Woodhaven

Woodhaven Artist Jennifer Lambert Hosts Artists Reception Monday 9-23

We are happy to pass along the news that Jennifer Lambert, aka JTechnoQuilter, will be hosting an Artist’s Reception at newly opened Deja Brew Café (102-10 Jamaica Ave in Richmond Hill) on Monday, September 23rd from 6:30pm-8pm. Jennifer’s work will be on display until October 14th.

"My artistic goal is to inspire others, to open their minds, to encourage the sharing of one's story, and to bring the community together,” Jennifer told us. “I am trying to find platforms for our local Artists to spread their art throughout 11421, to give Woodhaven its own unique Queens identity."

Deja Brew Café is a new establishment with a welcoming staff and indoor environment, with incredibly peaceful backyard seating and delicious fare including weekend brunch.

They are looking for local Artists to share their work for intervals of 4-6 weeks and are in need of an Artist starting 10/14.

Jennifer is a founding member of the Woodhaven Art Circle, you may remember our interview with her a while back:

 

Jennifer has several artistic irons in the fire, including:

Kew Gardens Community Arts Day 2024, Austin Ale House 82 -70 Austin Street and surrounding streets, Saturday September 21st, 12 – 5 pm

Friends of Maple Grove Cemetery, 127-15 Kew Gardens Road, Kew Gardens, where her works will be on display from October 1st -October 30th with Artist Reception Saturday October 19th at 5pm.

And finally, Jennifer is giving four FREE crafting classes for 30 elementary aged children (limited seats) at Oak Ridge in Forest Park:

• Tuesday October 15 Leaf Rubbing Wreath
• Tuesday October 22 Halloween Monster Mobile
• Tuesday November 12 Sunflower Hanger
• Tuesday November 19 Thank You Box

Again, these classes are free and you must register at Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.com/d/ny--new-york/jtechnoquilter/?page=1&hash=7479490306787b65c4a614bdecb4f765

We hope you will come out to support one of Woodhaven’s biggest fans and a fun talented artist, Jennifer Lambert!

Woodhaven's Legion Square to be Rededicated Saturday (9/21) @ 11 AM

This Saturday, September 21st at 11 a.m., a piece of Woodhaven’s history will be revived with the unveiling of a “Legion Square” sign at Eldert Lane and Rockaway Boulevard. Designated as Legion Square in 1930, the name gradually faded from use over the decades.

 

The designation of Legion Square came in the wake of World War I, a period when the losses from the war were still fresh. American Legion Post 118 sought a community site to honor their heroes. The busy intersection of Rockaway and Eldert was chosen due to its prominence in Woodhaven at the time.

 

 

In the 1920s and 1930s, this intersection was known as “The Gateway to Queens,” bustling with activity as automobiles transitioned from Brooklyn into Queens. Local businesses like grocery stores, a bakery, a barber shop, and a bar & grille populated the area, though today those establishments have been replaced by ground-floor apartments.

 

During the mid-1930s, when Woodhaven residents were selecting locations for “Welcome to Woodhaven” signs, this intersection was a popular choice in a poll conducted by the Leader-Observer. Unfortunately, that sign was never put up.

 

World War II brought Memorial Day Parades that began at Legion Square. The parades would travel down 91st Avenue to 88th Street, then head east on Jamaica Avenue to 118th Street in Richmond Hill, and continue along Myrtle Avenue to the My Buddy statue at Park Lane South – one heck of a long parade route!

 

 

At Legion Square, there was a grassy triangle that Queens Borough President George Harvey dedicated to American Legion Post 118 for memorial services. This area, known as Legion Triangle, is managed today by the New York City Parks Department.

 

In the early 1930s, Legion Square even hosted gatherings that included veterans of past wars, some of whom had participated in the U.S. Civil War, which had concluded nearly 70 years earlier.

 

Now, nearly a century after the dedication of Legion Square, we have the opportunity to honor and remember those who sacrificed their lives for our country. This event serves as a tribute to American Legion Post 118, which has fostered patriotism in Woodhaven for over a hundred years.

 

In these tense and divisive times, it's crucial that we come together to honor those who served our nation, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice. American Legion Post 118 has been steadfast in this mission, from the Memorial Trees in Forest Park to the World War II monument at Forest Parkway. Their annual Garden of Remembrance, a miniature cemetery for deceased members, is a poignant reminder of their commitment.

 

We extend our gratitude to the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association and Woodhaven Business Improvement District for supporting the Woodhaven Cultural & Historical Society’s petition to restore the Legion Square name, as well as to Community Board 9 for its approval. 

 

Special thanks go to Councilmembers Joann Ariola and Robert Holden for their role in guiding this request through the New York City Council.

 

Finally, we acknowledge and appreciate all members of American Legion Post 118, both past and present, for their service and dedication, ensuring that patriotism remains vibrant in the Woodhaven community. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and sacrifices.

 

We hope to see you all this Saturday, September 21st at 11 a.m. at Eldert Lane and Rockaway Boulevard, which will now and forever be known to all residents of Woodhaven as Legion Square.