ASTORIA, NY –
The October meeting of the NYPD 114th Precinct Community Council brought together civic leaders, NYPD representatives, and community members for an evening of recognition, cultural pride, and public safety dialogue anchored by the leadership of Greek Americans committed to Astoria’s future.
Council President Ted Psahos, a proud Greek American and Executive Director of Projekt NYC, opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a warm welcome to attendees. He acknowledged the presence of elected officials, civic leaders, and local organizations, and gave special recognition to Community Affairs Officers Dahlia Zapparata and Rosemary Wanzer for their dedication to building trust between the precinct and the community. Their contributions were met with a round of applause.
In honor of OXI Day, commemorated annually on October 28, Psahos reflected on the legacy of the Greek people who stood against fascism in 1940. “That spirit of resistance, dignity, and unity lives on in communities like ours”, he said, “especially here in Astoria, where Greek heritage and civic pride run deep”.
The Council spotlighted Maria Georgopoulos, President of Roula’s Kids, a grief support organization named in honor of her late mother. A Greek American native of Astoria, Georgopoulos is expanding Roula’s Kids services to her hometown, addressing a critical gap in accessible bereavement care for children and families. “Roula’s Kids helps youth build emotional literacy, resilience, and coping skills,” Psahos noted. “It’s a powerful step toward a healthier, more compassionate future”.
Following Georgopoulos’s remarks, Inspector Seth Lynch presented the Cop of the Month award to Police Officer Cecilia Orilla and Police Officer Ashley Bautista for their professionalism and dedication in combating organized retail theft in Astoria. Inspector Lynch also fielded public safety questions from community members, reinforcing the precinct’s commitment to transparency and collaboration.
The meeting concluded with gratitude for all who attended and a reminder that the next Community Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
