(L. to r.): Chief Climate Officer Louise Yeung, Assemblymember Diana Moreno, Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, Assemblymember Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Justin Driscoll, CEO/Pres­ident New York Power Authority; Zeffrey Frazier, General Manager of Brooklyn/Queens Electrical Opera­tions; Costa Constantinides, CEO Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens; Doreen Harris, President/CEO NYSERDA; Serge Abergel, Chief Operating Officer Hydro Quebec Energy Services; Assemblymember Claire Valdez.

(L. to r.): Chief Climate Officer Louise Yeung, Assemblymember Diana Moreno, Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, Assemblymember Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Justin Driscoll, CEO/Pres­ident New York Power Authority; Zeffrey Frazier, General Manager of Brooklyn/Queens Electrical Opera­tions; Costa Constantinides, CEO Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens; Doreen Harris, President/CEO NYSERDA; Serge Abergel, Chief Operating Officer Hydro Quebec Energy Services; Assemblymember Claire Valdez.

On Thursday, April 23, the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens (VBGCQ) celebrated an exciting new chapter with an exclusive Opening Day cere­mony at Sky Farm LIC. Community partners, elected officials, sponsors, supporters, and students gathered on the rooftop of the historic Standard Mo­tors building to see the farm’s transformation first­hand.

The New York Power Authority generously pro­vided funding to support several infrastructure im­provements including: a greenhouse, a temperature controlled high-tunnel, a new enclosed wash and pack station, expanded electrical access, new irriga­tion systems, new walkway pavers, and a fully-equipped indoor classroom for cooking classes, energy education, and art-based activities.

“Investments in community-based projects like Sky Farm strengthen local institutions and create meaningful learning opportunities for young peo­ple,” said NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. “Through hands-on experience in garden­ing, nutrition, and energy education, students gain practical skills and a better understanding of how those subjects connect to their daily lives. The Power Authority’s continued support for the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens reflects its longstanding commitment to community and educational enrich­ment.”

With operational support from Con Edison and Hydro-Quebec Energy Services, Sky Farm LIC has become a beloved cornerstone of the Western Queens community. Each season, the farm grows over 4,500 pounds of fresh produce, which is dis­tributed free of charge to VBGCQ families and farm guests. Through its programming, SFLIC reaches more than 1,200 students and community members annually.

“It’s amazing to see the Sky farm LIC grow every year,” said Serge Abergel, Chief Operating Of­ficer at Hydro-Quebec Energy Services. “We’re proud to be partners in this impactful initiative that expands access to urban farming and helps address food insecurity in disadvantaged communities.”

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Har­ris said, “What better way to recognize our Erath than to celebrate a farm that provides more than 4,500 pounds of fresh produce to local neighbor­hoods and is a wonderful real-life example of what’s possible when diverse entities like government, pri­vate partners, and community organizations come together around a shared vision. New York’s clean energy transition is not just about infrastructure, it’s also about making sure the benefits of a cleaner, healthier future are felt in every community – which is at the very heart of Sky Farm LIC’s mission.”

“Con Edison is proud to support the Sky Farm’s contributions to our communities, especially stu­dents,” said Zeffery Frazier, Con Edison’s General Manager of Brooklyn/Queens Electric Operations and a board member of Variety Boys & Girls Club. “The Sky Farm empowers students to develop hands-on skills to understand farming, gardening, and growing seasons. We look forward to what I’m sure will be a fruitful 2026 season and to many more seasons to come.”

“We are so excited for the upcoming farming season here at Sky Farm LIC. As the farm blooms once again, we are grateful for The New York Power Authority’s critical investment in helping us build a new greenhouse, new high tunnel, improved path­ways, reimagined learning space beneath the water tower, new plumbing and our newly christened Ed­ucational Center. These investments will help SFLIC grow our reach to exceed the fantastic more than 4,500 pounds of food in 2025 and 1200 visitors served. Thank you to Hydro-Quebec, Con Edison and all of our other donors for their support on behalf of our kids!” said Costa Constantinides, CEO Vari­ety Boys and Girls Club of Queens.