By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com

The future of Transfiguration Church, a historic and beloved institution in the Maspeth
community, is uncertain. Built in 1962 on Perry Avenue near 64th Street, the church has
served generations of residents, with roots tracing back to the early 1900s when it was
founded to support Lithuanian immigrants. The building has stood as a cornerstone of the
community for more than six decades, but now, financial pressures and the deterioration
of the church property have placed it in danger of closing.

The church’s financial struggles, detailed by Msgr. Monsignor Calise, the pastor of St.
Stanislaus Kostka Parish, highlighted the dire situation. The church has faced increasing
costs associated with repairs and maintenance of the property, but with a dwindling
congregation and fewer donations, it has become financially unsustainable. Repairs to the
church’s physical structure have been deferred, but the need for significant investment
has reached a point where Msgr. Calise believes the best option may be to sell the
property. The Diocese’s real estate division conducted an assessment, estimating that over
$1 million in repairs would be needed to keep the church functional. Without a growing
congregation to support these expenses, the idea of going into debt to fund repairs seems
untenable.

At present, around 160 to 200 people attend Sunday services, and the church has
struggled to attract new members. Neighboring parishes, such as St. Stanislaus Kostka,
benefit from a much larger congregation and stronger financial backing. St. Stanislaus, in
particular, has a thriving school with over 330 students and a strong community
foundation, leaving Transfiguration increasingly isolated in terms of both attendance and
financial support.

An assessment of the Transfiguration Church building has revealed several critical issues
that need urgent attention. The main roof, originally installed with three-tab asphalt
shingles, is at the end of its useful life and needs replacement. Additionally, the side aisle
roofs have experienced significant water damage, requiring complete replacement, with
potential asbestos testing. Concrete and paving around the church, especially near the
rectory and parking lot, are in poor condition and need extensive repairs, including
excavation and replacement of a potentially blocked or collapsed drain line. The rectory
has suffered from brick displacement, poorly installed windows contributing to water
damage, and requires upgrades to its heating system and possible asbestos removal. The

total cost for these repairs is estimated between $1.3 million and $1.5 million, which far
exceeds the church’s current budget, prompting the consideration of selling the property.

At a town hall meeting held on March 20, at Transfiguration Church, community
members voiced their concerns and frustrations. Many expressed outrage at the potential
closure of the church, viewing it as a blow to the heart of Maspeth. Longtime
churchgoers spoke about the deep emotional and spiritual connection they have to the
church, and the significance of Transfiguration in the history and culture of the
neighborhood.

The meeting revealed a shared sense of disbelief that the church might close, especially
given that it was financially solvent before its merger with St. Stanislaus Kostka in 2019.
Parishioners questioned what changes led to the decline in donations and attendance. Was
it the merger that created confusion? Were there actions taken that alienated long-time
supporters? The loss of the church would be devastating, not only as a place of worship
but as a historic landmark for the Lithuanian community, which has been a cornerstone of
the parish for over a century.

One key point raised at the meeting was the need to involve the younger generation.
Churchgoers emphasized the importance of engaging children and their parents in the life
of the church, encouraging families to return and support the church’s mission. The
community’s strength lies in its ability to rally together, and the hope is that renewed
involvement from families could help secure the future of Transfiguration.

Dr. Paul-Michael Kazas, President of the Knights of Lithuania Council 110, expressed
strong dissatisfaction with the town hall at Transfiguration Church. He felt the
information presented was misleading and intended to justify the potential sale and
demolition of the church. Kazas criticized the lack of discussion regarding the liabilities
and structural issues at Saint Stanislaus and questioned why the church had not pursued
grant opportunities, such as applying for National Register of Historical Sites status,
which could have helped fund repairs. He also pointed out contradictions in the church’s
statements, particularly regarding the church’s closure and the claim that no final decision
had been made. Kazas expressed frustration with the church’s response to efforts from the
Knights to engage the community and support the church, including organizing events
that raised funds. He argued that Transfiguration Church should not be closed or sold,
emphasizing that with proper repairs, parishioners would return, and the church could
continue to serve the community.

In an interview, Msgr. Monsignor Calise explained the difficult financial situation facing
the Transfiguration Church. He emphasized that while the church has been a beautiful
and integral part of the community for many years, attendance has dramatically decreased
to around 140 to 150 people per weekend. This has made it difficult to cover the monthly
expenses. Calise said that “the more people that come, obviously, the more donations

there’ll be. So it’s easier than to pay the bills.” Additionally, the church has lost some
rental income, and the aging buildings require costly repairs that the parish can’t afford.
Calise also called for more community involvement, saying, “What’s crucial is getting
people into the seats. If we can get people into the seats, then the parish stays open and
lively,” and stressed the importance of volunteer work and donations, although he
acknowledged that even those efforts may not be enough to cover the extensive repairs
needed.

The “Parish Health” report shows fluctuating trends in sacraments and mass attendance at
Transfiguration and St. Stanislaus Kostka from 2021 to 2024. Baptisms at
Transfiguration declined in 2023 but rebounded in 2024, while marriages dropped
significantly. Mass attendance varied, with some declines at Transfiguration, while St.
Stanislaus Kostka saw growth, especially in its 12:30 PM Spanish service, which nearly
doubled from 102 in 2021 to 186 in 2024.

Despite the grim outlook, no final decision has yet been made regarding the church’s
future. As the meeting concluded, the pastor assured the congregation that all options
were still on the table, including the possibility of selling some of the other properties
attached to the church in order to fund the repairs. The church’s fate, according to Msgr.
Calise, is not a decision to be made hastily.

Parishioners remain determined to explore every avenue, from securing additional
funding to organizing community efforts, in hopes of preserving the church that has
served as a spiritual home for many.

Courtesy Freepik

By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com

As the days start to grow warmer and the school year winds down, many parents are
considering the benefits of summer camp for their children. Far beyond a mere escape
from the classroom, summer camps provide kids with life-changing experiences that
foster personal growth, build resilience, and create lasting memories. According to the
American Camp Association (ACA) and Gateway Region YMCA, the skills and values
developed at summer camp contribute to shaping the future of young minds.

Summer camps offer more than just fun—they provide a unique environment where
children develop critical life skills. Whether through outdoor adventures like canoeing
and horseback riding or creative activities like arts and crafts, kids learn to communicate,
collaborate, and problem-solve. For example, children playing a sport or hiking with
peers develop leadership skills, while group projects teach them to work together toward
common goals.

Moreover, summer camp promotes independence. For many kids, camp represents their
first extended time away from their parents, offering them the opportunity to explore new
activities, make decisions on their own, and develop a sense of identity.

Camp also offers a much-needed break from the screen-heavy, structured routine of the
school year. With more than seven hours a day spent in front of a screen, children often
miss out on the chance to engage in physical play and creative exploration. Summer
camps, however, provide ample opportunities for unstructured outdoor play, which is
vital for mental, physical, and emotional development.

Another key benefit of summer camp is the development of resilience. Whether it’s
overcoming a fear of heights on a climbing wall or learning from a lost game, kids at
camp face challenges that help them grow stronger, teaching them the value of
perseverance.

Lastly, summer camps play an essential role in developing social skills. Through
teamwork, community living, and shared activities, kids learn the importance of respect,
fairness, and trust. These values, fostered in a supportive and supervised setting, prepare
children to become compassionate and responsible citizens.

As noted by the Gateway Region YMCA, camps provide a nurturing environment where
children not only grow but thrive, building competencies in areas like communication,
leadership, and teamwork.

As the summer season soon approaches, Queens parents are encouraged to start
researching local camps and programs to give their children the opportunity to benefit
from these life-changing experiences. Whether you’re looking for day camps, overnight
options, or specialized programs, there are numerous opportunities in the area that cater
to various interests and age groups. By starting early, parents can ensure they find a camp
that aligns with their child’s needs and passions.

Residents of 66th Place in Glendale are alarmed by neglected city-owned trees that pose safety risks and have caused property damage.

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

A growing sense of distress among residents on 66th Place is reaching a boiling point as they grapple with hazardous conditions caused by neglected city-owned trees. The issue, led by concerned neighbor Douglas Weiss and his neighbors, has resulted in property damage and safety concerns, with residents calling for immediate intervention from the New York City Parks Department.

During a discussion among neighbors about the ongoing issues with city-owned trees, frustration centered around the inadequate management of the Parks Department.  John Schweickert, a long-time resident of the block, expressed frustration over the lack of maintenance, noting that the last significant tree trimming occurred nearly eight years ago.

“Over the last two years, we’ve had many branches fall and come down,” he said, recounting incidents where tree limbs nearly struck pedestrians and damaged vehicles. “This is something that could happen anytime, anywhere on the street.”

The community has reported multiple incidents of fallen branches causing severe damage to homes and vehicles, with one resident’s car totaled after being struck by a large limb.

“It’s not just an inconvenience; it’s dangerous,” Schweickert said. “Last year, a branch almost hit the mailman crossing the street, and then one went into my neighbor’s roof.”

Frustrated with the Parks Department’s lack of action, they are urgently seeking intervention.

Neighbor Terri Vazquez recounted a troubling experience when a branch from a city tree crashed onto her property during a rainstorm. While watching TV, she heard a loud crash and discovered the branch had fallen onto the outside of her house, narrowly missing the ceiling. The fallen branch caused damage to her brother’s house and the gate, prompting police to tape off the area for safety.

Terri reflected on a previous incident where a gigantic dead branch—a clear symptom of what was to come—almost struck a mailman. This very same tree, which had active service requests on it, ultimately fell completely, causing significant damage. The sequence of events was alarming: first, a massive dead branch nearly killed the mailman, and then the entire tree came crashing down. If the Parks Department had addressed the issue sooner, she believes the recent damage could have been avoided.

After the incident, Terri faced delays with insurance adjusters who needed to assess the damage, complicating the repair process. 

Ultimately, Terri emphasized the need for a more proactive approach from the Parks Department. She understands their staffing challenges but insists that earlier intervention could prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of residents.

The current system creates a cycle of insurance claims that not only affects individual homeowners and car owners but also raises insurance premiums for the entire community. When a resident’s car is totaled by falling branches, the resulting insurance claim is substantial, putting further financial strain on the system. This scenario reflects the broader issue where repeated claims linked to city tree damage drive up costs for everyone in the area.

Moreover, the lengthy process of submitting claims to the NYC Comptroller exacerbates the situation. Homeowners can’t afford to wait for reimbursements while managing immediate repair needs, forcing them to rely on their insurance for quick fixes. This reliance leads to additional claims, perpetuating the cycle of increased premiums and financial strain across the community. The residents are frustrated by this “robbing Peter to pay Paul” scenario, as they seek urgent action to address the tree hazards instead of navigating a complex and burdensome claims process.

Despite their advocacy, they feel unheard and demand better tree management to ensure safety.

Despite repeated requests for action through the city’s 311 service, residents have seen little improvement. 

“They come, take a look, and say there’s really no danger,” Schweickert said, only for more branches to fall later.

Residents have expressed frustration with the tree maintenance process in NYC, noting a systemic issue where, despite the city’s investment in training and certifying arborists, their pay is significantly lower than in the private sector, leading to high turnover as they are hired away by private companies. The process for addressing tree concerns begins with filing a complaint through the 311 system, which assigns a Service Request ID that is forwarded to the Parks Department. There, a certified arborist assesses the situation and assigns a priority grade from A to D, with A being the highest. However, the criteria for prioritizing work orders on any given day remain unclear to residents.

The residents understand the Parks Department’s staffing challenges, attributing the neglect to budget constraints. However, they feel a sense of urgency for a solution. “The ultimate solution would be for the city to come down, inspect the street, and take care of the dangerous trees,” Schweicker said.

Weiss, who has spearheaded efforts to address the issue, echoed these sentiments. 

“We’ve been asking for years for the Parks Department to do their job, but it seems to fall on deaf ears,” Weiss said. “We just want to feel safe in our own neighborhood.”

The group lamented the lack of effective management compared to past administrations, particularly under former Mayor Bloomberg, who actively monitored service requests. They pointed out that current staffing levels in the Parks Department are alarmingly low, with only a fraction of the required climbers and pruners available to address the backlog of work orders.

Residents recounted dangerous incidents involving falling branches, including one that nearly hit a mailman and another that caused significant damage to a neighbor’s home. They criticized the Parks Department for failing to respond promptly to prior warnings about unstable trees, suggesting that a more proactive approach could prevent future incidents.

During a walkthrough of their block, Weiss and neighbors highlighted the alarming condition of city-owned trees, focusing on several indicators of decay, such as hollowed trunks. Hollowed trunks occur when the inner wood of a tree decays, often due to disease, pests, or environmental factors. This deterioration compromises the tree’s structural integrity, making it more susceptible to falling or breaking during storms or high winds.

Weiss emphasized the significant danger posed by the gigantic overhanging branches that have grown alarmingly close to homes, creating substantial risks. Unlike another block where blue sky is visible between the tree canopy and the houses, their block lacks that space; the limbs are literally hanging over the homes, raising serious safety concerns.

As they compared their street to others, it became clear that some areas were much better maintained, with fewer overhanging branches. Weiss argued that the Parks Department should adopt a more efficient approach, addressing the most problematic trees first rather than reacting only after incidents occur. He noted the need for a thorough evaluation of each block to prioritize safety.

The tree concerning Weiss and several of his neighbors has been dubbed the “widowmaker” due to its dangerous condition and proximity to homes, with a hollowing trunk indicating a severe risk. This situation mirrors Terri’s house accident, as residents have submitted photos of the widow maker to the Parks Department, and an arborist has also documented its state. While the trainees who visited were eager and the foreman expressed sympathy, they lacked the authority to take action outside of their assigned tasks.

Despite the community’s ongoing advocacy, including appearances at meetings, they expressed frustration that the department often fails to act on service requests or to recognize immediate dangers. Weiss stressed that while they appreciate the presence of trees, it’s critical to maintain healthy ones and address the unhealthy ones before they pose a life-threatening risk, especially to children and residents in the area.

He pointed out that tree maintenance is often sidelined in favor of new plantings, which receive more public attention and funding. Ultimately, the neighbors hope their efforts will inspire others to advocate for better tree management and safety in their own communities.

The overarching sentiment was a call for better budget allocation and management practices to ensure trees are properly maintained, emphasizing that while they value the presence of trees in their community, safety must come first. The group concluded that increased funding and a focus on maintenance could significantly improve the situation.

As the community continues to advocate for action, they hope to raise awareness of the dangers posed by these neglected trees and prompt the city to prioritize their safety. With the stakes high and frustration mounting, the residents of 66th Place remain determined to seek the support they need to protect their homes and their lives.