As the new school year approaches, Queens legislators are coming together to clean up their district and offer vital resources to residents in Middle Village and Glendale.
Assemblymembers Catalina Cruz and Andrew Hevesi and Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., who all share parts of Glendale and Middle Village in their districts, released a series of events for the neighborhoods that are set to last throughout August and into the Fall season.
One of the longer-term events planned for the fall includes street clean-up initiatives in partnership with the Middle Village Property Owners and Residents Association.
The Middle Village civic group, led by its President Paul Pogozelski, who is also president of the Middle Village Players Roller Hockey League, participated in a clean-up event along Metropolitan Avenue last month — gaining the support of Hevesi and Addabbo.
Pogozelski, responsible for spearheading the first cleanup, encourages others to help volunteer for the cause.
“We are beyond delighted to be involved in these neighborhood outreach efforts. Raising awareness and stewardship amongst our members is paramount,” said Pogozelski. “These Clean-up events benefit our whole community and bridge the local merchants with residents. Please Shop Local!”
The joint clean-up effort from the legislators and the civic group is meant to promote engagement, provide student service hour opportunities and offer residents a chance to give back and collaborate, the legislators stated.
Addabbo says he encourages residents to participate in both events and more as the legislators look ahead at the second half of the year.
“Together with Assemblymembers Cruz and Hevesi, I am excited to bring these valuable resources to our Middle Village community,” Addabbo said. “From rain barrel distributions to back-to-school giveaways, we are committed to supporting our residents and promoting sustainability.”
On Saturday, Aug. 17, legislators will host a rain barrel distribution event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on 80th Street in Juniper Valley Park, Middle Village, between Juniper Boulevard North and Juniper Boulevard South.
Assemblywoman Cruz underscored the shared commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Queens residents by collaborating with fellow legislators to provide resources like rain barrels.
“By providing essential resources like rain barrels and school supplies and creating opportunities for environmental stewardship, we’re not just addressing immediate needs—we’re building a stronger, more connected community,” Cruz said. “I’m grateful to partner with Assemblymember Hevesi, Senator Addabbo and our local organizations to bring these initiatives to life.”
Additionally, on the same day, the legislators will co-sponsor an electronic waste recycling, paper shredding and clothing donation event in partnership with the Shops at Atlas Park, located at 8000 Cooper Avenue in Glendale, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hevesi, who has conducted a community street clean-up series in past years, says he looks forward to events picking up pace throughout the month and underlined the importance of working together with legislative colleagues.
“We’re extremely fortunate to work alongside so many incredible partners and neighbors,” said Hevesi. “As always, I must thank my colleagues, Assemblymember Cruz and Senator Addabbo, for their collaboration, as well as Paul Pogozelski, the Middle Village Property Owners and Residents Association and the Shops at Atlas Park for their dedication and partnership.
Lastly, a backpack giveaway will be hosted outside of Middle Village Bagels, located at 79-16 Eliot Ave., from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22. The backpack distribution is first-come, first-serve. Families must be accompanied by a child to obtain a backpack.
Anyone looking to learn more and sign up for the rain barrel distribution must register in advance by calling either Assemblymember Cruz at (718) 458-5367 or Hevesi at (718) 263-5595. Barrels will be limited to one per household, and recipients must reside within the legislators’ districts.
