News Of The Neighborhoods
COMPILED BY LIZ GOFF

Astoria Burger Battle

Burger lovers from throughout the five boroughs are invited to a first-ever competition on May 20- a battle between burgermeisters to determine who has the best beef on their bun.

A panel of celebrity chefs will gather at the Astoria World Manor at 25-22 Astoria Blvd. on May 20 to display their culinary talents at Dish du Jour Magazine's sixth annual "Cuisine of Queens & Beyond" exposition, which will feature the Big Apple's first burger competition.

Representatives from more than 50 New York City restaurants, bakeries, gourmet food shops and beer and wine companies are expected to participate in the daylong event, where judges will crown the best culinary creations.

Experts at Dish du Jour have invited chefs from several renowned metropolitan area restaurants to serve up their best burgers to a panel of celebrity judges who will determine the winner of the "Best Burger In The Boroughs".

Tickets for the Astoria burger battle are available for $55 per person at www.dishdujourmagazine.com or by phone at 718-777-7918. Tickets will also be available at the door for $65 per person.

Library Facelifts

State lawmakers have approved more than $1.2 million for renovations at four Queens Borough Public Library branches.

The Sunnyside branch will receive $400,000 for full-scale renovations scheduled for completion by Fall 2008, library officials said.

The McGoldrick branch in Flushing is slated to receive $200,000 in funds for renovations and repair, and the Bay Terrace branch in Bayside will receive more than $430,000 for required updates and improvements.

Queens Library Director of Government and Community Affairs James Van Bramer said construction funds are applied in a number of ways, including expansion of existing buildings, electrical system updates, energy-saving programs and systems and renovations to create handicapped access in and outside existing buildings.

Queens Kids Chosen To Greet Pontiff

Officials at the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens recently announced their choice of two Queens students who will meet and greet Pope Benedict XVI when the pontiff arrives at John F. Kennedy International Airport on April 18.

Officials chose Christopher Jordan, 10, and Kaitlin Karcher, 13, for the honor, based on their strong expressions of faith and academic excellence, "both traits that will please the Holy Father," Diocese spokesperson Frank De Rosa said.

The youngsters will present the Pope with bouquets of lilies and mums shortly after his arrival at JFK. The Pontiff will also be greeted by the faithful and more than 250 student choir members.

Following the welcoming ceremony, Pope Benedict will travel to Manhattan to address the United Nations, De Rosa said.

The Pope is scheduled to attend a youth rally in Yonkers on April 19 and will celebrate Mass at Yankee Stadium on April 20 before heading back to the Vatican, De Rosa said.