Image source: St. Pat’s For All Facebook page
The St. Patrick’s Day parade in Manhattan, which draws millions of spectators and marchers annually, has never allowed LGBT groups to march, citing religious reasons. This outdated rule has been protested over the past 20 years by plenty of activists, Irish New Yorkers and political figures such as Christine Quinn, and even the former Irish president.
Image source: Chris Gold
Well, now we know – the Times Ledger reports that the MTA will not reinstate weekend 7 train service during this year’s Lunar New Year celebration in Flushing. Elected officials and other representatives from Flushing are pretty unhappy with this decision, though they do understand that the MTA can’t change their schedule this year, so they are adamant that this doesn’t happen again next year at this time. They also believe that making sure there is 7 train service up and running during future Lunar New Year celebrations can only be a good thing for the relationship between the Flushing community and the MTA.
Holiday Season Kickoff with Snowflake Lighting – Enjoy face painting and balloon twisting and do not forget to stop by the holiday arts and crafts station. Don’t forget to bring a camera and get a photo with Santa at Macy’s (GMAP).
Also, watch as the sky turns into a kaleidoscope of beauty, lighting the Macy’s Snowflake and marking the official start of the holiday season!
Holiday Season Kickoff
Macy’s Flushing, 136-50 Roosevelt Avenue
Monday, November 19 | FREE
Image source: QEDC
We’ve written about Corona Plaza, the new pedestrian plaza along Roosevelt Ave by the 103rd Street 7 stop. The community has embraced it and it has become a true gathering place in the neighborhood, colloquially known now as “La Placita.” Last week (9/13) various stakeholders – the Queens Economic Development Corporation, NY Community Bancorp, elected officials, residents, nonprofits – came out to celebrate the first phase of the renovation.
And there is a second phase in the works, with more improvements to be implemented next year. (more…)
