WRBA Engage

Great Woodhaven Yard Sale – Latest Map

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 23:20:26 +0000

Blog:

Here is the latest map for tomorrow’s Great Woodhaven Yard Sale (click on the map to enlarge). A last minute rush of sign-ups has pushed us over 60 participating households for tomorrow. Want Hard Copies of the Map? We’ll hang a bunch outside of the WRBA Office, 84-20 Jamaica Avenue tomorrow morning. Happy hunting!

Woodhaven’s Grapevine – Volume # 138

Tue, 08 Sep 2015 21:01:16 +0000

Blog:

Our Top Stories
- Woodhaven Town Hall Sat. September 19th NOON at Emanuel
- Great Woodhaven Yard Sale – SIGN UP NOW
- WRBA Fundraiser Honorees – TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Local Events
- Woodhaven Remembers 9/11
- Richmond Hill Park Fair 9/12
- International Food Fair 9/12
- Cemetery Rock Gathering 9/12
- Community Board 9 Meetings
- 102nd Precinct Community Council Meetings
- Poetry in Woodhaven 9/20
- Annual Dinner at Emanuel 9/26
- Defensive Driving Classes 10/31 and 11/21

News & Announcements
- Mary Whalen Playground History
- WRBA Website
- Woodhaven Resources
- WRBA Dance Journal
- WRBA Membership Drive

** Our Top Stories:

** Next Woodhaven Town Hall Saturday, September 19th 2015 @ 12:00pm – Emanuel United Church of Christ (91st Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard).

** Great Woodhaven Yard Sale – The 2015 event will be on Saturday, September 26, from 10AM to 4PM. The rain date will be Sunday, September 27, same time. If you are going to sign up to be a participating household and join the over 100 households who participated last year – please do so NOW. To sign up and get on “The Map” for September, email TheGreatWoodhavenYardSale@gmail.com or the WRBA at info@woodhaven-nyc.org. Click here for the Facebook Page to see exciting items up for sale!

** WRBA Fundraiser Honorees – The 2015 WRBA Fundraiser / Dinner Dance will take place Friday Oct. 2nd at Roma View Fine Catering. Click here to read all about our 2015 honorees! Click here to read about Woman of the Year JoAnn Bartos! Click here to read about Hall of Famers FDNY Engine 293 / FDNY Engine 294/Ladder 143!

** Upcoming Events:

** Woodhaven Remembers 9/11 – The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association is hosting a candlelight memorial service on Friday 9/11 at 7 PM at the 9/11 Memorial at the Seuffert Bandshell. Everyone is welcome to come and remember.

** Richmond Hill Park Fair – This Saturday, September 12^th, the 42^nd Annual Park Fair presented by the Richmond Hill Block Association will take place from 10 am to 6 pm at Myrtle Avenue and Park Lane South. There will be fun and games, and vendors of all kinds. This is a great event for the entire family.

** International Food Fair – Also this Saturday, September 12^th, from 12pm to 5pm, there will be an International Food Fair in the front yard of All Saint’s Episcopal Church (formerly St. Matt’s) at 96^th Street and 86^th Avenue. Come out and enjoy food from around the world; there will be entertainment for the children (face painting, balloons, cotton candy, etc.)

** Cemetery Rock Gathering – This Saturday, September 12^th, from 9am to 12pm, there will be a cleanup of the historic Wyckoff-Snedicker Family Cemetery. The goal this month is to pick up as many small rocks as we can (to allow the use of a mower). Come out Saturday morning and help collect rocks, and stay afterwards for the International Food Fair!

** Community Board 9 – Now that summer is over, Community Board 9 will be starting up their meetings once again. CB9 meets at 7:45 pm on the 2^nd Tuesday of every month, call (718) 286-2686 for more info. Tonight’s meeting (Tuesday, Sept. 8) will be at The Villa Russo IL Palazzo located at 101-12 Lefferts Blvd. in Richmond Hill.

** 102^nd Precinct Community Council meets at 7 pm on the 3^rd Tuesday of every month in the basement of the Richmond Hill Library (118-14 Hillside Avenue). This is a great opportunity to bring your problems and complaints to the attention of the 102^nd Precinct. Next meeting is Tuesday, September 15th.

** Poetry in Woodhaven – Poets and spoken word artists will grace the streets of Woodhaven on Sunday, September 20^th, from 11 am to 3 pm at Forest Parkway and Jamaica Avenue. The event, organized by the Woodhaven Cultural & Historical Society, is part of a fantastic weekend-long Queens Arts Intervention organized and sponsored by RPGA Studios (Rego Park Green Alliance).

On that weekend, the 19^th and the 20^th, there will be a few dozen outdoor art projects all over Queens. For example, on the Saturday, there will be an event called the Richmond Hill Love Letter hosted by artist Bridget Bartolini from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Northeast corner of Lefferts Boulevard and Liberty Avenue. A collaborative effort to compose a love letter to the Richmond Hill community, this is just one of dozens of outdoor art events you can attend. Click here for more info and a listing of the FREE Art Events that weekend in Queens.

** Annual Dinner at Emanuel (Great American Songbook) – The annual pre-fair dinner at Emanuel takes place on Saturday, September 26th at 5:30 PM. The catered dinner consists of fruit cup, rolls, roast turkey & stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, cake with ice cream, coffee, tea and iced tea, all for a suggested donation of $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Entertainment will be provided by Sal Amaro singing songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet, Bobby Darin, Dean Martin, Michael Buble, etc. Call Emanuel to reserve tickets by September 16th at 718-849-1153.

** Defensive Driving Classes – There are 2 upcoming classes (which can save you money on your insurance): Saturday 10/31 and Saturday 11/21 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm at Emanuel United Church of Christ (91st Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard). The low cost is $35. Light breakfast will be served (donuts and coffee). Attendees are asked to bring lunch. Call Emanuel for information 718-849-1153.

** News & Announcements:

** Mary Whalen Playground – Click here for a look back at the history of this playground and the woman whom it was named after.

** WRBA Website – If you ever want to know when our next meeting is, you can always find out by visiting our official website – woodhaven-nyc.org. There, you will find our Community Calendar, Latest News and Announcements, Membership Info, our Press Releases, and a list of our media appearances.

** Woodhaven Resources – Click here for a new page that is a useful resource of local numbers and links — you will find local clubs and organizations, emergency numbers, city agencies, elected officials, schools and churches. This is a work in progress – if you come across any incorrect information or information you think should be added, please drop a line to projectwoodhaven@gmail.com.

** WRBA Dance Journal – Each year, the WRBA produces a journal for its dinner dance. The journal looks back on the past 12 months, pays tribute to our honorees, and includes many ads from businesses and sponsors — click here to take a few moments to look through last year’s WRBA Journal. And please take note of the businesses that supported our community by taking out an ad in this year’s journal. Return the favor – support these businesses – and please thank them the next time you are doing business with them. Without their support, much of what the WRBA does would not be possible.

** WRBA Membership Drive – Many thanks to everyone who signed up as new members or renewed their existing memberships. Our drive for new memberships and renewals continues. If you want to renew or sign-up online, click here.

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Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association

woodhaven-nyc.org

718-296-3735

Woodhaven’s Grapevine – Volume # 134

Fri, 17 Jul 2015 14:13:37 +0000

Our Top Stories
- Woodhaven Town Hall TOMORROW Sat. July 18th 10 AM at Emanuel
- Community Calendar
- Save the Date! WRBA 2015 Fundraiser / Dinner Dance
- Mary Whalen Playground Renovations To Begin

Local Events
- No-Cost Breast Cancer Screening 7/23
- Graffiti Cleanup for NYFAC 7/25
- Blood Drive at Emanuel 7/25
- STA Giant Rummage Sale 7/25
- National Night Out Against Crime 8/4
- Woodhaven & Ozone Park: Life on the Border 8/11
- Woodhaven 50s Drive-In Party 8/22
- Joe Addabbo’s Annual Thank A Vet BBQ 8/29

News & Announcements
- New Bus-Only Lanes on Woodhaven Boulevard
- Woodhaven Cemetery Cleanup – Year One
- Assemblyman Miller’s Newsletter
- Participatory Budgeting Comes to District 30
- CM Ulrich Discusses Budget
- Plan B at Forest Park
- Woodhaven WW2 Vet Returns to Neir’s Tavern
- Town Hall for Veterans
- Woodhaven Walkabout
- Woodhaven Resident on Real Housewives
- Help Man Find His Father
- WRBA Website
- Woodhaven Resources
- WRBA Dance Journal
- WRBA Membership Drive

** Our Top Stories:

** Woodhaven Town Hall 10 AM TOMORROW Saturday July 18 – Your problems and issues do not take off for the summer — and neither does the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. Come out tomorrow morning to keep up to date on what’s happening – pass along any complaints – and still have plenty of time to enjoy your summer day. Click here for details along with some advice on what to do if you’ve got a noisy neighbor – plus details on our upcoming graffiti cleanup to benefit families with autistic children – and how you can help!! See you tomorrow at Emanuel – 91st Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard!

** Community Calendar – At the top and bottom of every Grapevine you will find links to the community calendar that the WRBA maintains. Please take a few moments to peruse the schedule of events, including all the Forest Park concerts, for 2015. And if you see that we’re missing something — let us know!

** Save the Date! The 2015 Dinner Dance / Fundraiser – The WRBA’s annual celebration of Woodhaven will take place at Roma View Catering Hall on Friday, October 2nd starting at 7:30. Tickets will go on sale soon – and an exciting group of honorees will be announced very soon.

** Mary Whalen Playground Renovations To Begin – This week we received the great news that renovations to Mary Whalen Playground (79th Street and Park Lane South) are set to begin soon. CM Elizabeth Crowley invites everyone to be a part of a groundbreaking ceremony at 10 AM on Tuesday, August 18th.

** Upcoming Events:

** No-Cost Breast Cancer Screening – The American-Italian Cancer Foundation’s (AICF) mobile, No-Cost Breast Cancer Screening Program which provides mammograms and clinical breast exams to uninsured and medically underserved New York City women is scheduled to conduct screenings in Woodhaven on Thursday, July 23, 2015 in front of Queens County Savings Bank (NYCB) at 93-22 Jamaica Avenue. You must schedule an appointment. For more information, please call 1-877-628-9090.

** Graffiti Cleanup to Fight Autism – On Saturday, July 25, the Block Association will lead a group of volunteers in painting every mailbox in the neighborhood. Many of Woodhaven’s more than 100 mailboxes have been vandalized with graffiti. The WRBA will solicit pledges from residents to support the clean-up effort. All proceeds will be donated to New York Families for Autistic Children (NYFAC). Residents may pledge donations (for example, 25 cents per mailbox painted) and may cap their pledges (for example, 50 cents per mailbox, up to a maximum of $25).

** Blood Drive at Emanuel – Emanuel United Church of Christ, (93-12 91st Avenue) will be hosting their 8th Annual Warren Ackermann Memorial Blood Drive on Saturday, July 25th 9 AM to 2:45 PM. Their goal this year is 40 pints of blood and your donation will help to save up to three lives. This blood drive is always a fun day with good people, good refreshments and a good raffle. Walk-ins welcome or you may call 718-849-1153 for an appointment. For questions concerning medical eligibility, please call 1-800-688-0900. Note: New York Blood Center is also offering a Donor Advantage Program, so each time you donate blood you will earn points. Once you accumulate 800 points, you can then redeem your points for a wide variety of gifts, gift cards or donate your points to selected charitable organizations.

** Giant Rummage Sale at STA – The annual rummage sale at St. Thomas the Apostle in Monsignor Mulz Hall (88-08 Jamaica Avenue) starts next week – click here for dates of the sale and drop-off information.

** National Night Out Against Crime – The 2015 Night Out Against Crime will take place Tuesday, August 4th at the Buddy Monument in Richmond Hill. This is always a fun time – and a great opportunity to get to know your local police officers. Click here for highlights from last year’s event.

** Woodhaven & Ozone Park: Life on the Border – The Woodhaven Cultural & Historical Society will be giving a presentation of old pictures of the area between our two communities on Tuesday, August 11th starting at 7:30. Highlights include the Grosjean Factory and Mansion, the Arrival and Disappearance of the Railroad, and the Cyclone of 1895.

** 50s Woodhaven Drive-In Party – On Saturday August 22nd, the Woodhaven Historical Society will bring back the excitement of the Drive-In Movies — Coming Attractions and Short Films — the great music on the speakers — running to the Snack Bar to get Popcorn or Hot Dogs. Tickets $5 for adults, $2 for children – click here for more details.

** Joe Addabbo’s Annual Thank A Vet BBQ – Sen. Joe Addabbo will be hosting his Thank a Vet BBQ at his office, as he has done for the last few years, on Saturday, August 29th from 12 PM to 3 PM. Joe’s Office is at 159-53 101st Street in Howard Beach and everyone is welcome!

** News & Announcements:

** New Bus-Only Lanes on Woodhaven Boulevard – New Bus-Only lane rules (North of Metropolitan Avenue) will go into effect very soon (click here for details).

** Woodhaven Cemetery Cleanup – Year One – The Woodhaven Clutural & Historical Society along with dedicated volunteers from the community and the STA Woodhaven History Club have been working hard for the past 12 months on the Wyckoff-Snedicker Family Cemetery on 96th Street – click here for a progress report. The next cleanup is on Saturday August 8th (always the 2nd Saturday) from 9 AM to 12 PM. Volunteers welcomed and needed. Note: At the last cleanup, a lost tombstone was returned to the cemetery – click here for the story.

** Assemblyman Miller’s Newsletter – Assemblyman Mike Miller’s latest newsletter is out – click here to read it. Mike will be hosting “Assemblyman in Your Area” events all over the community during the summer, including dates at the WRBA Office – the entire schedule is in the newsletter!

** Participatory Budgeting Comes to District 30 – Over the past 2 years, residents of the District 32 portion of Woodhaven took part in the Participatory Budgeting process. Starting next year, all residents of Woodhaven will be able to take part as District 30 will join the process in which residents help decide how to spend capital funds.

** CM Ulrich Discusses Budget – Councilman Eric Ulrich called into Radio Free Woodhaven last week to discuss the budget passed by the NY City Council and what it means to Woodhaven – the best news is that there will be more police officers, Saturday Library hours, and no cuts to our Senior Centers or our Firehouses. Eric also discussed a $175,000 upgrade to our Forest Park Dog Run – click here to hear the entire interview.

** Plan B at Forest Park – Last week’s Beatles Tribute at the Bandshell was canceled due to predictions of bad weather – but there was a crowd and you know the old saying – the show must go on! Check our community calendar for the full schedule of community events, including concerts in Forest Park.

** Woodhaven WW2 Vet Returns to Neir’s – 90-year old WW2 Vet William Burlingame was married to his wife Peggy in 1946. They held the reception there as well. Mr. Burlingame returned to Neir’s for the first time in many decades – click here to read, or click here to see the story on NY1.

** Town Hall for Veterans – The Queens Library is hosting a Town Hall for Veterans on Saturday, August 1st from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Central Library on Merrick Boulevard in Jamaica. Here, veterans can get answers to the GI Bill and Benefits questions – click here for more information – and if you know a veteran, pass along the news! If you have any questions at all, please call 1-888-762-0132, option 5.

** Woodhaven Walkabout – Some pictures from a recent walkabout of Woodhaven – lots of nice pictures in Forest Park including a surprise appearance – click to see who was on the tower near the FDNY Dispatcher building.

** Woodhaven Resident on Real Housewives – Woodhaven’s Sema Ballavoski (Author of Lilith’s Awakenings) will make an appearance next Tuesday (7/21) at 9 PM on New York’s Real Housewives on Bravo – Click here for an episode preview.

** Help Man Find His Father – Adam Maiello was born in 1980 – and he is looking for his father who came from this area. Click here to read the story – or you can click here to here our exclusive interview with Adam. Maybe someone out there can help this young man find his father.

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Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association

woodhaven-nyc.org

718-296-3735

Woodhaven’s Grapevine – Volume # 133

Tue, 07 Jul 2015 01:26:33 +0000

Blog:

Our Top Stories
- Woodhaven Town Hall Saturday July 18th 10 AM at Emanuel
- Community Calendar
- Save the Date! WRBA 2015 Fundraiser / Dinner Dance

Local Events
- Historical Society Research Group 7/7
- The Beatles at the Bandshell 7/9
- Cemetery Cleanup 7/11
- No-Cost Breast Cancer Screening 7/23
- Graffiti Cleanup for NYFAC 7/25
- Blood Drive at Emanuel 7/25
- National Night Out Against Crime 8/4
- Woodhaven 50s Drive-In Party 8/22

News & Announcements
- Litter Issues Plague Woodhaven
- Woodhaven BID Comes Out Against SBS
- Woodhaven WW2 Vet Returns to Neir’s Tavern
- WRBA Website
- Radio Free Woodhaven
- Miss Woodhaven Update
- School Sisters Update
- Woodhaven Resources
- WRBA Dance Journal
- WRBA Membership Drive

** Our Top Stories:

** Woodhaven Town Hall Saturday July 18 – As mentioned above, our next meeting is Saturday July 18th at 10 AM at Emanuel United Church of Christ (91st Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard). Click here for highlights of our last Town Hall (June 2015).

** Community Calendar – Just above – and again at the bottom of every Grapevine – are links to the community calendar that the WRBA maintains. Please take a few moments to peruse the schedule of events, including all the Forest Park concerts, for 2015. And if you see that we’re missing something — let us know!

** Upcoming Events:

** Woodhaven Research Group – This month marks the 120th Anniversary of the cyclone that struck Woodhaven (click here to read all about it). Tomorrow (Tuesday, July 7th), the Woodhaven History Research Group will meet at 7 PM at the Avenue Diner (91-06 Jamaica Avenue) and a very interesting historical fact will be revealed. Also, learn what life in Woodhaven 1916 was like – and get a sneak preview of the WCHS’ presentation “Woodhaven & Ozone Park: Life on the Border.”

** Beatles at the Bandshell – Beatlemania hits the Forest Park Bandshell Thursday (July 9th) at 7:30 – and remember to ride our historic landmarked Forest Park Carousel after the show!.

** Cemetery Cleanup – The Cemetery Crew has been working hard to restore the Wyckoff-Snedicker Family Cemetery – click here to see last month’s effort – and they’ll be back at it this Saturday (July 11th) from 9 AM to 12 PM. There is plenty of light work available (rock collecting, leaf raking) – and volunteers are needed and most welcome! 96th Street and 86th Avenue behind All Saints Church.

** News & Announcements:

** Litter Issues Plague Woodhaven – Click here to read about the ongoing litter problems in Woodhaven. “The Sanitation Department has spent enough time in the middle of the night ticketing the victims of illegal dumping to lead me to believe that they’re not using their resources as intelligently as possible to combat the root cause of the problem,” says WRBA Director Alexander Blenkinsopp. “People who dump illegally don’t seem to be afraid of getting tickets and they know the victims will get the tickets.”

** Woodhaven BID Comes Out Against SBS – Maria Thomson, executive director of the Woodhaven Business Improvement District, announced on Tuesday her group’s opposition to the Department of Transportation’s $200 million Select Bus Service plan due to its proposal to ban left turns from Woodhaven Boulevard onto Jamaica Avenue. Click here to read more.

** Woodhaven WW2 Vet Returns to Neir’s – 90-year old WW2 Vet William Burlingame was married to his wife Peggy in 1946. They held the reception there as well. Mr. Burlingame wrote to Neir’s Tavern and said he would like to visit it once again, and he’s making the long trek this Saturday and will arrive at Neirs for the first time in decades around 1 PM. Click here to read the letter that Mr. Burlingame wrote.

** Radio Free Woodhaven – We’ll be LIVE Friday at 10 PM EST, click here at that time to listen live. Call in during the show, (646) 378-1612 and voice your opinion. If you miss the live broadcast, you can always click the same link to listen archives.

** Miss Woodhaven Update – Do you remember Nalicia Ramdyal, aka Miss Woodhaven? She has been selected to represent the USA as the Miss Global International pageant, which will be held on the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago on October 3rd. You can follow Nalicia’s story of the Miss Global USA page, click here for more information.

** School Sisters Updates – The School Sisters of Notre Dame recently held their closing ceremony for 2015 (click here for highlights). And even more recently, they held a fundraiser at the Forest Park Carousel – click here for pictures and video.

—

Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association

woodhaven-nyc.org

718-296-3735

Don’t Miss An Event: Check the Woodhaven Calendar

Fri, 03 Jul 2015 13:20:48 +0000

Blog:

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association maintains a community calendar will all of the upcoming events – you can always visit it at: bit.ly/woodhaven-calendar — for your convenience we have embedded it below – bookmark this page and come back often to see what’s going on! on’t see an upcoming event? Email us at info@woodhaven-nyc.org and let us know.

Town Hall Meetings: The WRBA meets once a month to discuss the issues that concern residents of Woodhaven. Come out and make your voice heard! Check the calendar for Town Hall meetings!

Like Concerts? During the summer, there are a lot of FREE concerts in Forest Park – come check out the Beatles – or the Disco Extravaganza!

No-Cost Breast Cancer Screening

Wed, 01 Jul 2015 19:26:47 +0000

Blog:

The American-Italian Cancer Foundation’s (AICF) mobile, No-Cost Breast Cancer Screening Program which provides mammograms and clinical breast exams to uninsured and medically underserved New York City women is scheduled to conduct screenings in Woodhaven on Thursday, July 23, 2015 in front of Queens County Savings Bank (NYCB) at 93-22 Jamaica Avenue. You must schedule an appointment. For more information, please call 1-877-628-9090.

Here are other scheduled screening dates/locations:

Date	Site	Address	Zip Code
Sunday, July 12, 2015	Wat Buddha Thai Thavornvanaram	76-16 46^th Avenue Elmhurst, NY	11373
Thursday, July 16, 2015	Joseph Addabbo Family Health Center	6200 Beach Channel Drive Arverne, NY	11692
Wednesday, July 22, 2015	Best Medical Care, PC	121-08 Hillside Avenue Richmond Hill, NY	11418
Thursday, July 23, 2015	Queens County Savings Bank (NYCB)	93-22 Jamaica Avenue Woodhaven, NY	11421
Saturday, July 25, 2015	Korean Community Services Main Site	35-56 159^th Street Flushing, NY	11358
Wednesday, July 29, 2015	The Poppenhusen Institute	114-04 14^th Road College Point, NY	11356

En Espanol:

Woodhaven’s Grapevine – Volume # 132

Fri, 15 May 2015 18:30:01 +0000

Blog:

Here is our latest edition of what’s happening in Woodhaven:

Our Top Stories
- Woodhaven Town Hall SATURDAY – 12 Noon at Emanuel
- WRBA Website
- Radio Free Woodhaven

Local Events
- Memorial Trees – Reception 5/21
- Memorial Day Ceremony – Forest Parkway 5/21
- Memorial Day Parade – Forest Hills 5/24
- News of St. Luke’s Future
- Forest Park Carousel – Opening Weekend
- Woodhaven Historical Society Meeting 5/27
- Forest Park Carousel Benefit 6/12

News & Announcements
- Congratulations to E-294/L-143 and E-293 Wildcats
- Forest Park Summer Events
- WORKS Little League Parade
- Forest Park Walking Club
- Woodhaven Resources
- WRBA Dance Journal
- WRBA Membership Drive

** Our Top Stories:

** Woodhaven Town Hall Saturday – As mentioned above, our next meeting is THIS Saturday, May 16th at 12 Noon at Emanuel United Church of Christ (91st Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard).

** Radio Free Woodhaven – We’ll be LIVE Friday at 10 PM EST, click here to listen live. Call in during the show, (646) 378-1612 and voice your opinion. If you miss the live broadcast, you can always click the same link to listen archives.

** Upcoming Events:

** Memorial Trees Reception – Recently it was discovered that the trees lining Forest Park Drive were planted in the names of Woodhaven soldiers who were killed during WW1 and for each Memorial Day, they would be decorated. The American legion and the Woodhaven Historical Society will be decorating them for the first time in 70+ years and will host a reception Thursday, May 21st from 5 to 8 PM at Oak Ridge. Light refreshments will be served, everyone is welcome to attend.

** Memorial Day Cememony Forest Parkway – The annual small town Memorial Day ceremony presented by the GWDC will take place at 7:30 on Thursday, May 21st. There will be patriotic music and a color guard.

** Memorial Day Parade – Forest Hills – Last year about a dozen residents marched in the Forest Hills parade representing Woodhaven. Can we do better this year? We’re meeting at Ascan Avenue and Metropolitan Avenue at about 11:30 AM on Sunday, May 24th. Come out and show `em that Woodhaven cares!

** News of St. Luke’s Future – A merger of Christ Lutheran, Ozone Park, St. Philip, Cypress Hills, and St. Luke, Woodhaven will go into effect Sunday, May 24. The new church will temporarily gather at the space now used by St. Luke (temporary for 2-3 yrs). The new name of the church will be All Saints. A Bilingual “Moving Forward” / Closing Service will take place Sunday, May 24, 2015 at 10:30AM. The “Resurrection” / Opening Service takes place later the same day at 4:00PM. Both services at 87-34 85th Street, Woodhaven, NY

** Forest Park Carousel – Opening Weekend – Memorial Day Weekend also marks the official opening of the 2015 season for the Forest Park Carousel. Click here for a little history lesson on our carousel. And if you haven’t heard, the Forest Park Carousel underwent a massive renovation over the winter – click here for dramatic pics and video.

** Woodhaven Historical Society – The guest speaker in May is David Galst, Operations Manager of the Forest Park Carousel, and he’ll be speaking about the renovation mentioned above. Wedensday, May 27th at 1 PM at Emanuel United Church of Christ (91st Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard).

** SSNDEC Benefit at the Carousel – Save the date! Come ride the Forest Park Carousel for a good cause. All proceeds from the carousel on Friday June 12th from 5 PM to 9 PM will go to The School Sisters of Notre Dame Educational Center for Women in Woodhaven, NY. The School Sisters do a marvelous job helping improve the lives of families by helping women get better jobs through getting their GED and/or helping them learn English as their second language. There will be a free magic show, face painting – and loads of fun. Come out and enjoy this NYC Landmark and help a great local cause! Click here for details.

** News & Announcements:

** Congratulations to E-294/L-143 and E-293 Wildcats – BOTH of our stations are celebrating their 100th Anniversary this year. If you’re interested in a commemorative T-Shirt for E-294, click this link.

** Forest Park Summer Events – Magic Shows, Puppet Shows, Zumba, Beatlemania, Rod Stewart, Elivis – there’s something for everyone on Forest Park’s Summer Schedule –click here to see what’s on tap!

** WORKS Little League Parade – Click here for pictures and video from this year’s annual march through Woodhaven. The WRBA Royals (4 and 5 year olds) will be playing the next few Wednesdays at the track at Victory Field starting at 6 PM. Come out and root for the WRBA Royals!

** Forest Park Walking Club – Walking Club meets every Saturday at the flagpole at Victory Field at 1 p.m. The workout is canceled only in case of heavy rain or strong wind. Participants do not have to sign up. Click here for more info.

** WRBA Dance Journal – Each year, the WRBA produces a journal for its dinner dance. The journal looks back on the past 12 months, pays tribute to our honorees, and includes many ads from businesses and sponsors — click here to take a few moments to look through this year’s WRBA Journal. And please take note of the businesses that supported our community by taking out an ad in this year’s journal. Return the favor – support these businesses – and please thank them the next time you are doing business with them. Without their support, much of what the WRBA does would not be possible.

—

Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association

woodhaven-nyc.org

718-296-3735

Catholic Charities Establishes Relief Fund for Woodhaven Fire Victims

Fri, 20 Mar 2015 21:22:27 +0000

Blog:

March 20, 2015 (Woodhaven, NY) — City Councilman Eric Ulrich, New York State Assemblyman Mike Miller, and Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens (CCBQ) announced today the creation of a special relief fund to aid those families affected by the four-alarm fire in Woodhaven on the night of Wednesday, March 18, 2015. The fire damaged or destroyed eight homes and displaced more than 60 individuals.

Donations will support CCBQ’s efforts to provide life essentials including gift cards to local supermarkets, clothing, replacement household furniture, and other necessities. Monetary donations can be made payable to CCBQ online at www.ccbq.org or by mail. Contributions should designate “Woodhaven Fire Victims” in the memo. For more information contact CCBQ’s Office of Development & Communications at (718) 722-6202.

Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens
91 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

“This fund will allow Catholic Charities to help the residents of Woodhaven who lost everything on that fateful night,” said Councilman Ulrich. “The proceeds that we are able to raise will really make a difference and help ease the road to recovery for these families.”

“We cannot erase what occurred, but this fund will help these families work towards rebuilding for a better tomorrow” said Assemblyman Miller. “We ask the community to help in any way they can to assist these residents in this time of need.”

“Our Catholic Charities Disaster Case Management team arrived to help ensure those displaced by the fire could get the help they needed to get re-established as soon as possible,” said Monsignor Alfred LoPinoto, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens. “These families will need to start over, and Catholic Charities will be there along the way to provide for their physical and emotional needs. We ask that you please keep these families in your prayers.”

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Calling All Parents from PS 97 & PS 306

Wed, 11 Mar 2015 09:03:23 +0000

Blog:

For the second consecutive year, residents of Woodhaven will take part in a process to decide how to spend $1 million. Read the following – email the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association at info@woodhaven-nyc.org, or call them at 718-296-3735.

What Is Participatory Budgeting? Councilman Eric Ulrich has committed 1 million dollars to this project – residents in Eric’s district brainstorm and put together a ballot of projects to be voted upon. Residents will then vote on the items – and all items up to a millions dollars will be completed.

Why does any of this concern the parents of students who attend PS 97 and PS 306?

Because one of the items on the ballot is for Technology Upgrades – $75,000 each for PS 97 Forest Park and PS 306 New York City Academy for Discovery (Woodhaven).

You will be allowed to select up to five items from the ballot. Voting will take place for most of the month of April, and we will have several voting areas within Woodhaven. The complete ballot will be reviewed as part of the next meeting of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, which takes place on Saturday, March 21, at noon at American Legion Post 118, 89-02 91st Street. As a side note, the new Captain of the 102 Precinct, Deodat Urprasad, will attend the meeting and introduce himself to the Woodhaven community – everyone is welcome to attend – it’s free – come and meet your neighbors.

We need to get enough people to come out to vote and secure this money for our local schools. We will work with each school to pass along the information – or you can sign up for regular email updates from the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association by sending an email to info@woodhaven-nyc.org (put “Grapevine” in the subject). Click here for samples of our community emails.

In order to vote – you need to be 14 years of age or older, and live in District 32. As Woodhaven is split across 2 districts, that means not everyone can vote — to find out if you can vote, click here and enter your address. If it says District 32, you can vote.

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association does not want anyone left out of the process — so even if you are not District 32, let us know (you can even fill out a ballot) and we will pass along your intention to your city council member.

Voting days and locations will be announced soon.

Apart from Technology Upgrades, here are the other items up for your consideration:

2) Construction – $300,000 worth of auditorium renovations for PS 64 Joseph P. Addabbo (Ozone Park).

3) Parks – A $250,000 renovation of a 9/11 Memorial in Forest Park. This may include some sort of mural along with landscaping, pavers and benches.

4) Parks – The addition of Emergency Call Boxes throughout Forest Park to improve safety. Technically, this would go through the NYPD as they would decide the best places in Forest Park to place them. They cost $7,000 each and we would be getting 20 of them (for a total of $140,000).

5) Parks – Improvements to Equity Park. Across from the American Legion there is a large empty space that used to be a tennis court. It is proposed to convert that into a nice park with benches, trees, bocce ball courts, etc. Total cost for this project is estimated at $800,000 – but for this year, we are only able to vote for $400,000 meaning that it will need to come back next year for the rest.

6) Parks – Refurbishment of Lt. Clinton L. Whiting Square at 91st Avenue and 84th Street. This would include $240,000 worth of improvements – landscaping and benches – for the World War 1 memorial.

7) Parks – $175,000 worth of upgrades (new fencing and benches) to the Forest Park Dog Run at 85th Street and Park Lane South.

8) Libraries – $100,000 each for technology and security upgrades for Ozone Park and Richmond Hill.

Participatory Budgeting only works if people participate ,so we will make sure that every resident has ample opportunity to vote. Start thinking about it now. Review the eight items above and decide which five should get your vote.

The ballot this year is weighted heavily towards parks project, Woodhaven in particular. That can be credited to the large amount of involvement from our community.

Woodhaven’s Grapevine – Volume # 130

Fri, 20 Feb 2015 16:10:44 +0000

Blog:

Here is our latest edition of what’s happening in Woodhaven:

Our Top Stories
- Woodhaven Town Hall SATURDAY – 12 Noon at American Legion
- WRBA Website
- Radio Free Woodhaven (Goodfellas!)

Local Events
- Little League Registration 2/20, 2/27
- Old Pictures of Queens Slideshow at Neir’s 2/24
- Art Show at Resorts Casino thru 3/9
- Queens Symphony Orchestra Free Show in Woodhaven 2/25
- St. Paddy’s Day at the American Legion 3/15

News & Announcements
- Woodhaven Murder
- Day Care Drug Bust
- Mardi Gras Highlights
- Schmidt’s Candies
- Woodhaven Resources
- WRBA Dance Journal
- WRBA Membership Drive

** Our Top Stories:

** Woodhaven Town Hall Saturday – Our next meeting is Saturday, February 21st at 12 Noon at American Legion Post 118 (89-02 91st Street, behind PS 60). There is a lot to discuss – hope to see you there.

** Radio Free Woodhaven – We’ll be LIVE Friday at 10 PM EST, click here at 10 to listen live. Friday night we’ll be speaking with Mr. Kerry Whalen, who was working at Lufthansa the night it was famously robbed in 1978 (which inspired the movie Goodfellas, released 25 years ago and filmed partially in Woodhaven). Mr. Whalen has written a book about what it was like being stuck between the Mob and the FBI and he’ll be our guest Friday at 10. Got any thoughts on what’s going on in Woodhaven, or in our city? Call in during the show, (646) 378-1612 and voice your opinion. If you miss the live broadcast, you can always click the same link to listen archives.

** Upcoming Events:

** Little League Registration – Time is running out to register in WORKS Little League. The office will be open Friday, February 20th and February 27th from 7 to 9 PM for registration ($100 per child for the season). The WORKS Little League Office is located at 84-01 Jamaica Avenue (corner of Forest Parkway above the bank). Click here for more info. Please share with anyone who has children.

** Forgotten Queens Slideshow NEW DATE – Queens Historian Kevin Walsh of Forgotten New York and author of “Forgotten Queens” will be giving a FREE slideshow presentation at Neir’s Tavern on Tuesday, February 24th at 7 PM, event sponsored by the Woodhaven Historical Society. There will be lots of old pictures of Queens – these events are always popular, so come early to get a seat.

** Art Show at Resorts – The work of Madeline Lovallo, famous for her paintings of Howard Beach, Hamilton Beach, the Rockaways, Ozone Park and Woodhaven, is being exhibited at Resorts World Casino New York City in Queens (Aqueduct) through March 9th – 2nd Floor – Red Wall Gallery (go into the Main Entrance, go to the left and take the elevator to the 2nd Floor). Click here for pictures and video of the opening day of the exhibit.

** Free Concert at All Saints – The Queens Symphony Orchestra will be giving a concert sponsored by Councilman Eric Ulrich at All Saints Church, 85-45 96th Street, on Wednesday, February 25. The concert, featuring the works of Johann Sebastian Bach and Claude Debussy, starts at 7 p.m. in the main church building.

** Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day & Help The Vets – Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with our Vets on Sunday, March 15th from 1 PM to 5 PM at the American Legion (89-02 91st street). You’ll get a Family Style Dinner – Corned Beef & Cabbage & Mashed Potatoes and all the trimmings, beer, wine, soda, coffee and dessert! Plus, dancing with DJ Richie! $30 per person, call Jennifer (718-296-3923) or Loretta (718-843-1292) to buy tickets. All proceeds go towards American Legion Post 118 which is approaching its 100th anniversary – and starting next year will begin decorating the Memorial Trees in Forest Park, dedicated to boys from Woodhaven who gave their lives for this country. Come out and support your American Legion!

** News & Announcements:

** Woodhaven Murder – As you have no doubt read, there was a shocking act of violence last Friday. A young man, Eric Roman, was shot and killed in front of his house on 89th Street just off Atlantic Avenue. Click here for a selection of stories about this incident.

** Day Care Drug Bust – You may have seen this story on the news – here is what the 102 Pct sent directly to us: “The 102nd Precinct would like to inform you about a search warrant which was executed early this morning at approximately 5:00 a.m. at a private house located on 88 avenue between 85 and 86 street in Queens(confines of the 102nd Precinct). The search warrant was executed by members of the 102nd Precinct Field Intelligence Unit as well as members of the NYPD Narcotics Unit. The location can be described as a two story house and is a private residence, which also houses a child day care center on the first floor. No children were present during the execution of the search warrant. The search warrant yielded positive results and a substantial amount of marijuana and MDMA, the narcotic know as “Molly”, were recovered from a bedroom in the basement of location. Two male Hispanics in their 20’s were taken into custody. The day care center is owned and operated by the parents of one of the perpetrators. The parents were not charged, as the narcotics were found in the bedroom of one of the perpetrators. The perpetrators were taken to the 102nd Precinct for processing.”

** Mardi Gras Celebration – The School Sisters of Notre Dame Educational Center for Women held their annual Mardi Gras celebration last week. Click here for video highlights of the event.

** Schmidt’s Candies – Click here for a story on legendary Schmidt’s Candies – how many of you bought some Valentines Day sweeties there this year?.

** WRBA Dance Journal – Each year, the WRBA produces a journal for its dinner dance. The journal looks back on the past 12 months, pays tribute to our honorees, and includes many ads from businesses and sponsors — click here to take a few moments to look through this year’s WRBA Journal. And please take note of the businesses that supported our community by taking out an ad in this year’s journal. Return the favor – support these businesses – and please thank them the next time you are doing business with them. Without their support, much of what the WRBA does would not be possible.

** WRBA Membership Drive – Many thanks to everyone who signed up as new members or renewed their existing memberships. Our drive for new memberships and renewals continues. If you want to renew or sign-up online, click here.

—

Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association

woodhaven-nyc.org

718-296-3735

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 01:05:00 +0000
In the News: Police Seek Mugger At Forest Park
Queens Tribune

Speaking two days later at the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association meeting, Sautner said there have been no arrests made related to that incident, but they do not believe this latest incident is part of the sexual assault pattern that has been ongoing at the park for the past two years, including a rape incident last year. “There’s nothing to indicate concretely that this crime is sexual in nature at all.”

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 00:58:00 +0000
In the News: Jogger Attacked, Robbed in Latest Forest Park Assault
The Forum

“There is nothing that indicates it’s the same person or pattern,” Sautner said at last week’s Woodhaven Residents Block Association meeting. “Not a crime sexual in nature.” No arrests have been made, but Sautner noted that his detective squad is running down some leads.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 00:53:00 +0000
In the News: Forest Park attack tops WRBA meeting agenda
Queens Chronicle

A recent mugging in Forest Park, a new residential home in the area and restoration of a collapsed building on Jamaica Avenue were among the top issues on the table as the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association held its monthly meeting on Sept. 18 at American Legion Post 118 in Woodhaven.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Fri, 26 Sep 2014 00:35:00 +0000
In the News: Progress On Repairs Of Woodhaven Building
Queens Tribune

There could be a light at the end of the tunnel for the ongoing saga of a collapsed building in Woodhaven. Updating residents at last week’s Woodhaven Residents Block Association meeting, a representative from the Dept. of Buildings, Ken Lazar, said the owner of the building on Jamaica Ave. is finally following a schedule set by a judge to complete necessary work on the building.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 00:56:00 +0000
In the News: Forest Park Security Cameras Held Up for Months by Red Tape
DNA Info

"One of the ideas about cameras is that they serve as a preventive measure," said Ed Wendell of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association, who utilizes the park on a regular basis, adding that if criminals "know that there are cameras around, they are going to behave." "Everyone agrees that [installing cameras] is a good idea, but it has to go though all this red tape."

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 00:29:00 +0000
In the News: Closing Bell: Huge Woodhaven Yard Sale Coming This Saturday
Brownstoner Queens

This Saturday, the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association is hosting a community-wide yard sale, with more than 80 homes expected to participate. Last year’s event proved incredibly popular, with over 60 homes participating and shoppers visiting from around the city.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 00:54:00 +0000
In the News: Giant sinkhole in Forest Park creates hazard for runners and pedestrians
New York Daily News

“We saw the barricades and the sign that says ‘under construction,’ so we knew Parks was aware of the problem, and we assumed it would soon be fixed,” said Ed Wendell of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. “Then another summer rolled around and nothing had been done. It had grown, and the barricades were still up.”

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 00:45:00 +0000
In the News: Great Woodhaven Yard Sale returns this Saturday by popular demand
Leader-Observer

This Saturday, the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) will host its second annual Great Woodhaven Yard Sale. After last year’s success, the yard sale is back and already bigger than before. On Saturday, Sept. 27, all residents in Woodhaven are invited to participate in a coordinated day of yard sales.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Sun, 21 Sep 2014 18:38:00 +0000
In the News: Carousel experts from around the nation flock to Queens and visit two historic carousels
New York Daily News

“It’s validating,” said Ed Wendell of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, who helped lead a campaign to reopen the carousel during the time it was shuttered. “To have people who love carousels come in here and see their excitement -- it’s fantastic.”

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 00:49:00 +0000
In the News: Selecting Right Approach To Select Bus Service
Times Newsweekly

Like many residents of Woodhaven, I take public transportation to work, and I think it’s the most efficient and cost-effective way to get from southern Queens to downtown Manhattan. But the winter months ahead are a good reminder that we must continue to think of ideas about how to improve public transportation in New York City.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 00:31:00 +0000
In the News: Woodhaven gets a fresh coat of paint
Queens Chronicle

Two Woodhaven civic leaders took to the streets this past weekend to fight the war on graffiti vandalism. Martin Colberg, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, and his predecessor, Ed Wendell, painted 21 mailboxes, 10 fire boxes and 6 traffic control boxes across the neighborhood on Sunday that had been marred by graffiti.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 18:39:00 +0000
In the News: Pct. Commander To Visit WRBA
Times Newsweekly

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association will feature two sets of guest speakers at its next Town Hall, on Thursday, Sept. 18. The first is Deputy Inspector Henry Sautner, the commanding officer of the 102nd Precinct, who will introduce a new Community Affairs officer to Woodhaven.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 23:42:00 +0000
In the News: WRBA Will Welcome Special Guests At Next Town Hall
Queens Gazette

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association will feature two sets of guest speakers at its next Town Hall on Thursday, September 18. The first is Deputy Inspector Henry Sautner, the commanding officer of the 102nd Police Precinct, who will introduce a new Community Affairs officer. The second are representatives from HeartShare Human Services of New York.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 00:47:00 +0000
In the News: Countdown On For Big Woodhaven Yard Sale
Times Newsweekly

Woodhaven figures to be a special destination for bargain-hunters during the last weekend of September, as the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association is again organizing a community-wide yard sale. Known as “The Great Woodhaven Yard Sale,” it will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at participating households in the 11421 ZIP code.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 23:44:00 +0000
In the News: Woodhaven Cleanup Continues
The Forum

Woodhaven volunteers will hit the streets once again this weekend in an ongoing effort to rid the streets of unsightly graffiti. The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Assocation first launched the latest graffiti cleanup initiative earlier this summer and have since spent several weekends pounding the pavement and repainting parts of Woodhaven.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 23:46:00 +0000
In the News: Assembly Cmte. Vetting Forest Park Camera Request
The Forum

“It’s a scary thing,” said Ed Wendell of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association. “When you’re [in the park] there is a lot of tension, especially for women. But I’m looking to keep my eye out; if I see someone acting suspicious or odd or unusual—even if it’s just a hunch—I’m calling the cops.”

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 23:48:00 +0000
In the News: Woodhaven fuming over building ruling
Queens Chronicle

It may be the dog days of August, but nothing seems to be slowing down for the summer in Woodhaven. The monthly meeting of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association drew a high-energy crowd to the Emanuel United Church of Christ on 91st Avenue Saturday morning.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 23:47:00 +0000
In the News: Woodhaven Eyesore Just Won't Go Away
Times Newsweekly

Frustration continued among Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association members during the group’s meeting last Saturday, Aug. 16, at Emanuel United Church of Christ over a lack of action regarding a Jamaica Avenue structure that partially collapsed nearly 18 months ago.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 00:51:00 +0000
In the News: Be a part of Woodhaven's biggest yard sale
Leader-Observer

By popular demand, the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association will again be sponsoring “The Great Woodhaven Yard Sale” on Saturday, September 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date is Sunday, September 28). Last year over 60 families participated with a good number reporting sales of well over $100 (with a few reaching even loftier goals).

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Sun, 17 Aug 2014 01:08:00 +0000
In the News: Dinner to toast Woodhaven corps
Times Ledger

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association and several area elected officials have planned a Sept. 20 fund-raiser at Emanuel United Church of Christ to boost the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps’s reserves, according to the civic group’s website.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 01:10:00 +0000
In the News: Woodhaven civic fights graffiti
Times Ledger

The Woodhaven Residents’ Blocks Association wants to keep 311 busy. At its Saturday meeting, WRBA director president Ed Wendell revealed a four-point plan to fight graffiti and emphasized the efficiency of calling 311.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 23:05:00 +0000
In the News: Quality-of-life issues concern Woodhaven
Queens Chronicle

Midsummer isn’t a quiet time for Woodhaven residents and civic leaders. During a town hall meeting Saturday that drew a sizable audience to Emanuel United Church of Christ, the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association addressed more than half a dozen issues, most of them ongoing problems facing the area.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 23:03:00 +0000
In the News: Woodhaven Confronts Idle Cars
The Forum

The Woodhaven Residents Block Association has grappled with the immobile cars taking up spaces along the boulevard for extended periods of time and members of the group argued over the weekend that very little was being done to address the matter.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 01:02:00 +0000
In the News: Woodhaven ‘eyesore’ will not be knocked down
Queens Courier

During a meeting on the issue, held by the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, Department of Buildings (DOB) representative Kenneth Lazar told residents that construction would begin after Independence Day, according to the DOB. But after Forcina sued the DOB and Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the two settled on the October completion date.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 23:13:00 +0000
In the News: Timeline issued for Jamaica Ave. building repairs
Times Ledger

“It would take months to fix it. They could demolish it tomorrow,” Wendell said, noting that the delays have put the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps and a senior center in a tough position. “It’s just like the olden days, where they used to torture people to death, slowly crushing them to death. That’s exactly what the city of New York is doing to these people.”

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 23:15:00 +0000
In the News: Woodhaven Still Waiting for Building Demolition
The Forum

Buildings Department liaison Kenneth Lazar told residents in Woodhaven to expect construction on the building sometime after Independence Day. He spoke at the Woodhaven Residents Block Association meeting last month and said building owner George Kochabe had been ordered by a city judge to do something with the building after letting it sit vacant since its April 2013 collapse.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 23:10:00 +0000
In the News: Woodhaven Wants Answers on Atlantic Avenue
The Forum

Martin Colberg, president of the WRBA, said Patti Eggers pushes the issues at his group’s town hall. Progress was still in the works, he said. “We are working with Patti, a few of her neighbors and the 102nd Precinct to have the issues looked into with more detail,” he said. “Some of the issues have been ongoing for some time and we really need something done very soon.”

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 23:19:00 +0000
In the News: When is this building going to come down?
Queens Chronicle

“We hope that this schedule is adhered to by the courts and by the city and this isn’t just another chapter in the long game that’s been going on,” Ed Wendell wrote on the WRBA’s blog. “We’ve been promised that time has run out and that this schedule is a strict one — we hope for the sake of the Volunteer Ambulance Corps and our seniors that this is, indeed, the case.”

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 23:16:00 +0000
In the News: End Is Near For Blight
Times Newsweekly

Woodhaven residents will soon be rid of a partially collapsed building regarded as an eyesore, a Department of Buildings official told the Woodhaven Residents’Block Association during the group’s meeting last Saturday, June 21, at American Legion Post 118.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 22:43:00 +0000
In the News: WRBA Launches Membership Drive
The Forum

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association has launched its membership drive for 2014 in an effort to increase the number of Woodhaven’s 39,000 residents who are part of the civic organization.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 22 May 2014 22:44:00 +0000
In the News: Controversial Affordable Housing Plan Tops Talk at WRBA
The Forum

A controversial component of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s affordable housing plan was on the table at the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association’s monthly meeting at American Legion Post 118 on Saturday.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 08 May 2014 22:46:00 +0000
In the News: WRBA Cleans Up Woodhaven Playground
The Forum

If you notice Forest Park’s Mary Whalen Playground looking much better lately, the thanks should go the way of the 50 volunteers who took part in a clean-up of the area. The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association organized Saturday’s event, which resulted in the collection of more than 100 garbage bags of leaves and other debris being collected.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 01 May 2014 22:48:00 +0000
In the News: At WRBA, Woodhaven Charter School Leaders Vow to Meet Community Needs
The Forum

Michael Etsep, a volunteer spokesman for Circle Academy, which, if approved by the state Board of Regents, will open its doors at 85-27 91st St. in time for the 2014-15 school year, said at last Thursday’s Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association that representatives from the charter expect a good number of their pupils to hail from the Woodhaven area because of their outreach efforts.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 23:28:00 +0000
In the News: City Must Change 'Terrifying' Woodhaven Intersection, Residents Urge
The Forum

“This is on the top of our list when it comes to the safety of our residents,” Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association President Martin Colberg said of the slew of concerns with the Park Lane South intersection. “I hope they expand the islands with more cement; I really don’t think just adding stripes will do anything.”

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 23:20:00 +0000
In the News: Woodhaven Civic Releases Rest Of Meeting Calendar
Times Newsweekly

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) has set its calendar of monthly town hall meetings for the remainder of 2014. The sessions will alternate between two locations and will be held at several different times and days of the week.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 22:35:00 +0000
In the News: Woodhaven Residents Rejoice Over City's Plan to Tear Down Collapsed Building
The Forum

“This is a great step forward,” said Martin Colberg, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, a community organization that spearheaded much of the movement to tear down the building. “I got a call from [Assemblyman] Mike Miller about it, and I said, ‘Excuse me, Mike? Am I hearing this correctly?’ It was amazing.”

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 23:38:00 +0000
In the News: Woodhaven Residents to City: Act Before Tragedy Happens
The Forum

“It’s something we shouldn’t stand for – the Department of Buildings has to do something – and do something now,” Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association President Martin Colberg said.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 23:50:00 +0000
In the News: Maria Thomson Resigns From WRBA Board After 40 Years of Service
The Forum

Woodhaven runs in Maria Thomson’s blood. Four decades ago, the area leader launched her career as a civic activist by becoming a member of the then two-year-old Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association’s board of director. Now, seven U.S. presidents later, Thomson is hanging up her hat as a board member

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 23:52:00 +0000
In the News: At WRBA, Velazquez Talks Congress' New Spending Bill, Struggling Economy
The Forum

“Congress saw the light, and we passed the omnibus bill,” Velazquez said at the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association meeting. “…New York alone will get $500 million for early childhood education. We restored funding for the military, especially for disabled veterans.”

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 00:30:00 +0000
In the News: Study Reveals Woodhaven Boulevard Intersection Deadliest in Queens
NY1 News

A recent study by nonprofit Tri-State Transportation Campaign shows eight people have been killed on Woodhaven Boulevard between from 2010 to 2012, making it the deadliest street in Queens.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 23:54:00 +0000
In the News: New Officers to Take the Helm at WRBA
The Forum

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association announced this week there will be a changing of the guard at the more than 40-year-old neighborhood organization that does everything from advocate for cleaner and safer streets to working with residents on individual problems navigating city bureaucracy.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 23:39:00 +0000
In the News: Woodhaven Residents Encouraged to Launch Civilian Patrol
The Forum

Talk of a new civilian patrol in Woodhaven and the QueensWay proposal to turn a portion of the abandoned Rockaway Beach Rail Line into park space led the discussion at the monthly Woodhaven Residents Block Association on Thursday.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Fri, 27 Sep 2013 23:31:00 +0000
In the News: Richmond Hill church moving to former Saint Matthew’s Church of Woodhaven
Queens Courier

“There were a lot of concerns about what was going to happening to that church, to that building, to that property,” said Ed Wendell of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. “To hear that a new congregation is going to make it its new home, that is really good news, because that means that the building is going to have new life.”

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 22:56:00 +0000
In the News: In Woodhaven, A Celebration of Community -- WRBA Honors Civic, Business Leaders at 42nd Annual Dinner
The Forum

The Woodhaven Residents Block Association held its 42nd annual fundraiser last week to celebrate another year of protecting the South Queens community. The event, held at Joe Abbracciamento Restaurant in Rego Park, honored community members hailed as inspirations in a tight-knit neighborhood and was attended by a bevy of politicians.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 23:33:00 +0000
In the News: New congregation has plans for Woodhaven cemetery
Leader-Observer

Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association, views the garden as a history lesson. “We hoped to look for a more permanent solution,” said Wendell. “It’s a beautiful spot.”

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 22:41:00 +0000
In the News: 'Patrolling Our Own Backyard' -- Woodhaven Residents Look to Launch Civilian Crime-Fighting Group
The Forum

“We’ve had a number of crimes in the area, and there’s a general sense that we need to do something to feel like we have better control over what’s going on in our community,” Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association President Ed Wendell said of the civilian patrol he hopes is on the streets by the end of the year.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Wed, 21 Aug 2013 23:40:00 +0000
In the News: Meet the Man of the Year 2013
Leader-Observer

Over the past few years, I have had the good fortune of being involved in the selection process of individuals, groups, organizations and businesses that deserve to be honored at the annual celebration of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. This year, we are very happy to be honoring Mr. Paul Rudolph, Jr., the proprietor of Walker Funeral Home.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 23:38:00 +0000
In the News: Thank Woodhaven Vet With Buying Dinner At Civic Gala
Times Newsweekly

Woodhaven’s American Legion Post 118 will be honored at the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) dinner-dance next month—and the organization is asking the public to offer a gesture of thanks by paying for a member of the post to attend the civic gala.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 23:37:00 +0000
In the News: Fresh Thinking On Noise Woes
Times Newsweekly

In last week’s column, I wrote about noise. That column described how the warmer months bring this scourge back to Woodhaven. Noise is such a large problem in Woodhaven that I’d like to focus on it for this week’s column too. This time instead of encouraging my neighbors to hang in there and to use 311, I’m encouraging our elected officials and city agencies to take action.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 22:05:00 +0000
In the News: Could we have prevented a tragedy?
Leader-Observer

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association had a security patrol for years, and there are still many signs in our community warning potential perpetrators that residents are patrolling. But the truth is that there has not been a civilian security patrol in a long time. To have a security patrol you need volunteers who are willing to give up at least one evening a month to drive around our community, keeping an eye on the streets.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 22:56:00 +0000
In the News: Woodhaven residents oppose Queens 'High Line'
Times Ledger

Much of the debate surrounding the proposed QueensWay has been framed as an either-or issue: reactivate train service along the abandoned Rockaway Beach rail route or redevelop it into parkland, similar to Manhattan’s High Line. But a group of citizens who live along the abandoned rail line, including the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, have a third idea: do nothing.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 22:49:00 +0000
In the News: Making Noise About Noise
Times Newsweekly

The season of noise—and noise complaints—has arrived. For years, noise has been among the most common sources of complaints received by the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. We’ve done our best to fight excessive noise, but there is no end in sight to this battle.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 22:31:00 +0000
In the News: Locals Honored In Woodhaven Soiree
Times Newsweekly

The Woodhaven Residents Block Association announced the honorees for its annual dinner this fall during a press event held July 25 at The Avenue Diner in Woodhaven.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 19:29:00 +0000
In the News: 102nd Commanding Officer Promoted to Deputy Inspector
The Forum

“Deputy Inspector Sautner has a difficult job, and he’s been doing it well,” said Alex Blenkinsopp, director of communications for the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. “We congratulate him on his much-deserved promotion. We know he’ll keep up the great work, and we look forward to continuing to partner with him and everyone else at the 102nd Precinct.”

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 19:28:00 +0000
In the News: In Woodhaven, Honoring Community Leaders
The Forum

Gathered in a room of a diner, steps from the flood of pedestrians hurrying down Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven in the final hours of last Thursday’s daylight, a group of longtime Woodhaven civic leaders and residents raised their proverbial glasses to a group they said represented the history and future of a tight-knit community filled with hard-working families.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 01 Aug 2013 19:13:00 +0000
In the News: Woodhaven Woman Stabbed 10 Times—Attacked by Unknown Assailant on the Way Home From Work
The Forum

Civic leaders and elected officials expressed their concern over the apparent randomness of the attack. President of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association Ed Wendell posted a small piece of video surveillance released by the NYPD on the WRBA Facebook page to alert neighbors. The footage is not very clear, but police hope it will still help in the suspects identification.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 22:33:00 +0000
In the News: Pols: Shape Up, Sandy Charities
Times Newsweekly

State Sen. Joseph Addabbo updated the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) on the status of several charity organizations that have not dispersed money collected in the wake of Hurricane Sandy during the civic group’s July 20 meeting at St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 19:32:00 +0000
In the News: At WRBA, Beating the Heat To Talk Skate Park Problems, Honoring Veterans
The Forum

Clinging to water bottles and impromptu fans hastily assembled from scraps of paper, the residents who filtered into the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association meeting at St. Luke’s Church last Saturday were of the die-hard ilk: They came, they sweated and they didn’t leave until they covered everything from concerns over rowdy children in the newly opened skate park to supporting veterans in the community.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 22:12:00 +0000
In the News: Millions of Sandy relief money still not spent
Leader-Observer

A recent Woodhaven Residents' Block Association meeting addressed the issue of organizations that collected money for Hurricane Sandy victims, but didn't give the money to those in need. “The block association collected a lot of blankets and a lot of money,” said WRBA board member Alexander Blenkinsopp. “We are not one of those unscrupulous organizations. Every single penny was donated.”

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 21:27:00 +0000
In the News: Community concerned over newly opened skate park
Queens Courier

Concerns about London Planetree Skate Park have been rolling since the facility opened a month go. At a recent Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association meeting, neighbors shared their worries about safety in the park. Some attendees asked for improved lighting outside of the park, located on Atlantic Avenue. Others suggested there a crosswalk should be installed to make it easier for young skaters to cross the street.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 22:36:00 +0000
In the News: Holiday Tree Grows Again in Woodhaven
Times Newsweekly

Woodhaven will be getting a new evergreen to replace the one lost during Hurricane Sandy which served for decades as the neighborhood’s holiday tree. Alex Blenkinsopp, communications director of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, explained in a column last week the organization and others in the area sought “an authentic replacement” for the evergreen to serve as the center of the community’s holiday festivities .

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 21:59:00 +0000
In the News: Historic cemetery in need of some TLC
Queens Chronicle

The Rev. Norman Whitmire Jr., the pastor of the congregation — currently worshipping at All Saints Church at 97-25 Lefferts Blvd. in Richmond Hill — has told the diocese and Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association and the Woodhaven Historical Society, that cleaning up the cemetery will be a priority and that he wants the community involved.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 21:18:00 +0000
In the News: Lending a Hand To Children in Need
The Forum

Assemblyman Mike Miller and the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association are sponsoring a toy drive to help children from families in need celebrate Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr, which translates to the festival of breaking the fast, is a holiday celebrated by Muslims that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 22:39:00 +0000
In the News: Let Us Have A Real Holiday Tree
Times Newsweekly

Within the past several weeks, we finally got that new tree—but it was not what we expected or hoped for. It’s a plain deciduous tree, looking like any other in the neighborhood. We want an evergreen to take the place of our lost one. We want a replacement that could serve as a holiday tree—one that’s distinctive and will look lively during the holiday season and will eventually grow to resemble the tree we lost.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 22:01:00 +0000
In the News: Trains, a park, both or neither?
Queens Chronicle

A final idea, endorsed by our friends at the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, is to do nothing and just let nature continue to slowly reclaim the right of way. We understand people who live up against it don’t want trains or people right behind their houses where none were before, but NIMBYism can’t be the deciding factor here. Security would simply have to be a top consideration in any plan that goes forward.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 19:09:00 +0000
In the News: For Woodhaven Residents, Christmas in July
The Forum

Looks like it’s Christmas in July for Woodhaven. After upset Woodhaven residents called on city officials to replace the community’s holiday tree, which was destroyed in Hurricane Sandy, with something more festive than the deciduous tree recently planted by the Parks Department, the city said there would soon be an evergreen at the spot on Forest Parkway near Jamaica Avenue.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Wed, 10 Jul 2013 22:17:00 +0000
In the News: More than just a tree in Woodhaven
Leader-Observer

We all had faith that a new tree would take the place of our lost holiday tree. Unfortunately, we ended up with a plain old tree. The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association has written to the Parks Dept., our elected officials, Community Board 9, and local civic leaders and asked them how this particular tree was chosen for such an important spot in our community, and how we can get a more suitable tree.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 21:30:00 +0000
In the News: Woodhaven residents not happy with holiday tree replacement
Queens Courier

A tree grows in Woodhaven—but residents say it’s the wrong one. They are barking mad that the Parks Dept. replaced the nearly 30-year-old Woodhaven holiday tree, which was downed by Sandy, with a deciduous “street tree.” “We had expected that a suitable replacement would be planted in place of our lost holiday tree,” said Alex Blenkinsopp, communications director for the WRBA.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 23:07:00 +0000
In the News: Forest Park Carousel Wins Designation As A Landmark
Queens Gazette

The WRBA submitted testimony to the commission urging the designation. The testimony points out that the carousel is a beautiful work of art, a historic specimen that embodies our community’s heritage, and a form of entertainment that has amused generations of Woodhaven residents. The Block Association has a long track record of advocacy for the Forest Park Carousel.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 23:05:00 +0000
In the News: WRBA Five Graduate From Citizens’ Police Academy
Queens Gazette

“The Citizens’ Police Academy taught me a remarkable amount about the Police Department’s work. It deepened my appreciation for all that goes into policing, and it made me much more aware of how I can help the police in my community,” said WRBA Treasurer Stephen Forte. “I look forward to applying those lessons in my civic involvement with the block association.”

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 00:04:00 +0000
In the News: Forest Park carousel gets landmark designation
Times Ledger

“This is tremendous news,” Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, said in a statement. “The Forest Park Carousel means so much to countless residents in Woodhaven and across the city. This designation is long overdue, but now that it’s here, we’re thrilled. With the carousel landmarked, we know it will be around for posterity, which is exactly how it should be.”

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 23:53:00 +0000
In the News: Iconic Forest Park Carousel Landmarked, Civic Leaders Rejoice
The Forum

The Forest Park Carousel, a 1903 structure steeped in history and beloved by the community, has been officially designated a city landmark following a unanimous vote by the Landmarks Preservation Commission on Tuesday. “This is tremendous news,” said Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association President Ed Wendell, who for years fought alongside other civic leaders to landmark the merry-go-round.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 23:43:00 +0000
In the News: Woodhaven Residents Graduate From Citizens' Police Academy
The Forum

Five members of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association graduated on Tuesday, June 18, from the NYPD’s Citizens’ Police Academy, an in-depth 14-week program that provides extensive training and education about the Police Department’s work.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 22:47:00 +0000
In the News: Forest Pk. Carousel A Moving Landmark
Times Newsweekly

Generations of children will get to enjoy the Forest Park Carousel for years to come after the merry-go-round was declared a landmark on Tuesday, June 25. “The Forest Park Carousel means so much to countless residents in Woodhaven and across the city,” said Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. “This designation is long overdue, but now that it’s here, we’re thrilled.”

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 22:44:00 +0000
In the News: Protecting Children From Speeding Drivers
Times Newsweekly

I have previously written in this newspaper to call for speed humps to slow speeding drivers on Woodhaven’s long, uninterrupted streets. I have also asked for NYPD surveillance cameras to crack down on hit-and-runs and other crimes. Albany took a positive—if limited—step last week to crack down on reckless drivers by approving speed cameras in school zones.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 22:41:00 +0000
In the News: Woodhaven Citizens Graduate NYPD Academy
Times Newsweekly

Five members of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association graduated last Tuesday, June 18, from the NYPD’s Civilian Police Academy, a 14-week instructional program that provides extensive training and information on the Police Department’s work. Among the topics covered included criminal justice law, hostage negotiations, child abuse, counterterrorism and school safety.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 22:18:00 +0000
In the News: An inside look at an officer's job
Leader-Observer

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association is very proud that five of its members were among the graduates of the NYPD’s Citizens Police Academy. They were Elaine Carillo, Janet Forte, Stephen Forte (WRBA Treasurer), Marie Paz and Susan Sweeney, and we all owe them our thanks for taking part in this program.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 11:47:00 +0000
In the News: Forest Park Carousel, Over A Century Old, Receives NYC Landmark Status
Associated Press

The Forest Park Carousel was originally made for Lakeview Park in Dracut, Mass., and was restored and moved to the 500-acre Forest Park in 1973. "Even when I was a young boy, I knew the carousel was special," said Alex Blenkinsopp, communications director for the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association. "The carousel is here to stay, and we couldn't be happier."

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 09:51:00 +0000
In the News: Forest Park Carousel is now a landmark
Queens Chronicle

“The Forest Park Carousel means so much to countless residents in Woodhaven and across the city," said Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. "This designation is long overdue, but now that it’s here, we’re thrilled. With the carousel landmarked, we know it will be around for posterity, which is exactly how it should be.”

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 09:10:00 +0000
In the News: Forest Park Carousel becomes official landmark
Queens Courier

“This designation is long overdue, but now that it’s here, we’re thrilled,” said Edward Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association. The association is one of the groups that have been fighting to get the carousel landmarked.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 11:27:00 +0000
In the News: Forest Park Carousel becomes NYC landmark
WPIX 11

“The Forest Park Carousel means so much to countless residents in Woodhaven and across the city. This designation is long overdue, but now that it’s here, we’re thrilled,” said Ed Wendell President of Woodhaven Residence Block Association.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 11:24:00 +0000
In the News: Forest Park Carousel Granted Landmark Status
DNAinfo

The Landmarks Preservation Commission unanimously voted Tuesday to designate the carousel, originally carved in 1903, a New York City landmark. "This is tremendous news,” said Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association, in a statement.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 10:08:00 +0000
In the News: LPC Landmarks Forest Park Carousel
Leader-Observer

"Even when I was a young boy, I knew the carousel was special,” said Alex Blenkinsopp of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association, which testified in favor of landmarking the carousel. "The carousel is here to stay, and we couldn't be happier."

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 09:07:00 +0000
In the News: It's a badge of honor
New York Daily News

Five members of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association graduated from the NYPD's Citizen Police Academy last week.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 23:12:00 +0000
In the News: Newly Opened Woodhaven Skatepark Draws Skaters from Around the City
DNAinfo

There are also many skateboarders in the area, “but they didn’t have any place” to skate, said Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents Block Association. Wendell said in the past, local skateboarders would hang out at a nearby Pathmark parking lot two blocks from the park, or they would just skate in the street. “Anything that you can put together for young people is a good thing,” Wendell said.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 23:56:00 +0000
In the News: Nights Are Too Long In Wdhvn.
Times Newsweekly

With summer drawing near, residents of Woodhaven are calling on local police to step up efforts against chronic noisemakers who hold loud parties and other activities during nighttime hours. The subject dominated last Saturday’s meeting of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association at the headquarters of the Woodhaven Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, which recently reopened after being damaged.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 11:30:00 +0000
In the News: Forest Park Senior Center shuts down
Queens Chronicle

Ed Wendell, President of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, said he was sad to see the center close. “It’s always a problem when you lose a senior center,” he said, noting that the neighborhood’s other facility, the Woodhaven Senior Center, has had issues, especially after a building collapse in April damaged the Woodhaven Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps building on Jamaica Avenue.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:10:00 +0000
In the News: Flag Day Traditions in Woodhaven
Leader-Observer

The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association will be hosting a receptacle where you can discard your old flags. Flags should never be thrown out and there is a proper protocol to disposing of them. The receptacle, a retired mailbox, will be placed in front of the WRBA office at 84-20 Jamaica Avenue and will be painted with bright red, white and blue paint.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:14:00 +0000
In the News: Woodhaven noise complaints raise concerns
Queens Courier

With summer coming, concerns about noise are among the top worries in the neighborhood, as addressed at the June 15 meeting of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:31:00 +0000
In the News: Crack Down On Out-Of-State Cars
Times Newsweekly

Parking is a problem in Woodhaven. We at the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association have heard neighbors complain frequently in recent years about how difficult it has become to find parking in the area. And we’ve experienced the problem ourselves.

WRBA Engage

Great Woodhaven Yard Sale – Latest Map

Woodhaven’s Grapevine – Volume # 138

Woodhaven’s Grapevine – Volume # 134

Woodhaven’s Grapevine – Volume # 133

Don’t Miss An Event: Check the Woodhaven Calendar

No-Cost Breast Cancer Screening

Woodhaven’s Grapevine – Volume # 132

Catholic Charities Establishes Relief Fund for Woodhaven Fire Victims

Calling All Parents from PS 97 & PS 306

Woodhaven’s Grapevine – Volume # 130

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 09:07:00 +0000 In the News: It's a badge of honorNew York Daily NewsFive members of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association graduated from the NYPD's Citizen Police Academy last week.

noreply@blogger.com (Woodhaven Residents Block Association) — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 09:07:00 +0000
In the News: It's a badge of honor
New York Daily News

Five members of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association graduated from the NYPD's Citizen Police Academy last week.