Many historians believe the traditional New Year’s Day phone calls we make to family, friends and loved ones are a throwback to a calling card tradition that began in Astoria 111 years ago. At the turn of the 20th century, young men in Astoria donned their finest clothing and visited young ladies they hoped to court. As a sign of […]
New Year’s Eve Celebration
The first New Year’s Eve celebration in Western Queens was held in 1852, when more than 200 couples from Astoria and Long Island City turned out for a “Ball and Supper” hosted by Astoria businessman, Henry Hunt. Hunt entertained the revelers at a popular hotel located on Astoria Boulevard near 21st Street, dishing out ice cream and cake he prepared […]
110th Precinct Community Council Hosts Holiday Party
The 110th Precinct Community Council celebrated its annual Children’s Holiday Party on December 17 with a visit from Santa Claus and Mr. Met. Children at the party, who are primarily from Elmhurst and Corona, were able to meet and take photos with Santa and the affable New York Mets mascot. Each child also received a present to take home. Both […]
Top Theme Party Tips
Let’s face it. Theme parties are a blast. They can turn any combination of coworkers, family and friends into an enthusiastic crowd admiring creative decorations and inventive outfits. The best part? Party themes can be as far-fetched, classy or outrageous as you like. Event planning experts suggest going beyond holidays and committing to themes with some integrity. After all, these […]
Entertaining Tips for the Holiday Trendsetter
(NewsUSA) – Entertaining during the holidays hasn’t changed, but how you entertain certainly can. Bend the rules, turn tradition upside down and create party-host-envy this holiday season by introducing unconventional cocktail customs into your party. Consider these festive ideas: -Bottle Service. Add a splash of the club scene and turn your home into your favorite metro hotspot by offering bottle […]
Say Goodbye To An Old Polluter
Once a symbol of pollution-spewing, and asthma-triggering in Astoria and Western Queens, the original Charles Poletti Power Plant will soon be torn down, according to Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. The Astoria lawmaker, who initiated the successful lawsuit to end the plant’s power generating days in 2002, reported to the Gazette that he had received confirmation from the New York Power […]
Sunnyside Community Holds Candlelight Vigil For Sandy Hook
Residents in Sunnyside are mourning the death of six-year-old Benjamin Wheeler, one of the 20 children killed last week at their Connecticut elementary school. The Wheeler family lived in the historic Sunnyside Gardens complex for the first two years of Benjamin’s short life, until the family moved from Queens to Sandy Hook, Connecticut in 2007. Members of the family’s former […]
Local Cops Ramp Up New Year’s Eve Crackdown
Queens police officials this week issued a “stern, new warning” to motorists who party too hard and get behind the wheel on the long New Year’s Eve weekend. Police officials said cops at local precincts will be out in force from December 26 through January 2, enforcing a strict “Zero Tolerance” crackdown that will include a series of undisclosed DWI […]
Your Social Security Statement Is A Gift To Yourself
It’s very likely that during the holiday season you’ve been spending a bit of time and money getting gifts for everyone on your shopping list. Why not take a moment and give yourself a holiday gift? We have a suggestion, and while it won’t cost you a penny, it could be one of the best (and easiest) financial steps you […]
The Bridge Fuel
To a geologist like me, it was most notable by its absence in the political campaigns that lurched to their conclusions in November. I’m talking about an energy plan with real teeth, one that addresses everything from national security to the cost of energy to greenhouse warming of the planet. The best-known geologist in the country is T. Boone Pickens. […]