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Volume 33, No. 1
Spring 2022
Jackson Heights
Beautification Group
www.JHBG.org
Jackson Heights Celebrates the Arts this Spring!
Volume 32, No. 1
Spring 2020
Jackson Heights
Beautification Group
www.JHBG.org
Jackson Heights – “A Garden in the City”
Arts &
Culture in
Jackson
Heights
Student Artists of Tomorrow!
One of the murals welcoming
the community to PS280.
President’s Message 2
President’s Message
IN THIS ISSUE
Editor's Message 2
Sping Arts Events in JH 3
BY LESLIE ELLMAN
JH Art Talks Return! 3
Seeing Art in Our World 3
The Arts in JH Public Schools 4 Happy New Year, Neighbors! As we begin a new year, we always
En español 6 make plans and hope for the best. Art has been one of the main
things helping us during challenging times and delighting us at all times. The JHBG
Prairie Garden at St. Mark’s 8
runs several art programs such as The Jackson Heights Orchestra, Summer Sundays
Poetry at St. Mark's 8
in the Park, and The Children’s Art Contest open to students in our local public
Art Retail Therapy Opens 9 schools. Our Historic Weekend tours celebrate the architecture of our neighborhood,
JH Notables: Alfred Butts 9 and we are proud to be fiscal sponsors for individual artists and arts programs such
Our Urban Ecosystem 10 as JH Art Talks and En Construcción. We embrace this role because we believe in the
Wild Sightings in JH 11 power and importance of art in making life more beautiful and meaningful.
Let's Green Queens 11
Ongoing Events 12 Leslie Ellman, President
Membership Form 12
On the cover:
Art by Kirsten Magnani
En español • páginas 6–7
Editor’s Message Creating and Imagining in 2022 BY MELISSA ZAVALA
W
ith the start of a new year, we are renewed by early we are also introducing a new feature in our
signs of spring, emerging plant life offering new quarterly issues: a gardening advice column
hope for positive changes ahead. The uncertainty promoting the use of native plant species for
of an adaptable virus continues to shape our world the invaluable improvements they represent
this new year. The strains this has placed on us for the city. We hope to inspire gardeners to
have turned many towards the healing power of the arts and introduce more of the beautiful wild species
to the restorative efforts of creating—from things to food—as native to our region in spaces under their care.
a way of developing old and new skills. This issue thus reviews We appreciate your support, and we are always glad to hear
the state of the arts in our neighborhood, taught in our local from you. Please send us your suggestions for stories, articles,
schools to children from a young age, and available to the rest and any other thoughts on how we can better serve you by
of us via different programs free of cost. We highlight some of emailing us at info@jhbg.org or writing to us by mail at
those programs in this edition. JHBG, PO Box 720253, Jackson Heights, NY 11372.
In a special article for this issue, Kirsten Magnani, JHBG’s
Artist-in-Residence, offers a sense of the ways in which art Happy Spring!
is found in small details in our urban surroundings. A textile
designer, environmental motifs inspire her designs. This year, Melissa Zavala, Editor
2 VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | SPRING 2022 www.JHBG.org
SPRING ARTS EVENTS IN JACKSON HEIGHTS
Wed. March 9 the bookstore. Libreria Barco de Papel, 40-03
80th Street. 5:00 p.m.
Jackson Heights Orchestra Concert
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 33-50 82nd St.,
7:30 p.m. Free with a suggested donation of
Wed. April 6
$20 and $10 for students and seniors. Music
National Poetry Month Celebration
part of the Red Door Poetry Series at St.
by Copland, Honegger, and Mozart. Mask and
Mark’s Episcopal Church on 34th Avenue,
proof of vaccination required at the door.
between 81st and 82nd Streets. 12 o’clock
Wed. March 16 Wed. April 13 JH Art Talks (see below)
Red Door Poetry Series:
Espresso 77 or on Zoom. 35-57 77th St.
COVID Remembrance by Alice Quinn
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on 34th Avenue,
between 81st and 82nd Streets 6:30 p.m.
Sat. May 7th In-person readings
(in Spanish) by authors of En Construcción at
Sat. April 2nd In-person readings the bookstore, Libreria Barco de Papel, 40-03
80th Street. 5:00 p.m.
(in Spanish) by authors of En Construcción at
JH Art Talks Return! BY LINDA GANJIAN
T
he new season of Our mission is to celebrate the
JH Art Talks begins on wealth of artistic talent in Queens by
April 13 at Espresso 77 giving artists a platform to present
(or on Zoom pending their work to their community. Since
public health guidance). its inception in 2016, 65 works have
Talks are planned for the second been featured over 40 events.
Wednesday in April, May, and The 2022 season will be curated
June, as well as September until by Linda Ganjian, Stephanie Beck,
November. A diverse group of local Deborah Wasserman, and Paul
artists, representing a range of Krause.
media, will be invited to present For more information, or to
recent projects, and participate sign up for our mailing list at
in a Q&A. jharttalks.com
Seeing Art W
hy do we make art? Are many summers in the Highlands is always an ugly stage that offers an
we inspired by beauty, of Scotland. Our life experiences opportunity to improve, to take risks,
by something disturbing, influence how we observe our try something new, and to get out of
in Our World
or by an emotion that surroundings: I notice buildings, one’s comfort zone.
we need to share? The reasons cities, colors, patterns, and nature. I want my images to encourage
and possibilities are endless … The cover art for this newsletter people to look at our neighborhood
Sometimes the reason is unclear. We portrays the idea of making art. I and city anew, to see details they may
BY KIRSTEN MAGNANI just know we have to and love to. It wondered, how am I going to convey have missed, such as the beautiful
is an opportunity to explore ideas, this? I started by walking around architectural brick and stonework.
take risks and discover what one is the neighborhood, observing and Much thought and skill went into
capable of. noting things of interest. I had an these designs often found high up
The images we create are Aha! moment: use details from and out of our line of sight. I hope the
products of who we are at a particular the buildings to create a fanciful art in this newsletter brings them up
moment in time and in a given world. I collected references and close in a whimsical way. Every detail
environment. They incorporate orchestrated all the parts to create may be found in Jackson Heights. Do
our life experiences. Everyone a composition of drawings, colors, you recognize the creatures holding
has a story to tell. Mine includes a textures, and experimented with the paintbrush? Do you know where
father who practiced architecture scale to connect them all. Throughout the main building is? The location of
and urban planning, a mother who this process, it was essential to stop, the diamond pattern in the colorful
sculpted, a career in textile surface step away and study the composition mural? I’ve depicted these objects
design, and a childhood growing up as a whole, to see what worked and in a new way showing how art can
in Jackson Heights and spending what didn’t. During this process there enrich our lives. Please, enjoy.
www.JHBG.org VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | SPRING 2022 3
STATE OF THE ARTS IN JACKSON HEIGHTS:
Public-School Students Create BY MELISSA ZAVALA
Studio in a School
partners with at
least two of our
local schools to
teach students
the fundamentals
of visual art from
an early age. This
artwork was made
by three-year-old
students.
M
Music, theater, dance, PS280 Home of the Lion Hearts standards followed by city and state set in
and visual arts offer a 34-20 94th Street 2004 and 2005 (for art and music, along
variety of skills. From Emphasizing academics and providing with dance and theater, respectively). This
collaboration, to creativity, a supportive instructional community, plan sets benchmarks for a standardized
discipline and focus, PS280 has a vibrant arts curriculum in the arts. In
arts education in its different forms program with a dedicated conjunction with their use
teach learners important skills about visual arts teacher, Ms. of the SPARK program,
themselves and their communities, Alba, and a full-time music PS222 follows 10 dynamic
enhancing connections between teacher, Ms. Dardano. instructional units
history and cultures. Given these Additionally, PS280 has encouraging research-
lifelong benefits, we explore the state a theater program for 4th based, lifelong learning.
of arts education in our neighborhood. graders after school. The acronym stands for
This past fiscal year is the first time Student Partnerships for
public schools received full funding PS149 The Christa McAuliffe School Advanced Research and Knowledge, an
from the city and the state, along 93-11 34th Avenue approach based on mentoring and student
with federal support. Prior to this, Students K-5 at PS149 study under Ms. collaboration using inquiry-based methods.
gaps in school budgets meant schools Esparzamestres, a beloved art teacher These approaches are tied together
had to seek funding from different who goes out of her way to inspire, and through their Schoolwide Enrichment
sources for supplies to instruction. mentors the school’s Art Club during program (SEM), which is a research-
With funding now available, how school hours. PS149 also has two music supported educational model encouraging
can art enhance our local school teachers, a band, and chorus program. students to engage in individual research.
curricula? Schools are listed east to The Principal, Ms. Hernandez, is a
west, from K-5, including the single wholehearted supporter of arts education. The Renaissance Charter School
charter school, followed by the two 35-59 81st Street
intermediate schools in the area. PS222 Firefighter Christopher Dating back to 1993, Renaissance School
Santora School: Early Childhood resulted from an effort to reform the public
Magnet School of Exploration school system through collaboration and
86-15 37th Avenue community building between teachers,
Since its inception in 2002 as a small parents, and the neighborhood. Small by
school with grades PreK-2, PS222 has design with PreK-12 grades totaling just over
garnered recognition for its strong 600 students in one building, this school is
curriculum and its robust arts program among the most successful charter schools
including theater as well as music and in the city. It offers a three-tiered curriculum
visual arts, all based in the Blueprint for based in core studies, experiential learning,
Teaching and Learning in the Arts, a set of and community service. Students receive ➡
4 VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | SPRING 2022 www.JHBG.org
State of the Arts in Jackson Heights: continued from previous page
instruction in creative dance; drama; vocal
and instrumental music; and visual art. By
grades 7-9, students choose an art field
to specialize in though art instruction is
woven overall into the curriculum as a way
of knowing and learning. In partnership with
various arts organizations from Queens
Council on the Arts, The Metropolitan Second graders play with concepts of light and shadow using black and white shapes to understand some
Opera Guild, State Council on the Arts, of the abstract principles of contrasts.
and many others, students are connected
more directly to the art world throughout Club that meets two days a week as well as
the city. Student creativity and hard work after-school programs in dance, band, and
is promoted during “Rensizzle Week”, choir. Led by Ms. Asin, IS145 students have
a highlight each year, when the school participated in JHBG’s annual Art Contest.
community showcases independent A drama program was initiated just as the
studies completed in partnership with pandemic struck but a musical is in the
varying organizations selected for works for this spring.
their unique expertise. Their brand of
experiential learning inculcates a sense of of geography, history, and explorations of
the importance of social justice, service, nature and culture with the arts.
and creativity in students’ lives and
academic work. PS398 The Hector Figueroa School
69-01 34th Avenue
PS212 The newest school in the neighborhood,
34-25 82nd Street PS398 currently houses grades 3K-2. It
Beyond a strong provides all students with music instruction
academic program, once a week by Mr. Wettstein, a creative
PS212 educators teacher who uses songs from the diverse
and administrators understand the population’s cultural traditions to train IS230 73-10 34th Avenue
arts as integral to their curriculum. In students in singing and basic instruments. For grades 6-8, IS230 provides students
visual arts, students are taught to “Think The school will be partnering with Teatro three years of band and chorus as well as
like Artists”, fostering creativity. Music SEA (Society for the Educational Arts, visual arts instruction in preparation for
instruction parallels literacy education, Inc.) to establish a dance residency and competitive arts High Schools. With three
deepening students’ analytical skills, is currently partnering with Studio in a classes a week, this middle school also
while also promoting music appreciation. School. This organization formed following offers students access to art exhibitions,
In partnership with the organizations the fiscal crisis in 1977 when budgets were concerts, city-wide festivals, parades,
like Studio in a School, NYC Ballet, Arts cut throughout city schools. Philanthropist and more.
Connection, Flamenco Vivo, CUNY CAT, Agnes Gund founded this initiative to bring
Joyce Theater, Carnegie Hall, and others, art professionals to classrooms in 10-week School bands and choirs have been unable
their arts educators nurture emotional cycles to promote arts learning. to rehearse since congregating together
development under Mrs. Picard and Ms. entails risks of contagion. With young
Segarra in art and music respectively. IS145 Joseph Pulitzer Magnet School students increasingly suffering from
of Innovation and Applied Learning depression resulting from isolation and
PS069 The Jackson Heights School 33-34 80th Street interruptions to daily life, providing them
of Cultural and Performing Arts Two years ago, IS145 opened a Makerspace with the therapeutic effects of artistic
77-02 37th Avenue for students and faculty. Partnering with expression is vital. Let’s ensure the growth
With a rich music program developed BEAM Center in Brooklyn, students create, of these invaluable programs and connect
over several years, students from PreK explore, and learn collaboratively from our students to this creative community
through 5th grade rely upon the Kodály STEM-based projects. Both low- and to inspire tomorrow’s artists. Contact
technique of teaching music through folk high-tech tools are available along with District 30 Superintendent, Dr. Philip
songs and games to develop singing voices art supplies and other materials useful to Composto, to express your support for
early on. As they age, students join the builders. Preparing 21st century student continued generous arts funding at (718)
school orchestra or their award-winning makers with practical skills in various 391-8323. Become involved in your School
choir. Instruction happens once a week. fields from science and technology to Leadership Team (SLT) and support efforts
Visual arts develop students’ fine-motor engineering and math (i.e., STEM fields) by the Community Education Council
coordination using explorations of basic is the school’s main goal, as is fostering (CEC) to ensure that arts programming
elements like lines and surfaces, with work entrepreneurship. This school has two art is not undercut by prioritizing English/
performed independently or cooperatively. teachers, one for dance, and two for music Language Arts and Math only. The arts
The school’s art curriculum ties studies (for band and choir). There is an active Art matter now more than ever.
www.JHBG.org VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | SPRING 2022 5
EN ESPAÑOL
Mensaje destacamos algunos de
de la esos programas. Este año,
Presidenta vamos también a introducir
POR LESLIE un nuevo elemento en los
ELLMAN números trimestrales: una
¡Feliz año nuevo, columna de consejos sobre
vecinos! Al comenzar un nuevo jardinería para promover el
año, siempre hacemos planes y uso de especies de plantas
esperamos lo mejor. El arte ha nativas por las invaluables
sido una de las muchas cosas mejoras que representan para
que nos han ayudado durante la ciudad. Por favor, envíanos Una de las presentaciones
tiempos difíciles y siempre sugerencias sobre historias, en persona del año pasado
nos ha seducido. El JHBG artículos o cualquier otra de la serie “JH Arts Talks”
organiza varios programas idea sobre cómo podemos celebrando artistas locales
y cultivando comunidad.
artísticos, como la Orquesta de servirte mejor a info@jhbg.
Jackson Heights, los Domingos org o escríbenos por correo
de verano en el parque y el a JHBG, PO Box 720253,
Concurso de arte para niños. Jackson Heights, NY 11372. juego de mesa Scrabble. Su Seguramente nos inspira
Nuestros recorridos del fin de inventor, Alfred Mosher Butts, la belleza, algo inquietante
semana histórico celebran la Las charlas sobre arte fue un arquitecto que perdió o alguna emoción, que
arquitectura del vecindario. “JH Art Talks” regresan su trabajo durante la Gran necesitamos compartir. Las
Estamos orgullosos de ser POR LINDA GANJIAN Depresión. Vivió en la Calle 79, razones son incontables, pero
patrocinadores de artistas y La nueva temporada de “JH en el edificio Hampton Court, también las posibilidades.
de programas artísticos como Art Talks” comienza el 13 de y fue parroquiano de la Iglesia Solo sabemos qué hay que
las charlas sobre arte “JH Art abril en Espresso 77 (o vía Metodista Comunidad Unidad hacerlo, y nos encanta.
Talks” y “En Construcción”. Zoom, dependiendo de las de la Avenida 35. A principios Es una oportunidad para
Asumimos este papel porque recomendaciones sobre salud de la década de 1930 explorar ideas, tomar riesgos
creemos en el poder y la pública). Las charlas están desarrolló el juego basado en y descubrir de lo que uno es
importancia del arte en la planeadas para el segundo su anterior juego de palabras, capaz. La pieza para la portada
transformación de la vida en miércoles de abril a junio y Lexiko. Probó su nuevo juego de este número necesitaba
algo más bello y significativo. de septiembre a noviembre. usando a sus co-parroquianos retratar la idea de “hacer arte”.
Nuestra misión es celebrar en el salón social del sótano Me pregunté, “¿cómo voy a
Mensaje de la Editora. la riqueza de talento artístico de la iglesia. Butts lanzó el hacerlo?” Empecé caminando
Crear e imaginar en el 2022 en Queens proporcionando juego en 1938 como Criss- en el vecindario, observando y
POR MELISSA ZAVALA a los artistas una plataforma Crosswords, pero las ventas notando cosas de interés. Tuve
Con el inicio para mostrar su trabajo a la fueron pésimas. Sin embargo, una intuición: usaría detalles
del nuevo comunidad. La temporada tras sucesivos cambios y de los edificios para crear un
año, nos 2022 será curada por Linda distintos compradores, el juego mundo imaginario. Espero
renovamos Ganjian, Stephanie Beck, ha llegado a más de 100 países motivar a la gente mediante las
con las Deborah Wasserman y Paul en 30 idiomas, y se estima imágenes que creé para mirar
tempranas Krause. Para más información que se han vendido más de nuestro vecindario y la ciudad
señales de la o para inscribirse a nuestra 150 millones en los últimos de forma diferente. Cada
primavera, esa emergencia lista de contactos visita el sitio 70 años. Por algún tiempo, detalle pertenece a Jackson
de la vida en las plantas que jharttalks.com el JHBG ha patrocinado un Heights. Por favor, ¡disfrútalo!
ofrece nueva esperanza club en la iglesia donde el
ante los cambios positivos. Los destacados de Jackson juego fue inventado. Después La poesía y la meditación
Por eso, este número revisa Heights. El lugar de de muchos años de vivir en ofrecen paz en la Iglesia de
el estado de las artes nacimiento del Scrabble: Jackson Heights, Alfred Butts San Mark
en nuestro vecindario, Alfred Mosher Butts se jubiló en su pueblo natal POR SPENCER REECE
impartidas en nuestras POR DANIEL KARATZAS Poughkeepsie, Nueva York, Octubre de 2020 marca el
escuelas a los niños desde Es uno de los juegos de donde murió en 1993. comienzo de la Serie Red Door.
temprana edad y disponible mesa más populares y mejor La iglesia había estado cerrada
al resto de nosotros a través conocidos en el mundo, y fue Ver el arte en nuestro mundo por siete meses debido a la
de diferentes programas creado por un residente de POR KIRSTEN MAGNANI pandemia y a la muerte del
gratuitos. En esta edición Jackson Heights. Se trata del ¿Por qué hacemos arte? Padre Checo a causa del ➡
6 VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | SPRING 2022 www.JHBG.org
EN ESPAÑOL continuado
COVID-19. Fui invitado por la Por favor, considera ayudar custodio del espacio interior. o envíanos tus preguntas
diócesis a venir de España a a la Iglesia de San Mark esta Autoidentificada como Hoya y comentarios por correo
la Iglesia de San Mark como primavera, ven los sábados Head (Cabeza de hoya), a JHBG, PO Box 720253,
un sacerdote encargado después de las 10:00 a. m. y Tanya colecciona variedades Jackson Heights, NY 11372.
provisionalmente. En Nueva pregunta a Dorothy Moran del género Hoya, una planta
York había la necesidad de un cómo puedes apoyar. asiática tropical que consta ¡Art Retail Theraphy
espacio para la meditación y de entre 200 y 300 especies. está aquí!
la poesía, y yo quería abrir la El estado de las artes Las pequeñas plantas de Después de haber perdido la
iglesia tanto a miembros como en Jackson Heights: los Tanya representan la bioética antigua y querida papelería
a los peatones de la Calle 82. estudiantes de escuelas de Wilson: “El esplendor ubicada en la Avenida 37 con
La serie consiste en la lectura públicas crean aguarda en proporciones la Calle 82, Jackson Heights
de un poema por un poeta dos POR MELISSA ZAVALA diminutas” (Wilson, Biophilia, tiene una nueva tienda de
veces con cinco minutos de La educación artística en sus 1984: 139). ¿Qué ecosistemas productos para arte. Se
silencio entre ambas lecturas. diferentes formas enseña urbanos te interesan? Ponte encuentra en el 84-26 de la
Las lecturas se realizan cada importantes habilidades sobre en contacto con nosotros en Avenida 37; su propietario,
primer y tercer miércoles del uno mismo y la comunidad info@jhbg.org o escríbenos Francisco Cogollo, se está
mes a las 6:30 p. m., excepto e intensifica las conexiones por correo a JHBG, PO Box convirtiendo rápidamente
durante el verano. El 6 de abril entre historia y cultura. Dados 720253, Jackson Heights, en un excelente vecino, en
la Iglesia de San Mark tendrá estos beneficios permanentes, NY 11372. especial para los artistas
un evento de lectura de todo exploramos el estado de la locales. Su tienda ofrece
el día, con varios poetas, entre educación artística en nuestro Enverdezcamos Queens. exposiciones de galería
ellos Padraig O’Tuama, quien vecindario. Por primera vez, ¿Quieres hacer más para gratuitas y sesiones sobre
graba Poetry Unbound para el en el pasado año fiscal las reducir el cambio climático? arte por $22, cada tercer
programa de radio On Being, escuelas públicas recibieron Aquí hay algunos consejos lunes a las 7:00 p. m.; síguelos
de Krista Tippett. fondos completos de la ciudad verdes para quien quiera por Instagram, instagram.
y del estado, así como apoyo hacer la diferencia. com/artretailtherapy
Un jardín-pradera en la federal. Las escuelas están antes de registrarte. Para
Iglesia Episcopal de San Mark enlistadas de este a oeste, ¡Repáralo, no lo desheches! más información, escribe a
POR DAVID WATSON desde la preescolar K-5, POR MELISSA ZAVALA artretailtherapy@gmail.com
El año pasado los jardineros de incluyendo la única escuela Hoy en día, las cosas están o llama al (718) 406-9444.
la Iglesia de San Mark crearon concertada del vecindario, hechas para romperse.
un jardín-pradera con plantas seguida por dos escuelas Pero ¿si en vez de comprar Un espectáculo salvaje en
nativas. Este jardín crece ahora primarias en el área. más muebles desechables, Jackson Heights
bajo un cerezo grande con una zapatos o ropa nuevos, y más, Un estridente ruido que duró
enorme rama horizontal afuera Nuestro ecosistema urbano. reparamos los objetos viejos varias horas en los jardines
de la entrada principal de la De afuera hacia adentro y rotos? ¿A dónde podemos de The Towers inquietó a
iglesia. El proyecto fue un reto, POR MELISSA ZAVALA llevar las cosas dañadas para los vecinos el día de Año
porque carecía de un diseño El renombrado biólogo que las arreglen? Tristemente, Nuevo. Una cacofonía de
firme. Su planeación requirió Edward O. Wilson falleció a hay pocos reparadores por graznidos de cuervos asesinos
un nuevo acercamiento. Esta finales de 2021. Conocido aquí, pero hay algunos a ahuyentaba a un búho de
primavera, planeo agregar por su revolucionaria quienes vale la pena apoyar: cuernos de rejilla. En Jackson
Conoclinium coelestinum investigación sobre hormigas, tapicería (Corona Upholstery: Heights y los alrededores
(flores de niebla azul), su trabajo inspira la 101-19 Northern Boulevard; viven otras aves rapaces.
Phycanthemum multicum conservación comenzando [718] 429-6258), reparación Desde el halcón de cola roja
(menta de montaña) y más por los más pequeños de zapatos (Columbus Shoe (Buteo jamaicensis) hasta
Asclepias tuberosa (hierba de organismos y fundado en la Repair: 79-05 Avenida 37; halcones peregrinos (Falco
mariposa). Las especies que biofilia, es decir, en la afinidad [728] 205-7651), arreglos peregrinus) y cernícalos (Falco
plantamos tienen profundos humana por la vida que nos de ropa (Unit Cleaners: sparverius), las aves de rapiña
sistemas de raíces que no une a otras especies. Los 77-05 Avenida 37; [718] han regresado. ¿Qué vida
necesitan mucha agua, se residentes de la ciudad que 639-7049), reparación de salvaje inusual has visto por el
extienden para llenar espacios no tiene espacio para un electrodomésticos (Climate vecindario? Envíanos fotos y
vacíos, necesitan poco jardín también son custodios Crew Corp: 37-63 Calle 83, comparte tu historia enviando
cuidado y mantienen a raya de organismos grandes y Suite 221; [347] 418-7804). un email a info@jhbg.org
la maleza. El acercamiento pequeños. Una residente ¿Qué soluciones ecológicas o escríbenos por correo a
a las plantas nativas hace la de Jackson Heights, Tanya, te gustaría promover? JHBG, PO Box 720253,
jardinería mucho más fácil. representa este tipo de Escríbenos a info@jhbg.org Jackson Heights, NY 11372.
www.JHBG.org VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | SPRING 2022 7
A Meadow Garden at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church BY DAVID WATSON
T
his past year, gardeners at St. Mark’s created
a meadow garden with native plants. This
garden now grows below a large cherry tree
with a gigantic horizontal branch (well-
cabled to the vertical trunk) outside the
church’s main entrance. Visitors are welcome to
81st Street and 34th Avenue during open hours.
I had previously helped design a native plant
area at The Towers following strict guidelines.
The St. Mark’s project was challenging because it
lacked a firm design. Planning it required a fresh
approach. Taking it piecemeal allowed me to avoid
unnecessary expenses, as did using plants supplied
by neighbors, friends, and others nearby.
Last spring, during a trip to see friends in
Hudson-NY, they blessed me with a number of
Symphyotrichum lateriflorum, or “Calico Asters,”
after I helped them with their gardening. This plant
What was a traditional English garden at St. Mark’s now became the backbone for that area. I also moved
contains a native prairie garden and other wilder spaces. some Agastache foeniculum (Anise Hyssop), over-
planted in another garden area, which became ➡
Poetry and Meditation Offer Peace at St. Mark’s BY SPENCER REECE
O
ctober, 2020, marks the start of The Red Door Series.
The church had been closed for seven months due to the
pandemic and the death of Father Checo from COVID-19.
I was invited by the diocese to come to Saint Mark’s as an
interim-priest-in-charge. Recently returned from a decade
in Madrid, Spain, where I was working for the Spanish Episcopal
Church as the canon-to-the-ordinary, I created the Unamuno
Author Series which culminated in an international literary
festival. In New York, there was a need for space for meditation
and poetry. I wanted to open it to church members and anyone
walking down 82nd Street. The series consists of a poet reading
one poem twice with five minutes of silence in between readings.
Those of other faiths, non-believers, and long-
time Saint Mark’s members sit in pews in silence
and listen to poets read their poems. Readings
are the first and third Wednesday of every
month at 6:30 p.m. We take summers off. The
Red Door Series received media coverage and a
major grant from the diocese for 2022. On April
6th Saint Mark’s will have an all-day event of
poets reading poems including the presence of
Padraig O’Tuama who records Poetry Unbound
for Krista Tippett’s On Being radio program. Poetry finds a
Saint Mark’s is resurrection. These poets home at St. Mark’s
under the leadership
plant their poems like seeds into the silence of of Father Spencer,
Wednesday nights in Jackson Heights to spread a poet, and new
hope. We’re a Holy Spirit factory. Priest-in-Charge.
8 VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | SPRING 2022 www.JHBG.org
Meadow Garden at St. Mark's: continued
essential. Dunolly
Gardens also gave us JACKSON HEIGHTS NOTABLES
“coneflower” plants,
Echinicea purpurea. Highlighting former Jackson Heights residents of notable interest
By the beginning for the ways in which they represent our neighborhood.
of last autumn, most
of these displayed
beautiful flowers in a
Alfred Mosher Butts
part-shaded area. The
The Birthplace of Scrabble BY DANIEL KARATZAS
plant literature advises
full sun for most, but
A coneflower past its bloom
still looks beautiful, offering
they did well under the
something interesting at big cherry tree.
different times of the year. This spring, I plan
to add Conoclinium
coelestinum (Blue Mist Flowers), Pycanthemum
multicum (Clustered Mountain Mint), and more
Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed). The species
we plant have deep root systems which do not need
much watering, spread to fill up empty space, need The Community Methodist Church
is where the popular game Scrabble
little care, and keep weeds out. The native-plant
was perfected by neighborhood
approach makes gardening much easier. parishioners, commemorated by the
Please consider helping at St. Mark’s this spring. street sign on that corner.
Arrive a little after 10:00 AM on a Saturday and ask
Dorothy Moran how you can help. St. Mark’s has
other gardens beyond those described here.
I
t is one of the most popular and well-known board games in the
world and was created by a Jackson Heights resident. That game is
Scrabble. You may have seen the street sign honoring Scrabble at the
southeast corner of 81st Street and 35th Avenue. The word Avenue is
spelled out, and its letters, along with the “th” in 35th, have numerical
sub-scripts indicating the value of each letter in Scrabble.
Scrabble’s inventor, Alfred Mosher Butts, was an architect who lost
his job during the Great Depression. He lived on 79th Street in Hampton
Court and was a parishioner at the Community United Methodist Church
Sign up for on 35th Avenue. During the early 1930s he developed the game based
Monday art on his earlier word game, Lexiko. He tested his new game using his fellow
classes and parishioners in the basement social room at Community Church. Butts
see local
artists'
launched the game in 1938 as Criss-Crosswords, and sales were dismal.
work at While the game was developed in the 1930s, it was not until the 1950s
Art Retail that Scrabble became a sensation. In 1948, after a decade of weak sales
Therapy. and unable to interest other game companies, Butts sold manufacturing
rights to James Brunot, of Newtown, Connecticut. Brunot changed the
name to Scrabble and granted Butts a royalty on each game sold. Sales
Art Retail Therapy is Here! were still low until 1952, when a Macy’s executive who had played the
game placed a substantial order. Unable to meet the sudden demand,
A
Brunot sold the manufacturing rights to Selchow and Righter. The
fter losing the beloved longtime stationery shop on 37th
Macy’s executive was prescient since by 1954, just two years later, over
Avenue just off 82nd Street, Jackson Heights has a new art
supplies store! Located at 84-26 37th Avenue, its owner,
three million sets were sold.
Francisco Cogollo, is quickly making an excellent neighbor, Today, the game is marketed in over 100 countries in 30 languages,
especially to local artists. He grew up in Elmhurst and has a real love for and it is estimated that over 150 million have been sold over the last 70
the neighborhood. Art Retail Therapy offers free gallery shows and $22 years. There are thousands of Scrabble clubs all over the world, and for a
art sessions every other Monday at 7 p.m. requiring registration. Follow number of years the JHBG sponsored a club that met in the Community
them on Instagram at instagram.com/artretailtherapy for their Church where the game was invented. After many years of living in
class schedule before registering. Email them at artretailtherapy@ Jackson Heights, Alfred Butts retired to his hometown of Poughkeepsie,
gmail.com, or call (718) 406-9444 to find out more. Stop by and New York, where he died in 1993.
find ways of enhancing your creativity and greet our new neighbors!
www.JHBG.org VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | SPRING 2022 9
VIEWS FROM
THE HEIGHTS
Volume 33, Number 1 OUR URBAN ECOSYSTEM This ongoing series considers the impact of urban gardening and landscaping
practices on city wildlife and open spaces—as well as indoor ones.
Bringing the Outdoors Indoors
Spring 2022
Jackson Heights BY MELISSA ZAVALA
Beautification Group
P.O. Box 720253
Jackson Heights, NY
11372-0235
(347) 766-9129
info@JHBG.org
Newsletter
Committee
Edwin O’Keefe Westley
Jerry Goldman
Louise Mulvihill
Melissa Zavala
Rommel Alama
Kirsten Magnani
Design & Production
Rommel Alama
Distribution Director
Edwin O’Keefe Westley
Tiny plants make a home, providing warmth and beauty all year round.
R
Translator &
En Español Editor enowned biologist, Edward O. Wilson,
Julia Erika passed away as 2021 ended. Known for his
Negrete Sandoval groundbreaking research on ants, his body
of work inspires conservation beginning
Contributors with the tiniest organisms and rooted in
Leslie Ellman biophilia, the human affinity for life binding us to
Linda Gangian other species. Humans are ecosystem builders,
Dan Karatzas not just destroyers. He reminds us that we can
Kirsten Magnani and should do more for our world. City residents
Spencer Reece without outdoor gardening space are also
David Watson stewards of big and small organisms. Life-long growers on Instagram, ordering plants in the mail.
Melissa Zavala resident of the neighborhood, Tanya, represents She has learned a great deal about their nutrient
Arts & Culture in this type of indoor steward. A self-identified requirements, preferred moisture conditions,
Jackson Heights “Hoya Head”, she collects varieties of the genus and lighting needs which she supplements with
Hoya, a tropical Asian plant consisting of 200-300 lamps and imaginative arrangements on her
This warm scene is one
of the growing number of species. With waxy leaves, growing as vines or windows. She marvels at the idiosyncrasies of
colorful murals around creepers, some with peduncles with fragrant star- their make-up—from flat and fuzzy, to round and
the neighborhood. shaped flowers smelling of chocolate Tootsie Rolls waxy leaves—to their personalities. With attention
Found along 80th Street,
this mural adorns The and others like cotton candy, Hoyas are diverse. to aesthetics, she finds pots to fit their needs and
Queensboro Restaurant The pandemic prevented us from seeing others. her style, highlighting their beauty. She has come
on Northern Boulevard. Stuck in the house, Tanya to terms with the insects that invariably come with
turned to plants. “Seeing plants and accepts her indoor environment as one
something grow since we requiring strict management so that life can thrive,
couldn’t see anyone,” she giving up workspace to her plants. Plants not only
says, led her to grow her add beauty but cleanse our indoor air and produce
unique plant collection healthful emotional and psychological effects.
from “normal person 10 Tanya’s tiny plants represent Wilson’s bioethics:
plants to 110”! Preferring “Splendor awaits in minute proportions” (Wilson’s
tiny cuttings so she Biophilia, 1984: 139).
can “fit them all in”, she What urban ecosystems interest you? Contact
began watching YouTube us at info@jhbg.org, or via regular mail at JHBG,
videos and following Hoya PO Box 720253, Jackson Heights, NY 11372.
10 VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | SPRING 2022 www.JHBG.orgWild Sightings in Jackson Heights!
A
DOROTHY MAGNANI, DENNIS EDGE, & BARBARA MUTNICK REPORT
raucous noise lasting aggressive top food chain horned owls
several hours in the predators which prey on are widespread
gardens at The Towers a variety of animals from throughout
rattled neighbors rodents to rabbits, snakes, North America
on New Year’s Day. as well as young hawks and and much of
Resident Barbara Mutnick crows—motivating the crows South America
said, “It’s been like the Sharks to push this new raptor out. as well. They nest early
and the Jets but between birds “So, I didn’t have to worry in the year, making their
here in Jackson Heights!” about the owl ... the crows calls throughout northern
likening the heated avian were the ones to be scared for,” woodlands in winter a
contest to sports rivalries. said Mrs. Magnani. Jackson common sound. What unusual
A cacophony of cawing by Heights has several other birds wildlife have you seen around
a murder of crows (Corvus of prey living here and nearby. the neighborhood?
brachyrhynchos) intimidated From red-tailed hawks (Buteo Send us pictures and share
a great horned owl out of the jamaicensis) to peregrine your story by emailing us at
area. “I expected the owl to falcons (Falco peregrinus), info@jhbg.org, or writing
be murdered!!” said Dorothy and American kestrels (Falco via regular mail at JHBG,
Magnani. Great horned Crows work together to intimidate a sparverius), raptors have PO Box 720253, Jackson
owls (Bubo virginianus) are visiting great horned owl at The Towers. made a comeback! Great Heights, NY 11372.
Let’s Green Queens
Want to do more to slow climate change? Here are some green tips for anyone wanting to make a difference. Fix it, Don’t Toss it!*
BY MELISSA ZAVALA
T
Need some basic repairs? Consider our local merchants as a green alternative to buying new items.
hings today are made to break. and fulfill our needs. Where can damaged With the value of manual skills on the
But what if instead of buying things be taken for repair? Sadly, there rise, our landfills becoming more costly
disposable DIY furniture, brand are few local menders around, but here and environmentally unsound, and our
new shoes, clothes, and more, we are some worth supporting. planet’s limits becoming ever clearer, now
repaired old or broken items? The is a good time to reconsider everyday
Japanese concept of Kintsugi provides UPHOLSTERY: Corona Upholstery practices and find ways to do more to
inspiration for breathing new life into 101-19 Northern Boulevard (718) 429-6258 waste less.
things and appreciating imperfections. What green solutions would you like
By repairing cracked dishware, pots, SHOE REPAIR: Columbus Shoe to promote? Email us at info@jhbg.org,
and other items using gold, artisans Repair 79-05 37th Avenue (718) 205-7651 or send us questions and comments via
strengthen them, making shattered wares regular mail at JHBG, PO Box 720253,
more beautiful, transforming them into ALTERATIONS: Unit Cleaners Jackson Heights, NY 11372.
works of art with new stories to tell. This 77-05 37th Avenue (718) 639-7049
is not to propose pricey repairs for worn * To promote sustainable practices and support
or damaged items but to encourage the ELECTRICAL/APPLIANCES: for local merchants, information for this list was
idea that old, tattered, and worn things Climate Crew Corp crowdsourced from neighborhood residents and does
can have a second life, remain attractive, 37-63 83rd Street, Suite 221; (347) 418-7804 not represent an endorsement by the organization.
www.JHBG.org VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | SPRING 2022 11PRSRT
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V I E W S F RO M T H E H E I G HT S – W I N T E R 20 13
ONGOING FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS:
EVENTS
Please join us or renew your membership (there are 2 ways):
Saturdays, 11am-1 pm Go to www.JHBG.org/membership and pay by credit card.
JH-SCRAPS (composting)
69th St. & 35th Ave.
It’s quick and easy! Mail a check with this form
For info on what is compostable, for the membership level you select to:
contact info@JHBG.org
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) non-profit 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.
info@JHBG.org.You can also read
