Kew Gardens Blog

2011-12-09T04:50:00.000-08:00

Kew Gardens HOME-Coming Weekend Nov 4-6

2011-10-11T07:32:00.000-07:00

EVENT: Kew Gardens HOME-Coming Weekend
Friday, November 4, 2011- Sunday November 6. 2011
Press Contact: Carol Lacks, (917) 881-3358, CarolLacks@aol.com
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A painting of a welcoming private house with a path and a vibrant garden with rich soil, a photo of a young woman trapped in a tangle of branches and rocks, an assemblage full of doors, windows, stairways, vintage photos “a door to the past” honoring a grandmother who offered respite to her grandchild, a collage of a skeleton, Egyptian cat and angels entitled “Unattainable Dream of Hearth and Home”, and places, so many places one yearns for and feels at home in; Kew Gardens, Venice, Santa Fe, the beach with two sand chairs or a bench in Cunningham Park “alone and isolated” but still a place that offers solace.

At a time when people are finding themselves at home not by choice, but by circumstance, home is a place of loss for some as they face foreclosure and still home will always be our most loved person or a space where we feel most at ease and can be our freest and most creative selves. With these facts in mind, a Citizens Committee for New York City, New Yorkers for Better Neighborhoods Grant was applied for and awarded to the Kew Gardens Improvement Association, Inc. The receiving of this grant also prompted us to put out a “Call for Kew Gardens Poets” and “Teen Photographers, 12-17 years”. We hoped to include many of the talents of the Kew Gardens community in the Kew Gardens HOME Project and to highlight meaningful leisure time activities aimed at making the community experience deeper and to help connect residents in our ethnically diverse neighborhood, to each other and to Kew Gardens.

Kew Gardens HOME-Coming Weekend on Friday, November 4- Sunday November 6, will offer poems written about HOME by Kew Gardens poets and paintings, collages, photographs, drawings created by Kew Gardens artists exploring the theme HOME: A PLACE WE YEARN FOR, RETURN TO AND SOMETIMES RUN FROM.

The schedule for Kew Gardens HOME-Coming Weekend is as follows:
Friday, November 4, 5:30-8:30pm: The launch of the Kew Gardens HOME Project, Kew Gardens Art Show and Opening Reception at The Center at Maple Grove,
127-15 Kew Gardens Road, (718) 709-0390. On view until November 25.

Saturday, November 5, 1:00-3:00pm, Kew Gardens HOME Project Poetry Reading “A Word About HOME”, Spolini's Restaurant (in the party room),
116-25 Metropolitan Avenue, Kew Gardens, (718) 805-5852

Saturday, November 5, 3:00-6:00pm, Kew Gardens HOME Project Art Show and Reception, Mood Restaurant and Lounge, 120-29 83 Avenue,
Kew Gardens, (718) 849-mood. On view until November 25.

For more information: (917) 881-3358, kewgardensarts@gmail.com

Call for Kew Gardens Artists! Submissions Due Oct 23rd

2011-10-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Kew Gardens Visual artists will explore the theme-

HOME: A place that we yearn for, return to and sometimes run from.

The focus of the artwork does not have to be Kew Gardens but can be anywhere that the artist emotionally associates with as HOME.

All two-dimensional media welcome: photography, drawing, painting, collage, mixed media, etc. Exhibition will take place at two venues in Kew Gardens that will host public reception events, November 4-5, 2011. Artwork will be on view 3 weeks. Artists can list a price for their art work if they choose to.

Deadline for Submission: October 23, 2011, announcement flyer & Application/Guidelines attached for more information: (917) 881-3358, kewgardensarts@gmail.com

This project is made possible by the generosity of a New Yorkers for Better Neighborhoods Grantawarded by the Citizens Committee for New York City to the Kew Gardens Improvement Association, Inc.

Call for Kew Garden Artists!

2011-09-19T09:02:00.000-07:00

Historical Landmark Celebration in Kew Gardens!

2011-05-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

Yoga In the Park BEGINS THIS SATURDAY! Adults and Kids Classes!

2011-05-02T06:08:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again to practice Yoga in the Park! Outdoor classes begin THIS SATURDAY!

Children's Classes:

Every Saturday 9:15am-9:45am

Adult Classes:

Every Saturday 10am-11am

Every Wednesday 6pm-7pm

Suggested Donation Adults $5, Children $3

Sobehlson Park between Union Turnpike and Park Lane South, under the big tree by the baseball field. Bring your Yogamat or towel and commune with nature!

Upcoming Events in Kew Gardens--STARLAB and Victorian TEA

2011-04-29T06:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends, We'd like to share some wonderful upcoming Kew Gardens events at Maple Grove (see attached).

ASTRONOMY DAY AT MAPLE GROVE: A Cosmic Family Experience
Saturday, May 14, 4:00pm - 9:00pm, Location: The Center at Maple Grove
Astronomy Day at Maple Grove:
for Children ages 8+ years, an accompanying adult is optional, floor seating only
4 sessions: 4:00-5:00, 5:00-6:00, 6:00-7:00, 7:00-8:00
RESERVATIONS ARE NECESSARY for StarLab! Call (718) 709-0385
$5/child, $10/ adult, Friends of Maple Grove Members: children FREE, adults $5

Let Maple Grove be your child’s Astronomy Headquarters for a 45-minute workshop focused on educating and entertaining about astronomy and the wonders of the night sky. This Astronomy Adventure will begin in STARLAB, a portable planetarium, 25 feet across and 13 feet high, which simulates the sky and brings the stars and planets indoors! Enjoy the constellations and Greek Mythology and Native American stories.

Astronomy Night at Maple Grove:
8:00pm -9:00pm, FREE FOR ALL!
If the weather is inclement, this portion of the event will be cancelled.
Maple Grove is an ideal venue (dark without city lights) for Stargazing using our Celestron Telescope and
guided by 2 astronomy specialists. Feel free to bring your own telescopes and binoculars.
**************************************************

VICTORIAN TEA, Sunday, June 12, 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: The Center at Maple Grove
The Richmond Hill Historical Society is holding a Victorian Tea, sponsored by the Friends of Maple Grove, on Sunday, June 12, 2011 from 2 PM to 4 PM in the Celebration Hall at the Center in Maple Grove. There will be freshly brewed tea, finger sandwiches, and delectable desserts. Entertainment will be provided by balladeer, Linda Russell and prizes will be given for the best hats. Reservations required. Victorian attire optional! See updates on the web site: richmondhillhistory.org or call 718-704-9317 after May 15, 2011 or email to: richmond.hill.historical@gmail.com
for ticket prices and reservations.
**************************************************

SUMMER SCIENCE WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN
Saturdays: July 16, 23, 30, 2:00pm-3:00pm, Location: The Center at Maple Grove
RESERVATIONS ARE NECESSARY! Call (718) 544.3600
$5/child, Friends of Maple Grove Members FREE
These workshops are made possible in part by a generous grant from the Josephine Foundation to the Friends of Maple Grove.
MEET NATURE UP CLOSE! Alley Pond Environmental Center comes to Maple Grove!
Saturday, July 16: Earthworms
Saturday, July 23: Crickets
Saturday. July 30: Forest Ecology

The location for all listings: The Center at Maple Grove, 127-15 Kew Gardens Road, Kew Gardens (between 127-129 Sts)
For more information: friendsofmgc@aol.com
(917) 881-3358

If you are interested in becoming a member of Maple Grove:
www. Friendsofmaplegrove.org

Hampton Court Art Show this Sunday, May 1st, 1-6 pm

2011-04-29T06:21:00.000-07:00

You are invited to the Hampton Court Art Show (referred to as the Spring Fling!) on Sunday, May 1, 1-6pm. Artists from Hampton Court (117-01 Park Lane South, Kew Gardens, in the courtyard) will be showing and selling their artwork.There will be light refreshments and an arts and crafts table for children. Hope you can drop by!

THE KEW GARDENS TILE PROJECT

2011-04-25T07:34:00.000-07:00

THE KEW GARDENS 100 TILE PROJECT IS LAUNCHED!
Kew Gardens 100 Tile Project, with the theme of Kew Gardens as "home", was launched this week!

Kew Gardens Residents (and those who work in Kew Gardens), ages 5-105 years of age, are invited to reflect on Kew Gardens as their home and then create their vision on 4.5" x 4.5" tiles, which will then become part of an outdoor permanent installation in Kew Gardens for all to admire.

A committee of community enthusiasts applied to the Citizens Committee for New York City for a New Yorkers for Better Neighborhoods Grant and although competition was steep we were chosen as one of this year's recipients.
We are delighted that they recognized that the 100 Tile Project is a wonderful opportunity for residents of all ages and backgrounds to create something beautiful together!

Interested in painting a tile? You don’t have to be an artist to participate but you do have a picture in your heart of what Kew Gardens means to you as HOME (indoors, outdoors, home, school, business, family, etc) and be willing
to give the experience your best effort.

Tile Painting Day at The Potter’s Wheel is scheduled for Sunday, May 22nd, from 3:00-8:00pm and it will be necessary for you to schedule an appointment by May 15th. If you’d like to participate, please pick up an Application at The Potter’s Wheel which is conveniently located at 120-33 83rd Avenue in Kew Gardens, telephone (718) 441-6614, e-mail address: info@potterswheelny.com website: http://www.potterswheelny.com/

For information about the Kew Gardens 100 Tile Project: hundredTILE@gmail.com or call (917) 881-3358

KEW GARDENS PLANTING DAY!!!

2011-04-25T06:55:00.001-07:00

Kids & Community Yoga in the Park--Happening soon!

2011-04-11T07:32:00.000-07:00

A note from Gillian Neil re: Kew Gardens Yoga In the Park Program: Finally the cold winter has subsided and we are being met with sweet spring buds and blossoms. Not long now until we will be out in nature, stretching and breathing under the canopy of our beautiful tree. I'll keep you posted with exact dates but I'm pretty sure we'll be out sometime in May. A few new things happening this season:

KIDS YOGA: SATURDAY 9:15-9:45am Ages 3-5 The class will be tailored for ages 3-5, however no child will be turned away :)

COMMUNITY YOGA CLASS: Freeform yoga and meditation Fridays 8:15-9:30pm (starting today) at Living Yoga 11720 Queens blvd The practice of Freedom Style Yoga involves not deciding in advance what you are supposed to do. Instead, listening inwardly for guidance and giving yourself permission to do as you are prompted. Relaxing deeply we will listen attentively to the subtle messages our body conveys, about what it most needs. Experience in yoga is not necessary if you are willing to explore self-guided movement. After re-tuning our bodies we will move into stillness through a mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; On purpose, in the present moment, and without judgment.

Hope to see you soon! Gillian--Yoga In The Park Instructor

Poetry Reading at Mood April 26th!

2011-04-04T08:37:00.000-07:00

REZ Reading Series will be presenting A Poetry Marathon on April 26 from 7-9:30 at mood Restaurant and Bar in Kew Gardens. In honor of National Poetry Month (and Shakespeare's 447 birthday which just happens to be on April 26th!), the series has chosen to showcase as many local poets as possible during the month of April. Kew Gardens and its surroundings is filled with a large number of poets so on this night, we will be showcasing 12 poets. In addition, the Poet Laureate of Queens, Paolo Javier will be joining us to give the night a truly Queens poetic touch. Please join us.

Poetry and Music this Week!

2011-03-21T07:20:00.000-07:00

Next Sunday, March 27 from 1:00 to 3:00, at New Bliss Cafe, near the LIRR staion in Kew Gardens the REZ Reading Series will host another reading.
Fiction writers Jay Neugeboren and Sweta Vikram will be reading from new work and we hope you will join us then.

This is a very exciting event for the series as we are just going to be having these ad hoc reading events at various venues around Kew Gardens.
If you can come, great, and please bring your friends as well.

On Wednesday evening at the Austin Ale House, also in Kew Gardens and close to the New Bliss Cafe, Aaron Adler is having another musical event and one of our favorite young writers, Theo, is going to play his guitar and sing. Come have a listen then too.

March 26th Concert!

2011-03-11T10:07:00.000-08:00

Put yourself in The Center on March 26, 2011!

Delight in the music of Frank Lévy: A classical pianist who is an absolute artist!
The Celebration Room at The Center at Maple Grove will be alive with the amazing music of Frank Lévy on Saturday, March 26, 2011, at 7:00pm. The second concert in The Lhévinne Classical Concert Series will honor the lives of
Rosina and Josef Lhévinne, world-class Russian pianists and Julliard School teachers, interred together at Maple Grove. We are pleased that Frank Lévy has prepared an exciting concert program by Schubert, Chopin, Rachmaninov, Liszt, including several of the Lhévinne’s favorites.

Swiss-born, Frank Lévy is an internationally acclaimed classical artist who has a special place in his heart for Kew Gardens, Queens, his home from 2007 to January 2011. He has dazzled audiences and critics at Avery Fisher Hall in New York, Queens Elizabeth Hall in London, Royce Hall in Los Angeles, the Stadthaussaal in Wintherhur, Gusman Hall in Miami, Royce Hall in Los Angeles and The Gardner Hall in Salt Lake City. He has performed under the batons of Louis Langrée, Mehli Mehta, Paul Dunkel, David Josefowitz, Cornelia Kodkani-Laemmli, Ya-Hui Wang, Martin Stüder and other conductors. Frank Lévy is thrilled to be returning to Kew Gardens to entertain at Maple Grove!
At Frank Lévy’s "center" is a love for performing and teaching. David Dubal (broadcaster, author, performer, teacher) writes, "Frank Lévy is completely an artist spirit, who respects his students, who inspires them and understands through his stage experience as a soloist and chamber player the many things that only an experienced stage performer can impart." Frank Lévy is celebrating his 30th year of teaching and receives as much inspiration from his students as they
receive from him. "I help people to find their voice. It is a great honor to participate in the artistic life of our future." Frank Lévy brings all of his life experience and talents to his students and to his audiences.

Please join us on Saturday, March 26, at The Lhévinne Classical Concert Series. We will be celebrating love, talent, our lovely guests, the spirit of the Lhévinnes, and beautiful music! It will be a night to remember!

Sponsored by Friends of Maple Grove, Inc. and Supernova Productions
DATE: Saturday, March 26, 2011
TIME: Concert begins at 7:00pm. Meet Frank Lévy at the wine and cheese reception following
PLACE: The Center at Maple Grove
127-15 Kew Gardens Road (between 127-129 Street), Kew Gardens, NY 11415
TICKETS (LIMITED SEATING-Order your tickets ASAP): $25, $20 for seniors, $15 members
Online (PayPal): www.friendsofmaplegrove.org

Check: payable to Friends of Maple Grove, Inc., 127-15 Kew Gardens Road, Kew Gardens, NY 11415 (please include your name/contact information/number of tickets)

REZ Reading at Bliss Cafe March 27 1pm-3pm

2011-03-09T10:11:00.000-08:00

THE REZ
READING
SERIES

COME HEAR

Jay Neugeboren

and

Sweta Vikram

at
New Bliss Cafe
82-60 Austin Street
(near the LIRR station parking lot)

on Sunday March 27 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM

JAY NEUGEBOREN is the author of seventeen books, including two prize-winning novels (The Stolen Jew, Before My Life Began), two award-winning books of non-fiction (Imagining Robert, Transforming Madness), and three collections of award-winning stories. His stories have appeared in The Atlantic, Esquire, Virginia Quarterly Review, Best American Short Stories, The O. Henry Prize Stories, and Penguin Modern Stories. He is the only author to have won six consecutive Syndicated Fiction Prizes. He lives in New York City.

SWETA SRIVASTAVA VIKRAM is a Pushcart nominated-poet, novelist, author, essayist, columnist, and blogger. She is the author of three chapbooks, Because All Is Not Lost (Modern History Press); Kaleidoscope: An Asian Journey of Colors (Modern History Press); and Clearing the fog (upcoming from Modern History Press). She is also the co-author of two poetry collections, Whispering Woes of Ganges & Zambezi (Cyberwit) and Not All Birds Sing (upcoming from Cyberwit). Niyogi Books will publish her first fiction novel, Perfectly Untraditional, in 2011.

BOOKS ON SALE

You can find REZ Reading Series on Facebook. For further information or to be on the email list for the series, please contact deminlit@yahoo.com

SAVE THE DATE--May 1st RECYCLING DAY IN FOREST PARK!

2011-03-09T09:57:00.001-08:00

Classical Concert! March 26, 7:00pm, The Center at Maple Grove,

2011-03-03T08:38:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends, THE LHEVINNE CLASSICAL CONCERT SERIES, Saturday March 26, 7:00pm, The Center at Maple Grove, will be an musical evening to remember! Tickets are currently on sale (see details below). Please forward to friends/family. Thanks, Carol

Put yourself in The Center on March 26, 2011!

Delight in the music of Frank Lévy: A classical pianist who is an absolute artist!
The Celebration Room at The Center at Maple Grove will be alive with the amazing music of Frank Lévy on Saturday, March 26, 2011, at 7:00pm. The second concert in The Lhévinne Classical Concert Series will honor the lives of
Rosina and Josef Lhévinne, world-class Russian pianists and Julliard School teachers, interred together at Maple Grove. We are pleased that Frank Lévy has prepared an exciting concert program including many of the Lhévinne’s favorites by Schubert, Beethoven and Liszt.

Swiss-born, Frank Lévy is an internationally acclaimed classical artist who has a special spot in his heart for Kew Gardens, Queens, his home from 2007 to January 2011. He has dazzled audiences and critics at Avery Fisher Hall in New York, Queens Elizabeth Hall in London, Royce Hall in Los Angeles, the Stadthaussaal in Wintherhur, Gusman Hall in Miami, Royce Hall in Los Angeles and The Gardner Hall in Salt Lake City. He has performed under the batons of Louis Langrée, Mehli Mehta, Paul Dunkel, David Josefowitz, Cornelia Kodkani-Laemmli, Ya-Hui Wang, Martin Stüder and other conductors. Frank Lévy is thrilled to be returning to Kew Gardens to entertain at Maple Grove!
At Frank Lévy’s "center" is a love for performing and teaching. David Dubal (broadcaster, author, performer, teacher) writes, "Frank Lévy is completely an artist spirit, who respects his students, who inspires them and understands through his stage experience as a soloist and chamber player the many things that only an experienced stage performer can impart." Frank Lévy is celebrating his 30th year of teaching and receives as much inspiration from his students as they receive from him. "I help people to find their voice. It is a great honor to participate in the artistic life of our future." Frank Lévy brings all of his life experience and talents to his students and to his audiences.

Please join us on Saturday, March 26, at The Lhévinne Classical Concert Series. We will be celebrating love, talent, our lovely guests, the spirit of the Lhévinnes, and beautiful music! It will be a night to remember!
Sponsored by Friends of Maple Grove, Inc. and Supernova Productions

DATE: Saturday, March 26, 2011
TIME: Concert begins at 7:00pm. Meet Frank Lévy at the wine and cheese reception following
PLACE: The Center at Maple Grove
127-15 Kew Gardens Road (between 127-129 Street), Kew Gardens, NY 11415
TICKETS (LIMITED SEATING-Order your tickets ASAP): $25, $20 for seniors, $15 members

Online (PayPal): http://www.friendsofmaplegrove.org/

Check: payable to Friends of Maple Grove, Inc., 127-15 Kew Gardens Road, Kew Gardens, NY 11415 (please include your name/contact information/number of tickets)
CONCERT INFO: friendsofmgc@aol.com
(917) 881-3358
For more information about Frank Lévy and his upcoming concerts, www.franklevy.com

Interested in Envrionmental Issues and Urban Green Spaces?

2011-02-16T07:20:00.001-08:00

CDI invites you to a screening of the prolific documentary "Dirt! The Movie!" After the film we will feature several expert speakers, refreshments will be served and there will be time for networking and Q&A. We are screening this film for several reasons, primarily because it is an excellent and entertaining film, yet it also spotlights the exact major problems that we are facing in Haiti in Seguin and Parc La Visite and sheds light on how we can begin urban green projects right here in New York City and how both are connected.

DIRT! The Movie, tells the amazing and little known story of the relationship between humans and living dirt.

Why Dirt?

Dirt feeds us and gives us shelter. Dirt holds and cleans our water. Dirt heals us and makes us beautiful. Dirt regulates the earth's climate. Dirt is the ultimate natural resource for all life on earth.

Yet most humans ignore, abuse, and destroy our most precious living natural resource.Consider the results of such behavior: mass starvation, drought, floods, and global warming, and wars. If we continue on our current path, Dirt might find another use for humans, as compost for future life forms.

It doesn't have to be that way. Another world, in which we treat dirt with the respect it deserves, is possible and we'll show you how.

The film offers a vision of a sustainable relationship between Humans and Dirt through profiles of the global visionaries who are determined to repair the damage we've done before it's too late. There are many ways we can preserve the living skin of the earth for future generations. If you care about your food, water, the air you breathe, your health and happiness... it's time to see DIRT! the Movie, roll up your sleeves for action and Get Dirty.

Date: Sunday February 20th, 2011

Time: 4:00 - 7:00 pm

Location: Asociacion Tepeyac located on 251 West 14th Street

Admission: Advance online tickets are available (below) - $10 for CDI members, $15 for Non-Members

Tickets on the day of the event may be available depending on capacity.

Please RSVP by February 19th, 2011 by purchasing your tickets below.

The first 40 people to enter will receive a cool door gift!

Event page

Warm & Cozy Winter Landscape Painting!

2011-01-31T14:47:00.000-08:00

Winter Landscape Painting at Maple Grove!
Date of event: Saturday, FEBRUARY 5, 9:30-2:30pm, The Center at Maple Grove

Have you always wanted to paint a winter landscape but didn’t like the idea of frostbitten fingers?

Imagine this scene: You are sitting (or standing! please bring your own easel if you need one) looking upon the winter vista from the beautiful Celebration Room at Maple Grove, a room with very good light and many huge windows. You are inspired by the landscape and create wonderful artistic masterpieces for many well spent hours using your own art supplies (paints, acrylics, watercolors, charcoals, chalks, pencils, pen & ink, etc). Life is good!

If the above scene appeals to your artistic soul, please join us on February 5, 9:30am-2:30pm at The Center at Maple Grove (127-15 Kew Gardens Road, Kew Gardens) between 127-129 Street

This event is coordinated by Mandy Gor, an artist, who will be by your side if you need some encouragement, artistic advice or even a good laugh! Refreshments: Expect hot chocolate and cookies.

All levels from beginners to advanced welcome! RAIN OR SHINE! BUT since this is such a snowy winter, if it snows on February 4-5, please call to confirm!

Admittance: $8 adults, $5 seniors, Friends of Maple Grove Members FREE

To reserve a spot: friendsofmgc@aol.com or (917) 881-3358

LIC nonprofit pours more into Haiti clinic

2011-01-13T11:40:00.001-08:00

LIC nonprofit pours more into Haiti clinic

BY ANNA GUSTAFSON
Thursday, January 13, 2011 12:21 PM EST

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Long Island City resident Kevin Jamison (l.) works with Haitians during a trip to the Caribbean nation in August. Photo courtesy of Kevin Jamison

One year after a devastating earthquake claimed about 200,000 lives in Haiti, the Caribbean nation is still far from recovering and one Queens man said he hopes to change this with the medical help and supplies he and his nonprofit plan to deliver later this month.

“It’s really sad because you saw last January and February everybody being really interested in helping Haiti, but little by little people have forgotten about them,” said Kevin Jamison, a Long Island City resident who has gone on a countless number of humanitarian trips to Haiti over the past 13 years.

Jamison and members of the nonprofit he helped form, Community Development International, plan to be in Haiti from Jan. 21 to Jan. 30 to help run a weeklong free medical clinic in Seguin, Haiti. Cholera cases have recently been reported in Seguin, an area of about 40,000 people that is about three hours south of the country’s capital, Port-au-Prince. Jamison said he and the medical team, including nurses and doctors, hope to both treat the cholera cases as well as teach people what to do to try to prevent the disease from spreading at the Cloud Forest Medical Clinic in Seguin.

Read the entire story HERE.

REZ Reading and Food Drive

2011-01-04T11:41:00.001-08:00

Kew Gardens Children's Photo Show Jan 14th!

2011-01-03T06:45:00.000-08:00

You are invited to a lovely community event, the Kew Gardens Children's Photo Show at the Q Gardens Gallery.

HAPPY HEALTHY NEW YEAR

Kew Gardens Children’s Photo Show at the Q Gardens Gallery
Kew Gardens Children Photograph Their Community!
The LIRR speeding away from the Kew Gardens station, inside and outside looking at the snow covering familiar streets, younger sister under a big umbrella, the playground without any children, mom rushing along Queens Boulevard, the quietness of Maple Grove Cemetery, the beauty of the neighborhood architecture when the sun is going down.

To view these photographs and many others taken by Kew Gardens children, K-6 grade, please join us at the Kew Gardens Children’s Photo Show at the Q Gardens Gallery (80-61 Lefferts Blvd, Kew Gardens,
(347) 494-5704, Qgardensgallery.com). This dynamic group show will be on view from Friday, January 14- Saturday, February 5, 2011. Gala Opening Reception (with a kid friendly menu) on Friday, January 14, 4:00pm-8:00pm and Saturday, January 15, 3:00pm-7:00pm.

Photographs hold an honored place in our homes, family albums, and help to comprise our history. It is a rare opportunity for children to photograph their community and then to have their photos professionally displayed in a gallery. The photos say as much about them as about what they photographed, from their own point of view. Ron Marzlock, supporter of the arts and owner of the Q Gardens Gallery, immediately embraced the project because it was "an opportunity for children to look at their community, to capture their special moments photographically and to possibly discover talents that they didn't know they had."

The mission of the project seems to have been accomplished! In the words of Shana Block, one of the participating photographers, "If you look at things closely they can be beautiful even though you might not have thought so at first.

I found it easier to take still life photos over moving objects. Squirrels move too fast! I picked photos that had feeling and an interesting composition. "
Sponsored by a New Yorkers for Better Neighborhoods Grant awarded by the Citizens Committee for New York City to the Kew Gardens Improvement Association, Inc., over 40 photos will be enlarged and displayed and … each one has a story to tell.

The New Bliss Cafe to help local writers

2010-12-20T08:52:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends,
I wish all of you a very happy holiday season. In that spirit, I would like to inform you of a wonderful new opportunity for writers looking for a quiet place to get out of the house for a few hours to meet other writers and/or to just sit comfortably and write.

The New Bliss Cafe at the LIRR Station in Kew Gardens is offering to allow writers to come during the 1:30 to closing period to use their free wi-fi, reserve a spot to write (for a small fee) and buy coffee and food there while at work. The radio will be off and there will be lots of light and fellowship for those who want that kind of support.

As writers know, there are just days when the idea of being alone at work is too much. Yet, there is no need to talk just to be around people in a place conducive to writing.

The New Bliss Cafe is that sort of place in the afternoons during the week. The owner, Prakosh, is going to help us make this spot as comfortable and inviting for writers as possible while at the same time, making sure that the spaces with outlets are reserved for writers.

If you or any of your friends are writers, this is a wonderful opportunity to both be a part of the local writing community as well as to help sustain a new business in our midst.
Please contact me for full details.

Thank you and enjoy the holidays and then come to the New Bliss Cafe ready to get back to work,
Deborah Emin

for more information please contact Deborah Emin
deminlit@yahoo.com

Upcoming Events in Kew Gardens!

2010-12-02T10:52:00.000-08:00

UPCOMING EVENTS IN KEW GARDENS

Kew Gardens Community Center, 80-02 Kew Gardens Rd, Suite 202, (718) 268-5960

Wednesday, December 1, refreshments will be served after the Open Mic "Show Us Your Talent" event, starting at 1:00pm.

Friday, December 3, the students of PS 99, The Kew Gardens School, will present their always enjoyable annual holiday songfest at the Center at 10:00am, also to be followed by light refreshments. This should not be missed!

The Poets and Writers Reading is scheduled for Thursday, December 16, at 1:00pm (with refreshments), and the always-popular monthly Birthday Party will be co-mingled with KGCC's featured BELLE'S PLAYERS at 12:00 noon on -- Tuesday, December 21 along with the holiday refreshments.

Monday, December 27, 1:30pm, brings us Holiday Music of the Western Hemisphere from the studio of the talented and popular performers, vocalist Nelly Vuksic and her husband, pianist Cesar Vuksic.

And the year winds up with the New Year's Party and special performance by the "THE MELODIANS", exponents and ambassadors of reggae music, on Thursday, December 30, Reception 11am-noon, Performance at 12:00 noon. Note: This special end-of-year event will cost $3.00; RSVP by December 27.

YOU ARE INVITED to an Art Showcase and Reception
The Paintings of Alfredo Melendez, Ascend Day Spa, December 2, 8PM
The Ascend Day Spa, located at 82-62 Austin Street, in Kew Gardens, Queens, exhibits artwork from local artists in an effort to give back to the community.

The Ascend Day Spa is an all natural green spa, focusing on mind and body wellness through relaxation and rejuvenation. Continuing the exhibition series, Ascend is offering its space for a selection of paintings by artist, Alfredo Melendez. The opening reception will be on Thursday, December 2nd, 2010 at 8:00 pm. Wine and Refreshments will be served. The exhibition will be on view through February 3rd, 2011 during business hours.

Alfredo Melendez is a representational artist who works in a variety of media. In conjunction with his love for partner dancing, his work has focused on the intimacy of the connection between two people on the dance floor, their flow and movement, as well the more comical moments that can occur dancing. The central draw is always the woman, who in her voluptuousness and attitude, commands attention and desire.

The KEW GARDENS MUSICIANS at the New Bliss Café,
Saturday, December 4, 6 PM

The Kew Gardens Musicians will be doing a show at the "New Bliss Cafe", 82-60 Austin Street, next to the LIRR parking lot. The date? Saturday, December 4th, beginning at 6 P.M. There is a great show lined up with a diverse selection of music; rock, jazz, classical, vocal, instrumental and more. There is no admission fee. The café is now under new ownership and has a delicious new menu. 718-849-0111.

YOU ARE INVITED to a Premiere Opening Reception at the
Q Gardens Gallery, Friday/Saturday December 17 & 18

Q Gardens Gallery Presents:
Hollywood Women
Glamour, Style and Fashion
Past and Present

Showcasing uncirculated, unseen photographs of Hollywood's ladies.
Candid and portraits over 75 years and into the present!
Premiere Opening: Friday, December 17, 6:00 PM- 11:00 PM
Saturday, December 18, 6:00 PM- 11:00 PM
Refreshments and Hors D'oeuvres will be served
80-61 Lefferts Boulevard, Kew Gardens, NY,
Phone: (347) 494-5704

MULCH FEST (recycle your holiday trees), January 8 & 9

The date for Mulch Fest is drawing near! Mulch Fest offers community residents an opportunity to bring their holiday trees to a designated NYC Park to be recycled into mulch. The activity will help nourish the plantings occurring across the city. The dates are January 8 & 9, the closest location to Kew Gardens is the Forest Park Bandshell, Forest Park Drive, west of Woodhaven Blvd.

KEW GARDENS FIRST CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW!

Dear Kew Gardens Parents,
What's doing in Kew Gardens for children? KEW GARDENS FIRST CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW! Photos taken by children, grades K-6, will be professionally displayed in Q Gardens Gallery from January 14- February 5,
Gala Opening Reception on January 14 & 15.
This is an unusual and exciting project for your child. It's an opportunity for them to look at their community, to capture those special moments photographically and to possibly discover talents that they didn't know they had. Q Gardens Gallery exhibits vintage photography and has offered their gallery space for this children’s photographic exhibit. There will be an opening and the exhibit will be on view in the gallery for 3 weeks.
Interested? To participate, pick up an application as-soon-as-possible at the Q Gardens Gallery, 8061 Lefferts Boulevard, Kew Gardens, (347) 494-5704, open Tuesday-Saturday, noon-6:00pm or email mailto:carollacks@aol.com request an application. All photos (with an application) must be submitted by
Thursday, December 30, 2010. Questions? Carol (917) 881-3358
This photography project is made possible in part by a New Yorkers for Better Neighborhoods Grant awarded by the Citizens Committee for New York City to the Kew Gardens Improvement Association, Inc.

FRIENDS OF MAPLE GROVE CEMETERY WINTER EVENTS

http://www.friendsofmaplegrove.org/

* NOEL; A NIGHT OF EVERLASTING LOVE, The Story of Christmas in Concert, Friday, December 17 and
Saturday, December 18, shows at 7:00 PM and 8:45 PM, Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Boulevard, Flushing. General Admission: $20, VIP Reserved Box Seats: $30 (Tickets Available: online at http://www.thejosephinefoundation.org/)
or by phone (516) 334-1536). Please note: proceeds from the concert will benefit a group of non-profit organizations including Friends of Maple Grove, Inc.
Noel; A Night of Everlasting Love is the story of the night that changed the world forever, told using some of the most beautiful carols ever written for the classical choir. It will be performed with a 70 person choir and a 20 piece orchestra.

* WINTER LANDSCAPE PAINTING, Saturday, February 5, 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM,
The Center at Maple Grove, Reservations are necessary. $8, $5 seniors, members FREE. Bring your own art materials for an afternoon of painting, looking out upon the winter vista from the Celebration Room.
* REZ READING SERIES, Tuesday, February 8, 7:30 PM, The Center at Maple Grove, $5 suggested donation.

The REZ Reading Series, Kew Gardens' monthly reading series led by local publisher Deborah Emin, offers a warm and friendly atmosphere to listen to excellent writers read from their works, all genres. If you enjoy literature and
poetry, please join us! The theme for this month is Our Young People’s Writing Adventure.

* HISTORY AT OUR FEET PROGRAM: Valentine’s Day- My True Love, Couch Potato Tour Series,
Saturday, February 12, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM, The Center at Maple Grove, $5 per person, members FREE.

Hear love stories collected over the 135 years of Maple Grove’s history while enjoying savory teas and heart shaped cookies in the comfort of the beautiful Center at Maple Grove. Presented by Carl Ballenas, Maple Grove’s Historian.
* REZ READING SERIES, Tuesday, March 22, 7:30 PM, The Center at Maple Grove, $5 suggested donation.

* THE ROSINA LHEVINNE CONCERT SERIES: Frank Levy, Piano Recital, Saturday, March 26, 7:00pm,
The Center at Maple Grove, $25, $20 for seniors, $15 for members (Limited Seating, Tickets Available: online at http://www.friendsofmaplegrove.org/ (paypal) or by check to Friends of Maple Grove, 127-15 Kew Gardens Road,
Kew Gardens, NY 11415, please include number of tickets/buyer’s name/phone number/email).

Swiss-American pianist Frank Levy, is an internationally acclaimed classical artist who has dazzled audiences and critics at Avery Fisher Hall in NY, Queens Elizabeth Hall in London, Royce Hall in LA and the Stadthaussaal in Winterthur. We are very pleased that he has prepared an exciting program for the second concert in The Rosina Lhevinne ConcertSeries, including several of Madam Lhevinne’s favorites. Join us for wonderful musical evening with a Wine and Cheese Reception.

For more information about events at Maple Grove: friendsofmgc@aol.com
(917) 881-3358
The location for all listings, unless specified, is The Center at Maple Grove,
127-15 Kew Gardens Road, Kew Gardens, NY 11415
(located between 127 & 129 Street on Kew Gardens Road)

Gala Opening Reception Q Gardens Gallery, Fri and Sat Dec 17th & 18th

2010-12-01T06:09:00.000-08:00

YOU ARE INVITED
to a Gala Opening Reception
Q Gardens Gallery
80-61 Lefferts Boulevard, Kew Gardens, NY,
Phone: (347) 494-5704

Q Gardens Gallery
Presents:
Hollywood Women
Glamour, Style and Fashion
Past and Present
Showcasing uncirculated, unseen photographs of Hollywood's ladies.
Candids and portraits over 75 years and into the present!

Premiere Opening: Friday, December 17 6:00 PM- 11:00 PM
Saturday, December 18 6:00 PM- 11:00 PM
Refreshments and Hors D'oeuvres will be served

Kew Gardens Blog

Kew Gardens HOME-Coming Weekend Nov 4-6

Call for Kew Gardens Artists! Submissions Due Oct 23rd

Call for Kew Garden Artists!

Historical Landmark Celebration in Kew Gardens!

Yoga In the Park BEGINS THIS SATURDAY! Adults and Kids Classes!

Upcoming Events in Kew Gardens--STARLAB and Victorian TEA

Hampton Court Art Show this Sunday, May 1st, 1-6 pm

THE KEW GARDENS TILE PROJECT

KEW GARDENS PLANTING DAY!!!

Kids & Community Yoga in the Park--Happening soon!

Poetry Reading at Mood April 26th!

Poetry and Music this Week!

March 26th Concert!

REZ Reading at Bliss Cafe March 27 1pm-3pm

SAVE THE DATE--May 1st RECYCLING DAY IN FOREST PARK!

Classical Concert! March 26, 7:00pm, The Center at Maple Grove,

Interested in Envrionmental Issues and Urban Green Spaces?

DIRT! The Movie, tells the amazing and little known story of the relationship between humans and living dirt.

Why Dirt?

Warm & Cozy Winter Landscape Painting!

LIC nonprofit pours more into Haiti clinic

LIC nonprofit pours more into Haiti clinic

BY ANNA GUSTAFSON Thursday, January 13, 2011 12:21 PM EST

REZ Reading and Food Drive

Kew Gardens Children's Photo Show Jan 14th!

The New Bliss Cafe to help local writers

Upcoming Events in Kew Gardens!

Gala Opening Reception Q Gardens Gallery, Fri and Sat Dec 17th & 18th

BY ANNA GUSTAFSON
Thursday, January 13, 2011 12:21 PM EST