FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 THE WOODSIDE HERALD PAGE 1

SERVING SUNNYSIDE-WOODSIDE AND VOL. 88, NO. 5 WOODSIDE, L.I.C., N.Y. FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 FREE

To Advertise E-mail [email protected] or call 718-729-3772 PAGE 2 THE WOODSIDE HERALD FRIDAY,JANUARY 29, 2021 APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED Deadline: Friday, February 26th Borough President Donovan Richards is accepting applications from civic-minded individuals and organizations across Queens to serve on the Queens Solid Waste Advisory Board (QSWAB) — a diverse group of residents and industry representatives tasked with advising the Queens Borough President on a wide array of issues including, but not limited to waste, recycling, resiliency and environmental equity. “We will leave no stone unturned when it comes to ensuring environmental justice for all Queens communities, especially for our long-underserved neighborhoods and those areas most endangered by the perils of climate change,” said Borough President RICHARDS. “Comprised of community advocates representing all cross-sections of our borough, the Queens Solid Waste Advisory Board will be an invaluable source of expertise as we work tirelessly toward a zero waste future. I encourage all who are interested in helping build a brighter, greener Queens to apply today.” The digitized QSWAB application is available online at www.queensbp.org/swab. The deadline for prospective applicants to submit an application is Friday, February 26, 2021. Applicants can apply either as an individual or as a representative of an organization or business entity. Appointments to the QSWAB, which will meet monthly and must consist of no fewer than 20 unsalaried members, are made by the Queens Borough President pursuant to City Administrative Code. Members representing community boards, recycling industries, carting industries, environmen- tal organizations, government agencies, labor organizations, business organizations, property owners, tenant organizations and members of the general public are appointed to terms of two years and are eligible for reappointment at the conclusion of their term.

EXTENSION PROGRAM COVID RENT RELIEF The COVID Rent Relief Extension Program new application period will be open from Friday, December 18th through Monday, Feb. 1, 2021. The program will provide eligible households with a one-time rental subsidy that will be sent directly to the household’s landlord. Applicants will not need to repay this assistance. Applications will be accepted throughout the application period. HCR will prioritize eligible households with “greatest economic and social need.” To apply, please visit https://hcr.ny.gov/rrp. NYS HOMES AND

VOLUNTEER POSITION COMMUNITY RENEWAL APPLICATIONS FOR COVID RENT RELIEF PROGRAM ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE AT HTTPS://HCR.NY.GOV/RRP 43-11 Greenpoint Ave., Sunnyside, NY 11104 Telephone (718) 729-3772 Previous applications do not have to reapply to receive consideration. NYS Homes and Marlene Sabba ...... Publisher Community Renewal (HCR) announced the COVID Rent Relief Program will be reopened for Sherilyn Jo Sabba ...... Editor application with expanded eligibility criteria in an effort to serve New Yorkers who may have not CONTRIBUTING WRITERS had the opportunity to initially apply and those who may have been previously ineligible. Dr. Sharon Cadiz, Rob MacKay, Peter Ross CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS Applications will be accepted through Monday, February 1, 2021. Residents who need help or Joe Gurrado, Robert Flanagan, Peter Ross have questions about their application can contact HCR’s COVID Rent Relief Program Call center for assistance at 1-833-499-0318 or email [email protected].

To Advertise E-mail [email protected] or call 718-729-3772 FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 THE WOODSIDE HERALD PAGE 3 INVITATION TO THE DANCE: POLITICS AND PUBLIC WILL by Dr. Sharon M. Cadiz high cost to the health, safety and well-being We can sit back and complain about of people who live in our communities and government and defer to elected officials country who depend on government to de- charged with carrying out the business of liver on things like roads; transportation; a politics to preserve the balance of power for living wage (not just a minimum wage); the public good, or we can get involved and shelter that is affordable for the homeowner, help steer the process. I pose this challenge the apartment dweller and those displaced even though I know, from personal experi- because of challenging life circumstances. ence, how tedious and mind numbing the People need food that doesn’t kill them or processes of government can be. Just a week make them sick with chronic illnesses that ago, I sat in on a City Planning Commission get addressed with costly medication pre- meeting for about two hours of formality scriptions. People need a food system that is and routine roll call voting on 37 proposals not driven by “big farms” that produce profit culminating in a 311 page disposition docu- and gain while the tradition of farming in ment that I found difficult to wade through. America, done by small farmers, reflects the Ultimately, the item that I had expected to be difficult challenge of barely surviving even on the agenda didn’t seem to turn up. So, though they answer a basic human need for yes, I understand why the average person fresh, whole, locally grown food. People does not want to jump into the fray. Alas, if need small local businesses that give each we don’t jump up and join the dance, we risk neighborhood its character and gives the being “wallflowers” and subject to interpre- residents a sense of the familiar which con- tations by others who can make their own tributes to feelings of safety and predictabil- assessment of what we need to know and ity and much needed services. We have what actions are in our best interest. watched the effort to maintain clean drink- It is not enough to say “we are forgotten ing water take a back seat to profit-making and overlooked” or observe that “corruption shifts to bottling water instead of maintain- is rampant and political self-interest rules.” ing supplies that are good enough to run It is our duty and obligation to be both through a faucet and into our bodies. The visible and vocal. Thumbing through some talk about safe water may be muffled until it of the local papers this week, I read that a becomes a commodity that only those with “convicted felon” wants to resume his po- money will be able to buy. This approach to litical career and run for office. I read that a the necessities of life has already become residential construction project for “afford- evident as some have attempted to leverage able senior housing” will replace a munici- access to COVID 19 vaccines by paying to pal parking lot; and I read about a run for “get to the front of the line.” Free or low cost office that seems like another attempt to parking will, likewise, be a thing of the past make politics a career move rather than a in favor of parking garages that could easily public service. If we consider these things price out those on limited incomes. Fossil entertaining content for our next coffee break fuel, bike paths, Citi bike docking places, conversation with friends, neighbors or co- community policing and racial disparities workers, then that’s all they will be. If we are but a few of the discussions that call bail on the opportunity to ask questions that upon us to join the dance as a good partner require answers, like what makes this “con- ready to move, pivot or glide, as needed, to victed felon” feel that service to the commu- arrive at mutually satisfactory conditions in nity is a role that can be honestly and forth- support of our shared quality of life. rightly fulfilled? How do we know that the If we make leaders and government into sacrifice of much needed parking will result exclusive teams or clubs that make rules for in future residents of the “affordable senior themselves, and we forfeit the right to en- housing” being representative of the diverse gage in meaningful interaction that shows inhabitants of the area, or whether it will that the proverbial tail is not wagging the help to provide for those in need? We can dog, then we will lose our connection to the ask: “Are political moves based on public basic elements of our survival in favor of a need or personal aspirations? Failing to pay popularity contest complete with “favor- attention could result in what I experienced ites,” winners and losers. Don’t fritter away this morning when I innocently opened the the birthright of being a member of the door to my stove to find the gooey, greasy country we call the United States. Don’t mess left inside by our Thanksgiving turkey continue name calling and finger pointing, oil spill. Like my morning discovery, the even if it is private among you and your realization that you may have neglected to friends or family because although it may check on things or respond quickly enough satisfy a juvenile preoccupation with popu- to make a difference may end up resulting in larity over purpose, it will also erode your a huge unpleasant clean-up. Because of this connection to your fellow human beings. failure, like me, you may find that you are Perhaps we could try to assess those who facing an unimaginable build-up of some create the dance of society; the economy thick sludge that can be compared to the and the government based on integrity, com- residue left by unscrupulous or self-serving mitment, concern, principles of justice and folks in elected offices where they are ex- fair play, as well as dedication to the com- pected to be honest, humble servants of the mon good. Given the current pandemic, people. Turkey grease pales by comparison pending proposals that are shaping our com- with the mess that is created from the ab- munities and the struggles to deal with reali- sence of timely action and responsible civic- ties that have almost shattered our sense of minded principle-driven decisions. stability, we are facing our moment of truth Often when we come upon someone and if we turn off the lights and go to sleep, who actually invites our input, considers our we will miss an important opportunity to do needs or deliberates over controversial is- a spin in a new positive direction. sues in favor of fact gathering, they run the When there were no masks; we made risk of being considered “whimpy” or inef- them. When people were hungry, we fed fective. Such judgments may reveal a ten- them. When people on the front lines dency to accept the role of disempowered needed support, we made some noise. If by-stander, resenting the invitation to be the COVID 19 crisis has taught us any- involved; and that will determine the kind of thing, it is that we can muster good inten- government and leadership that we will get. tions; take initiative using personal leader- It is time to show up in ways that make ship, care, concern and a desire to heal a dialogue, respectful discourse, and truth tell- nation. We have the right stuff, so when ing a necessity that precipitates thoughtful you are invited to the dance accept the action. Mishaps and misdeeds come at a offer and lead, don’t just follow. To Advertise E-mail [email protected] or call 718-729-3772 PAGE 4 THE WOODSIDE HERALD FRIDAY,JANUARY 29, 2021 SCS DONATIONS THIS WEEK

SAVE OUR STOREFRONTS

We are open for business. A doctor’s visit is COALITION one-on-one and very safe. There are never more than 5 people in the whole office at any one time. We will be here for the duration if and when the public needs a foot doctor.

Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris joined the Save our Store- fronts coalition to visit small businesses throughout Astoria last Friday. The visits came just days after the Senate passed a commercial eviction moratorium and other measures aimed at helping small businesses survive during the covid-19 pandemic. “Earlier this week we passed a small business relief package that is just a down payment on what they need to survive,” said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “I was pleased to spend the afternoon talking to local entrepreneurs with the Save our Storefronts coalition to discuss what more needs to be done.” Senator Gianaris was joined by Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani as they visited businesses throughout Astoria. On Tuesday, the Senate passed a series of measures aimed at protecting small businesses, including a commercial eviction moratorium. “Hearing the concerns of Astoria small business owners with the Save our Storefronts coalition was powerful, said Assembly Member Zohran K. Mamdani. “It is vital that we not only pass bills that prevent eviction, but also prioritize a budget that gives them the financial relief they so desperately need.” To Advertise E-mail [email protected] or call 718-729-3772 FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 THE WOODSIDE HERALD PAGE 5

To Advertise E-mail [email protected] or call 718-729-3772 PAGE 6 THE WOODSIDE HERALD FRIDAY,JANUARY 29, 2021 EMPLOYMENT SERVICES Health and Hospitals hiring 500 non-clerical staff to help with patient transport, clerical work and cleaning. No medical background is required and hiring will be expanded to thousands soon. Please visit www.nyc.gov/ getwork for more information and to apply. NYC.GOV FOOD ASSITANCE Visit www.NYC.gov/GetFood for COVID-19 food assistance resources. Visit www.FoodHealpNYC to find a location near your home distributing meals for free, including food panties and Grab & Go meals at NYC Schools, available for all children or adults in need. COVID BURIAL ASSISTANCE The Human Resources Administration will provide financial assistance to individuals in need of assistance to meet funeral expenses. www1.nyc.gov/HRA

woodsideherald.com SUNNYSIDE & WOODSIDE MUTUAL AID FOOD PANTRIES LettersThe following letters To are the Theopinions of itsEditor author and not SATURDAY BETWEEN 1-2:30PM necessarily those of the Woodside Herald. Rain or Shine! Please spread the word! LOTS OF NUTRITIOUS PRODUCE! TAXPAYERS debts. Now Schumer wants Washington to - 46th Street-Bliss station, - 61st Street station just write off hundreds of billions in out- - Woodside Houses (49th & Broadway) Dear Editor, standing student loan debt. Many larger Senator Charles Schumer wanting Uncle private colleges have endowment funds rang- Sam to forgive the first $50,000 in outstand- ing from millions to billions. Why don’t ing college loans sounds great. Who doesn’t they contribute to reducing their own gradu- want free stuff from Washington? But what ating students debt instead of taxpayers? about the millions of American parents who Collecting some of these outstanding debts saved and sacrificed to put their children from those who can easily afford to is only through college. What about the students fair. Given that we are now burdened with who worked at part time jobs to attend over $27 trillion in long-term debt, equal college? Millions benefited from being able attention must be paid to this scandal as to attend college on student loans. This has well. Why not start by denying federal and given them access to the middle class. Sadly, state tax refunds to those deadbeats who too many students then stuck Uncle Sam look for a free ride at our expense? When with the bill. Despite being successfully will the White House and Congress speak up employed for years at well-paying jobs, on this issue as well and introduce appropri- there are several hundred thousand former ate legislation to assist in collecting these students with ample income who refuse to outstanding debts? Time will tell pay off their student loans. Taxpayers are Sincerely, left with billions of dollars in uncollected Larry Penner

WHAT’S TODAY’S DATE? Queens Economic Development Corporation’s 2021 Calendar features a beautiful photo of a local museum for each month and a bonus image on the back. Plus, each month has special info on the highlighted museum along with contact information. It’s beautiful. It’s educational. It’s a keepsake. And it’s a great housewarming gift. Plus, it’s free. Well, it can be free, although it might incur a postage fee. Contact Rob MacKay at [email protected] to discuss how to obtain the calendar. One option would be to head to Queens Economic Development Corporation’s main office at 120-55 Queens Blvd. (Kew Gardens, NY 11424) for a copy. Another would be to send a stamped-self-addressed envelope to MacKay at that address. The following venues — Museum of the Moving Image; SculptureCenter; Flushing Town Hall; Queens Botanical Garden; MoMA PS1; New York Hall of Science; Socrates Sculpture Park; Queens County Farm Museum; Queens Zoo; Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning/Jamaica Performing Arts Center; The Harriet & Kenneth Kupferberg Holocaust Center; and Alley Pond Environmental Center – provided the high-quality, high-resolution images for the months, while Queens Museum offered the back photo. Plus, there’s a page dedicated to QEDC’s programs. Editor’s note: This offer is good as long as supplies last.

VOLUNTEER WRITERS WANTED TO COVER LOCAL STORIES Looking for coverage of community events and community outreach stories [email protected]

To Advertise E-mail [email protected] or call 718-729-3772 FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 2021 THE WOODSIDE HERALD PAGE 7 GIFTED AND TALENTED “It is disheartening to see that Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC Department of Education (NYC DOE) Chancellor Richard Carranza intend to do away with the entry exam for our schools’ Gifted and Talented programs after the Spring 2021 test. Much like with the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT), I believe the Gifted and Talented program admissions test should remain in place, but with improvements to make it more accessible to all children, with better outreach into all communities.” “I understand the desire to increase diversity in our amazing Gifted and Talented programs, but getting rid of the entrance exam without any details on new entrance requirements is shortsighted. When it comes to the education of our children, we should make sure that we only replace a policy with a detailed, better policy. However, I do stand behind NYC DOE’s efforts to involve community engagement to discuss different ways to enrich the learning experience for our academically advanced students. “By working together with the community, teachers, parents and students, I believe we can reform the Gifted and Talented entrance exam and the program itself to better service our bright students. I stand with the parents of District 28 — and parents across my Senate district — that do not want to see the standard for admissions for the Gifted and Talented programs abolished, but most importantly for our children, improved and expanded.”

To Advertise E-mail [email protected] or call 718-729-3772 PAGE 8 THE WOODSIDE HERALD FRIDAY,JANUARY 29, 2021

To Advertise E-mail [email protected] or call 718-729-3772