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Donate Blood This Month and You Could Win Cool Prizes
New York City is badly in need of blood donations. The need is so severe that The New York Blood Center is launching a new campaign, “Give Blood NYC,” with the goal of 25,000 blood...
Clare Doyle
Clare Doyle is a graduate of the M.A. program in Museum Studies at the University of Leicester, UK. She also holds a Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Studies as well as a B.A. in Archaeology and History from University Dublin, Ireland. She has worked for 30 years in library reference publishing in New York. Clare is the Vice President of Green Shores NYC, a non-profit group that advocates for a cleaner, greener and more connected waterfront in Astoria and Long Island City
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COVID-19 and Eye Care
On Thursday December 10 at noon, Mount Sinai Queens is hosting a free online event that will be discussing eye care as it relates to the pandemic. Dr. Varun Pawar, Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology,...
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OANA Supports New Community Greenspace
OANA President Richard Khuzami attended a recent local event held by the new group Astoria Urban Agriculture Alliance (AUAA) who want to create a community garden and educational space on an unused lot on Hoyt...
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Hallets Cove Waterfront Revitalization
In very welcome news, it was recently announced that habitat restoration in Hallets Cove will begin in early 2021. The plan is to clean up trash from the East River, which has in the past...
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Virtual Screening of Headwall Theatre Company’s Echoes of Ireland
On Saturday May 23 at 7 pm, our friends at Headwall Theatre Company will present a free online screening of Echoes of Ireland, a play written and directed by Brian C. Petti. Beginning five years...
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Queens Mutual Aid Groups List
As we’ve mentioned in previous posts, it’s been inspiring to see the neighborly spirit of our Queens community during the current crisis, with individuals coming forward to support existing non-profits and/or starting their own groups....
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Small Landlords Hit Hard by the Coronavirus Pandemic
As the numbers of new COVID-19 infections are finally beginning to go down in New York City, it’s a relief to feel that we may be able to entertain some cautious optimism about the pandemic....
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EMBCA Mother’s Day Concert
Please join EMBCA (the East Mediterranean Business Cultural Alliance, in Association with the AHEPA Hellenic Cultural Commission (HCC) and AHEPA District 6, for a special Mother’s Day Concert on Sunday, May 10, 2020 at 2...
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An Update from Mount Sinai Queens
Our hospitals in New York City, and especially in Queens, are under extraordinary pressure in this unprecedented era. We at OANA would like to thank our health care workers for the vital and heroic work...
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The Rough Draft Festival is Moving Online
As New York City remains on PAUSE due to the COVID-19, many cultural institutions have been making performances available online to entertain us while we protect ourselves and others by remaining indoors. Now LaGuardia Community...
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Helping Each Other During the Coronavirus Outbreak
We at OANA urge you to continue to observe the advice being given by NYC Department of Health and the CDC during the coronavirus pandemic: to wash hands, stay indoors as much as possible and...
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Social Distancing in Parks Saves Lives
As the number of confirmed cases and deaths from COVID-19 (coronavirus) in New York City continues to rise, there was nevertheless a little encouraging news this: the rate of growth in the number of cases...
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Coronavirus Updates and Resources
As the situation in New York City regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is changing rapidly, we urge our friends and neighbors to follow the advice being given by the City on staying safe, practicing good...
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Theatre Fans Finding Chicken and Biscuits to Their Taste
You still have chances to see the Queens Theatre’s production of Chicken and Biscuits, a hilarious comedy by Douglas Lyons which wowed the audience last weekend at the New York State Pavilion. The family of...
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NYC Street Tree Program Dollars are Being Sapped
Anyone who’s crossed a New York City street in the summer to take advantage of the shade on the other side appreciates our street trees. There are other significant benefits to planting trees—urban trees improve...
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Homeward Bound at Hunting and Gathering
Another stellar production from Headwall Theatre Company, Hunting and Gathering will resonate with anyone who’s ever been through the emotional roller-coaster that is apartment-hunting in New York City. A comedy by Brooke Berman, directed by...
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Chicken and Biscuits, A Launch Production at the Queens Theatre
If you’re looking for an excursion for you and your theatre-loving college student on spring break, we have a show for you! Chicken and Biscuits, a new family comedy by composer-playwright/actor Douglas Lyons will receive...
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Alternate Side of the Street Parking Fines
Forgot to move your car? You may have to dig a little deeper into your wallet as of this week. A change to New York City’s Alternate Side Parking fine went into effect on Thursday,...
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Hallet’s Cove Theater
We are lucky in Astoria and Long Island City to have a lively theater scene thanks to companies such as APAC (Astoria Performing Arts Center), Headwall Theatre, LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC), and the Secret...
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Fandango for Butterflies (and Coyotes) Free Tickets
LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC) is very kindly offering free tickets to the OANA community and Family Church members for their upcoming show Fandango for Butterflies (and Coyotes) for tonight 2/19, or Thursday 2/20. Tickets...
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NYC Goes Plastic Bag Free
On March 1, 2020 the Plastic Bag Waste Reduction Act will take effect in New York City. This law prohibits the distribution of “plastic carryout bags” by retailers in New York State. “Plastic carryout bags”...
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Multicultural Celebration from Central Astoria LDC
Central Astoria LDC is bringing us another fabulous Multicultural Celebration on Sunday, February 16 from 12.30 to 4.30 pm. Enjoy performances by cultures from around the world and celebrate the diversity for which our borough...
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Just Go See Jump
Jump, by Charly Evon Simpson, is currently having its New York premiere at The Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC) in a pop-up venue at 28-21 Steinway St. The vacant storefront makes for a surprisingly intimate...
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Gather Up Some Tickets for Hunting and Gathering
Local theatre group Headwall Theatre Company will present Hunting and Gathering, a comedy by Brooke Berman on February 27-29th and March 5-7th at 7 pm (Thursday-Saturday) at the Greek Cultural Center, 26-80 30th St, B2,...
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LaGuardia Performing Arts Center Looking Forward to 2020
It’s a new year and an action-packed agenda at LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC), the largest theater complex in Western Queens. Collaborating with LaGuardia Community College and their Humanities Department, LPAC is dedicated to producing...
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BQX Light Rail Project Outreach Meeting in Astoria
New York City has announced the first official step regarding public outreach for the Brooklyn Queens Connector (light rail) project. These public workshops are designed to engage residents with the project and familiarize them with...
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A Fabulous February at the Noguchi Museum
February may be the shortest month but it’s packed with events and activities at the Noguchi Museum. (Unless otherwise noted, programs and events are free with museum admission). The collection installation Noguchi: Body-Space Devices, a...
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Make The Secret Theatre’s “The 8th” the First Play You See This Year
The world premiere of “The 8th”, written and directed by Seanie Sugrue, opened on January 7 at the Secret Theatre in Long Island City and will run through Saturday, January 18. Sugrue was nominated for...
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When Trees Attack Sidewalks, Homeowners Now Off the Hook
Good news for NYC homeowners: the City has just announced a change in policy regarding damage to sidewalks caused by city trees. Up to now, if a the spreading roots of a city tree damaged...
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Backpack Giveaway
Hope your summer has been going great so far! For those with kids, you may already be thinking about shopping for back-to-school. St. George’s Episcopal Church knows that this can be an expensive time of...
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Waterfront Planning Camp
Please join the Department of City Planning (DCP) for their first ever visioning event! ‘Waterfront Planning Camp’ will take place on Saturday, August 17th on Governors Island, from 12 noon to 4 pm. Together with...
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The BioBus Comes to Hallets Cove
Astoria students of all ages will have the opportunity to study marine life and science in Hallets Cove this summer. The NYC EDC’s BioBus Mobile Research Lab will be parked near the Astoria Houses Community...
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Queens Chamber of Commerce Support Extension of Astoria Ferry to Upper East Side
OANA has been advocating for extending Astoria’s ferry service to the Upper East Side since last year. As we mention in our position paper, both areas would experience considerable benefits to business, tourism, culture, employment,...
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The Western Queens Gazette’s overview of OANA Summer on the Waterfront
We are pleased to receive coverage of our recent meeting exploring recreational and cultural events on the Astoria Waterfront for summer 2019. The Western Queens Gazette provided an informative overview of our meeting. Recreational Participants...
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Astoria Houses Senior Center Saved
We applaud our elected officials for saving the Senior Center in Astoria Houses. Through the efforts of these officials, and the advocacy of Claudia Coger, President of the Astoria Houses Tenants Association, Mayor De Blasio’s...
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Summer on the Astoria Waterfront
The June meeting of the Old Astoria Neighborhood Association (OANA) featured our NYC Parks District Manager, our District 22 City Council Member, and representatives from the cultural and recreational institutions on the Astoria waterfront to...
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Disability Insurance Discrimination Affects Local Businesses
PIX 11 News recently released a story about discrimination in disability insurance affecting local businesses–and one Queens lawmaker is aiming to change that. Kafia Saxe, owner of Communitea in Long Island City, told PIX11 that...
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Mount Sinai Queens Blood Drive on Thursday June 20
What if you could save lives by donating an hour of your time—and a pint of blood? On Thursday June 20 from 7.30 am to 7.30 pm, New York Blood Center mobile vans will be...
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Queens Green Day Festival
Socrates Sculpture Park’s Queens Green Day Festival returns on Saturday June 8 from 12 noon to 4 pm. Come get more connected to the Earth while you reach for the stars in the current Chronos...
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Family Fun at Rainey Park on June 2nd
Central Astoria LDC’s popular Family Fun at Rainey Park event returns on Sunday June 2nd from 12 noon to 3pm. Come join your neighbors and enjoy face painting, balloon art, and planting crafts, as well...
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Congressional Field Hearing on the 2020 Census
Curious to learn more about the 2020 Census? The Congressional Oversight and Government Reform Committee is holding a Field Hearing on the Census on Tuesday May 28 at 2 pm, at LaGuardia Community College, in...
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Registration Open for East River RBI Little League
District Council Member Costa Constantinides and HANAC Astoria Cornerstone are proud to present East River RBI Little League. Ages 7-8 and ages 9-10. There will be 2 divisions and 6 teams per division. Registration is...
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New Opportunities for Retail and Food Operators in the New LaGuardia Airport
LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP) is pleased to announce that their Competitive Solicitation Process (CSP) for food and retail operators at Terminal B’s Western Concourse has been released. The Western Concourse–the final phase of the new...
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Independence Day Celebration in Astoria Park
It’s almost time to celebrate our nation’s birthday! Central Astoria LDC invites you to join them for their 35th Anniversary Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, June 27, at the Astoria Park Great Lawn. The Queens...
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Upcoming Events at St. George’s Church
There will be two great events at St. George’s Episcopal Church that you won’t want to miss! On Saturday May 18, the Church hosts Sacred Sites Open House from 9 am to 5 pm. There...
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Father’s Day Classic Car Show on June 16
Looking for a truly cool event this Father’s Day? You won’t want to miss the Classic Car Show that Astoria Park Alliance is hosting along Shore Boulevard beside the Park on Sunday June 16 from...
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City Plans to Close the Senior Center at the Astoria Houses
In distressing news for the Astoria Houses residents who used the Senior Center at 4-05 Astoria Blvd, the Mayor’s office is threatening to close the center, giving as their reason low attendance at the center—but...
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Setting Up for Socrates Sculpture Park’s New Season
It’s that time of the year when April showers bring May flowers and the new season of art, activities and events at Socrates Sculpture Park. Their new exhibition Chronos Cosmos: Deep Time, Open Space opens...
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Earth Day Tree Planting in Astoria
NY Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul helped volunteers from One Tree Planted and the city’s Parks Department plant a young sapling in Astoria on Earth Day, April 22. OANA President Richard Khuzami and NYC Queens Parks...
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Winners of District 22 Participatory Budgeting Ballots
The District 22 PB votes have been tallied. More than 2,500 residents took the time to partake in this grassroots example of democracy at work. The five projects with the most votes will be funded...
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The Astoria Performing Arts Center (APAC) Annual Gala
Authors: Clare Doyle; Richard Khuzami On May 20th at 6:30 at the Museum of the Moving Image, APAC is having their annual gala. Please support Astoria’s award-winning community theater institution, in what promises to be...
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NYC Council Passes Climate Mobilization Bill
On April 18, the New York City Council passed a bill that requires buildings more than 25,000 square feet to reduce emissions 40 percent by the year 2030, and 80 percent by the year 2050....
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The MTA Wants Your Feedback to Redesign Queens Bus Routes
Are you one of the 700,000 riders who take buses in Queens every day? If so, it’s highly likely that you have thoughts about how buses in Queens could be improved! Taking buses is sometimes...
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Creative Writing Workshop at the Queens Public Library
Are you an aspiring writer? You won’t want to miss this upcoming free creative writing circle and performance workshop at the Queens Public Library Astoria (14-01 Astoria Blvd) that will run every second Saturday in...
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International Cultural Fest on April 14
The Central Astoria LDC, in association with District 22 Council Member Costa Constantinides, invite you to join them for the 5th Annual Celebrate Astoria! International Cultural Fest. Don’t miss this amazing free event that celebrates various cultures...
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Foreign Language Books Wanted for Good Cause
Get a head start on your spring de-cluttering and help out Astoria resident Zora O’Neill, who is looking for donated books on Nextdoor.com: “WANTED: books in many languages (by April 8) I’m collecting books to...
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District 22 Participatory Budgeting Voting Begins
It’s that time of the year when Astoria residents can partake in grassroots democracy! District 22 Council Member Constantinides has once again set aside $1 million in capital spending for the community to decide what...
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Minority and Women-Owned Business Vendor Networking Event
This Thursday, March 28th from 3-6 pm, join the NYC Department of Correction’s annual Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) networking event, aimed at connecting M/WBE vendors with City agencies. Learn about contracting opportunities with...
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Organics Waste Requirements for NYC Businesses
A heads-up from the NYC Department of Sanitation: As of February 15, 2019, the NYC Department of Sanitation will begin issuing summonses to the following businesses not separating their organic waste: Food service establishments with...
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April at the Noguchi Museum
Spring is on the way, so it will soon be warm enough to enjoy the Sculpture Garden at the Noguchi Museum. And there Is a host of programs to enjoy in April as well. On...
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Census Town Hall with Carolyn Maloney on March 16
Please join Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney for this important event: a Town Hall on the 2020 Census, this Saturday March 16 from 1 to 3 pm at the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens, 21-1230th...
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A Musical Journey To Rebetiko on April 7
Please join the Hellenic Relief Foundation for a good cause and a fascinating musical journey through the history of Rebetiko: its roots and its history. Rebetiko is a collective term for the urban popular song...
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Farewell Fete for the Socrates Annual 2018 Exhibition
We can’t wait for the new season to being at Socrates Sculpture Park! But while we’re eagerly anticipating the upcoming season of art workshops, concerts, exercise classes and movie nights, Socrates’ first event of the...
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Aviation Job Fair in Corona on March 7 2019
Aviation career opportunities are expanding in Queens, and this will likely bring jobs in related industries with it. For instance, the Queens Chronicle reports that the new TWA Hotel at JFK Airport has begun hiring,...
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Pancake Breakfast at St. George’s Church on March 3rd
Historic St. George’s Church will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast on Sunday March 3rd from 11 am to 12.30 pm in the Community Room. $10 donation; children under 6 are free. Call 718-721-5154 for more...
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NYC Retrofit Event in Forest Hills on March 7th
NYC Retrofit Accelerator and Urban Green Council will be organizing a free energy training workshop designed for Queens-based Coop and Condo board members and residents. The event will be on Thursday March 7th in Forest...
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Open Call for the 2019 ArtPort Residency Program
The Queens Council on the Arts is accepting applications for the next round of the Artport Residency Program! The residency will be based in the rotunda of the Marine Air Terminal (Terminal A). During the...
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First Annual LIC CON
Astoria and LIC residents interested in finding out more about after-school programs, sports, financial planning, adult fitness classes, restaurants and more available in Long Island City won’t want to miss the first annual LIC CON...
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Multicultural Celebration Hosted by Central Astoria LDC on February 24
Central Astoria LDC is excited to host another Multi-Cultural Celebration! And what better venue than the most diverse borough in New York City? This free event on Sunday February 24, from 12.30 to 4.30 pm,...
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Shuttle Buses Replace the N and W trains for the Next Two Weekends
There will be no N/W service between Queensboro Plaza and Ditmars Blvd this weekend, February 16-17, and next weekend, February 23-24, for station improvements. Important alert: during these weekends the traffic pattern will change on...
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Free LaGuardia Link Q70 buses for Presidents Day Weekend
When it comes to getting out of town for the long weekend, it can feel like a battle just getting on the plane, The Port Authority and the MTA wants to make your escape a...
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Postpone Your Other Plans and Go See The Other Place
The Headwall Theatre Company’s production of The Other Place by Sharr White had its premiere this past weekend, and if you weren’t there, you missed an amazing performance. The play opens with Juliana Smithton checking into a...
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Job Opportunities at Socrates Sculpture Park
Socrates Sculpture Park is currently accepting applications for the position of Director of Grounds & Operations and for Teaching Artists for the 2019 season. The Park is committed to building a culturally diverse community and...
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Subway Tragedy Underscores Need for Elevators
Tragically, the mother of a one-year-old child was killed this week after she fell down the stairs and onto the platform. in a Manhattan subway station while carrying a stroller as well as her baby daughter....
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New Theater Company Brings a Can’t Miss Play to Astoria in February
Welcome to a new addition to Astoria’s burgeoning arts and cultural scene: the Headwall Theater company. The Headwall Theatre Company is a group of passionate artists that are dedicated to providing the Queens community with...
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Community Board Applications Are Open
Interested in local affairs and issues that affect your neighbors? Do you often say, “Something should be done about that!”? Why not apply to join your local community board? Queens Borough President Melinda Katz is...
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Paid Summer Internships with the Port Authority
Do you have family members or friends looking for a summer internship opportunity that will look great on their resumes? The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is offering 12-week paid internships that...
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Mulchfest in Astoria Park, January 12 and 13
This weekend, Saturday January 12 and Sunday January 13, Astoria residents can bring their holiday trees and wreaths to Astoria Park to be chipped and turned into mulch that will help protect city trees. And...
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Foam Ban Starts January 1 2019
An important alert for business owners in Astoria: Starting January 1, 2019, a ban on foam comes into effect. New York City stores and food-service businesses can no longer offer, sell or possess single-use foam...
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Rainey Park Report Released by Green Shores NYC
Local non-profit Green Shores NYC this month released a comprehensive report on its 2018 Rainey Park Community Visioning project. Although a much-loved recreation space, Rainey Park has neither the amenities nor the programming that distinguish...
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Funding for the Queens Library Astoria Branch
District 22 Council Member Costa Constantinides joined with Queens Library President and CEO Dennis Walcott earlier this month to announce funding in the Fiscal Year 2019 budget that will re-envision the Astoria branch of the...
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Flux Factory Accessibility Fellowship
Attention artists! Monday December 17 at 11.59 pm is the deadline to apply for the inaugural Flux Factory Accessibility Fellowship. This fellowship, which consists of a subsidized two month residency and artwork commission opportunity to...
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Emergency Snow Workers Needed
Registration is now open for people interested in working as an emergency snow laborer for the upcoming snow season. Snow laborers are per-diem workers who shovel snow and clear ice from bus stops, crosswalks, fire...
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Open Calls for Artists’ Proposals at Socrates Sculpture Park
Attention artists! Two Open Call deadlines are coming up at Socrates Sculpture Park in Astoria, Queens Wednesday December 19 is the deadline to submit proposals for The Socrates Annual Fellowship 2019 – an annual residency...
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Luna Park: A Benefit Concert for APAC
On May 16, 1903 at 8.05 pm, more than 250,000 electric lights illuminated the Brooklyn sky when Skip Dundy and Fred Thompson opened Luna Park at Coney Island. it was one of the three original...
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Holiday Tree Lighting in Astoria Park
Please join Central Astoria LDC for their 6th annual Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 1st. Join your friends and neighbors on the Great Lawn at Astoria Park from 2- 5 pm for...
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Book Swap in Astoria Heights Park
The Friends of Astoria Heights Park are hosting their 3rd Annual Book Swap in the park on Saturday November 10 from 10 am to 1 pm. There will be a box maze for kids (bring...
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New Affordable Housing Coming to Astoria
A recent City Council Town Hall meeting at PS 171 in Astoria was well attended, and good news was announced: Councilman Costa Constantinides and City Council Speaker Corey Johnson told the audience that a new...
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City Council Town Hall in Astoria
Come get an update on local government when District 22 City Council Member Costa Constantinides and Speaker Corey Johnson host a Town Hall at P.S. 171, Peter G. Van Alst, 14-14 29th Avenue on Thursday,...
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Events at St. George’s Episcopal Church, Astoria
On Saturday October 6, Historic St. George’s Episcopal Church will hold a Blessing of Pets ceremony in honor of the Feast of St. Francis. The event will be held on the lawn, weather permitting. Owners...
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Mount Sinai Queens Wellness Events
Thinking about what you can do to improve your and your family’s health? Mount Sinai Queens has you covered! On Thursday, September 20 at 4:00pm, pediatrician Dr. Rachel Brozinsky will discuss recommended exams, healthy eating, and more...
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Astoria Ferry Service, One Year On
It’s been a year since Astoria got its own ferry service, and it’s safe to say it remains highly popular. (If you missed this video of the first day of ferry service, it’s worth watching!...
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District 22 Participatory Budgeting Call for Proposals
Do you have a vision for a capital improvement project in District 22? Is there a playground, library, school or street in our neighborhood you know of that needs a little TLC? Participatory Budgeting could...
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Elevators Will Go Up at Astoria Blvd Station
One of several nice features of living in Astoria is the quick commute into Manhattan and Brooklyn via the R, N and W train lines. But for many—parents with baby carriages, tourists wielding suitcases and...
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Cosmos FM Radio Interview
On Wednesday August 8, Richard Khuzami, the President/founder of the Old Astoria Neighborhood Association, and the owner/founder of Dahdoo Productions, will be interviewed on Ilias S. Katsos’s East Mediterranean Business & Culture program on COSMOS FM...
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Welcome to the New Noguchi Museum Director
Astoria groups, local officials and arts-minded community members gathered last week at the Noguchi Museum, in a courtyard housing magnificent examples of the work of the Japanese sculptor who located his studio in our neighborhood....
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Aviation Job Fair
Are you job-hunting? Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, and the Council for Airport Opportunity are sponsoring an Aviation Job Fair at the Helen Marshall Cultural Center, Queens Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Blvd, Kew Gardens, on...
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Free Book Bag Give-away
It may be hot and sunny out there, but back to school season is just around the calendar! St. George’s Episcopal Church wants to help your kids be organized this fall, so they are hosting...
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Rain Barrel Giveaway at Chappetto Square
District 22 Council Member Costa Constantinides is partnering with Senator Michael Gianaris and Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas to host a rain barrel giveaway at Chappetto Square (Hoyt Avenue and 23rd Street) on Saturday, July 28th, starting...
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Mount Sinai Queens Events In July
When it comes to your health, Mount Sinai Queens believes that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! So they have the community covered with a wide range of health events in...
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Pedal for Parks On July 21
The Friends of Astoria Heights Park are partnering with Community Board 1, the 114th Precinct and Make Queens Safer in a Pedal for Parks event on Saturday July 21. This family-friendly bike ride to neighborhood...
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Youth Fun Day at St. George’s Episcopal Church, June 16
On Saturday June 16, Historic St. George’s Episcopal Church is hosting a Youth Fun Day from 11.30 am to 3 pm. This fabulous free event is for kids ages 4 to 14—there will be arts...
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FDNY 4th Annual Open House
This is an event our community won’t want to miss! On Saturday, June 16th, and Sunday, June 17th, the FDNY will host its 4th annual citywide Open House program. More than 200 firehouses and EMS...
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Help Paint a Mural at the Steinway Playground
**UPDATE** Due to poor weather conditions, the event has been cancelled on Monday and delayed until Tuesday per Brittany Baldwin. The New York City Parks Department is putting in a mural at Steinway Playground by...
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Variety Boys & Girls Club Proposed Renovation
An ambitious project which will allow for the expansion and renovation of the Variety Boys and Girls Club on 21st st in Astoria has been proposed. New renderings have been unveiled for the 14-story mixed-use...
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Family Fun At Rainey Park
Central Astoria LDC invites you to an afternoon of Family Fun at Rainey Park on Sunday June 3rd from 12 noon to 3 pm. There will be face painting, cotton candy, balloon art, crafts, and...
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Together In Teal Event On Roosevelt Island
Together in Teal! On Saturday May 19, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition is hosting the first New York City Run/Walk to break the silence on Ovarian Cancer. The event takes place on Firefighter’s Field, 405-425...
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Health and Wellness Block party
Please join our friends at Goodwill for their Health and Wellness Block Party outside their location at 4-21 27th Avenue, on Saturday May 12 from 10 am to 3 pm. There will be food, music,...
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NYC Organics Recycling is Coming to Astoria
Please join the Greater Astoria Historical Society on Monday May 7 at 7 pm for a presentation about NYC Organics Recycling, coming soon to our neighborhood. Whether you are a homeowner, renter or building manager,...
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International Cultural Fest 2018
Please join Central Astoria LDC for International Cultural Fest 2018 on Sunday, April 29th from 12 noon to 5 pm at the street fair on Steinway Street, between Broadway and 31st Avenue. Enjoy music and...
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Earth Day Festivities in Astoria Park
On Sunday April 22nd, from 1 to 4 pm, Astoria Park Alliance is hosting a nature-themed Earth Day event on the main lawn of Astoria Park to kick off the 2018 season of events. This...
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Jane’s Walk in Old Astoria, Saturday May 5
Once a year, “Jane’s Walks” take place in cities across the country. Jane’s Walks are free tours/walking conversations inspired by the journalist and urban planning pioneer Jane Jacobs. Jane’s Walks encourage people to share stories...
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Open House at Historic St. George’s Church
Historic St. George’s Church will be hosting an Open House on Saturday. May 5, from 11 am to 5pm. There will be tours of the church and cemetery. Come find out more about the history...
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A New Field House for Queensbridge Park
Good news for Queensbridge Park—the dilapidated old Field House, closed for many years, is to be demolished and ground has been broken for a new, energy-efficient park house that will serve as a community center...
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Tide Mill Conference
On Saturday April 7 2018, the Tide Mill Institute and Greater Astoria Historical Society present a conference particularly interesting for residents of our waterfront community: A City of Tides: The Past and Future of New...
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NYC Ferry Jobs
Last August saw the opening of the new ferry service to and from Astoria. With spring and summer bringing back full ferry service, NYC Ferry is hiring! Check out job openings that range from deckhand and mechanic...
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MTA Sued over Station Accessibility
MTA Sued over Station Accessibility by US Attorney General for the Southern District of New York. As many of our members and friends know, OANA has taken a strong position on the need to improve...
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Central Astoria LDC’s Multicultural Celebration
Many ethnic cultures contribute to the diversity for which our community is justly famous, and now Central Astoria LDC is bringing us a fabulous Multicultural Celebration on Sunday March 18th from 12.30 to 5 pm....
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Withdrawal of Hallets Point Funding Probed
The New York City Council is investigating the withdrawal of $43.5 million in financing from the affordable housing project at Hallets Point, that would also have provided money for boiler repairs at the nearby Astoria...
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Neptune Diner May Depart
The future of the much-loved Neptune Diner, at the foot of the Astoria Boulevard N/W train station, is in doubt. The Astoria Post reports that the site, 31-05 Astoria Blvd., that houses the diner and...
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OANA President Interviewed by Queens Ledger
The Queens Ledger recently published a profile of Richard Khuzami, President of OANA. The article depicts his family background, love of Astoria and community activism that goes back many years To quote the Queens Ledger,...
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Rally for Better Transit at the Ditmars Boulevard Station
Just when you thought the station renovations on the N/W line couldn’t be any more inconvenient, it’s just been announced that the Ditmars Boulevard station will be under reconstruction from April 2018 through June 2019....
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Van Bramer’s City Council Appointments
The New York City Council the City Council voted on committee assignments and leadership positions for the new term. District 26 Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer continues to serve as the Chair of the Cultural...
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NYC Free Tax Prep Program
Are you a New Yorker who earned $66,000 or less in 2017? Good news! You may qualify for free tax preparation services. Those services could include free online filing and in-person filing with an IRS certified...
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Deadline for 2018 ArtHotel Residency is January 8
Attention artists! The deadline to apply for the Queens Council on the Arts (QCA) ArtHotel Residency program is Monday January 8th at 5 pm. Emerging artists from all disciplines may apply; you must be 18...
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MulchFest in Astoria Park
It’s time to take the Christmas tree down and New York City wants to turn your holiday greenery into mulch. The annual MulchFest event will be held at various locations throughout the city, including Astoria...
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Astoria Wins the Curbed Cup 2017
The votes are in—and Astoria is the winner of the 2017 Curbed Cup! Astoria beat out the Manhattan finalist, Yorkville, with an impressive 60% of the vote in the final round. Curbed NY notes that...
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Astoria Heights Park Potluck Brunch and Book Swap
On Saturday January 21st from 11 am to 2 pm, please join the Friends of Astoria Heights Park for their 5th Annual Potluck Brunch and Book Swap. Start your New Year’s resolution to de-clutter by...
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Curbed NY; New poll to determine NYC’s hot neighborhoods
Curbed Cup NY 2017 is pitting 2 neighborhoods against each other for supremacy in their list of the best neighborhoods of NYC. Astoria, a diverse neighborhood known for its “Village” feel in an urban environment,...
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Awards for Astoria Architectural Developments
The Graffiti House project at 11-07 Welling Court in Astoria was among those honored at the recent Queens Chamber of Commerce Annual Building Awards Gala. Graffiti House received the Interior Design, mixed use, residential/commercial/industrial award...
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An End to Larger Truck Traffic on Astoria Boulevard
New York State Assemblymember Aravella Simotas announced that by the end of this year, larger trucks will be permitted to remain on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway (BQE) and will no longer be detoured onto local...
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Tragic Discovery in the East River
The City Medical Examiner’s office is performing an autopsy on the body of a woman discovered floating in the waters of the East River beside Astoria Park on Sunday December 10. The Western Queens Gazette...
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114th Precinct Neighborhood Policing and Safety Meeting
The NYPD 114th Precinct invite you to meet the Sector David officers who are assigned to neighborhood policing in your community. On Thursday December 14th there will be a Neighborhood Policing and Safety Meeting at...
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Holiday Food Drive
‘Tis the season when many of us flock to our local supermarkets to stock up on holiday foods and treats. But for some in our community, even basic staples may be beyond their means some...
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The Astoria Waterfront and the New Ferry Service in the Big Picture
Many Astoria residents have taken to the new ferry service from Hallets Cove like the proverbial ducks to water. After all, would you rather cram yourself into the overcrowded and delay-plagued subway system or stroll...
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Astoria Market Returns to Bohemian Hall
Stressed out about holiday shopping? We have good news: the artisan Astoria Market is returning to Bohemian Hall, with handmade crafts, vintage items and baked goods to fulfill all your gift needs. The dates of...
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Shakespeare Live in LIC
What a treat for the holiday season: a staged dramatic reading of one of the Bard’s best-loved plays at the Long Island City Community Library on Monday December 4. William Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night, or...
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OANA Advocating Parking Permit Program
OANA is backing a bill calling for the establishment of a parking permit program in East Elmhurst, and is advocating for it to be expanded to parts of Astoria. This would be a one-year pilot...
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Rainey Park Walking Tour and Drop-In Session
Green Shore NYC, a non-profit organization that advocates for a cleaner, greener and more accessible East River waterfront in Astoria and Long Island City, is looking for feedback on Rainey Park (Vernon Blvd and 34th...
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Applications Open for NYC Kindergartens
Online applications opened for NYC kindergartens on Tuesday November 28. If your child was born in the calendar year 2013, you can apply. Who Can Apply to Kindergarten? New York City residents Families with children...
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San Francisco Ferry Boat Visits New York
The ferry Zelinsky, which started its career San Francisco Bay 30 years ago, was providing free ferry rides in New York City this week. The Mozilla company hired the Zelinsky from Hornblower Metro Fleet LLC...
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Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting in Astoria Park
On Saturday December 2nd, please join Central Astoria LDC for their 5th Annual Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting Celebration on the Great Lawn in Astoria Park from 2 to 5 pm. Join friends and neighbors...
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Represent Your Neighbors on Community Board 1
Are you civic-minded and interested in playing a part in New York City’s governance? Why not apply to join your local community board? Queens Borough President Melinda Katz is accepting applications for new members of...
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Affordable Housing Units Open on the Astoria Waterfront
Have you always dreamed of living near the East River waterfront? Applications are now open for 21 affordable units in Vernon Tower, at 11-06 31st Drive, an 8-story luxury building that overlooks Socrates Sculpture Park....
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Has NaNoWriMo Got You Down?
Every year all over the world, authors and would-be authors sign themselves up for National Novel Writing Month, otherwise known as NaNoWriMo. The goal is to write 50,000 words before November 30th—the average length of...
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Footloose at Last
Our City Council, after many years of lobbying from those who have created New York City’s famous nightlife scene, has voted to repeal the Cabaret Law. This antiquated statute had long since ceased to be...
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Big Reuse is Closing Their Astoria Store
Big Reuse is closing their Queens store, which came to the Astoria waterfront more than a decade ago. In a letter on Big Reuse’s website, director Justin Finley said that “our landlord now wants to...
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Socrates Sculpture Park Wants You
It’s that time of the year when Socrates Sculpture Park sends out an open call artists to submit proposals for the 2018 Emerging Artist Fellowship (EAF), an annual residency program at this local treasure on...
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Film Screening at the Noguchi Museum
On Wednesday November 15th, there will be a free film screening at the Noguchi Museum. The museum presents Membra Disjecta: Gonzalo Fonseca and the Heart of Stone, a new biographical film by Michael Gregory. The...
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Celebrating the Hellgate Photo Exhibit
The Hellgate 100 Committee has been hard at work this year, organizing commemorative events such as the cleaning and painting of the Bridge’s supports and the vibrant murals “Liberty, Justice and Freedom” and “HellGate 100”...
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Community Input for Chappetto Square Renovation
There was considerable enthusiasm for an upcoming local renovation project amongst the community members who turned out to tell the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation what they would like to see happen at local...
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Asthma Legislation Introduced
District 22 Council Member Costa Constantinides has announced the introduction of a legislative package to combat asthma. Costa was joined in support by legislation co-sponsor and Council’s Health Committee Chair Councilman Corey Johnson, St. Mary’s...
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Astoria Kayak Launch Design Session
The first visioning session for the Astoria Kayak Launch will take place on Thursday, November 2, from 7 to 8pm at the Astoria Houses Community Center. Join NYCEDC, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, and...
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Can You “Be-Leaf” It’s That Time of Year
Yes, the summer went quickly and the leaves are starting to turn color. But they won’t stay on the trees for long! The Leaf Collection Schedule for Community Board 1 is Set out after 4...
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HALLOWEEN HARVEST FESTIVAL AT SOCRATES
It’s the spook-tacular finale to the season at Socrates Sculpture Park—the Halloween Harvest Festival on Saturday October 28th from 11AM to 3PM. This is a free event and no RSVP is required. 11AM – 2PM:...
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NYC Ferry’s Winter Schedule
If you are enjoying taking the new Astoria ferry service to work—or for pleasure excursions—it is likely that the winter service will be somewhat reduced to match an expected decrease in ridership, AMNY reports that...
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OFFICE RECYCLING 2.0
If you run a business or you are a landlord leasing space to commercial tenants, you should be aware that the regulations for office recycling in New York City have recently changed. New rules now...
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OANA’s Position on Renovations of Elevated N Subway Stations
If you ride the N/W train line in Astoria, you are likely aware that the 30th Avenue and 36th Avenue stops are about to close for months of renovation. Once these upgrades are completed, the...
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Chappetto Square Community Input Meeting
It was recently announced that Chappetto Square in Astoria was added to the Community Parks Initiative program and will therefore receive funding from the city for a renovation and upgrades. What will the renovation of...
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Be A District 22 Participatory Budgeting Delegate
It’s time to move on the next stage of Participatory Budgeting for District 22. Capital project ideas for how to invest $1 million in our community were recently collected at in-person Neighborhood Assemblies and online....
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Central Astoria’s Halloween Party Will Be Spook-Tacular Fun
Time to get out your vampire capes and Frankenstein costumes out of mothballs—it’s almost Halloween and Central Astoria LDC is putting on their 2nd Annual “Batty Over Halloween” Celebration on Sunday, October 29th, 2017 from...
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“Astoria Character” Neil Herdan is Pitching Whitey Ford Field
Nancy Ruhling’s “Astoria Characters” series in the Huffington Post and collected on her own website, have featured a wide variety of people living in our community—a Tiffany glass curator, a hairdresser, the couple who own...
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Your Phone Can Now Help You Park
If you follow OANA on Facebook, subscribe to our newsletter or check this blog, you will have seen regular postings about some great community events in our neighborhood. But wait–you’ve left in good time and...
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A New Production from APAC
The crew at APAC (the Astoria Performing Arts Center) is rehearsing the world premiere production of Veil’d, a play by Monet Hurst-Mendoza, and the excitement about their new production is mounting! Veil’d tells the story...
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A New Home for Academy of American Studies
The city will build a new school in Dutch Kills to house the students at Academy of American Studies, who currently have to share space with Newcomers High School at 28-01 41st Avenue. DNAInfo is...
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Takin’ It To the Streets
It’s time for the Broadway Street Fair! On Sunday October 15th, join your neighbors from 11 am to 6 pm, stroll along Broadway and check out the many vendors and the activities for kids. The...
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Astoria Sites Take Part in Open House NY Weekend
Every October hundreds of locations around the five boroughs offer behind-the-scenes tours to visitors. It’s called Open House New York Weekend, and this year it’s October 14 and 15. Some Open House New York tours...
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Old Astoria Shop Owner Coins New Name for the Neighborhood
Natassa Contini, owner of local business the pet store/café Chateau Le Woof, has a new name for the part of Astoria west of 21st Street, between Astoria Park and Broadway—it’s “Westoria.” DNAInfo reports that Contini...
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NYC Ferry to Add Three New Boats
Good news for Astoria residents who are enjoying the new ferry service from Halletts Cove—and for those from other neighborhoods who want to ride the ferry out to explore the many attractions our community had...
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Chappetto Square Joins the Community Parks Initiative
Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced that Chappetto Square in Astoria will receive city funding and upgrades since it has just been added to the Community Parks Initiative. Founded in 2014, the Community Parks Initiative...
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QUEENS FOOD DAY RETURNS
On Saturday October 14, Socrates Sculpture Park is hosting the popular festival Queens Food Day. The day will feature fun activities and demonstrations relating to locally sourced food, gardening, urban farming nutrition and food justice....
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Notify NYC App is Live
The launch of the Notify NYC app will be a boon for those with smartphones who want to get notifications about weather emergencies like blizzards, transit problems, and suspensions of alternate side of the street...
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Cornell Tech Phase 1 Opens
Cornell Tech, a partnership between Cornell University and Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, opened the first phase of its new Roosevelt Island campus this week. DNAInfo reorts that Cornell Tech’s new 4-story academic center plans to...
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Two N Trains Stations To Close for 8 Months
Bad news for commuters in Astoria who were looking forward to having full train service back after a summer of weekends with no train service—the 36th Avenue and 30th Avenue stations will be shuttered for...
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Whitey Ford Field Clean-Up On Sept 17
Please help Friends of Whitey Ford Field during their Volunteer Clean-Up Day on Sunday, September 17 from 10 am to 1 pm. Supplies and tools will be provided. A couple of hours of your time...
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Shore Fest Returns on September 16
On Saturday, September 16th, Astoria Park Alliance is once again hosting the ever-popular community event Shore Fest in the park.. The festivities will take place from 1 to 5 pm, on the Main Lawn adjacent...
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50-Unit Condo Building Planned for 27th Avenue
An application has been filed by LIC developer Strategic Capital Metropolitan to develop a seven-story condo building at 3-11 27th Avenue. The application permit specifies 37,940 square feet of residential space, 7,991 square feet of...
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Asthma Awareness Back to School Fair
Mount Sinai Hospital Queens, Council Member Costa Constantinides, St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children, and Asthma Coalition of Queens are sponsoring an Asthma Awareness Back to School Fair on Thursday September 28 from 5.30 to...
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SAFE Disposal Event in Astoria Park, September 9
To help residents dispose of harmful household products safely, DSNY hosts SAFE (Solvents, Automotive, Flammables, and Electronics) Disposal Events throughout the year in all five boroughs. On Saturday September 9, there will be a SAFE...
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Here Comes CitiBike!
The popular bike sharing program CitiBike will cut the ribbon on new docking stations in Astoria, Long Island City, Harlem, Crown Heights and Prospect Heights starting next week, DNAInfo is reporting. A DOT spokesman said...
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Friends of Whitey Ford Field Get Grant from Costa
Councilman Costa Constantinides has allocated a $5,000 grant through the City Parks Foundation on behalf of the volunteer group Friends of Whitey Ford Field. This allocation is part of the City Council’s Parks Equity Initiative,...
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Support Socrates Sculpture Park at Their Annual Benefit Gala
Socrates Sculpture Park is hosting their Annual Benefit Gala on Wednesday, September 27, 2017. The event will be hosted at Mark di Suvero’s waterfront studio in Long Island City, where guests can mingle on the pier or...
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Astoria Ferry Schedule
The schedule for the new Astoria Ferry Service has been released! You can find it here: https://www.ferry.nyc/routes-and-schedules/route/astoria/ or if you want to download a copy of the schedule, click here. It’s safe to say that...
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114th Precinct Meeting
There will be a 114th Precinct Summit Meeting this Thursday August 24 at 7 pm. This is a great chance for people in Sector David to meet the officers and air any concerns you may...
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Street Renamed for Betty Jean DiBiaso
A light post at the intersection of Ditmars Blvd and 19th now bears the name of Betty Jean DiBiaso Way that’s a tribute to a young woman who was killed by a hit-and-run driver in...
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The Muppets Take Astoria
Our neighborhood has been known for its association with the entertainment production world since the studio known today as Kaufman Astoria was opened by Adolph Zukor in 1920 and local fans hovered around the lots...