A Local's Lens: Marching Onward, With Cross Bay's Unyielding Spirit

From the Corner of Cross Bay: A Reflection on Community and Resilience

QUEENS, NY — As the calendar page turned to a new year, I found myself walking along Cross Bay Boulevard, the familiar rhythm of passing cars a comforting backdrop to my thoughts. My name is Anna Perelli, and for over four decades, this boulevard has been more than just a road; it’s been the vibrant artery of my life, connecting me to neighbors, friends, and the very essence of what makes Queens special.

This past year has held its share of challenges and triumphs, much like any year. But standing here, looking at the resilient storefronts and the determined faces of fellow residents, I’m reminded of a guiding light, a spirit that always encouraged us to "march forth." I’m speaking of my dear friend and mentor, Carmela 'Millie' DeMarco, who for 60 years ran 'Millie's Haberdashery' right here on Cross Bay Boulevard.

Millie, who we lost last spring, had an unshakeable belief in this community. She always told me, "Anna, you got to get back out on the road. See the changes, meet the new faces, but never forget the bedrock of what makes this place home." She wasn't just talking about the literal asphalt and concrete; she meant the community fabric, the small gestures of kindness, the shared struggles, and the collective celebrations that weave us all together.

Walking by the new coffee shop that replaced the old hardware store, I felt a pang of nostalgia, but also a surge of hope. That's the Cross Bay Boulevard way – honoring the past while embracing progress. Millie would have loved to see the diverse entrepreneurial spirit thriving, new families moving in, and the continued efforts to revitalize our beloved stretch of Queens.

This year, I resolve to do what Millie always urged: get back out there. To be more involved, to listen more intently, and to champion the small businesses that are the backbone of our local economy. From the southern tip near the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge to the bustling northern sections connecting to Ozone Park, every block of Cross Bay Boulevard has a story, a history, and a future waiting to be written.

Let’s work together to keep the spirit of Cross Bay Boulevard alive and thriving. Let’s support our local shopkeepers, attend community meetings, and greet our neighbors with a smile. It’s in these everyday actions that the true strength of Queens shines through. Millie’s spirit, that unyielding push to move forward, will always be a part of this boulevard, inspiring us to march onward, together.