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Groups spread word about restaurant fund

The restaurant industry was hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, with one dire forecast predicting close to half of all food and restaurant businesses in Queens would shutter by year’s end.
To help revitalize the industry, the Biden Administration created the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which provides grants for restaurants and bars equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss, with a cap of $10 million per business and $5 million per location.
Members of Queens Together and the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) gathered outside The Queensboro restaurant in Jackson Heights last Friday to urge business owners to file applications to get a share of the $28 billion fund.
They handed out flyers in six different languages promoting the fund. Over the next two weeks, they plan to do the same in Rosedale, Jamaica, Laurelton, Flushing, Elmhurst, Astoria, Corona and Long Island City.
“We need restaurants to file the application as soon as possible because it’s a federal program and people across the country will be applying,” said Shurn Anderson from the office of Borough President Donovan Richards.
The application for the grant, which doesn’t have to be repaid if it is used by 2023, can be accessed online at the Small Business Administration website or by contacting QEDC, which will offer filing assistance to business owners.
Through May 24, the SBA will only approve applications from businesses that are majority-owned by women, veterans, or those who are socially and economically disadvantaged.
Ahead of a full reopening of restaurants on May 19, Jonathan Forgash from Queens Together, a grassroots group created at the start of the pandemic to advocate for the restaurants, painted a picture of an industry in deep distress.
As of last December, he said 92 percent of small businesses couldn’t afford the rent.
QEDC executive director Seth Bornstein said everyone in the restaurant industry has been hurt by the pandemic. He said it wasn’t just the restaurants that were hurt, but their suppliers as well.

deGrom to 10-day IL after early exit

Jacob deGrom’s start to the season has been nothing short of spectacular as deGrom chases a 3rd Cy Young Award, but after the Mets ace was pulled early on Sunday vs Arizona, concern started to grow.
deGrom lasted just five innings against the Diamondbacks after missing his previous start, scheduled the week before in St Louis. An MRI revealed deGrom had an inflamed lat, which kept him off the mound until the weekend.
When he returned to the bump on Sunday, deGrom was untouchable. He retired the first 12 batters he faced with no problem for four perfect innings, but slowed down dramatically in the 5th frame.
deGrom walked the first batter he faced on four pitches before a double put two runners in scoring position.
The Diamondbacks went on to load the bases, still with no outs. Despite the jam, deGrom escaped with minimal damage, conceding one run on a double-play.
deGrom threw 29 pitches and gave up three walks in the 5th, easily his worst inning this season. When he returned to the mound for warmups, it was clear something wasn’t quite right.
deGrom gave a slight shake of his head to his catcher and staff, exiting the game. A second MRI of deGrom came back clean, but the injury scare still landed him on the 10-day Injured List as the team ensures their prized pitcher doesn’t overexert himself in the early months of the season.
Despite deGrom’s early exit, the Mets were able to earn their ace a win, as he left with a 2-1 lead that was later extended. Through six starts, deGrom now sits at 3-2, with as many wins as he earned runs allowed.
Unfortunately, after being a bright spot in the first weeks, the Mets pitching staff is starting to grow thin. With deGrom sidelined, Carlos Carrasco’s hamstring injured, and Noah Syndergaard’s return from Tommy John surgery still over a month away, the Mets starting rotation is missing some big names. Additionally, injuries to Seth Lugo and Dellin Betances have kept a few extra arms out of the bullpen.
Despite the pitching staff’s ailments, Edwin Diaz and Miguel Castro have impressed in the bullpen. Diaz put together his first save of over 1 inning as a Met on Sunday, getting 5 outs in relief. Castro has been asked to do everything, dominating in single-inning appearances and even serving as an ‘opener’ for the Mets in a doubleheader game against the Cardinals.
Despite a shaky start, the Mets started this week back on top of the NL East, as all five teams are underperforming early on. If the Mets can stay hot while they wait for players to return from injury, they’re in a prime position to stay in the driver’s seat as the season heats up.
deGrom played catch on Tuesday despite hitting the Injured List. He and the Mets staff will reevaluate his mechanics before he returns, though it’s unclear if he’ll be back by May 20th.

Queensboro FC beats FA Euro 1-0 in USL Academy League debut

The Queensboro FC Academy took the field for the first time in an official match, kicking off the club’s first ever competitive season. On Mother’s Day, QBFC hosted Brooklyn-based FA Euro in the first match of the USL Academy League, playing at Mitchel Athletic Complex at Nassau Community College.
On Sunday, the two New York clubs officially began their season, the inaugural Academy League season. Queensboro FC and FA Euro are both founding members of the USL’s new developmental league, facing off a handful of times in preseason.
For Queensboro, the preseason consisted of more than just conditioning and training. With the club just months past their open try-outs, QBFC was still making additions to their academy roster.
One of the final steps the club took to expand their academy roster was partnering with Puerto Rican club Bayamón FC. It’s been five years since Bayamón became the home of David Villa’s first DV7 soccer academy, a project developed by the future QBFC part-owner.
QBFC held an additional try-out in Puerto Rico, adding a few more names to the academy team before the season began. While the reinforcements arrived in the middle of preseason, they were able to provide immediate help, carrying into Sunday’s match.
The first name on the scoresheet for QBFC was a product of Bayamón FC, José “Chewi” Lopez. Lopez fired a second-half screamer from distance, which flew over a few defenders and past the keeper.
The sparse crowd at Mitchel Field erupted into cheers as QBFC swarmed the goal-scorer to celebrate the strike.
With a lead finally established, the task was nowhere near complete. Although QBFC was unable to convert on the bulk of their chances, solid defensive effort was needed to ensure the victory and three points.
An impressive showing from Spanish goalkeeper Pol Rodriguez helped do just that. A handful of key saves earned him man-of-the-match honors as he kept a clean sheet for a 1-0 win.
“It was very important for us to win this game because it was the first game for Queensboro,” said Rodriguez after the match.
“It’s good to have this win, but we’ll keep working and focusing on the next match.”
Extra effort at the end of the match made the difference for QBFC as they were forced to make a few late adjustments. Late injuries led to a few players being pushed out of position.
“I think winning these types of matches is very important since we had difficulties like last minute injuries,” Rodriguez added.
“A few of our players had to play in positions they usually don’t but the whole team did a great job working together.”
With an early first win and a boost of confidence that comes with it, Queensboro FC seems more than prepared to take on this season. They’ve proven that despite this being just their first season playing together, they can handle the difficult opposition they’ll face the rest of the way.
The academy is a good first test for Josep Gombau, who will take over as the senior team’s head coach next year. In his first year in Queens, Gombau is working to establish his playing style and build a foundation for the club, starting with the academy.
With a first win under their belts, the academy has given a first taste of what’s in store. Soccer has finally landed in Queens, and the QBFC is already showing the heart and passion they’ll take onto the field for years to come.

Beacon Eldercare’s Home Health Aides Bring Kindness and Support to Your Front Door

In a time where protecting seniors has been more vital than ever, home health aides have answered the call citywide.

Beacon Eldercare, located at 69-23 Grand Ave. in Maspeth, has helped elder community members navigate home care solutions during the uncertainty of COVID-19 by employing strong communication skills.

“Because we employ hardworking and compassionate home health aides who speak many languages, including Spanish, Polish, Filipino, and Arabic among others, we are able to provide care to many clients,” said Beacon Eldercare’s founder and CEO, Yvonne Murphy, “We’re committed to educating the community about eldercare and family planning as effectively as we possibly can, while helping our clients remain independent and extend their life in their homes.”

When families need in-home support for a loved one who has taken ill, Beacon Eldercare secures their clients home care through insurance coverage and/or live-in care through private pay. Beacon has a vast network of compassionate, professional, and highly skilled Home Health Aides, Personal Care Aides, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Registered Nurses serving the five boroughs and Nassau County. Beacon also guides families in filing Medicaid applications, understanding Medicare and HMO policies and the nursing home or assisted living application process.

Beacon’s Geriatric Consulting Team provides convenient in-home consultation to customize a plan that matches the family’s needs and lifestyle demands – sometimes even more.

“We went to Beacon when my grandmother really started to slow down and she needed help when my parents and I were at work,” said Benjamin Tifa, a longtime Elmhurst resident. “Eventually, we found out that they also advised families about protecting generational wealth and we were able to hold onto my grandmother’s house after she passed away.”

Despite reluctance by many citizens, especially seniors, to attend social events or large gatherings, Beacon’s home health aides follow strict guidelines and protocol upon entering any residence. Once inside, Beacon’s PCAs, LPNs and RNs provide discreet and dedicated support to your loved one.
It’s a partnership that has earned the agency a reputation for providing some of the best home health care available to New York City residents.

“Our home health aides work in partnership with the families of loved ones dealing with illnesses and we take that trust very seriously” Murphy said. “Administering reliable, quality home care during these uncertain times is at the very heart of what we do.”

Beacon Eldercare is located at 69-23 Grand Avenue in Maspeth and their phone number is 718.406.9500. To learn more about their company visit beaconeldercare.com.  

Grazyna Wojcik

Grazyna Wojcik passed away on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at the age of 74. Beloved Wife of Krzysztof Wojcik. Loving Mother of Artur Wojcik and Mother-in-Law of Marzena. Cherished Grandmother of Katherien and Nicole Cotter and Great-Grandmother of Elizabeth Cotter. Dear Sister and Aunt. Private Cremation held on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at Fresh Pond Crematory, Middle Village, NY. Memorial Service held at Papavero Funeral Home on Saturday May 15, 2021 from 11 AM – 12 PM under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378.

Phillip Zukowski

Phillip Zukowski passed away on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at the age of 19. Beloved Son of Piotr and Grazyna Żukowski. Loving Brother of Matt Zukowski. Cherished Grandson of Genowefa & Czeslaw Makar and Zofia & Jan Zukowski. Dear Nephew of Agnieszka and Tomasz. In Lieu of Flowers, please bring a stuffed animal that will be donated to a charity iby the Zukowski Family. Mass of Christian Burial offered at Holy Cross Church on Saturday, may 15, 2021 10:00 AM. Private Cremation followed at Fresh Pond Crematory, Middle Village, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378.

www.papaverofuneralhome.com

Tadeusz Mróz

Tadeusz Mróz passed away on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at the age of 96. Beloved Father of Jozefa, Jan and Roman Mroz. Loving Grandfather of 7 Grandchildren and Cherished Great-Grandfather of 10 Great-Grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial offered at Holy Cross Church on Friday May 14, 2021 10:00 AM. Interment followed at Calvary Cemetery, Woodside, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378.

Pietro Caruana

Pietro Caruana passed away on Saturday, May 6, 2021 at the age of 88. Beloved Husband of Bienvenida Fernandez-Caruana. Loving Father of Josephine Zeppitelli, Frank Caruana, Phyllis Trezza, Gina Caruana, Thomas J. Banks, Abraham Banks and Radaisis Mangino. Cherished Grandfather of 11 Grandchildren and Great-Grandfather of 2 Great-Grandchildren. Dear Brother of Carmelo Caruana, Amedeo Caruana and Giovana Caruana. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial offered at Our Lady of Hope Church on Thursday, May 13, 2021 9:45 AM. Entombment followed at St. John Cemetery Resurrection Mausoleum, Middle Village, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue,Maspeth, MY 11378.
www.papaverofuneralhome.com

Teresa Abicca

Teresa Abicca passed away on Sunday, May 2, 2021 at the age of 91. Beloved Wife of the late Anthony Abicca. Loving Mother of Anthony Abicca Jr. and Mother-in-Law of Maria Abicca. Cherished Grandmother of Anthony G. Abicca, Joseph Abicca, Salvatore Abicca and Stefano Abicca. Dear Sister of the late John Finocciaro, Eleanor Sampogna, Anna LePetri, Josephine Mannino and Joseph Finocchiaro. Mass of Christian Burial offered at St. Luke’s Church on Thursday, May 6, 2021 10:15 AM. Interment followed at Lutheran All-Faiths Cemetery, Middle Village, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378.

Frances Saporito

Frances Saporito passed away on Tuesday May 4, 2021 at the age of 95. Beloved Wife of the late Frank Saporito. Loving Mother of Ralph Saporito, Angelina Cospito, Annette Saporito and Frank Saporito. Cherished Grandmother of 10 Grandchildren and Great-Grandmother of 9 Great-Grandchildren. Dear Sister of Helen Manzie and Cookie Bellucci. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends. Mass of Christian Burial offered at St. Margaret’s Church on Friday, May 7, 2021 9:45 AM. Interment followed at Linden Hill Cemetery, Ridgewood, NY under the direction of Papavero Funeral Home, 7227 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378.

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