Neir’s Ambassadors Richie Salmon and Nancy Aquila join owner Loycent Gordon and Lorraine Chambers-Lewis, president of LIJ Forest Hills Hospital are holding an essay contest for local students in honor of Black History Month. Photo courtesy of Neir’s Tavern.
By: Ed Wendell, President of the Woodhaven Cultural & Historical Society
There’s always something happening in Woodhaven, but unfortunately, not everyone knows about it. While we can advertise on Facebook and send out emails until we’re blue in the face, we still aren’t reaching enough people.
However, there’s one classic way we can spread the word—and that’s through word-of-mouth. We need your help! Tell your friends, neighbors, and anyone else you can think of to make sure they know what’s going on in their community.
With that in mind, here are some important events coming up this February 2025 that you won’t want to miss:
Black History Month Essay Contest – Historic Neir’s Tavern and LIJ Forest Hills Hospital have teamed up to launch an essay contest for local students in honor of Black History Month. The essay contest, which runs from Jan. 20 to Feb. 20, is open to students at participating schools, including P.S. 97, P.S. 60, and St. Thomas the Apostle School. For more details and submission guidelines, email info@neirstavern.com.
Valentine’s for Vets – Please consider donating to this annual collection of items for the veterans in the New York State Nursing Home at St. Albans. Donations will be collected until Monday February 10th. Toiletries, Candy, New underwear, and socks for Men & Women veterans. Local drop-off locations include Councilman Bob Holden (58-38 69th Street), Senator Joe Addabbo (66-85 73rd Place), Councilmember Joann Ariola (93-06 101st Avenue) and Cook’s Crafts (80-09 Myrtle Avenue).
Community Board 9 Meeting – Community Boards improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers residing in their community. They have an important advisory role with the City Budget, municipal service delivery, land use and zoning, and other matters relating to their communities’ welfare. Their next public meeting is on Tuesday February 11th at 7:45 PM at Queens Borough Hall, Room 200, 120-55 Queens Boulevard, Kew Gardens, NY 11424. Important – There will be a hearing for the Wonderful Woodhaven Street Fair at this meeting!
Party for Seniors – Councilwoman Joann Ariola invites you to a “Senior Prom” on Wednesday February 12th from 12 pm to 3 pm at Oak Ridge in Forest Park. A pasta lunch, beverages and dessert will be served. And there will be entertainment by Tony Gap (music) and Nick the Baloonatic. You must register in advance to secure your place so please call 718-738-1083.
Children 12 years old and under can participate in a Valentine’s Day Drawing Contest co-sponsored by the Woodhaven Business Improvement District. Bring your Valentine’s Day drawing to Schmidt’s Candy at 94-15 Jamaica Avenue by February 13th.
Valentine’s Day Drawing Contest – Attention Children 12 years old and under can win a small treat from Schmidt’s Candy! Bring your Valentine’s Day drawing (add name and phone number) to Schmidt’s Candy at 94-15 Jamaica Avenue by February 13th. Look for the Woodhaven BID’s Valentine Box inside the store by the front door. Drawing date is 2/18/25, Lucky winners will be contacted via phone.
Free Concert in Forest Park – Immerse yourself in the captivating voice and piano of Naisayma! on Thursday February 13th at 7 PM. This is part of the FREE Fall & Winter World Music concert series at Oak Ridge at Forest Park, in collaboration with the Queens College School of Arts and NYC Parks.
Woodhaven Town Hall Meeting – Got a problem? Want to know more about what’s happening in Woodhaven? The next Woodhaven Town Hall meeting (hosted by the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association) will be on Saturday, February 15th at 12 Noon at Emanuel United Church of Christ, at the corner of Woodhaven Boulevard and 91st Avenue (93-12 91st Avenue). Come out and meet your friends, neighbors, elected officials and the NYPD.
Woodhaven History at Neir’s Tavern – On Saturday February 22nd at 12 Noon the Woodhaven Cultural & Historical Society will be hosting a free slideshow on the founding and early history of Woodhaven at Neir’s Tavern (87-48 78th Street). This free meeting comes with a personal guarantee that you’ll learn something new about Woodhaven!
And there you have it, something for everyone. Help spread the word and let’s make February 2025 a busy and exciting one for Woodhaven
