Events

Menorah lighting in Flushing set for Friday evening

Dan Rose
Free Synagogue of Flushing. Image courtesy of Google Maps.
Free Synagogue of Flushing. Image courtesy of Google Maps.

The Free Synagogue of Flushing is celebrating the first night of Hanukkah on December 11 with a Menorah lighting at 7:15 p.m.

The Festival of Lights is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev.

The synagogue is located at Kissena Boulevard and Sanford Avenue in Downtown Flushing.

Community leaders of different faiths are set to attend the event, including:

  • Rabbi Jeffrey Gale, from the Free Synagogue of Flushing
  • Alan Brava, from the Free Synagogue of Flushing
  • Sousavat Soukhaseum, from the Free Synagogue of Flushing
  • Runita Sutton, from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Queens
  • John Choe, from the Flushing Interfaith Council

Get your free flu shot at Queens Botanical Garden

Dan Rose

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On Wednesday, Councilman Peter Koo is teaming up with the Chinese Community Partnership for Health, NY Presbyterian and Queens Botanical Garden to offer free flu shots to the Flushing community.

Those interested in the free flu shots must be over 10 years old, live in Council District 20, and be in relatively good health, meaning no cold or fevers at the time).

You must also register before coming in for the flu shot. Shots will be administered at Queens Botanical Garden, located at 43-40 Main Street, between 3 and 6 p.m.

There are a limited number of shots available, so the priority will be given to residents of District 20 over 50 years, without insurance and/or chronic illness.

“The pandemic has highlighted just how important it is to be conscious of our health and get vaccinated,” Koo said. “An annual seasonal flu vaccine is a great way to boost your immune system and stay healthy.”

School of Rock location to open along Francis Lewis Blvd

Dan Rose
Screen shot via Google Maps.
Screen shot via Google Maps.

School of Rock is opening its Bayside location, located at 34-43 Francis Lewis Boulevard, this Saturday.

The grand opening will take place from noon to 6 p.m. The afternoon will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music and free trial lessons.

Of course, there will be precautions like social distancing and masks to keep everyone saef.

School of Rock provides students of all ages music lessons, including guitar, singing, drum and piano lessons. Students learn theory and techniques through songs from legends like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Frank Zappa.

Learn more about School of Rock and its Bayside location here.

Howie Mandel to host celebration in honor of St. Mary’s Hospital

Dan Rose

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Actor, producer and television personality Howie Mandel is hosting “The Big Night In For St. Mary’s Kids,” a virtual celebration to honor the hospital’s 150th anniversary.

The celebration will take place on Wednesday, November 18th on Looped, a virtual venue that gives fans front row access to their favorite events.

The night will feature musical performances and speeches to help raise funds for the patients at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Earlier this month, State Senator John Liu, Assemblyman Edward Braunstein, and other local lawmakers honored St. Mary’s with a citation for its 150th anniversary.

“For New York’s most critically ill and injured children, this is truly a haven unlike any other,” said Mandel. “The ability of St. Mary’s to continue providing innovative therapies and specialized rehabilitation programs depends on support from the community, and we are grateful for everyone who is helping to fund this essential work.”

Seniors go behind the scenes at Queens County Farm

Dan Rose

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A group of 30 local seniors got to enjoy the fresh air and sights of the Queens County Farm on September 24.

Guided by Councilman Barry Grodenchik, the tour of the Queens farm was conducted while all visitors were masked and socially distanced.

The tour of the 47-acre farm in Glen Oaks was part of a month-long schedule of events for Senior Appreciation Month.

Seniors learned about the farm’s planting fields, historic buildings, greenhouse complex, and its livestock, including chickens, goats and steer. The seniors also enjoyed a fun hayride.

“Queens County Farm Museum, the premiere cultural institution in eastern Queens, is truly a gem,” Grodenchik said. “It was my honor to bring a few dozen local seniors for a socially distanced tour of the farm on this beautiful autumn morning.”

Join Flushing Town Hall’s celebration of the Harvest Moon Festival

Dan Rose

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In celebration of the Harvest Moon Festival, Flushing Town Hall is hosting a virtual program with Korean folk music, shadow theater storytelling and a play reading.

The event will highlight stories of the Asian and Asian American experience.

The festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrates the time when the moon is brightest, and offers an opportunity to gather with family and give thanks for the harvest.

The psychedelic Korean folk group Coreyah will perform virtually on September 29 at 7 p.m.

Spica Wobbe’s “Hand in Hand” storytelling through shadow theater will be from September 30 to October 15.

A play reading of Marcus Yi’s “Lucky 88” will conclude the festival on October 4.

Watch on Flushing Town Hall’s YouTube page here.

Queens Chamber to distribute PPE in Bayside

Dan Rose

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On Friday, October 9, from 2 to 4 p.m., the Queens Chamber of Commerce is distributing personal protective equipment for businesses in Bayside.

The free PPE distribution will take place outside of Mad for Chicken, located at 39-02 Bell Boulevard.

The event is part of the chamber’s Neighborhood Sidewalk Outreach initiative. Congresswoman Grace Meng, the Bayside Business Association and the Bayside Village BID will also be there.

Local business owners can drop by and pick up a bag of PPE, including face masks, face shields, digital thermometers and information from the city and state.

MetroCard mobile van coming to Fresh Meadows

Dan Rose
Screen shot via Google Maps
Screen shot via Google Maps

An MTA Mobile Sales Van is coming to Fresh Meadows for two days this September, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic announced.

The mobile van will be in the Fresh Meadows Shopping Center, located at Horace Harding Expressway and 188th Street, on Monday, September 14, and Monday, September 28, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Services that are offered include applying for the Reduced Fare program, purchasing and refilling MetroCards, exchanging damaged reduced-fare MetroCards, and reporting a lost or stolen reduced-fare MetroCard.

Seniors or people with disabilities applying for the Reduced Fare program should bring proof of age documents, birth certificate, driver’s license, Medicare card or valid state ID or passport.

“It is oftentimes difficult for residents to access MTA services,” Rozic said. “That is why I am bringing the MetroCard Mobile Van to the neighborhood to make it more convenient for commuters to talk with a trained representative about their concerns or questions.”

Flushing Town Hall’s Virtual Jazz Jam set for September 9

Dan Rose

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On Wednesday, September 9 at 7 p.m., Flushing Town Hall’s monthly Jazz Jam will celebrate “SEPTEMBER: the Season, the Composers, the Artists, Reflections.”

Participating musicians will choose to play “September songs,” or the work of a composer, singer or musician with a September birthday.

The Jazz Jam will be led by Astoria resident Carol Sudhalter, along with FTH’s house band. They will pay tribute to Louis Armstrong, performing songs associated with the legendary trumpeter/vocalist.

The event is open to amateur and professional musicians, and is part of Flushing Town Hall’s online entertainment series, “FTH at Home!”

Audiences can watch this session live for free by tuning in to Flushing Town Hall’s Facebook page or on Zoom here.

Prepare for most adulticide treatment for mosquitos in northeast Queens

Dan Rose

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The Health Department is conducting yet another round of adulticide treatment to parts of eastern Queens to reduce the risk of West Nile virus.

It’s the fourth round of mosquito spray being applied to the area.

The trucks will spray pesticides on Thursday, August 27 between 8:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning. In case of bad weather, the application will be delayed for Monday, August 31.

The department will use very low concentrations of DeltaGard or Anvil. The risks of the pesticides for mosquito control are low to people and pets.

Some people who are sensitive to spray ingredients may experience short-term eye or throat irritation or a rash.

To stay safe during spraying, residents are advised to stay indoors whenever possible. Air conditioners can remain on.

That area that will be sprayed is bordered by Flushing Bay to the West; East River and  Little Neck Bay to the North; Nassau and Queens County Boundary to the East; and, Northern Boulevard, Douglaston  Parkway, Long Island Expressway, Bell Boulevard, Northern Boulevard, Clearview Expressway, 32nd Avenue, Francis Lewis Boulevard, and 20th Avenue to the South

That includes parts of Auburndale, Bayside, Bay Terrace, Beechhurst, College Point, Douglas Manor, Douglaston, Little Neck, Malba and Whitestone.