The New Bliss Cafe to help local writers

Hello Friends,
I wish all of you a very happy holiday season. In that spirit, I would like to inform you of a wonderful new opportunity for writers looking for a quiet place to get out of the house for a few hours to meet other writers and/or to just sit comfortably and write.

The New Bliss Cafe at the LIRR Station in Kew Gardens is offering to allow writers to come during the 1:30 to closing period to use their free wi-fi, reserve a spot to write (for a small fee) and buy coffee and food there while at work. The radio will be off and there will be lots of light and fellowship for those who want that kind of support.

As writers know, there are just days when the idea of being alone at work is too much. Yet, there is no need to talk just to be around people in a place conducive to writing.

The New Bliss Cafe is that sort of place in the afternoons during the week. The owner, Prakosh, is going to help us make this spot as comfortable and inviting for writers as possible while at the same time, making sure that the spaces with outlets are reserved for writers.

If you or any of your friends are writers, this is a wonderful opportunity to both be a part of the local writing community as well as to help sustain a new business in our midst.
Please contact me for full details.

Thank you and enjoy the holidays and then come to the New Bliss Cafe ready to get back to work,
Deborah Emin

for more information please contact Deborah Emin
deminlit@yahoo.com

Upcoming Events in Kew Gardens!

UPCOMING EVENTS IN KEW GARDENS

Kew Gardens Community Center, 80-02 Kew Gardens Rd, Suite 202, (718) 268-5960

Wednesday, December 1, refreshments will be served after the Open Mic "Show Us Your Talent" event, starting at 1:00pm.

Friday, December 3, the students of PS 99, The Kew Gardens School, will present their always enjoyable annual holiday songfest at the Center at 10:00am, also to be followed by light refreshments. This should not be missed!

The Poets and Writers Reading is scheduled for Thursday, December 16, at 1:00pm (with refreshments), and the always-popular monthly Birthday Party will be co-mingled with KGCC's featured BELLE'S PLAYERS at 12:00 noon on -- Tuesday, December 21 along with the holiday refreshments.

Monday, December 27, 1:30pm, brings us Holiday Music of the Western Hemisphere from the studio of the talented and popular performers, vocalist Nelly Vuksic and her husband, pianist Cesar Vuksic.

And the year winds up with the New Year's Party and special performance by the "THE MELODIANS", exponents and ambassadors of reggae music, on Thursday, December 30, Reception 11am-noon, Performance at 12:00 noon. Note: This special end-of-year event will cost $3.00; RSVP by December 27.

YOU ARE INVITED to an Art Showcase and Reception
The Paintings of Alfredo Melendez, Ascend Day Spa, December 2, 8PM
The Ascend Day Spa, located at 82-62 Austin Street, in Kew Gardens, Queens, exhibits artwork from local artists in an effort to give back to the community.

The Ascend Day Spa is an all natural green spa, focusing on mind and body wellness through relaxation and rejuvenation. Continuing the exhibition series, Ascend is offering its space for a selection of paintings by artist, Alfredo Melendez. The opening reception will be on Thursday, December 2nd, 2010 at 8:00 pm. Wine and Refreshments will be served. The exhibition will be on view through February 3rd, 2011 during business hours.

Alfredo Melendez is a representational artist who works in a variety of media. In conjunction with his love for partner dancing, his work has focused on the intimacy of the connection between two people on the dance floor, their flow and movement, as well the more comical moments that can occur dancing. The central draw is always the woman, who in her voluptuousness and attitude, commands attention and desire.

The KEW GARDENS MUSICIANS at the New Bliss Café,
Saturday, December 4, 6 PM

The Kew Gardens Musicians will be doing a show at the "New Bliss Cafe", 82-60 Austin Street, next to the LIRR parking lot. The date? Saturday, December 4th, beginning at 6 P.M. There is a great show lined up with a diverse selection of music; rock, jazz, classical, vocal, instrumental and more. There is no admission fee. The café is now under new ownership and has a delicious new menu. 718-849-0111.

YOU ARE INVITED to a Premiere Opening Reception at the
Q Gardens Gallery, Friday/Saturday December 17 & 18

Q Gardens Gallery Presents:
Hollywood Women
Glamour, Style and Fashion
Past and Present

Showcasing uncirculated, unseen photographs of Hollywood's ladies.
Candid and portraits over 75 years and into the present!
Premiere Opening: Friday, December 17, 6:00 PM- 11:00 PM
Saturday, December 18, 6:00 PM- 11:00 PM
Refreshments and Hors D'oeuvres will be served
80-61 Lefferts Boulevard, Kew Gardens, NY,
Phone: (347) 494-5704

MULCH FEST (recycle your holiday trees), January 8 & 9

The date for Mulch Fest is drawing near! Mulch Fest offers community residents an opportunity to bring their holiday trees to a designated NYC Park to be recycled into mulch. The activity will help nourish the plantings occurring across the city. The dates are January 8 & 9, the closest location to Kew Gardens is the Forest Park Bandshell, Forest Park Drive, west of Woodhaven Blvd.

KEW GARDENS FIRST CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW!

Dear Kew Gardens Parents,
What's doing in Kew Gardens for children? KEW GARDENS FIRST CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW! Photos taken by children, grades K-6, will be professionally displayed in Q Gardens Gallery from January 14- February 5,
Gala Opening Reception on January 14 & 15.
This is an unusual and exciting project for your child. It's an opportunity for them to look at their community, to capture those special moments photographically and to possibly discover talents that they didn't know they had. Q Gardens Gallery exhibits vintage photography and has offered their gallery space for this children’s photographic exhibit. There will be an opening and the exhibit will be on view in the gallery for 3 weeks.
Interested? To participate, pick up an application as-soon-as-possible at the Q Gardens Gallery, 8061 Lefferts Boulevard, Kew Gardens, (347) 494-5704, open Tuesday-Saturday, noon-6:00pm or email mailto:carollacks@aol.com request an application. All photos (with an application) must be submitted by
Thursday, December 30, 2010. Questions? Carol (917) 881-3358
This photography project is made possible in part by a New Yorkers for Better Neighborhoods Grant awarded by the Citizens Committee for New York City to the Kew Gardens Improvement Association, Inc.

FRIENDS OF MAPLE GROVE CEMETERY WINTER EVENTS

http://www.friendsofmaplegrove.org/

* NOEL; A NIGHT OF EVERLASTING LOVE, The Story of Christmas in Concert, Friday, December 17 and
Saturday, December 18, shows at 7:00 PM and 8:45 PM, Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Boulevard, Flushing. General Admission: $20, VIP Reserved Box Seats: $30 (Tickets Available: online at http://www.thejosephinefoundation.org/)
or by phone (516) 334-1536). Please note: proceeds from the concert will benefit a group of non-profit organizations including Friends of Maple Grove, Inc.
Noel; A Night of Everlasting Love is the story of the night that changed the world forever, told using some of the most beautiful carols ever written for the classical choir. It will be performed with a 70 person choir and a 20 piece orchestra.

* WINTER LANDSCAPE PAINTING, Saturday, February 5, 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM,
The Center at Maple Grove, Reservations are necessary. $8, $5 seniors, members FREE. Bring your own art materials for an afternoon of painting, looking out upon the winter vista from the Celebration Room.
* REZ READING SERIES, Tuesday, February 8, 7:30 PM, The Center at Maple Grove, $5 suggested donation.

The REZ Reading Series, Kew Gardens' monthly reading series led by local publisher Deborah Emin, offers a warm and friendly atmosphere to listen to excellent writers read from their works, all genres. If you enjoy literature and
poetry, please join us! The theme for this month is Our Young People’s Writing Adventure.

* HISTORY AT OUR FEET PROGRAM: Valentine’s Day- My True Love, Couch Potato Tour Series,
Saturday, February 12, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM, The Center at Maple Grove, $5 per person, members FREE.

Hear love stories collected over the 135 years of Maple Grove’s history while enjoying savory teas and heart shaped cookies in the comfort of the beautiful Center at Maple Grove. Presented by Carl Ballenas, Maple Grove’s Historian.
* REZ READING SERIES, Tuesday, March 22, 7:30 PM, The Center at Maple Grove, $5 suggested donation.

The REZ Reading Series, Kew Gardens' monthly reading series led by local publisher Deborah Emin, offers a warm and friendly atmosphere to listen to excellent writers read from their works, all genres. If you enjoy literature and
poetry, please join us! The theme for this month is Psych Night and will host a talk and reading by two leaders in the mental health field, Dr. Daniel Carlat and Charles Barber.

* THE ROSINA LHEVINNE CONCERT SERIES: Frank Levy, Piano Recital, Saturday, March 26, 7:00pm,
The Center at Maple Grove, $25, $20 for seniors, $15 for members (Limited Seating, Tickets Available: online at http://www.friendsofmaplegrove.org/ (paypal) or by check to Friends of Maple Grove, 127-15 Kew Gardens Road,
Kew Gardens, NY 11415, please include number of tickets/buyer’s name/phone number/email).

Swiss-American pianist Frank Levy, is an internationally acclaimed classical artist who has dazzled audiences and critics at Avery Fisher Hall in NY, Queens Elizabeth Hall in London, Royce Hall in LA and the Stadthaussaal in Winterthur. We are very pleased that he has prepared an exciting program for the second concert in The Rosina Lhevinne ConcertSeries, including several of Madam Lhevinne’s favorites. Join us for wonderful musical evening with a Wine and Cheese Reception.

For more information about events at Maple Grove: friendsofmgc@aol.com
(917) 881-3358
The location for all listings, unless specified, is The Center at Maple Grove,
127-15 Kew Gardens Road, Kew Gardens, NY 11415
(located between 127 & 129 Street on Kew Gardens Road)

Gala Opening Reception Q Gardens Gallery, Fri and Sat Dec 17th & 18th

YOU ARE INVITED
to a Gala Opening Reception
Q Gardens Gallery
80-61 Lefferts Boulevard, Kew Gardens, NY,
Phone: (347) 494-5704

Q Gardens Gallery
Presents:
Hollywood Women
Glamour, Style and Fashion
Past and Present
Showcasing uncirculated, unseen photographs of Hollywood's ladies.
Candids and portraits over 75 years and into the present!

Premiere Opening: Friday, December 17 6:00 PM- 11:00 PM
Saturday, December 18 6:00 PM- 11:00 PM
Refreshments and Hors D'oeuvres will be served

Upcoming Kew Gardens Community Center Events

In addition to all its regularly scheduled, weekly classes, our Kew Gardens Community Center (KGCC) is offering several special events during December to brighten up the holiday season.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, December 1, refreshments will be served after the Open Mic "Show Us Your Talent" event, starting at 1:00pm.

Friday, December 3, the students of PS 99, The Kew Gardens School, will present their always enjoyable annual holiday songfest at the Center at 10:00am, also to be followed by light refreshments. This should not be missed!

The Poets and Writers Reading is scheduled for Thursday, December 16, at 1:00pm (with refreshments), and the always-popular monthly Birthday Party will be co-mingled with KGCC's featured BELLE'S PLAYERS at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, December 21 -- along with the holiday refreshments.

Monday, December 27, 1:30pm, brings us Holiday Music of the Western Hemisphere from the studio of the talented and popular performers, vocalist Nelly Vuksic and her husband, pianist Cesar Vuksic.

And the year winds up with the New Year's Party and special performance by the "THE MELODIANS", exponents and ambassadors of reggae music, on Thursday, December 30, Reception 11am-noon, Performance at 12:00 noon. Note: This special end-of-year event will cost $3.00; RSVP by December 27.

Art Showcase and Reception at Ascend Day Spa

The Paintings of Alfredo Melendez

on view 10/02/10- 02/03/11

The Ascend Day Spa, located at 82-62 Austin Street, in Kew Gardens, Queens, exhibits artwork from local artists in an effort to give back to the community.  The Ascend Day Spa is an all natural green spa, focusing on mind and body wellness through relaxation and rejuvenation. Continuing the exhibition series, Ascend is offering its space for a selection of paintings by artist, Alfredo Melendez. The opening reception will be on Thursday, December 2nd, 2010 at 8:00 pm. Wine and Refreshments will be served. The exhibition will be on view through February 3rd, 2011 during business hours.

Alfredo Melendez is a representational artist who works in a variety of media. In conjunction with his love for partner dancing, his work has focused on the intimacy of the connection between two people on the dance floor, their flow and movement, as well the more comical moments that can occur dancing.  The central draw is always the woman, who in her voluptuousness and attitude, commands attention and desire.

Alfredo is a graduate of the school of visual arts.  He is currently a partner dance instructor, blog writer, consultant, and entrepreneur.  You can find out more about dance lessons and his online store at www.alfredomelendez.com. 

For more information: (718) 846-4601

Photography Show

Dear Kew Gardens Parents,

What's doing in Kew Gardens for children? KEW GARDENS FIRST CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW! Photos taken by children, grades K-6, will be professionally displayed in Q Gardens Gallery from January 14- February 5, Gala Opening Reception on January 14 & 15.

Yes, your children will be the photographers and their images will be enlarged and matted for display. This is an unusual and exciting project for your child. It's an opportunity for them to look at their community, to capture those special moments photographically and to possibly discover talents that they didn't know they had.

Photographs hold an honored place in our homes, family albums and help to comprise our history. Q Gardens Gallery exhibits vintage photography and has offered their gallery space for this children’s photographic exhibit. There will be an opening and the exhibit will be on view in the gallery for 3 weeks.

Interested? To participate, print out the attached guidelines/application or pick up an application as-soon-as-possible at the Q Gardens Gallery, 8061 Lefferts Boulevard, Kew Gardens, (347) 494-5704, open Tuesday-Saturday, noon-6:00pm. All photos (with an application) must be submitted by
Thursday, December 30, 2010. Questions? Carol (917) 881-3358.
It's going to be a GREAT show! Don't Miss Out!!

This photography project is made possible in part by a New Yorkers for Better Neighborhoods Grant awarded by the Citizens Committee for New York City to the Kew Gardens Improvement Association, Inc.

Upcoming Community Events hosted by Maple Grove!!!

Celebration Dec 4th!

Christmas Concert Series Dec 17 & 18th!

Watch Out!

Queens is car-theft king

Borough leads city in stolen vehicles

By LORENA MONGELLI

Last Updated: 5:18 AM, November 16, 2010

Posted: 1:39 AM, November 15, 2010

Comments: 18 

More Print

If you're heading into Queens, maybe it's better to leave the car behind.

An average of eight cars a day get snatched off the streets of the borough's leafy neighborhoods -- making it the auto-theft capital of the Big Apple.

And the number of cars disappearing in the borough has been steadily climbing.

So far this year, 3,037 cars have been stolen, an increase of 9.2 percent since last year, according to NYPD Compstat figures released Nov. 9.

The dismal borough stats represent 34 percent of the total number of vehicles stolen citywide.

City Councilman Peter Vallone of Queens, the council's Public Safety Committee chairman, attributes the upswing to a diminishing police presence in the area.

"Our precincts are staffed at half the level they were 10 years ago," Vallone said. "Cops are doing the best they can, but there just aren't enough troops."

The borough's accessibility to major highways and bridges also makes it a top pick for thieves, Vallone said.

When hunting for vehicles, goons are most likely to target Honda Civics and Accords, the top two cars stolen in the city, records show.

The next three vehicle makes most likely to be stolen are the Nissan Maxima, Toyota Camry and Ford Econoline van, according to the NYPD.

When crooks don't take an entire car, they'll take its wheels and rims, authorities said. Lately, there have been reports of several car-stripping incidents in Astoria and Bayside.

Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/queens/qns_is_car_theft_king_cYoF7fIRqrEZxGtAVLRnjI#ixzz15YRf71xF

Hello Friends of the REZ Reading Series, We are having a free film screening of the documentary, PLUNDER, on November 23. In honor of Mama Doe, buried at Maple Grove Cemetery, we are also having a food drive for a local food pantry. (Please come to The Center at Maple Grove Cemetery, 127-15 Kew Gardens Road.) In lieu of a donation for the series, we ask that you bring rice, pasta and fresh produce. (Popcorn and drinks will be provided, thanks to TD Bank.) We will start the film at 7:30 and take a short intermission. We should be out of The Center by our normal time of 9:30. And for those who want to reserve future times for the series on their calendars, here are some important dates to keep in mind-- February 8--Our Young Peoples' Writing Adventure March 22--Psych Night-- a talk and reading by two leaders in the mental health field, Dr. Daniel Carlat and Charles Barber. Both of their books will be available at a discount at that time. April 26--Marathon Poetry Night with special guest Paolo Javier May 24--Annual Night to honor LGBTQA youth I hope to see you at all of these if you can make them and if not, whichever ones you can. Your support has always been most welcome. Sincerely, Deborah Emin, Program Director REZ Reading Series

Shuttered Forest Park Carousel gets turn for better after landing film role in 'The Sitter'

BY LISA L. COLANGELO
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Wednesday, November 3rd 2010, 4:00 AM

Farriella for News

William Adee of Local 52 cleans a Forest Park Carousel horse as film crews get set to shoot 'The Sitter' at shuttered treasure.

RELATED NEWS

• How are the eats at the park? Try the worms!
• Weekend events in Queens

Fans of the Forest Park Carousel were thrilled to see a glimpse of the shuttered treasure during a flurry of activity at the site this week.

But they shouldn't get their hopes up.

The workers cleaning and fixing the 100-year-old carousel were part of a film crew shooting scenes for "The Sitter."

The movie, starring Jonah Hill of "Superbad" fame and Sam Rockwell, has been described as a loose remake of the 1987 comedy "Adventures in Babysitting."

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/queens/2010/11/03/2010-11-03_turn_for_the_better_shut_carousel_lands_film_role.html#ixzz14DuC3AAk

Nov 23rd Local Food Drive and REZ READING!

THE REZ
READING
SERIES


Local Food Drive
Honoring Mama Doe

7:30-9:30pm at the Center at Maple Grove Cemetery
127-15 Kew Gardens Road, Kew Gardens, NY 11415
(at the intersection of Kew Gardens Road and 127th St)


Tuesday, November 23rd!

In conjunction with our monthly reading, The REZ Reading Series, as it honors Mama Doe, buried at Maple Grove Cemetery, will be hosting a food drive to benefit one of our local food pantries. The evening will feature speakers on homelessness and poverty, and talk about ways to help combat these issues locally.

The pantry is in dire need of the following staple items, so please bring them to the reading:

Rice
Pasta
Fresh Produce


Q&A will be held after readings; autographed books will be offered for sale. Refreshments available. $5.00 donation encouraged.


For further information please telephone (718) 575-5417 or email us at
deminlit@yahoo.com.

Kew Gardens Trick or Treating

Halloween trick-or-treating for NYC kids
Enjoy awesome, candy-filled routes and festive parties all over Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens on October 31.
Kew Gardens

Maple Grove Cemetery
View Halloween routes: Kew Gardens in a larger map
1 Get into the Halloween spirit by visiting the 135-year-old Maple Grove Cemetery (127-15 Kew Gardens Rd, maplegrove.biz), a woodsy 65-acre graveyard smack-dab in the middle of Queens.

2 A few Lefferts Boulevard businesses put their own creative, noncaloric spin on the festivities. Q Gardens Gallery (80-61 Lefferts Blvd between Austin and Talbot Sts), which specializes in vintage photographs, snaps pics of costumed kids to take home. Across the street, the Comic Den (80-62 Lefferts Blvd at Austin St, comicden.com) doles out free—you guessed it!—comic books.
3 Duck into the Art Deco lobby of the borough's legendary Kew Gardens Cinemas (81-05 Lefferts Blvd between Austin and Grenfell Sts, kewgardenstheatre.com), where staff will pass out popcorn and candy to kids.
4 Finally, make a pit stop at Homestead Gourmet Shop (81-45 Lefferts Blvd at Cuthbert Rd), located on the ground floor of one of Kew Garden's most beautiful Tudor-style buildings. The owners plan to hand out free butter cookies to youngsters. You may also want to buy some cherry and apple strudel for the road—we hear it's amazing.—Nancy BilyeauRead

more: http://newyorkkids.timeout.com/articles/halloween-fun/61171/where-to-trick-or-treat-with-nyc-kids-on-halloween/19.html#ixzz130YYS7yO

Small Eyes-Photo Deadline Extended Until October 26th

Sunday October 24th--At the Central Queens Y

Pathways to Jewish Connections:
A Community Conversation on Autism
Featuring noted author Elaine Hall, whose new book "Now I See the Moon: A Mother, A Son, A Miracle" will be available for purchase. Sunday, October 24, 201010:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Free Admission – Bagel Breakfast Will Be Served.

http://www.centralqueensy.org/index.php?submenu=PathwaysToJewishConnections&src=gendocs&ref=PathwaysToJewishConnections&category=SpecialEvents

October 26th HAUNTED READING AT MAPLE GROVE

21st ANNUAL WORLD OF WORKING WOMEN CONFERENCE
”Where Are the Jobs and How Do We Get Them”
Friday, October 22, 2010 – Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel


PROGRAM: 9-4pm
9:00 – 9:30 Registration:
9:30 – 9:40 Welcome: Rhoda Plotkin, President of CWNY
9:40 – 10:15 Introduction: Ann J. Jawin, Founder and Chair of Bd. Of Directors, CWNY


Invited Guests:
NYC Comptroller John Liu
NYC Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley
NYS Assemblywoman Grace Meng

10:15 – 12:00 Panel: Moderator, Roz Liston, Editor, TimesLedger Newspapers

V Panelists: Johanna Maynard Women’s Business Center Program Director
Grace M. Protos, Reg 11. Adm Women’s Bureau. U.S. Dept Labor ` Samantha Pugh, Non-Traditional Employment for Women
Maureen Nappi, Ph.d Asst.Prof. New Media Studies, Long Island U.
Gladys -Bennette, Community Outreach Mgr., NYC. Fire Dept.


JOB FAIR
12:00 – 3:00
Representatives from companies, government agencies and educational organizations will be available to discuss their companies, employment opportunities and requirements on a one-to-one basis. Resource tables will have representatives available to answer any and all questions.

1:30 – 2:15 pm Workshops
“Getting to the Next Step: Creating Your Own Career Choices: Carole Hyatt, The Leadership Forum, Author, LIFETIME EMPLOYABILITY

2:15- 3:00 pm

Turning Networking Opportunities into Job Offers Using Social Networking. Dr. Barry Miller, Ph.D. Pace University
”…“Starting Your Own Business” Women’s Business Center,
Johanna Maynard, Director, Queens Economic Dev\.Corp. Corporation
Resource Tables: “I need Advice and Support” – Center ror th e Women of New York

Job Skills and Training Opportunities: Melva Miller Economic Dev. QueensBorough Hall

Employment Opportunities: One Stop Career Center, Flushing NYS. Dept. of Labor

3:00 – 4:00 Dress for Success “Reality” Fashion Show

4:00 Drawing – Raffles and Door Prizes

Volunteers Needed for Feed the Children Event October 19th

Volunteers are needed for a Feed the Children Event to be held on
Tuesday, October 19th from 11am to 5pm.

If you are interested in this community volunteer opportunity, please contact Peter DeLucia at nyssenatepd@hotmail.com>

THIS SATURDAY FUN FOR ALL!!!

Kew Gardens Childrens Photo Show!

Kew Gardens Childrens Photo Show

Small Eyes on Kew Gardens

Photos taken by children, grades 1-6, will be professionally displayed in Q Gardens Gallery from November 5-26, 2010. To participate, please pick up an Application Package at Q Gardens Gallery, Tuesday-Saturday, noon-6pm. All submissions must be handed in by October 22. Poster is attached.

Q Gardens Gallery
8061 Lefferts Boulevard
Kew Gardens, NY 11415
(347) 494-5704

This photography project is made possible in part by a New Yorkers for Better Neighborhoods grant awarded by the Citizens Committee for New York City to the Kew Gardens Improvement Association, Inc.

Spirits Alive this Saturday, October 9th!

SPIRITS ALIVE
A Exciting Educational Walk Through Time
An Event for the Whole Family

Join us for a unique walking tour, Spirits Alive at Maple Grove Cemetery on Saturday, October 9, 2010 from 2:00pm-4:00pm. (83-15 Kew Gardens Rd.,
Kew Gardens, NY 11415, off Lefferts Boulevard)

Spirits Alive 2010 boasts a cast of twenty three people from all walks of life, from Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley to young students from Immaculate Conception School. Actors, in period costumes will recreate the lives of some of the Maple Grove’s most illustrious and historical figures, including movie director Irving Rapper, Civil War Surgeon Dr. Dennler, noted playwright, author and poet Don Marquis, rhythm and blues singer LaVern Baker, stage, film and television actress Theresa Merritt and many more.

This year we will be introducing a new historical figure, Lucia Cataldi, the World War II war bride from Napoli, Italy and special guest President Theodore Roosevelt who will speak about his close friendship with Elizabeth and Jacob Riis.

Visitors will receive easy-to-follow maps and programs.
$5 per adult, Members and children under 12 FREE!

Contact Information: (917) 881-3358,

RAIN OR SHINE: In case of rain, Spirits Alive will be held at The Center, 127-15 Kew Gardens Rd., Kew Gardens (between 127-129 Street)
Spirits Alive 2010 is the highlight event at Maple Grove during the Open House New York Weekend. On Sunday, October 10th, there will be three Walking Tours at Maple Grove Cemetery: 10:00am, 12:00pm and 2:00pm. Reservations required for October 10th: (718) 544 3600
Cosponsored by Friends of Maple Grove

GREAT Halloween Festival & Carved Pumpkin Contest

EVENT: Maple Grove’s GREAT Halloween Festival & Carved Pumpkin Contest
Date: Saturday, October 16, 2010 (rain date October 23), 3:00pm-7:30pm
Place: Maple Grove Cemetery, 83-15 Kew Gardens Road, Kew Gardens, NY 11415

Adults and Children of all ages are invited to Maple Grove’s GREAT Halloween Festival & Carved Pumpkin Contest on Saturday, October 16, 2010 (rain date October 23) from 3:00pm-7:30pm at Maple Grove Cemetery, 83-15 Kew Gardens Road, off of Lefferts Boulevard. This spooktacular event is sponsored by the Friends of Maple Grove, www.friendsofmaplegrove.org.

Beginning at 3:00pm sharp! to 4:30pm, the day's program will be launched with The Strange and Unusual with a Touch of the Paranormal Walking Tour. Carl Ballenas, Maple Grove's historian will lead the tour.
Carl, who cares deeply about the stories of those buried at Maple Grove, will share some true tales that should only be told at Halloween (suggested age 12+).

Following, a 15-minute Children’s Costume Parade scheduled for 4:45pm. At 5:00pm, there will be expert storytelling (beginning with Tonya Hurley reading ghostgirl:Lovesick), face painting, holiday crafts and lots of carved pumpkins to admire. For those who would like to participate in the Carved Pumpkin Contest, please bring along your pre-carved pumpkin with a candle inside. Pumpkin drop off is between 3:00pm-6:00pm and viewing from 6:00pm-7:00pm, sundown at the cemetery. Judging and prizes will be awarded to; TOP Pumpkin, Funniest, Scariest, Cutest, Most Original or any other categories that the judges might invent. Judges will consider alternative vegetables such as eggplant, water chestnuts, endive or any carved vegetable. Anything goes! Be creative!

We are very pleased that New York Times bestselling author Tonya Hurley will read from ghostgirl: Lovesick. This, her most recent novel, explores the invisibility we all feel at times and the lengths we'll go to be seen. The ghostgirl series focuses on the story of one outcast’s ascent to popularity, in both the world of the living and the dead. Tonya’s ghostgirl website (http://www.ghostgirl.com/), quickly attracted a devoted community of teens, and in 2002 was a two-time Webby Award honoree.
Donation: $5, Members and children under 12 years FREE
For more information: (917) 881-3358, friendsofmgc@aol.com

Mark your calendar for Maple Grove’s GREAT Halloween Festival & Carved Pumpkin Contest on Saturday, October 16, 2010!

9/30/10 - AM New York

city living
By V. L. Hendrickson
City Living: Kew Gardens' taste for Tudor

Photo credit: Lefferts Boulevard is the commercial heart of Kew Gardens (Photo by Marie Claire Andrea)

Out toward the end of the line on the E train in Queens is the sleepy hamlet of Kew Gardens, one of seven planned garden communities built in the first half of the 20th century. With the remaining Tudor-style buildings and eclectic collection of shops and restaurants, the area looks like a college town upstate.

The LIRR, however, gets locals to Penn Station in under 20 minutes and the neighborhood has surprisingly diverse amenities.

Read the entire article HERE.

Autumn Treasure and Bake Sale Oct 16-17th

AUTUMN “TREASURE”
AND
BAKE SALE
SATURDAY, October 16th
9:30 A.M. TO 3:30 P.M.
SUNDAY, October 17th
11:30 A.M. TO 3:30 P.M.

CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION
BETWEEN HILLSIDE AVE & 85TH AVE

85-09 118TH STREET KEW GARDENS


USED CLOTHING, FURNITURE, BOOKS,
HOUSEHOLD ARTICLES, TOYS,
SMALL APPLIANCES, UNUSUAL &
ONE OF A KIND ITEMS AND MORE

SNACKS AND REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE

COME & BROWSE! SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

KG's 2-year Water Main Project

On August 31 Dom Pistone, Al Brand and Murray Berger of KGCA met with representatives of the NYC Department of Design and Construction and of Maspeth Supply Company, the contractor, for a briefing on the upcoming Water Main Project [QED996] in Kew Gardens; also present were members of Community Board 9. Except for the five streets from Mowbray Drive to Union Turnpike, north of the LIRR, virtually all streets in Kew Gardens will be affected; Austin Street from Lefferts Boulevard to 82nd Avenue/Onslow Place, however, is also included in the Project.

The project will cost about $9.5 million (all City money) and is scheduled to begin sometime in October and continue for two years. The precise schedule of where and when the project will start and where it will proceed has yet to be determined; Maspeth Supply is looking for a store or other suitable site in Kew Gardens for a field office. All work will be done between 7:00am--3:30pm, 8am-4pm or 9am-3pm, depending on location. Printed notices will be sent to affected homeowners on blocks to be worked on. No cars should be parked on the street the night before and during the day of the construction; the work will go faster if the contractor does not have to tow parked cars. Access to your own driveway will be limited and probably unavailable during the day; access will be restored at the end of the day. DDC estimates that excavation will be done at the rate of 200-250 feet a day, which in some areas of Kew Gardens is one block, or one-half block on the longer blocks. Sidewalks are not expected to be worked on except around hydrants; any sidewalk damage will be repaired by Maspeth Supply.

At some point, the water to affected houses will be turned off for up to eight hours; notice will be given the day before. It was suggested that homeowners turn off the main valve at the water meters until notified that water has been turned on in the street, Hydrants will be opened to flush out sediment until the water runs clean. It is not anticipated that there will be a gray water problem. Homeowners with special serious needs (such as home care dialysis) that would be adversely affected by a water shutoff should contact the project manager/resident engineer in advance.

We were told that when the project is finished, all water in the Kew Gardens affected area will be City reservoir water and that there should be noticeable improvement in water pressure, since the new pipes will be 8" or 12" in diameter, replacing smaller diameter pipes that are likely to be even smaller now because they were diminished by years of corrosion. The old pipes were cast iron and the new pies will be cement-lined. One caveat: the feeder line from the water main to a house may be corroded or diminished from age, which would limit the increase in pressure. Also the new pressure could conceivably cause a breakage in the old feeder pipes and the repair or replacement would be the homeowner's responsibility.

The contractor will repave the cuts made in the street and/or sidewalks including handicapped access ramps if they are disturbed, but the streets will not be completely repaved, only the excavations. The excavations recently under way have been done by National Grid, the gas company, because any gas lines in the way of the new pipes had to be moved; National Grid is responsible for repaving any cuts they made. Complaints about National Grid work that is unsatisfactory should be made to 311 and to Karen Koslowitz, our City Council Member. A number of catch basins were recently replaced as well (we don't know by whom!) for the same reason. If you become aware of a catch basin that clogs up and may need replacement, please call 311 and then call Community Board 9 with the tracking number that you will receive from 311.
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For the two "official" pages of City info (and more detailed advice), posted by the Department of Design and Construction, with a revised map showing streets affected, click below:
http://home2.nyc.gov/html/ddc/downloads/pdf/brochures/QED996.pdf

REZ Reading Series featured in Queens Chronicle!

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20447521&BRD=2731&PAG=461&dept_id=574907&rfi=6

A book feast for Queens literary buffs
by AnnMarie Costella, Chronicle Reporter
09/23/2010
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Aaron Adler of Kew Gardens reads poetry during Rez’s April session. PHOTO BY CAROL LACKS" hspace=0 src="http://images.zwire.com/local/Z/Zwire2731/zwire/images/41896_G153.jpg" width=330 vspace=2 border=1>
Aaron Adler of Kew Gardens reads poetry during Rez’s April session. PHOTO BY CAROL LACKS
American academic Charles Eliot once said, “Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors and the most patient of teachers.” Three years ago, Deborah Emin discovered something about Kew Gardens that she found alarming — in an area where so many people love to read, there wasn’t a single book store.
Motivated by the desire to make reading not just a pastime but an event, and recognizing that the need could not be filled elsewhere in the area, she created the Rez Reading Series. “Our ultimate goal is to be as imaginative and inventive as possible in order to infuse our community with those qualities so the interaction between the series and the audience can only be one of growth and mutual assistance,” said Emin, who is Rez’s program director. The series brings authors to the community and allows them to read their works to audience members. Each event has a theme and they are held seven times a year. A question and answer session follows each reading, during which attendees can get to know the writers better and afterwards they can purchase their books and mingle with other members of the community and enjoy some refreshments. Rez originally held its meetings in the Church of the Resurrection on 118th Street, but this fall has moved to the Center at Maple Grove Cemetery. The change of scenery has allowed it to create some interesting new events. In October, for example, the group will hold a Halloween session during which participants will read the works of authors who are buried in the cemetery. “This will occur in a truly ghoulish way, guaranteed to help the audience believe the voices of the dead can be heard,” Emin said. Although Rez operates without funding and is not able to pay any of the authors, they are still able to get participants. “It’s based on me writing impassioned letters to authors and asking them to read for us,” Emin said. “I let them know that we have people who are hungry and eager to hear them talk and to talk to them.” Emin runs the series with two other volunteers — Mandy Gor and Carl Bellenas. “It is truly a labor of love for all of us,” she said. In the future they would like to record and archive the sessions, so that people could get the audio streamed directly to their computers — something Emin believes would be particularly helpful for elderly readers. Rez’s next reading will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 28 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Center at Maple Grove Cemetery, located at 127-15 Kew Gardens Road. The group asks for a $5 donation to cover the cost of refreshments and the printing of event posters. The session will feature three authors from Forest Hills: Arthur Bebell will read from his memoir “Shadows of the Past,” Teri Coyne will read from her novel “The Last Bridge” and Justin Martin will read from his forthcoming untitled biography on Frederick Law Olmsted. The event will also feature Deborah Fried-Rubin, a poet from Queens College and Douglas Rogers of Brooklyn, who will be reading from his Zimbabwe memoir, “The Last Resort.” For more information about upcoming Rez events, visit the group on Facebook or email Emin at deminlit@yahoo.com.

Spirits Alive!

SPIRITS ALIVE
A Exciting Educational Walk Through Time
An Event for the Whole Family

Join us for a unique walking tour, Spirits Alive at Maple Grove Cemetery on Saturday, October 9, 2010 from 2:00pm-4:00pm. (83-15 Kew Gardens Rd.,
Kew Gardens, NY 11415, off Lefferts Boulevard)

Spirits Alive 2010 boasts a cast of twenty three people from all walks of life, from Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley to young students from Immaculate Conception School. Actors, in period costumes will recreate the lives of some of the Maple Grove’s most illustrious and historical figures, including movie director Irving Rapper, Civil War Surgeon Dr. Dennler, noted playwright, author and poet Don Marquis, rhythm and blues singer LaVern Baker, stage, film and television actress Theresa Merritt and many more.

This year we will be introducing a new historical figure, Lucia Cataldi, the World War II war bride from Napoli, Italy and special guest President Theodore Roosevelt who will speak about his close friendship with Elizabeth and Jacob Riis.

Visitors will receive easy-to-follow maps and programs.
$5 per adult, Members and children under 12 FREE!
Contact Information: (917) 881-3358,

GROW – Generate Resources of Worth!

Grow Richmond Hill! is a coalition of social, civic and cultural organizations active here in the Indo-Caribbean and South Asian communities of Queens. This, our first event, is an outdoor, awareness Community Fair on Saturday September 25, 2010 from 12 noon to 4 PM at 103-44 120 Street (off Liberty Avenue), Richmond Hill, NY 11420. 

The sponsoring organizations are The Rajkumari Cultural Center, Richmond Hill Economic Development Council, Indo-Caribbean Alliance, Jahajee Sisters, South Asian Lesbian and Gay Alliance, South Asian Youth Action, and The United Hindu Cultural Council Senior Center. The fair is sponsored in collaboration with Assemblyman Rory Lancman. 

Grow Richmond Hill! features exciting social, artistic and cultural activities, highlighting the programs each unique organization offers for enhancing the lives of our people, and the day’s feature of  music, dance, drama and spoken-word - Tassa, Chutney, Bollywood, Bangra, Hip-Hop, Poetry and Folk Arts performances by Indo-Caribbean and South Asian Community Artists.  Folks will also have a chance to learn kick-boxing and chess, and join in painting a mural with Visual Artists.  

Representatives and activists of all the organizations will share and discuss the resources, services and opportunities offered free (or at low cost) to youth and adults:

Youth Education Programs (in-school and after-school)

·      Math, English, Science, Reading and Writing;

·      Martial Arts, Fitness and Chess

·      Training in Music, Dance, Drama, Creative Writing,

·      Visual Arts, Photography, Media And Technology Skills;

Inter-Generational Programs

·      Community events with elders passing on their memories

    of cultural traditions to younger generations;

·      Social Services that provide counseling for youth and families

    facing concerns about housing, immigration, economic problems, domestic

    violence, substance abuse, gender issues and reproductive justice. 

·      Dialogue on how we can improve quality-of-life and economic

    infrastructure development of public spaces in Richmond Hill,

    the heart of our community.

Grow Richmond Hill! is aimed at enriching and empowering the lives of our people, and building bridges of cooperation and goodwill between Indo-Caribbeans and South Asians who now share Richmond Hill and the neighboring districts.

For more information please contact:

Vishnu Mahadeo  347 323 6019  –  President   Richmond Hill EDC    RichmondHillEDC@gmail.com

Pritha Singh 718 846 5431  –  Founder    Rajkumari Cultural Center    Prithasingh@gmail.com

Faudia Baijnauth 718  820 0241  -  Community Liaison, Assemblyman Rory Lancman's District Office  faudia.baijnauth@gmail.com.