Author: Dan Rose

The annual Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing is set for Saturday, February 17 at 11 a.m.

The route will begin on 37th Avenue, go past the 109th Precinct on Union Street, hit Main Street and end at Queens Crossing.

Bundle up because it’s expected to be blistery as usual. Early weather reports say a high of just 37 degrees, but sunny.

Make sure you get there early to secure a good spot!

If you’re looking for an education in graphic design, Queens College is the way to go.

The school’s program was ranked in the top 50 best graphic design programs in the nation. It’s among the 25 best graphic design programs among public colleges.

Ranking factors include admission selectivity, depth and breadth, academic reputation and value.

“Queens College long has been recognized as an institution that provides its students with a high quality educational foundation while also preparing students for available jobs in their field of study,” said QC President Felix V. Matos Rodriguez.

The program boasts knowledgeable faculty with industry-standard software and a studio-based learning environment. More than 350 students are pursing their design major with a concentration in either communication design, animation and illustration, or interaction design.

New elevators are finally coming to the Murray Hill LIRR station.

The MTA will add two new elevators to make the station compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It will cost $8.6 million to install.

The elevators will connect riders from the street level to the platforms below. Construction is set to begin in March.

The project will also add new security cameras, new communications and fire alarm systems, electrical service upgrades, repainting of existing walls and new LED lighting.

“It will great improve the accessibility of the station and finally make it handicap accessible,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng.

Queens College alumnus Arturo O’Farrill won his fourth Grammy Award over the weekend for his work on “Three Revolutions.” He won in the category of Best Instrumental Composition.

Arturo is among the Queens College alumni and faculty who have been nominated for more than 100 Grammys, winning more than 30 awards.

He graduated from the Aaron Copeland School of Music in 2005, earning an MA in jazz performance.

He studied under renowned musicians and faculty members Sir Roland Hanna and Grammy-nominated professor Michael Mossman.

“As we continue our 80th anniversary celebration this academic year, we encourage all students to pursue their passions,” said Queens College President Felix V. Matos Rodriguez, “and take full advantage of the resources available to them at Queens College so their dreams, too, can become a reality.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng has returned from her trip to Puerto Rico, where she spent two days assessing hurricane recovery efforts on the island.

She received briefings on the rebuilding, toured the damaged and damaged facilities and spoke with local residents and government officials.

“More than four months after Hurricane Maria wreaked havoc on Puerto Rico, the island continues to struggle with efforts to recover and rebuild,” she said. “Puerto Rico continues to need help and assistance. Many still have no power, damage remains to property and infrastructure, and people continue to suffer.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Meng said the funding provided to Puerto Rico is “woefully inadequate.”

For the sixth consecutive year, Assemblyman Ron Kim’s office will serve as a site offering free tax preparation services along with Urban Upbound.

The program begins on January 23 and ends on April 17. Appointments will be available Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Due to high demand, services are provided by appointment only, and they muse be made in advance.

To schedule an appointment, call Kim’s office at 718-939-0195. Visit his Flushing office at 136-20 38th Avenue.

 

Make your mark as part of a community art project. Each Saturday leading up to Lunar New Year from 12-1pm, you are invited to work on a step-by-step collaborative art project to be displayed in the garden to celebrate the Year of the Dog. Activities will be family friendly but may involve paint.

For more information visit the QBG website!

Queens SOUP is back in 2018!

The Greater Flushing Chamber of commerce is inviting local organizations, institutions, residents and small businesses to submit proposals for projects to improve the neighborhood.

The best proposals will be considered for funding with Queens SOUP, a micro-granting dinner where participants vote on the best projects.

The event is scheduled for April 15 at the Flushing Quaker Meeting House on Northern Boulevard.

Now in its third year, Queens SOUP has used the potluck dinner to raise $1,000 for community projects since 2016.

The deadline to apply is March 4. Submit your proposal here: flushingchamber.nyc/soup.

Can you believe Valentine’s Day is only about a month away?

In the spirit of the holiday, Assemblyman Edward Braunstein and the law offices of Ann-Margaret Carrozza are teaming up again for the 22nd annual Valentines for Vets gift drive.

They are collecting donations of cards, candy (sugar free is a plus), playing cards, puzzles, shaving cream, toothbrushes, toothpaste and new clothing items such as pajamas, robes, slippers and socks.

All of these items will go to hospitalized and disabled veterans at the NYS Veterans Home at St. Albans and the St. Albans VA Community Living Center.

The deadline for donations is Monday, February 12.

Drop off gifts at Assemblyman Braunstein’s office at 213-33 39th Avenue, Suite 238 in Bayside, Carrozza’s law office at 213-38 40th Avenue OR Community Board 11’s office at 46-21 Little Neck Parkway.