Queens Walk to End Alzheimers 2012

Not exactly a Woodside event, but it was great to see several hundred people turn out
for the second annual Queens Walk to End Alzheimers in Flushing Meadows.   Saw a group representing Sunnyside, but none officially representing Woodside, perhaps that will change
next year.

Local Foods Availability, Is Woodside Falling Between Two Stools?

On returning from vacation, I was pleased to learn that our Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer was involved in setting up a new food program in the Queensbridge housing to allow for greater availability of fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables.  The situation in Long Island City was especially bad, as it often is in areas of low-income housing.

Here in Woodside we have several fruit and vegetable shops to choose from, not to mention supermarkets, and two excellent butchers, so at first glance there would seem little reason to be concerned.  Yet, since moving here a year and half ago, I've been struck by the fact that the vibrant local food cultures in Jackson Heights and Sunnyside seem to be leaving Woodside behind.  To be sure with green markets in both those locations, I can't say it would make sense to have a green market here in Woodside, and I have heard there is a Community Supported Agriculture program based at St. Jacobus at 72-01 43rd Ave, but that is hardly at the center of Woodside.  Nor does it seem to be well publicized and I suspect I'm not alone in thinking we can do better.

It would be great if we didn't have to hop on the 7 train to get great locally produced foods.  If you are a Woodsider, and you've never done so check out the Green Market in Sunnyside on Skillman Ave between 42nd and 43rd Streets on Saturdays June to December or the one in Jackson Heights on 34th Ave between 77th and 78th Streets, which is open Sundays year around to get a feel for what we are missing.  It's not just locally grown fruits and vegetables, you can by meats and excellent locally caught fish, and even New York State wines but if you don't know about these outlets for great food it is easy to think there is no real need for to add to the diversity of quality food available in Woodside.

Immigrant Games

My apartment looks out on a park, and every Sunday from the time I wake up until dusk men are playing organized games of soccer.  These aren't pick up games, every team wears a uniform and there are referees and linesmen.  In the course of the day vendors come out and sell food, and people make a day of it.  The language of course is Spanish, and the players hardworking immigrants. Given that these men probably work jobs that tire them out during the week, their dedication is impressive, and the fact that they have an organization.  The man I spoke to, said his father organized it 20 years ago.  He and his father don't play, but they keep this going allowing teams to join each year.  That dedication and the dedication of the players ready to tire themselves out a sixth or seventh day of the week just fun, is a tribute to these people's ability to make a place for themselves in our, and now their land.

Woodside Clean-Up Day 15 July 2012

About 50 or so people showed up on Sunday July 15 at 61st and Roosevelt to spend a couple of hours cleaning up Woodside.  Sure it was hot and muggy, but it made us feel better.  Even my kids, who could have found "much better things" to do agreed it was nice.  Nothing builds community like believing in the idea of community.

                       Jalisa, aged 7, helping out along the Long Island Railroad right of way.

Our Congressman Joseph Crowley,  Joseph Onorato, the State Senator from Western Queens, and our Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer were all there and before the clean-up took some time listening to constituents.

Woodside Clean-Up

Jimmy Van Bramer and Rep. Michael Crowley have scheduled a Woodside clean-up day this Sunday July 15 between 12 and 3 at Roosevelt and 61st Street.  See you there.

Budget Deal Keeps Queens Libraries Open

If you haven't heard the City Council and Mayor Bloomberg reached a budge deal on Tuesday, and the good news for Queens Library is that the agreement will forestall any layoffs and will keep all existing Queens library branches open at least 5 days a week.

Queens Library CEO and President Thomas Galante praised the deal remarking “Our City’s elected officials have continued to face tough choices. Library users owe a debt of gratitude to Mayor Michael Bloomberg; City Council Speaker Christine Quinn; Finance Chair Domenic Recchia, Jr.; Cultural Affairs & Libraries Chair Jimmy Van Bramer; Libraries Chair Vincent Gentile; Deputy Majority Leader Leroy Comrie and the whole City Council for their leadership.”

I would add that anyone who made their voice heard on this issue should also give themselves a pat on the back, because I'm sure it helped strengthen the hand of library supporters including our Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer.

The Budget Cut Threat to Queens Libraries

Nearly two weeks ago our councilman Jimmy Van Bramer led a demonstration to protest the proposed budget cuts to our libraries.  I've known they were bad, and if I hadn't had other obligations would have attended, but I thought I'd better find out more, and boy if the cuts go through as Bloomberg has proposed the effect will be drastic.

According to the fact sheet I got from the Queens Library.  18 Queens libraries would be closed and 30 libraries open 2 or 3 days a week, with only one open on Saturday.  All this at a time when because of the tough economy libraries are a valuable resource for jobseekers and others trying to keep up with new books and ideas.

Hats off to Jimmy Van Bramer for making this a priority, but he and the Queens Library needs your help.  If you haven't already done so make your voice heard by going to this link to register your support of the Queens Library and let officials know how you value libraries