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The latest upsurge in job losses left Congressmember Carolyn Maloney breathless and moved her to declare that the potential employment consequences if one or more of the Detroit auto makers fail should be "front and center" as Congress debates an aid package for the ailing industry. More ... Enjoy breakfast with Santa Claus at Applebee's Grill and Bar, 38-01 35th Ave., Astoria on Saturday, December 20 from 8 to 10 a.m. For only $9 per person, kids and their parents can enjoy a breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns and toast- and even take a picture with Santa! Proceeds go to benefit Toys for Tots. More ... New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson Jr. is one of 25 plaintiffs seeking to stop the law extending term limits. Martha Ayon, community coordinator for the comptroller's office, gave updates, including news on Thompson's joining the federal lawsuit filed last month, to Community Board 4 at the December meeting of the board in Corona. More ... Most of the items covered at the December meeting of Community Board 2 were familiar to those gathered at Sunnyside Community Services on 39th Street. Chief among those items was one first taken up in November, the permit application to the Board of Standards and Appeals made by the law firm of Snyder and Snyder in behalf of Omnipoint Communications, the T-Mobile people. More ... The Queens Health Coalition (QHC), a nonprofit organization that links healthcare consumers with healthcare providers, co-chaired with Long Island Jewish Medical Center, the Queens Perinatal Center Queens Perinatal Forum on Friday December 5 at the Sheraton in Downtown Flushing. More ... On Thursday, December 4, City Councilmember Helen Sears and Elmhurst Hospital Center (EHC) administrators gathered for a ribbon-cutting to inaugurate the hospital's brand new 64-slice CT scanner, a state-of-the-art digital imaging machine that employs the latest and fastest technology to create clear, detailed images of the body. More ... Warning that about a dozen multi-family affordable housing complexes and thousands of tenants in all five boroughs are in danger of becoming sucked into a new predatory equity scam, United States Senator Charles Schumer has called on lenders to refuse to make loans to shady developers. More ... Roundly denouncing proposed tolls on several East River and Harlem River bridges, citing huge construction costs and unfair targeting of Queens and Brooklyn auto commuters, lawmakers from the two boroughs and city Comptroller William Thompson Jr. urged that the idea be scrapped and alternate sources of revenue be tapped to cover the shrinking coffers of the MTA. More ... TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank, will celebrate the opening of its newest Queens branch at 188-10 Hillside Ave. in Hollis on Saturday, December 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. More ... "Lights! Soccer! Action! Welcome to the greatest show on turf!" City Councilmember Peter F. Vallone Jr. declared as he cut the ribbon this past Saturday, December 6 on a new all-weather turf, multi-use ball field at St. More ... Three Queens high schools appeared in the U.S. News & World Report list of the top 100 schools in the nation. Baccalaureate School of Global Education in Long Island City ranked 38th, Queens H.S. of Science at York College, Jamaica ranked second in the borough, at 48th place, and Townsend Harris H. S., Flushing, ranked 71st. More ... A surprise visit from a world leader who had high praise for St. John's University provided an unexpected delight for the attendees of the Loughlin Society reception held on December 4 at the Essex House in Manhattan. The evening of recognition for the generous supporters of St. More ... Holiday lights on Steinway Street had been aglow for a week, thanks to the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition and the Steinway Street Business Improvement District, but the real start to the holiday season came on Friday, December 5, when Santa and Mrs. Claus came to Astoria. More ... The annual tree lighting ceremony sponsored and conducted by Woodside On the Move (WOTM) on December 6 had one significant change this year—some time in the future, holiday tree lighting events will focus on a live tree planted in Sohncke Square Park by the city Department of Parks and Recreation. More ... At the beginning of December, when the Greater Astoria Historical Society (GAHS) celebrated the acquisition of the front door of the Jacob Blackwell House, the door had already been on premises for about a year, but getting such an object ready for public display takes a while. More ... The Empire State Building (ESB) invites visitors from around the world to come celebrate the holidays at the most iconic, magical place in New York. Offering unparalleled city views, snowy scenic window displays, a holiday concert series and festive tower lights, the ESB is the perfect way to make this holiday season unforgettable for family, friends and loved ones. More ... New York City Buildings Department (DOB) Commissioner Robert LiMandri wants builders to know they are accountable. "We have to show people we're in charge." LiMandri, speaking at the December meeting of Community Board 11 in Bayside, said more than 40,000 inspections were conducted citywide by the DOB in Fiscal Year 2008 (July 1 to Jun. 30, 2008). More ... 'Tis the season…to celebrate and exchange gifts! In the past, this meant spending lots of time and money on attractive but often frivolous items, elaborately wrapped, using lots of paper, ribbons and big bows. But in the last few years, New Yorkers have become much more aware of the need to make our city greener and less wasteful. More ... Holy Cross H.S. will hold its annual Christmas concert on Thursday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the school auditorium. The Holy Cross Concert Band will perform, featuring a variety of musical delights for all to enjoy. Admission is free and open to the public. More ... On Monday, December 1, the Kiwanis Club of Astoria/ Long Island City held its Annual Holiday Auction at Riccardo's by the Bridge. Each year, this event seems to grow and grow, with more enthusiasm than the year before. Our thanks to our Chairpersons, Linda Perno, President-Elect, and President Paul A. More ... All Nations Baptist: •Sunday, 2:30-5:30 p.m., for three months, free English classes which have already begun, registration required, limited space; 718.296.2025. **** All Saints' Episcopal: •Jan. 10, 2009, Saturday, 10 a.m. Citizenship Fair to help with U.S. Citizenship documentation. More ... During every holiday season, the giant chain stores lure us in with discounts and promotions, but if what you're looking for are great deals, personalized service, quality and proximity, you'll be sure to find it all at our own neighborhood shops and eateries. More ... Vincent Riso of The Briarwood Organization was presented with a lifetime achievement award and many building owners, architects, engineers and builders were winners of rehabilitation and new construction awards at the 96th Annual Dinner and Building Awards presentation of the Queens Chamber of Commerce December 3. More ... Who Are Santa's Elves? Fact: Elves are the longest-living people in the world, and are known for their natural ability to make magic. Tales woven throughout history tell that some of the most magical elves are those who live and work at the North Pole. More ... Growers from the Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York are predicting that the economy will produce an upswing in the sale of Christmas trees this holiday season. "People facing pink slips will opt to stay at home this season," said a spokesperson for the National Christmas Tree Association. "Families will make plans to celebrate around their own Christmas tree. More ... Inspired by New York City's "Just Ask the Locals" campaign Mayor Michael Bloomberg, with the assistance of First Deputy Mayor Patricia E. Harris, Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate D. Levin, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe, Small Business Services Commissioner Robert W. More ... Merchants throughout Queens were relieved when "Black Friday", the day after Thanksgiving, brought consumers by the score to their stores for the first day of the holiday shopping season. Marketing experts are concerned that shoppers, reeling from the gloomy economy and feeling crushed by debt may feel the need to hold back on purchases this year. More ... Crafty Ideas Get their creative juices flowing by making jewelry, fleece blankets and throws, knitting projects, designing jewelry and stickers, or creating their own lotions, soap and lip gloss. Furry Friends The young and young-at-heart love a stuffed animal. Find a just-right friend at Build-A-Bear Workshop. More ... There is no doubt that many consumers may be feeling a budget crunch as the holiday season approaches, but this year with careful planning and some top notch tips from the experts, they can ensure themselves an efficient, economical, and memorable holiday season. More ... Santa Claus greets children at the Broadway Astoria Merchants and Professionals Association-Most Precious Blood tree lighting event. More ... Personalized gifts are always a hit with family and friends. In today's digital era, it's easy to create custom products at an affordable price. One place you're sure to find inspiration for a meaningful gift is in your stash of photos. According to J.D. Power and Associates, digital camera owners shoot an average of 159 images a month. That's nearly 2,000 images a year. More ... Some of the best holiday gifts I've ever received were handmade items from the garden. They weren't elaborate, but they were meaningful. I was touched by the gift of a centerpiece of dried flowers, grasses, and seed heads collected from a friend's garden. I still use the herbal vinegar, packed with fresh herbs, from another friend's garden. More ... St Andrew Avellino Roman Catholic Church, along with Paul Vallone, candidate for the 19th City Council District seat, Paul Halvatzis of Amorelli Realty and many other contributors gathered for the seventh year to distribute the makings of Thanksgiving dinner to families within the St. Andrew Avellino parish. More ... "Dear Santa, I've made you some crispy marshmallow-cereal treats that I've cut into happy holiday shapes. I piped them with decorating icings and used colored sugars, confetti, and sprinkles to finish them off. I even made a snowcovered chimney, just for you, Santa! Take some goodies for everyone at the Pole to celebrate the holiday. Be sure to come back next year! More ... Nothing completes a dinner like a good cup of coffee or tea and Starbucks has just the right thing whether you're looking for sleek, sweet, or last-minute gifts. The "Comfort & Joy Trio" includes Starbucks House Blend & Vanilla Almond Biscotti, Caffé Verona & Chocolate Truffles and Breakfast Blend & Dry-Roasted Cashews. More ... In keeping with a longstanding tradition, Joseph Pistilli, president, chief executive officer and chairman of First Central Savings Bank and chairman of the board of Pistilli Real Estate, acted as master of ceremonies and auctioneer for the 14th annual SHAREing & CAREing benefit and auction. More ... City Councilmember Peter F. Vallone Jr. on Saturday, December 6 attended the 114th Precinct Community Council Holiday Party at Astoria World Manor. From 9 a.m. to noon, hundreds of children and their parents played games and celebrated the holidays. Children watched a magic show and enjoyed snacks. The high point of the party was a much-anticipated visit from Santa Claus. More ... C ounting down the days until Christmas is a tradition that goes way back. It started with making chalk marks on the door or lighting candles for each day. Today, there are dozens of clever ways to build excitement for the big day. More ... G etting the family together for the holidays often means piles of kids sleeping on the floor, adults crammed onto lumpy sofa beds and long waits for the shower. While this kind of togetherness can be good thing, many travelers - and their hosts - actually prefer a little more space and privacy. More ... Winter is just around the corner and MTA Bridges and Tunnels is prepped and ready to go. The agency has more than 6,000 tons of roadway de-icer, a fleet of 76 snow vehicles and hundreds of snow-trained employees ready for whatever the winter may have in store for the seven bridges and two tunnels it operates in New York City. More ... A petition by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to delay the Bush Administration's plan to auction slots at Kennedy and La Guardia Airports and Newark's Liberty Airport was granted by a federal court in Washington, DC on Monday. More ... Everyone looks forward to this time of year-including burglars. With many people away, visiting friends, or just out of the house shopping, there are many good prospects for break-ins. Experts agree that it is a very vulnerable time for homeowners. "People are busy and distracted," Ray Palermo, director of public relations for Response Insurance, said. More ... Founded in 1906, Morisco Funeral Home has been serving the community in the traditional family setting. Today, newly refurbished, the elegance and grace of days gone by radiate a comforting glow in this friendly, warm environment. Yet, with each day the history of the past 100 years is more deeply entrenched in the foundation of this historic establishment. More ... The city Department of Parks & Recreation is pleased to announce the 26th annual Wreath Interpretations exhibition, a holiday tradition at the Arsenal in Central Park. More ... Photos Nuala Quigley Early in December, a redtailed hawk was seen perching on the railings of the fire escape above the Father & Sons Deli across the street from the Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens at 30th Avenue and Crescent Street, where it has seemingly taken up residence. Folks at the hospital, and the owner of the deli, have seen the hawk quite frequently, and wonder if the bird has moved from an apartment building on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan to more affordable housing in Astoria. More ... If you are thinking of putting a puppy—or any other pet under your Christmas tree this holiday season, make sure you consider the responsibilities of pet ownership before wrapping up that warm, cuddly critter. More ... As the old saying goes, it's better to give than to receive. After all, even the smallest kind gesture is enough to make a difference in the world and change the lives of people who need it most. More ... An amendment of the zoning map within North Corona, proposing changes affecting a 102- block or block-front area, was the chief topic of the evening at Community Board 3's November meeting, More ... |
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