🌱 Body Parts On LIE + Asian Woman Hit By Rock In Jackson Heights

Rise and shine, Queens! Here's everything you need to know to get this Monday started off right.

---

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 42 Low: 31.

---

Here are the top stories in Queens today:

1. Police launched an investigation on Saturday after body parts were found on the Long Island Expressway in Queens. Authorities were called to the area near Exit 23 around 3:30 p.m. for a report of body parts found on the expressway. According to the NYPD, responding officers found the remains of a male, who has not yet been identified. (WPIX 11 New York)
2. A Queens City Councilwoman-elect is gearing up for a showdown with her new colleagues over rules that mandate Council members and their staff be vaccinated against coronavirus. Vickie Paladino has reported that her staff would "under no circumstances" be required to reveal their vaccination status. The councilwoman-elect refused to confirm or deny her own status, stating it was a "private matter between myself and my physician." (New York Post)
3. A Queens man sleeping in the Port Authority's Midtown bus terminal early Saturday was outfitted with a small arsenal of weapons. Port Authority cops came across 36-year-old Francisco Vicente at about 4 a.m. napping in the north wing of the terminal in a lounge that's set aside for ticketed passengers. When officers searched the man after he admitted he didn't have a ticket, they found an assault-style rifle, two loaded magazines, dozens of rounds of ammunition, and a 7-inch Bowie knife. He also had small amounts of crack and marijuana on him. (Yahoo! Sports)
4. A 61-year-old Asian woman was struck in the head with a rock in Queens in what could be a hate crime. Authorities with the NYPD said the incident happened on Friday, just after 8 a.m. on 89th Street in Jackson Heights. According to reports, QuiYing Ma was outside of her apartment when 33-year-old Elisaul Perez approached her and smashed her in the head with a rock. Ma was taken to Elmhurst Hospital where she is currently in critical condition. (FOX 5 NY)
5. Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced 10 winners of New York's "Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate" vaccine incentive program. Parents and guardians of children ages 5 through 11 who receive their first vaccine dose by December 19th can enter the "Vaccinate, Educate, Graduate" incentive program for a chance to win a full scholarship to any two- or four-year SUNY or CUNY college or university for their child. The scholarship includes tuition, room, and board for full-time study. (ny.gov)

---

From our sponsors:

Hey Queens, it's Cyber Monday! The Patch Deals team will be rounding up the hottest discounts all day long. Click here to shop and save!

---

Queens Patch Notebook

• Queens Botanical Garden: "⏱❄️ Winter Wonder Countdown: It's just 7 DAYS from now, Saturday, 12/4! At this FREE, family-friendly event, sing along at live musical performances, watch a tree and menorah lighting, make holiday crafts, go on a tree tour, take selfies with Santa (donations welcome), and take advantage of sales at the QBG Shop! Enjoy a selection of beverages at the Holiday Bar for purchase." (Facebook)
• Queens Botanical Garden: "🎁 Pro gift-giving tip! Making such awesome experiential gifts, Holiday Wreath Workshops kick off next Sunday, 12/5! There are just a few spots left, so be sure to get your tix soon!" (Facebook)
• Queens Museum: "On December 5th from 1pm - 4pm, join Year Of Uncertainty cohort members Alex Stada and Tali Keren, Tecumseh Ceaser, and Guardians of Flushing Bay for "Call to Care: Protecting Flushing Creek through the Rights of Nature ". Using the strategies and perspectives presented by legal practitioners and scholars, Chief Harry Wallace and Rebecca Bratspies, this program aims to explore new paths towards protecting Flushing Creek – rooted in the rights of nature and indigenous thinking." (Facebook)

---

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Add your business here

Events:

• Save 15% On All L.L.Bean Wicked Good Slippers — For A Limited Time (November 29)
• We Have Fun: A Free Weekly Stand-Up Comedy Show (December 1)
• Add your event

Announcements:

• Calling all yoga, dance, and martial arts teachers (Details)
• Add your announcement

---

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! See you tomorrow for your next update. If you're loving these newsletters, consider bringing some more friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a born and raised Rhode Islander. She works as a freelance copywriter for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and as an assistant producer for a live-lit storytelling show in Chicago. She holds a degree in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies from The University of Rhode Island. In her free time, you can find her traveling, hiking, or photographing her neighborhood as a street photographer.