Queens and the NYPD Part 3 cover image

Queens & the NYPD: THE “WORST” COPS IN QUEENS

This final part of our investigation into cops working out of Queens picks up where Parts 1 & 2 left off. Today we ask: Who are the "worst" cops working in Queens today? It's worth mentioning, before beginning, that, while we were preparing to publishing this article, there was some important breaking news in Queens. Per the media, "Officer David Afanador, a 15-year veteran of the NYPD, was arrested Thursday morning on felony strangulation charges for allegedly putting a man in a chokehold during an arrest Sunday — captured on both police body camera footage and a bystander's cell phone video." Police body cam image that led to the arrest of NYPD Officer David Afanador of Queens' 100th Precinct, on a boardwalk in Rockaway Park.

GLITS Ribbon Cutting in Woodhaven

A New Day for Woodhaven

G.L.I.T.S.

Woodhaven, Queens is far from the most progressive neighborhood in the borough. Long Island City, Astoria, Jackson Heights -- these neighborhoods always come to mind first when people tell realtor they want a home in a hip, progressive area. Woodhaven is working-class, heavily Latino, and uses the slow, uncool J-Z lines to get in and out of Brooklyn and Manhattan. To the north and west of Woodhaven, just over the Jackie Robinson Parkway, are a cluster of far more conservative neighborhoods (Maspeth, Middle Village, and Glendale), where Donald Trump has enjoyed a significant amount of support in both 2016 and 2020 elections. Woodhaven's current city councilmember, Republican Robert Holden, has repeatedly held pro-policing rallies.

Make Paper at Home

Like many other artists and freelancers, I've lost a lot of work since cultural institutions in New York City closed their doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For me, the jobs were mainly formal and informal papermaking workshops. Because many people are stuck at home, or teaching and learning from home, I thought it might be useful for me to share my process for other folks in similar circumstances looking for a creative outlet. If you're on lockdown and want to make your own beautiful, recycled paper to write, draw, or paint on, gather some supplies and follow the steps below. Basic supply list for home papermaking:

mould and deckle (1x1" molding, window screen mesh)vat (plastic bucket or storage bin)blenderplastic containers (for storing pulp etc)paint strainer (mesh bag, from hardware store)sponges muslin, canvas or pellon (aprox 9x12", or slightly larger than your mould and deckle)newspapers, newsprint or blotters (for drying)waste paper to recycleinclusions 

Step 1:

You can probably find most of the above supplies at home, but you will need to make a mould and deckle: 2 frames (same size) with some window screening stretched tight over one of them.

Hundreds of Greek Americans showcase their support for their homeland

On Saturday, March 7, 2020, excited and proud Greek Americans gathered to bring awareness to the migrant crisis in Greece, occurring on the islands of Chios, Samos, and Lesvos. The rally was hosted on a beautiful spring day in Athens Square Park in Astoria, Queens by The Northern Aegeian Relief. The organization is dedicated to finding a democratic solution for the Greek humanitarian crisis. Photo Credit: Manoli FigetakisPhoto Credit: Manoli FigetakisPhoto Credit: Manoli FigetakisPhoto Credit: Manoli FigetakisPhoto Credit: Manoli Figetakis

According to Hellenic News of America, for years, Greek islands have been housing refugees from the Middle East, a burden that is increasingly becoming unbearable for Greece alone. Amid recent unrest in the islands over the proposed construction of detention centers, the crisis has now escalated and is reaching its peak at the Evros border and across the Greek borders in the Aegean.

QUEENS RALLIES AGAINST ICE RAIDS

Queens community members rallied in Corona Plaza on Aug. 11 to speak out against ICE raids and to build the movement for immigrant rights. The rally demanded an end to mass raids and called for “Liberation, not deportation!” 

Organizers were responding directly to U.S. immigration officials raid on numerous Mississippi food processing plants Aug 7, arresting 680 mostly Latino workers in the largest workplace sting in at least a decade. 

“We are here to come together and defend one another-- we are here to fight. If ICE comes to Queens we’re going to make sure everyone has the information necessary to defend themselves, the information that can help make sure they don’t take you away, because this is a community of immigrants and we are staying here!” said organizer and Queens native Cathy Rojas. 

Organizers gave out leaflets breaking down these rights, such as the requirement that to enter your apartment ICE agents must have  a warrant signed by a judge. The rally organizers are shifting conversations around immigration to highlight U.S. government’s training of dictators and paramilitary death squads across Latin America, causing widespread violence through coups, such as the 2009 coup in Honduras, causing people to flee..

CUNY Graduate Neil Cohen premieres his new Children’s Book, AMERICAN GARGOYLES

Neil Cohen, filmmaker, playwright, and City University of New York graduate has his first children's book coming out on June 11th, American Gargoyles in….Save the Wentworth!, a children’s picture book (that is sure to charm adults too, particularly preservationists and fans of all things in New York City) telling “the story of one building and its gargoyles.”

Ocean Encounter

Looking for a place that is entertaining and educational for all ages, located in Manhattan? There is a place perfect that gives the experience of being in the ocean while never leaving midtown. “Ocean Encounter” is a virtual reality museum designed by National Geographic to make you feel like you are actually in the ocean. It is located in Manhattan 226 West 44th St, between 7th and 8th Ave. and “Ocean Encounter” will certainly interest the masses.