Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will a $316K gift transform STEM opportunities for Queens teens?

And on the Queens Patch calendar - Paint Nite: Holiday Polar Bear II

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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 will a $316K gift transform STEM opportunities for Queens teens?
  • How did two old farm roads reshape travel across southern Queens?
  • Why a Queens councilman is probing NYPD cops “loaned” to City Hall

Also on today's calendar: Paint Nite: Holiday Polar Bear II and 9 more events.

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

Today's riddle: Jimmy, did you crash on your bike again? You’ve lost a tooth! 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Sunday: Snow early in the morning, with a high of 31 and low of 18 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Monday: Turning cloudy and cold, temps: high: 32, low: 25.
  • Tuesday: Partly sunny and cold, with a high of 34 and low of 31 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. QPL receives $316K donation from National Grid for expanded STEM programming for teens (qns.com) — Queens teens will soon see expanded robotics, coding and tech workshops after Queens Public Library received a $316,000 donation from National Grid. New “Teen Innovation Stations” across 22 branches will offer hands-on STEM projects, role models and college-and-career-focused learning, with programs expected to reach about 2,500 local youths starting in 2026.
   

2. A colonial road in Queens grows into a traffic machine: Our Neighborhood, The Way it Was (qns.com) — Woodhaven and Cross Bay boulevards have evolved from colonial farm roads into today’s heavily traveled arteries linking Queens neighborhoods, schools, shops and the Rockaways. This historical look explains how bridges, tolls, and bus-only lanes reshaped travel across Glendale, Howard Beach, Broad Channel and beyond, and why these routes still spark debate among local drivers and businesses.
   

3. Councilman questions ‘loaning' cops to City Hall, agencies under Mayor Adams (nydailynews.com) — A Queens City Council member is pressing NYPD leadership for answers on why active-duty officers are being “loaned” into City Hall and other agencies, potentially boosting pensions while patrol staffing and overtime remain strained. He’s asking how many officers are in these roles, how their pay and pensions are calculated, and which agencies oversee complaints and discipline for these politically connected assignments.
   

4. The Christmas Bird Count Is Coming to Town (nextavenue.org) — A Richmond Hill resident and Queens County Birding Association leader is gearing up for the Christmas Bird Count, a massive citizen-science project running December 14 to January 5. Her work with NYC Parks and local bird walks shows how Queens residents can join global conservation efforts, contribute local sightings, and discover how warming winters are changing which birds show up in our area.
   

5. Outgoing NYC Mayor Adams warns 'dark days' ahead as anti-cop Mamdani takes reins, won't miss job (nypost.com) — Eric Adams used a visit to the 103rd Precinct in Queens, where he says a teenage encounter with police changed his life, to reflect on his term and warn of “dark days” under Mayor‑elect Zohran Mamdani. He highlights his Queens upbringing, crime‑reduction record, and concerns about policing, homelessness, and antisemitism, while outlining plans for private‑sector work and a memoir after leaving City Hall.
   

📸 Around Queens

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Queens

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • 60 yrs plus?Issues using Popular APPS due to Memory Changes? Paid study if interested in learning.
    One time visit to help make it easier for you! If eligible you will be compensated!... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update: Pet Reunited
    A dog who went missing in New York, NY, has been safely reunited with their family after 55 minutes. Message from Finder: "She is at the NYPD 19th… (Nextdoor Kew Gardens (East of Rail))
  • Found him on the street!
    If this is anyone’s dog please let me know. I took him to get shots and a bed/clothes. I can’t keep him because my dog isnt friendly. (Nextdoor Jackson Heights)
  • Northwell Health posted a job opening for Assistant Professor, Biostatistics (Hybrid) in New Hyde Park. Apply here.
  • The Fortus Group, Inc. posted a job opening for Billing Specialist - in Manhasset. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Queens 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 didn’t lose a tooth, Mom. It’s right here in my pocket.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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