The Weekender

First off my apologies for last week. I could not get the blog to post in its entirety and it drove me batty to the point I gave up. Basically I gave you the usual and told you to enjoy the lovely weekend.

Despite the dreariness outside my office window (Thank god for the massive plant I have there to cheer things up) this weekend is set to be L-O-V-E-L-Y. I’m ignoring the threat of rain for tomorrow and focusing on the warm sunny weather I see for Sunday.

Now that the weather is warming up, so is the neighborhood.
And I am happy to report that John and I found a great apartment and my fear of being forced out of Astoria was unfounded. *Sigh of relief*

First up, there’s been chatter about a Green Market coming to Astoria, in Athens Square Park (30th st @ 30th ave). That would be awesome. I love walking through the one in Union Square on my lunch breaks and having one close to home means not having to worry about schlepping stuff home on a crowded rush hour train. Ah, to have fresh locally grown fruits, veg and plants would be lovely (I’m digging that word today, eh?). Sign the petition to voice your support to have this great addition to our community. Make sure to verify you're in Astoria in the comments section.

This weekend Cynthia, from Candy Plum, is celebrating her birthday all weekend, with 10% off everything pink and a free gift with purchase. Sale runs until the shop closes on Sunday. Happy Birthday Cynthia!

Tonight at 7:30 AMMI hosts a screening of “Away from Her” Presented by Director Sarah Polley. “Julie Christie’s radiant and moving performance as a woman who succumbs to memory loss lies at the heart of Sarah Polley’s impressive directorial debut.” Tickets are $18 for non members and after the screening and discussion join in for the reception in the museum galleries.

Saturday from 11-1pm join Richard Melnick from the Greater Astoria Historical Society for a Walking Tour of the neighborhood. Set at a leisurely pace, you’re sure to learn a lot about the neighborhood. RSVP and meet your walking buddies at the corner of Ditmars and Shore Blvd, and you’ll eventually make your way to Rainey Park.

Also Saturday the Steinway Reformed Church(41-01 Ditmars Blvd @ 41st st) is hosting a rummage sale. They’re promising great stuff and great bargains for everybody. Proceeds go to support the church “that supports the community.”

Waltz hosts their monthly wine tasting again Saturday at 9pm. 7 wines paired with meats and cheeses for $25 all while getting a lesson about what you're sipping. Get there early, the last 2 months have sold out.

Saturday night shake your groove thang at Hell Gate Social with Astoria’s DJ Lo-Fi spinning the beats.
It is not a good night to go to the Beer Garden even if the weather is beautiful. They’re hosting a concert and tickets are $30 in advance.
Hold the need for beer until Sunday.

Sunday brings a smile to my heart just thinking about THE FIRST STREET FAIR OF THE SEASON!!! Get your booty over to Steinway and about 28th ave to Broadway (they say it runs to 34th ave, but it never really reaches that far, much to my disappointment). Time to scope out the $2 jewelry, funny t-shirts, deep fried oreos, and all those great things that just spell summer.

Also on Sunday is the grand opening of the QP Marketplace in Queens Plaza. Antiques, crafts, collectables and a farmers market are what’s in store for visitors. I’m excited to check it out.

One more for Sunday (that I’ll miss for sure due to another commitment)-make like a kid and go fly a kite. From 11-2 join kids of all ages as Socrates Sculpture Park and The Noguchi Museum present the fifth annual kite event. “Children and their families draw inspiration from the Park's fantastic view of the Manhattan skyline to build and decorate a kite, and then fly it in the Park. KiteFlight will be held in the education area at Socrates Sculpture Park. The workshop is free and supplies will be provided.”

With all this, how can it NOT be a great weekend?
Enjoy it!