Volume 32, No. 3 Fall 2021 Jackson Heights Beautification Group

www.JHBG.org JH-Strong: Resiliency in the Face of a Pandemic

Volume 32, No. 1 Spring 2020 Jackson Heights Beautification Group

www.JHBG.org

Jackson Heights – “A Garden in the City” President’s Message 2 Editor's Message 2 President’s Message BY LESLIE ELLMAN Historic Jackson Heights Weekend 3 ike many of you, I have spent the past several Jackson Heights Sundays at Travers Notables 3 Park enjoying an Fighting Climate excellent diverse line Change with Trees 4 Lup of musical talent. We have In Memoriam 4, 10, 11 all been basking in the balmy Halloween Parade 5 summer evenings, delighting En español 6 in live music in the company of Pandemic Recovery 8 our neighbors. Although each performance has been unique, City Wildlife 10 I have noticed a striking IN THIS ISSUE Volunteer Spotlight 11 similarity in the audience: JH-SCRAPS 11 when I look around every week, Ongoing Events 12 I see happiness and delight on Membership Form 12 the many faces in attendance. JHBG is very proud of our your costumes and come out to march with On the cover: concert series because it brings people us on Sunday, October 31st! Art by Kirsten Magnani together in our “town square”, Travers Park. And to add to the excitement, I am happy “This image is inspired by a visionary piece called Plant Anyone can pull up a chair or blanket and to share with everyone that the much-loved Seeds Grow by Architect/ enjoy listening to live music with neighbors Jackson Heights Orchestra will return Visual Artist Olalekan on a beautiful summer evening. As we gather later this year as well. Their first concert is Jeyifous, which provokes there, we are finally able to exhale after a scheduled for December. new ways of thinking about how architectural designs very different and difficult past summer. This The JHBG exists to serve the community. can best serve humanity year’s concerts have more meaning after last We do so in many ways, aiming to uplift and and local communities. My year’s suspension of programming, and we are bring joy to all of our neighbors through our intention is to portray the just getting started. programming. See you at the Garden Tour, signs of growth and recovery all around us as we Mark your calendars for the return of at the Halloween parade, at an upcoming regenerate as a community.” several of our beloved programs. In the fall, performance of the Jackson Heights we are bringing back our Historic Weekend Orchestra, or maybe simply on the Avenue! and Garden Tour on September 18. I am En español thrilled to also announce the return of The Leslie Ellman páginas 6–7 Halloween Parade in October! Start planning JHBG President

Editor’s Message BY MELISSA ZAVALA With an Eye on the Pandemic—What Does the Recovery Look Like in Jackson Heights?

reetings, neighbors! With the city reopening story by Ashley Cruce, volunteer coordinator at the human impact on the and efforts underway to return to normality, JH-SCRAPS, our community composting center, environment is wide-ranging this issue focuses on community life where she has been volunteering herself for six years. and together we can think resuming and the state of recovery for She is a gardener, educator, and composter at the more creatively and respectfully about our planet at small businesses one year later. To do Botanical Garden, and she is an all-around large and do so from the neighborhood level. Gthis, we highlight the return of Historic Weekend coordinator extraordinaire. Her story features one of I wish to thank those of you who have been and the Halloween Parade. To explore how long- our prized helpful volunteers, Viet Dinh. sending comments about our summer issue. We are time neighborhood retail establishments are faring The series of articles under our now regular grateful for your support and your feedback. If you through the pandemic, we visit Jahn’s Diner, Ultima column, “Jackson Heights Notables”, remembers would like to suggest topics for stories or contribute Florals, and Rincón de los Antiques, all located on 37th Frank Yerby. This section will keep a focus on public articles, propose improvements to the newsletter, Avenue in the heart of Jackson Heights. The two retail figures and neighbors who currently live or have send ideas for enhancements to our programming, stores had to close last year while the diner remained lived here and who represent various elements of and share your overall thoughts on how to further open. How are they recovering? What lessons can life in Jackson Heights. This issue reminds us of the build upon what we are currently doing, please email these businesses offer others, and what can they tell architectural legacy left by Yerby, an African American us at [email protected]. You can also write to us by mail us about our neighborhood’s community life? writer of popular fiction who lived here in the 1940s. at JHBG, PO Box 720253, Jackson Heights, NY 11372. This edition continues to honor our dedicated Lastly, this issue also introduces what will be a We hope to see and hear from you this Fall, and always interesting neighborhood volunteers regular column called “Our Urban Ecosystem” which who donate their time and talent to the Jackson will consider the effects of human practices on wildlife. Melissa Zavala Heights Beautification Group. This issue includes a From gardening to architectural design choices, Editor

2 VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | FALL 2021 www.JHBG.org SAT. & SUN. September 2021 Historic Jackson Heights Weekend 18 & 19 BY DAN KARATZAS GET TICKETS hirty years ago, the Jackson Heights TODAY! Beautification Group launched its first Historic Jackson Heights Weekend highlighting our unique garden community. Over the decades, people have come from far and wide (and, of course, close to home) to attend Tthe annual exhibit of original photographs and ephemera, a slide presentation, the garden tour, and the walking tour. Attendance has grown to a total of over 300 for all events over the last few years. Sadly, the pandemic forced the cancellation of the June 2020 and June 2021 events. However, we are preparing for a scaled back version this September. We invite you to join us. Tickets are $10 per tour.

Come celebrate the picturesque architecture and lively history of JH GARDEN TOUR: Saturday, September 18th from Noon to 4pm (rain date: September 25th) We anticipate 14 gardens will be participating this year. And since we have never had a fall garden tour, here is a chance to see what they look like as the summer ends. Tickets can be purchased at Espresso 77 (35- 77th Street) beginning in early September. On the day of the event, tickets can be purchased in front of Community Church, on 35th Avenue between 81st and 82nd Streets. We also plan to have books and T-shirts available for sale.

WALKING TOUR: Sunday, September 19th at Noon Tours will meet at 11:45 in front of the Community Church, on 35th Avenue between 81st and 82nd Streets). We ask that you register in advance by calling 347-766-9129 to ensure that enough guides are available to keep each tour group to less than 20 people.

Frank Yerby Remembering a Forgotten Author BY DANIEL KARATZAS

For any Jackson Heights residents who Harrow, in 1946. Yerby’s early success and have travelled down 86th Street between his desire to escape racism in the South Northern Boulevard and 34th Avenue resulted in the family purchasing this house and marveled at the one house that is just a few years following the profitable JACKSON unlike any other on the block—or in the sales of Foxes. Yet, as one can imagine, a neighborhood, for that matter—there is a smooth transition to such a homogenous HEIGHTS reason for the uncharacteristic style of this community like Jackson Heights was in NOTABLES home. No longer a vernacular 1920s-era the late 1940s was unlikely. In fact, even brick house, how and when was this one with his continuing success—seven novels house so “modernized”? The house at published between 1946 and 1952—Yerby This series The Yerby family home on 86th highlights former 33-28 86th Street was purchased by continued to feel the sting of discrimination Street, modernized in the 1940s Jackson Heights Frank Yerby and remodeled in 1949 by the and left the United States for France in 1952, architects Jedd Reisner and Max Urbahn. A eventually settling in Spain, where he died residents of notable entertaining summary of Frank’s life and interest for the dramatic two-story living room lies behind in 1991. His first wife and children remained the large glass windows that cover most in the house for a number of years after his importance can be accessed online at: ways in which they of the front façade. Complementing this self-imposed exile with a new family. www.main.oxfordamerican.org/ represent some of clean, modernist renovation, is dining room Yerby published over 30 books magazine/item/1914-you-never- the elements of life furniture produced by George Nakashima. between 1946 and 1985, with his 1971 can-tell-about-a-river in our neighborhood. Who is Frank Yerby? Today, the name novel The Dahomean considered his And while Frank Yerby’s presence in is not familiar to many. But that was not masterpiece. Some of his early novels Jackson Heights was limited to just a few always the case. He was a well-known were optioned by Hollywood and made years almost 70 years ago, the house writer of historical fiction and the first into films. Despite the popularity of his he renovated remains as striking and African-American to sell over one million books, he remains an elusive figure in distinctive as it did the day he and his family copies of a novel entitled The Foxes of 21st century America. An excellent and moved in back in the 1940s.

www.JHBG.org VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | FALL 2021 3 Some of the “natural AC’s” in JH at work on our avenues

So Cool: Battling Climate Change in NYC with Trees BY LEN MANIACE

coalition of civic, environmental, govern- warming, was not the target in itself. As a result, ment and business groups unveiled a plan missing from the plan was the care required of this summer to make our city more envi- those newly planted trees to ensure their growth WHY PLANT TREES? ronmentally sustainable, resilient, and eq- to maturity when trees are best at capturing Many studies have shown that city uitable in the face of climate warming by carbon and have more robust canopies. Getting neighborhoods with big trees are Agrowing our urban forest. If this sounds familiar, them to that stage cannot depend on volunteer significantly cooler than places that is because this is what the Jackson Heights care work alone. JHBG knows that is not enough. lacking them. That should not be Beautification Group’s (JHBG) Tree LC brigade City government must do more to maintain our a surprise. Consider how you feel has been working on in Jackson Heights for most trees. While JHBG’s Tree LC—the city’s most about walking across a parking of the last decade. In fact, JHBG is a member active volunteer tree stewardship program, lot on a hot summer day or, in of the leadership committee for Forest For All surpassing even those led by professionals— contrast, along a tree-lined street NYC, the umbrella group leading the effort. has been caring for Jackson Heights’ trees, that same day. Two big things The committee’s main goal is to increase city we can only regularly tend to a fraction of make it cooler. The obvious thing coverage by 30% from the current 22% by 2035. them. Maintaining all trees is another major is shade, but the more subtle That may seem a distant date, but to accomplish component of the NYC Urban Forest Agenda. and even more powerful effect is evaporation of water from the this, we need to start now. New York is not the If you want to help keep Jackson Heights leaves on the trees, a process first city exploring such an increase. Boston, and NYC livable in the future, read more about called transpiration. Think about it Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington DC are the NYC Urban Forest Agenda and request that this way: remember the chill you already on their way. Unlike those cities, however, the following officials support the effort: feel after emerging from the ocean the NYC Urban Forest Agenda, as the campaign Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, or a pool; that is the cooling effect is called, does not yet have the city’s support. [email protected] of water evaporating from your Right now, you may be asking, didn’t Mayor 25th District Council Member Daniel Dromm, skin. Generally speaking, the more Bloomberg’s Million Trees program already do [email protected] leaves and the bigger the leaves, this? While Million Trees is helping, that project 25th District Council’s Democratic nominee the more evaporation, and the focused on planting one million trees with the Shekar Krishnan, [email protected] more cooling. Together the shade idea that this would improve NYC’s air quality. 21th District Council Member Francisco Moya, and transpiration make trees Mother Nature’s natural ACs. Cooling the city, especially in the face of global [email protected]

IN MEMORIAM: Joe Ricevuto, Pillar of Jackson Heights BY MELISSA ZAVALA

illiam Butler Yeats’ phrase that a stranger is a friend one Thanksgiving Day Parade for over 30 years bringing cheer as a clown, has not met yet, describes Joe Ricevuto’s manner. He was and he was one of the JHBG’s own. As President of the Garden Club, he a special presence in the neighborhood. Along with Steve beautified 37th Avenue, planting flowers and over 100 trees. Dedicated Knobel, who also passed away this year, Joe was one of the to serving seniors, Joe helped prevent their isolation by organizing W“Mayors of Jackson Heights''. Both contributed to the community, the Men and Women’s Club of Jackson Heights which provided meals adding personality to the neighborhood. Councilmember Daniel and engaged residents in the sort of lively conversation Joe sparked. Dromm plans to rename a street honoring both Steve and Joe, two Beyond JHBG’s Board of Directors, Joe served on Community Board 3 pillars of the community, later this year. (To read more about Steve, and for different Catholic organizations. As a devout Catholic, he also see the Summer 2021 issue of Views from The Heights.) functioned as a member of the Board of Trustees for St. Joan of Arc. Joe passed away at age 88 in January. He was a hairstylist, a Korean We extend our heartfelt condolences to his widow, Nancy War Army Veteran, a community organizer, a regular in the Macy’s Hernandez-Ricevuto, and everyone who loved him.

4 VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | FALL 2021 www.JHBG.org A NEIGHBORHOOD CELEBRATION: SUNDAY October Our Annual Children’s Halloween Parade Turns 30! at Noon!31 37th Ave. from BY EDWIN O’KEEFE WESTLEY 89TH to 76TH ast year would have been the 30th anniversary of Streets our annual Halloween Parade. The city shutdown meant the parade’s cancellation, but we are bringing it back! We are grateful to local merchants and contributors for always providing both in- Lkind donations and financial support. Ultima Florals, Dime Bank and Foodtown provide us with decorations, treat bags, and drinks, respectively. Armondo’s Italian Restaurant, Momma Rosa’s Pizza, and Lety’s Bakery and Café supply us with food. Photographer Patti Lowenhaupt documents our events for free. We are thankful for the financial support from Joseph Lock and Alarm, 82nd Street Partnership, Queens Chamber of Commerce, Capital One Bank, Apple Bank, Garden Heights Property Mgmt., Kiwanis of Jackson Heights, Costco, Jackson House Restaurant, Happy Kitchen, 82nd Street Tenants, La Boina Roja, The India Long Term Trust, Koeppel Auto Group, Frank’s Pharmacy, Abetx International Brokers, Jackson Heights Jewish Center, Steve and Suzanne Knobel, Brown’s Army Navy, TD Bank, New Peking Kitchen, Seba Seba, Olivos Opticians, Black Tie Cleaners, Dr. Abe Dyzenhaus, Downtown Nature Health Foods Inc., Espresso 77, Jahn’s diner and San Andresito Jewelry. We would not have a Children’s Halloween Parade without children from IS 230 and PS 145 students with their marching bands and Cheerleaders; Jackson Heights Early Learning Center; 82nd Street Academics; PS 69, PS 280, St. Joan of Arc, PS 212, the Girl Scouts, PS 148, PS 92, Renaissance Charter, PS 222, PS 228, PS 89, PS 398; the Performing Arts Conservatory of NY; the Lexington School; and Forte Prep Charter School. Community Board 3 members also march with us. Our behind-the-scenes volunteers blow up balloons, stuff treat bags, line up marchers, keep everything organized during the march, hand out 3,200 goodie bags, and serve food, drinks, and cake at our celebration party. They are too numerous to mention individually, though the Newtown HS Key Club deserves special mention. A shout-out also goes to the police officers of the 115th Precinct who keep us safe, especially Detective Johnson and PO Robby. Our Parade Committee does the rest. John McCaffrey packs and distributes treat bags; Len Maniace covers our press release. John Cebollero has been creating our beautiful posters and now Kirsten Magnani will take over. Edna Vera, Barbara Kunkel, and Melissa Zavala help out with hospitality. Edwin O’Keefe Westley is the overall parade organizer.

www.JHBG.org VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | FALL 2021 5 EN ESPAÑOL Mensaje de la presidenta nuestros dedicados y siempre POR LESLIE ELLMAN interesantes voluntarios. Queridos vecinos, como Asimismo, la serie de artículos muchos de ustedes, he de la ahora columna regular, pasado algunos de los últimos “Jackson Heights Notables”, domingos en Travers Park conmemora a Frank Yerby, disfrutando una gran variedad escritor afroamericano de excelentes talentos que vivió aquí en la década musicales. El JHBG está de 1940. Finalmente, este Celebración del desfile de Halloween. orgulloso de los conciertos número introduce la que será porque reúnen a la gente en otra columna regular, “Our nuestra “plaza”: Travers Park. Urban Ecosystem”, dedicada Los conciertos de este año a los efectos de las prácticas significan mucho después de humanas en la vida salvaje. la suspensión de los eventos Quiero agradecer a todos programados el año pasado, aquellos que nos han enviado y esto es solo el comienzo. sus comentarios sobre el En el otoño regresa nuestro número del verano pasado. Fin de Semana Histórico y el Si te interesa proponer temas Recorrido por los Jardines el o contribuir con artículos o Voluntarios 18 de septiembre. ¡Regresa ideas, envíanos un correo ayudando con las también el Desfile de Halloween electrónico a [email protected] preparaciones el 31 de octubre! Asimismo, la o escríbenos por correo para el día del Orquesta de Jackson Heights a JHBG, PO Box 720253, desfile. regresará a finales de año. Jackson Heights, NY 11372. El JHBG está para servir a la comunidad. Mediante nuestro Fin de Semana Histórico de de la hora programada. Puedes John Cebollero, Kirsten programa aspiramos a alentar Jackson Heights en 2021 registrarte con anticipación Magnani, Edna Vera, Barbara y llevar alegría a todos nuestros POR DAN KARATZAS llamando al 347-766-9129. Kunkel, Melissa Zavala y vecinos. Hace 30 años el JHBG lanzó Edwin O’Keefe Westley, su primer Fin de Semana Una celebración del organizador general. Mensaje de la editora: Histórico de Jackson Heights vecindario: ¡nuestro Desfile Con un ojo en la pandemia, para destacar los jardines Infantil Anual de Halloween Seguimiento a la ¿cómo pinta la recuperación que hacen única a nuestra cumple 30 años! recuperación de nuestros en Jackson Heights? comunidad. Tristemente, la POR EDWIN O’KEEFE WESTLEY negocios pequeños POR MELISSA ZAVALA pandemia forzó la cancelación El año pasado habría sido el POR MELISSA ZAVALA ¡Saludos, vecinos! Con la de los eventos de junio de 2020 Aniversario 30 de nuestro A diferencia de las grandes reapertura de la ciudad y los y junio de 2021. Sin embargo, Desfile Anual de Halloween. tiendas de marca, los pequeños esfuerzos puestos en regresar a nos estamos preparando para El cierre de la ciudad significó negocios dan al vecindario la normalidad, este número está un gran regreso en septiembre. la cancelación del desfile, un carácter local y anclan dedicado al retorno de nuestra Te invitamos a que te unas al ¡pero este año lo traemos comunidades. Pero ¿qué tan comunidad a la vida normal Recorrido por los Jardines el 18 de regreso! Agradecemos a bien preparados están para y al estado de recuperación de septiembre de 12:00 a 4:00 los comerciantes locales y a soportar los impactos de la de los pequeños negocios un de la tarde; los boletos cuestan los patrocinadores por sus pandemia? Los propietarios año después del comienzo $10 por evento y puedes donaciones en especie y su de tres de estos negocios nos de la pandemia. Para esto, comprarlos en Espresso 77 apoyo económico. Gracias comparten su experiencia: destacamos el regreso del Fin desde inicios de septiembre también a todos los negocios Nick Moukas de Jahn’s Diner, de Semana Histórico y el Desfile o el día del evento frente a que colaboran, así como a George Spetsieris de Ultima de Halloween. Para explorar la Iglesia Comunitaria de la los niños de las escuelas Florals y María Zapata de cómo la han pasado los Avenida 35, entre las Calles 81 públicas, sin quienes el Rincón de los Antiques, que establecimientos comerciales y 82. El Recorrido a Pie tendrá evento no existiría, a nuestros fueron seleccionados con durante la pandemia, visitamos lugar el 19 de septiembre a voluntarios, a los policías de base en la adecuación de sus Jahn’s Diner, Ultima Florals y las 12:00. El punto de reunión la Estación de Policía 115 y a negocios a las categorías de Rincón de los Antiques, todos para ambos recorridos es al Comité del Desfile, que se esencial y no esencial. Los tres ubicados en la Avenida 37. Esta Iglesia Comunitaria de la encarga de la organización: lugares proporcionan distintos edición continúa honrando a Avenida 35, 15 minutos antes John McCaffrey, Len Maniace, servicios a la comunidad.

6 VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | FALL 2021 www.JHBG.org EN ESPAÑOL ¡Qué chévere! Combatir el años. Arquitecto, planificador de la junta directiva del JHBG. padeciendo la discriminación, cambio climático con árboles urbano y residente de toda la Enviamos nuestro más sentido por lo que dejó Estados Unidos en la Ciudad de Nueva York vida en Queens, Peter sirvió pésame a su viuda, Nancy y se mudó a Francia en 1952. POR LEN MANIACE como director de la Oficina de Hernández-Ricevuto, y a todos Finalmente se estableció en Este verano, una coalición de Planificación Urbana de Queens sus seres queridos. España, donde murió en 1991. grupos civiles, ambientalistas en la década de 1980. En 1986 Yerby publicó más de 30 libros y gubernamentales dieron a Claire Shulman lo nombró In memoriam: Janet M. Kelly, entre 1946 y 1985. Aunque conocer un plan para hacer presidente del Condado de celebrar una vida. algunas de sus primeras que, mediante el aumento de Queens y con éxito abogó para Mis recuerdos de Janet novelas fueron adaptadas al los bosques urbanos, nuestra restaurar y plantar árboles en la POR SEAN WESTLEY cine por Hollywood, Negros ciudad sea más sostenible, franja central de la Avenida 34. A principios de la década de son los dioses de mi África fuerte y equitativa en materia En 2002 se convirtió en director 1990, mi padre se encontraba (The Dahomean), publicada en de medio ambiente y de cara del Programa de Gestión en una situación difícil: no 1972, es considerada su obra al cambio climático. Si suena de Capital de la Biblioteca sobrellevaba bien la soltería, maestra. familiar es porque esto es en Pública Queensborough donde así que decidió unirse a la Red lo que la brigada Tree LC del sostuvo la expansión de nuevas de Acción de Padres Solteros La magia del compostaje Grupo de Embellecimiento sucursales. Le sobreviven (SPAN, por sus siglas en explicada por un excelente de Jackson Heights (JHBG su esposa, Dorothy, e hijos, inglés). Necesitaba con quien voluntario: Viet Dinh por sus siglas en inglés) ha Kirsten e Ian. Se pueden hacer formar equipo, una animadora, POR ASHLEY CRUCE estado trabajando durante donaciones a la memoria de una pareja de viajes, una Esta es una entrevista a la mayor parte de la última Peter al JHBG. activista de los derechos LGBT, Viet Dinh, quien comenzó a década. De hecho, el JHBG es amante del teatro y, más trabajar con nosotros durante miembro del comité dirigente In memoriam: Joe Ricevuto, importante, alguien que viera la pandemia, el otoño pasado. de Forest For All NYC, el grupo pilar de Jackson Heights el romance en la vida con su Tiene 19 años, vive en Elmhurst central que lidera el esfuerzo. POR MELISSA ZAVALA madre en Jackson Heights. y estudia una licenciatura en La meta principal del comité Junto con Steve Knobel, quien Janet era el complemento ciencias de la comunicación, es incrementar la cobertura falleció este año, Joe fue uno perfecto. Estuvieron juntos con énfasis en bioinformática, a 30% para 2035 del 22 % de los “Alcaldes de Jackson por 29 años. Janet me enseño en Hunter College. Nuestros actual. Heights”. Ambos hicieron a seguir adelante y a nunca voluntarios son realmente contribuciones a la comunidad rendirme. Siempre recordaré invaluables, con su ayuda In memoriam: y dieron personalidad al los legendarios largos abrazos hemos sostenido el aumento Peter Magnani, una fuerza vecindario. El concejal Daniel de Janet. de desperdicios de comida para el cambio en Queens Dromm está planeando desde la reapertura de JH- POR PATRICIA AUSPOS renombrar una calle en honor LOS DESTACADOS DE JACKSON HEIGHTS SCRAPS en julio del 2020. Peter Magnani, dedicado de Steve y Joe para finales de Aquellos que llamaron servidor público que trabajó año. Joe murió en enero a la hogar a Jackson Heights: JH-SCRAPS expande sus para mejorar el bienestar y el edad de 88 años. Fue estilista, Frank Yerby POR DAN KARATZAS esfuerzos para el compostaje ambiente de Jackson Heights veterano de la guerra contra Aunque su nombre no resulta POR LENNY OLSSON y muchos otros vecindarios Corea, organizador de la familiar a muchos, Frank Yerby JHSCRAPS se enorgullece en Queens, murió el 23 de comunidad, dedicado a servir a fue un conocido escritor de en anunciar un nuevo junio de 2021 a la edad de 82 los adultos mayores, y miembro ficción histórica y el primer proyecto de construcción que afroamericano en vender más incrementará la capacidad Comercio en locales históricos en Jackson Heights. de un millón de copias de una para realizar de manera local el novela titulada Débil es la compostaje de los deshechos carne (The Foxes of Harrow), de alimentos del vecindario. de 1946. Su éxito y su deseo Un nuevo contenedor similar al de escapar del racismo del sur construido el año pasado para llevó a su familia a comprar reemplazar el original está en la casa en el 33-28 de la Calle la etapa de planeación. Este 86, que fuera remodelada proyecto es posible gracias a con un estilo modernista en un financiamiento otorgado 1949 por los arquitectos Jedd por el Comité Ciudadano de Reisner y Max Urbahn. A pesar Nueva York (CCNYC, por sus de su creciente éxito —siete siglas en inglés). Agradecemos novelas más publicadas entre a CCNYC por cubrir los costos 1946 y 1952—, Yerby siguió de este proyecto.

www.JHBG.org VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | FALL 2021 7 Tracking the Recovery of Our Small Businesses BY MELISSA ZAVALA

volving storefronts over the past two decades reflect changes to the city’s economy and demographics with the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic exacerbating trends. EDifferent from large brand name stores, mom-and-pop shops provide neighbor- hoods with local character, anchoring communities. How prepared are they to sustain the pandemic’s impacts? Three local store owners share their experiences below. Nick Moukas of Jahn’s Diner, George Spetsieris of Ultima Florals, and Maria Zapata, of Rincón de los Antiques, were selected based on their Nick Moukas, co-owner of Jahn’s, a businesses fitting essential and non-es- 70-year-old neighborhood institution sential categories. While American diners are disappearing, Jahn’s remains a local staple, serving as a regular meeting place 1940s Tiffany-style lamps and luncheon- in returning income to pre-pandemic levels. and offering a broad, reasonably priced ette counter, on the morning of my visit, Additionally, Nick Moukas says, “It’s a menu. It was deemed essential during the regular diners steadily trickled in while different dynamic. Quite a few people have pandemic. Ultima Florals marks special I talked to Nick Moukas. He made time moved from the neighborhood”. occasions and is considered a non-essen- between settling bills and welcoming every- Thankfully, Jahn’s enjoys the support tial luxury business despite selling living one, filling in for his hostess who was out. of regular diners and helpful neighbors like “products” for expressing feelings like sym- With only 75% of staff back this summer, Ultima Florals and NYC Food Mart which pathy and gratitude felt profusely through- they are still short-handed but increasingly provide extended outdoor space. But out the pandemic. Antiques and household rebounding while working shorter hours. customers must first regain confidence items represent more general retail stock “Everyone’s hanging in there, and that’s all and return. Jahn’s block alone has experi- selling irregularly. All three places provide you can do”, is how Mr. Moukas puts it. enced several losses: the owners of Bakery distinct services to the community. The pandemic hit businesses in differ- La Casa de los Antojitos and Servientrega ent ways. At Jahn’s, staff was laid off, Nick (across the Avenue), and a friendly delivery Jahn’s Diner: 81-04 37th Avenue and his family fell ill, and financial losses person from the Colombian steakhouse For some, growing up in the outer boroughs were substantial. The Moukases relied on nearby, all passed away from COVID-19. means memories of Jahn’s Ice Cream Shop Paycheck Protection Programs, or PPP The neighborhood was hit hard, and recov- from 25 locations throughout Queens, loans, since qualifying for other federal ery efforts are unfolding in disparate ways. , and Nassau. Jahn’s is known for programs was not possible considering its ice cream and as a family restaurant these target special populations like veter- Ultima Florals: 81-02 37th Avenue owned by the Moukas family for the last 52 ans, minority groups, and businesses with Born in the and raised in years. Previously owned by their father who smaller budgets. Mr. Moukas notes that fed- Astoria, George Spetsieris owns one of the went from waiter to owner from 1960 to eral grant programs ran out in June and var- few flower shops in the neighborhood and 1970, Nick and Peter Moukas grew up help- ious businesses were unable to qualify for has been in the flower business for over ing their dad, taking over management in assistance. Places like Jahn’s must apply for three decades. Beginning his training in 1995. Jahn’s attracts media attention con- loans and later for loan forgiveness, which the shop of a childhood friend, they went sidering they are a success story among ice can range in savings depending on what is into business together, expanding from cream shops and diners as the last shop deemed forgivable. “Recovery has been hit Astoria to the current location in Jackson standing of a chain unable to survive cul- or miss”, he says. Some businesses have Heights in 1988. What was a ladies’ dress tural changes and as a family business with been able to enhance their income by add- shop, became Ultima Florals and has a long history in the neighborhood. Loved ing outdoor eating, but the eat-in culture of remained so, despite the fluctuating for their free birthday ice cream, weekend diners has meant that limited seating, out- market for flowers—which even before the brunches, and nostalgia associated with its door space, and take-out have not resulted pandemic was erratic. Mr. Spetsieris has

8 VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | FALL 2021 www.JHBG.org “Tracking the Recovery Of Our Small Businesses" continued been sole owner of Ultima Florals since the Flowers voice feelings in ways that mid-1990s, working well with other neigh- words sometimes cannot, helping express borhood flower shops before their ultimate complicated emotions sparked by closures, leaving only a store on Northern extraordinary times. Things are improving Boulevard with which Mr. Spetsieris still for Ultima Florals; they are doing better remains friendly. He says of the neighbor- now than earlier this year. Mr. Spetsieris’ hood, “Jackson Heights has been great to innate optimism is reflected in his tone me. I have a very loyal clientele”. This has and outlook as he keeps working overtime enabled his business to support him and to get Ultima Florals back on track. his family, as well as that of his long-time Maria Zapata, head employees, one of whom has been working Rincón de los Antiques: of the antiques, for him since the store opened. 83-05 37th Avenue jewelry repair and When non-essential businesses closed Rincón de los Antiques in some ways money transfer shop last year, Ultima Florals was among them. reflects Jackson Heights’ idiosyncrasies. A In the midst of so much death, espe- quirky medley of services and artifacts, this cially in Jackson Heights, a flower shop narrow outlet is home to three businesses: could hardly be deemed non-essential. the antiques store giving the shop its name, “‘Essential’ is a relative term”, says Mr. a money transfer service called Ria Envíos Spetsieris. This closure represented a de Dinero located in the back, and a jewelry conspicuous neighborhood absence during repair station by the store’s entryway. difficult times. Deaths and celebrations Maria Zapata is the head of this motley delayed by the pandemic are commem- group. A Colombian immigrant who raised orated with flowers, but these remain in her three children alone in , low supply. With farmers producing less Ms. Zapata sings and works as a cleaning products following massive losses in the person to keep her store and family afloat. while needs for mending skills grow during spring of 2020, this year’s planting season She has experienced hardships, including unstable times. Being non-essential busi- has meant diminished availability of dif- being swindled for thousands of dollars nesses, both the jewelry restoration and ferent flower varieties. This, preceded by for an album never produced. Despite her antiques shop closed during the pandemic event cancellations, coupled with heartbreaks, she while the money transfer station contin- inhibited movement of goods shrugs and affirms ued operating as immigrant workers sent and people, have amounted to that she must keep remittances home to sustain extended growing difficulties for the flower working. This attitude family abroad during a critical period. As sector hitting Ultima Florals keeps her store Ms. Zapata puts it, “With God’s blessings, hard. Payment protection aid has going—that, and her one can help one’s family”. She continues allowed Mr. Spetsieris to pay his partner shopkeepers. to struggle to keep her business going. employees, after an extended She says in Spanish Asked about what the community can period of unemployment and about her business do to help, she says with a slight laugh: wage-loss. model: “Hay que “Come by and shop here!” She also compartir [We must accepts donated items in good condition. all share]”. Her ability to share Her music is accessible on YouTube under room and expenses allowed her “Celmira Zapata”. take over the lease from the previous owner who helped her Businesses are doing all they can, open her own stand in the cor- but more investments in shops employing ner of his business before going our neighbors and contributing to neigh- into credit card debt, leaving borhood life is vital. The city has spent the locale to her. $1.1 million on advertisements encouraging Ms. Zapata enjoys offering all New Yorkers to shop locally, a message things of interest to residents, with special resonance here. saying that people need to have As Mr. Spetsieris says of the impor- a place to look around and find tance of remaining flexible during hard attractive items. Her inventory times, “Flexibility is crucial to life. If you is eclectic. The jewelry repair don’t bend, you break”. We have all been George Spetsieris, owner of Ultima Florals, station was very busy at the bending in different ways during this pan- based in JH for over 30 years time of my visit despite repair demic and supporting each other can help shops going nearly extinct us keep from breaking. www.JHBG.org VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | FALL 2021 9 VIEWS FROM This is the first installment of what will be an ongoing series on the impact THE HEIGHTS Volume 32, Number 3 OUR URBAN ECOSYSTEM of urban gardening and landscaping practices on city wildlife and open spaces Fall 2021

Jackson Heights Gardening for Humans and Others BY MELISSA ZAVALA Beautification Group P.O. Box 720253 arlier this year, neighbor and former editor of Jackson Heights, NY Views, Lila Stromer, shared a note of warning 11372 -0235 for gardeners circulating on the internet. (347) 766-9129 The warning highlighted the dangers of the [email protected] plant commonly referred to as heavenly Ebamboo (Nandina domestica) on cedar waxwings Newsletter (Bombycilla cedrorum). With these birds being Committee voracious berry eaters of native flora like wild Edwin O’Keefe Westley cherries, junipers, and others, a winter-fruiting shrub like heavenly bamboo represents an Jerry Goldman attractive new food source. Unaccustomed to Louise Mulvihill this introduced species, these birds are unable Melissa Zavala to digest the plant’s berries which contain high Rommel Alama levels of cyanide. Autopsies of dead birds show Kirsten Magnani undigested fruits in birds’ intestinal tracts, with high levels of cyanide causing hemorrhaging Design & Production and swift deaths. Can the plant’s effects be Director curtailed? Some gardeners recommend cutting Rommel Alama all berry clusters. Will this prevent their possible spread into wilder places? Exotic organisms take Distribution Director This plant is known by the common names Heavenly advantage of new ranges, ending up in areas Edwin O’Keefe Westley Bamboo, Sacred Bamboo, Chinese Sacred Bamboo well beyond the home gardens where they are originally introduced. In the case of heavenly Translator & bamboo planted around the neighborhood (there in lawns) or simply less than attractive (like En Español Editor are several on my block alone) and with few cedar naturalized plantains). But what do aesthetic Julia Erika waxwings around, the plant may not be harmful to benefits mean for our regional ecosystems? What Negrete Sandoval birds but can still proliferate. kind of criteria can we set up to continue the Gardeners are drawn to plant species based beneficial effects of gardening in the city? Contributors on cultural tastes for certain charming elements. What are your thoughts? Write to us and Patricia Auspos Species from distant environments offer new let us know if you have plant questions, would Ashley Cruce color palettes, fascinating morphological features, like to contribute to discussions about plants Leslie Ellman alternating seasonal displays (like fruiting when and gardening practices, as well as ecosystem Len Maniace other plants are dormant), and more. Plants services around the city! Edwin O’Keefe Westley adapted to very different environments represent Email us at [email protected] Lenny Olsson glamorous substitutes to native wildflowers and or write us by mail at JHBG, PO Box 720253, Melissa Zavala plants often deemed nuisances (like dandelions Jackson Heights, NY 11372.

IN MEMORIAM: Peter Magnani, a Force for Change in Queens BY PATRICIA AUSPOS

eter Magnani, dedicated Planning in the 1980s. He the development of branch libraries, including plans for public servant who worked developed a plan for mixed Queens West waterfront the innovative Hunters Point library. to improve the wellbeing zoning in Long Island City, and coordinated capital Peter was also a key force in the and physical environment of preserving public use of development for the Towers Co-op, where he lived for PJackson Heights and many other the waterfront. In 1986, new Queens Hospital nearly 53 years. In the 1970s, he neighborhoods in Queens, died on Clare Shulman named Center, the Flushing helped tenants organize to purchase June 23, 2021. He was 82. him Deputy Borough Meadows/Corona Park the property and convert it from a Residents who never had the good President for Queens. He swimming pool and ice badly deteriorated rental building fortune to know Peter may not fully successfully advocated rink, and the Queens into a self-managed cooperative. His appreciate the critical role he played for restoring and planting Hall of Science addition. legacy touches us all. in our community and borough. trees on the median strip along 34th In 2002, Peter became Director He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, An architect and city planner, and Avenue between 69th St and Junction of Capital Program Management for and children, Kirsten and Ian. lifelong resident of Queens, Peter served Boulevard (the original median was the Queensborough Public Library, Donations in Peter’s memory can be as director of the Queens Office of City removed in the 1960s). He also oversaw initiating an expansion period for new made to JHBG.

10 VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | FALL 2021 www.JHBG.org THE MAGIC OF COMPOSTING: JH-SCRAPS to Expand Exceptional Volunteer Viet Dinh Explains All BY ASHLEY CRUCE Composting Efforts BY LENNY OLSSON iet Dinh started working bins and bags sometimes feels with us during the like opening a green Taco Bell JH-SCRAPS is proud to announce pandemic last Fall. He toilet, but that’s an indicator to a new construction project that will is 19 years old and lives stuff more leaves and sawdust. enhance our ability to locally compost in Elmhurst. A student The experience is great, and the our neighborhood’s food scraps. A Vat Hunter College, Viet majors environment makes everything new bin similar to the one constructed in computer science with a much easier. last year replacing our original one is concentration in bioinformatics. AC: What have you learned currently in the planning stages. This Recruited by his friend, Elva— about composting that project is made possible thanks to a another exceptional volunteer!— surprises/ed you? grant awarded to us by the Citizens Committee of New York City (CCNYC). he has enlisted a helper himself! VD: Learning that a good ratio With the double whammy of a global Our volunteers are truly between browns [i.e., leaves, pandemic that shut down New York City invaluable in helping us keep up sawdust, twigs] and food for months and the budget crunch that with increases in food scraps [scraps] is necessary to create forced the New York City Department since re-opening in July 2020. good, dry compost was the of Sanitation to scale back funding for Here is what Viet has to say. . . . most surprising. I used to think existing composting efforts like that you just shove food into a hole and that’s how at our local Greenmarket on Sundays, AC: What do you like best about compost is made, but that’s not the case. I’ve residents have been dropping off their volunteering at JH-SCRAPS? been a food fan for a while, and I love watching scraps with us in record numbers since VD: The best thing about volunteering at JH- people cook and talk about food science. Creating we reopened last July. Even with the SCRAPS is getting to see the compost making compost is similar to that. Mixing the right ratio eventual return of the drop off stand at the Farmers Market, neighbors have process. My favorite thing is filling up the bins of organic material is like using ingredients in continued to utilize our operation in with piles of scraps that look like food, leaves and cooking processes like baking, and that’s been fun. greater numbers than before the 2020 sawdust, and coming the next week to find the AC: How did you recruit your friend Damaris? shutdown. Building a new bin will allow bins all brown and decomposed. It’s like opening I ask thinking of how Elva recruited you! us to keep more of our scraps on site. a time capsule every time. I never get to see the VD: I met Damaris through Elva. Composting One of the benefits of compost is progression of food becoming the half-finished has been a great way to meet up, volunteer its ability to store water for later use compost I see. It’s almost like magic, but it’s together and learn about creating a healthier by plants. With so much rain this year, actually just science mostly due in part to bacteria, Earth. Damaris enjoys composting as much as especially in July, what benefits plants and sometimes little and fat worms. I do. According to her, “Getting involved with has hampered our ability to sift the AC: What do you find most challenging composting has really taught me more about finished compost. Without continuously about volunteering at JH-SCRAPS? the process for developing a more sustainable sifting, our pile grows and leaves us with nowhere to put the newly finished VD: The hardest thing about [working at] attitude about food waste, reconsidering what can compost to dry. An additional bin will JH-SCRAPS is keeping the area clean. It seems like be recycled”. She is a major help … her dedication allow us to continue to absorb the no matter how frequently we detrash the sidewalk to composting makes her an awesome volunteer. steady stream of scraps and compost it and brush, there’s a trash hurricane that comes Much like other compelling environmental on site. This project will give us six bins of through … but I know eventually the street will be work, composting is contagious, and volunteers one cubic yard as well as the four Earth cleaner than we ever imagined. As for composting, bring not only energy, but also their friends. Machines. We are grateful to CCNYC for there isn’t really much that is hard. Opening the To volunteer, email [email protected]. covering the costs of this project.

IN MEMORIAM: Janet M. Kelly - Celebrating A Life, My Memories of Janet BY SEAN WESTLEY

n the early 1990's, my dad was Whether dealing with Parkinson's, at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. in a difficult place; he wasn't memory loss, or financial problems, Janet was steady and reassuring good at being single. So, he did Janet took things on, making the when my wife and I were trying to what everyone does: bought necessary sacrifices to keep going. have kids. When we spent seven Ihimself a waterbed and joined the She did everything with the belief that weeks in the NICU, like clockwork, Single Parents Action Network eventually things fall into place and the Janet was there with the kids on her (SPAN). He needed a teammate, right path shows itself, which certainly chest. She then knitted caps and cheerleader, travel partner, LGBT happened for Daddy and Janet. For 29 gloves for all the other preemies there. rights activist, theater buff, and years, they were attached at the hip. Janet taught me to keep trying, importantly, someone who saw the I'll always remember Janet spinning keep showing up, and moving forward, romance in living with his mom in around the dancefloor to Motown, so to never give up, settle, or feel sorry Jackson Heights. Janet was a perfect young and happy on her wedding day. for myself. I will always remember the complement. They were the best I also remember how proud she was at Legendary Long Hugs from Janet from thing to happen to each other. her daughter Diana’s wedding to Matt another planet.

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VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS – Fall 2021 Dated Event Material Please Deliver Promptly ! V I E W S F R O M T H E H E I G H T S – W I N T E R 2 0 1 3 ONGOING EVENTS FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS: Please join us or renew your membership (there are 2 ways): Saturdays, 11am-1 pm Go to www.JHBG.org/donate and pay by credit card. JH-SCRAPS (composting) It’s quick and easy! Mail a check with this form 69th St. & 35th Ave. For info on what is compostable, for the membership level you select to: contact [email protected] JHBG–Membership • P.O. Box 720253 Most Saturdays, 10 am Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Tree LC Meets at the NE corner of Membership includes a subscription to Views from the Heights and helps fund our numerous community activities. JHBG is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so your contribution is tax deductible. 80th St. & 37th Ave. Schedule may vary and include Please check membership level: some Sundays. Check the JHBG Facebook page  Individual $50  Patron $250  Sponsor $1,000 for complete information.  Family $100  Benefactor $500  Other ______

Saturdays 10 am Please print the following: Clean and Green For complete details, Name: go to www.jhbg.org. Address (Include apt. #): Daily JH-CREW dog run City/State/Zip: 69th St. between 34th & 35th Aves. To join, go to www.jhbg.org E-mail address: for application. Suggested If you’re interested in being contacted about any JHBG activities, please email donation, $25/year. [email protected].