No Wi-Fi sign-in requirement at Queens Library locations

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Starting December 17, visitors to any Queens Library branch don’t need a library card or PIN to access the free Wi-Fi.

Users can now connect freely to “QBPL_WIRELESS.”

According to Queens Library, it removed the sign-in requirement to “fulfill its mission of providing easy access to information and improve the user experience, while also working to close the digital divide.”

In Fiscal Year 2018, more than 3 million people used the Queens Library’s Internet service, the library reported.

 

Support the Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens this Christmas

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Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens currently sponsor over 160 programs and services for children and youth, adults and seniors, those who are struggling with mentally illnessand the isolated. 

This Holiday season, help your neighbors by giving generously to Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens through the special collection at your parish on Christmas Day, or go to www.ccbq.org to donate online. Your gift provides help and hope to thousands of your neighbors in need.

Could the ferry expand to Citi Field Marina or Fort Totten?

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Northeast Queens could soon receive a new mode of transport if this idea follows through.

Councilman Paul Vallone announced that he has received word that EDC will study the possibility of expanding NYC Ferry service to Citi Field Marina and Fort Totten.

The two possible spots were among 3,000 responses to a public survey about potential new locations.

The feasibility study will examine factors like water depths, population density, existing access to transit and travel time comparisons.

In 2014, Vallone, along with Peter Koo and former Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras-Copeland, asked EDC to conduct a pilot program for a ferry between Manhattan and Citi Field and Fort Totten.

Vallone has also previously suggested a ferry to Willets Point.

What do you think of this idea? Would it enhance your commute to work? Let us know in the comments below.

Winners for this year’s Halloween Essay & Drawing Contest

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Nearly 200 students from the district participated in Assemblyman Ed Braunstein’s annual Halloween Essay and Drawing Contest.

But there could only be four winners. All of them received a gift card, while all participants got a New York State Assembly Certificate of Merit.

Here are your 2018 winners:

  • 2nd grade: Augustina He, from PS 115 The James J. Ambrose School in Floral Park
  • 3rd grade: Annette Mary Ajai from PS 115 The James J. Ambrose School in Floral Park
  • 4th grade: Lucas Jin from PS 209 The Clearview Gardens School in Whitestone
  • 5th grade: Kyle Qu from PS 221 The North Hills School in Little Neck.

Congratulations to all of the winners!

Rest in peace, Don Capalbi

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Don Capalbi at a community event in 2016

On Monday, Congresswoman Grace Meng announced that longtime staffer and Queensboro Hill civic leader Don Capalbi passed away. He was 73 years old.

Capalbi died at a local hospice facility after being hospitalized at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Last month, he sustained a head injury from a fall.

The civic leader served as a community liaison to Meng going back to her days as a member of the Assembly. He represented her at community board and other local meetings.

Capalbi grew up in Astoria and lived in Flushing.

“A member of our family has passed away and we are devastated by this terrible loss,” Meng said in a statement. “Don worked tirelessly for the people of our congressional district. He was an invaluable part of my team providing me with information and advice about community issues.”

“He was a great human being; a wonderful and special person who was selfless and full of life, and one of the kindest, friendliest and gentlest people I’ve ever known,” she added. “He touched and impacted so many lives and was loved, admired and respected by all with whom he worked.”

Rest in peace, Don.