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By Naeisha Rose

TimesLedger Newspapers

Friends of Brookville Park, a volunteer parks organization, was honored last week at the fifth annual It’s My Park reception in Manhattan by Partnerships for Parks for its 10 years of service, as well as its engaging family and community events.

The Queens organization was among seven honorees and received the Trowel Award, one of the top honors of the night, for participating in the It’s My Park program, which hosts cleanups and events at 350 parks, pools, nature centers and skate parks across the city.

They were recognized for their “longstanding community presence” and as “the volunteer caretakers of a 90-acre park in southeast Queens,” said Kangela Moore, the founder of the group.

The seven honorees were selected out of a possible 460 parks organization and 25,500 volunteers, according to Partnerships for Parks.

“The award ceremony was great,” Moore said. “I was really able to highlight the other organizations that work with Brookville Park.”

After a woman was raped at the park in 2000, Moore decided to do something to help make it a safer place for the community, and partnered with members of Partnerships for Parks, St. Mary’s Hospital for Children, New York Coalition of Transportation Safety, NYPD School Safety Division, Fire Engine Company 314 and local officials.

“For me it was creating that space where people understand — OK, what can we do here?” said Moore. “The work that we were able to do by partnering with other organizations… it created these relationships and has helped our organization thrive.”

With those partnerships, Friends of Brookville Park has managed to keep the park safe and host bike rides, readings, arts & crafts, book giveaways and tree lightings.

The organization participated in It’s My Park programs by giving away 1,000 car seats, donating helmets and bike locks during a bike safety seminar and much more.

Friends of Brookville will kick off another It’s My Park Day May 5, when it will offer its second annual Learn to Ride bike event with support from transportation safety coalition officers, according to Moore.

“Last year we spoke about bike safety in regards to looking over the bike,” Moore said. “They were able to come out and fit our youth and adults for bike helmets and they gave information about bike tips and reflectors.”

On June 30, the organization will hold a celebration to honor the volunteers who help put the events together and maintain the park. There will also be a series in July and August, which will include book readings and giveaways.

The organization will have a second It’s My Park Day event in September and, in November, it will hold the first ever Brookville Park Friendsgiving event.

“We will be giving out some food to our community,” said Moore.

In December, the park will host its ninth tree lighting event.

Brookville Park is located between the neighborhoods of Rosedale and Brookville on South Conduit Avenue and 149th Avenue, between 232nd and 235th streets.

Reach reporter Naeisha Rose by e-mail at nrose@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4573.

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Gina Martinez

TimesLedger Newspapers

Two Jamaica high schoolers’ fitness app have won a congressional competition, which they will showcase in Washington next month.

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) announced last Friday that Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School juniors Jashua Veerasammy and Arun Budhoo were selected as the winners of Meng’s app contest. The high school is known for its mechanical and electronic courses.

The “Congressional App Challenge” is a nationwide contest held by the House of Representatives in which students create and submit apps for mobile phones, computers or tablet devices.

Jashua and Arun will go to Capitol Hill, along with winners in congressional districts throughout the United States, to showcase their apps to congressional members and the tech community at the #HouseOfCode reception in April. The students’ apps are eligible to be displayed for one year on the House of Representatives’ official website. Jashua, Arun and the other winners will be awarded $250 in Amazon web credits and a $100 Southwest Airlines gift card.

Jashua and Arun won for “VIVID,” an app that helps users become more motivated and confident in fitness and health. The16-year-old students said they believe that with the high nationwide obesity rates, people need motivation to exercise, and their app motivates users to go to the gym.

Jashua and Arun said they were honored to win and that they were extremely excited to display their work on Capitol Hill next month.

“We first entered the contest for fun, then got serious about creating an app that could make a difference in people’s lives,” they said in a joint statement. “We brainstormed ideas for many hours, put our creativity to the test, and came-up with an app to help people be fit and healthy. We’re thankful that our hard work paid off and we are grateful to have had the inspiration of our shop teacher Kathleen Kuntz, and others from a competing team at our school.”

All apps were required to be original in concept, design and execution and were chosen by a panel of Queens judges who work within the academic, software and entrepreneurial fields. Jashua and Arun were selected as winners from the 15 Queens students who entered Meng’s contest.

Other submissions included games, apps that helped assist those with autism and helped women locate shelters, among others. Everyone who entered the competition will receive a certificate of congressional recognition.

More than 4,100 students nationwide participated in the contest and over 1,270 student-created apps were submitted. A total of 190 members of Congress from 42 states held contests in their districts.

Meng said she was extremely impressed by how Jashua and Arun used their creativity and scientific minds to create and develop their app.

“Their efforts illustrate the outstanding tech skills that exist among Queens students and I salute their passion for technology and writing code,” she said. “ I look forward to welcoming them to Washington next month, and I applaud the talents of all the students who entered my competition.”

Reach Gina Martinez by e-mail at gmartinez@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4566.

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Naeisha Rose

TimesLedger Newspapers

MumsKitchens NYC and Bliss Street Creamery are the brainchildren of Tress Walker and Tavia Kowalchuk, two entrepreneurs who wouldn’t let their lack of knowledge of the business side of the culinary world stop them from turning their dreams into a reality.

Walker and Kowalchuk managed to translate their ideas into successful businesses after they graduated from Jamaica FEASTS, a free entrepreneurial program at Central Library, located at 89-11 Merrick Blvd.

New York City Economic Development Corporation selected the library as an incubator for aspiring food entrepreneurs and the program launched in January 2017.

Students in the 12-week program receive instruction from experts in the field and guest speakers, according to EDC spokeswoman Shavone Williams.

According to Williams, they get hands-on experience from the workshops, which include classes on business planning, time management, menu planning, customer service, food safety, hiring and more.

Walker, who is from St. Albans, utilized those lessons and now sells West Indian cuisine and baked goods.

“Tress is known for her brownie bites and they are constantly craved around this office,” said Michael Maldonado, the Jamaica FEASTS Entrepreneurship counselor.

Walker came up with the idea for Mums in 2015 and started her company in February, 2016 before she joined the entrepreneurial program.

“I live in a West Indian neighborhood and a lot of the women there are house cooks,” Walker said. “I wanted a place where there is a little kitchen where folks can come in and make what they cook and bake for their nationality… and sell the food that they make and make a profit for it.”

To date the women who work with Walker are from Guyana, Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago. The self-taught baker is half Barbadian and half Trinidadian.

Despite starting a business, she did not know how to go about getting the licenses that she needed to get it off the ground.

“There are so many licenses for everything,” said Walker. “I am now under the cottage law license… and they helped me to get a license to do the temporary night markets and the different fairs.”

Through the program Walker also received help with sales tax information, pricing items and much more.

“My favorite classes were advertising and one on how to price items for catering,” said Walker, who was told she was underselling her items.

Kowalchuk is from Sunnyside and runs an artisanal ice cream business.

“Tavia has captured the essence of ice cream,” said Maldonado.

Kowalchuk had an idea for Bliss six years ago and has been making her own ice cream at home for a decade.

“Ice cream is a very personal passion of mine,” Kowalchuk said. “I love combining flavors and I love making it for texture and consistency. I love the challenge of it.”

It wasn’t until the program everything came together for her.

“Jamaica FEASTS taught me about the different business structures so I can choose between a self-proprietorship or an LLC,” Kowalchuk said. “They taught me all the things to consider when looking for a storefront, how to negotiate rent and what kind of leases there were for a commercial establishment, and what are the health codes for an ice cream business.”

Kowalchuk also learned about vending opportunities.

“To build my audience I sell my ice cream at street fairs and food festivals during the summer,” Kowalchuk said.

Her love of Queens and its diversity is inspiring new recipe ideas for her.

“I love my borough and I love Sunnyside and I really want to contribute what is in my neighborhood,” she said. “One of my goals is to have ice cream flavors of the primary nationalities of the people who live in Queens.”

Both women are proud to have been in the program.

“If you have an idea or thought for a business and you are not quite sure how to get from Point A to Point B, Jamaica FEASTS is a great place to give you the guidelines and the stepping stones like Hansel and Gretel,” said Walker.

“Every class was riveting,” Kowalchuck said. “I just ate up all the information.”

Reach reporter Naeisha Rose by e-mail at nrose@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4573.

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Bill Parry

TimesLedger Newspapers

A Jackson Heights woman was convicted of 108 counts of animal cruelty and other charges for failing to provide adequate care for the 67 cats and dogs she housed in her urine and feces-filled home in January 2016, according to the Queens district attorney’s office.

Elizabeth Grant, 50, faces up to two years in prison and a ban on owning animals after being found guilty by Queens Supreme Court Justice Stephanie Zaro following a six-day, non-jury trial.

According to trial testimony, a crime prevention officer went to Grant’s home on 82nd Street on Jan. 6, 2016, to visit Grant’s mother, who had been the victim of a crime. No one answered when the officer knocked on the door, but it was open and animals could be seen inside and the interior appeared to be filthy. The officer departed, but returned to the home on Jan. 28 with members of the ASPCA. At that time, Grant’s mother did answer the door and excessive amounts of feces and fur were seen throughout the living area and the stench of urine was overpowering. There was also trash strewn amid the clutter. The animals living inside had patches of fur missing, crusted eyes and one cat appeared unable to walk.

“Taking in a dog or a cat is a huge responsibility. In addition to hugs and love, pets need food, a clean home and meticulous care,” DA Richard Brown said. “The defendant in this case collected cats and dogs and did little else to maintain a safe living environment for them. The animals lived in deplorable conditions — where the floors and furnishings were covered in feces, fur and urine. When rescue workers went to retrieve the animals, they had to wear respirators and protective clothing. The defendant has now been found guilty and faces possible jail time for her depraved actions.”

A court-authorized search warrant was executed the same day and members of the ASPCA rescued 55 cats, 12 dogs and two turtles, according to trial records. A licensed veterinarian and supervisor of the ASPCA’s Forensic Sciences unit examined the cats and dogs and found many had severe dental diseases, ear infections, ear mites, as well as pain, discomfort and a host of other ailments. All told, 12 of the animals had to be euthanized, but more than 50 have since been adopted and placed in good homes, Brown said.

Grant will be sentenced April 29.

Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4538.

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Bill Parry

TimesLedger Newspapers

An Auburndale man has been charged with grand larceny for allegedly stealing nearly a quarter of a million dollars in cash from ATMs in both Elmhurst and Kew Gardens in December 2017, according to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown.

Eric Salazar Montano, 33, is accused of dressing as a technician and hacking the machines to dispense cash as if the user had literally hit a slot machine jackpot.

“As alleged, this individual brazenly posed as a technician in order to manipulate automated teller machines and obtain more than $240,000 in cash,” Police Commissioner James O’Neill said. “But following an NYPD investigation conducted by the Financial Crimes Task Force, this person was identified, arrested and will be held responsible for his criminal actions.”

Salazar Montano was arraigned March 14 before Queens Criminal Court Judge Toko Serita on charges of grand larceny, computer tampering, criminal possession of a forged instrument and computer trespassing.

Salazar Montano and an unknown accomplice were caught on surveillance video Jan. 28 at a grocery store on Metropolitan Avenue in Kew Gardens and after manipulating the ATM, they were able to remove $154,000 cash without using a bank card, according to the criminal complaint.

Two days later, the two were again caught on camera at an ATM kiosk inside the Queens Center mall in Elmhurst. Salazar Montano is accused of tinkering with the ATM and minutes later, collected more than $42,000 in cash.

“As society becomes more tech savvy, today’s criminals are keeping pace and finding new ways to enrich themselves illegally,” Brown said. “The defendant in this case is accused of using his computer skills to hack into ATM software and collect the cash that poured out of the manipulated machines. This new trend is called ‘jackpotting’ and we are set to deliver big losses for gamblers who want to ante up. My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to stay ahead of the curve and prosecute those who find new ways to steal from others.”

Brown said law enforcement executed a court-authorized search warrant on Salazar Montano’s Hollis Court home March 13 and allegedly recovered a forged credit/debit card and more than $42,000 in cash. The judge set bail at $30,000 bond or $15,000 cash and ordered Salazar Montano to return to court March 27. If convicted he faces up to 15 years in prison.

Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4538.

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Mark Hallum

TimesLedger Newspapers

The NYPD reinstated officers at three northeast Queens high schools after parents voiced concerns over the safety of their children in the wake of the Parkland, Fla., shooting that left 17 people dead on Feb. 14.

Francis Lewis High School’s PTA co-president, Linda Lovett, said with a student body the size of the Fresh Meadows school, there is too high a risk leaving the campus undefended by a regular police officer.

Lovett set up an online petition to bring back the officer assigned to the school which gathered over 1,200 signatures.

“Francis Lewis High School has had an armed police officer for over 13 years,” Lovett said of Officer Raul Espinet, who was recently moved from the school. “New York City has recently decided to remove this officer from our school, which has over 4,450 students. With our school community being over 5,000, we need him back! The federal government and local communities are suggesting that schools arm their teachers and hire private armed security to keep the kids safe. Yet NYC is taking away security from the largest public school.”

According to the New York Post, cops were reinstated March 19 after a brief period of absence to not only Francis Lewis, but also Benjamin Cardozo and Bayside high schools as community policing was set to launch when parents voiced concern at a PTA meeting at Francis Lewis High School.

NYPD’s initial plan was to discontinue assigning officers to schools by April 1 with the advent of Neighborhood Policing, according to the Post.

The Neighborhood Policing initiative is a relatively new program from NYPD designed to cultivate a familiar relationship between officers and the communities they serve.

As part of the program, three Neighborhood Coordination Officers will oversee smaller sectors within the precinct and two subordinate officers will function as the “eyes on the street,” according to the 111th Precinct’s new commanding officer, Capt. John Hall.

Residents will be able to call, text or email these officers about neighborhood problems, since the 111th Precinct and others like it cover a large swath of the city.

111th Community Council President Jack Fried said he was in favor of having a police officer in schools to prevent mass shootings as opposed to other solutions floated to curb the rash of violent outbreaks across the country.

Armed security guards and pistol-packing teachers are no substitute for a professional NYPD officer who has been trained to deal with threats while minimizing the chances of harming bystanders, according to Fried.

Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhallum@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4564.

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Source: Times Ledger

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By Mark Hallum

TimesLedger Newspapers

Winners were announced for the MTA’s Genius Challenge to award companies and individuals with $1 million for proposals to modernize the city’s ailing subway system earlier this month.

Among the winners are international transportation companies and individuals who offered fresh ideas to bring the failure-prone signal systems and cars into the digital age.

“A modern signal system is the key to running more trains, to driving up reliability and to increasing network capacity,” said Andy Byford, New York City Transit president. “I have directed my staff to research and engage in all of these ideas, whether it is ultra-wideband technology or new installation techniques. But we cannot rest on the laurels of these winners, which is why the MTA and the Partnership for New York City are launching the Transit Innovation Partnership, a public-private collaboration dedicated to bringing new ideas, resources, and expertise to support the MTA’s mission.”

Metrom Rail and engineer Robert James both won the award to improve signals by proposing ultra-wideband wireless technology to replace the current signal system developed around the turn of the century. The UWB technology can locate trains down to the centimeter and would replace the cumbersome equipment currently in use.

Ansaldo STS and Thales Group also won the signals category by proposing the use of onboard sensors and cameras for train positioning.

“People from around the world delivered groundbreaking solutions that truly represent a new wave of innovation for the MTA, and we are more excited than ever about the future of New York Subways,” MTA Chairman Joe Lhota said.

CRRC, a Chinese company, offered to develop train cars made with lighter material in a modular design by investing $50 million of its own money in the project.

Craig Avedisian is a lawyer who moonlights as a transit enthusiast and proposed using longer trains and new unloading procedures to speed up the process of commuting.

CSinTrans proposed using software to detect possible issues with equipment by constantly running diagnostic checks and alerting work crews before failures occur.

Bechtel Innovation proposed using robotic technology to upgrade communications and control infrastructure and will use $500,000 of its award to invest in launching the idea.

“New York is committed to growing a robust economy supported by diverse, livable communities. Our ability to get people where they need to go quickly, safely, and efficiently is vital to that mission. The subway system is the economic engine of New York City and the metropolitan region, and today’s winning submissions to the Genius Challenge will help modernize our aging infrastructure and support a 21st century subway system for a 21st century economy,” said Empire State Development Corporation President Howard Zemsky.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo launched the Genius Challenge in June 2017 as a series of a catastrophic failure in the system as well as a train derailment in Harlem brought the city transit situation to the point where urgent action was required.

Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhallum@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4564.

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Source: Times Ledger