Assembly Member Aravella Simotas is fighting sexual harassment with six bills that will enhance the ability of targets of harassment to seek justice and recompense, and to speak out about their experiences. This package of legislation will build up and strengthen the series of sexual harassment laws that were adopted in the 2018-2019 state budget. “Countless high profile cases of […]
Queens Library Astoria Branch To Be Fully Renovated
NYC Council Member Costa Constantinides joined with Queens Library President and CEO Dennis Walcott on December 17 to outline funding in the Fiscal Year 2019 budget that will re-envision the Astoria branch on Hallets Cove Peninsula at 14-01 Astoria Blvd. as a 21st-century learning facility for western Queens. Constantinides, in partnership with NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson, allocated $3.3 million […]
St. Michael’s Thanks All Who Donated To Marines’ Toys For Tots Drive
St. Michael’s reflects and supports the needs and moral calling of our great city. We are devoted to the numerous voices of our citizens, regardless of their place of origin, religion or ethnicity. We are America! Toys for Tots answers the unfortunate need of those who struggle. Their children see the joy of the holidays, but know that they cannot […]
21st Street Gulf Station Sells For $4.3M
Manhattan-based developer Barry Leon with Co developer DA DEVELOPMENT Group has filed plans to develop a three-story, mixed-use building on a parcel currently occupied by a Gulf gasoline station at 21-09 21st Street in Astoria. Leon, along with partner, Astoria 2101 LLC, acquired the parcel for $4.35 million in February 2018, according to information posted on the YIMBY (Yes, In […]
New Year’s Calling Cards – An Astoria Tradition
The emergence of a new year held special significance for young men and women living in Astoria in the early 1900s. Young men carried small, ornately designed “calling cards” to present to young women, a sign of their desire to begin a courtship. The men were often chosen by family or friends to call on the women on “Ladies Day,” […]
First New Year’s Eve Party
Did you know that western Queens might have been the birthplace of the traditional New Year’s Eve party? The first recorded New Year’s Eve bash was held in 1852 when 200 Astoria and Long Island City residents gathered at a Ball and Supper hosted by Astoria businessman, Henry Hunt. Hunt hosted the party at a hotel located at 21st Street […]
New Year Around The World
New Year’s is one of the oldest celebrated holidays and was first observed 4000 years ago in ancient Babylon. However, it hasn’t always been celebrated on January 1st. Babylonians began New Year’s on what is now March 23rd, when new crops were planted. The celebration lasted for 11 days. During the festival, the king was sent away so everyone could […]
Michelin Guide 2019 Cites Astoria Restaurant
VIA VAI, an Italian restaurant, wine bar, and brick oven pizzeria in Astoria, is listed as a “recommended dining destination” in the 2019 Michelin Guide. Citing its authenticity and artisanal food, the Michelin Guide notes: “From their wine list to the menu, it’s all about Italy here. The kitchen spends every morning making fresh pastas, and with the likes of […]
Portofino Ristorante
Portofino celebrates 44 years of hospitality and pride in Forest Hills where you are always welcome as family. The menu says, “Welcome to Forest Hills, Italy,” and at Portofino you’ll be tended to in comfort while enjoying traditional Italian cuisine, wines and great cocktails. Whether you are celebrating one of life’s special occasions or your average weeknight, Portofino is ideal […]
Astoria Bookshop’s Favorite Books of 2018
Astoria Bookshop’s staff selected their favorites of 2018. Their ultimate list of 2018 is focused on all the great non-fiction books they read this year. For the memoir lovers, activists, history buffs, psychologists and more – there’s something for everyone. As always, Astoria Bookshop’s calendar is full of exciting events (www.AstoriaBookshop.com). Best Of The Year: Non-Fiction Edition Heavy: An American […]