Author: sobrien

CEC 30 to introduce resolution demanding transparency in charter school siting

April 9, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Community Education Council 30 (CEC 30) is set to introduce a resolution calling for more opportunities for communities in local school districts to push back against planned charter schools. CEC 30 co-presidents Whitney Thomas Toussaint and Victoria Medelius signaled that they will introduce the resolution at an upcoming CEC… Read more »

LaGuardia and Queens College partner to boost STEM path for Hispanic and low-income students

Pictured, from left to right: Sascha Owen, Senior Vice Chancellor for Strategy & Policy Implementation at CUNY; Niki Jones, Director of STEM Initiatives at LaGuardia; Dr. Abderrazak Belkharraz, Chair of the Mathematics, Engineering, and Computer Science Department at LaGuardia; Dr. Eric Hofmann, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs at LaGuardia; Dr. Billie Gastic Rosado, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at LaGuardia; LaGuardia President Kenneth Adams; QC President Frank H. Wu; Dr. Patricia Price, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at QC; Dr. Nathalia Holtzman, Associate Provost for Innovation and Student Success at QC; Seth, a LaGuardia graduate, Q-STEM student, and Computer Science major at QC; and three LaGuardia STEM majors. Photo courtesy of LaGuardia Community College.

April 7, 2025 By Shane O’Brien LaGuardia Community College has formalized a partnership with Queens College, aiming to increase the number of Hispanic and low-income students pursuing STEM majors. The partnership, formalized by LaGuardia President Kenneth Adams and Queens College President Frank Wu on Wednesday morning, promotes the Queens STEM Academy (Q-STEM), which enhances STEM… Read more »

Queens DA and city officials address elder abuse at Sunnyside Community Services

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz addresses Sunnyside Community Services on the importance of reporting elder abuse. Photo: Shane O'Brien

  April 4, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and NYC Department for the Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vásquez spoke to more than 100 seniors at Sunnyside Community Services (SCS) on Thursday morning as part of an ongoing initiative to prevent elder abuse and strengthen support systems for older adults. During the event,… Read more »

Chocolate Factory Theater co-founder Lewandowski to exit leadership role in June

April 2, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Sheila Lewandowski, co-founder and executive director of the Chocolate Factory Theater, has announced that she will step down after more than 20 years of service with the Queens-based Center for Experimental Artistic Performances. Lewandowski, who co-founded the Chocolate Factory in 2004 alongside her former life and artistic partner Brian Rogers,… Read more »

Aviation High School honored with street co-naming in Sunnyside

Council Member Julie Won, Aviation High School Principal Steven Jackson, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., and Assembly Member Claire Valdez Unveil the ‘Aviation High School Boulevard’ Sign. Photo courtesy of Council Member Won’s office.

April 1, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Council Member Julie Won, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and Assembly Member Claire Valdez joined members of the Aviation High School community to celebrate the co-naming of “Aviation High School Boulevard” at the intersection of 36th Street and Queens Boulevard in Sunnyside. Won, who wrote an official letter supporting… Read more »

Inaugural Astoria-Ditmars Restaurant Week kicks off April 2, featuring special menus from local eateries

March 28, 2025 By Shane O’Brien The inaugural Astoria-Ditmars Restaurant Week is set to kick off on April 2 and run through April 8, with nearly 20 local businesses participating. The week-long celebration aims to boost foot traffic and support local establishments by offering special menus and exclusive deals. Both residents and visitors will have… Read more »

LaGuardia Community College unveils Inner Circle archive with de Blasio and Richards in attendance

March 27, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Former Mayor Bill de Blasio and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards visited LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC) in Long Island City on Thursday morning to celebrate the launch of the college’s new archive collection, which preserves the history of the Inner Circle—a 102-year-old organization of New York City journalists famous… Read more »

Kora’s sweet debut: Sunnyside bakery with Filipino-inspired donuts opens first brick-and-mortar location

March 27, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Sunnyside is getting a sweet new addition to the neighborhood. Kora, the beloved bakery known for its specialty donuts with a Filipino twist, will officially celebrate its grand opening this Saturday, March 29, after opening its first brick-and-mortar location earlier this week. The excitement was palpable on Tuesday, March… Read more »

Queens women honored at LaGuardia Community College event with Council Member Julie Won

Pictured from left to right: Council Member Julie Won; Whitney Thomas Toussaint and her son; Kelly Craig, Christina Chaise; Dr. Rosamond (Dr. Roz) Gianutsos; Melissa Tart; Carmen Griffin; Professor Nicole Maguire; Theresa Cottone; Ashley Abid; and LaGuardia Community College President Kenneth Adams. Photo: LaGuardia Community College

March 25, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Council Member Julie Won and LaGuardia Community College President Kenneth Adams honored five Queens women Friday morning for their dedication to improving financial futures, education, housing, and traffic safety for children and families. Won and Adams co-hosted a breakfast at LaGuardia Community College’s Poolside Café at 31-10 Thomson Ave…. Read more »