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🌱 Patch AM: How Forest Hills turned a frigid, fearful night into defiant celebration

Make time for Herbert Holler's Annual 80s Night + 50th Birthday! on the Queens Patch calendar

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Good morning Queens! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Forest Hills turned a frigid, fearful night into defiant celebration
  • Were you near this deadly New Year’s hit-and-run in Corona?
  • Which beloved Queens restaurant quietly served its last schnitzel in 2025?

Also on today's calendar: Herbert Holler's Annual 80s Night + 50th Birthday! and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Queensfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: I quit my job as a banker. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Queensfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Friday: Some sun returning; breezy, with a high of 34 and low of 24 degrees.
  • Saturday: Some sun, then clouds, temps: high: 34, low: 23.
  • Sunday: Sun and some clouds, with a high of 36 and low of 23 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Forest Hills' Dancing Dreidels Draw Crowds Despite Cold (anash.org) — Forest Hills families packed Yellowstone Park for Chabad of Forest Hills North’s 11th annual Chanukah on the Park, where an 18‑foot menorah was lit despite freezing weather and global tensions. Queens leaders, NYPD’s 112th Precinct, and Queens Shmira boosted security and showed solidarity, while Rabbi Mendy Hecht urged neighbors to respond to terror with mitzvot, unity, and visible Jewish pride.
   

2. Pedestrian killed, another critically injured in Queens hit-and-run (pix11.com) — A deadly hit-and-run in Corona, Queens early New Year’s Day left one pedestrian dead at the scene and another 24-year-old man critically injured near 102nd Street and 37th Avenue. Police say a white SUV fled after striking them, and investigators are asking anyone with information to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers, including Spanish-speaking residents via a dedicated hotline.
   

3. 'All things must come to an end': 5 beloved NYC businesses that closed in 2025 (gothamist.com) — Queens readers are losing a longtime staple: Glendale’s German restaurant Zum Stammtisch, which has served neighborhood families since 1972, closed in 2025. It’s one of several beloved small businesses across the five boroughs that shut their doors last year, reshaping local routines and neighborhood character.
   

4. Approx 20,000 nurses poised to strike at hospitals across NYC when the NYE ball drops (nydailynews.com) — Nurses at Flushing Hospital Medical Center in Queens are preparing to join roughly 20,000 nurses citywide in a potential 10‑day strike starting when the New Year’s Eve ball drops, demanding safer staffing and better security. The action would affect hospitals across all five boroughs, following months of rallies, vigils, and tense contract talks with major health systems.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • If you saw my previous post about my lost tabby cat Mina, I'm happy to report that God remembered my address and she is home again.
    I spotted her running while I was walking and lured her in with some food. Scooped her up and walked her home in my bare hands. It's a new year's eve… (Nextdoor Murray Hill (Northern & 162St))
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
    Zacharias was LOST on December 31, 2025 in Queens, NY 11373 near Dennman St Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Jackson Heights)
  • Target posted a job opening for Overnight Inbound (Stocking) (T2883) in New Hyde Park. Apply here.

Ok Queens! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I just lost interest.
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