To Advertise E-mail [email protected] or call 718-729-3772 VOL. 82, NO. 4 WOODSIDE, L.I.C., N.Y. FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 FREE SERVING SUNNYSIDE-WOODSIDE AND LONG ISLAND CITY BIG SHOES TO FILL IN SUNNYSIDE AirTrain To LGA Governor Cuomo announced earlier this week his proposal to build an AirTrain to connect with the 7 train and the Long Island Rail Road at Willetts point. It will run approximately 1.5 mile stretch along the Grand Central Parkway, where the Governor said ‘won’t create an undue burden to any of the neighboring structures.’ Currently, you cannot get to LGA airport by train, only by bus or car. The Governor feels this project, which will be handled by the Port Authority, working with the MTA, is ‘long overdue.’ by Crystal Wolfe Along the Woodside and Sunnyside stretch of Queens Bou- levard, new life is coming to the area in the way of new buildings being repaired and rebuilt and newly erected. In the 1940s, the Sunnyside Theater on 43rd Street and Queens (continued on page 4) Blvd played second run double fea- tures. It became the Sunnyside Center Cinemas owned by Rudy Prashad about seven years ago and showed all first runs. But it was twinned down the middle in the 1980’s. Then one of it sides was cut in half to turn it into a triplex, and there was space created in the base- ment for cinemas 4-5-6 and none of these remodels to the building were properly done. With the new zon- ing laws set in effect in recent years it is no long up to code and will now have to be totally demolished. by Patricia Dorfman Photos by Kamila Harris Photography The first Sunnyside Chamber Showcase Luncheon of the 2015 attracted an overflow crowd at Bliss Street Station Restaurant on Janu- ary 14. We spotted Juan Arache of the Sugar Room and board mem- ber Angel Gil Orrios of the Thalia Theatre at the door, beat a retreat and go back to work rather than try to find a seat. Bliss St. owner Ambrose, a 25- year-Chamber member, said, “We had room for 35 so we had to seat people at the bar.” Everyone seemed to enjoy the $22 prix fixe ($2 going to the Chamber) selec- tion of Shepherd’s Pie, Fish & Chamber Luncheon Sunnyside’s 2015 neighborhood map is updated and ready for distri- bution. The Sunnyside map, produced by the Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce and LaGuardia Community College, features a full-color illustrated map of the neighborhood and an updated business directory. Visitors To Sunnyside (continued on page 6) Drawing Chips, Burger Deluxe or Penne ala Vodka, all served with a salad. In the future, board member and financial services Manny Gomez says he will ask for food service to start right after the Pledge of Allegiance to save time. Many met new people, chatted, and saw new faces in old posts: Guest speaker attorney Pat O’Brien mentioned “I’m no Joe Conley,” referring to his recent election for his volunteer post of Chairman of Community Board 2, in which he succeeds the long-serving Conley. 108 Precinct Commander Brian Hennessy decamped to the 115th, and we were lucky to get a few words from the new Commanding Officer, Capt. John Travaglia, already well thought of, accompanied by Community Affairs officers Luis Diaz and Marc Torres. Chamber President Rigoberto Cardoso (continued on page 5)
AirTrain To LGAGovernor Cuomo announced earlier this week his proposal to build
an AirTrain to connect with the 7 train and the Long Island Rail Road atWilletts point. It will run approximately 1.5 mile stretch along the GrandCentral Parkway, where the Governor said ‘won’t create an undueburden to any of the neighboring structures.’ Currently, you cannot getto LGA airport by train, only by bus or car. The Governor feels thisproject, which will be handled by the Port Authority, working with theMTA, is ‘long overdue.’
by Crystal Wolfe
Along the Woodside andSunnyside stretch of Queens Bou-levard, new life is coming to thearea in the way of new buildingsbeing repaired and rebuilt and newlyerected. In the 1940s, the SunnysideTheater on 43rd Street and Queens (continued on page 4)
Blvd played second run double fea-tures. It became the SunnysideCenter Cinemas owned by RudyPrashad about seven years ago andshowed all first runs. But it wastwinned down the middle in the1980’s. Then one of it sides was cutin half to turn it into a triplex, and
there was space created in the base-ment for cinemas 4-5-6 and none ofthese remodels to the building wereproperly done. With the new zon-ing laws set in effect in recent yearsit is no long up to code and will nowhave to be totally demolished.
by Patricia Dorfman
Photos by Kamila Harris Photography
The first Sunnyside ChamberShowcase Luncheon of the 2015attracted an overflow crowd at BlissStreet Station Restaurant on Janu-ary 14. We spotted Juan Arache ofthe Sugar Room and board mem-ber Angel Gil Orrios of the ThaliaTheatre at the door, beat a retreatand go back to work rather than tryto find a seat.
Bliss St. owner Ambrose, a 25-year-Chamber member, said, “Wehad room for 35 so we had to seatpeople at the bar.” Everyoneseemed to enjoy the $22 prix fixe($2 going to the Chamber) selec-tion of Shepherd’s Pie, Fish &
Chamber Luncheon
Sunnyside’s 2015 neighborhood map is updated and ready for distri-bution. The Sunnyside map, produced by the Sunnyside Shines BusinessImprovement District (BID), in partnership with the Sunnyside Chamberof Commerce and LaGuardia Community College, features a full-colorillustrated map of the neighborhood and an updated business directory.
Visitors To Sunnyside
(continued on page 6)
Drawing
Chips, Burger Deluxe or Penne ala Vodka, all served with a salad. In the future, board member and financialservices Manny Gomez says he will ask for food service to start right after the Pledge of Allegiance to save time.
Many met new people, chatted, and saw new faces in old posts: Guest speaker attorney Pat O’Brienmentioned “I’m no Joe Conley,” referring to his recent election for his volunteer post of Chairman ofCommunity Board 2, in which he succeeds the long-serving Conley. 108 Precinct Commander BrianHennessy decamped to the 115th, and we were lucky to get a few words from the new CommandingOfficer, Capt. John Travaglia, already well thought of, accompanied by Community Affairs officers LuisDiaz and Marc Torres.
Sherilyn Jo Sabba ................................................................. Editor
2014 was a year of tremendous opportunity, action and accomplishment. Once again I am proud to shareour annual report card. It is the fifth edition my office has created since I’ve taken office. In it you will findan overview of significant accomplishments my office has achieved for all New Yorkers and a snapshot of ourongoing work in the 26th District.”
In 2014 we achieved many major victories including:
The dramatic expansion of our paid sick law, which will allow hundredsof thousands more workers to take a sick dayCreating 53,000 Universal Pre-Kindergarten seatsThe passage of the City’s new Municipal ID Program – IDNYCThe implementation of many Vision Zero reforms to improve safety onour streets - including the “Justice for Hit-and-Run Victims Act”
We also funded critical initiatives including:
Universal free lunch for all middle school studentsFunding to keep 56 NYCHA community and senior centers open acrossthe CityIncreased funding for libraries for the first time in six yearsExpanded access to culture and the arts as well as $23 million for artseducation
“My office has helped to achieve all this without losing sight of ourcore strength - preserving and enhancing quality of life in our district.Our team remains as committed as ever to tackling any issue no matterhow big or small. We will continue to work tirelessly on your behalf. Ifmy staff and I can be of any assistance, please contact my office anytimeat 718-383-9566 or email [email protected].”
Working For You: The Heart of the Operation
We always keep our constituents at the heart of our operation. In five years our office has helped 16,554constituents with their concerns. From successfully restoring tuition assistance for students, to reinstating rentexemptions for seniors and expediting much-needed traffic safety improvements, no case has been too smallfor our team to handle. Whatever the issue, my office continues to work hard to deliver the results you deserve.
(continued on next page)
Legislation
133 Bills and 39 Resolutions Sponsored in 2014593 Bills and 244 Resolutions Sponsored since 2010
In 2014 the City Council passed legislation that makes the lives of New Yorkers better. Of the 133 billsI sponsored or cosponsored in 2014, 48 have been enacted as local laws of the City of New York.Increasing Access To Culture, the Arts and Libraries$23 Million for Arts Education in SchoolsI fought hard to get this funding secured for our children and help our schoolsDevelop partnerships with cultural institutions$1.5 Million Cultural Immigrant Initiative
In my role as Chair of the Cultural Affairs Committee we have also:
Secured a $1 million enhancement for the Coalition of Theaters of Color to support emergingtheater companies
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 THE WOODSIDE HERALD PAGE 3(continued from previous page)
(continued on page 6)
Secured a $1 million increase to the Urban Advantage Programwhich partners science-based cultural organizations with middleschoolsA $2 million increase to the popular Cultural After-SchoolAdventures Program$100,000 for the Family Science Program to expandaccess to the American Natural History Museum inNYCHA communities
Establishing Queens’ First Arts District
Last March I helped create the Kaufman Arts District as the borough’s first premieredesignated destination for arts and culture. The NY Times covered what we hope to achievegoing forward as we continue to promote the borough’s existing artists and organizations whiledrawing attention to cutting edge arts groups in Western Queens.
Taking A Stand Against Homelessness
Right now, there are at least 55,000 New Yorkers who are homeless either living in ourCity’s shelters or on the streets. As the Administration works to build and create better andmore decent facilities for our City’s homeless, I revealed that my family, like so manyothers, spent time being homeless.
Taking Swift Action to End Reckless Driving
Last year our City saw decreases in the number of New Yorkers who lost their lives onour City’s streets. In the 26th District my office has helped improve traffic safety byreducing reckless driving through neighborhoods in Western Queens. In 2014, we imple-mented several traffic safety improvements that are helping our City implement VisionZero to protect you on the street.
2014 Accomplishments Include:
- Lowering Citywide speed limit to 25mph - Installation of three slow zones in the 26th District - Expanding NYC’s Speed Camera Program to include 130 additional cameras - Launching arterial slow zones on Northern and Queens Boulevards - Expedited the installation of stop signs, speed bumps, pedestrian countdown clocks andtraffic signals
Delivering Citi Bike for Queens & Upgrading Infrastructure
This year I helped literally put Queens on the Citi Bike map. After two years of fighting,Long Island City and Queensbridge will become the first neighborhoods in the borough tobecome a part of the Citi Bike program. Working with the Department of Transportationand the community my office help secured over 1,000 bikes for 10 docking stations in LongIsland City and Queensbridge with a further expansion of the program into Astoria by 2017.
My office has advocated for years to have a protected bike lane installed on the PulaskiBridge. This year it will happen. Once complete the dedicated bike lane will provide cyclistsand pedestrians with a safe network to travel by foot or bike between Queens and Brooklyn.
Serving & Supporting Our NYCHA Developments
Our NYCHA developments are an invaluable asset to our community. Over the last fiveyears I have continued to invest in infrastructure as well as programs and services to ensureresidents have the vital resources they need. Last year I secured $4 million to help enhancesecurity at the Ravenswood Houses by installing state-of-the-art lighting systems outsideof all 31 buildings.
Other funding I have secured in 2014 for projects
in our NYCHA developments include:
- $800,000 to renovate the Woodside Houses basketball area - $450,000 to begin renovating the play area in Queensbridge North - $150,000 toward strengthening our tenants and residents associations in the Queensbridge,Ravenswood and the Woodside Houses
Fighting For Our Seniors
Seniors play a major role in our community and it is important that they continue to livewith dignity. Last year I fought hard to secure increases for rental income exemptions forour seniors. $50,000 income limit up from $29,000. Over five years I have also helpedprovide a steady stream of funding to our local senior centers. Since 2010 I have allocatedover $5 million to ensure our seniors are provided engaging programs and meaningfulservices in Queensbridge, Ravenswood, Woodside, Sunnyside and the Big Six Norc.
Reimagining Our Parks For the Future
2014 highlights include:
- Queensbridge Park Seawall completed after I secured nearly $4 million for the project - $2.5 million secured to reconstruct the park house in Queensbridge Park - $2 million secured with Queens Borough President Melinda Katz to completely renovateBig Bush Park in Woodside.
A movie theater and housing is probably in the works for what willbecome the new 7-story building owned by the Landlord John Ciafonewho bought the building needing desperate repairs and has no choicebut to rebuild it from the ground up. The community’s hope is that therebuilt and remodeled building will breathe new life into the Sunnysideand Woodside community and still include affordable entertainmentand perhaps even affordable housing in the stories above the theater forthe folks in the area apart from the big noise and big prices of the bigcity in Manhattan.
(continued from front page)
A 9-story 66-unit apartment complex, called Icon 52 located at 52-05 Queens Boulevard has been in the works. Apartments at the buildingstart at $1,500 per month for a studio, $1,750 per month for a onebedroom, and $2,350 for a two bedroom. The units range in size from403 square feet to 806 square feet and for the location is considered‘affordable housing.’ The complex is right across the street from thesprawling Calvary Cemetery in a quiet neighborhood with easy accessto the city. It is one block from the 52 Train Station. Located inWoodside and in close proximity to Sunnyside and Long Island City, it’salso just minutes from the hustle and bustle of busy Manhattan. Icon 52features state of the art appliances and is a certified GREEN buildingwith a common area for all residents on a rooftop terrace featuring BBQarea and relaxation pods.
A 7-story 31-unit building is being developed at 51-27 QueensBlvd, where the N.E.M. Electronics and the VFM Post 2813 waslocated. According to the Department of Building Records, it is goingup next to the Boston Market on 50th Street and Queens Blvd.Previously, the property was owned by N.E.M. Electronics and now itis owned by Ronald Ji. The N.E.M. Building is covered in graffiti andthe buildings around the area are in great need of repairs and many arevacated. The old VFW Post building is boarded up with the windowsbroken and the fence around it covered in spray paint. It is in great needof repair and any developments will be a positive addition to thatstretch of the boulevard.
The VFW Post has moved its headquarters to a more affordablebuilding, which was previously a restaurant and bar, on 43rd Streetbetween 47th and 48th Avenues. The VFW Post 2813 which wasestablished in 1933 and co-named the John V. Daniels Post was once thehub of a happening scene for Sunnyside and Woodside Veterans afterWorld War I and II. Now it is mainly comprised of veterans from theKorean or Vietnam War, with a handful of new, young members fromIraq. This is not surprising as during The Vietnam War the Woodside zipcode endured more losses than any other zip code in the country. Thenew building’s rent is $2,000 per month down from the building onQueens Blvd which was $6,000 per month and being easier to get to, theVFW Post reportedly hopes that this will help to recruit and attract moreveterans to become members.
Other developments in the area are: The Madison, Five Forty-One,26-20 Jackson Avenue, Ivy28, the View, the Murano, and the Yard allin Long Island City. By the looks of some of the buildings on QueensBlvd down the stretch of Woodside and Sunnyside, there is room forgrowth in the coming years. The additions are welcome improvementsand bring new life to our community.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 THE WOODSIDE HERALD PAGE 5
Chamber President Rigoberto Cardosoof Pronto Car Service, whose reforms haveincluded the lack of a precise head table,asked all to stand up and briefly introducethemselves. Some familiar faces, such aspolitical pioneer Community Board mem-ber Gert McDonald, and Sunnyside Com-munity Services Rita Manton had to bemore explicit than usual because of themany new faces, including young admanAllan Jojot, filmmaker Key Soto, and newmember attorney Eve Guillergan. Fourmedia outlets were present, including thosefrom the Woodside Herald, Queens Tri-bune, Gazette and new memberSunnysidepost. Recently namedBrandsmash 100-best in the U.S. weddingphotographer Kamila Harris took photos(she is available for corporate events, too!).
Real estate broker and board memberDorothy Morehead, who serves with PatO’Brien on CB2, persuaded him to comespeak. Pat is an attorney who grew up inLong Island City, still lives with his familyin the house he grew up in, and has an officein the Empire State building. (When will weall be invited over?)
O’Brien is a big Irish-American exudingcompetence and good will, and he ascendsat a time of breakneck change in WesternQueens. O’Brien was well received, andanswered questions. Board Secretary andattorney Diana Voicu requested more trashbins on Woodside corners, Chris Amez moreimmigrant services, and Board member MarkWilensky hopes for two veterans to be hon-ored. O’Brien says his CB2 specialty isquality of life concerns, but asked us all tocall 311 first for most issues. (I tried to showdiscretion by not asking O’Brien aboutSunnyside Yards, over which there shouldbe no building.)
Vijay Choudhuri came from Congress-man Joseph Crowley’s office, and AmandaNasner represented Councilman Jimmy VanBramer. Also attending was Diane Ballek,another CB2 member, 108 Council CouncilPresident and key aide of AssemblywomanCatherine Nolan.
President Rigo asked me to step in tohelp when Luke Adams died in November,and I was recently formally approved aspart-time director, so I was also debuting –in Luke’s giant shoes.
Past President and local attorney IraGreenberg closed the bustling luncheon, andasked those present who were former presi-dents beside himself to stand, and he acknowl-edged rejoining member Becky Barker, anAXA financial expert, and John Vogt, retired,White Castle and Chairman of SunnysideShines. All received a round of applause.
Oguzhan Turan of the Turkish CulturalCenter Queens announced their upcomingAnnual Friendship Dinner in the spring, andasked for nominations for special awards.“We are interested in hearing all ideas, evenyoung people who might not ordinarily bethought of or recognized.” Oguzhan (pro-nounced “Ohzhan”) may be reached [email protected].
The champagne raffle to benefit the Cham-ber, a non-profit, was festive. Communityfellowship is good for business and wellbeing.Chamber Showcase Luncheons are at a differ-ent restaurant each month, and will be held at12:30 on the fourth Wednesday of the monththrough June. The next luncheon will beFebruary 25th, location TBD.
Guest speaker will be local environmen-tal filmmaker Dan Hendrick, who recentlytook a new post at NRG, the Fortune 500renewable energy/sustainability company.Becky Barker has just purchased a bottle ofrare Coquito to raffle, and Manny Gomezreports he is baking with Luke’s recipeAdams’ popular rum cake also for raffle, inhonor of Luke. To receive email or find outmore, contact Sunnyside [email protected].
Personal note: I used to ask Luke Adams not to write in the first person when he reported Chamber events in the Herald, thinkinghis articles would take on a more professional air. He would generally ignore me. And I learned that he was right, a first personhonest account might be just fine in our “small town in the big city.” PJD
Notice is hereby given that an Order enteredby the Civil Court, Queens County on NOV17, 2014 bearing Index Number NC000992-14/QU a copy of which may be examined atthe Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435,grants me (us) the right to: Assume thename of (First) DAYANNA (Last)
ANDRADE My present name is (First)KERLY (Last) ANDRADE AKA KERLYDAYANNA ANDRADE TOLEDO AKAKERLY DAYANNA ANDRADE Mypresent address is 35-33 64 ST. APT 21,Woodside, NY 11377- My place of birth isEDUADOR My date of birth is September06, 1993
• LEGAL NOTICE • LEGAL NOTICE •
Friday Night Teen ProgramHosted by Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens
The Friday Night Teen Program is designed to provide the middle school and teen population ofthe Sunnyside and Woodside areas with the skills and abilities they will need in order to becomeresponsible citizens and leaders. VBGCQ hopes to equip our teens with the tools necessary to succeednow and in the future by engaging them in 5 core program areas: Academic Enhancement, Visual andPerforming Arts, Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Character and Leadership, and Health and Life Skills!
Open to the Sunnyside and Woodside Communities
Maurice A. Fitzgerald, P.S. 199, 39-20 48th Avenue, Sunnyside
6-7PM Middle School Students (5th through 8th Grade)
7-9PM High School Students (9th through 12th Grade)
(Every Friday Night)
To enroll your children in this amazing opportunity, please visit our website at www.vbgcq.org. Registrationcosts $10.00, and is required in order to participate. Any questions, please contact 718-728-0946.
(continued from page 3) - $500,000 secured by my office to upgrade Hart Playground inWoodside - Broke ground to reconstruct Thomas P. Noonan Playground,also known as “Rainbow Park,” in Sunnyside
Bringing City Agencies to You
Over the last year, I’ve organized and held 19 town hallmeetings, the most we have ever organized. I firmly believe thatit is essential that the community be more involved in all aspectsof local government.
We have held meetings on the application process for Hunters Point Southaffordable housing, Vision Zero, the 7 train, and participatory budgeting, just to namea few. More than 1,000 people attend our town hall meetings on the application processfor Hunters Point South. If you are ever interested in a topic for a town hall meeting,please reach out and let me know!
Your Tax Dollars, Your Say!
The Participatory Budgeting process is democracy in action. Since initiating the processfor the first time in the 26th District, nearly 500 residents and stakeholders of WesternQueens have developed hundreds of items, which will soon be voted on. There is still timeto help decide how $1 million is allocated to the projects you care about.
Education is the Great Equalizer
As the Council’s Majority Leader I was a strong supporter and advocate of Mayor deBlasio’s plan to expand the City’s universal pre-kindergarten program to all children. Withthe $300 million we helped secure in state funding hundreds of thousands of children nowhave access to free pre-kindergarten classes giving them a jump-start on their education.In the 26th District my office has invested over $5 million in schools throughout WesternQueens over the last five years.
Last fall we celebrated the opening of Walter McCaffrey Campus (PS 343) inSunnyside. The new school opened last September and is a milestone in my office’s workto bring 2,600 seats to our local neighborhoods. Later this year Woodside will see PS 339open to hundreds of children in our district. The new school, located at 39-01 57th Street,will be the first to rise in over 60 years in the neighborhood. Once open, the Woodside schoolwill have the capacity to serve over 470 students from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade.
Working With the NYPD to Keep You Safe
Making sure that City agencies are responsive to the needs of the 26th District is amongthe most important parts of my job. That’s why I met with Commissioner Bratton early onin his tenure – to make sure that he has his eye on Western Queens.
New York City police officers lay their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. Sowhen Officers Wenjian Liu & Rafael Ramos were senselessly killed in December, I joinedwith Captain John Travaglia, the officers of the 108th Precinct and our community in prayerand vigil to show solidarity with the men and women of the NYPD. I am committed toworking with our local precincts.
In 2014, I met regularly with the Commanding Officers of the 108th and 114thPrecincts. In this photo, I am meeting with Captain Brian Hennessy (now at the 115thPrecinct) and Deputy Inspector Kevin Maloney of the 114th Precinct. I’ve continued thistradition with Captain Travaglia now at the 108th Precinct.
Standing Up For Workers
As a son of two union members I have always believed in the importance of fighting forworkers’ rights. Last year I joined members of 32BJ and countless airport workers atLaGuardia Airport to stand against the wage theft epidemic that is causing thousands ofNew Yorkers to struggle. In 2014 I also rallied to restore 250 union jobs with TeamstersLocal 804 at the United Parcel Service facility in Maspeth.
Capital Projects in the District
These projects help expand our community by allowing for growth in libraries, schools,senior centers, parks, cultural organizations and other important institutions. This year, Iwas also able to help secure millions in capital funding for projects, including:$4.5 million to entirely renovate and expand Thalia Spanish Theater in Sunnyside$2.5 million for Queens Museum for continued enhancementsOver $2.1 million for the renovation and expansion of Mount Sinai Hospital Queens inAstoria$1 million for MoMA PS1 to construct a new climate control systemOver $1 million to complete funding for the Henson Wing at the Museum of the MovingImage$9 million for a new home for the Irish Arts Center$750,000 for Planned Parenthood’s new center in Long Island City - the first in Queens$750,000 to construct resiliency measures and help the Noguchi Museum withstand futurestorms and floodingNearly $500,000 for renovations to Windmuller Park, including the addition of skateelementsOver $250,000 in capital funding for The Chocolate Factory Theater, ensuring the theater’shome remains in LIC far into the futureOver $200,000 for security upgrades at the Woodside and Sunnyside libraries
Finally, all this work would not be possible without the help of my staff - MatthewWallace, Jason Banrey, Deborah Tharrington, Cody Reiter, Andres Villa, Amanda Nasnerand Elana Ehrenberg. Their passion for helping others and tireless work ethic drives ouroffice every single day.
Fifteen thousand maps were printed andwill be distributed at hotels in nearby LongIsland City, Sunnyside and Woodside, localreal estate offices and businesses, and com-munity events in an effort to draw newcomersand orient new residents to the neighborhood.The map is updated each year with a newbusiness directory, including businesses thatare either members of the Sunnyside ShinesBID or the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce.
The Sunnyside map was originally de-signed last year, and was the product of adesign competition among students atLaGuardia Community College. Theoriginal and updated map features the win-ning artwork from former LaGuardia stu-dent Carmen Zhu. Students in the art andhumanities department were tasked withcreating artwork for a map that highlightedneighborhood landmarks and amenities.The map artwork was combined with abusiness directory and advertisements fromlocal Sunnyside businesses, which fundedthe design and printing costs. The maps
are printed locally in Sunnyside at PaperPlus Printing.
“The Sunnyside map is a great piece topromote the neighborhood,” said RachelThieme, executive director of the SunnysideShines Business Improvement District. “Iwas glad to see how well it was received lastyear, and we are grateful to the support ofour local businesses for supporting it againthis year.”
“We distribute the Sunnyside map to allnew residents coming in to our neighbor-hood. They love the map because it puts allof Sunnyside’s vendors at your fingertips!”said Linda Santini-Tripodis, owner of localbusiness Merit Group Realty and an adver-tiser in the map.
“We are pleased our members are in-cluded in the new Sunnyside map with itscharming and original illustrations from thewinning La Guardia Community Collegestudent designer. Like Sunnyside itself, it isboth retro and fresh, and a useful free tan-gible gift to visitors and residents in this eraof all online resources,” said RigobertoCardoso, president of the Sunnyside Cham-ber of Commerce.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015 THE WOODSIDE HERALD PAGE 7
Building Features: indoor garage, Gym,Storage & Function Room
Welcome Home Real Estate4615 Skillman Avenue ~ Sunnyside
The “It’s In Queens” column is produced by the QueensTourism Council with the hope that readers will enjoy theborough’s wonderful attractions.
It’s InWesternQueens!
Irish music, juggling, the circus, karaoke to the big screen,Thai art, 1920s cartoons, a breakdancing championship, and livemusic. There are plenty of ways to stay warm this upcomingweek, regardless of the weather. Here’s the rundown.
Jan. 23, Pride of New York, 7:30pm
One of the finest Irish traditional music ensembles featuringJoanie Madden on flute and tin whistle, Brian Conway on fiddle,Billy Comiskey on accordion, and Brendan Dolan on piano. Doorsopen at 7:30 pm for pre-show hospitality in downstairs bar/libraryarea. Free tea and coffee; beer and wine for sale. Showtime at 8:30pm with open seating. $25/$22 for seniors, students, unemployed.New York Irish Center, 10-40 Jackson Ave., LIC,www.newyorkirishcenter.org.Jan. 24, Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook, through March 30
This exhibition showcases more than 20 pieces spanning twodecades of the artist’s career. It’s this Thai artist’s first majorexhibition in the U.S. $3-$5. Sculpture Center, 44-19 Purves St.,LIC, www.sculpture-center.org.Jan. 24, Int’l Children’s Film Festival,through Feb. 8
The nation’s largest film festival for children and teens. $6-$12.Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Kaufman ArtsDistrict, www.movingimage.us.
Ridgewood Democratic ClubMonthly Schedule
All meetings are at 7PM, unless otherwise noted
Sat., Jan. 24th (11AM) Membership Brunch
Friday, March 6th
Thursday, April 16th
Friday, May 15th
Contact Welcome Home Real Estate718.706.0957 or visit us at
www.welcomehomerealestate.biz
OPEN HOUSESat 1/24 1:00-3:00pmSun 1/25 2:00-3:00pm
For information and reservations contact Soledad López or Kathryn Giaimo at(718) 729-3880, or visit www.thaliatheatre.org
IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE...
Thalia Spanish Theatre is located at 41-17 Greenpoint Avenue in Sunnyside
Tango 5 SeriesIndulge in this performance and allow your senses to
immerse in one of Latin America’s most dynamic, playful andromantic music genres. It’s TANGO like you’ve never heard,seen, felt, tasted or experienced before!
8 Weeks Only! January 30-March 22.
Friday/ Saturday 8p, Sunday 4p.
Sat., February 14th VALENTINE’S DAYSPECIAL PERFORMANCE FOR TANGO LOVERS!
Includes wine & tapas and a reception with the stars of the show.
TANGO 5 senses WORKSHOP, OPEN TO ALL LEVELS
This class is designed for new students as well as more experienced studentswho want to brush up on their tango technique.
Feb 7 - March 21 Sat., 5-6pm SPACE IS LIMITED
Celebrating E-Space’s 4th BirthdayArtisanal food, Oscar insurance, and a “Cooks & Books” theme
They grow up so fast! The EntrepreneurSpace, a food-and-business incubator oper-ated by the Queens Economic DevelopmentCorporation, has just turned four years old,and all are invited to celebrate this milestoneon Tuesday, February 3, 6 pm to 8 pm at 36-46 37th Street in Long Island City.
Dubbed “Cooks & Books,” the birthdayparty will feature about 30 E-Space clientsproviding samples of their delicious artisanalproducts alongside authors with copies oftheir recent books about the world’s mostdiverse borough. The literary guests willinclude Andrea Lynn of Queens: A CulinaryPassport; Adrienne Onofri of WalkingQueens; and Meg Cotner of the Food Lover’sGuide to Queens.
Partakers can expect great networkingwith 250 expected attendees, a smorgasbordof everything from spicy sauces to amazing(and often gluten-free) baked goods to choco-lates and confections; useful informationprovided by the event’s lead sponsor, Oscar,a new kind of health-insurance company;alcoholic drinks donated by SquareWine &Spirits; and caffeinated beverages fromnearby Coffeed, a specialty roaster and lo-cally sourced café. Kaufman Astoria Stu-dios is the other sponsor.
There’s certainly a lot to celebrate. Arecent survey determined that the E-Spacehas helped more than 450 small businesses,generated $5 million in revenue, and created
more than 100 jobs. Plus, Lonely Planet, atravel media company, recently selectedQueens as the best tourism destination in theUnited States for 2015.
The E-Space officially opened on Jan.19, 2011. This 12,500-sq.-ft., NYC Eco-nomic Development Corporation-sponsoredhub features a fully equipped commercialkitchen, offices, and classrooms that entre-preneurs can rent at below-market rates asthey build their businesses. To improve out-comes, QEDC also offers business counsel-ing, technical assistance, and financialclasses to clients on site. Currently, the E-Space has more than 165 clients, includingdozens of bakers, an employment firm, andThe Fortune Society, which trains individu-als so they can enter the workforce in thefood-preparation industry.For more information, go to QEDC’s website,www.queensny.org, or the Queens TourismCouncil’s website, www.itsinqueens.com.
PreventingVehicle TheftVehicles are stolen for a variety of reasons, including for car
parts, insurance fraud, retagging, exporting, and joy riding. Followthese simple tips to help prevent theft or damage to your vehicle:
