Author: schnepsrestagent

Exclusive: Ridgewood priest and Hungry Monk founder Fr. Mike Lopez announces bid for Council District 30

mike lopez

Feb. 25, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Fr. Mike Lopez, founder of Ridgewood-based food poverty non-profit the Hungry Monk Rescue Truck, has announced his candidacy for Council District 30, joining a growing list of candidates vying to replace outgoing Council Member Robert Holden. Holden, who has represented District 30 in Queens since 2018—which includes Ridgewood, Maspeth, Middle Village, and Glendale—is term-limited.…

Queens advocate fights for NYC’s street vendors amid immigration and policy battles

street vendors

Feb. 25, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin In the heart of Woodside, inside the cozy Moa Coffee, Queens resident Rafi Islam—an organizer with the membership-based organization Street Vendor Project (SVP)—set down his cup of coffee and greeted me with a warm smile. The rhythmic hum of the espresso machine underscored our conversation as he shared…

Saving history: Queens preservationist helps rescue vintage storefront signs

preservationist

Feb. 25, 2025 By Shane O’Brien A Queens preservationist has helped save dozens of signs from iconic businesses that have closed down across the borough by ensuring that they end up in the New York Sign Museum in Brooklyn. Michael Perlman, a historic preservationist based in Forest Hills who founded Rego-Forest Preservation Council, has…

RIOULT Dance NY makes long-awaited comeback with performances at Queens Theatre

rioult dance

Feb. 25, 2025 By Jessica Militello After a four-year hiatus, RIOULT Dance NY is making a triumphant return to the stage with a weekend of performances at Queens Theatre in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park on March 8 and 9. For renowned choreographer Pascal Rioult, the comeback is more than just a performance—it’s a full-circle moment. Queens…

Woodside veteran fired from Bronx VA hospital amid mass government layoffs

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A 20-year Army veteran who served four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan was recently fired from his communications job at the Bronx Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital under the Trump administration’s drastic cuts to the federal workforce.  Luke Graziani, 45, was at work on Feb. 13 when he received an email informing him that his…

QCP’s ‘Evening of Fine Foods’ returns with global cuisine and inclusive menu options

evening of fine foods

Feb. 24, 2025 By Athena Dawson The Queens Centers for Progress (QCP) has expanded its offerings for tomorrow’s “Evening of Fine Foods” celebration. The event will now feature additional inclusive food options to cater to attendees with specific dietary needs. For the first time, ‘Evening of Fine Foods’ features dishes from two Glatt Kosher…

School District 24 education council grapples with leadership turmoil as members push for change

P.S./I.S. 113 Anthony J. Pranzo is one of dozens of schools located in District 24. (Google Maps)

Feb. 24, 2025 By sobrien Feb. 24, 2025. By Shane O’Brien  Members of the Community Education Council (CEC) for School District 24 are expected to introduce a motion this week to remove interim acting President Veronica Piedra Leon. The move follows allegations of her “consistent failures” to fulfill the responsibilities of the role and…

NYC Beer Week is in full swing, here’s how to celebrate in Queens and across the city

beer week

Feb. 24, 2025 By Jessica Militello Why wait until St. Patrick’s Day to raise a pint when the festivities have already begun? New York City Beer Week is in full swing, running through March 2, bringing a citywide celebration of craft beer to over 40 breweries—including plenty of exciting events in Queens. This annual…

JFK Terminal 4 to showcase Queens and NYC eateries in new concessions lineup

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Feb. 24, 2025 By Athena Dawson Travelers passing through JFK Airport’s Terminal 4 will soon have access to popular local eateries as part of a $1.5 billion modernization project. JFKIAT, the terminal’s operator, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced the expansion of local concession options on Feb. 19, aiming…