Sunnyside library set to reopen
Queens Library will celebrate the reopening of the Sunnyside branch on Friday, January 22 at 1 p.m. with a small ceremony to commemorate the new and improved facility.
The library, which will reopen to the public following $2.3 million in renovations, offers both exterior and interior improvements including a new roof complete with a new skylight and newly installed HVAC system, lighting, flooring and paint throughout the library.
In addition, the library made a number of customer service improvements including a new young adult/teen area, renovation of the meeting room with folding partition, and much needed additional computers for the adult and children’s areas. The facility is now fully accessible following the installation of new entrance doors and a ramp.
The facility was also outfitted with self-checkout kiosks powered by fast RFID technology, soft seating and laptop counter for customer use, new media center, in addition to lighting and décor upgrades throughout the facility.
The renovation was made possible through $1.9 million of New York State grant funding secured by State Assemblymember Catherine Nolan and the Queens Delegation to the New York State Assembly, and New York City Council capital funding of $460,000 for equipment, furniture and technology.
Celebration of Three Kings Day
City Councilmember Julissa Ferreras celebrated a festive Intergenerational Three Kings Day Event on Saturday January 9 at Raices Corona Senior Center. Ferreras hosted this event to honor the Latin American tradition of Three Kings Day, a festivity held in most of the Spanish speaking countries where children are given toys for the feast of the Epiphany January 6.
“It is vital to continue the old customs and teach children a wonderful tradition. It is also important to celebrate with the community at large,” Ferreras said.
Many of the seniors brought their grandchildren along to pass on the tradition. The seniors also delighted the audiences by performing a nativity skit as well as numerous holiday songs.
State Assemblymember Jose Peralta and State Senator Hiram Monserrate also spoke at the event.
“The celebration of Three Kings Day is about children and the support of their respective families,” Peralta said. “It’s the one day in many countries around the world that we thank our children for their good behavior. It is also a good reminder to us parents that children need to feel special every single day of the year.”
Celebration at Reform Temple of FH
A festive Tu B’Shevat Shabbat service will take place at The Reform Temple of Forest Hills located at 71-11 112th Street, on Friday, January 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Tu B’Shevat (the 15th day of Shevat in the Jewish calendar) is when Jews celebrate the renewal of trees and give thanks for the joy and beauty of all of God’s creation. It is also a day that reminds Jews of their responsibilities for protecting the environment. The service will include music that is reflective of the traditions of the holiday.
Vallone wants parking regulations suspended for holiday
City Councilmember Peter F. Vallone Jr. drafted legislation to suspend alternate side parking regulations for Eastern Orthodox Christmas, which is celebrated on January 7.
“Our Eastern Orthodox residents should not have to think about moving their vehicles on one of their holiest days of the year,” Vallone said.
Alternate side parking regulations are already suspended for 34 religious and legal holidays. Motorists could check the Department of Transportation’s web site for a complete list of suspended street cleaning days. Vallone’s office also has copies of the 2010 alternate side parking regulations calendar.
Holocaust Remembrance Day comes to Queens
The International Holocaust Remembrance Day, established by the United Nations in 1995 on the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, and recently recognized by the New York State Legislature, will be commemorated with a public event, for the first time in Queens, on January 27.
The event will take place at 7 p.m. at the Jewish Center of Kew Gardens Hills, 71-25 Main Street in Flushing. Queens and Brooklyn Congressmember Anthony Weiner is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the event. The general public is invited and admission is free of charge.
Peralta campaign raises $180K
Queens Assemblymember José Peralta’s campaign for State Senate will file with the Board of Elections a total of more than $180,000 in the January filing report. Peralta is running for embattled State Senator Hiram Monserrate’s seat.
“The large amount of financial donations to my campaign shows the widespread support gained by my candidacy for State Senate,” Peralta said. “I am honored that so many individuals would put their faith in me by contributing their hard earned dollars to make sure that the residents of Queens, and the residents of all of New York State, have effective representation that fights for them and gets results.”
