The Woodhaven Blog

Assemblyman Mike Miller recently attended the Equity Playground NYC Soccer Initiative ribbon cutting ceremony in Woodhaven. 

The effort to bring a new mini pitch was a collaboration between the Parks Department, Miller, Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, ADIDAS, Etihad Airways, New York City Football Club and Frank DeSario, Principal of The Woodhaven Elementary School – P.S.60 Q.

“I know this mini soccer pitch will be utilized throughout the year. This is a great addition to our community,” said Assemblyman Miller.  “It is important for children to stay active during the school year, the soccer pitch’s placement next to P.S.60 will do just that.”

Councilwoman Adrienne Adams and Community Board 9 honored three local sisters who donated their hair to help make wigs for cancer patients.

Safia Mohamed, 8, Saudia Mohamed, 12, and Stacey Sanichara, 26, got their hair cut free of charge at Aracelis Unisex Salon in Richmond Hill.

They then donated the hair to Erna Blackman, the co-founder of Butterflies By Blaq, a nonprofit that provides free hair replacements for children who experience hair loss due to cancer treatment.

“I am so impressed that these young women would choose to give up something so personal, especially for people they don’t really know,” Adams says.

“Sadly, many children suffer hair loss as they fiercely battle against cancer or those dealing with the effects of Alopecia,” said CB9 Chair Kenichi Wilson. “Receiving a wig made with real hair can boost a child’s confidence and help increase their self-esteem as they deal with these diseases.”

Assemblyman Mike Miller recently held his Annual Hispanic Heritage Event at the Richmond Hill Block Association to honor the contributions of the local Latino community. 

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which stretches from September 15^th to October 15^th, Miller presented citations to five individuals for their contributions to the community.

Among those being honored were Ozone Park Kiwanis Club Member Carmen Cartagena, Co-Founder of the Association for Latin American Leaders and Family Brotherhood Juana Ciriaco, 102^nd Precinct Police Officer Nelly Goodman, Woodhaven Historical and Cultural Society Board Member Ruben Ramales, and Outreach Specialist from the Deshi Senior Center Dulcemaria Rivera.

“Hispanic Americans have contributed so much to our country, our state and especially in Queens to make our City a better place to live,” said Assemblyman Miller.  “This year’s honorees have made a great impact in our community.”

Need to speak with State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr.? Well, you can meet with him during his upcoming mobile office hours.

Stop by the Peninsula Library on 92-25 Rockaway Beach Blvd in Rockaway Beach on Thursday, October 3 from 5:30-7 p.m.

Celebrate 190 years of Neir’s Tavern! It will be fun for the whole family. Featuring a bouncy castle, street games, popcorn, raffles & more!

To take part in the day, you can also purchase a journal ad.

The event will take place on Saturday, October 5 from 12 to 6 p.m. at 88^th Ave btwn 78^th St & 77^th Street in Woodhaven.

On Saturday, October 12, everyone is invited to the Fall Festival at Victory Field in Forest Park.

This free family-friend event will run from noon to 3 p.m.

There will be arts and crafts, games, music, live entertainment, pumpkins (of course) and more!

Hosted by the Parks Department, the event is sponsored by Councilman Eric Ulrich.

On Thursday, September 5 between 8:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning, the Health Department is conducting another adulticide treatment to reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile virus.

Trucks will spray pesticides in sections of Queens, including parts of Woodhaven, Briarwood, Forest Park and Kew Gardens.

In case of bad weather, the spraying will be pushed back to Monday, September 9 and Tuesday, September 10.

The Health Department says it will use very low concentrations of the insecticides Anvil® 10+10 and/or DeltaGard®.

The risks of these pesticides are low to people and pets. Some people who are sensitive to spray ingredients may experience short-term eye or throat irritation, or a rash.

People will respiratory conditions may also be affected, health officials say.

To stay safe during spraying, residents are being asked to stay indoors whenever possible. Air conditioners can remain on.

And while it is unnecessary, residents can close air conditioner vents or choose the recirculate function.

After spraying, health officials say residents should wash their skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap and water. Always wash fruits and vegetables with water as well.

To reduce exposure to mosquitos, here are some tips courtesy of the Health Department:

• Use an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under 3), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.
• Make sure windows have screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
• Eliminate any standing water from your property and dispose of containers that can collect water. Standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code.
• Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty or covered if not in use. Drain water that collects in pool covers.

The American-Italian Cancer Foundation’s (AICF) Mobile, No-Cost Breast Cancer Screening Program is coming to Woodhaven.

The screening program provides mammograms and clinical breast exams to uninsured and medically underserved New York City women.

The mobile van will be in Woodhaven on Wednesday, September 11 from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

To schedule an appointment please call 1-877-628-9090 or 718-850-1242.

The food pantry at a Woodhaven church is getting a much-needed boost.

Councilman Bob Holden’s office announced that All Nations Baptist of Church is one of 10 recipients of funding to stock their food pantries.

In total, $95,595 was allocated to the 10 sites.

The funding was much appreciated by David Tinsley, food pantry supervisor at All Nations Baptist Church.

“His generous donation to our food pantry will be an encouragement to our Woodhaven community,” Tinsley said.

Do you have kids longing to be the next big soccer superstar? NYC’s Formativas Barcelona SC Football Academy will be holding try outs for children ages 8 to 15 who want to join their program for children.

August try outs will be held on Tuesday, August 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for boys and girls ages 8 to 11 and Thursday, August 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for boys and girls ages 12 to 15. Both try outs will be held at Victory Field, 92-50 Myrtle Ave in Woodhaven.

For more information, reach out to the program directly at info@barcelonasc.us or (929) 474-0592.