Author: sobrien

Historic Long Island City institution Brooks 1890 ceases operations after 135 years

Jan. 17, 2025 By Shane O’Brien  Brooks 1890, a historic bar and restaurant that served as a cornerstone of Long Island City’s Court Square for over a century, has permanently closed its doors. The iconic establishment at 24-28 Jackson Ave. across from the Long Island City Courthouse shuttered last week after operating for 135 years…. Read more »

LaGuardia Community College awards over $500,000 in named scholarships

Recipients of named scholarships at LaGuardia Community College. Photo: LaGuardia Community College.

Jan. 15, 2025 By Shane O’Brien  The LaGuardia Community College Foundation has awarded more than $500,000 in named scholarships for the 2024/25 academic year, helping hundreds of students overcome financial barriers and focus on their studies. LaGuardia Community College, located at 31-10 Thomson Ave. in Long Island City, is part of the CUNY system and… Read more »

LIC-based events company finds success by focusing on connections and creativity

Jessica Ellis operates a Velvet Turtle Events photobooth at an event in New York. Photo: Jessica Ellis

Jan. 14, 2025 By Shane O’Brien  The founders of Velvet Turtle Events, a Long Island City-based events and photography company, have attributed their exponential growth in 2024 to partnerships with community-based organizations and non-profits. Over the past 12 months, these collaborations have fueled their success, allowing the company to triple its business despite challenges the… Read more »

Mayor Adams announces 13 new shelter closures, including one in Long Island City

Jan. 10, 2025 By Shane O’Brien Mayor Eric Adams has announced a new round of shelter closures across New York City, including one in Queens. Among the closures is the Hotel Nedia shelter, located at 38-04 11th St. in Long Island City. This decision comes after 27 consecutive weeks of declining shelter populations across the… Read more »

LaGuardia Community College offers tuition-free program for immigrant nurses to join NYC healthcare workforce

Photo courtesy of LaGuardia Community College.

Dec. 20, 2024 By Shane O’Brien LaGuardia Community College is inviting internationally-trained nurses living in New York City to apply for the NYC Welcome Back Center, a tuition-free program that helps nurses transition into the US healthcare sector as Registered Nurses. The program, which is open to New York State residents authorized to work in… Read more »