On Saturday, August 15 at 1 p.m. join the Urban Park Rangers for a guided tour of historic Fort Totten. Learn about the history of Willets Point and explore the 19th century fortress designed by Robert E. Lee. Meet at the Visitor Center, Ordnance and Lee Roads in Fort Totten Park. Call 718-352-1769 for more information.
WONDERFUL WEEKEND EVENTS
On Friday, August 13 and Saturday, August 14 at 10 a.m. learn the basics of Canoeing at Fort Totten Park. For ages 8+; meet at the entrance to Fort Totten, 212th Street north of the Cross Island Parkway. Call 718-352-1769 for information.
On Saturday, August 15 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, August 16 at 3 p.m. Community United Methodist Church, 75-27 Metropolitan Avenue in Middle Village, hosts the Jubilee Cluster Players in “Godspell,” the Stephen Schwartz musical. Admission is Adults/ $12; Children/$6; call Barbara at 718-894-8654 or Chrissy at 516-998-4905.
FRIDAY
On Friday, August 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., a Farmers’ Market opens in the parking lot of The Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main Street in Flushing. Enter the parking lot on Crommeling Street, between Blossom and Dahlia Avenues (between College Point Boulevard and Main Street). For more information, call 718-886-3800, Ext. 230 or visit www.queensbotanical.org.
On Friday, August 14 at 6 p.m. there will be an evening of Rock ‘n’ Roll at George Seuffert Bandshell in Forest Park, Woodhaven Boulevard and Park Drive, hosted by Billy C. and Kitty.
On Friday, August 14 at 6:30 p.m. Queens Museum of Art presents 5th Annual Passport Fridays 2009 in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Dance by Dance in Queens award-winner Richard Rivera/Physual in collaboration with composer/musician Julio Montero blend contemporary modern dance with traditional Spanish Rock in “Don.” Film at 8 p.m. “Persepolis.” (France/Iran, 2007, 96 minutes in French, English Farsi and German with English subtitles, animation.) In case of rain, performance moves inside of museum.
On Friday, August 14 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Free Movie at Astoria Park: “Not for Sale.” We Are Not For Sale, a Queens-based, anti-human trafficking advocacy group, is the documentary about human trafficking around the world and what is being done to combat it. There will be a pre-screening event, with live music, arts and more. Call 917-566-9386 for details.
On Friday, August 14 from 8 to 10 p.m. NYRP Garden Movies: “Arctic Tale.” The New York Restoration Project sponsors this real-life adventure from the same people who brought you the “March of the Penguins.” Listen to narrator Queen Latifah as she follows two very different Arctic creatures, Nanu, a polar bear cub, and Seela, the walrus pup, at Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson Community Garden, 117-19 165th Street in
Queens. Details at www.nyrp.org.
SATURDAY
On Saturday, August 15 from 8 a.m. to noon, drop off your donations of baby items – from diapers and blankets to bassinets, cribs and changing tables at the Nativity Blessed Virgin Mary Church parking lot at 91st Street and Rockaway Boulevard in Ozone Park. Make checks payable to “Bridge to Life.” Sponsored by Nativity BVM Knights of Columbus. Call Jimmy at 646-610-3546 or Steve at 718-551-2333 for details.
On Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy a day of boat demonstrations and tours, dockside sail raising, maritime skill contests, saltwater fishing and more at World’s Fair Marina Open Marina Day, located at Pier 1 (north of Citi Field, between 126th Street and the Grand Central Parkway). Call 718-846-2731 for details.
On Saturday, August 15 at 11 a.m., Woodhaven Library will present Resume Writing Workshop for Mature Adults. Topics include: writing your resume; preparing a cover letter; thank you notes & follow-up letters. The library is located at 85-41 Forest Parkway. For more information, call 718-849-1010.
On Saturday, August 15, from noon to 3 p.m., Saturday Sculpture Workshops: Tin Can Treasures with Paul Duncan. Participants recycle cans and bring some objects or trinkets from home, or find new treasures at the park, to turn their trash into a sculptural masterpiece; at Socrates Sculpture Park, Broadway at Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City. Call 718-956-1819 or visit www.socratessculpturepark.org for more information.
On Saturday, August 15 at noon, Hands-on History: Dog Days of Summer at King Manor Museum, 150th Street and Jamaica Avenue. Learn about Rufus King’s dogs, and hear the story of a confused pup and special activities based on the historical theme of dogs as companions and helpers. For details call 718-206-0545.
On Saturday, August 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. the Summer Festival at Gorman Playground, 85th Street and 30th Avenue in Jackson Heights, is a day of safe, fun, and free activities for children and their families.
On Saturday, August 15 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and again from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Curious Frog Theatre performs a 90-minute, six-actor contemporary version of Aristophanes; ancient Greek comedy “Plutus” at Astoria Park, on the Astoria Water Walk on Shore Boulevard.
On Saturday, August 15 at 2 p.m., Glen Oaks Library will present Paulette Adams, who performs great show-stopping melodies from Broadway – Ethel Merman’s “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Anything Goes,” Liza Minelli’s “Cabaret” and “All That Jazz” from “Chicago,” and many more. The library is located at 256-04 Union Turnpike. For more information, call 718-831-8636.
On Saturday, August 15 at 2 p.m., Ozone Park Library will present The Banjo Rascals Variety Show. The group is known for their distinctive toe-tapping music and exquisite three-part harmony. Enjoy the great American music of Gershwin, Porter, Armstrong, Cash & Carter, The Everly Brothers and more. The library is located at 92-24 Rockaway Boulevard. For more information, call 718-845-3127.
On Saturday, August 15 at 2 p.m., Whitestone Library will present American Dance Salon. Classically trained dancers perform in several styles, set to timeless melodies from Broadway, ballet and operetta, including songs by Cole Porter, Elvis Presley and others. The library is located at 151-10 14th Road. For more information, call 718-767-8010.
On Saturday, August 15 at 2:30 p.m., Bayside Library will present Divas of Our Time with Naomi Zeitlin. Hear pop standards that were covered by Garland, Streisand, Minnelli, Midler, Fitzgerald, Vaughan, and by more modern/international artists – Linda Eder, Pat Benatar, Linda Ronstadt, Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan, La India, and Olga Tañon. The library is located at 214-20 Northern Boulevard. For more information, call 718-229-1834.
On Saturday, August 15 at 2:30 p.m., Jackson Heights Library will present The Kalavant Center of Music of Dance, a nonprofit cultural organization comprised of highly accomplished and emerging artists dedicated to promoting and preserving traditional music and dance of Southeast Asia, with special emphasis on Indian classical music. The library is located at 35-51 81st Street. For more information, call 718-899-2500.
On Saturday, August 15 at 7 p.m. the Greek Cultural Center’s Annual Free Summer Film Festival, at 27-18 Hoyt Avenue South in Astoria, continues this year’s tribute to the films of Costa-Gavras, with a showing of “Mad City” (1997, 114 minutes) starring John Travolta, Dustin Hoffman, Alan Alda, Robert Prosky and Blythe Danner; edited by Françoise Bonnot. For more information call 718-726-7329 or email info@greekculturalcenter.org.
On Saturday, August 15, from 7 to 7:30 p.m., the free Ice Theatre of New York Summer Youth Concert Series is at the World Ice Arena in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Details at www.icetheatre.org.
On Saturday, August 15 from 8 to 10 p.m. spend An Evening with the Stars, and astronomer Mark Freilich, at the Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Boulevard in Douglaston. Cost is $10 per adult member, $12 per adult non-member, and $7 for children ages 7-12 (includes handout information packet). May be cancelled on account of weather. Call 718-228-4000 or email info@alleypond.com.
SUNDAY
On Sunday, August 16 at noon travel back in time as the Urban Park Rangers discuss the History of Vanderbilt Motor Parkway at Cunningham Park. Meet at the Union Turnpike parking lot at 197th Street. Call 718-846-2731 for details.
On Sunday, August 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th Street in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, is hosting the 3rd Annual Science Farmers’ Market open-air exhibit with produce from local farmers, science handouts and live demonstrations on the benefits of a balanced diet and the importance of supporting community farms. Free; for more information call 718-699-0005.
On Sunday, August 9 at 1 p.m. Flushing Town Hall, at 137-35 Northern Boulevard, presents The Lew Picardi Orchestra – Jazz & Swing. Big band music; bring your dancing shoes. Order from Chef Ashbell McElveen’s Global Grill. Call 718-463-7700 Ext. 222 or visit www.FlushingTownHall.org for more information.
On Sunday, August 9 at 1 p.m. join the Urban Park Rangers for a guided tour of historic Fort Totten. Learn about the history of Willets Point and explore the 19th century fortress designed by Robert E. Lee. Meet at the Visitor Center, Ordnance and Lee Roads in Fort Totten Park. Call 718-352-1769 for more information.
On Sunday, August 16, from 1 to 5 p.m. go Kayaking in Hallets Cove sponsored by the Long Island City Boathouse (LICB). Meet at Socrates Sculpture Park, Broadway at Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City. Kayak and canoe from the beach just north of the park. An adult must accompany participants under 18. Visit www.licboathouse.org or call 718-228-9214 for cancellation due to inclement weather.
On Sunday, August 16 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Curious Frog Theatre: Romeo & Juliet. The troupe performs a 90-minute, six-actor contemporary version of Shakespeare’s immortal love story at Astoria Park, on the Astoria Water Walk on Shore Boulevard.
On Sunday, August 16 from 6 to 10 p.m. Movie Night at the Beach offers a free family movie to enjoy, sponsored by City Councilmember Eric Ulrich. Bring a chair or blanket to Beach 78th Street next to the Boardwalk. Call 718-318-4000 for details.
On Sunday, August 16 at 8 p.m. Astronomy at Fort Totten Park, weather permitting, observe the heavens. Meet at the park entrance, 212th Street north of the Cross Island Parkway. Please call 718-352-1769 on the day of the program to confirm.
Sundays, August 23 and 30, from 10 a.m. to noon, visit the Bay Terrace Jewish Center’s Open House to learn how to become a part of the family. Join them in welcoming a peaceful New Year and learn how first-time members can receive free High Holiday tickets. The Center is located at 13-00 209th Street in Bayside. Visits by appointment are welcome. For more information, call 718-428-6363.
MONDAY
On Monday, August 10, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. the Kingsland Homestead Summer 2009 Education Programs, 143-35 37th Avenue in Flushing, “Geometry Scavenger Hunt: Math, Art & History” and “Digging Up History: Science, Art & History” at Weeping Beech Park. Programs run Monday to Wednesday, July and August; $4 per child; for more information or to register, call 718-939-0647, Ext. 17 or email QhsEducation@gmail.com.
On Monday, August 17 at 1 p.m., Queens Village Library will present Senior Game Day. Game Day for Seniors! Whether you like board games, card games, Wii games or just want to spend some time with your peers at the library, Queens Village has it all for seniors! Ask Madlyn Schneider for more information. The library is located at 94-11 217th Street. For more information, call 718-776-6800.
On Monday, August 17 at 5:30 p.m., Forest Hills Library will present Recovery, Inc. Join this self-help group assisting individuals with anxiety issues. The library is located at 108-19 71st Avenue. For more information, call 718-268-7934.
On Monday, August 17 at 6 p.m., Baisley Park Library will present Line Dance Instruction: A Dance Workshop for Adults. Stop sitting on the sidelines and learn the line dances you see typically done at parties like the Electric Slide, Cha-cha slide, Cupid shuffle and more. Come alone or bring a partner! Join us as we do variations on the standards as well as learn a new dance or two. Preregistration is required. Dance experience is not required. The library is located at 117-11 Sutphin Boulevard. For more information, call 718-529-1590.
On Monday, August 17 at 6 p.m., Richmond Hill Library will present Stress Free Living: A Workshop for Adults. Gain basic insight and methods on how to change the thoughts that keep us trapped in negative behaviors. Participants will learn to identify different levels of stress and how to create a relaxed mind and body through meditation. The library is located at 118-14 Hillside Avenue. For more information, call 718-849-7150.
On Monday, August 17 at 6:30 p.m., LeFrak City Library will present Elder Law, Estate Planning, Trusts and Asset Protection. Noted elder law and estate planning attorneys will present strategies and consult with you on aspects of elder law, power of attorney, estate and disability planning and long-term care. You will learn how to gain income and avoid estate taxes while providing for heirs and charitable interests. You will also gain insight into preserving wealth and increasing lifetime income. The library is located at 98-30 57th Avenue. For more information, call 718-592-7677.
On Monday, August 17 at 8 p.m. Central Astoria’s Movie Night in Astoria Park: “Wall-e.” Bring the family and a blanket and enjoy a movie under the stars on Astoria Park Lawn, Shore Boulevard between Hell Gate Bride and the pool. Call 718-728-7820 or email centralastoria@aol.com for details.
TUESDAY
On Tuesday, August 18, and Thursday, August 20 at 9 a.m. take a Fitness Walk Along the Water along scenic Joe Michael’s Mile and participating in other fitness activities along the way, sponsored by The Fitness Consultant. Meet at the entrance to Fort Totten Park, 212th Street north of the Cross Island Parkway. Call 718-352-4793 for details.
On Tuesday, August 18 at 10:30 a.m., McGoldrick Library will present Introduction to Microsoft Word. Learn to create Word documents, save documents, create tables, crop, cut and paste items, insert pictures, etc. Registration is required and you must have a library card. The library is located at 155-06 Roosevelt Avenue. For more information, call 718-461-1616.
On Tuesday, August 18 at 7 p.m. Live at the Gantries: Silbin Sandovar Revue Indie Rock All-star “revue” styled group comes together only for special events that bring attention to the area’s growing musical community at Gantry Plaza State Park, 474 48th Avenue in Long Island City. Details at www.liveatthegantries.com.
On Tuesday, August 18 from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Movies Under the Bridge are family-friendly movies (movie TBA) overlooking the beautiful Long Island Sound. Bring a chair or blanket to Little Bay Park, 212th Street north of the Cross Island Parkway in Bayside. Sponsored by City Councilmember Tony Avella; call 718-352-4793 for information.
WEDNESDAY
On Wednesday, August 19 at 6:30 p.m. Shakespeare in the Park: Romeo & Juliet; Hip to Hip Theatre Company presents Shakespeare’s great love story of young lovers caught in a dangerous and threatening world. Please bring a chair or blanket to the 35th Avenue Lawn in Crocheron Park. Call 718-352-4793 for information.
On Wednesday evening, August 12, Outdoor Cinema 2009: “Gomorrah” (2008, 135 minutes, Not Rated, from Italy). Directed by Matteo Garrone, this based-on-fact drama about the Italian crime underworld won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival; at Socrates Sculpture Park, Broadway at Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City. Pre-screening performances begin at 7 p.m.; films begin at sunset. Call 718-956-1819 or visit www.socratessculpturepark.org for more information.
THURSDAY
THROUGH NOVEMBER 12
On Thursday, August 13, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Queens Hospital Center, 82-68 164th Street in Jamaica has a Farmers’ Market on the south side sidewalk of the Ambulatory Care Pavilion. Produce grown locally on Long Island; WIC and Senior FMNP checks are accepted.
On Thursday, August 20 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., a free separation and divorce support group meets at 1010 Northern Boulevard in Great Neck (near the corner of Community Drive). The topic will be “General Divorce Proceedings,” moderated by Jacqueline Harounian, a law partner at Wisselman, Harounian & Associates. R.S.V.P. recommended: 516-773-8300. Visit www.lawjaw.com.
On Thursday, August 20 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The Persuasions in Concert in Rochdale Park. Singing a capella since the 1960s, they have opened for Ray Charles and Bruce Springsteen opened for them. Call 212-360-8290 or email info@cityparksfoundation.org for details.
Saint Michael’s Cemetery at 7202 Astoria Boulevard in East Elmhurst is offering pre-need plans for purchase of memorial property, with payment from three to five years and as little as 10 percent down. Monthly billing available. Call 718-278-3240 to inquire.