The Woodhaven Blog

Councilman Eric Ulrich is hosting his second annual Thanksgiving Day dinner on Thursday, November 28 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Villa Russo, located at 101-12 Lefferts Boulevard.

The free event is held under this mantra: No one should be alone on Thanksgiving.

The councilman started the tradition last Thanksgiving after hearing from several residents who had nowhere to go on that day. More than 60 constituents joined Ulrich last year for dinner at Arabella’s Castle in Ozone Park.

“While the holidays are usually happy occasions for many of us, they can be sad or lonely days for others,” he says. “There are people in our community who suffer from depression, or have nowhere to go on Thursday. I want them to spend Thanksgiving with me.”

Ulrich, who is anticipating a large turnout, picked Villa Russo for this year’s dinner. The venue’s owners generously provided the space at no cost.

Additionally, several local businesses pledged to donate catered food for the event.

The event will provide transportation for seniors and people with disabilities upon request by calling Ulrich’s office no later than Tuesday, November 26.

Volunteers are needed for the day of to help with transportation, setting up and cleaning the venue.

To volunteer, contact Marjorie Coello at 718-738-1084 or at mcoello@council.nyc.gov.

RSVP is strongly encouraged for the dinner.

On November 21, children can enjoy Thanksgiving craft activities at the Woodhaven Library, located at 85-41 Forest Parkway.

Kids ages six through 12 can make a craft and bring more joy into the world.

The event is free. It begins at 4 p.m.

To learn more, call 718-849-1010.

Woodhaven Boulevard is about to become more pleasing to the eye.

By the end of the week, 15 planters will have been installed on the busiest corridor in Queens between 86th Road and 88th Avenue.

The planters, funded by $40,000 from Councilman Eric Ulrich, will be maintained by the Queens Botanical Garden for the first year.

After that, the responsibility will fall on the Woodhaven BID to care for the plants.

All partners in this project hope the planters will not only brighten up Woodhaven Boulevard, but make it safer and more inviting for residents, businesses and consumers alike.

Read more about this initiative in this week’s Leader/Observer newspaper!

On Friday, the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association (WRBA) hosted their annual dinner dance fundraiser.

The following community leaders were the night’s honorees:

• Business of the Year: M&M Hardware (Jack Moy)
• Woman of the Year: 102nd Precinct Deputy Inspector Courtney Nilan
• Man of the Year: Community Board 9 Chair & Queens Symphony Orchestra Board President Kenichi Wilson

Assemblyman Mike Miller, pictured above, presented citations to the honorees.

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.