribbons and what they represent. “Every one of the 463 purple ribbons placed here today represents a person who mattered—someone who laughed, loved, and was loved,” said Netburn. Samaritan Daytop has a program that reduces harm reduction for over 60 years to find recovery through treatment for addiction. They share strategies to reduce harm. “Home to our headquarters and 18 of our program sites, Queens has always been at the heart of our work. We are deeply committed to helping its residents on their recovery journeys. We are grateful to our government and elected partners who join us in this fight–together, we know we can end the overdose crisis.” he says.

The Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr talks about the impact of the Opioid crisis and how it has impacted Queens. “The scourge of opioid addiction has taken a terrible toll on Queens, with so many precious lives being snuffed out much too soon,” said Richards Jr.  “Fortunately, we have an organization like Samaritan Daytop Village that is working to address this crisis through its comprehensive treatment of substance abuse disorders. Thanks to Samaritan Daytop Village, there is hope for a better life for all those who are trapped in the depths of drug addiction.” he says. 

Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. “Today, we gather to honor the lives lost to a devastating crisis that continues to impact our community. We must stand united in our efforts to expand access to life-saving resources like Narcan and invest in comprehensive addiction treatment and prevention programs. Every life lost is a call to action — and together, we can turn the tide on this epidemic and offer hope and healing to those in need,” said Addabbo, Jr.

New York State Senator Leroy Comrie. “Every life lost to overdose is one too many. Today’s gathering is a solemn reminder that behind every ribbon is a neighbor, a family, and a future cut short. I’m grateful to Samaritan Daytop Village and all our partners for their tireless work to prevent these tragedies. Together, we must continue to invest in prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts that meet people where they are and ensure no family faces this crisis alone,” said Comrie. 

With Funding being cut for these programs assembly member Jessica González-Rojas highlights just how important these programs are to reduce the impact of the opioid crisis “Many New Yorkers are struggling with substance use disorders and suffering unnecessarily. With an administration cutting critical funding for lifesaving healthcare, we have to do more for our neighbors. New York is experiencing higher than national rates of opioid overdose deaths, for example. According to the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, a fatal overdose occurs every three hours, resulting in eight deaths a day, and that’s just in New York City. And we know this epidemic is impacting Black and Brown people at a higher rate than others. Today is such an important reminder that we have to keep fighting for the lives of New Yorkers. My bill, A069 enacts the Opioid Stewardship Fund, which will ensure that the state is investing in recovery services, while A6554 ensures transparency of how $2.6 billion received through a settlement is spent. The lives of New Yorkers are not bargaining chips. It is time we put New Yorkers first and build a better, healthier society,” said González-Rojas.

Assemblyman David I. Weprin comments  “Queens continues to face a devastating surge in overdose fatalities, driven largely by fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. We must confront this crisis by increasing funding for mental health and substance use disorder services along with investing in long-term recovery resources,” said Weprin.

Speaker Adrienne Adams “Substance use disorders can tear people away from who they are and those they love, and it’s up to our government to provide a system of care so that people can get help,” said Adams. “Each purple ribbon represents a son, daughter, a loved one whose life was cut too short. We must approach this crisis with solutions that center harm reduction, prevention, and treatment, and expand access to community-based care, especially in communities across Queens that are disproportionately affected by overdose deaths. As Speaker, I am committed to working with partners across government to present meaningful and holistic solutions that can curb this crisis.” she says.

Council Member, and Chair of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addictions Linda Lee “The opioid overdose crisis is a devastating public health epidemic that has claimed too many lives in our city—including 463 of our Queens neighbors in 2023 alone,” said Lee. “With data showing that a New Yorker dies from a drug overdose every three hours, we must lean on community partners like Samaritan Daytop Village, whose dedicated, on-the-ground efforts are helping lead the way out of this crisis. I am deeply grateful for their commitment to prevention and rehabilitation programs for the New Yorkers who need them most.” Lee says.

Council Member Lynn Schulman, “As Chair of the City Council’s Health Committee, I am committed to ensuring we address the overdose crisis with compassion, urgency, and evidence-based solutions. Every life lost to overdose is a preventable tragedy, and we must continue expanding access to harm reduction resources like Narcan, treatment services, and community-based support. I stand with Samaritan Daytop Village and all our partners in the fight to save lives and build a healthier New York,” said Schulman.

Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams “Every life lost to overdose is a tragedy that ripples through families and neighborhoods. The work of Samaritan Daytop Village isn’t just about recovery; it’s about building a system of care rooted in compassion, access, and responsibility. In a city where too many families are grieving in silence, their commitment to prevention, support, and healing is essential. I’m grateful for the space they create where dignity and care are prioritized, and people are met with respect, not judgment,” said Williams.

Councilwoman Vickie Paladino “Opioid overdose awareness is a critical issue that affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds.Each life lost to this crisis leaves families heartbroken and communities deeply impacted. It is essential that communities across the city—including right here in Queens—address this growing epidemic with urgency and a commitment to raising awareness and providing support for those at risk,” said Paladino. 

PARC Peer Professional Jacqueline Roman, “Every life is worth saving and everyone deserves a chance. Given the right circumstances, everyone can thrive. We need to meet people where they are and help them stay healthy,” said Roman.

“Get connected and stay connected,” said Summers.

The Ridgewood Jazz Festival Takes the Neighborhood by Sound

BQE Admin on May 15, 2025

By: Zachary Weg

Zweg@queensledger.com

 

The Ridgewood Jazz Festival dazzled the neighborhood over the weekend. 

Started by award-winning jazz bassist, Michael Feinberg, the festival was in its inaugural edition and displayed a range of musical talent. For Feinberg, an Atlanta native who’s been a Ridgewood resident for a decade, the event was especially meaningful.

“I had some experience doing curating, artistic directing festivals before, and I had been booking my own groups for two decades,” he says. “So I kind of just took all of those skills and put it into the creation of an organization called Ridgewood Jazz, which is not just this festival. We do other events in the neighborhood, and it’s a community thing. Y’know, I spent 20 years on the road and so, now, it’s nice that I get to walk to my gig.”

In addition to Dada Bar on Myrtle Avenue, the festival primarily took place at Trans-Pecos on Wyckoff Avenue. A verdant venue, with plants hanging from the rafters and a spacious backyard, it was a fitting space for the relaxed atmosphere of the festival. It also served as a respite for Feinberg after months of preparation for the program. 

“I’ve been working on this since October,” he says. “You obsessively, 24/7 are doing things for this festival, thinking, researching, making calls and emails, and all of this stuff. So when it finally…here it is, y’know, we had a countdown on the website. 72 days away, 60, and I’m just staring at it, like, ‘We have how many days left?’” 

For the festival’s lineup, Feinberg sought musicians who defied easy categorization. “I tried to keep a pretty varied program,” he says. “We have all different types of artists who are in the ‘jazz’ spectrum. Jazz is one of those words that has really no specific meaning. So, when you say ‘jazz’ to someone, are they thinking about Miles Davis or Kenny G? Are they thinking about Stan Getz plays Bossa Nova’s? 

“Are they thinking about Preservation Hall, Louis Armstrong, or Count Basie? These are all jazz. What’s cool is that almost none of the artists are playing similar styles of music, but they all are encapsulated in the umbrella of jazz. So that was really important. Diversity is really important.”

Feinberg continues, “Having as much music, and bringing different audiences together, so some that are more straight-ahead jazz fans, some that are maybe more avant-garde, some that are maybe into more electronic, some that are into Latin Jazz. We wanted to bring all of those different audiences under one roof, into one neighborhood. So there’s something for everybody, and hopefully you get turned on to a new artist that you didn’t even know about.”

One such artist is the twenty-four-year-old Montenegrin singer, Maša Vujadinović. Opening the festivities Saturday night, Vujadinović stunned attendees with her shattering soprano. Playing songs off her forthcoming EP, the musician delved into a kind of folk-jazz. She plays both the guitar and keyboards but it’s her elastic voice that makes her a revelation. 

Playing a few feet away indoors was someone quite different: the Nate Wood ‘Four,’ the number referring not to a quartet but rather the different instruments Wood played. Holding a guitar behind a drum kit and maneuvering some synthesizers as he sang, the musician played pulsating electronica that got audience members dancing. 

Then, among several other performers during the weekend, there was headliner, Karriem Riggins. A Detroit native who was a close friend and collaborator of the late hip-hop savant, J Dilla, Riggins is a drummer who has played with everyone from Ray Brown to Earl Sweatshirt. An alchemist of jazz and hip-hop, he is particularly special to Feinberg and was tapped by him to front the festival. 

“It’s just an honor to play the festival,” Riggins says. “Every time I play in New York, it’s special. To be a part of this festival, and to see the hard work that he’s [Feinberg] put into it, I’m honored to be a part of it and for the people to come and receive it.”

As Feinberg, who would proceed Saturday night to play a sizzling set with Riggins, concludes, “Hopefully, in six months, in a year, or in five years, we see that this is inspiring other creators, producers, venues, and audiences to come here. What we don’t want is for these corporate venues…because, now, Ridgewood is getting popular, that you’re going to have a Live Nation venue that comes here and kind of ruins our community. Great, so now we have a concert venue that we’re bringing huge artists to, but that also is disenfranchising the people who are already here that make this neighborhood great, that make this scene happening.”

Tax Lien Sale Puts Brooklyn and Queens Homes on the Line

BQE Admin on May 8, 2025

Courtesy Freepik

By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com

 

With less than three weeks until New York City’s first tax lien sale since the
pandemic, thousands of homeowners—particularly in Brooklyn and Queens—face
potential displacement from properties where many have lived for generations.

On May 20, the city will auction off the liens on properties with outstanding debts
for taxes, water bills, or emergency repairs. The move could set thousands of
working- and middle-class homeowners on a fast track to foreclosure. Notices were
mailed two weeks ago to property owners included in the sale, triggering a 30-day
countdown that housing advocates warn is especially dangerous for low- and
moderate-income (LMI) New Yorkers and communities of color.

In response, the Center for NYC Neighborhoods (CNYCN), a city-funded nonprofit,
has launched a full-scale outreach campaign to connect at-risk homeowners with
resources that may help them avoid the sale.

“This is basically the way that New York City collects debt on delinquent… property
taxes, water debt, or HPD emergency repair liens,” said Kevin Wolfe, Director of
Outreach and Public Affairs at CNYCN. “What basically happens is… those who are on
the tax lien sale must be notified… We are less than 20 days away from the lien sale,
basically. And we are… at the final stretch, trying to make sure that the homeowners
who are on the lien sale are able to get off.”

The sale, which had been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and
executive intervention by state officials, has returned in full for the first time in four
years. Advocates like Wolfe say its structure unfairly burdens small homeowners.

“Homeowners make up a disproportionate amount of those that are on the lien
sale,” Wolfe said, pointing to city data showing that while they represent 18% of the
total debt, their properties comprise about 42% of those included in the sale.

Homeowners with even modest debts—many under $5,000—can lose their homes if the lien is sold and they are unable to resolve it. “Once it’s at that stage, then you
have a lot fewer options and a lot fewer rights,” Wolfe warned.

The burden also falls disproportionately on Black and Latino communities. “Black
homeowners are six times more likely to be on the lien sale than white
homeowners. Hispanic, Latino homeowners are twice as likely,” Wolfe said. “Those
same neighborhoods that were redlined are the same neighborhoods that have the
highest concentrations of liens in 2024.”

Courtesy CNYCN

In response, CNYCN has organized nearly 50 outreach events across the five
boroughs, particularly targeting Southeast Queens and central Brooklyn—two areas
with the highest concentrations of at-risk homeowners. These events offer on-the-
spot help from legal, housing, and financial counselors, and are free to homeowners
through funding from the New York City Council.

The organization is urging anyone who received a 30-day notice to act immediately.
“Even if you’re reading this article the day before the lien sale, call us,” Wolfe said.
“We basically say it’s not too late. I know that it’s a scary situation. A lot of people
don’t even want to open the mail… but we will do our utmost to provide assistance
and get you off the lien sale.”

One critical option is the city’s “Easy Exit” program, which can remove eligible
homeowners from the lien sale list for a year while they work to resolve their debt.
“Most people do qualify—if your household income is about $107,000 or less, you
can be pulled off the lien sale,” Wolfe explained.

Other options include payment plans with reduced interest rates, property tax
deferral through the Property Tax and Interest Deferral (PTAID) program, and
permanent exemptions for seniors or people with disabilities.

CNYCN is also warning homeowners to be vigilant against scammers. Because the
lien sale list is public and includes contact information and debt amounts, it’s
become a gold mine for predatory actors. “They’ll offer to buy your air rights, or say
‘we’ll help you get this resolved,’ and then just take their money… It turns out that
they’re signing over their deed,” Wolfe said, noting that central Brooklyn—one of
the hardest-hit areas—is also a hotspot for deed theft.

For assistance, CNYCN encourages homeowners to call its Homeowner Hub at 646-
786-0888, available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or dial 311 and
request help with a tax lien. More information is also available on the group’s
website, including a tax lien tracker that visualizes the sale’s disproportionate
impact across the city.

Community Icon Helen Sokol Marks 103 Years in Queens

BQE Admin on May 8, 2025

By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com

 

Helen Sokol turned 103 this year, and as with each passing milestone, she was
surrounded by friends, family, and fellow community members at the Frank
Kowalinski Post No. 4 in Maspeth, where she was honored once again for her life of
resilience, service, and warmth.

Born in 1922 in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, Sokol has lived through a century of
change and history — much of it from her longtime home in Queens, where she
settled nearly 80 years ago. The daughter of Slovak immigrants, she arrived in New
York in the 1940s, first staying in Middle Village before moving to Elmhurst with her
late husband, Emil. The couple raised three sons and now have two grandchildren.

At this year’s celebration, representatives from Councilman Robert Holden’s and
Senator Joseph Addabbo’s offices presented Sokol with certificates recognizing her
contributions to the community and congratulating her on her remarkable
longevity.

Councilman Holden’s office praised her enduring commitment to civic engagement,
with staffer Phil Wong presenting her a Certificate of Recognition. “I am presenting
this to Helen from the Councilman Robert Holden’s office,” Wong said. “This
Certificate of Recognition presented to Helen Soko on her service to our
neighborhood and for her one hundred and third birthday celebration.”

A representative from Senator Addabbo’s office echoed those sentiments. “Senator
Joseph Addabbo recognizes and congratulates Helen’s uncle on the occasion of 100
and third birthday,” he said.

Sokol, who is known for her sharp wit and love of swing music, spoke candidly
about aging and the struggles she’s encountered recently, particularly with
healthcare.

“Turning 103… it’s a big change,” she said, reflecting on the shift she noticed in her
health after turning 102. She shared a frustrating experience with physical therapy
for vertigo, describing poor communication and inadequate treatment. “At least I
learned a little bit,” she said. “I’m trying to do things by myself now.”

Despite recent challenges, Sokol remains deeply engaged in her community. For decades, she’s been a member of the women’s civic organization that meets at the
Post, dating back to its original location on Seabury Street. The group, now
supported by the AARP, continues to serve local churches and address community
needs through regular meetings and outreach.

“I think the women who attend here genuinely enjoy it because they feel they can
speak their minds and see it lead to positive change,” Sokol said. “It’s a friendly
place.”

This year’s event was not just a birthday celebration, but a reaffirmation of Sokol’s
legacy — one rooted in family, service, and a sense of humor that remains intact.

A Woodside food pantry giving back to the community

BQE Admin on May 8, 2025

Sierra Ryan
News@queensledger.com

 

Ernestine Smith runs a food pantry along with a group of volunteers in Woodside Queens. Every
Friday Smith and volunteers would stand outside with a table packing bags for those in need.
Whether that would be hot food, cold food, socks, underwear or Easter baskets for the kids Smith
is dedicated to helping those that need it.
Smith started out as a member of an organization called the National Hook-Up of Black Women
where she noticed there was an increase in homelessness in the area so she decided to take
action. “I was scrolling through social media and a blessing bag had popped up on my timeline,
people were making blessing bags in other states and I thought that was a great idea” Smith says
“I brought it to the lady and because it involved going out and dealing with homelessness and
mental health they were kinda against it so I started to do it on my own. I started purchasing
things and making bags on my own and handing them out of my car.”
Smith was then able to expand and bring her blessing bags to different boroughs until the
pandemic hit. After that was over she went back to Harlem due to the high level of
homelessness. Her son Mariam convinced her to start doing a food pantry in Woodside since
that’s where she has lived for 39 years. Smith “Then my son said to me a year and a half ago
mom you serve every other community but you lived in woodside but you don’t know the
residents so I think it would be dope if you bought a food pantry here and when I got back from
Africa I started a food pantry here.”

Smith was inspired by her mother. Growing up in South Jamaica Queens in the 70’s during the
food stamp era many lower income communities were often affected by drugs. When Smith was
younger her mother would do things to help the community. Smith and her siblings would often
go to food pantries to pick up supplies and her mother would cook food to feed the whole
neighborhood. One particular example is during Mothers day her mother would help mothers
that were addicts get dressed up for church. This way their kids could see them in a positive
light. “For every mothers day she would fix the mothers up even if they were on drugs or
whatever their situation was she would make sure they would have a wig and she would do their
make up and make sure they had a dress and she would fix them up and go to church. So if their
kids did not see them in a good space any other time in their life they know that Mothers day or
New Years or any holiday my mother would always make sure the kids would have a good
experience for that day.”
Smith has a history of health issues including a heart monitor but despite that Smith can’t stand
to sit in the house and do nothing “I’m not supposed to be doing any of this. I’m really supposed
to be home resting and not doing anything stressful or strenuous but being home drives me crazy
and my only good space is my pantry. ” Smith says.
Since Smith is not funded she hopes that she can get funding from the government soon. As of
now the funding comes from Smith herself along with small donations from friends and family.
Smith is currently using credit cards to pay for Uhaul trucks to pick up food. “My hope is that I
can be funded by the government and have a drop in center where I can provide washing
machines, showers, computers, maybe temporary bedding for domestic violence,” She said. “I
would like to have parenting classes for teenage mothers and parenting classes for teenage fathers I would like to have public assistance come out and sign people up for medicaid or food
stamps housing and we need vehicles”

To follow updates on the pantry Smith has a Tiktok tikka714_ and a facebook page Marians love
4 all inc.

Borough President Richards Outlines Bold Plans in Annual Address

BQE Admin on May 1, 2025

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

In his third annual State of the Borough address, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. delivered an ambitious and determined vision for the future of the borough. Speaking before a full house at the Queens Theatre on April 25, Richards reviewed his administration’s progress over the past year, emphasizing key initiatives in education, healthcare, economic development, social services, and environmental sustainability.

The address kicked off with a heartfelt performance of the Star Spangled Banner by students from the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts. The event brought together a diverse group of leaders, starting with New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, who took the podium to express his admiration for Borough President Donovan Richards and the vibrant Queens community. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams also addressed the crowd, praising Queens as a microcosm of America, with its rich blend of cultures and immigrant stories. Williams commended Richards for his deep understanding of the borough’s complexities and challenges.

The evening continued with a performance of Summer Wind by the renowned RIOULT Dance New York, before Speaker of the NYC Council, Adrienne Adams, delivered a pointed critique of the Trump administration. Adams emphasized the importance of standing firm in Queens to protect New Yorkers, underscoring her partnership with Richards in “Trump-proofing” City Hall. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz also spoke, thanking local officials and the community for their support in tackling crime. She highlighted efforts to dismantle gangs, remove illegal weapons from the streets, combat human trafficking, and educate the public on scams, ensuring the borough remains safe and resilient.

Richards began his speech with a sharp critique of federal policies, particularly those under former President Donald Trump, which he argued posed significant threats to the people of Queens. “Now we’re going to do things a little differently this year, no fluff, no rhetoric, because we don’t have time to play games.” Richards said. “The state of our borough is precarious, Queens is under attack. Our wallets, our families, our futures, our values, our way of life.”  His defiant tone set the stage for the rest of the address, where he emphasized the borough’s resilience and diverse strength as the key to overcoming these challenges.

Immigration and Social Services

Richards highlighted his administration’s efforts to protect and support Queens’ immigrant communities, underscoring initiatives like the “Know Your Rights” workshops held in Corona and Queens Borough Hall, as well as resource fairs in Flushing. His office’s Immigration Task Force continues to connect residents to essential services, including legal and community support.

Notable investments included:

Make the Road Community Center: $1.8 million to support this Corona-based center, which provides legal services, childcare, and educational opportunities for local residents.

Variety Boys and Girls Club: An additional $5 million toward expanding this Astoria-based facility, following a previous $5 million investment in 2020.

River Fund Center: $3 million allocated for Richmond Hill’s nonprofit that provides food pantry services, SNAP enrollment assistance, and more.

Arverne East Aquatics Center: $46 million secured from the state, alongside an additional $36 million from city and borough funds, aimed at creating a state-of-the-art facility for the community.

Richards also discussed the planned $132 million Roy Wilkins Recreation Center, with $15 million allocated for renovations to the existing facility.

Borough President Richards also pointed to the significant strides already being made to address the swimming disparity gap, citing recent investments in public swimming pools in underserved neighborhoods. He specifically mentioned the allocation of resources to build and refurbish pools in locations where they are most needed, such as in the communities of Far Rockaway and South Jamaica. These new and renovated facilities will serve as vital community hubs, offering swimming lessons, water safety programs, and recreational opportunities for youth and adults alike. Richards emphasized that these pools are not just amenities—they are life-changing investments that equip residents with critical skills, promote physical activity, and enhance community cohesion.

Education Initiatives:

Richards focused on education as a cornerstone of Queens’ future, highlighting the $25 million allocated this year for Queens public schools, including the creation of new culinary arts kitchens at several schools. His administration also secured funding for:

$1 million to renovate P.S. 177Q, a special education school in Fresh Meadows.

Construction of a new 547-seat elementary school in Long Island City and a 700-seat annex at Forest Hills High School.

The opening of Motion Picture Technical High School and the upcoming Northwell School of Health and Sciences.

Since taking office, Richards has directed over $78 million in capital funding for school improvements.

Economic Development and Job Creation:

On the economic front, Richards detailed the progress of the $19 billion redevelopment of JFK Airport, including the $100 million refresh of Terminal 5 in partnership with JetBlue. This project, expected to create over 15,000 jobs, is a significant part of the borough’s broader economic growth strategy. Richards also noted that over $1 billion in contracts from the JFK redevelopment have been awarded to Queens-based businesses.

The Global Tech and Innovation Center, located at One Court Square, also received attention, with $5 million in funding for its development. Richards is committed to making Queens a hub for tech startups and innovation, a goal reinforced by the success of the borough’s annual Queens Tech and Career Expo.

Healthcare Investments: 

Queens’ first standalone cancer center at Jamaica Hospital, funded with $180 million in partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering. Reflecting on his personal experiences, Richards shared a poignant story about his grandmother, who was forced to navigate an inadequate healthcare system that ultimately failed her. He vowed to continue advocating for people in similar situations, ensuring that no one is left behind due to systemic inequities. His commitment to improving the borough’s healthcare infrastructure stems from a deeply personal place, as he understands the critical importance of accessible, quality care for all, particularly those in underserved communities.

The groundbreaking of a $30 million Gotham Health Clinic in Rockaway Village, slated to serve over 19,000 patients annually by 2027.

The expansion of St. John’s Episcopal Hospital’s labor and delivery unit, currently under construction. Richards also addressed the troubling maternal and infant mortality rates in Queens, particularly among Black women, who experience higher rates than any other demographic group. He emphasized that the borough’s new $30 million labor and delivery unit, under construction at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, is a vital step toward addressing this inequality. No woman, Richards argued, should have to leave her community to receive the care she deserves during one of the most important moments of her life. The new facility will offer comprehensive care to expectant mothers, helping to reduce these disparities and ensure healthier outcomes for both mothers and infants in Queens.

Since taking office, Richards has allocated $36 million toward improving healthcare facilities across the borough.

Environmental and Energy Initiatives:

In the realm of environmental sustainability, Richards emphasized his administration’s commitment to green infrastructure, citing more than $44 million invested into parks across Queens, including major upgrades at Cunningham, Brookville, Baisley, and Juniper Valley parks.

Champlain Hudson Power Express, which will bring hydroelectricity from Canada to Queens starting in 2026.

The transformation of the Ravenswood Generating Station in Long Island City into a renewable wind energy facility, which is expected to power 700,000 homes.

Richards also pledged $5.2 million for hydroponics labs in Queens schools and continued expansion of the borough’s Open Streets program.

Transportation Improvements:

Richards provided an update on several key transportation initiatives, including the upcoming $30 million Queens Bus Network Redesign, set to take effect in June, which will improve service on 20 bus routes and introduce 17 new routes.

Another major transportation project is the $5.5 billion Interborough Express, which will link Queens to Brooklyn, cutting commute times and benefiting millions of riders annually.

Affordable Housing:

Richards also reviewed the borough’s progress on affordable housing, noting the following developments:

Willets Point Development: Phase one, which includes 2,500 affordable units, a new school, and public park space, is slated for completion in 2026.

The One LIC Plan, which would add 14,000 affordable housing units in the Queensboro Bridge area, entered the public review process in April.

Arverne East: A community that has already seen hundreds of families move into newly built affordable housing units.

Beach Green Dunes III: New affordable housing units in Far Rockaway, with 116 units launched in a recent housing lottery.

Looking Forward:

In his closing remarks, Richards urged Queens residents to stand united in the face of national challenges, asserting that their collective strength would continue to drive the borough’s success. “I choose you, Queens. I choose the borough that builds riches, not burns them. I choose the borough that opens its arms to the world, not closes its doors to it,” he said.

Dermot Smyth: A Year Later, Ready to Lead District 30

BQE Admin on May 1, 2025

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Nearly a year after announcing his candidacy for New York City Council District 30, Dermot Smyth is reflecting on the progress he’s made and the road ahead. Smyth jumped into the race early, eager to bring his experience as a longtime educator and labor advocate to the forefront of local politics. Now, with the election approaching,  the democratic candidate is focused on expanding his support and addressing the concerns of his community, which he’s spent years serving through his work with the United Federation of Teachers (UFT).

Born to Irish immigrant parents, Smyth has spent over 25 years as an educator and is currently the Political Coordinator for the UFT. His passion for education reform is central to his campaign, alongside his commitment to addressing the district’s pressing issues, from housing affordability to neighborhood safety.

Smyth’s deep connection to his community stems from his father’s immigrant journey to U.S. citizenship, which instilled in him a strong belief in inclusive policies and equal opportunities for all. A resident of Middle Village for over 30 years, Smyth’s roots in the district run deep, long before he pursued political ambitions. As a father of two—his 30-year-old daughter and 17-year-old son—Smyth has always placed a high value on family and education. His professional path reflects a commitment to service and growth, beginning as a janitor in local schools during the late 1980s and early 1990s. With a history degree from Queens College, Smyth transitioned into teaching, where his experiences as an educator shaped his dedication to reforming the education system. His time in the classroom gave him firsthand insight into the challenges faced by both students and teachers, further fueling his passion for improving educational opportunities.

Over the past year, Smyth has been tirelessly reaching out to voters across the borough, gaining key endorsements from figures like Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and U.S. Congressman Tom Suozzi. Despite not receiving an endorsement from the incumbent, Councilmember Bob Holden, Smyth remains undeterred. “I’m humbled by the support I’ve received, and if the district elects me, we all stand to benefit,” he said, emphasizing his deep connection to the community and his longstanding commitment to local families.

Smyth’s platform is grounded in the bread-and-butter issues that families in District 30 face every day. “The cost of living is a huge issue for so many here, and people often wonder what a local official can do about it—well, a lot,” he said. He advocates for policies that support small businesses, improve transit infrastructure, and address the growing concerns of gentrification, particularly in neighborhoods like Ridgewood. Smyth acknowledges the tension between long-time residents and new arrivals, proposing solutions such as expanded bike lanes, but only if the community supports them.

Addressing the district’s housing challenges, Smyth is skeptical of the “City of Yes” initiative. He sees it as a blanket policy that fails to account for the unique needs of each neighborhood. “We need strong leadership in the room to make sure these developments don’t negatively impact our communities while recognizing the need for new housing,” he said. Smyth is committed to ensuring that the voices of District 30’s residents are heard in these discussions.

A central issue for Smyth is education reform, which he has championed throughout his career. He believes that current spending on education is not being utilized effectively. “We need to redirect the funds we already have to improve our schools,” he argued. His vision for community schools goes beyond classrooms, advocating for schools to become hubs for both education and neighborhood services. By keeping schools open in the evenings for after-school programs like basketball and language classes, Smyth hopes to create a safer, more engaged environment for students and their families.

Smyth also sees schools as an opportunity to strengthen family involvement. “The classroom is another room in your house,” he said, emphasizing the importance of parents being active participants in their children’s education. His proposed initiatives include offering ESL classes for parents and resume-writing workshops to help families integrate into their communities and the workforce.

While Smyth’s campaign has focused on the long-term needs of the district, he is also committed to addressing immediate concerns, such as the state of public parks. In many parts of District 30, Smyth said, families are discouraged from using their local parks due to broken playgrounds, discarded alcohol bottles, and even needles. “We cleaned up the subway system—if we can do that, we can clean up our parks,” he said, proposing the idea of surveillance cameras to help address these safety concerns.

On the issue of homelessness, Smyth spoke compassionately about the need for more dedicated facilities for those suffering from mental health issues. “This is somebody’s mother’s child,” he said. “These people need warm beds and clean sheets. It’s a humanitarian issue.” He stressed that simply offering shelter is not enough—there must be a broader system in place to support these individuals.

A major part of Smyth’s message is his belief that local government positions like the city council should be held by experienced individuals who bring real-world knowledge to the table. “There’s a lot of good intentions when people run for office, but I want to give our district a seat at the leadership table,” he said. With decades of experience in education and labor, Smyth is positioning himself as the candidate who can leverage his connections and expertise to make a real difference.

As he continues to knock on doors every week, Smyth remains committed to listening to the concerns of his constituents. “I want to be a voice that makes sure our community’s needs are heard,” he said.

With the primary election soon approaching, Smyth’s campaign is gaining steam, and he’s eager to continue engaging with voters. “I’m not running to change the city for the sake of it. I’m running because I believe we can make our community stronger, safer, and more connected,” he said. “If I’m elected, it’s not just a win for me—it’s a win for all of us.”

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