The United Community Civic Association (UCCA) held its annual Holiday Brunch Fundraiser on December 4 at the LaGuardia Marriott Hotel in East Elmhurst. The program honored Ed and Patricia Babor as Couple of the Year and civic activist Rita Morris (who was unable to attend) was the recipient of the Valerie Fisher Community Service/Civic Activist Award. The event was attended […]
A Son’s Special Gift
After being diagnosed with end stage renal kidney failure four-and a-half years ago, Carolyn Parson received a lifesaving kidney transplant on October 20 at New York Presbyterian Hospital. She is currently recuperating at home in Astoria. Although Parson, an employee at the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens for seven years is covered by a healthcare plan, her kidney […]
Seniors Display A Passion For Photography
Seniors are coming to the Queensboro Council for Social Welfare (QCSW) at the George T. Douris Tower in Astoria to participate in a digital photography workshop designed to instruct individuals in the basic art and science of photography. On November 28, the QCSW held its first annual photography exhibition entitled, “A Passion For Photography”. The opening reception showcased the photography […]
Gift Of A Good Retirement
When the holidays come, the money goes — usually for presents and parties, greeting cards and traveling to see family. Before you spend that last holiday buck, make sure you set some cash aside for retirement as a gift to yourself. If you haven’t started already, now is the time to begin saving for your retirement — no matter what […]
Douglaston Village Revitalization Discussion Continues
Victor Dadras and Robert Dadras of Dadras Architects–nationally recognized experts in downtown revitalization–will be speaking about ideas and concepts for the revitalization of the Douglaston Village commercial area on December 13 at 8 p.m. at Community Church of Douglaston, 39-50 Douglaston Pkwy, Douglaston. This event is the second in a series of public workshops to be given by leaders in […]
Assistance Programs For Lower-Income Seniors
Dear Savvy Senior, What kinds of programs are available to help low-income seniors with their Medicare costs and other expenses? My 81-year-old mother has gone through her savings and is having a tough time getting by on her Social Security benefits. What can you tell us? Worried Son Dear Worried, There are actually a variety of underutilized programs that can […]
Unemployment Rate Drops- But Is It A Trend Or A Blip?
On December 2, the United States Department of Labor reported the unemployment rate for November 2011 was 8.6 percent. This is the first time the unemployment rate has dropped from a yearlong nine percent. This is also the lowest the unemployment rate has been in two and a half years. So what exactly does this mean? Is it possible that […]
Holidays Overshadowed In December ‘63
Get into a conversation with a long time Queens resident and you’re likely to discover a subscriber of the Long Island Star- Journal, a daily paper that informed the community about local and world news until it folded in 1968. A banner across the Star Journal masthead reminded readers that the newspaper’s name came from the merger of the Long […]
Christmas Tree Lighting At Bohemian Hall
On December 1, Astoria unveiled the largest Christmas tree in Queens at the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, the oldest beer hall in the five boroughs. “It’s the largest tree I’ve ever seen,” said seventh grader Brian Barlick with a broad grin as he admired the red and green glow of the 25-foot Douglaston fir. The mood was festive as […]