SERVING SUNNYSIDE-WOODSIDE AND LONG ISLAND CITY - FREE VOL. 88, NO. 23 FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2021
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FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2021 THE WOODSIDE HERALD PAGE 1
SERVING SUNNYSIDE-WOODSIDE AND LONG ISLAND CITY
VOL. 88, NO. 23 WOODSIDE, L.I.C., N.Y. FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2021 FREE
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PAGE 2 THE WOODSIDE HERALD FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2021
HOW TO CONVINCE AN
ADDICT TO GET HELP
There are many reasons why people who use drugs and alcohol do not get the help they need to
overcome their addictions and other issues.
Some family members who see the people they love struggle may have a difficult time in
getting them assistance.
As a result, here are seven suggestions on how to convince a person struggling with drugs and
alcohol to get help.
1. A family intervention could work: The most popular way to get someone the help they need is
to do a family intervention. This is when family members and an interventionist get together with the
person to tell them how much they love them and that they need to get some assistance. The person whose
having a hard time listens and hopefully they become convinced to get the treatment they need.
2. Get an addiction expert to talk to the person: Another way to convince the person to get help
is to get someone who is an expert on drugs and alcoholand have them do a one-on-one talk with the person
who is struggling. This person should explain what will happen if they do nothing. This may help
convince the individual whose having a difficult time to get some guidance.
3. Use the services of a former addict: Get somebody who used to battle addiction to talk to your
friend who needs assistance. A person who used drugs and alcohol in the past could use their past
experiences to try to reason with the person you know. He or she might be able to use their insights to
convince the individual to seek treatment.
4. Find out why the person won’t get help: Ask the individual who is struggling to list the main
reasons why they will not get assistance. It might take a few tries, however try to find out what is stopping
your friend from getting treatment. Fear and frustration are huge factors for not getting help.
5. Address the reasons why the individual won’t get help: Once you get the reasons why
he or she won’t go to rehab, the next step is to find the ways to address the fears the individual
may have. Addressing one’s fears and concerns may convince them to take some action that will
get their life back on track.
6. Talk to the person instead of talking at them: Nobody wants to be lectured or yelled at. The
person who is suffering is scared and they need help in overcoming their fears and resistance to getting
some guidance. Treat others the way you would want to be treated if the roles were reversed.
7. You can’t manage your mental health all by yourself: Fear and anxiety can be difficult to manage
and more than likely your friend will need some counseling. Many people think that they can overcome
their mental health problems on their own. This is a mistake. A person should admit they have a problem
and then seek treatment to start the recovery process.
VOLUNTEER POSITION
43-11 Greenpoint Ave., Sunnyside, NY 11104
Telephone (718) 729-3772
Marlene Sabba ............................................................... Publisher
Sherilyn Jo Sabba ................................................................. Editor
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Dr. Sharon Cadiz, Rob MacKay, Peter Ross
CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS
Joe Gurrado, Robert Flanagan, Peter Ross
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FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2021 THE WOODSIDE HERALD PAGE 3
A BLUEPRINT FOR CHANGE AND THE FUTURE OF PUBLIC HOUSING
by Dr. Sharon M. Cadiz where these former inhabitants went. When cause garbage, poor condition of grounds, tance and mutual respect that accompanied a
“A Blueprint for Change” raises many New York needed a great plaza and cultural unkempt interior hallways and lobbies, noise set of rules and regulations that provided for
questions about the future of New York City hub, the residents of “San Juan Hill” (“bound complaints, pot smoking, drinking and drug the common welfare of all. Residents of that
Housing Authority (NYCHA) and the lives of by 59th Street to the south, West End Avenue to dealing are unaddressed issues. By allowing it era of Pomonok Houses, reunite in the film to
the 400,000 residents that call it home. Amid the west, 65th Street to the north, and Amsterdam to rundown, NYCHA opens the door to recall their fond memories of stability, safety
the razzle dazzle of a polished corporate-like Avenue to the east”), were displaced making privatization and the likelihood of displace- and how everyone managed to get along and
packaging of the proposal, those who read the way for Lincoln Center. The neighborhood ment of the residents. I might be wrong, but “A thrive. Times have certainly changed and, of
document will get the impression that all the known as “San Juan Hill” was “mostly African Blueprint for Change” looks like an old hustle course, the exclusion of single mothers; per-
hopes and prayers of NYCHA residents will American, African Caribbean and Puerto Rican of “bait and switch.” If we sign on, we have sons dealing with alcoholism or unemploy-
be answered. It promises change and has gath- and comprised one of the largest black com- taken the “bait” and I would presume that the ment would not suit today’s standards of inclu-
ered political endorsements from a state sena- munities in New York before World War I.” “switch” will throw the residents into market sion; however, even with today’s broad diver-
tor, an assemblyman, city council and a may- “Hell’s Kitchen” was predominantly a com- rate rents and even less security than they sity NYCHA, as a home, could create greater
oral candidate; all blessing the plan. The mere munity of “Irish, Italian and Greek” immi- currently have. Successive rent increases are safety, security and well-being and a better
fact that Greg Russ is described as the NYCHA grants who worked as laborers on the docks or already narrowing the gap between NYCHA society by ensuring that residents get a solid
Chair and CEO provides a sense of the Hous- in the theatres. The neighborhood experi- rent and market rates for the segment of work- orientation in addition to support for living
ing Authority going corporate. These things enced a clash and conflict of old and new ing residents and seniors. The low rent provi- peacefully and respectfully in accordance with
may be enough to raise suspicion about the inhabitants with the influx of Puerto Rican sions for financially strapped residents and reasonable expectations and guidelines. In-
motives and intentions behind a plan that opens immigrants to the area. The cumulative result policies that reduce the emphasis on respon- stead, there seems to be an effort to divest and
with the statement that this “transformation of decline and the result of this culture clash sible stewardship for one’s apartment and the not re-invest to build from the existing organi-
plan” is proposing “strategies for restructur- led to displacement following efforts to revi- building and grounds together help to create a zational structure and connection to a govern-
ing NYCHA’s business model and opera- talize with a new name (Clinton) and some “don’t care attitude” of apathy and indiffer- mental commitment to provide decent, afford-
tion.” It goes on to describe the “stabilization infrastructure changes. Like “Hell’s Kitchen,” ence to improving conditions and holding able public housing to those in need.
plan” idea that includes “raising much-needed the ethnic, cultural and racial composition of NYCHA accountable, as the landlord; and the At a “pop-up” meeting on “A Blueprint for
funding using a Public Housing Preserva- NYCHA has changed over the years. Today, city and state responsible for their share of Change” at Ravenswood Houses the Commu-
tion Trust,” all of which implies a dubious there are Asian, South American, Middle East- support. Promises of improvements come with nity Liaison for Senator Michael Gianaris (646-
fundraising effort that hinges on the notion of ern, and South Asian residents who call a shadowy downside that looms over this plan 598-8583) stated that he is taking calls and
trust that for residents of NYCHA is almost NYCHA home. The pattern of displacement that operates on the presumption of trust. comments regarding the plan. Political sup-
laughable. If there was money to bail out seems to target those who are seen as barriers On Memorial Day, as the nation remem- porters of the plan include Senator Brian
NYCHA and trust to ensure goodwill, equity to sweeping plans of narrowly defined progress bered those who served, many also remem- Kavanagh; Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz;
and fair treatment, why aren’t the federal gov- that benefits a more privileged economic or bered the Tulsa Massacre of one hundred years U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres and may-
ernment, state and city the principle players societal class of people. Even if we look be- ago when a whole thriving African American oral candidate Kathryn Garcia, former Com-
and agents of change. This proposal seems to yond New York City to the plans, proposals community was violently wiped out, leaving missioner of NYC Sanitation. Some residents
put NYCHA up for sale on the open market and treaties that pushed Native Americans off 300 killed, because of rage that was sparked by and local leaders are in support of the plan’s
with a fragile connection to the longstanding their lands and scattered them, through lawful an unproven accusation that a Black man as- goal of making improvements. The “Justice
commitment to retain affordability and access means, across the country, I am sure that each saulted a White woman. We may need to For All Coalition” steering committee mem-
against the growing demand of private real great plan was sold to those who could make it consider how such matters are being handled bers have serious concerns about the plan; and
estate developers that seek to acquire desirable happen; but, again, there is no plan for what in 2021. If not by force, mob violence or “The Residents to Preserve Public Housing”
land for profit and the further proliferation of happens to the people who are displaced. decree; perhaps they happen by presuming will be conducting a protest on Thursday, June
luxury and upscale residential housing. It seems We must also consider the reality of the that a neighborhood or institution can’t be 10th at 10:30am at the HUD Office at 26 Federal
highly unlikely that once NYCHA becomes racial and economic divide that supports a saved; or by proposals, ordinances, policies, Plaza/Foley Square in Manhattan
untethered from federal protection and the pattern of declining services to NYCHA and plans; and when necessary, by complicity and (#keeppublichousingpublic/masks required).
historic obligation of city and state financial highlights the shortcomings and undesirable eminent domain. In truth, not all of our history Architects and authors of “A Blueprint for
support (the absence of which has greatly qualities of the caretaking and residents that has the blemish of hatred, bigotry, racism Change have given June 10th as the final day to
contributed to the deficit amounting to billions are allowed to manifest through “benign ne- death and destruction. I have one shining offer comment at
of dollars), it will be adrift like a ship at sea and glect: an attitude of ignoring an often delicate example of the unintended outcomes produced blueprint.comments@nycha.nyc.gov. NYCHA
subject to a profit and gain criteria that will or undesirable situation that one is held to be when people came together from different residents and their neighbors in the commu-
likely deem it to be unsalvageable within the responsible for dealing with.” If NYCHA is in groups; when the political will met a public nity would likely all want to see improve-
not too distant future. poor condition, why isn’t the effort made by need. Without the tampering and manipula- ments, but although this plan promises gains
The scenario of a failed system being the leadership and management, as the rightful tion to divide, once upon a time NYCHA for our community, it is not clear about what
trashed is not an unimaginable situation as landlord of the property to address the short- produced “a thriving community built on mean- will be lost. Development and gentrification
proven by the fact that cities like Chicago and comings? Why does NYCHA act like a “slum- ingful values” at Pomonok Houses as captured have changed our communities and left the
Atlanta have torn down their public housing. lord” that wants to get out from under the in the award winning documentary film, residents to figure out the loses, as well as how
When such displacement happens, there are obligation to provide safe and affordable hous- “Pomonok Dreams” produced by Terry Katz to adapt to the increased traffic, pollution, loss
few, if any, politicians, city planners or private ing, establishing fair and respectful rules and and Alan Stark. I would imagine that there of small businesses and sunlight, displace-
developers around to ask: “Where did the regulations that are equitably and responsibly were also other similar examples. Even though ment of working class families and individuals
people go?” When New York needed a great enforced to maintain a suitable quality of life there was strict screening, there was enough along with a rising cost of living. As always,
park, and the Irish and Free Black landowners for the residents. Turning over NYCHA with cultural, ethnic and racial diversity and com- it is my recommendation that we unite to
who lived in Seneca Village were displaced to a new “business model,” does not repair the monality among the residents and neighbors strengthen our diverse community so that we
make room for Central Park, it is not clear damage to the collective quality of life be- producing a social reality of equality, accep- do not get written out of its future.
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PAGE 4 THE WOODSIDE HERALD FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2021
ARE YOU REGISTERED
TO VOTE IN JUNE’S
PRIMARY ELECTION
With the June primary coming up in NYC, State Senator Joseph P.
Addabbo, Jr. wants to remind everyone that there is still time to register
to vote, and that this year’s voting will be different with Ranked Choice
Voting being implemented in the city for the first time.
On Tuesday, June 22, voters will get to decide which candidates
will make it to the general election for the positions of Mayor, City
Council, Borough President, Public Advocate, and Comptroller.
Residents of Manhattan will get to vote on the Manhattan District
Attorney position as well.
During the primary, New Yorkers will only be able to vote for
candidates running as members of the party to which they are registered,
meaning Democratic voters vote for Democratic candidates and Repub-
lican voters can only vote for Republican candidates. The winners of the
primaries will face off in the general election.
“Primary elections are extremely important as they decide which
candidates everyone will get to vote on in the upcoming general
election,” Addabbo said. “It is important that every New Yorker make
their voice heard in all elections, so I am encouraging everyone to
register to vote if they aren’t already, and to research all the candidates
to make an informed vote.”
Important dates to keep in mind as we head
towards the June 22 primary:
- Early voting starts: 6/12;
- Deadline to request an absentee ballot: 6/15; and
- Last day to postmark an absentee ballot: 6/22
This primary election will also be the first time New York City has
implemented Ranked Choice Voting. This means voters will get rank up
to five candidates in order of preference instead of choosing just one.
Ranked Choice Voting will only be used during primary and special
elections for city offices.
The way Ranked Choice Voting works is that all first choice votes are
counted, and if a candidate wins more than 50% of votes, they win.
However, if none of the candidates earns more than 50% of the first
choice votes, then counting will continue in rounds. In each round, the
candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated. If your highest-ranked
candidate is eliminated, your vote goes to the next highest ranked
candidate on your ballot. This process continues until there are only two
candidates left. The candidate with the most votes wins.
“Should you decide to use Ranked Choice Voting, it is one way for
you to have more of a say in who wins a primary or special election
because even if your top choice doesn’t win, your ranking of candidates
can help choose who does win,” Addabbo explained. “It helps to expand
the democratic process and ensure that more voices are heard and a more
diverse group of candidates have a chance to win. Measures have been
taken legislatively in the state government to credibly increase partici-
We are open for business. A doctor’s visit is pation in our elections, while simultaneously protecting the integrity and
validity of the voting process. Be sure to make your voice heard. ”
one-on-one and very safe. There are never To learn more about Ranked Choice Voting, visit: https://
more than 5 people in the whole office at any www.voting.nyc/how-to-vote/ranked-choice-voting/.
one time. We will be here for the duration if and
when the public needs a foot doctor.
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FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2021 THE WOODSIDE HERALD PAGE 5
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PAGE 6 THE WOODSIDE HERALD FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2021
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FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2021 THE WOODSIDE HERALD PAGE 7
MENTAL HELP ASSISTANCE
*NYC Well – Free, confidential mental health support;
Mobile Crisis Teams; Crisis Respite (888) 692-9355
*Nurse Family Partnership Program – (844)-637-6667/
nursefamilypartnership.org serves all five boroughs
providing support to mothers
*LifeNet – Mental Health Association in New York
State; confidential counseling support;
1-800-543-3638
*SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Association national helpline at 1-800-HELP (4357)
for substance abuse or mental support.
*NY Foundling Parenting Support Helpline:
(888-435-7553). Child Abuse Prevention Program and
Crisis Nursery. The Crisis Nursery is located at 590
Avenue of the Americas (6th Avenue) in Manhattan
and offers “temporary safe haven for children from
birth to age 10.”
*Suicide Prevention Lifeline – National helpline for
those “having trouble coping.”
English 1-800-273-8255
(en espanol, 1-800-628-9454)
718-472-4585
VOLUNTEER WRITERS WANTED
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PAGE 8 THE WOODSIDE HERALD FRIDAY, JUNE 4, 2021
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