The Horticultural Society re-beautified Easter Rising Way to ensure the passage way is maintained for the summer.

The municipal staircase between 53rd AVenue and 64th Street – renamed Easter Rising Way by Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley in November to commemorate the fight for Irish independence – used to be plagued by litter, graffiti and overgrown weeds. DOT filled cracks in the stairs, installed a barrier between the steps and homes and painted the chipped railing.

The Horticultural Society put in fresh soil and seasonal flowers and shrubs. Earlier this month, they came back to weed the area, prune shrubs planted last fall and plant new perennials.

“Step Street was always known very well locally, but did not have the best reputation. Though it was an eyesore in the community, it remained a main, convenient cut-through along 53^rd Avenue for local residents,” Crowley said. “It was important to me that this unique passageway is safe and welcoming for everyone, and that it stays this way for years to come.”

“It was so great to be back in Maspeth, at Easter Rising Way, working on this passageway for another season,”added Nick Guntli, the Horitcultural Society’s Manager of Horticulture and Workforce Development. “We look forward to the perennials and shrubs coming back to life each year, and hope this all makes a lasting impact on the community.”

Grand Avenue of Maspeth is not only a home to its residents but home to businesses with a true neighborhood feel, the definition of what “Grand” Avenue should be.  To name a few, here are 5 businesses on Grand Avenue to check out.

Touch of Memory

59-23 Grand Avenue

Maspeth, NY 11378

(347) 730-5046

Touch of Memory is not your typical neighborhood store.  In 2012, this family-owned business—now managed by Leah—opened the go-to place for unique gift ideas, passionate about what they create.  Touch of Memory creates sculptures of your loved ones’ hands/feet.  They perfect and capture every detail of every crease, wrinkle, and print.  They create a perfect replica of baby’s tiny fingers and toes, newlyweds holding hands, parents’ hands, and favorite pet paws.  Touch of Memory allows you to preserve the moment and the presence of loved ones is everlasting, reminding us of the beginnings and happiness in life.  This gift touches all hearts and it is convenient for customers to buy something extraordinary, perfect for Christmas, birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Newborn, Engagement, Weddings and Anniversaries, and corporate events.

Open: 10AM-6PM Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays

10AM-2PM Fridays

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GooD EatS Diner

69-32 Grand Avenue

Maspeth, NY 11378

(718) 478-2420

The name gives exactly what people come for, good eats, good food.  In 2010, Good Eats diner replaced Newport Restaurant, with a welcoming, modern, and comforting atmosphere, but not like your mainstream diner. The staff is very friendly and caters to every need.  Their menu has such an unconventional variety you wouldn’t know where to start. Just to name a few: mac and cheese, tater tot bowls, creative varieties of sandwiches named after people/places/well-known things within the neighborhood, and big breakfasts (of course). Their portions will never leave you hungry, but you’ll always come back for more. 

Open: 7AM-10PM Monday-Friday

6AM-10PM Saturday & Sunday

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Iavarone Bros.

6900 Grand Avenue

Maspeth, NY 11378

(718) 639-3623

              If you are looking for a taste of Italy without leaving the country, Iavarone Bros. is the definition of a family-owned business with authentic Italian food.  It’s almost as if you’re experiencing a real Italian trattoria in America.  In 1919, Pasquale Iavarone came from Ellis Island and brought his passion for food and his work ethic, opening the first “salciceria” in Brooklyn.  He became nationally renowned after mastering the art of sausage.  Fast forward: Christopher, Jonathan, Michele, and Joseph Jr. Iavarone are the 4^th generation to carry on the family business, 80 years of Italian tradition.  Iavarone offers various choices in appetizers, baked goods, gourmet specialties, meats and seafood, cheese, oils and vinegars, pastas and sauces, sweets and nuts, and healthy alternatives, all while experiencing authentic tastes of Old Italy. (That’s a lot to experience).  You won’t know what to try first. 

Open: 8AM-7PM Monday-Thursday

8AM-8PM Friday

8AM-6PM Saturday

9AM-6PM Sunday

 

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Celtic Irish Gift & Treasures

7217 Grand Avenue

Maspeth, NY 11378

(718) 424-8686

            Celtic Irish Gift & Treasures allows Maspeth residents along with other customers to embrace the Irish culture, even if they’re not Irish.  In 2014, Celtic was put under new ownership after another Irish store almost closed down.  This allows for everyone to still experience true Irish culture.   “Celtic” refers to the application of Irish rooted things in the 19^th century, known as the Celtic Renaissance.  You will not find anything short of that the moment you walk through the door.  Celtic Irish Gifts & Treasures sells Irish food such as mince pies and scones, Celtic gifts, crystal jewelry, aran sweaters, wraps, Christmas and holidays specialty items, county & sports team gear.  

Open: 10AM-7:30PM Monday-Saturday

11AM-5:30PM Sunday

 

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Russo Bakery

61-04 Grand Avenue

Maspeth, NY 11378

(718) 894-4919

   Since 1979, Russo’s Bakery has been providing the finest and freshest traditional old family recipes, and it’s obvious as soon as you step in, inhale the aroma and browse the array of mouth-watering treats.  At Russo’s, they believe that baking is preserving a true art form, and the friendly, passionate staff take pride in every product.  Breads need to rise very slowly, it takes 10-15 hours to make it Russo’s signature bread, unlike any other.  They also have a special oven imported from Italy where the bread is baked on the hearth floor.  They also take pride in their cakes, pastries, pies, cheesecakes, gelato-ice cream, cookies, breakfast items/treats, tarts, imported items, and holiday items for you to enjoy. 

On Russo’s website www.russobakery.com, they provide a video tour and pictures of all of their goods.

Russo’s delivers 7 days a week!

Open: 6AM-8PM Monday thru Thursday

6AM-8:30PM Friday

6:30AM-8:30PM Saturday

6:30AM-7PM Sunday.

 

 

 

On Friday, June 23rd the Kiwanis Club of Maspeth is hosting its 2nd annual Craft Beer Fest. The event takes place from 6-10pm at the Knockdown Center at 52-19 Flushing Avenue. The event will feature live music, local breweries, food vendors, and representatives from North Fork Vineyards. Tickets are $50 in advance, $60 at the door and $10 for designated drivers. Tickets can be purchased at www.knockdown.center.

Lafyes Jewelry, located at 65-50 Grand ave. in Maspeth, is offering custom graduation jewelry at competitive prices.

“Happy graduation from the staff at Lafyes Jewelry,” said Luis flores, Owner & Master Jeweler.

“Let me make you custom jewelry for your graduate to cherish!,” said Flores.

You can reach Luis Flores, owner of Lafyes Jewelry at (718) 894-0360.

If you’re attending the Queens Symphony Orchestra performance tonight at the Maspeth Federal Savings Bank parking lot on 69th Street and Grand Avenue, you can use Snapchat to win free tickets to a show in Manhattan, compliments of the Queens Ledger Newspaper.

Here is how to enter:

1. Attend the free concert
2. Open snapchat
3. Select the filter pictured below and save your snap before you snap it
4. Share your to snap on Instagram, twitter, or Facebook using #maspeth375
5. The funniest snap will win 2 tickets to a show!

 

 

About the event:

This is the first concert in the Maspeth Federal Savings Summer Concert/Movie Series held Wednesday nights throughout the summer.

Funds for this concert are provided by Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley.

The basketball camp at Martin Luther School emphasizes individual skill, basic fundamentals, and team play in a positive coaching environment.

Camp program director and MLS alum, Dwayne Cumberbatch, believes that a summer basketball program for children should be both fun and informative, exciting and supportive, challenging and rewarding.

His staff of former high school & college basketball players have the experience and personality to ensure that all kids involved will learn and have a great time.

Lunch is provided each day. All skill levels are welcome.

To register, contact Chris Brown at 718.894.4000 or email cbrown@martinluthernyc.org.

Celebrate the great 11378, Maspeth’s 375th Anniversary.  The Queens Symphony Orchestra will be performing at Maspeth Federal’s parking lot on 69th & Grand at 7:30PM.  Come and show your Maspeth pride.  Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley is hosting the event.