The Woodhaven Blog

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.

Joining the many delicious restaurants in Woodhaven, latin restaurant La Oficina Grill & Bar opened last week on Jamaica Ave. Cecilio Albayero, the owner, has been in the restaurant business for over 20 years, as La Oficina is his 15th restaurant.

With a contemporary menu, some of the best dishes offered are the arepas and papayas but the menu offers dishes from many different regions. The food is so good that the owners are already considering opening the basement as a catering service.

La Oficina is located at 84-21 Jamaica Ave. and is opened everyday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Woodhaven watering hole Neir’s Tavern, considered one of the oldest bars in all five boroughs, has a fun-filled week ahead with Trivia Night, Bingo and You’re The Star Karaoke by DJ Chris Forde. Freebies, prizes and deals are sure to make your night at Neir’s Tavern well worth it! Admission is free to all of the events so be sure to splurge on the many sandwiches, burgers and other food on Neir’s menu.

Trivia Tuesday – Tuesday, August 6 at 8 p.m. – Exercise your brain while quenching your thirst and you may win one of the many prizes for the multiple winners at this NYC Trivia League sponsored event.

Bingo is Back! – Thursday, August 8 at 8 p.m. – Make new neighborhood friends while enjoying surprise giveaways from your favorite beer, wine and liquor brands! With 10 winners, prizes range from lotto scratch-offs, free appetizers to free drinks!

You’re The Star Karaoke by DJ Chris Forde – Saturday, August 10 at 8 p.m. – Sing your heart out like you do in the shower while getting a free shot on your first song! Deals like a PBR and shot for $7 will be offered!

Don’t fret if you can’t join the party at Neir’s Tavern this week, many of these events are weekly with other fun events sure to be announced in the near future.

Brooklyn artist Daniele Frazier is bringing her work to Forest Park for the “Small, Medium, Large” exhibition. The work includes scale models, works on paper, paintings and sculptures related to “The Giant Flowers and Ecology Sampler”, her public artworks installed over the past three years at Highland Park.

Frazier’s work explores the relationship between scale and time and the possibility and suspension of disbelief. The artist is no stranger to exhibiting in parks as her last work “Reservoir” is an art installation at the Ridgewood Reservoir.

“Small, Medium, Large” is set to open on Tuesday, July 30 and remain on view through Wednesday, August 14. It will be open to the public on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on the weekends by appointment. The exhibition was made possible by NYC Parks and The Forest Park Trust, Inc.

Assemblyman David I. Weprin and the Zero Abuse Project are hosting a free seminar entitled “Courageous Conversations, Critical Choices: What New York’s Child Victims Act Means for Queens” on Tuesday July 30 at 3:30 p.m.

The seminar will inform community members about the changes to the statute of limitations requirements for child sexual abuse in New York under the recently enacted Child Victims Act (CVA).

The Zero Abuse Project’s Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Dion, will guide a conversation with leading child welfare advocates, clinicians and sexual abuse prevention experts, including NY Loves Kids and the Queens District Attorney’s Office, about the new opportunities under the CVA for survivors of sexual abuse to seek justice against their abusers and the institutions who covered for them.

The Boys & Girls Club of Metro Queens is located at 110-04 Atlantic Avenue in Richmond Hill.

If you’re looking for laughs in Woodhaven tonight, check out Shine Box Comedy at Neir’s Tavern TONIGHT from 8 to 10 p.m. The oldest bar in NYC does request you to confirm your attendance by calling 718-296-0600. The weekly show is celebrating their three year anniversary with an all-star lineup.

This month participating comedians include Casey James Salengo (Comedy Central, Jimmy Kimmel Live), Courtney Maginnis (Comedy Central, Caroline’s), Rojo Perez (HBO, Conan), Neruda Williams (Harlem Comedy Festival) and more!

Check out Shine Box Comedy’s Facebook for more info: http://www.facebook.com/shineboxcomedyshow/.