About Queens, NY

Tunnel Time at Fort Totten

2009-11-08T23:36:48Z

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.

Fort Totten - Profile and directions

Tunnel Time at Fort Totten originally appeared on About.com Queens, NY on Sunday, November 8th, 2009 at 23:36:48.

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Weekend Events in Queens - November 6-8, 2009

2009-11-05T00:47:20Z

Friday

Pucho and The Latin Soul Brothers at Flushing Town Hall

The Pillowman At Astoria Performing Arts Center

Saturday

Nivedita ShivRaj at Flushing Town Hall

It's My Park Day in Queensbridge Park

Around The World In 24 Hours at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center

The Pillowman At Astoria Performing Arts Center

Sunday

Free Drop-In Art Workshop: Make Your Own World's Fair Pavilion!!! at Queens Museum of Art

Camp Kid Friendly at SculptureCenter

Astorian Weekend Edition - November 4 By Meg of Joey in Astoria

2009-11-04T22:24:12Z

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.

R�st �� R�nt (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

Astorian Weekend Edition - November 4 By Meg of Joey in Astoria originally appeared on About.com Queens, NY on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 22:24:12.

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Election Results 2009 NYC, Queens

2009-11-03T23:41:01Z

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

Election Results 2009 NYC, Queens originally appeared on About.com Queens, NY on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 23:41:01.

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Where in Queens? Fake People Edition

2009-11-03T18:31:13Z

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.

Where in Queens? Fake People Edition originally appeared on About.com Queens, NY on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 18:31:13.

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What and Who Is on the Ballot? NYC Elections 2009

2009-11-02T00:33:43Z

A few quick bits on Tuesday's elections. There are so many predictions of low turnout, but that means your vote becomes more valuable. Here's what you'll be voting on in Queens, NY:

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

More

What and Who Is on the Ballot? NYC Elections 2009 originally appeared on About.com Queens, NY on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 00:33:43.

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Halloween Weekend Events in Queens - October 30 - November 1, 2009

2009-10-29T00:47:02Z

Weekend Events in Queens -- January 9-11, 2009

Weekend's Best

Astorian Weekend Edition - October 28 By Foodista of Joey in Astoria

2009-10-28T22:15:22Z

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

Astorian Weekend Edition - October 28 By Foodista of Joey in Astoria originally appeared on About.com Queens, NY on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 at 22:15:22.

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Where in Queens? Fall Scene

2009-10-28T06:47:16Z

Photo (c) Michael Young

From an easy one last week of a trains, "Where in Queens?" comes to this tough one of the great outdoors in autumn. Can you name this scene?

P.S. Anyone with great fall pictures of the borough to share? Email me at queens.guide@about.com or contact on Flickr .

Where in Queens? Fall Scene originally appeared on About.com Queens, NY on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 at 06:47:16.

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Happy Halloween!

2009-10-25T23:19:29Z

Photo (c) John Roleke - Pumpkin patch at Queens County Farm Museum

In addition to trick or treating this Saturday, there are a couple other fun events happening and one is delightfully oddball. You can bring your pumpkin to the NY Hall of Science and get it chucked via catapult. Ah! Science. See all Halloween in Queens events.

If you haven't been this year, the Maize Maze at the Queens County Farm Museum is as great as ever -- outdoor entertainment for kids, teens, and grown-ups.

Still need a costume? The best costume shop in the borough is a costume shop all year round, not one of these fly-by-night Halloween shops that appear for a month. Check out Rubie's in Richmond Hill.

Happy Halloween! originally appeared on About.com Queens, NY on Sunday, October 25th, 2009 at 23:19:29.

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