Where in Queens? More Fall in the Borough
Photo (c) John Roleke
This is a record. For two weeks in a row, you've been stumped! Folks have gotten close to guessing this one (tough) and that one, but no cigar yet.
This week...you might think it a little easier (click image for big view). Show the world your borough knowledge and name this scene in the comments. Bonus points if you get this one and the other two.
Tunnel Time at Fort Totten
Photo (c) John Roleke - Tunnel entrance
Got a new profile up of Fort Totten, plus photos, and while researching it, a great event came to my attention.
This Thanksgiving weekend (2009) the park rangers lead tours of the tunnels at the old fort. These are normally closed to the public.
Sure, it won't be as thrilling as real spelunking, but it sounds like a great Thanksgiving weekend activity. There's no shopping involved; it could keep a clot of 10-year olds enthralled; and the weather doesn't matter underground.
Weekend Events in Queens - November 6-8, 2009
Friday
- Pucho and The Latin Soul Brothers at Flushing Town Hall
Saturday
- Nivedita ShivRaj at Flushing Town Hall
- Around The World In 24 Hours at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center
Sunday
- Free Drop-In Art Workshop: Make Your Own World's Fair Pavilion!!! at Queens Museum of Art
Astorian Weekend Edition - November 4
By Meg of Joey in Astoria
Photo (c) Meg Cotner
This weekend brings us Leaf Fest, right here at Astoria Park. The Astoria Park Alliance, working with the Queens Botanical Garden/Queens Compost Project, is collecting your fall leaves for compost (volunteers will turn the pile and gardeners will be able to partake in the compost come spring). Bring them with you to the Astoria Park parking lot on Sunday the 8th, between 11 a.m and 1 p.m., and volunteers will be happy to collect what you have. You'll be able to learn more about composting, too. If you can, please bring any non-perishable food items to donate to local food pantries. Leaf Fest continues on Sunday the 15th and 22nd, too.
Craving pork by chance? Head over to Sac's (25-41 Broadway) for the annual pig roast. Around 8 p.m. on Thursday night the pig (actually two of them) will be cooked to the point of juicy deliciousness, having roasted on a spit all day. Call 718-204-5002 for reservations on Thursday, November 5 and Thursday, November 12.
Rèst Âü Ránt (30-01 35th Ave), home of the diacriticals, is turning two this weekend! Saturday hails their anniversary party, complete with live music, specials, passed hors d'oeuvres, and more! Party starts at 9 p.m., yum.
Remember the crap weather on October 24th? It totally harshed the plans for It's My Park Day at Queensbridge Park, so much so that they had to postpone it! Good news: this Saturday's the day! The event starts at 10 a.m. and goes till 2 p.m. Consider registering if you're part of a group (contact greenshoresnyc@yahoo.com to register or if you have questions). Snacks and supplies will be provided for all volunteers.
Finally, Waltz Astoria (23-14 Ditmars Blvd) presents The Ultimate Singer-Songwriter Contest. Details for contestants are here, and it looks like it could be a really good time. The festivities start at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and the Sunday finale starts at 8 p.m. Come see and support great local talent. Also try the pumpkin pie - it's totally NOM-able.
- Previously on Joey in Astoria
- Neighborhood Profile - Astoria, Queens
Election Results 2009 NYC, Queens
Updated: 11:20 p.m.
The race for mayor has been declared in Bloomberg's favor, but wait! The results are much, much closer than predicted. For outspending Thompson by millions and millions....such a close election must be a bitter pill for Bloomberg. He can take a third term, but can't claim a mantle of unsurpassed support.
John Liu has locked up the post of Comptroller. Congrats to Liu!
In City Council elections, it's a huge night for Republicans in Queens. The GOP in Queens is back. The GOP held its lone seat (Rockaways) and appears to have picked up 2 more - Flushing and College Point/Bayside.
Whether you are a Democrat or Republican, you should see this as positive for the borough -- at least in my opinion. If local politics are dominated by one party, then local politicians are not challenged and slack in their service to us. Competition -- political or otherwise -- is healthy.
- Halloran, Republican defeats Kevin Kim and wins District 19, taking seat vacated by Avella.
- Republican Peter A. Koo defeats Yen S. Chou for City Council District 20. Koo takes the seat vacated by Liu.
- Ferrerras, incumbent, wins District 21
- Vallone, incumbent, wins District 22
- Weprin, newbie (brother of former), wins District 23
- Gennaro, incumbent, wins District 24
- Dromm, newbie, wins District 25
- Van Bramer, newbie, wins District 26
- Leroy Comrie, Jr., incumbent, wins District 27
- Thomas White, Jr., incumbent, wins District 28
- Koslowitz, newbie, wins District 29
- Crowley, incumbent, wins District 30
- Sanders, incumbent, wins District 31
- Ulrich, Republican incumbent, wins District 32
Where in Queens? Fake People Edition
Photo (c) Vidiot
You had trouble with last week's photo; it's still not solved!
What about this one? Where do these fake people live? Click image for the big view.
What and Who Is on the Ballot? NYC Elections 2009
Mayor
With a flood of campaign ads, Bloomberg hopes to crush Thompson.
Comptroller
Flushing's John C. Liu stands poised to be the first Asian-American in the second-highest position in NYC.
Public Advocate
Bill de Blasio (Dem.) has a steady lead over Reublican challenger Alex T. Zablocki.
City Council
Every district is competing...but there's only three where there's much of a challenge.
- 32nd District (Rockaways, Howard Beach) - Eric Ulrich (the only current Republican representing Queens in the Council) v. Frank Gulluscio
- 30th District (Middle Village, Glendale, Maspeth) incumbert Democrat Elizabeth Crowley is trying to hold off former Councilman Tom Ognibene
- 19th District (Whitestone, Bayside) - Kevin Kim (D.) v. Dan Halloran (R.) - vying for Councilman Tony Avella's seat.
Borough President
Incumbent Helen M. Marshall looks to lock up another term, staring down a challenge from Robert A. Hornak (Rep.).
Judgeships
Supreme Court, 11th Judicial District
New York City, Civil Court (Queens County)
A 2009 voting guide from NYCourts.gov
Proposals
- Horse trading that would let National Grid build in preserved state land in St. Lawrence County in return for National Grid land elsewhere.
- To allow convicts to work voluntarily for non-profits while incarcerated.
- More about proposals
Halloween Weekend Events in Queens - October 30 - November 1, 2009
Astorian Weekend Edition - October 28
By Foodista of Joey in Astoria
Still can't decide what you're doing for Halloween? We have some fabulous options - ranging from a masquerade ball to the "biggest outdoor Halloween party in Queens." If you're still looking for more, check out my restaurant-focused roundup.
Have you checked out the newest fooderies in LIC? Testaccio Ristorante (47-30 Vernon Blvd, LIC, 718-937-2900), focuses on contemporary Roman cuisine and opened last weekend. El*Ay*Si (47-38 Vernon Blvd, LIC, 718-389-8781) is still in previews, holding tastings this week. I've tried both and think they're worth checking out -- especially the delicious stone oven pizza at Testaccio.
We just got news that a new bar opened in Astoria in a nabe that's starting to buzz with activity (upper 30th Avenue). The place is called Radio Bar & Grill (49-18 30th Ave, Astoria, 718-204-6892) and they boast a "killer burger" and plenty of beers on tap. They'll host a Halloween party on Saturday, which could be a good opportunity to check them out.
Want to do something cultural this weekend? Visit P.S.1 and explore the seven (yes seven!) new art exhibits. One that particularly caught my interest spotlights a tumultuous year, 1969 and is a collection of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and prints.
One of my favorite vintage furniture shops -- with branches in both Astoria and LIC -- is Nook n' Crannie (29-18 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, 718-204-8399; 47-42 Vernon Blvd, LIC,718-706-6477). If you haven't been, I highly encourage it. They sell the most wonderful, gently used items such as furniture, accessories, paintings, and nostalgic gifts. Proceeds benefit the Betel of America charity.
- Previously on Joey in Astoria
- Neighborhood Profile - Astoria, Queens
