🌱 71 New Citi Bike Stations + Blood Drives + Stop & Shop Closing

Happy Friday, Queens! Here's everything you need to know going on today.

First, today's weather:

A.M. rain, then a bit of ice. High: 42 Low: 22.

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Here are the top three stories today in Queens:

1. By May, the New York State Department of Transportation will rollout new Citi Bike stations in Sunnyside and Woodside. According to a draft plan released on Tuesday by the DOT, 71 stations will be installed in the Sunnyside and Woodside district, with the majority located on the roadway. The new stations are part of Phase 3 of the DOT’s plan to build out the bike-sharing network across New York City, and will later extend into Maspeth, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, and Corona – as well as deeper into the other boroughs. (Sunnyside Post)
2. Stop & Shop will be closing its Long Island City store later this year. The store, located at 34-51 48th Street, will not be renewing its lease and will offer its employees positions at other Stop & Shop locations once the store closes. At this time, a closing date has not been released. (Queens Post)
3. Amid a nationwide blood shortage, several blood drives are scheduled in the Queens area this month. The New York Blood Center’s emergency declaration for the region remains in effect — those looking to help out can visit blood drives across the borough, including Resorts World Casino's drive on Feb. 10, or RXR Realty's Feb. 16 drive in Long Island City. In addition, the Shops at Atlas Park are holding a blood drive today, as well as Feb. 9, 10, 14, 17, and 25 at 8000 Cooper Ave. in Glendale. (Queens Chronicle)

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Today in Queens:

• Marion’s Art History Class - Ravenswood Branch Library Virtual (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Thanks to Kitty Lin, everyone at the Queens Chamber of Commerce got Lucky money in a Chinese red envelope. Kitty Lin champions the spirit of giving, and every year she brings the Chamber her wishes of goodwill, red envelopes, and sweets. (Facebook)
• As part of Queens Botanical Garden's free Lunar New Year celebration this Saturday, visit the Zodiac Animal Library and join Storytime at 12:30 and 2:00 p.m. Listen to stories or read stories on your own about the Chinese Zodiac and the different zodiac animals. (Facebook)

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Events:

• Office & Home Furniture Liquidation Warehouse Sale (February 5)
• Old Astoria Neighborhood Association (OANA) Monthly Meeting (February 9)
• The Learning Experience- Summer Camp Ages 2-10 years old Zoom Information Session Feb. 17, 2022 (February 17)
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• 1 Bedroom 1 Bath 66-10 Yellowstone Blvd Forest Hills NY 11375 (Details)
• 2 Bdrm 1 Bath 66-10 Yellowstone Blvd. 4J Forest Hills, NY 11375 (Details)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a born and raised Rhode Islander. She works as a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners, and is a graduate of The University of Rhode Island, where she earned a degree in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, hiking, or photographing her neighborhood as a street photographer.