City Council to host hearing on South Ozone Park flooding

Mayor Bill de Blasio visits the home of a Queens resident affected by this weekend’s sewage blockage in South Ozone Park, Queens on Monday, December 2, 2019. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office

On Wednesday morning, the City Council’s Committee on Environmental Protection will hold an oversight hearing on the causes and response to the flooding in South Ozone Park.

Nearly 100 homes were damaged by backed-up sewage that spewed into basements, displacing hundreds of residents.

City officials initially blamed the sewage incident on residents, alleging that they poured massive amounts of grease down the drain.

The city then walked back their comments.

The committee hearing starts at 10 a.m. inside the Council Chambers at City Hall.

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Ozone Park tree lighting set for this Saturday

The Ozone Park Residents Block Association will celebrate its second annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, December 7. The event is in conjunction with the Ozone Park Kiwanis, the Southwest Queens Rotary, the Living Word Church, Tibbs Construction, State Senator Joe Addabbo, Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato and Assemblyman Mike Miller. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. at Living World Christian Fellowship Church (132-05 Crossbay Blvd). This will be Ozone Park’s biggest lighting event to date, complete with shows from local dance troupes, pictures with Santa, toys, free hot dogs, pretzels, hot chocolate and other surprises. The Christmas tree will be lit around 7-7:15 p.m.
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Ulrich to host 2nd annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner

Councilman Eric Ulrich is hosting his second annual Thanksgiving Day dinner on Thursday, November 28 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Villa Russo, located at 101-12 Lefferts Boulevard.

The free event is held under this mantra: No one should be alone on Thanksgiving.

The councilman started the tradition last Thanksgiving after hearing from several residents who had nowhere to go on that day. More than 60 constituents joined Ulrich last year for dinner at Arabella’s Castle in Ozone Park.

“While the holidays are usually happy occasions for many of us, they can be sad or lonely days for others,” he says. “There are people in our community who suffer from depression, or have nowhere to go on Thursday. I want them to spend Thanksgiving with me.”

Ulrich, who is anticipating a large turnout, picked Villa Russo for this year’s dinner. The venue’s owners generously provided the space at no cost.

Additionally, several local businesses pledged to donate catered food for the event.

The event will provide transportation for seniors and people with disabilities upon request by calling Ulrich’s office no later than Tuesday, November 26.

Volunteers are needed for the day of to help with transportation, setting up and cleaning the venue.

To volunteer, contact Marjorie Coello at 718-738-1084 or at mcoello@council.nyc.gov.

RSVP is strongly encouraged for the dinner.

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Resorts World celebrates eight years in Queens

On October 28, Resorts World Casino NYC held its 8th Annual Anniversary Drawing to mark the opening of the casino in 2011.

All RWC NYC members were awarded one free entry into the drawing, with guests who earned 88 points on any day between October 1st and October 28h earning an additional entry.

Eight winners were announced at Bar 360, winning between $1,000 and $50,000. The drawings totaled $88,000.

“Resorts World Casino New York City is proud to provide an unparalleled gaming and entertainment experience in Queens,” said Michelle Stoddart, director of PR and community development.

“As we stand eight years strong, we are very grateful to have guests who have been gaming with us since the very beginning.”

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NYPD Boxing returns to Resorts World Casino NYC

On Thursday, October 24, NYPD Boxing will be hosted once again at Resorts World Casino NYC.

This Halloween-themed event celebrates the retirement of NYPD Lieutenant Dave Siev, who was an active member of the Cops & Kids Boxing Program.

Proceeds from the event will go toward supporting the initiative.

The following precincts and organizations will be represented in the ring:

  • 73rd Precinct
  • 32nd Precinct
  • 60th Precinct
  • 13th Precinct
  • 1 Police Plaza
  • 114th Precinct
  • 110th Precinct
  • NYC Department of Corrections
  • NYC Department of Sanitation
  • Port Authority police
  • JFK Police

Ticket price is $20 to $25, but it’s $40 cash at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the first fight is at 7:30 p.m.

Click here to purchase tickets.

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Fall Festival at Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Park

NYC Parks is hosting a free fall festival for residents on Saturday, October 19 from noon to 4 p.m. at Joseph P. Addabbo Memorial Park (aka Tudor Park).

Activities include field games, free pumpkins, pumpkin decorations, arts & crafts, Halloween-themed activities, face painting with Agostino Arts, live animals, inflatables and much more!

No need for tickets, just show up and have a great time!

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Teresa Carpio, Vivian Fang Liu come to Resorts World Casino

Image courtesy of Resorts World Casino NYC website

Renowned performers Teresa Carpio and Vivian Fang Liu are set to perform at Resorts World Casino’s Central Park on Saturday, September 14 from 9 to 11 p.m. Doors open at 8 p.m.

Carpio is a world-famous Cantopop singer Hong Kong English pop singer, actress and singing teacher who has 25 albums to date.

She’s known for hits including “If,” “I Still Remember That Time,” “Suyaki,” “Why Give Up,” and “True Love.”

Liu, meawhile, is a classical music pianist, singer, songwriter and teacher with training from Columbia University.

She has performed at sites including Carnegie Hall, Citi Field, Gracie Mansion and more.

Liu is known for her role as a judge on the Youth Talent Competition of New York on Sinovision TV and TVB’s Supernova National Singing Competition.

You can purchase tickets for the event here.

This event is for attendees age 18 and over.

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ICYMI: Adams hosts first annual music and culture fest

Last weekend, Councilwoman Adrienne Adams – along with DJ Ralph McDaniels and the King of Kings Foundation –  hosted the first annual Music and Culture Fest in Southeast Queens.

The family-friendly event celebrated the impact and evolution of hip hop culture.

It featured world-renowned DJs like Funk Master Flex, DJ Red Alert, Chuck Chillout, Grand Master Vic, DJ G Money and the Rockaway Twins.

Hundreds of attendees enjoyed entertainment, food and children’s activities.

“The arts are a powerful unifying tool and I believe in the positive power of music,” Adams says. “The Music and Culture Fest lets neighbors meet each other in a setting that encourages them to explore their own creativity, dance, laugh, be moved and to recognize that we are all in this together as a community.”

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Health Department to spray pesticide to reduce risk of West Nile Virus

On Thursday, August 29 between 8:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. the following morning, the Health Department is conducting another adulticide treatment to reduce mosquito activity and the risk of West Nile virus.

Trucks will spray pesticides in sections of southeast Queens, including parts of Brookville, Cambria Heights, Laurelton, Rosedale and St. Albans.

In case of bad weather, the spraying will be pushed back to Tuesday, September 3 and Wednesday, September 4.

The Health Department says it will use very low concentrations of the insecticides Anvil® 10+10 and/or DeltaGard®.

The risks of these pesticides are low to people and pets. Some people who are sensitive to spray ingredients may experience short-term eye or throat irritation, or a rash.

People will respiratory conditions may also be affected, health officials say.

To stay safe during spraying, residents are being asked to stay indoors whenever possible. Air conditioners can remain on.

And while it is unnecessary, residents can close air conditioner vents or choose the recirculate function.

After spraying, health officials say residents should wash their skin and clothing exposed to pesticides with soap and water. Always wash fruits and vegetables with water as well.

To reduce exposure to mosquitos, here are some tips courtesy of the Health Department:

  • Use an approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (not for children under 3), or products that contain the active ingredient IR3535.
  • Make sure windows have screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
  • Eliminate any standing water from your property and dispose of containers that can collect water. Standing water is a violation of the New York City Health Code.
  • Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.
  • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs. Keep them empty or covered if not in use. Drain water that collects in pool covers.
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Klimax 2019 comes to Resorts World Casino

Labor Day weekend will be exciting at Resorts World Casino NYC.

Klimax 2019 will come to RWC on August 31st from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. This long-awaited event will feature performances by Machel Montano, Nailah Blackman, Ding Dong, Ravi B and Raymond Ramnarine.

VIP tickets include one drink, express entry into the event and front-stage access.

Doors open at 9 p.m. and the concert begins at 10 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online here.

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