Events

On Saturday, November 2, Congresswoman Grace Meng will host a town hall in partnership with One Queens Indivisible.

The event will take place inside the Benjamin Rosenthal Library at Queens College (65-30 Kissena Blvd.) from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It’s open to the public.

“I am excited to hold this upcoming town hall meeting and I encourage my constituents to attend,” Meng says. “I look forward to talking about my work in Congress and discussing the issues that concern the residents of the sixth congressional district.”

Free parking will be available at fields 5, 6 and 14. Attendees are suggested to enter at gate 3, located at Reeves Avenue and 153rd Street.

Those planning to attend must RSVP here. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

On Thursday, August 22 between 8:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning, the Health Department is conducting another adulticide treatment to reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile virus.

Trucks will spray pesticides in sections of Queens, including Fresh Meadows, Hollis Hills and Holliswood.

In case of bad weather, the spraying will be pushed back to Monday, August 26 or Tuesday, August 27.

The Health Department says it will use very low concentrations of the insecticides Anvil® 10+10 and/or DeltaGard®.

The risks of these pesticides 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.

People will respiratory conditions may also be affected, health officials say.

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

And while it is unnecessary, residents can close air conditioner vents or choose the recirculate function.

After spraying, health officials say residents should wash their skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap and water. Always wash fruits and vegetables with water as well.

To reduce exposure to mosquitos, here are some tips courtesy of the Health Department:

• Use an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under 3), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.
• Make sure windows have screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
• Eliminate any standing water from your property and dispose of containers that can collect water. Standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code.
• Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty or covered if not in use. Drain water that collects in pool covers.

You can call it a success!

A record-breaking 138 people participated in Assemblyman Ed Braunstein’s annual summer blood drive on August 8 at the Bay Terrace Shopping Center.

Even the assemblyman stopped by to donate blood.

“Thanks to their generosity, hundreds of lives will be saved,” he says.

The New York Blood Center provided a voucher for a free pair of New York Mets tickets to all of the donors. Cord Meyer Development provided the venue (Bay Terrace Shopping Center), while Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant & Caterers gave vouchers for free pints of soup to the first 100 donors.

Finally, Stop & Shop of Bay Terrace donated pastries, water and ice as well.

Last week, the City Council approved legislation to co-name streets across New York City in honor of community leaders and beloved individuals.

In Councilman Paul Vallone’s northeast Queens district, three intersections will be co-named. Here’s a breakdown of each one:

The intersection of 130th Street and 23rd Avenue in College Point will soon be called “Joe Femenia Way” in honor of the late civic leader in College Point.

In Whitestone, Utopia Parkway and 16th Avenue will become “Madeline Sershen Way” in tribute to the 17-year-old whose life was cut short after being hit by a car.

Her death was the catalyst for mandatory vision retesting for drivers. It led the State senate to require a written exam upon renewal of a driver’s license.

Finally, in Bayside, Northern Boulevard between 207th Street and Clearview Expressway northbound will be co-named “CW5 Howard C. Haider Way.”

It will honor the late Chief Haider, who served in the New York Army National Guard from 1963 until 2003.

The official ceremonies for the street co-namings will take place later this year. Vallone’s office will coordinator with the Department of Transportation and each of the families.

Watch the New York Metropolitans for free by donating blood this summer.

Assemblyman Edward Braunstein is hosting his 7th annual Summer Blood Drive on Thursday, August 8 from 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Bay Terrace Shopping Center (Bell Boulevard and 26th Avenue).

All donors will receive a voucher for two tickets to see the Mets at Citi Field.

Additionally, the first 100 people to donate a pint of blood will receive a certificate for a free pint of soup from Ben’s Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant & Caterers.

Donors will also receive free refreshments courtesy of the Stop & Shop Bay Terrace.

“Each blood donation will help save up to three lives,” Braunstein says. “Our hospitals are in need of your assistance, so I hope you will take the time to share this lifesaving gift.”

The Bayside Historical Society, Queens Chamber of Commerce and Councilman Paul Vallone are teaming up to host the fifth annual Independence Day Celebration at Fort Totten.

The annual celebration will take place on Wednesday, June 26, starting at 6 p.m. The fireworks will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m., when the sun sets.

In years past, despite gloomy weather, thousands of residents from all over northeast Queens have turned out to enjoy this family-friendly event.

Here are the details for this year’s event:

• Admittance to Fort Totten will begin at 5 p.m.
• Parking is available at the Little Bay Parking Lot, along Bell Boulevard, as well as at the Clearview Golf Course and the Bay Terrace Shopping Center. Shuttles will be provided.
• Guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets, lawn chairs and picnic items
• Musical performances will include MM Rock Camp, Chicken Head Rocks and Phil Costa & the Something Special Big B, from 6 to 9 p.m.
• This is a non-alcoholic event
• All bags, coolers and backpacks will be inspected by the NYPD before entry
• Vending trucks will be on site with food, snacks and beverages

Take a look at both the parking map (first image) and a map of the event (second image).