NYCHA Breaks Ground, Largest FEMA Grant In History



An $88 million recovery and resiliency project by The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) at Astoria Houses broke ground in September as part of a $3 billion Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant, the largest in US history. Ornel Hidalgo, Team Leader of Field Services for the Office of Recovery and Resilience at NYCHA gave an update of the […]

New Astoria Apartments



38th Street: A management company that owns a parcel at 31-28 38th St. in Astoria has filed applications to develop a four-story, seven-unit, mixed-use building at the site. The 6,415-square-foot development will feature a 300-square-foot community facility on the ground floor and seven rental units above. The 25-foot-wide, 2,500-square-foot property is currently occupied by a two-story wood frame house that […]

The History Of Thanksgiving And Its Celebrations



Throughout history, mankind has celebrated the bountiful harvest with thanksgiving ceremonies. Before the establishment of formal religions many ancient farmers believed that their crops contained spirits which caused the crops to grow and die. Many believed that these spirits would be released when the crops were harvested and they had to be destroyed or they would take revenge on the […]

Local Express

Joe Miccio

In 1991, New York City Firefighter Joe Miccio was approached by a friend who asked him to teach her child how to play chess. The experience led him to create QuickChess (QuickChess.info), an innovative and successful new teaching game to get beginners up to speed, and experienced players to sharpen their skills in under 10 minutes. The next year, QuickChess […]

St. Francis HS: Lewis Classic, Tree Lighting, Toys For Tots



St. Francis Prep mounts a C.S. Lewis classic, hosts a Tree Lighting, and (as always) finds plenty of ways to help others. The St. Francis Prep Alvernian Drama Society’s production of “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,” by C. S. Lewis, and under the direction of Donna Mejia, will be delighting audiences on Friday, December 2nd at 8 pm, […]

Santa’s Coming To Steinway!



Central Astoria Local Development Coalition (CALDC) has invited everyone to join them for A Holly Jolly Celebration on Sunday, December 11th, from 12 pm to 4 pm on the corner of Steinway Street and 31st Avenue. The celebration starts at 12 pm, with a kid’s holiday music performance by Music For Aardvarks, and continues from 1 pm to 4 pm […]

Tree Lighting At McManus Memorial Park



The First Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held on Sunday, December 4, from 6 pm-8 pm, at McManus Memorial Park (81st Street and Grand Central Service Road). The event is sponsored by Congressman Joseph Crowley, and co-hosted by the United Community Civic Association (UCCA), Councilman Costa Constantinides and Port Authority of NY & NJ. Washington & Friends choir […]

Aloha NYC



Aloha NYC is Astoria’s newest, most unique addition to the sizzling night life scene. Aloha NYC offers an exciting lounge experience that will transport you to a white, sparkling sand beach oasis. The brilliant white interior features white leather banquettes and sparkling white counters and tables. Private booths with low tables are ideal for bottle service or intimate conversation. Private […]

Resorts World Exhibit Features Pomonok Seniors’ Art



Resorts World announced on November 16th the opening of a new exhibit on display at the Red Wall Art Gallery, entitled “Life Reimagined,” featuring artwork by residents of the Pomonok Senior Center located in Flushing. Pomonok is a program serviced through Queens Community House, a modern interpretation of the traditional settlement house. The exhibit will be open through December 31st. […]

4th Annual Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting Celebration



The Central Astoria Local Development Coalition announced that it will be hosting its 4th Annual Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting Celebration in December. This beloved annual event has become a tradition that everyone in the Astoria community looks forward to. Central Astoria LDC’s 4th Annual Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting Celebration will be held on Saturday, December 3rd, from 2 […]