JH-Strong: Resiliency in the Face of a Pandemic - Jackson Heights ...
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Volume 32, No. 3
Fall 2021
Jackson Heights
Beautification Group
www.JHBG.org
JH-Strong: Resiliency in the Face of a Pandemic
Volume 32, No. 1
Spring 2020
Jackson Heights
Beautification Group
www.JHBG.org
Jackson Heights – “A Garden in the City”
IN THIS ISSUE
President’s Message 2
Editor's Message 2 President’s Message
L
BY LESLIE ELLMAN
Historic Jackson
ike many of you, I have
Heights Weekend 3
spent the past several
Jackson Heights
Sundays at Travers
Notables 3
Park enjoying an
Fighting Climate excellent diverse line
Change with Trees 4 up of musical talent. We have
In Memoriam 4, 10, 11 all been basking in the balmy
Halloween Parade 5 summer evenings, delighting
En español 6 in live music in the company of
our neighbors. Although each
Pandemic Recovery 8
performance has been unique,
City Wildlife 10
I have noticed a striking
Volunteer Spotlight 11 similarity in the audience:
JH-SCRAPS 11 when I look around every week,
Ongoing Events 12 I see happiness and delight on
Membership Form 12 the many faces in attendance.
JHBG is very proud of our your costumes and come out to march with
On the cover: concert series because it brings people us on Sunday, October 31st!
Art by Kirsten Magnani
together in our “town square”, Travers Park. And to add to the excitement, I am happy
“This image is inspired by a
visionary piece called Plant Anyone can pull up a chair or blanket and to share with everyone that the much-loved
Seeds Grow by Architect/ enjoy listening to live music with neighbors Jackson Heights Orchestra will return
Visual Artist Olalekan on a beautiful summer evening. As we gather later this year as well. Their first concert is
Jeyifous, which provokes there, we are finally able to exhale after a scheduled for December.
new ways of thinking about
how architectural designs very different and difficult past summer. This The JHBG exists to serve the community.
can best serve humanity year’s concerts have more meaning after last We do so in many ways, aiming to uplift and
and local communities. My year’s suspension of programming, and we are bring joy to all of our neighbors through our
intention is to portray the just getting started. programming. See you at the Garden Tour,
signs of growth and
recovery all around us as we Mark your calendars for the return of at the Halloween parade, at an upcoming
regenerate as a community.” several of our beloved programs. In the fall, performance of the Jackson Heights
we are bringing back our Historic Weekend Orchestra, or maybe simply on the Avenue!
and Garden Tour on September 18. I am
En español thrilled to also announce the return of The Leslie Ellman
páginas 6–7 Halloween Parade in October! Start planning JHBG President
Editor’s Message BY MELISSA ZAVALA
With an Eye on the Pandemic—What Does the Recovery Look Like in Jackson Heights?
G
reetings, neighbors! With the city reopening story by Ashley Cruce, volunteer coordinator at the human impact on the
and efforts underway to return to normality, JH-SCRAPS, our community composting center, environment is wide-ranging
this issue focuses on community life where she has been volunteering herself for six years. and together we can think
resuming and the state of recovery for She is a gardener, educator, and composter at the more creatively and respectfully about our planet at
small businesses one year later. To do Queens Botanical Garden, and she is an all-around large and do so from the neighborhood level.
this, we highlight the return of Historic Weekend coordinator extraordinaire. Her story features one of I wish to thank those of you who have been
and the Halloween Parade. To explore how long- our prized helpful volunteers, Viet Dinh. sending comments about our summer issue. We are
time neighborhood retail establishments are faring The series of articles under our now regular grateful for your support and your feedback. If you
through the pandemic, we visit Jahn’s Diner, Ultima column, “Jackson Heights Notables”, remembers would like to suggest topics for stories or contribute
Florals, and Rincón de los Antiques, all located on 37th Frank Yerby. This section will keep a focus on public articles, propose improvements to the newsletter,
Avenue in the heart of Jackson Heights. The two retail figures and neighbors who currently live or have send ideas for enhancements to our programming,
stores had to close last year while the diner remained lived here and who represent various elements of and share your overall thoughts on how to further
open. How are they recovering? What lessons can life in Jackson Heights. This issue reminds us of the build upon what we are currently doing, please email
these businesses offer others, and what can they tell architectural legacy left by Yerby, an African American us at info@jhbg.org. You can also write to us by mail
us about our neighborhood’s community life? writer of popular fiction who lived here in the 1940s. at JHBG, PO Box 720253, Jackson Heights, NY 11372.
This edition continues to honor our dedicated Lastly, this issue also introduces what will be a We hope to see and hear from you this Fall,
and always interesting neighborhood volunteers regular column called “Our Urban Ecosystem” which
who donate their time and talent to the Jackson will consider the effects of human practices on wildlife. Melissa Zavala
Heights Beautification Group. This issue includes a From gardening to architectural design choices, Editor
2 VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | FALL 2021 www.JHBG.org
2021 Historic Jackson Heights Weekend
SAT. & SU
SeptembNe.r
18 & 19
T
BY DAN KARATZAS
GET TICKETS
hirty years ago, the Jackson Heights TODAY!
Beautification Group launched its first
Historic Jackson Heights Weekend highlighting our unique
garden community. Over the decades, people have come
from far and wide (and, of course, close to home) to attend
the annual exhibit of original photographs and ephemera, a slide
presentation, the garden tour, and the walking tour. Attendance has
grown to a total of over 300 for all events over the last few years.
Sadly, the pandemic forced the cancellation of the June 2020 and
June 2021 events. However, we are preparing for a scaled back version
this September. We invite you to join us. Tickets are $10 per tour.
Come celebrate the picturesque architecture and lively history of JH GARDEN TOUR: Saturday, September 18th
from Noon to 4pm (rain date: September 25th)
We anticipate 14 gardens will be participating this year. And since
we have never had a fall garden tour, here is a chance to see what
they look like as the summer ends. Tickets can be purchased at
Espresso 77 (35- 77th Street) beginning in early September.
On the day of the event, tickets can be purchased in front of
Community Church, on 35th Avenue between 81st and 82nd
Streets. We also plan to have books and T-shirts available for sale.
WALKING TOUR: Sunday, September 19th at Noon
Tours will meet at 11:45 in front of the Community Church, on 35th
Avenue between 81st and 82nd Streets). We ask that you register
in advance by calling 347-766-9129 to ensure that enough guides
are available to keep each tour group to less than 20 people.
Frank Yerby Remembering a Forgotten Author BY DANIEL KARATZAS
For any Jackson Heights residents who Harrow, in 1946. Yerby’s early success and
have travelled down 86th Street between his desire to escape racism in the South
Northern Boulevard and 34th Avenue resulted in the family purchasing this house
and marveled at the one house that is just a few years following the profitable
JACKSON unlike any other on the block—or in the sales of Foxes. Yet, as one can imagine, a
HEIGHTS neighborhood, for that matter—there is a
reason for the uncharacteristic style of this
smooth transition to such a homogenous
community like Jackson Heights was in
NOTABLES home. No longer a vernacular 1920s-era the late 1940s was unlikely. In fact, even
brick house, how and when was this one with his continuing success—seven novels
This series house so “modernized”? The house at published between 1946 and 1952—Yerby
The Yerby family home on 86th
highlights former 33-28 86th Street was purchased by continued to feel the sting of discrimination Street, modernized in the 1940s
Frank Yerby and remodeled in 1949 by the and left the United States for France in 1952,
Jackson Heights
architects Jedd Reisner and Max Urbahn. A eventually settling in Spain, where he died
residents of notable entertaining summary of Frank’s life and
dramatic two-story living room lies behind in 1991. His first wife and children remained
interest for the the large glass windows that cover most in the house for a number of years after his importance can be accessed online at:
ways in which they of the front façade. Complementing this self-imposed exile with a new family. www.main.oxfordamerican.org/
represent some of clean, modernist renovation, is dining room Yerby published over 30 books magazine/item/1914-you-never-
the elements of life furniture produced by George Nakashima. between 1946 and 1985, with his 1971 can-tell-about-a-river
in our neighborhood. Who is Frank Yerby? Today, the name novel The Dahomean considered his And while Frank Yerby’s presence in
is not familiar to many. But that was not masterpiece. Some of his early novels Jackson Heights was limited to just a few
always the case. He was a well-known were optioned by Hollywood and made years almost 70 years ago, the house
writer of historical fiction and the first into films. Despite the popularity of his he renovated remains as striking and
African-American to sell over one million books, he remains an elusive figure in distinctive as it did the day he and his family
copies of a novel entitled The Foxes of 21st century America. An excellent and moved in back in the 1940s.
www.JHBG.org VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | FALL 2021 3
Some of the “natural AC’s” in JH
at work on our avenues
So Cool: Battling Climate Change in NYC with Trees BY LEN MANIACE
A
coalition of civic, environmental, govern- warming, was not the target in itself. As a result,
ment and business groups unveiled a plan
this summer to make our city more envi-
ronmentally sustainable, resilient, and eq-
missing from the plan was the care required of
those newly planted trees to ensure their growth
to maturity when trees are best at capturing
WHY PLANT TREES?
Many studies have shown that city
uitable in the face of climate warming by carbon and have more robust canopies. Getting
neighborhoods with big trees are
growing our urban forest. If this sounds familiar, them to that stage cannot depend on volunteer
significantly cooler than places
that is because this is what the Jackson Heights care work alone. JHBG knows that is not enough. lacking them. That should not be
Beautification Group’s (JHBG) Tree LC brigade City government must do more to maintain our a surprise. Consider how you feel
has been working on in Jackson Heights for most trees. While JHBG’s Tree LC—the city’s most about walking across a parking
of the last decade. In fact, JHBG is a member active volunteer tree stewardship program, lot on a hot summer day or, in
of the leadership committee for Forest For All surpassing even those led by professionals— contrast, along a tree-lined street
NYC, the umbrella group leading the effort. has been caring for Jackson Heights’ trees, that same day. Two big things
The committee’s main goal is to increase city we can only regularly tend to a fraction of make it cooler. The obvious thing
coverage by 30% from the current 22% by 2035. them. Maintaining all trees is another major is shade, but the more subtle
That may seem a distant date, but to accomplish component of the NYC Urban Forest Agenda. and even more powerful effect
is evaporation of water from the
this, we need to start now. New York is not the If you want to help keep Jackson Heights
leaves on the trees, a process
first city exploring such an increase. Boston, and NYC livable in the future, read more about
called transpiration. Think about it
Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington DC are the NYC Urban Forest Agenda and request that this way: remember the chill you
already on their way. Unlike those cities, however, the following officials support the effort: feel after emerging from the ocean
the NYC Urban Forest Agenda, as the campaign Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, or a pool; that is the cooling effect
is called, does not yet have the city’s support. info@queensbp.org of water evaporating from your
Right now, you may be asking, didn’t Mayor 25th District Council Member Daniel Dromm, skin. Generally speaking, the more
Bloomberg’s Million Trees program already do dromm@council.nyc.gov leaves and the bigger the leaves,
this? While Million Trees is helping, that project 25th District Council’s Democratic nominee the more evaporation, and the
focused on planting one million trees with the Shekar Krishnan, shek.krishnan@gmail.com more cooling. Together the shade
idea that this would improve NYC’s air quality. 21th District Council Member Francisco Moya, and transpiration make trees
Mother Nature’s natural ACs.
Cooling the city, especially in the face of global FMoya@council.nyc.gov
IN MEMORIAM: Joe Ricevuto, Pillar of Jackson Heights BY MELISSA ZAVALA
W
illiam Butler Yeats’ phrase that a stranger is a friend one Thanksgiving Day Parade for over 30 years bringing cheer as a clown,
has not met yet, describes Joe Ricevuto’s manner. He was and he was one of the JHBG’s own. As President of the Garden Club, he
a special presence in the neighborhood. Along with Steve beautified 37th Avenue, planting flowers and over 100 trees. Dedicated
Knobel, who also passed away this year, Joe was one of the to serving seniors, Joe helped prevent their isolation by organizing
“Mayors of Jackson Heights''. Both contributed to the community, the Men and Women’s Club of Jackson Heights which provided meals
adding personality to the neighborhood. Councilmember Daniel and engaged residents in the sort of lively conversation Joe sparked.
Dromm plans to rename a street honoring both Steve and Joe, two Beyond JHBG’s Board of Directors, Joe served on Community Board 3
pillars of the community, later this year. (To read more about Steve, and for different Catholic organizations. As a devout Catholic, he also
see the Summer 2021 issue of Views from The Heights.) functioned as a member of the Board of Trustees for St. Joan of Arc.
Joe passed away at age 88 in January. He was a hairstylist, a Korean We extend our heartfelt condolences to his widow, Nancy
War Army Veteran, a community organizer, a regular in the Macy’s Hernandez-Ricevuto, and everyone who loved him.
4 VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | FALL 2021 www.JHBG.org
A NEIGHBORHOOD CELEBRATION: SUNDAY
Our Annual Children’s Halloween Parade Turns 30! Octobe 1
at Noro3
n!
37th Ave. fro
L
BY EDWIN O’KEEFE WESTLEY m
89TH to 76TH
ast year would have been the 30th anniversary of Streets
our annual Halloween Parade. The city shutdown
meant the parade’s cancellation, but we are
bringing it back! We are grateful to local merchants
and contributors for always providing both in-
kind donations and financial support. Ultima Florals,
Dime Bank and Foodtown provide us with decorations,
treat bags, and drinks, respectively. Armondo’s Italian
Restaurant, Momma Rosa’s Pizza, and Lety’s Bakery and
Café supply us with food. Photographer Patti Lowenhaupt
documents our events for free.
We are thankful for the financial support from Joseph
Lock and Alarm, 82nd Street Partnership, Queens Chamber
of Commerce, Capital One Bank, Apple Bank, Garden
Heights Property Mgmt., Kiwanis of Jackson Heights,
Costco, Jackson House Restaurant, Happy Kitchen, 82nd
Street Tenants, La Boina Roja, The India Long Term Trust,
Koeppel Auto Group, Frank’s Pharmacy, Abetx International
Brokers, Jackson Heights Jewish Center, Steve and
Suzanne Knobel, Brown’s Army Navy, TD Bank, New Peking
Kitchen, Seba Seba, Olivos Opticians, Black Tie Cleaners,
Dr. Abe Dyzenhaus, Downtown Nature Health Foods Inc.,
Espresso 77, Jahn’s diner and San Andresito Jewelry.
We would not have a Children’s Halloween Parade
without children from IS 230 and PS 145 students with
their marching bands and Cheerleaders; Jackson Heights
Early Learning Center; 82nd Street Academics; PS 69, PS
280, St. Joan of Arc, PS 212, the Girl Scouts, PS 148, PS
92, Renaissance Charter, PS 222, PS 228, PS 89, PS 398;
the Performing Arts Conservatory of NY; the Lexington
School; and Forte Prep Charter School. Community
Board 3 members also march with us.
Our behind-the-scenes volunteers blow up balloons,
stuff treat bags, line up marchers, keep everything
organized during the march, hand out 3,200 goodie bags,
and serve food, drinks, and cake at our celebration party.
They are too numerous to mention individually, though
the Newtown HS Key Club deserves special mention.
A shout-out also goes to the police officers
of the 115th Precinct who keep us safe,
especially Detective Johnson and PO
Robby.
Our Parade Committee does the rest.
John McCaffrey packs and distributes
treat bags; Len Maniace covers our
press release. John Cebollero has been
creating our beautiful posters and now
Kirsten Magnani will take over. Edna
Vera, Barbara Kunkel, and Melissa Zavala
help out with hospitality. Edwin O’Keefe
Westley is the overall parade organizer.
www.JHBG.org VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | FALL 2021 5
EN ESPAÑOL
Mensaje de la presidenta nuestros dedicados y siempre
POR LESLIE ELLMAN interesantes voluntarios.
Queridos vecinos, como Asimismo, la serie de artículos
muchos de ustedes, he de la ahora columna regular,
pasado algunos de los últimos “Jackson Heights Notables”,
domingos en Travers Park conmemora a Frank Yerby,
disfrutando una gran variedad escritor afroamericano
de excelentes talentos que vivió aquí en la década
musicales. El JHBG está de 1940. Finalmente, este Celebración del desfile de Halloween.
orgulloso de los conciertos número introduce la que será
porque reúnen a la gente en otra columna regular, “Our
nuestra “plaza”: Travers Park. Urban Ecosystem”, dedicada
Los conciertos de este año a los efectos de las prácticas
significan mucho después de humanas en la vida salvaje.
la suspensión de los eventos Quiero agradecer a todos
programados el año pasado, aquellos que nos han enviado
y esto es solo el comienzo. sus comentarios sobre el
En el otoño regresa nuestro número del verano pasado.
Fin de Semana Histórico y el Si te interesa proponer temas
Recorrido por los Jardines el o contribuir con artículos o
Voluntarios
18 de septiembre. ¡Regresa ideas, envíanos un correo ayudando con las
también el Desfile de Halloween electrónico a info@jhbg.org preparaciones
el 31 de octubre! Asimismo, la o escríbenos por correo para el día del
Orquesta de Jackson Heights a JHBG, PO Box 720253, desfile.
regresará a finales de año. Jackson Heights, NY 11372.
El JHBG está para servir a la
comunidad. Mediante nuestro Fin de Semana Histórico de de la hora programada. Puedes John Cebollero, Kirsten
programa aspiramos a alentar Jackson Heights en 2021 registrarte con anticipación Magnani, Edna Vera, Barbara
y llevar alegría a todos nuestros POR DAN KARATZAS llamando al 347-766-9129. Kunkel, Melissa Zavala y
vecinos. Hace 30 años el JHBG lanzó Edwin O’Keefe Westley,
su primer Fin de Semana Una celebración del organizador general.
Mensaje de la editora: Histórico de Jackson Heights vecindario: ¡nuestro Desfile
Con un ojo en la pandemia, para destacar los jardines Infantil Anual de Halloween Seguimiento a la
¿cómo pinta la recuperación que hacen única a nuestra cumple 30 años! recuperación de nuestros
en Jackson Heights? comunidad. Tristemente, la POR EDWIN O’KEEFE WESTLEY negocios pequeños
POR MELISSA ZAVALA pandemia forzó la cancelación El año pasado habría sido el POR MELISSA ZAVALA
¡Saludos, vecinos! Con la de los eventos de junio de 2020 Aniversario 30 de nuestro A diferencia de las grandes
reapertura de la ciudad y los y junio de 2021. Sin embargo, Desfile Anual de Halloween. tiendas de marca, los pequeños
esfuerzos puestos en regresar a nos estamos preparando para El cierre de la ciudad significó negocios dan al vecindario
la normalidad, este número está un gran regreso en septiembre. la cancelación del desfile, un carácter local y anclan
dedicado al retorno de nuestra Te invitamos a que te unas al ¡pero este año lo traemos comunidades. Pero ¿qué tan
comunidad a la vida normal Recorrido por los Jardines el 18 de regreso! Agradecemos a bien preparados están para
y al estado de recuperación de septiembre de 12:00 a 4:00 los comerciantes locales y a soportar los impactos de la
de los pequeños negocios un de la tarde; los boletos cuestan los patrocinadores por sus pandemia? Los propietarios
año después del comienzo $10 por evento y puedes donaciones en especie y su de tres de estos negocios nos
de la pandemia. Para esto, comprarlos en Espresso 77 apoyo económico. Gracias comparten su experiencia:
destacamos el regreso del Fin desde inicios de septiembre también a todos los negocios Nick Moukas de Jahn’s Diner,
de Semana Histórico y el Desfile o el día del evento frente a que colaboran, así como a George Spetsieris de Ultima
de Halloween. Para explorar la Iglesia Comunitaria de la los niños de las escuelas Florals y María Zapata de
cómo la han pasado los Avenida 35, entre las Calles 81 públicas, sin quienes el Rincón de los Antiques, que
establecimientos comerciales y 82. El Recorrido a Pie tendrá evento no existiría, a nuestros fueron seleccionados con
durante la pandemia, visitamos lugar el 19 de septiembre a voluntarios, a los policías de base en la adecuación de sus
Jahn’s Diner, Ultima Florals y las 12:00. El punto de reunión la Estación de Policía 115 y a negocios a las categorías de
Rincón de los Antiques, todos para ambos recorridos es al Comité del Desfile, que se esencial y no esencial. Los tres
ubicados en la Avenida 37. Esta Iglesia Comunitaria de la encarga de la organización: lugares proporcionan distintos
edición continúa honrando a Avenida 35, 15 minutos antes John McCaffrey, Len Maniace, servicios a la comunidad.
6 VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | FALL 2021 www.JHBG.org
¡Qué chévere! Combatir el años. Arquitecto, planificador de la junta directiva del JHBG. padeciendo la discriminación,
cambio climático con árboles urbano y residente de toda la Enviamos nuestro más sentido por lo que dejó Estados Unidos
en la Ciudad de Nueva York vida en Queens, Peter sirvió pésame a su viuda, Nancy y se mudó a Francia en 1952.
POR LEN MANIACE como director de la Oficina de Hernández-Ricevuto, y a todos Finalmente se estableció en
Este verano, una coalición de Planificación Urbana de Queens sus seres queridos. España, donde murió en 1991.
grupos civiles, ambientalistas en la década de 1980. En 1986 Yerby publicó más de 30 libros
y gubernamentales dieron a Claire Shulman lo nombró In memoriam: Janet M. Kelly, entre 1946 y 1985. Aunque
conocer un plan para hacer presidente del Condado de celebrar una vida. algunas de sus primeras
que, mediante el aumento de Queens y con éxito abogó para Mis recuerdos de Janet novelas fueron adaptadas al
los bosques urbanos, nuestra restaurar y plantar árboles en la POR SEAN WESTLEY cine por Hollywood, Negros
ciudad sea más sostenible, franja central de la Avenida 34. A principios de la década de son los dioses de mi África
fuerte y equitativa en materia En 2002 se convirtió en director 1990, mi padre se encontraba (The Dahomean), publicada en
de medio ambiente y de cara del Programa de Gestión en una situación difícil: no 1972, es considerada su obra
al cambio climático. Si suena de Capital de la Biblioteca sobrellevaba bien la soltería, maestra.
familiar es porque esto es en Pública Queensborough donde así que decidió unirse a la Red
lo que la brigada Tree LC del sostuvo la expansión de nuevas de Acción de Padres Solteros La magia del compostaje
Grupo de Embellecimiento sucursales. Le sobreviven (SPAN, por sus siglas en explicada por un excelente
de Jackson Heights (JHBG su esposa, Dorothy, e hijos, inglés). Necesitaba con quien voluntario: Viet Dinh
por sus siglas en inglés) ha Kirsten e Ian. Se pueden hacer formar equipo, una animadora, POR ASHLEY CRUCE
estado trabajando durante donaciones a la memoria de una pareja de viajes, una Esta es una entrevista a
la mayor parte de la última Peter al JHBG. activista de los derechos LGBT, Viet Dinh, quien comenzó a
década. De hecho, el JHBG es amante del teatro y, más trabajar con nosotros durante
miembro del comité dirigente In memoriam: Joe Ricevuto, importante, alguien que viera la pandemia, el otoño pasado.
de Forest For All NYC, el grupo pilar de Jackson Heights el romance en la vida con su Tiene 19 años, vive en Elmhurst
central que lidera el esfuerzo. POR MELISSA ZAVALA madre en Jackson Heights. y estudia una licenciatura en
La meta principal del comité Junto con Steve Knobel, quien Janet era el complemento ciencias de la comunicación,
es incrementar la cobertura falleció este año, Joe fue uno perfecto. Estuvieron juntos con énfasis en bioinformática,
a 30% para 2035 del 22 % de los “Alcaldes de Jackson por 29 años. Janet me enseño en Hunter College. Nuestros
actual. Heights”. Ambos hicieron a seguir adelante y a nunca voluntarios son realmente
contribuciones a la comunidad rendirme. Siempre recordaré invaluables, con su ayuda
In memoriam: y dieron personalidad al los legendarios largos abrazos hemos sostenido el aumento
Peter Magnani, una fuerza vecindario. El concejal Daniel de Janet. de desperdicios de comida
para el cambio en Queens Dromm está planeando desde la reapertura de JH-
POR PATRICIA AUSPOS renombrar una calle en honor LOS DESTACADOS DE JACKSON HEIGHTS SCRAPS en julio del 2020.
Peter Magnani, dedicado de Steve y Joe para finales de Aquellos que llamaron
servidor público que trabajó año. Joe murió en enero a la hogar a Jackson Heights: JH-SCRAPS expande sus
para mejorar el bienestar y el edad de 88 años. Fue estilista, Frank Yerby POR DAN KARATZAS esfuerzos para el compostaje
ambiente de Jackson Heights veterano de la guerra contra Aunque su nombre no resulta POR LENNY OLSSON
y muchos otros vecindarios Corea, organizador de la familiar a muchos, Frank Yerby JHSCRAPS se enorgullece
en Queens, murió el 23 de comunidad, dedicado a servir a fue un conocido escritor de en anunciar un nuevo
junio de 2021 a la edad de 82 los adultos mayores, y miembro ficción histórica y el primer proyecto de construcción que
afroamericano en vender más incrementará la capacidad
Comercio en locales históricos en Jackson Heights. de un millón de copias de una para realizar de manera local el
novela titulada Débil es la compostaje de los deshechos
carne (The Foxes of Harrow), de alimentos del vecindario.
de 1946. Su éxito y su deseo Un nuevo contenedor similar al
de escapar del racismo del sur construido el año pasado para
llevó a su familia a comprar reemplazar el original está en
la casa en el 33-28 de la Calle la etapa de planeación. Este
86, que fuera remodelada proyecto es posible gracias a
con un estilo modernista en un financiamiento otorgado
1949 por los arquitectos Jedd por el Comité Ciudadano de
Reisner y Max Urbahn. A pesar Nueva York (CCNYC, por sus
de su creciente éxito —siete siglas en inglés). Agradecemos
novelas más publicadas entre a CCNYC por cubrir los costos
1946 y 1952—, Yerby siguió de este proyecto.
www.JHBG.org VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | FALL 2021 7
Tracking the Recovery
of Our Small Businesses
BY MELISSA ZAVALA
E
volving storefronts over the past
two decades reflect changes to the
city’s economy and demographics
with the onset of the Coronavirus
pandemic exacerbating trends.
Different from large brand name stores,
mom-and-pop shops provide neighbor-
hoods with local character, anchoring
communities. How prepared are they to
sustain the pandemic’s impacts?
Three local store owners share their
experiences below. Nick Moukas of
Jahn’s Diner, George Spetsieris of Ultima
Florals, and Maria Zapata, of Rincón de
los Antiques, were selected based on their
Nick Moukas, co-owner of Jahn’s, a
businesses fitting essential and non-es- 70-year-old neighborhood institution
sential categories. While American diners
are disappearing, Jahn’s remains a local
staple, serving as a regular meeting place 1940s Tiffany-style lamps and luncheon- in returning income to pre-pandemic levels.
and offering a broad, reasonably priced ette counter, on the morning of my visit, Additionally, Nick Moukas says, “It’s a
menu. It was deemed essential during the regular diners steadily trickled in while different dynamic. Quite a few people have
pandemic. Ultima Florals marks special I talked to Nick Moukas. He made time moved from the neighborhood”.
occasions and is considered a non-essen- between settling bills and welcoming every- Thankfully, Jahn’s enjoys the support
tial luxury business despite selling living one, filling in for his hostess who was out. of regular diners and helpful neighbors like
“products” for expressing feelings like sym- With only 75% of staff back this summer, Ultima Florals and NYC Food Mart which
pathy and gratitude felt profusely through- they are still short-handed but increasingly provide extended outdoor space. But
out the pandemic. Antiques and household rebounding while working shorter hours. customers must first regain confidence
items represent more general retail stock “Everyone’s hanging in there, and that’s all and return. Jahn’s block alone has experi-
selling irregularly. All three places provide you can do”, is how Mr. Moukas puts it. enced several losses: the owners of Bakery
distinct services to the community. The pandemic hit businesses in differ- La Casa de los Antojitos and Servientrega
ent ways. At Jahn’s, staff was laid off, Nick (across the Avenue), and a friendly delivery
Jahn’s Diner: 81-04 37th Avenue and his family fell ill, and financial losses person from the Colombian steakhouse
For some, growing up in the outer boroughs were substantial. The Moukases relied on nearby, all passed away from COVID-19.
means memories of Jahn’s Ice Cream Shop Paycheck Protection Programs, or PPP The neighborhood was hit hard, and recov-
from 25 locations throughout Queens, loans, since qualifying for other federal ery efforts are unfolding in disparate ways.
Brooklyn, and Nassau. Jahn’s is known for programs was not possible considering
its ice cream and as a family restaurant these target special populations like veter- Ultima Florals: 81-02 37th Avenue
owned by the Moukas family for the last 52 ans, minority groups, and businesses with Born in the Lower East Side and raised in
years. Previously owned by their father who smaller budgets. Mr. Moukas notes that fed- Astoria, George Spetsieris owns one of the
went from waiter to owner from 1960 to eral grant programs ran out in June and var- few flower shops in the neighborhood and
1970, Nick and Peter Moukas grew up help- ious businesses were unable to qualify for has been in the flower business for over
ing their dad, taking over management in assistance. Places like Jahn’s must apply for three decades. Beginning his training in
1995. Jahn’s attracts media attention con- loans and later for loan forgiveness, which the shop of a childhood friend, they went
sidering they are a success story among ice can range in savings depending on what is into business together, expanding from
cream shops and diners as the last shop deemed forgivable. “Recovery has been hit Astoria to the current location in Jackson
standing of a chain unable to survive cul- or miss”, he says. Some businesses have Heights in 1988. What was a ladies’ dress
tural changes and as a family business with been able to enhance their income by add- shop, became Ultima Florals and has
a long history in the neighborhood. Loved ing outdoor eating, but the eat-in culture of remained so, despite the fluctuating
for their free birthday ice cream, weekend diners has meant that limited seating, out- market for flowers—which even before the
brunches, and nostalgia associated with its door space, and take-out have not resulted pandemic was erratic. Mr. Spetsieris has
8 VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | FALL 2021 www.JHBG.org
“Tracking the Recovery Of Our Small Businesses" continued
been sole owner of Ultima Florals since the Flowers voice feelings in ways that
mid-1990s, working well with other neigh- words sometimes cannot, helping express
borhood flower shops before their ultimate complicated emotions sparked by
closures, leaving only a store on Northern extraordinary times. Things are improving
Boulevard with which Mr. Spetsieris still for Ultima Florals; they are doing better
remains friendly. He says of the neighbor- now than earlier this year. Mr. Spetsieris’
hood, “Jackson Heights has been great to innate optimism is reflected in his tone
me. I have a very loyal clientele”. This has and outlook as he keeps working overtime
enabled his business to support him and to get Ultima Florals back on track.
his family, as well as that of his long-time Maria Zapata, head
employees, one of whom has been working Rincón de los Antiques: of the antiques,
for him since the store opened. 83-05 37th Avenue jewelry repair and
money transfer shop
When non-essential businesses closed Rincón de los Antiques in some ways
last year, Ultima Florals was among them. reflects Jackson Heights’ idiosyncrasies. A
In the midst of so much death, espe- quirky medley of services and artifacts, this
cially in Jackson Heights, a flower shop narrow outlet is home to three businesses:
could hardly be deemed non-essential. the antiques store giving the shop its name,
“‘Essential’ is a relative term”, says Mr. a money transfer service called Ria Envíos
Spetsieris. This closure represented a de Dinero located in the back, and a jewelry
conspicuous neighborhood absence during repair station by the store’s entryway.
difficult times. Deaths and celebrations Maria Zapata is the head of this motley
delayed by the pandemic are commem- group. A Colombian immigrant who raised
orated with flowers, but these remain in her three children alone in New York City,
low supply. With farmers producing less Ms. Zapata sings and works as a cleaning
products following massive losses in the person to keep her store and family afloat. while needs for mending skills grow during
spring of 2020, this year’s planting season She has experienced hardships, including unstable times. Being non-essential busi-
has meant diminished availability of dif- being swindled for thousands of dollars nesses, both the jewelry restoration and
ferent flower varieties. This, preceded by for an album never produced. Despite her antiques shop closed during the pandemic
event cancellations, coupled with heartbreaks, she while the money transfer station contin-
inhibited movement of goods shrugs and affirms ued operating as immigrant workers sent
and people, have amounted to that she must keep remittances home to sustain extended
growing difficulties for the flower working. This attitude family abroad during a critical period. As
sector hitting Ultima Florals keeps her store Ms. Zapata puts it, “With God’s blessings,
hard. Payment protection aid has going—that, and her one can help one’s family”. She continues
allowed Mr. Spetsieris to pay his partner shopkeepers. to struggle to keep her business going.
employees, after an extended She says in Spanish Asked about what the community can
period of unemployment and about her business do to help, she says with a slight laugh:
wage-loss. model: “Hay que “Come by and shop here!” She also
compartir [We must accepts donated items in good condition.
all share]”. Her ability to share Her music is accessible on YouTube under
room and expenses allowed her “Celmira Zapata”.
take over the lease from the
previous owner who helped her Businesses are doing all they can,
open her own stand in the cor- but more investments in shops employing
ner of his business before going our neighbors and contributing to neigh-
into credit card debt, leaving borhood life is vital. The city has spent
the locale to her. $1.1 million on advertisements encouraging
Ms. Zapata enjoys offering all New Yorkers to shop locally, a message
things of interest to residents, with special resonance here.
saying that people need to have As Mr. Spetsieris says of the impor-
a place to look around and find tance of remaining flexible during hard
attractive items. Her inventory times, “Flexibility is crucial to life. If you
is eclectic. The jewelry repair don’t bend, you break”. We have all been
George Spetsieris, owner of Ultima Florals, station was very busy at the bending in different ways during this pan-
based in JH for over 30 years time of my visit despite repair demic and supporting each other can help
shops going nearly extinct us keep from breaking.
www.JHBG.org VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | FALL 2021 9
VIEWS FROM
THE HEIGHTS
Volume 32, Number 3
OUR URBAN ECOSYSTEM This is the first installment of what will be an ongoing series on the impact
of urban gardening and landscaping practices on city wildlife and open spaces
Gardening for Humans and Others
Fall 2021
Jackson Heights
E
BY MELISSA ZAVALA
Beautification Group
P.O. Box 720253 arlier this year, neighbor and former editor of
Jackson Heights, NY Views, Lila Stromer, shared a note of warning
11372 -0235 for gardeners circulating on the internet.
The warning highlighted the dangers of the
(347) 766-9129
plant commonly referred to as heavenly
info@JHBG.org
bamboo (Nandina domestica) on cedar waxwings
Newsletter (Bombycilla cedrorum). With these birds being
voracious berry eaters of native flora like wild
Committee
cherries, junipers, and others, a winter-fruiting
Edwin O’Keefe Westley
shrub like heavenly bamboo represents an
Jerry Goldman
attractive new food source. Unaccustomed to
Louise Mulvihill
this introduced species, these birds are unable
Melissa Zavala
to digest the plant’s berries which contain high
Rommel Alama levels of cyanide. Autopsies of dead birds show
Kirsten Magnani undigested fruits in birds’ intestinal tracts, with
high levels of cyanide causing hemorrhaging
Design & Production
and swift deaths. Can the plant’s effects be
Director curtailed? Some gardeners recommend cutting
Rommel Alama all berry clusters. Will this prevent their possible
spread into wilder places? Exotic organisms take
Distribution Director This plant is known by the common names Heavenly
advantage of new ranges, ending up in areas Bamboo, Sacred Bamboo, Chinese Sacred Bamboo
Edwin O’Keefe Westley well beyond the home gardens where they are
originally introduced. In the case of heavenly
Translator &
bamboo planted around the neighborhood (there in lawns) or simply less than attractive (like
En Español Editor
are several on my block alone) and with few cedar naturalized plantains). But what do aesthetic
Julia Erika waxwings around, the plant may not be harmful to benefits mean for our regional ecosystems? What
Negrete Sandoval birds but can still proliferate. kind of criteria can we set up to continue the
Gardeners are drawn to plant species based beneficial effects of gardening in the city?
Contributors
on cultural tastes for certain charming elements. What are your thoughts? Write to us and
Patricia Auspos Species from distant environments offer new let us know if you have plant questions, would
Ashley Cruce color palettes, fascinating morphological features, like to contribute to discussions about plants
Leslie Ellman alternating seasonal displays (like fruiting when and gardening practices, as well as ecosystem
Len Maniace other plants are dormant), and more. Plants services around the city!
Edwin O’Keefe Westley adapted to very different environments represent Email us at info@jhbg.org
Lenny Olsson glamorous substitutes to native wildflowers and or write us by mail at JHBG, PO Box 720253,
Melissa Zavala plants often deemed nuisances (like dandelions Jackson Heights, NY 11372.
IN MEMORIAM: Peter Magnani, a Force for Change in Queens BY PATRICIA AUSPOS
P
eter Magnani, dedicated Planning in the 1980s. He the development of branch libraries, including plans for
public servant who worked developed a plan for mixed Queens West waterfront the innovative Hunters Point library.
to improve the wellbeing zoning in Long Island City, and coordinated capital Peter was also a key force in the
and physical environment of preserving public use of development for the Towers Co-op, where he lived for
Jackson Heights and many other the waterfront. In 1986, new Queens Hospital nearly 53 years. In the 1970s, he
neighborhoods in Queens, died on Clare Shulman named Center, the Flushing helped tenants organize to purchase
June 23, 2021. He was 82. him Deputy Borough Meadows/Corona Park the property and convert it from a
Residents who never had the good President for Queens. He swimming pool and ice badly deteriorated rental building
fortune to know Peter may not fully successfully advocated rink, and the Queens into a self-managed cooperative. His
appreciate the critical role he played for restoring and planting Hall of Science addition. legacy touches us all.
in our community and borough. trees on the median strip along 34th In 2002, Peter became Director He is survived by his wife, Dorothy,
An architect and city planner, and Avenue between 69th St and Junction of Capital Program Management for and children, Kirsten and Ian.
lifelong resident of Queens, Peter served Boulevard (the original median was the Queensborough Public Library, Donations in Peter’s memory can be
as director of the Queens Office of City removed in the 1960s). He also oversaw initiating an expansion period for new made to JHBG.
10 VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | FALL 2021 www.JHBG.orgTHE MAGIC OF COMPOSTING: JH-SCRAPS to Expand
Exceptional Volunteer Viet Dinh Explains All Composting Efforts
V
BY ASHLEY CRUCE
BY LENNY OLSSON
iet Dinh started working bins and bags sometimes feels
with us during the like opening a green Taco Bell JH-SCRAPS is proud to announce
pandemic last Fall. He toilet, but that’s an indicator to a new construction project that will
is 19 years old and lives stuff more leaves and sawdust. enhance our ability to locally compost
in Elmhurst. A student The experience is great, and the our neighborhood’s food scraps. A
at Hunter College, Viet majors environment makes everything new bin similar to the one constructed
in computer science with a much easier. last year replacing our original one is
concentration in bioinformatics. AC: What have you learned currently in the planning stages. This
Recruited by his friend, Elva— about composting that project is made possible thanks to a
grant awarded to us by the Citizens
another exceptional volunteer!— surprises/ed you?
Committee of New York City (CCNYC).
he has enlisted a helper himself! VD: Learning that a good ratio
With the double whammy of a global
Our volunteers are truly between browns [i.e., leaves, pandemic that shut down New York City
invaluable in helping us keep up sawdust, twigs] and food for months and the budget crunch that
with increases in food scraps [scraps] is necessary to create forced the New York City Department
since re-opening in July 2020. good, dry compost was the of Sanitation to scale back funding for
Here is what Viet has to say. . . . most surprising. I used to think existing composting efforts like that
you just shove food into a hole and that’s how at our local Greenmarket on Sundays,
AC: What do you like best about compost is made, but that’s not the case. I’ve residents have been dropping off their
volunteering at JH-SCRAPS? been a food fan for a while, and I love watching scraps with us in record numbers since
VD: The best thing about volunteering at JH- people cook and talk about food science. Creating we reopened last July. Even with the
eventual return of the drop off stand
SCRAPS is getting to see the compost making compost is similar to that. Mixing the right ratio
at the Farmers Market, neighbors have
process. My favorite thing is filling up the bins of organic material is like using ingredients in
continued to utilize our operation in
with piles of scraps that look like food, leaves and cooking processes like baking, and that’s been fun. greater numbers than before the 2020
sawdust, and coming the next week to find the AC: How did you recruit your friend Damaris? shutdown. Building a new bin will allow
bins all brown and decomposed. It’s like opening I ask thinking of how Elva recruited you! us to keep more of our scraps on site.
a time capsule every time. I never get to see the VD: I met Damaris through Elva. Composting One of the benefits of compost is
progression of food becoming the half-finished has been a great way to meet up, volunteer its ability to store water for later use
compost I see. It’s almost like magic, but it’s together and learn about creating a healthier by plants. With so much rain this year,
actually just science mostly due in part to bacteria, Earth. Damaris enjoys composting as much as especially in July, what benefits plants
and sometimes little and fat worms. I do. According to her, “Getting involved with has hampered our ability to sift the
AC: What do you find most challenging composting has really taught me more about finished compost. Without continuously
sifting, our pile grows and leaves us
about volunteering at JH-SCRAPS? the process for developing a more sustainable
with nowhere to put the newly finished
VD: The hardest thing about [working at] attitude about food waste, reconsidering what can
compost to dry. An additional bin will
JH-SCRAPS is keeping the area clean. It seems like be recycled”. She is a major help … her dedication allow us to continue to absorb the
no matter how frequently we detrash the sidewalk to composting makes her an awesome volunteer. steady stream of scraps and compost it
and brush, there’s a trash hurricane that comes Much like other compelling environmental on site. This project will give us six bins of
through … but I know eventually the street will be work, composting is contagious, and volunteers one cubic yard as well as the four Earth
cleaner than we ever imagined. As for composting, bring not only energy, but also their friends. Machines. We are grateful to CCNYC for
there isn’t really much that is hard. Opening the To volunteer, email jhscraps@jhbg.org. covering the costs of this project.
IN MEMORIAM: Janet M. Kelly - Celebrating A Life, My Memories of Janet BY SEAN WESTLEY
I
n the early 1990's, my dad was Whether dealing with Parkinson's, at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.
in a difficult place; he wasn't memory loss, or financial problems, Janet was steady and reassuring
good at being single. So, he did Janet took things on, making the when my wife and I were trying to
what everyone does: bought necessary sacrifices to keep going. have kids. When we spent seven
himself a waterbed and joined the She did everything with the belief that weeks in the NICU, like clockwork,
Single Parents Action Network eventually things fall into place and the Janet was there with the kids on her
(SPAN). He needed a teammate, right path shows itself, which certainly chest. She then knitted caps and
cheerleader, travel partner, LGBT happened for Daddy and Janet. For 29 gloves for all the other preemies there.
rights activist, theater buff, and years, they were attached at the hip. Janet taught me to keep trying,
importantly, someone who saw the I'll always remember Janet spinning keep showing up, and moving forward,
romance in living with his mom in around the dancefloor to Motown, so to never give up, settle, or feel sorry
Jackson Heights. Janet was a perfect young and happy on her wedding day. for myself. I will always remember the
complement. They were the best I also remember how proud she was at Legendary Long Hugs from Janet from
thing to happen to each other. her daughter Diana’s wedding to Matt another planet.
www.JHBG.org VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS | FALL 2021 11NON -STD
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U. S. Postage
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Jackson Heights PAID PAID
Beautification Group, Ltd. Flushing, N.Y.
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Dated Material Please Deliver Promptly
VIEWS FROM THE HEIGHTS – Fall 2021
Dated Event Material Please Deliver Promptly !
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/donate 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) nonprofit organization, so your contribution is tax deductible.
80th St. & 37th Ave.
Schedule may vary and include
Please check membership level:
some Sundays. Check the
JHBG Facebook page Individual $50 Patron $250 Sponsor $1,000
for complete information.
Family $100 Benefactor $500 Other __________
Saturdays 10 am Please print the following:
Clean and Green
For complete details, Name:
go to www.jhbg.org.
Address (Include apt. #):
Daily
JH-CREW dog run City/State/Zip:
69th St. between 34th & 35th Aves.
To join, go to www.jhbg.org E-mail address:
for application. Suggested
If you’re interested in being contacted about any JHBG activities, please email
donation, $25/year.
info@JHBG.org.You can also read
