FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2020 THE WOODSIDE HERALD PAGE 1

SERVING SUNNYSIDE-WOODSIDE AND CITY VOL. 87, NO. 48 WOODSIDE, L.I.C., N.Y. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2020 FREE

To Advertise E-mail [email protected] or call 718-729-3772 PAGE 2 THE WOODSIDE HERALD FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2020 CALL FOR COLLEGE ENTRY EXAM TO CHANGE PROCESS Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris called on the College Board, the corporation that administers the SAT exam for college entrance, to provide digital testing options for all students and waive fees that incur from in-person testing. In a letter to College Board CEO David Coleman highlighted the concerns of anxious parents and students across about going to crowded test sites. “With remote learning now the norm for city students, the College Board needs to revisit the wisdom of requiring in-person testing and associated fees in the current environment,” said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “While the priority here is the safety of our kids, this experience should also kickstart a broader discussion about the efficacy of standardized testing in the college admissions process.” Just this week, all public schools transitioned to remote learning due to spikes in covid-19 infections across the city.

PODIATRY MEDICAL AND SURGICAL SERVICES DR. DAVID GOLDHABER, DABAFS BOARD CERTIFIED IN FOOT SURGERY

– IN-OFFICE MEDICAL AND SURGICAL TREATMENT – • BUNIONS • HAMMERTOES • CORNS • INGROWN TOE NAILS • WARTS • ULCERS • HEEL & ARCH PAIN • ANKLE SPRAINS • FRACTURES • SPORTS INJURIES • CHILDREN’S FEET • DIABETIC FOOT CARE • GOUT • ARTHRITIS • SECOND OPINIONS • HOUSE CALLS

NEW LASER SURGERY NEW E. P. F. PROCEDURE FOR PAINFUL HEEL SPURS AVAILABLE FOR PAINFUL SOFT TISSUE USING A TINY ENDOSCOPE LENS CONDITIONS – DECREASED PAIN INSERTED TO CORRECT THE CONDITION. & HEALING TIME – MANY INSURANCES ACCEPTED – MAJOR MEDICAL PLANS: VOLUNTEER POSITION BLUE SHIELD, BLUE CROSS, EMPIRE PLAN, AMALGAMATED, UNITED HEALTH CARE, OXFORD FREEDOM PLAN, 32BJ, MDNY, MEDICARE (SURGICAL) TH 43-11 Greenpoint Ave., Sunnyside, NY 11104 43-15 46 ST. Weekday, Evening Telephone (718) 729-3772 Marlene Sabba ...... Publisher and Saturday Sherilyn Jo Sabba ...... Editor SUNNYSIDE, N.Y. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Hours by Dr. Sharon Cadiz, Rob MacKay, Peter Ross CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS 718-729-2117 Appointment Joe Gurrado, Robert Flanagan, Peter Ross

To Advertise E-mail [email protected] or call 718-729-3772 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2020 THE WOODSIDE HERALD PAGE 3 EMS IN THE SPOTLIGHT: WHERE DO THEY GO FOR HELP? by Dr. Sharon M. Cadiz the team, I shared my gratitude for the work On March 18th, 2020 the disturbing real- that they do on behalf of New Yorkers, and ity of a global pandemic brought many reali- was stunned by the revelations that were ties to light with shocking clarity. We con- forthcoming. We were thanked for the fronted our vulnerability, unpreparedness; acknowledgement and subsequently told that the specter of mounting deaths and a fragile salaries are low and often some EMS work- sense of our own mortality. During the most ers have to take a second job to make ends tense early days of the pandemic, neighbors meet. We heard about grueling schedules would bang pots outside of their homes in a and extreme work conditions that add to salute to the first responders; nurses; doctors the challenges that they face every day on and emergency workers at 7pm. This fitting the job. The high level of personal sacri- tribute became a nightly ritual until the in- fice, physical strain and psychological tensity of the crisis eased; but for that time, stress on EMS is a sharp contrast to the thankful appreciation was amplified. Think- low level of compensation and support ing about it now, it is difficult to imagine the they receive. Just this week, on the front high level of uncertainty and despair that page of the Daily News for November 23rd most people felt, or the consuming demand they noted the following: “City EMS crews for emergency care. stressed to crisis levels.” In November of 2020, we are facing a My brief comparative review of salaries maturing sense of that same reality that has showed a starting salary of $33,320 for us re-experiencing some of that initial re- EMS; $42,500 for NYPD; $45,196 for City sponse in what I think of as “aftershocks.” Fire Fighters and $69,959 for Sanitation. The news reports on the “second wave” and Applause and thanks are fine, but when do the threat of a “shut down” summon some of we prioritize our regard for the lifesaving the same feelings generated when the pan- efforts of these champions who answer the demic began. Through it all, life goes on. call for help? It is appalling that the salary of Birthdays; life cycle events; holidays and EMS workers is so low. I hope that we personal milestones continue to be marked continue to shine a light on this problem and with celebration or sobering acceptance. So the embedded one related to stress levels on just another Wednesday in COVID 19 and performance issues that can arise from saturated New York City, as a two week old insufficient support for their wellness and presidential election result was still being respite from the rigors of a job with unimag- debated, I awoke early to my daily routines inable 24/7 demands. Wherever the injured and a call from my mother-in-law that my 99 or sick individuals are, these public servants year old father-in-law was experiencing a get there and provide a first response to an health crisis that warranted an urgent trip to urgent demand for help. While the EMS and their apartment on the Lower Eastside of other emergency and relief workers are in Manhattan. The home attendant met my the spotlight, let us rally on their behalf; just husband and I at the door, and we were as pilot hero Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger ushered to the living room where my mother- who gave testimony before a House sub- in-law anxiously sat. What followed were committee using his celebrity platform to calls to his doctor and the Nurse Practitioner champion the cause of pilots who saw their who both provided in-home care. Neither of wages and benefits cut after 9/11. Like the them could be reached. Here is where I came pilots, EMS workers are skilled profession- in contact with the realities that many other als doing very hard work; sometimes on 12 New Yorkers have been facing. Careful hour shifts in a category of first responders deliberation led to the decision to call 911. who don’t just meet the challenges of a Shortly after making the call, two FDNY random disaster. Instead, they respond daily. EMS workers arrived at the 15th Floor apart- It was reported that before the pandemic, ment with equipment and a stretcher in tow. EMS got about 4,000 calls a day. On March We all assembled in the bedroom where my 26th, they received over 7,000. “High turn- father-in-law has been bedridden. There were over, low salaries and a lack of benefits”; many questions asked by the lead EMS along with COVID 19 exposure and infec- worker while methodically handling proce- tion risk a continuing opioid epidemic all dures and communicating my father-in-law’s illustrate the makings of a crisis in need of a condition and vital signs over what appeared response. Let’s take stock of our situation to be a cell phone. The decision was reached and reorder some priorities to reflect the to transport him to the nearby hospital. On need to place a high value on life and those the way down with the EMS worker who led who earn a living trying to preserve it.

WE’RE OPEN AND HERE TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY [email protected] #718-786-6700

To Advertise E-mail [email protected] or call 718-729-3772 PAGE 4 THE WOODSIDE HERALD FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2020 HELPING NEIGHBORS IN NEED THIS HOLIDAY Brent O’Leary spent a great day with his dear friends April L. Simpson and Veronica Franklin giving out Thanksgiving turkeys for those in need in Queensbridge last week. Lets make sure all our neighbors are food secure and can enjoy a wonderful holiday season with their loved ones.

Staff Writer, Sharon Cadiz, shared this photo of folks lining up for turkeys at Ravenswood.

We are open for business. A doctor’s visit is 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.

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To Advertise E-mail [email protected] or call 718-729-3772 PAGE 6 THE WOODSIDE HERALD FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2020 LEGISLATION ALLOWING HELP THE NEEDY by Juan Rodriguez donate items, visit our website @ RESTAURANTS TO ADD 15 https://deaneryq2.blogspot.com/ It’s never too late to receive, or to give through December. 2019/01/resources-for- PERCENT SURCHARGE TO Sunnyside, Woodside, and Long needy.html or use the QR Code to get more details. Island City continue to be centers of hope, where folks give gener- DINER’S BILLS ously to needy families and neigh- The Queens Chamber of Commerce issues the following statement from President and CEO Thomas J. bors. Parishes like Queen of An- Grech in response to legislation introduced at the New York City Council that would allow restaurants to gels, St Teresa, St Raphael, St. permanently add a 15 percent surcharge if they pay their employees a $15 per hour wage. Sebastian, St Mary’s (Winfield), “At a time when businesses are struggling to make the payroll, pay the rent and keep the lights on, and when and Corpus Christi, along with unemployment in the restaurant industry has hit unprecedented levels, the last thing restaurant workers and groups and agencies in our Com- small business owners need is legislation that will chase away precious customers. Council Member munity provide non-perishable #dogood Reynoso’s bill is misguided, and will lead to fewer New Yorkers eating out, further decimating an industry food, clothing, and other re- #charity that has been amongst the hardest hit by the pandemic.” sources. If you are in need of Restaurant owners have done everything asked of them to keep their employees, their customers, and their food, resources, or would like to #donate communities safe. They have been forced to shut down and faced increased costs as they’ve seen revenues plummet. How much more of a burden can we ask them to shoulder? We need to focus on how to safely incentivize dining and provide relief to these businesses, and not impose legislation that will make it harder for them to survive.” 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

VOLUNTEER WRITERS WANTED TO COVER LOCAL STORIES SUNNYSIDE & WOODSIDE MUTUAL AID FOOD PANTRIES Looking for coverage of community SATURDAY BETWEEN 1-2:30PM Rain or Shine! Please spread the word! events and community outreach stories LOTS OF NUTRITIOUS PRODUCE! - 46th Street-Bliss station, - 61st Street station [email protected] - Woodside Houses (49th & Broadway) WOODSIDEHERALD.COM

To Advertise E-mail [email protected] or call 718-729-3772 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2020 THE WOODSIDE HERALD PAGE 7 QUEENS POST OFFICES $10,000 GRANT FUNDING ADD SUNDAY WILL TRAIN 120 PACKAGE PICKUP HOURS HOME HEALTH AIDES With more people shopping online this year, the Postal Service wants to make sure customers get their packages in time for the holiday. In Queens, 15 Post Offices are adding additional Sunday package pickup hours for customers who may have missed a delivery. With an extra four hours, five Sundays in a row, that is an additional 300 hours dedicated to customer convenience. Customers can come to following Queens Post Offices on Sundays (through Dec. 20) to pick up packages between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. -Corona Post Office, 11368 -Elmhurst Post Office, 11373 -Flushing Main Post Office, 11355 -Forest Hills Post Office, 11375 -Fresh Meadows Post Office, 11365 -Jackson Heights Post Office, 11372 -Jamaica Main Post Office, 11431 -Linden Hill Post Office, 11354 -Queens Village Post Office, 11428 -Rego Park Post Office, 11374 -Ridgewood Post Office, 11385 -Rochdale Village Post Office, 11434 -South Ozone Park, 11420 -Woodside Post Office, 11377 -Customers can come to Long Island City Main Post Office, 11101 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. The Postal Service would like to remind customers that they don’t have to leave their Sunnyside Community Services will train mates that employment of Home Health home to ship their packages. They can simply visit usps.com and schedule a pickup. 120 New Yorkers to be Home Health Aides, Aides in New York City is projected to grow thanks in part to a $10,000 grant from TD 49 percent by 2024. Charitable Foundation. The trainees will To help meet the growing demand, THE HOLLY TOUR GOES VIRTUAL! complete a rigorous program at Sunnyside Sunnyside Community Services has been Community Services that will teach them training Home Health Aides since 1993. how to help homebound clients with their The four-week training program is certified VISIT SIX QUEENS daily living activities and basic health needs. by the New York State Department of Health “With Queens having the second largest and consists of 120 hours of training. A LANDMARKS IN ONE DAY senior population in New York State, it is registered nurse conducts the training, which imperative that we have skilled practitio- includes demonstrations with mannequins LEARN HISTORY, BAKE TREATS, ENJOY ART, SING HOLIDAY TUNES ners in place who can help older adults and practice in the classroom. The curricu- living at home with their day-to-day activi- lum includes core subjects, as well as spe- Tradition and modernity will join forces to spread the holiday spirit in Flushing while ties,” said Judy Zangwill, Executive Direc- cialty training for the care of patients with also fighting the spread of COVID-19 on Saturday, Dec. 6. Via two one-hour sessions on tor of Sunnyside Community Services. neuromuscular disorders. Training is free YouTube, six historic landmarks will open their cybernetic doors to the public to celebrate “With the generous funding provided by and is provided in both English and Spanish. the 33rd annual #HollyTour. TD Charitable Foundation, we can continue Upon completing the training, partici- The venues % Bowne House; ; ; Lewis to train knowledgeable and caring individu- pants are certified and placed in jobs with Latimer House ; Quaker Meeting House; and % will present als for this important field. We are so grate- two home care organizations affiliated with live and pre-recorded videos as well as interactive content to celebrate the season. ful for their support.” Sunnyside Community Services: Sunnyside Each host gets about 20 minutes to amaze viewers with content, and ticket prices run Home Health Aides help homebound Citywide Home Care Services and from $5 to $35. They are on sale via the Queens Historical Society’s website. Here’s the seniors with daily activities such as prepar- Sunnyside Home Care Project. They also schedule, followed by more information on the venues. ing meals, getting dressed, and going to have access to additional opportunities that Bowne House’s first 10-minute segment is a narrated slideshow with a short history of appointments. Even during the current pan- can further advance their careers. the landmark, the Bowne family’s legacy of fighting for religious tolerance, and the demic, these frontline heroes continue to For more information about the Home emergence of holiday traditions in Colonial America. The second 10-minute segment is a provide much needed support to the seniors Health Aide training program, call 718-784- Bakewell Tart tutorial presented by a Bowne educator which includes video clips of the in their care. In the years ahead, the demand 6160, ext. 342, email [email protected], or process and a narrative about the recipe’s historical significance to the Bowne family. for Home Health Aides will increase. The visit online at www.scsny.org/programs/ Flushing Town Hall adds some spice with a 15-minute tour of the outdoor garden and New York State Department of Labor esti- care-home/become-home-health-aide. community exhibition, “Call and Response: Grief, Resiliency, and Hope,” with Deputy Director Sami Abu Shumays. He also takes viewers inside the gallery, gift shop, and dressing room (a former jail cell) before concluding with a solo violin performance of “Greensleeves” inside the concert hall. Kingsland Homestead informs on a major Flushing industry in the 18th and 19th centuries: nurseries. (Several prominent Queens families operated nurseries associated with Kingsland.) Then, a crafting expert teaches how make a holiday wreath with some old, locally collected branches, while emphasizing the important role that trees have played in Flushing’s history. Lewis Latimer House Museum Education Associate Alex Unthank leads a live tour and discussion of the on-site exhibition “Home/Land” with audience participation encour- aged. With eight displaying artists, “Home/Land” looks at the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850’s influence on Latimer’s family and compares old tactics to detain, deport, and re-enslave to today’s Immigration Customs Enforcement practices. The exhibition pairs true stories of those who escaped or attempted to escape slavery in the years surrounding the Fugitive Slave Act with recent experiences of families attempting to migrate to the United States with the hope of finding a home in the Land of the Free. Quaker Meeting House Clerk Jeffrey Guyton narrates a 15-minute video that explores the Quaker values of simplicity, peace, and equality and how they are expressed in the house’s physical features and modern day member activities. Voelker Orth Museum offers a glimpse of the period rooms where the family hosted guests through the Christmas season along with a short home movie of the Orth family relaxing at home in about 1930. (Expect the Victorian landmark to be dressed in a traditional German-American style with holly trees and outdoor decorations as per the way the Voelker and Orth women used to transform their home during the holidays.) Plus, viewers can sing holiday tunes with St. John’s University Mixed Chorus Director Kim Oler and Voelker Board Member Norman Jardine, who is active in several choruses. More information is at www.queenshistoricalsociety.org.

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Spread the warmth using: #coatdrive #newyorkcares #actsofwarmth

For more information about this collection, contact: 51-23B Queens Blvd., Woodside, NY 11377 718-476-8449. Monday- Wednesday from 11a-4p

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