Meet Your Neighbor: Alfonso Quiroz

“I’ve been in Queens for more than two decades and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I’ve always been a history buff and love living in the historic district of Jackson Heights with my husband Jeff Simmons, who works with nonprofits and is a host on WBAI 99.5 FM. Jackson Heights and Elmhurst have a very rich history and it’s incumbent upon all of us to help preserve that history and culture for future generations.

I’ve been active in my Community Board, the Jackson Heights Beautification Group and JFK Democratic Club. I’ve partnered with the Elmhurst History and Cemeteries Preservation Society to advocate against the demolition of the Walentyna Janta-Połczyńska House. The home was occupied by a couple who helped expose Nazi atrocities in the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II. Unfortunately, the house was not protected and was recently demolished.

I’m the administrator of the popular social media sites, ‘Jackson Heights History’ and ‘Inside Elmhurst’, which allows me to dig into little-known historic facts about the region I call home.”

— Alfonso Quiroz, Con Edison Spokesman and Community Leader in Queens