3-year-old found alone in Murray Hill

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The 109th Precinct found 3-year-old Zhang Chen alone at 163rd Street and Crocheron Avenue in Murray Hill.

“We’re trying to locate his family,” the 109th Pct. tweeted out at 2:20 p.m. “Do you recognize him?”

If you do, please help Zhang find his family.

Celebrate Kwanzaa at Pomonok Library today

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Queens Library is hosting a Kwanzaa celebration event today at 4:30 p.m. at its Pomonok branch, located at 158-21 Jewel Avenue.

Musician, poet and storyteller Atiba Kwabena-Wilson will provide a joyous program with music and dance.

Participants will also learn about the significance of Nguzo Saba, the seven life-affirming principles of Kwanzaa.

Admission is free.

Braunstein finishes 6th annual gift drive

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Assemblyman Edward Braunstein topped off his office’s 6th annual holiday gift drive for hospitalized veterans and needy children last week.

Thousands of toys were donated for the kids, while toiletries, candy, clothing, playing cards and puzzles were given to the veterans.

In total, dozens of residents, 20 schools, civic and senior organizations and churches contributed to the effort.

“I was overwhelmed by the incredible generosity of my constituents who helped bring holiday cheer to those in need,” Braunstein said. “I want to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to our community for continuing to make these gift drives such a success.”

On December 21, Braunstein and his staff, along with students from Cardozo High School, delivered the gifts to the St. Albans VA Community Living Center and the New York State Veterans Home at St. Albans.

Francis Lewis HS gets new gym

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For the first time in its 56-year existence, the gymnasium at Francis Lewis High School in Fresh Meadows got a makeover.

The funding for the $1.2 million project came from Councilman Peter Koo’s office and the School Construction Authority (SCA). The state-of-the-art gym includes a new maple floor, new bleachers that are ADA-compliant and electric work.

“With over 30 PSAL teams, JROTC, numbers clubs and events , we know that our school community will enjoy the benefits of our new gymnasium for the next 56 years,” said Principal Marmor.

Francis Lewis HS opened its doors in 1960. Today, it serves approximately 4,500 students in New York City.

“More than 4,000 students now have daily access for basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and other activities,” said Koo, who contributed $350,000 to the renovation. “These students work hard every day to make the most of their education, and I am committed to doing everything in my power to make sure they have the resources they need.”

Reliance Star Payment Services launches campaign to help local non-profits

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John H. Kim Co-Founder, Managing Partner

Reliance Star Payment Services has been a top payment processing company in Queens & Long Island since 2004.

Reliance Star co-founder, John Kim, is proud to announce the launch of a new initiative that will help local nonprofit organizations and charities.

 

Reliance Star’s “Payments for a Cause” initiative allows businesses that use the company’s services to donate a portion of processing fees to a non-profit or charity of their choice.

“Local residents are either unaware of the non-profits in their area, or they don’t know what local non-profit companies actually do,” said Kim. “Queens is filled with good hearted people who love to give, so our payment processing company created an initiative where we help merchants make a bigger impact in their local community,” said Kim.

Once businesses sign up with Reliance Star to process their credit card payments, each business chooses which charity or nonprofit it wants to support and that group will then receive 10 percent of the monthly processing fees.

“If you are a local business leader, nonprofit leader, or charity leader, you should be enrolled in the program. If you are passionate about supporting a specific charity, let us know and we’ll contact the charity directly and set them up in the program,” said Kim.

Reliance Star’s website for the program, paymentforcause.com, lists charities that businesses can support.

Switching to Reliance Star requires no additional costs, and they offer a free assessment to a prospective business, explaining the processing cost and how much money can be saved.

 

 

PHOTOS: Third Annual Children’s Holiday Parade

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The third annual Children’s Holiday Parade, sponsored by Councilman Paul Vallone and the Bayside Village Business Improvement District (BID) took place last Sunday.

More than a thousand marchers and spectators filled the streets along Bell Boulevard from 36th Avenue to 41st Avenue.

The parade concluded with remarks from elected officials, a performance from the Landrum School of Performing Arts, songs from the PS 31 choir, PS 41, and finally, a Christmas tree and menorah lighting.

At the end of the parade, the Bayside-Whitestone Lions Club, Councilman Vallone’s Student Ambassadors and other volunteers distributed hot chocolate and bake goods, which were donated by Papazzio Restaurant and Martha’s Country Bakery.

“Sunday’s third annual Children’s Holiday Parade truly symbolized the spirit of every community, faith, holiday and beauty of this most wonderful time of the year!” Vallone said in a statement. “The countless children, families, friends and neighbors who came out were a true testament to the power the holidays have to bring a community together in shared celebration.

Here are photos from the parade, courtesy of Councilman Vallone’s office:

 

 

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Rozic’s office features sticky note display

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This past election season has been divisive and tough, but for northeast Queens residents,   here’s an outlet where they can express their thoughts, feelings and concerns.

Assemblyman Nily Rozic announced on Monday that her storefront window will be transformed into an interactive project, open to the public, that mimics the sticky note displays popping up across New York, such as the one at Union Square.

“People should have an opportunity to express themselves and remind everyone that we are a strong and united community,” Rozic said. “I want to give everyone a small outlet to express their post-election thoughts, grief, confusion and responses moving forward.”

Rozic’s office is located at 159-16 Union Turnpike in Flushing and is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Rosin’s office has previously been used to host seasonal artwork from local artists as well as elementary and middle school students in the area.

Bayside Hills Holiday Festival 2016

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The Bayside Hills Civic Association is hosting its 2016 Holiday Festival on Sunday, December 18th at 5 p.m.

The event will be hosted at the Bell Boulevard and 53rd Avenue mall.

The festival will feature a Christmas tree and menorah lighting, musical performances by PS 203’s chorus and In Motion Dance Center, refreshments, invited elected and religious officials and more.

For more information, visit the civic association’s Facebook page and their website.

Queens Botanical Garden’s tree lighting ceremony

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The Queens Botanical Garden is hosting a Christmas celebration at the garden on Sunday, December 4 from 1 to 5:30 p.m.

The celebration will include later and ornament making for kids, an a cappella performance by The Rough Dozen, photos with Santa and most importantly, a tree lighting ceremony.

At 5 p.m., participants will walk to the Cherry Circle, lanterns in hand, for the event’s tree lighting.

The entire event is free, except the photos with Santa.