Neighborhood News

Discovery Channel Seeks Troop Photos

Officials at the Discovery cable channel are urging family members to submit videos and photos of relatives and friends serving in the Iraq conflict for broadcast in an upcoming documentary.

The documentary is being billed as a tribute to enlisted men and women who are currently serving, to those who have returned home from the Iraq conflict and to those who lost their lives while serving with United States forces in Iraq.

For more information or to submit videos or photos of family members for inclusion in the documentary, visit www.Discovery.com/tribute.

Zoo Hosts Activities

On Saturday and Sunday, July 14 and 15, workers at the Queens Zoo will host a series of activities to give youngsters a glimpse of life for the 400 animals living at the 11-acre wildlife community.

Youngsters participating in the program, part of the zoo's 15-year anniversary celebration, will learn more about the 60 species roaming the "wilds" of the Queens Zoo through a series of games, crafts and storytelling hosted by zoo workers.

For more information, visit www.nyzoosandaquarium.com or call the Queens Zoo at 718-271- 1500.

Astoria Pool Is Summer Oasis

To beat the heat this summer, consider taking a dip in Astoria Pool. In Astoria Park at 19th Street and 23rd Drive, Astoria Pool is the only Olympic-size pool open to the public. Astoria Pool was the site of the 1936 and 1964 Olympic trials.

City Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe said pool-goers need only bring (or wear) their bathing suits and bring a towel to take part in summer fun at Astoria Pool.

Adults accompanying young children should pay close attention when youngsters are in or near the water. That means adults should not drink alcohol while looking out for children, Benepe said.

Youngsters eager to improve their water skills can sign up for one of the Parks Department's "Learn To Swim" classes at Astoria Pool that offer free swimming instruction for children ages 1 to 14. Classes are held on three consecutive Fridays.

The city is also offering adult "Lap Swim" classes at Astoria Pool, Monday to Friday from 7 to 8:30 a.m.

Benepe said the city currently has 1,000 lifeguards working at municipal pools. That number is expected to increase during July and August.

Astoria Pool is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information on hours of operation, lifeguard availability and summer water programs, call 718-626-8620.