DOT begins to pave, mill parts of Cross Bay Boulevard

The Department of Transportation has begun milling and paving parts of Cross Bay Boulevard from Howard Beach to Broad Channel.

Starting on September 9, the city will resurface the 10 miles from 156th Avenue to 165th Avenue.

Then it will repave the area from the Joe Addabbo Bridge to West 5th Road in Broad Channel, starting the week of September 23.

The repaving will include fresh high-visibility crosswalks and other markings.

The project was made possible with $2.125 million in funding from Councilman Eric Ulrich.

It’s the first time these sections of Cross Bay Boulevard will be resurfaced in more than 20 years.

The project is expected to be completed in October, weather permitting.

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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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Martin Van Buren HS principal retires

After 32 years as a New York City educator, Sam Sochet has called it a career.

Sochet, the principal at Martin Van Buren High School in Queens Village/Bellerose, has retired after seven years at the helm.

He was largely credited with turning around the school. Sochet receives the High School Principals Association’s Leadership and Excellence in Education Award earlier this year.

Tracy Martinez, pictured above, will take over as interim acting principal of Martin Van Buren HS.

To read more about the school’s turnaround, see here and here.

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Breast cancer screening program coming to Jamaica

The American-Italian Cancer Foundation’s (AICF) Mobile, No-Cost Breast Cancer Screening Program is coming to Jamaica.

The screening program provides mammograms and clinical breast exams to uninsured and medically underserved New York City women.

The mobile van will be in Jamaica on Friday, September 13 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To schedule an appointment please call 1-877-628-9090 or 718-850-1242.

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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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Dr. Chan appointed as Outreach’s new medical director

Dr. Enoch Chan has joined Outreach, a drug and alcohol treatment services agency, with a location in Richmond Hill, as its full-time medical director.

Chan, who has been practicing medicine for more than two decades, served as a consulting physician for Outreach for the past five years.

Chan will help advance Outreach’s integrated care model, which affects families and individuals involved with treatment.

His short-term goals, the agency said, includes working with the executive team and senior management to expand the agency’s Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) capabilities, as well as implementing the use of telehealth.

He will also serve as the organization’s representative to the greater medical community, and provide direct patient care at the agency’s locations.

Chan received his bachelor’s degree at Stony Brook University and his medical degree from New York Medical College. He served his residency at North Shore Health System, and was the attending physician at Long Island’s Peconic Bay Medical Associates.

“It is an absolute honor to be a part of Outreach, an organization that has committed itself for more than four decades to serving and helping to heal individuals and families struggling with substance abuse,” Chan said in a statement. “I am humbled to be able to work with such tireless and devoted professionals, and I am excited to do my part in expanding the Outreach mission to build healthy lives.”

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Borough Hall collecting backpacks, school supplies for homeless

As the new school year approaches, Queens Borough Hall is collecting backpacks and school supplies as part of its annual drive.

“Project: Back to School” is organized by the Coalition for the Homeless, and provides homeless children with backpacks filled with things they need for school.

Borough Hall is accepting donations from now through Wednesday, August 28 at 120-55 Queens Boulevard, on the first floor in the main lobby.

You can also donate #2 pencils, hard and soft pencil cases, pencil sharpeners, crayons (24-count boxes), colored pencils, washable markers, Elmer’s glue, glue sticks, composition notebooks, binders, ruled paper, safety scissors, pocket folders and scientific calculators.

The donated items are anonymous and non tax-deductible.

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National Night Out for the 106th Precinct

National Night Out Against Crime is back in Ozone Park!

On Tuesday, August 6, the 106th Precinct Community Council will host the annual event at the Addabbo Playground part of Tudor Park from 6 to 9 p.m.

This event is designed to introduce members of the NYPD precincts to community members, and foster better police-community relations.

There will be fun activities for children and adults, giveaways, free refreshments, music and more!

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