SAL MARCHESE LEAVES ASTORIA , READIES FOR MONKS

Astoria, New York
End of year amid Spirituality for Sal Marchese.The singer will be the guest at a Benedictine monastery of Mount Etna.Back after three years from the last retreat at the hermitage of Camaldoli, in Tuscany, to relive the experience of a hermit, the Sicilian poet and singer Sal Marchese. The artist in fact, from 29 December 2009 to January 1, 2010, will be the guest of the Benedictine monks at a monastery located on the slopes of Mount Etna, Sicily. Most of the people of our time, says Marchese, care about their careers, to grow only from the professional, economic, and / or cultural; few strive to grow in spirit, in faith. But the 'man can not deny having a soul, and also the Spirit must be cultivated. Professional career, money and culture are not supported by the values of Christian faith and a deep, personal growth in the Spirit, can also lead, if living in the wrong way and / or excessive, destruction and anguish. This end of the year for me will be different from the usual "festive season" immersed in the confusion of the tables of restaurants, houses full of friends and relatives, and even in the noise of the crowded streets of cities. I live in Silence, in prayer and meditation. Away from the distractions of the world. Salvatore Marchese
during his 3 week stay in New York, has also performed at the Wine Bar Vino Divino in Astoria. You can visit www.salvatoremarchese.it for additional information.

WINTER SNOW STORM TO BLANKET ASTORIA

*AT LEAST 1 FOOT OF SNOW EXPECTED BY SUNDAY MORNING
*BLIZZARD CONDITIONS FOR ALL OF LONG ISLAND
Astoria, New York
A blizzard type storm is expected to cause major traffic and airport delays today into tomorrow. Astoria could get a foot of snow out of this major storm.

December 10, 2009

ITALIAN AMERICAN FEDERATION OF QUEENS CLUB CELEBRATES WITH CHRISTMAS PARTY
*INSPECTOR MORBECK of the 114th JOINS FESTIVITIES WITH 2 OTHER OFFICERS
Astoria, New York
The Italian American Federation of Queens located in Astoria celebrated with its members a Christmas party with food and beverages. Joe Di Pietro, president of the organization invited the inspector of the 114th precinct to participate in the festivities. Inspector Morbeck, cited that crime went down a lot in his precinct in the last 2 years, thanks to his well trained officers and the people in the community. A member of the Federation complained of a traffic ticket for him. He pointed out that the ticket was unjust. Some people have argued that officers or traffic agents are very quick and don't give a chance to motorists in vehicles by advising them ahead of a potential ticket. Inspector Morbeck advised the members to tell Joe Di Pietro any problems or issues in the community. After the little discussion, it was time to eat some italian food made by Rocco's Catering. Meeting at the Federation take place usually every second Tuesday of the month at 8 pm.

QUEENS COLUMBUS DAY PARADE IN ASTORIA ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 10TH

* ITALIAN-AMERICAN FEDERATION OF QUEENS CLUB TO HOST THE EVENT
Astoria, New York
The parade of Columbus Day for Queens County takes place once again this Saturday October 10th.
Assembly is at the Kaufman Studios on 36 street and 34 th Ave at 11:00 am. It will cross the heart of Astoria from Steinway to 30th Ave to 33 Street and reach Columbus Triangle on Astoria Blvd. For additional info, please call the FIAO office at 718-204-2444.

ITALIAN NIGHTS EVERY WEDNESDAY AT ATHENA SQUARE PARK

*FIAO SPONSORED EVENT TAKES PLACE EVERY WEDNESDAY EVENING IN JULY AND AUGUST
Astoria, New York
The so called Italian Nights are part of the Federation of Italian Americans of Queens list of events. Singers, dancers, musicians put on spectacles that draw crowds at Athena Square Park on 30the Ave and 30th Street every Wednesday evening during the heart of the summer months of July and August. Events usually start at about 7.30 pm. For additional information call 718-204-2444.

ASTORIA PARK FIREWORKS DRAW LARGE CROWD

*DRY WEATHER FAVORED A GOOD FIREWORK SHOW
Astoria, New York
It may be still June, but not in Astoria. A fireworks show at the Astoria Park on Shore Boulevard drew a large crowd willing to see a show on rain free day. The firework display began at 9.15 pm, a bit too early because of the light skies, and ended just about 25 to 30 minutes later. The crowds surrounded Astoria Park as motorists blocked streets in tha adjoining area. This year, Astorians will not enjoy the Macy's fireworks on July 4th because they will be displayed on the Hudson River.

MAYOR BLOOMBERG TO JOIN ASTORIA HOMEOWNERS, TENANTS & BUSINESS PEOPLE ON JUNE 11th

ASTORIA HOMEOWNERS, TENANTS & BUSINESS

CIVIC ASSOCIATION

ATTENTION MEMBERS & ASTORIA COMMUNITY: Please attend this important meeting on

THURSDAY, JUNE 11^TH, 2009

7:30 P.M.

St. Francis of Assisi School Basement 21-17 45^th Street, Astoria, NY

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER:

THE HONORABLE

MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG

MAYOR, CITY OF NEW YORK

Come and hear directly from the Mayor about how the city of New York is doing during these difficult economic times

and hear what his vision is

for the future of the city of New York.

•

We will be honoring Mayor Bloomberg with a plaque for his

many accomplishments for the past eight years.

•

In addition there will be an update on other community issues.

PLEASE JOIN US - YOUR PRESENCE AND INVOLVEMENT ARE VERY IMPORTANT FOR A BETTER COMMUNITY!

ITALIAN FEDERATION OF QUEENS TO HOST ABRUZZO RELIEF CONCERT

* TICKETS WILL COST 20 DOLLARS PER PERSON, PREMIUM SEATING WILL COST $35.
* SINGER GIADA VALENTI WILL PRESENT A TRIBUTE TO LOVE
Astoria, New York
The Federation of Italian Americans of Queens will present a benefit relief concert for the Abruzzo region. The concert will take place at 5 pm on Sunday May 31st at the St Joseph Auditorium on 30th Ave and 44th Street in Astoria.

SPRING FAIR FLEA MARKET AT ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI SCHOOL TOMORROW SATURDAY APRIL 25TH

Astoria, New York

St Francis of Assisi is holding a Spring Flea Market outdoors tomorrow from 10 am to 5 pm. The school is located on 21 Ave and 46 street. The weather forecast is for a warm sunny day with temperatures reaching 80. For additional information please contact St Francis.

GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION TODAY IN ASTORIA

Astoria, New York
Assemblymember Michael Gianaris & Borough President Helen Marshall are hosting a Greek Independence Day Celebration today March 26th 2009.
The event will take place at the Hellenic Cultural Center located at 27-09 Crescent Street in Astoria, Queens. The celebration will commence at 6 pm.
For additional information, please contact the office Michael Gianaris at 718-545-3889.
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ITALIAN FEDERATION MEETING TODAY IN ASTORIA

* CONSULTANT PAT GRAVINO WILL ATTEND FIAO MEETING TO DISCUSS TODAY'S MARKETS
Astoria, New York
Today, March 11th at 8pm, there will be a monthly FIAO meeting at 29-21 Ave in Astoria. For more info, please call 718-204-2444 or just feel free to attend.

CITY INCREASES PRICING FOR ASTORIA DITMARS AREA ELECTRONIC METERS

A QUARTER GIVES YOU ONLY 20 MINUTES, DOWN FROM 30.
ASTORIAITALIA.BLOGSPOT.COM SUGGESTS USING YOUR CELL PHONE FOR ALARM OR COMING TO THIS WEB BLOGSPOT FOR ON SCREEN ALARM
Astoria, New York
The DOT raises electronic meter fares from 50 cents to 75 cents per hour, a 50 percent increase. Astoria Italia was alerted by a public official worker down 31 street near Ditmars. Non-electronic meters in the area were still accepting 2 quarters per hour. By looking at the signs, it was not possible to determine the pricing of the meters. Therefore, it is advisable to review the electronic meter's instructions and the receipt that you must properly place on your car's dashboard so it is visible to the traffic agents. Also, it is advisable to keep an alarm tool such as a cell phone to notify you ahead of an expiring meter ticket so you can move your car. This blogspot website has an embedded alarm tool if you are an office worker sitting at a computer.
*added Mar 14th, 2009* After an additional review, the increase in price was shown on a sticker/plate of the electronic meters. Also, the regular meters on 31 street between Ditmars and 21 Ave show the price increase. A quarter is now good for 20 minutes of parking time. It is advisable to review your meter at the time of payment.

ASTORIA BRACES FOR WINTER STORM, BLIZZARD CONDITIONS

A WINTER STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT FROM 6PM SUNDAY TO 6PM MONDAY. SOME AREAS COULD SEE A FOOT OF SNOW BY MONDAY NIGHT.
ASTORIA, NEW YORK
The major storm of the winter 2008 to 2009 season is taking aim at the tri-state area. A storm with origins in the deep south, and a storm developing in the mid-Atlantic coastline with Nor Easter characteristics, will bring havoc to Astoria and Queens in the next 24 to 36 hours. Astoria Italia expects traffic hazards and school closings because of the Winter Storm Warnings issued by weather officials. Please be careful if you have to drive or walk, and please wear proper winter attire. Forecasted moderate to heavy snow and winds reaching 30 mph at times with temperatures mainly in the 20's, could create blizzard conditions. Earlier , while some flakes were falling from a passing disturbance, sanitation trucks were salting the streets in some areas, ahead of the overnight storm.
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