FHVAC 9/11 MEMORIAL SERVICE
The Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc. (FHVAC) will hold its annual 9/11 Anniversary Memorial Service on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 7:15 p.m. at its headquarters, located at 92-29 Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills, NY 11375. This gathering will honor the innocent lives lost during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the courageous first responders who rushed selflessly into danger, and the enduring spirit of unity and resilience that continues to define our nation. Special tribute will be paid to two members of the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps family: Richard “Richie” Pearlman and Robert “Bob” Castioni. Richie joined the Corps at 14 as part of the Youth Corps, later serving as a dispatcher and proudly entering the Senior Corps at age 18. On September 11, 2001, he responded to the attacks and made the ultimate sacrifice as the youngest first responder lost that day. We also remember Robert Castioni, one of our founding members, who dedicated more than 40 years of service to the Corps. Bob succumbed to 9/11 Related Illness in 2023. Together, we honor Richie, Robert, and all those who gave their lives on 9/11 and in the years since from related illnesses. Community members, elected officials, first responders, and neighbors are invited to join the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps in this moment of remembrance and reflection.
KRISHNAN MTG RE SAINT MARK’S GREENSPACE
Join Councilman Shekar Krishnan and community partners for a discussion about the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island’s plan to sell off the St. Mark’s Greenspace on Tuesday, September 16th, at 6:30 PM at P.S. 212, 34-25 82nd Street in Jackson Heights. St. Mark’s Greenspace is home to two early childhood education programs for playtime and a great green space for the district.
JULIE WON MTG RE ONE LIC
Council Member Julie Won announced that on Wednesday, September 17, the final public hearing on the Long Island City Neighborhood Plan (OneLIC) will take place at 10:00am at City Hall. After nearly two years of public meetings, this will be the last opportunity to share your thoughts on the plan ahead of the City Council vote later this fall. You can attend and testify in person. Public testimony will begin approximately one hour into the hearing.
SUBWAY SAFEST IN HISTORY:
NYPD Announces Record-Low Shooting Incidents And Shooting Victims For The First Eight Months Of The Year
Safest August in Recorded History for Subway Crime, Excluding Pandemic Years
Record-Low Number of Burglaries for August, Retail Theft Declines by 22%
Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch announced that in the first eight months of 2025, New York City saw the fewest shooting incidents and shooting victims in recorded history. During the eight-month stretch, the city recorded 489 shooting incidents and 611 shooting victims, compared to the previous all-time lows of 502 and 612 in 2018. The historically low shooting numbers helped drive declines in major crime, with a 6.7% overall drop in August 2025 when compared to the same time last year.
Crime has consistently declined each quarter since January 2024, with the city currently in its seventh straight quarter of major crime decline. This past August was the safest August on record for subway crime, excluding the COVID-period of 2020-2021, and year-to-date, transit robberies are at the lowest levels in recorded history. Burglary was at a record low for the month of August and retail theft declined by a significant 22%.
“In the first eight months of the year, the NYPD drove down shooting incidents and shooting victims to the lowest levels in our city’s history,” said NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “Below ground on our subways, we have cut crime down to record-lows, excluding the pandemic years. Our focus has been on taking illegal guns off the streets, arresting violent gang members, and deploying our most valuable resource — the men and women of the NYPD — on foot posts where they are most needed, and the results are clear: Our strategy is working, and our cops are driving down crime.”
“As August closed, we continued to break more records: shooting incidents and shooting victims for the first eight months of the year were at their lowest levels in recorded history, and crime in our subways in August was at the lowest in recorded history,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “But even with the tremendous steps we’ve taken in making our city safer, we know that one crime is still one crime too many, and a number of heartbreaking incidents remain at the forefront of people’s minds. We see so much promise in New York City, and it is readily apparent that our public safety plan is working. We will continue to make adjustments as we see spikes, but thanks to the brave men and women of the NYPD, New York continues to be America’s safest big city.”
The NYPD celebrated the hiring of nearly 1,100 police officer recruits in August, marking the largest class of officers sworn in by the NYPD since January 2016. So far this year, the NYPD has hired 2,911 recruits — the highest number since 2006 — with another class still scheduled for this year. In 2025, the department is on pace to hire the greatest number of new NYPD officers in recorded history.
The NYPD’s successful recruitment campaign supported the department’s precision policing efforts this summer. On May 5, the NYPD deployed a Summer Violence Reduction Plan across 72 zones covering 59 communities with more than 2,000 uniformed officers assigned to nightly foot posts in precincts, public housing, and the subway system — all focused on high-priority crimes and shootings. The plan has resulted in consistent crime declines this summer, with major crime down 19%, shootings down 51%, felony assaults down 25%, and robberies down 23% in these zones during deployment hours.
Targeted gang takedowns continue to play a major role in driving down violence and removing guns from the street. So far this year, NYPD detectives have carried out a record-high 55 gang-related takedowns — arresting 396 gang members and associates.
In August, citywide burglary declined by 18.9% (963 vs. 1,187) and is down for the third consecutive year.
Retail theft is also down 12% year-to-date, and 22% in the month of August. Significantly, NYPD officers made more than 2,200 shoplifting arrests last month alone, and more than 19,000 arrests citywide so far this year.
This sea change is the direct result of the department’s overhaul of its approach to combating retail theft, including:
•Deploying officers on foot posts in high propensity locations during the windows of time when retail theft is most likely to occur;
•Placing special emphasis on investigating petit larceny;
•Establishing patterns and identifying recidivists;
•Creating tight coordination with transit officers who catch shoplifters fleeing in the subways; and
•Placing special emphasis on this crime and these cases at weekly CompStat meetings.
In the month of August, robbery dropped by 8.2% (1,365 vs. 1,487), felony assault was down by 6.6% (2,441 vs. 2,614), and grand larceny decreased by 4.2% (4,202 vs. 4,384). Grand larceny auto declined 3.7% (9,204 vs. 9562) year-to-date.
The NYPD brought crime down in the transit system by 22.4% (156 vs. 201) in August. So far this year, overall crime in the subway is at its lowest levels in recorded history, excluding the two pandemic years when transit ridership was artificially depressed.
Housing crime declined by 8.8% (485 vs. 532) for the month. Year-to-date, murders are at their lowest level ever across housing, down 22.6% (22 v. 30).
The number of incidents investigated by the NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force decreased by 35%.
In August, the city recorded 77 shooting incidents, a 4% increase compared to last August’s record setting lows. However, August 2025 was still the third lowest for shooting incidents in recorded history. Over the past three and a half years, the NYPD has taken more than 23,445 illegal guns off our streets, including more than 3,685 seized in 2025 alone. In the month of August, murder increased 33% (28 vs. 21) but remains down 19.6% year-to-date compared to the same period last year.
Rape incidents increased by 24% in August compared to the same period in 2024 (160 vs. 129). The rise in reported incidents is partly attributed to September 2024’s legislative changes broadening the legal definition of rape in New York State, which now includes additional forms of sexual assault. Many reported cases involved individuals known to each other. The NYPD continues to encourage survivors of sexual assault to come forward and report these incidents.
NYPD notes:
•All crime statistics are preliminary and subject to further analysis, revision, or change.
•Rape continues to be underreported. If you are a survivor of sexual assault, please come forward. The 24-hour NYPD Special Victims Division hotline is: 212-267-RAPE (7273).
•Hate Crime statistics are subject to change upon investigation, as active possible bias cases may be reclassified to non-bias cases and removed from counted data.
FDNY ADDED 39 NAMES TO MEMORIAL WALL:
The FDNY added the names of 39 members who died of illnesses related to their work in the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center to the FDNY World Trade Center Memorial Wall. The outdoor ceremony took place on Tuesday, September 9, at 4 p.m. at FDNY Headquarters – 9 MetroTech Center in Brooklyn. The Department has lost more than 400 members to World Trade Center illnesses.
HOCHUL ON 9/11 MUSEUM:
Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul on the 9/11 Memorial Museum:
“Just months after slashing funding for the World Trade Center Health Program that cares for survivors and first responders, President Trump now wants to take over the 9/11 Memorial Museum. The 9/11 Memorial belongs to New Yorkers — the families, survivors, and first responders who have carried this legacy for more than two decades and ensured we never forget. Before he meddles with this sacred site, the President should start by honoring survivors and supporting the families of victims.”
GILLIBRAND, SCOTT TO LEAD AGING COMMITTEE HEARING ON PROTECTING SENIORS IN THE WORKFORCE
On Wednesday, September 3rd, Chairman Rick Scott and Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging held a hearing titled “Protecting Older Americans: Leveling the Playing Field for Older Workers” to discuss the urgent need to protect older Americans from age discrimination in the workplace.
The vast majority of older workers have reported witnessing age discrimination. According to a 2024 AARP survey, 64% of older workers have either seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace. Witnesses at the hearing will share insights on the specific challenges faced by seniors in the workplace and discuss how employers, communities, and lawmakers can take action to protect older workers.
During the hearing, Senator Gillibrand will call for the passage of the Protecting Older Americans Act, which she is introducing alongside Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to protect seniors facing age discrimination at work. This vital legislation would invalidate forced arbitration clauses that prevent age discrimination victims from seeking justice and public accountability, ensuring that seniors can file their cases in court.
Witnesses for the hearing were scheduled to include:
1. Nancy LeaMond, Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer at AARP
2. David Horton, Fair Business Practices & Investor Advocacy Professor of Law at University of California, Davis School of Law
3. Gretchen Carlson, Journalist and Co-Founder of Lift Our Voices
4. Rachel Greszler, Senior Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation
JEFFRIES ANNOUNCES APPTS TO JAN 6 SUBCOMMITTEE:
Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement announcing the Members who will serve on the new January 6th subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee:
“On January 6, 2021, a violent mob attacked the United States Capitol as part of a concerted effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and halt the peaceful transfer of power. Extreme MAGA Republicans have repeatedly tried to whitewash the events of that day, and that’s why this new subcommittee has been created. Equally troublesome, Donald Trump pardoned hundreds of violent felons who brutally beat police officers during the violent insurrection on the first day of his presidency.
“Against this backdrop, House Democrats are fighting back. I am pleased to appoint Congressman Eric Swalwell to serve as Ranking Member. As the proud son of a cop, highly accomplished former prosecutor and skilled legislator experienced in holding powerful Washington politicians accountable, Rep. Swalwell will relentlessly ensure that the American people never forget who was responsible for the events of January 6th.
“It is also my honor to appoint two talented Members of the House Judiciary Committee and distinguished attorneys, Reps. Jasmine Crockett and Jared Moskowitz, to serve on the subcommittee. Ranking Member Jamie Raskin, one of the country’s leading defenders of the Constitution and the rule of law, will serve as an ex officio member.
“Instead of lowering costs for everyday Americans, House Republicans are once again trying to rewrite history and corrupt our electoral system. House Democrats will continue to forcefully and aggressively push back, as we did with Donald Trump’s second impeachment and the work done by the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol.
“We will not allow Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans to whitewash the violence and vile attack on the American way of life that occurred on January 6th.”
SCHOOL DAYS: FREE MEALS, NO PHONES:
Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato Announces Free School Meals & Distraction-Free Learning Policies For New School Year!
New York State Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato is reminding families of two major changes that are set to begin with the start of the new school year:
1) every child will be eligible for free school meals, and
2) mobile phone/smart devices will NOT be allowed during the school day.
The implementation of universal free meals for all schools, including nonpublic and charter schools, has been a focus of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato for years. During the 2025 New York State Budget, Pheffer Amato worked on this issue to ensure that New York State would give every school district, including NYC, the resources to make this a reality. Through that hard work, free breakfast and lunch will be provided to all school-aged children at all schools who participate in the national school lunch and breakfast program – guaranteeing that every child will be eligible for healthy and nutritious meals. “We all know that students do better at school when they have full stomachs, and one thing all of us can agree on is that no child should ever go hungry in school,” said the Assemblywoman. “I am proud to be able to stand up and say that through this work with Governor Hochul, I am able to bring this to our community and make this a reality throughout the State.” Parents can still send their kids to school with their own lunch, but the free breakfast and lunch option is now available to everyone, regardless of income.
In addition, the Assemblywoman is pointing out the cost-savings of this program to families. According to a Statewide estimate, this new policy will save families over $165 per child, per month. The Assemblywoman noted that this results in “money back in your pocket where it belongs!”
The other change to take effect this school year will result in a full-day ban on the use of mobile phones/smart devices from the first bell till the last bell. This Statewide rule is aimed at creating a distraction free learning environment. “Our kids are in school to learn, not scroll on social media,” said Pheffer Amato. Under the law, the Chancellor of the NYC Department of Education has created regulations, A-413, for all public and charter schools in the City. The specifics of those regulations will be explained to each student, along with their parents, at the beginning of the school year. As it stands now: cell phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches and other similar devices will not be permitted to be used during the school day. While a student is allowed to bring their device to school, upon the school day beginning students will be required to store their devices in school-provided storage, like a locker, individual cell phone pouches, or another secure storage system, for the whole day. Phones will not be allowed during instructional time or even non-instructional time, which includes homeroom, lunch, recess, or study hall. Of course, should a student need a device due to an IEP or medical issue, they will be able use it as directed.
In the event a child needs to contact their parent, all students will have access to a school phone line that will allow students to make emergency calls when necessary. The Assemblywoman recommends that parents review their phone number(s) with their kids, as students won’t have access to their contacts on their phone, while also ensuring that schools have updated and correct emergency contact information.
For any specific-based questions regarding the free school meals, or the no smart device policy, parents are encouraged to reach out to the specific school.
WALDEN TERMINATES BID FOR MAYOR:
Independent candidate Jim Walden terminated his race for New York City Mayor
“From the bottom of my heart, I thank my campaign staff and consultants, who believed in our campaign and worked tirelessly to accomplish all that we did. I thank the many people who supported and endorsed us. I know today’s news will disappoint all of them.
“But, in a choice between values and ambitions, values must win. For months I have been steadfast in my view that, unless there is a one-on-one race in November, a Trojan Horse will take control of City Hall. I cannot spend more public money in the futile hope I am the one called to battle.
“For those still trailing in the polls by month’s end, I implore each to consider how history will judge them if they allow vanity or stubborn ambition to usher in Mr. Mamdani. His past words reveal his extreme bigotry toward police, his authentic commitment to communism, his antisemitic obsessions, and his sympathies for terrorists. At bottom, he is proud of his radical beliefs. Those beliefs define him. They have never shifted, despite his attempts to sound moderate now. They will shape his whole administration. For these very reasons, the other candidates have all said Mr. Mamdani represents an existential threat to New York City. Talk is cheap. Respectfully, it is time to “walk the walk” for the good of the City.
“To beat him, a winning candidate would need to aggressively compete on Mamdani’s field. He has dominated the race through three integrated strategies: positive messaging, creative social media, and an energetic field operation. It is not too late to beat him using his own playbook. If a candidate quickly harnesses all three—with an achievable, free-market vision for solving our many problems—that candidate can win. But the time to harness Mamdani’s trinity is slipping away, which is why the field needs to consolidate, and a leading candidate needs to deploy an uber-aggressive field operation soon.”
COALITION HOSTS RECEPTION FOR SLIWA:
Queens Business Coalition Hosts Reception for Curtis Sliwa, Candidate for Mayor of NYC
Queens Village Republican Club announced that on Tuesday, September 9, the Queens Business Coalition hosted a fundraising reception in support of Curtis Sliwa, Republican candidate for Mayor of New York City. The event took place at the popular Oasis Café, 196-30 Northern Blvd., Bayside.
This event was an opportunity to hear Curtis Sliwa outline his vision for New York City. His Revive NYC platform focuses on supporting blue-collar working families—the backbone of the city—and revitalizing the neglected business communities of Queens and the outer boroughs. Attendees also had the chance to network, engage with Sliwa directly, and discuss issues vital to the success of their businesses.
Sliwa shared his strategy for a resounding victory on Election Day, emphasizing how New Yorkers from every community and background are uniting to elect him as the next mayor.
HEALTH CENTER RECOGNIZED AS PATIENT-CENTERED:
Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center Receives National Recognition for Quality in Patient-Centered Care
The Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center (JPAFHC) has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) Badge from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The badge recognizes health centers nationwide that have demonstrated excellence in quality improvement, patient-centered care, and advancing health equity.
The honor reflects JPAFHC’s ongoing commitment to delivering coordinated, comprehensive, and compassionate care to the communities of Southeast Queens and Red Hook, Brooklyn. As part of the nation’s largest primary care network, serving more than 32 million patients annually, JPAFHC is proud to continue its nearly 60-year legacy of community centered healthcare.
“We are honored to serve as a trusted resource for our community, advancing health outcomes and improving quality of life,” said Renee Hastick-Motes, JPAFHC CEO. “This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our providers and staff, who work tirelessly to ensure every patient receives high-quality, comprehensive care regardless of background or ability to pay.”
JPAFHC offers a full range of services, including primary care, pediatrics, women’s health, behavioral health, dental, specialty care, and social support services. With a focus on accessibility, the health center provides care to all patients, ensuring no one is turned away.
The Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) Program is part of HRSA’s efforts to highlight health centers nationwide that meet rigorous standards in advancing patient care. For a full list of awardees and recognition criteria, visit the CHQR Dashboard.
“Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center, Inc. (JPAFHC) is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) dedicated to transforming value-based care servicing communities of Southeast Queens (Rockaway + Jamaica), and Red Hook Brooklyn. For decades, JPAFHC provides comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare services, ensuring equitable access to high-quality medical, dental, behavioral health, and social support programs, regardless of ability to pay. The Health Center continues to address chronic disease management and improve health outcomes by integrating advanced technology and fostering strong provider-patient relationships. As one of the leading FQHCs in NYC, its commitment extends beyond healthcare. To learn more about Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center, Inc, visit www.addabbo.org.”
SPEAKER ADAMS UNVEILS MASJID AL ABIDIN WAY:
New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, local elected officials and community and faith leaders unveiled a street sign co-naming 127th Street and Liberty Avenue as “Masjid Al Abidin Way.” Established in 1977 in Richmond Hill, Masjid Al Abidin was founded by Muslim immigrants from Guyana and the Caribbean as a spiritual home and hub for Islamic learning, worship, and cultural preservation. For nearly five decades, the religious institution has served Muslims of all ethnicities, languages, and walks of life in the community. Today, Masjid Al Abidin provides a space for daily prayers, celebrations during holidays like Ramadan and Eid, interfaith engagement, community outreach, and dedicated programs for youth, older adults, and families.
For nearly five decades, Masjid Al Abidin has served as a spiritual home for Islamic worship, learning, and neighborhood support in our Southeast Queens community,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “I’m proud to officially unveil a new street sign at the corner of 127th Street and Liberty Avenue in honor of the rich and enduring history of this institution of faith. The contributions of this religious center will be remembered and uplifted for generations to come. I thank Masjid Al Abidin President Aziz Madeen, Imam Shaykh Safraz Bacchus, Arsalan Mohammed, Mohamed Hack, Ashook Ramsarran, the late Mohamed Salim, and every community leader who helped make today’s street co-naming ceremony possible.”
STAVISKY AND HYNDMAN ON COVID- 19 EXECUTIVE ORDER
Statement from Higher Education Chairs Senator Toby Ann Stavisky and Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman on Governor Hochul’s Executive Order on the COVID-19 Vaccine
Both Chairs of the Higher Education Committees in their respective chamber, Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Queens) and Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman (D-Queens), today issued a joint statement concerning Governor Kathy Hochul’s executive order authorizing pharmacists to administer the updated COVID-19 vaccine and directing a statewide standing order to ensure continued access amid federal uncertainty.
“We support Governor Hochul’s executive order as a prompt response to the uncertainty and anguish felt by so many New Yorkers. Turmoil, chaos, and delay with the CDC’s vaccine advisory process have left New Yorkers without access to life-saving vaccines. By authorizing pharmacists to administer the updated COVID-19 vaccine to New Yorkers three years and older, this action will restore clarity for many who are simply seeking to protect themselves from disease. This should be treated no differently than Flu shots every year,” said the legislators. “As Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. politicizes the nation’s vaccine advisory process; in New York, we will not let him dictate our personal health care decisions.”
Senator Toby Ann Stavisky and Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman sponsored the law in 2021 (S.4807-A/A.6476) to expand the vaccines pharmacists can provide to adults. In the 2026 legislative session, the legislators will work together with stakeholders to enact a permanent, science-based solution.
—With contributions by Annette Hanze Alberts and Augusta Luger
This column was originated by John A. Toscano.
For more I on Pols, visit this week’s QGazette.com.