Thursday, August 05, 2010

Out Astoria August 2010 Newsletter, Vol 1

Upcoming Out Astoria Events and News

August Brunch at Sweet Afton, Sun 22 Aug, 1:30pm-3:30pm - 30-09 34th Street - Sweet Afton's Website
For August we're trying a new place for Brunch. Sweet Afton came highly recommended, and everything on the Brunch Menu is $10 or LESS!! Please keep the RSVP up to date so that we know how many to expect.

RSVP on Facebook



A Note from John Paul Detty, Membership Chair
Now that Out Astoria has grown as an organization, its cofounders Dirk McCall and Brent Gallenberger are preparing to announce a new sponsor membership program that will enable those who want to get more involved in Out Astoria to enjoy voting privileges in the organization's affairs, sponsor member discounts, and other opportunities. Look for more information to come in the following weeks.


Other Notices of Interest

Re( MiX) Grand Re-Opening Party, Sat 7 Aug, 7pm on - 40-17 30th Ave - Mix's Twitter Page
Come Celebrate the Grand Opening of Zuzies @ Mix with Chef and Owner Susan Burdian and Enjoy the Grand Reopening of the new and improved Mix Cafe & Lounge.

Hosted by: Sunday Morning Mimosa

Open Bar & Food from 7PM till 10PM with cash bar following with Performances by; Rosa & The Ultratight

For More Information, or to RSVP look at their Facebook Invite HERE



The Gospel According to Candy at Duplex Lounge, Sat 7 Aug, 7:30pm-8:30pm, 61 Christopher St, Manhattan
Astoria's very own Candy Samples is back at The Duplex, with some gospel and original tunes. Folks are in for a treat with new material from her upcoming CD, "Sample That!" --- come 'on down for a down home evening!

$10 admission / 2 drink minimum

For More Information, or to RSVP look at their Facebook Invite HERE



Aristophanes' "The Birds" by 9Thirty Theatre Company, 10-15 Aug & 17-21 Aug, Greek Cultural Center, 26-80 30th Street - 9Thirty Theatre Company's Website
The Birds is set in a landfill/crow's nest, and inhabited by half-puppet half-man trash art creations, our protagonist's seeks fortune with a plan that hinges on Man's "out of sight out of mind," mentality. The old adage, "one man's trash is another man's treasure," rings true and he prevails by defeating his enemies with their own greed.

Performed by: Freddie Bennett, Patrick Bonck, Matthew Jellison, Nicole Hodges*, Kim Ramirez, & Eric Sutton*
*Appearing Courtesy of Actor's Equity Association
Equity Approved Showcase

With Lighting Design and Stage Management by Michael Beyrouti, Costume Design by Dana Dobreva, Puppetry by Lillian Clements, Composition by James Stewart, and Set Design by: Aaron Gonzalez

Directed by: Aaron Gonzalez
Composed by: James Stewart
Preview: August 8th
Runs: August 10th-15th & 17th- 21st
Showtimes: @ 8PM | Sat. matinee @ 3PM | Sunday @ 7PM
Admission: $15 (advance) $18 (general), $12 (students and seniors with valid ID)
Click Here to Purchase Tickets:
https://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/757835
TEL 866.811.4111

Monday, June 21, 2010

Out Astoria Pride Fundraiser for Ali Forney Center's St Andrews Place Shelter

Kick off Gay Pride weekend with Out Astoria by joining us on Friday, June 25 at 8pm at Astoria Brewhouse (2850 31st Street and 30th Ave) for our monthly mixer. We have reserved Astoria Brewhouse's private upstairs entertainment space for the event!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131334803553606

The cover this time will be $10 and here's why:

In honor of Pride 2010, Out Astoria is doing something a little different this mixer. As we celebrate all that is great about the gay experience, it's important to also remember that, for many younger members of our community, the act of coming out often means rejection from their families. It is estimated that about 40% of homeless youth in New York City are LGBT. Many were thrown out of their homes by their parents when they came out as lesbian, gay, or transgender; they often live on the streets rather than face harassment and abuse in the homeless shelter system.

The Ali Forney Center (AFC)—the nation's largest and most comprehensive organization dedicated to homeless LGBT youth—operates an emergency shelter for homeless LGBT youth in the basement of an Episcopal church here in Astoria. Out Astoria will donate all proceeds from the door to the AFC shelter in Astoria. In addition, we will have a donation box at the door and encourage attendees to bring along items to donate to the shelter—donations such as non-perishable food items for the pantry (e.g., pasta, rice, canned goods) and personal items for the residents themselves (e.g., deodorant, shampoo, laundry detergent).

Out Astoria has established an ongoing relationship with the shelter. If you wish to learn how to volunteer your time or to donate food, sundries, clothing, linens (sheets, pillows, etc.), house wares, books, DVDs, or other items, please send a message to vicepresident@outastoria.com with "AFC shelter" in the subject line.

So come join us on June 25 as we celebrate Pride in honor of the Stonewall generation and help some members of the next LG.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Out Astoria April 2010 Newsletter, Vol 1

Upcoming Out Astoria Events and News

April Dinner at Thai Pavilion, Wed 14 Apr, 7pm-9pm - 37-10 30th Avenue - Thai Pavillion's Website
Celebrate Spring with Out Astoria at our April Dinner! The weather is getting hotter and so are our events. Come to Thai Pavillion on Wednesday, April 14th at 7pm for a dinner as spicy as you can handle. As always, please be accurate with your RSVP so we can be accurate with our reservation!

RSVP on Facebook

April Mixer at MiX Cafe, Fri 16 Apr, 8pm-11pm - 40-17 30th Avenue - MiX's Website
We return to MiX Cafe and Lounge for a fun night of hearty drinking, great schmoozing, and hot Astorians.

Details will be laid out in the Facebook Event.

Out Astoria Wine Tasting at Astoria Wine and Spirits, Thu 22 Apr, 7pm-9pm - 34-12 Broadway - Astoria Wine and Spirits' Yelp Page
Sample FREE WINE at Astoria Wine & Spirits, a local favorite where you can always count on excellent advice on choosing just the right bottle of vino.

RSVP on Facebook

April Brunch at Bareburger, Sun 25 Apr, 1:30pm-3:30pm - 33-21 31st Avenue - Bareburger's Website
If you like organic foods, you'll love Bareburger! This is not your Pappy's burgers either--there are tons of choices of meat (Elk, Bison, Ostrich, Veggie) as well as choices of buns (Whole Grain... even Wraps!).

This is a sure pleaser for a great Out Astoria Brunch. Facebook Invite forthcoming.



Other Notices of Interest

Queens Lesbian and Gay Pride Mixer at Friends Tavern, Thur 15 Apr 6:30pm-8:30pm - 78-11 Roosevelt Ave, Jackson Heights Friends Tavern Website Queens Lesbian and Gay Pride Committee Website
The Committee that organizes Queens Pride invites you to join them for a mixer at Friends Tavern. Come meet the committee members, join the fun of organizing Queens Pride, and make a difference! Queens Pride Parade and Festival is the first week in June, and is held in Jackson Heights. Out Astoria will be looking for volunteers on that day.

For More Information, or to RSVP look at their Facebook Invite HERE



Queens Red Cross Casino Night at Queens College Ballroom, Fri 23 Apr 7pm-11pm - 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing Official Site
Join for a fundraiser benefiting the American Red Cross in Greater NY - Queens Area Office.

What's Included: Casino Games, entertainment by Beat2Beat NY, hors d'oeuvres, parking, play money, amazing prizes

Prizes include 4 night stay in Orlando 4 star condo with 5bedrooms/5.5bath/private pool as well as fitness center, game room, putting green, and more on the property.
Large screen TV, golf outing, weekend stays in Montauk, Yankees and Mets tickets, spa/restaurant and shopping certificates and more
Where: Queens College Ballroom, Student Union Bldg, 4th Fl

Advance tickets $35/At the door $45.
Parking in Student Union Parking corner of Kissena and Melbourne
Cash bar, must be 21 and over to enter

To purchase tickets, contact Ashma at (718) 558-0053 ext. 107
email queensevents@nyredcross.org or go to http://american.redcross.org/QueensCasinoNight



Get 2-4-1 Admission to Noguchi Museum,3338 10th St, 1 Mar - 31 May 2010 Noguchi Museum Website
With the enclosed Museum Discovery Pass, you can get this discount admission to Noguchi Museum as well as the American Folk Museum, Asia Society Museum, The Jacque Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, Museum of Chinese in America, Rubin Museum of Art, and The Studio Museum in Harlem.

Thanks to Matt Haugen for the tip!

Download the pass HERE

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Out Astoria March 2010 Newsletter, Volume 2

Upcoming Out Astoria Events and News

March Mixer at Sissy McGinty's with Why Leave Astoria, Fri 19 Mar, 8pm-11pm - 25-67 Steinway Street - $5 Cover - Sissy McGinty's Website (Music)
For the Luck of the Irish, we're joining Why Leave Astoria at Sissy McGinty's. Sissy's is a favorite of many of the Out Astoria folks who call this place their regular hang out. We are also very happy to be joining with Why Leave Astoria folks.

As always, a $5 cover at the door gets you a solid hour of OPEN BAR well drinks with drink specials after that.

RSVP on Facebook


March Brunch at Mundo Cafe, Sun 28 Mar, 1:30pm - 31-18 Broadway (Ent on 32nd St) Mundo's Website (Music)
Out Astoria returns to one of the hottest gay owned places for brunch, featuring Turkish and Argentinian Food. People swear by their Red Sonja lentil appetizers! This is a real treat. Mundo is one place you will find great food that will have you coming back again and again. Look forward to a Facebook invitation as the time nears.



Other Notices of Interest

Queens Lesbian and Gay Pride Mixer at Studio Square, Thur 18 Mar 6:00pm-9:00pm - 35-33 36th St Studio Square Website Queens Lesbian and Gay Pride Committee Website
The Committee that organizes Queens Pride invites you to join them for a mixer at Studio Square. Come meet the committee members, join the fun of organizing Queens Pride, and make a difference! Studio Square will be offering discounted pitchers ($15) for the over 2 dozen beers on tap to those who come with Queens Pride.

For More Information, or to RSVP look at their Facebook Invite HERE



Astoria Performing Arts Center Benefit at Studio Square, Fri 26 Mar 6pm-10pm - 35-33 36th St, Empire Suite Studio Square Website APAC Website
Celebrate APAC's ninth season and get a sneak peek at their upcoming production of Children of Eden at a benefit for the Astoria Performing Arts Center.

Please join in honoring Assembly Member Michael Gianaris and Jack Rainey, Vice President, Government & Community Banking, TD Bank, for their contributions to the arts and the Astoria community.

6:00-7:00pm Cocktails
7:00-10:00pm Dinner and Program

Individual Tickets - $100 Each.
Tables - $1000 (10 Tickets). Premium Seating.
Reserve online!

Enter the raffle! Win a trip to Atlantic City, gift certificates to some of Astoria's best restaurants, spa packages, or many other prizes. Purchase Tickets today ($10 each, 3 for $20 or 8 for $50). Raffle ticket holders need not be present to win a prize. Additional prizes will be announced leading up to the benefit and at the event itself.

Purchase an ad in the Benefit Journal.

All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

If you have any questions, email events@apacny.org or call (917) 566-0969.

For further information on the benefit, visit their website.

We will look forward to seeing you there.



Project 126 Assessment Survey
Many of you have been asking us how you can help serve our community. Well Out Astoria is gearing up to offer a lot of opportunities for everyone to pitch in. Right now, an easy way to help out is to take a survey for Project 126!

The Project 126 Assessment Survey is a rare chance to voice your hopes and concerns for our communities. As this survey is designed by the Elmezzi Foundation, the results of this survey will not result simply in charts and graphs, but will result in real decisions about where money for services will go in 2010-2011. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts!

Please consider taking the Survey HERE


Envisioning a Greener Western Queens - Astoria, 27 Mar, 9:30am-4:00pm - Greater Astoria Historical Society, 35-20 Broadway, Quinn Building, 4th Fl
Come for a lively day of visioning for a more sustainable and green future in Sunnyside, Astoria, Woodside & Long Island City -- Help guide funding that will be used for tree planting and other environmental projects in Western Queens communities affected by the info@northstarfund.org or 212-620-9110.

Who Should Attend: Residents of the areas affected by the 2006 Con Edison power outages: Astoria, Sunnyside, Long Island City, and Woodside.

Background: Following the July 2006 Con Edison power outage, Western Queens Power for the People organized residents of Western Queens to hold Con Edison accountable for the effects of the outage. This organizing helped bring about a $63 million dollar joint proposal that prevented Con Edison from passing on the cost of the power outage to consumers and required Con Edison to reimburse people who lost power. About $7.9 million will be used for tree planting and other greening projects in the affected neighborhoods over the next three years. North Star Fund is the Project Administrator, and is working with Western Queens Power for the People to ensure effective, strategic and timely grants for a greener Western Queens.

Western Queens Power for the People
North Star Fund


Get 2-4-1 Admission to Noguchi Museum,3338 10th St, 1 Mar - 31 May 2010 Noguchi Museum Website
With the enclosed Museum Discovery Pass, you can get this discount admission to Noguchi Museum as well as the American Folk Museum, Asia Society Museum, The Jacque Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, Museum of Chinese in America, Rubin Museum of Art, and The Studio Museum in Harlem.

Thanks to Matt Haugen for the tip!

Download the pass HERE

Friday, March 05, 2010

Out Astoria March 2010 Newsletter, Volume 1

Upcoming Out Astoria Events and News

Out Astoria marches in St Pats For All Parade, Sunday 7 Mar, 1pm - Skillman Ave and 43rd St St Pat's For All Website
If you didn't know, the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Manhattan excludes GLBT folks from participating in their parade. In reaction to this hatred, Out Astoria's own Brendan Fay started up St Pat's For All as an alternative inclusive parade in 2000. Out Astoria has marched in this parade in the last two years, and will be doing so again this year. A Facebook Invitation will be forthcoming shortly.

Chap Day will be the Group Marshal for Out Astoria. Contact him with questions communications@outastoria.com

RSVP on Facebook


March Dinner at El Sitio de Astoria, Wednesday 10 Mar, 7pm - 35-55 31st Street Yelp Page for El Sitio
Dinner Party? Hell yes! Come to El Sitio de Astoria for some of the best Cuban food in Astoria! We've had a lot of new people moving to the gayborhood in recent months so this is an awesome opportunity for everyone to get together and meet up. And you know you'd better mean it when you RSVP so we can give the restaurant an accurate headcount.

RSVP on Facebook


March Mixer at Sissy McGinty's with Why Leave Astoria, Friday 19 Mar, 8pm-11pm - 25-67 Steinway Street - $5 Cover - Sissy McGinty's Website (Music)
For the Luck of the Irish, we're joining Why Leave Astoria at Sissy McGinty's. Sissy's is a favorite of many of the Out Astoria folks who call this place their regular hang out. We are also very happy to be joining with Why Leave Astoria folks.

As always, a $5 cover at the door gets you a solid hour of OPEN BAR well drinks with drink specials after that.

RSVP on Facebook


March Brunch at Mundo Cafe, 28 Mar, 1:30pm - 31-18 Broadway (Ent on 32nd St) Mundo's Website (Music)
Out Astoria returns to one of the hottest gay owned places for brunch, featuring Turkish and Argentinian Food. People swear by their Red Sonja lentil appetizers! This is a real treat. Mundo is one place you will find great food that will have you coming back again and again. Look forward to a Facebook invitation as the time nears.



Other Notices of Interest

Project 126 Assessment Survey
Many of you have been asking us how you can help serve our community. Well Out Astoria is gearing up to offer a lot of opportunities for everyone to pitch in. Right now, an easy way to help out is to take a survey for Project 126!

The Project 126 Assessment Survey is a rare chance to voice your hopes and concerns for our communities. As this survey is designed by the Elmezzi Foundation, the results of this survey will not result simply in charts and graphs, but will result in real decisions about where money for services will go in 2010-2011. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts!

Please consider taking the Survey HERE


Drink and Learn Wine Tasting at Winegasm, Sunday 7 Mar 2pm-5pm, 31-86 37 St
Wine tastings are back at Winegasm! Please be our guest for the first one in the series of events. We are going to talk about 'Viticulture & Vinification'...basically, how is wine made. To help us with that, we are going to have a guest teacher, Sommelier from acclaimed restaurant Apiary, Mr. Brett Feore. This is a recent write up of him and his restaurant: http://shiftdrink.com/home/more/apiary/

Price - 35$ per person. Bring five people, one is free!

Viticulture & Vinification
This particular event will include:
- 1 Sparkling wine
- 3 Whites
- 3 Reds
- 1 Dessert wine

There will be some food pairings available so that you can get a flavor of how to pair food with wine.

Last, but not least, we are going to play a little game at the end and the winner gets a bottle of wine, Sommelier's pick!!!

RSVP To their Facebook Page HERE


Envisioning a Greener Western Queens - Astoria, 27 Mar, 9:30am-4:00pm - Greater Astoria Historical Society, 35-20 Broadway, Quinn Building, 4th Fl
Come for a lively day of visioning for a more sustainable and green future in Sunnyside, Astoria, Woodside & Long Island City -- Help guide funding that will be used for tree planting and other environmental projects in Western Queens communities affected by the info@northstarfund.org or 212-620-9110.

Who Should Attend: Residents of the areas affected by the 2006 Con Edison power outages: Astoria, Sunnyside, Long Island City, and Woodside.

Background: Following the July 2006 Con Edison power outage, Western Queens Power for the People organized residents of Western Queens to hold Con Edison accountable for the effects of the outage. This organizing helped bring about a $63 million dollar joint proposal that prevented Con Edison from passing on the cost of the power outage to consumers and required Con Edison to reimburse people who lost power. About $7.9 million will be used for tree planting and other greening projects in the affected neighborhoods over the next three years. North Star Fund is the Project Administrator, and is working with Western Queens Power for the People to ensure effective, strategic and timely grants for a greener Western Queens.

Western Queens Power for the People
North Star Fund


Get 2-4-1 Admission to Noguchi Museum,3338 10th St, 1 Mar - 31 May 2010 Naguchi Museum Website
With the enclosed Museum Discovery Pass, you can get this discount admission to Naguchi Museum as well as the American Folk Museum, Asia Society Museum, The Jacque Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, Museum of Chinese in America, Rubin Museum of Art, and The Studio Museum in Harlem.

Thanks to Matt Haugen for the tip!

Download the pass HERE

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Out Astoria February 2010 Newsletter

Upcoming Out Astoria Events and News

A Note from Out Astoria President Dirk McCall
In the last few months, Out Astoria has undergone some significant re-organization and we want to keep you posted and invite your increased participation and input.

First, we have elected a new board – Out Astoria Co-founders Dirk McCall and Brent Gallenberger have been elected President and Vice President respectively. Joining them on the Executive Committee are Paul Nichols as Secretary and Courtney Joseph as Treasurer. Rounding out the board are five committee chairs and three at-large board members, Michael Mallon as Business Outreach Chair, Michael Murphy as Events Chair, John Paul Detty as Membership Chair and Chap James Day as Communications Chair with Sean Leous, Jesse Normand and Jonathan Blue as at large members.

We are meeting regularly as a board to overhaul our event programming, have unveiled our new logo (designed by our very own Michael Murphy) and will be launching our new website later this Spring.

We will be moving over to a membership based organization in early May with a discount program and other offers for members, as well as instituting membership voting on board positions. We welcome people to step forward to serve on committees and give us feedback.

Our first game night held on February 21, was a huge success and our mentor-ship program will be launched in April. We are holding our first wine-tasting next month and are scheduling a bowling night for May. We hope you will get involved and help spread the word – Out Astoria means community and it will become what our membership puts into it. Help us thrive!

--Dirk McCall, President



Brunch at Locale Cafe & Bar, Sunday, 28 Feb, 1:30pm - 33-02 34th Ave - Locale's Website (Music)
Bid a fond (or not-so-fond) farewell to February with every gay's favorite Sunday pastime: brunch! The Out Astoria Monthly Brunch is going back to Locale Café this month.

RSVP on Facebook


Out Astoria marches in St Pats For All Parade, Sunday 7 Mar, 1pm - Skillman Ave and 43rd St St Pat's For All Website
If you didn't know, the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Manhattan excludes GLBT folks from participating in their parade. In reaction to this hatred, Out Astoria's own Brendan Fay started up St Pat's For All as an alternative inclusive parade in 2000. Out Astoria has marched in this parade in the last two years, and will be doing so again this year. A Facebook Invitation will be forthcoming shortly.

If you are interested in marching, please email us at info@outastoria.com


March Dinner at El Sitio de Astoria, Wednesday 10 Mar, 7pm - 35-55 31st Street Yelp Page for El Sitio
If you like Cuban food, have we got a treat for you! El Sitio has great portions, great prices, and some of the best Cuban food in Astoria. Come to this, and you'll be in for a real treat. Be sure to RSVP on Facebook when the invitation goes out.


March Mixer at Sissy McGinty's with Why Leave Astoria, Friday 19 Mar, 8pm-11pm - 25-67 Steinway Street Sissy McGinty's Website (Music)
For the Luck of the Irish, we're joining Why Leave Astoria at Sissy McGinty's. Sissy's is a favorite of many of the Out Astoria folks who call this place their regular hang out. We are also very happy to be joining with Why Leave Astoria folks. Look forward to the Invitation through Facebook in the coming weeks with details about the specials!


March Brunch at Mundo Cafe, 28 Mar, 1:30pm - 31-18 Broadway (Ent on 32nd St) Mundo's Website (Music)
Out Astoria returns to one of the hottest gay owned places for brunch, featuring Turkish and Argentinian Food. People swear by their Red Sonja lentil appetizers! This is a real treat. Mundo is one place you will find great food that will have you coming back again and again. Look forward to a Facebook invitation as the time nears.



Other Notices of Interest

WLA Lost in Astoria, 23 Feb, 8pm - Studio Square, 35-33 36th St
Hey LOST fans! Our friends at Why Leave Astoria?! are hosting their weekly Lost in Astoria Party at Studio Square tomorrow night. There'll be drink specials, a Lost trivia contest, and more!

RSVP via Facebook Here


St Pat's For All Concert, 2 Mar, 6pm - Irish Arts Center 553 W 51st St NY NY
Reception & food from 6pm
Concert at 7pm

Poetry, dance, song, jigs, reels- raffles! Malachy McCourt, Keltic Dream dancers, Niall O Leary school of dance, Haitian Percussionist band, Michael Patrick McDonald, from Ireland - Brian Fleming & Gwen Frinn, Kenny Lockwood...

Info: Brendan 718-721-2780 or Kathleen 718-898-8140
Limited number of seats! (100)

For tickets ($50 donation) "More if you can-less if you can't"
contact:
info@stpatsforall.com
make checks out to : ST PAT'S FOR ALL
mark memo: CONCERT
send to St Pat's For All 22-22 28th Street, Astoria, NY 11105

On Facebook Here


Envisioning a Greener Western Queens - Astoria, 27 Mar, 9:30am-4:00pm - Greater Astoria Historical Society, 35-20 Broadway, Quinn Building, 4th Fl
Come for a lively day of visioning for a more sustainable and green future in Sunnyside, Astoria, Woodside & Long Island City -- Help guide funding that will be used for tree planting and other environmental projects in Western Queens communities affected by the info@northstarfund.org or 212-620-9110.

Who Should Attend: Residents of the areas affected by the 2006 Con Edison power outages: Astoria, Sunnyside, Long Island City, and Woodside.

Background: Following the July 2006 Con Edison power outage, Western Queens Power for the People organized residents of Western Queens to hold Con Edison accountable for the effects of the outage. This organizing helped bring about a $63 million dollar joint proposal that prevented Con Edison from passing on the cost of the power outage to consumers and required Con Edison to reimburse people who lost power. About $7.9 million will be used for tree planting and other greening projects in the affected neighborhoods over the next three years. North Star Fund is the Project Administrator, and is working with Western Queens Power for the People to ensure effective, strategic and timely grants for a greener Western Queens.

Western Queens Power for the People
North Star Fund