Project Woodhaven's 2009 Project Archive

Here are some previous projects that we've presented since we first went online October 3rd, 2008.  Our earliest reports clearly show we were just getting our feet wet, and we were still learning . . .  If you're interested, click here to see how we looked on that first day. 

In honor of our first anniversary, here is a special video looking back at the past year.  Then, you can scroll down and look through our updated archive and see if there's anything that catches your eye! 

December 2009

New Year's Eve 2009 - New Year's Eve had been crazy, what with the snow earlier that morning, so we were looking for a fun, relaxing place to welcome in 2010.  And with 2010 being Woodhaven's 175th Anniversary, what better place to ring in the New Year than one of the oldest taverns around -- and certainly the oldest place in Woodhaven -- Neir's (previous story here, official site here).  The crowd was already festive by the time we arrived.

New Year's Eve Snow - So, on the last day of 2009, when we woke up and saw a lot of snow on the ground, we jumped up and got out the door right away.  In other words, we went out to play :-) 

Remembering Woodhaven.  In 1997, the Woodhaven Cultural & Historical Society began a project -- interviewing folks about their memories of Woodhaven.  Their first subject -- and as it turned out their last subject -- was long time resident, and self proclaimed "Woodhavenite until he died" John Fischer.

The NY1 Ambulance Corps Interview.  A few weeks ago, NY1 News came to Woodhaven to interview the Woodhaven Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps in advance of their Pasta Dinner Fundraiser (which we covered here).  The reporter filing the story for NY1 was Ron Lee, here he is with Kathy Sexton Dalbey (CEO of the Ambulance Corps).

Back to the 1970s.  As this decade draws to a close, we look back a few decades -- and once again, we have The American Legion Post 118 to thank for these great color pics of Woodhaven.  We've previously shared some spectacular pictures from the 1960s which you can find here and here.  The color pictures in this report came a decade later, the 1970s

Woodhaven Decorations.  This is a simple report.  A look around at the houses of Woodhaven, where tonight, families will gather together and celebrate Christmas Eve.  We take this moment to thank all of our readers for their support this year, and wish you and your families all a Merry, Happy and Healthy Christmas.

Forest Park - Dark and Frozen.  We were out taking some night pics and ended up in Forest Park -- driving along Forest Park Drive.  And with all the leaves gone, you get a great view overlooking Woodhaven, as well as surrounding areas.

MTA Press Conference.  While the residents of Woodhaven worry over what will become of the Z Line and the Q56 Bus, our elected representatives went public with their displeasure in a Tuesday morning press conference at the office of Assemblyman Mike Miller (38th District).  Mr. Miller had spoken about this press conference in an exclusive interview with Project Woodhaven Friday Night.  The frigid weather and short notice kept a lot of residents away, but Councilmembers Elizabeth Crowley and Eric Ulrich joined Assemblyman Miller, along with Assemblyman Rory Lancman (25th District), to speak up for them.

MTA Cuts - Coverage of the news that the MTA was looking to cutting the Z Line and the Q56.  Featuring an interview with Mike Miller.

Santaddabbo!  Joe Addabbo plays Santa!

Blizzard!  Woodhaven found itself in the path of a blizzard -- we were there as it approached.  Some folks also call this update... The Birds!

We Will Survive!  It had been long known that the Woodhaven Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps was hurting financially.  And when the problems got worse, the WRHVAC reached out for help by having a fundraiser, and announced a Pasta Dinner.  We advertised it here on Project Woodhaven.  And the "media wing" of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association sent out a press release, offering encouragement to the organization and asking for help

The Voice of Woodhaven - December 2009.  The newsletter of the Woodhaven Residents' Block Association.  

Woodhaven's Christmas Parade.  All week long, the weather had been looking pretty iffy for Saturday's scheduled Christmas Parade.  A lot of preparation had gone into it -- and a lot of practice.  And so, Friday Night -- at Woodhaven's annual tree lighting ceremony -- it was announced that everyone had decided to proceed with the parade, and hope that the rain would hold off until it was over.

Tree Lighting 2009.  Continuing a tradition that has spanned a few decades, Woodhaven gathered at Forest Parkway and Jamaica Avenue to witness the lighting of our town Christmas Tree and Menorah. 

Vintage Woodhaven.  A booklet from nearly 25 years ago produced for Woodhaven's 150th Anniversary, e-mailed to us by our friend Joe Virgona. 

November 2009

Woodhaven's Christmas Tree.  Getting our tree ready for Christmas 2009!

The 2009 WRBA Dinner Dance.  The 2009 honorees were: 

• St. Thomas the Apostle R.C. Church celebrating its 100th Anniversary.
• Woman of the Year, Miss Judy M. Graves, "Mommy and Me" Instructor
• Business Owner of the Year, Hanshi Myron M. Lubitsch, Shorinjiryu-kenryukan Karate
• Community Volunteer of the Year, WRBA’s own Edward K. Wendell of ProjectWoodhaven.com

Neir's Reopens.  A very special story is being written in Woodhaven this winter -- and it's remarkable what's been done here.  Neir's, one of the oldest taverns in New York, has reopened its doors after a beautiful makeover. 

Pictures from the 1960s.  We're in for a real treat over the next few updates, and we have The American Legion Post 118 of Woodhaven to thank for it.  These pictures come from their vault and they are, to put it simply -- spectacular. 

Pictures from the 60s Part 2.   More pictures from The American Legion Post 118's vault. 

Restoring Woodhaven's History.  John Bettner.  Douglas Campbell.  Francis Christ.  All the way to Patrick Wogan.  There were 32 names in all that adorned a bronze plaque affixed to the wall, at the corner of St. Thomas the Apostle.  These 32 young men had a couple of things in common.  First, they all gave their lives in defense of their country in World War 2.  And secondly, they were all from Woodhaven.

PW On the Air Interview: Mike Miller.  Assemblyman Mike Miller, who was recently sworn in, has been a regular caller to PW's weekly live talk show (Fridays at 10).  This past Friday, November 13th, Mr. Miller called in to see what's going on in Woodhaven. 

PW On the Air Interview: Sean Graves.  As we explained in a recent update, the Woodhaven Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps is in need of your assistance.  On our last live talk show, Sean Graves of the WRHVAC called in to tell us more

Changes on the Avenue.  This is a report we file every so often, a summary of the recent changes on Jamaica Avenue (see here and here for previous examples).  It's such a large avenue (as our recent report on the Shopping Guide from the 1980s showed) that it's a job and a half to keep track of the changes.

Woodhaven Kids Make A Movie - Kids from the Woodhaven Library make a movie.

94th Street Beer Distributor Closes.  This is a sad story, but one we were expecting for a while.  It appears that the Beer Distributor at 94th and Jamaica has gone out of business after serving Woodhaven for decades. 

Mike Miller Sworn In.  On Sunday, November 1st, Mike Miller was sworn in as New York State Assemblyman for District 38, of which Woodhaven is part of.  The ceremony was held at Intermediate School 77 on Seneca Avenue in Ridgewood.

October 2009

Halloween Avenue.  A look at Jamaica Avenue on Halloween.

The Halloween House of 91st Street. This house is spectacular!  And they put on a great show every Halloween.  

Spooky Houses of Woodhaven.  It's that time of year again -- Halloween!  And Woodhaven has a lot of residents that get into the holiday spirit and deck their houses with skulls and bones and ghouls and goblins.  We took a little tour around town one night this week and captured a few of the better ones that we saw. 

The 2009 Wonderful Woodhaven Street Fair.

Shopper's Guide to 1980s Woodhaven.  Shopper's Corner.  The Empire Restaurant.  Bella Bridal.  Taco Haven.  Nino's Pub.  Eljay Drugs.  The Plaster Palace.  Oh Brother Inn.  The Video Connection.  Mondello's.  Dick's Deli.  Chicken Delight.  Fifi's Cafe.  Martin Paints.  Sit down with any old resident of Woodhaven and the conversation generally turns into a game of "Do you remember . . .?" 

STA 2nd Graders Camp Out!

Mike Miller Pledges Security Help.  At a town hall, our new Assemblyman vows to help Woodhaven restart its' security patrols.

Ray Kelly Visits the WRBA - A surprise visit from NYPD's top cop.  He also visited the 102nd Precinct Community Council Meeting the same evening.

Woodhaven's 2009 Health Fair - A health fair held at the ambulance corps.

Flashback!  The 1981 Street Fair

St. Thomas the Apostle's Walk-A-Thon.  An annual march through Woodhaven by STA students.

Trash or Treasure.  The Woodhaven Cultural & Historical Society hosts veteran appraiser Eddie Costello (Antique Road Show).  The presentation is called "Trash or Treasure" and it is just what the name implies - an opportunity to find out if that long, lingering piece in your basement is worth bucks, or worthless.