Small Businesses Should Know Their Neighborhood (and neighbors)

I cam across this article (the link is at the botttom of the post) from Ken Muller about small businesses and i thought it was right on point. What separates a small business from larger corporations are the people. I can recall growing up in Jackson Heights and my local store owners not only knew me, but they knew my parents and their preferences. This was especially true at my corner drug store. Steve, the pharmacist, knew me, my sister and my parents and more importantly knew our tendencies and to a further extent knew our medical histories. What this established was a loyalty that came from within. Steve was associated with making us feel better. We would go to the doctor and then Steve would give us the medicine that made us feel better.

This is my experience and story, but as a small business owner what can you do to drive this type of loyalty? Ken makes some great points and even though I work in advertising I think being a great neighbor is a great form of no cost advertising and one worth investing in.



Know Your Neighbor Article

PS 32 in Flushing to host JDRF Kid's Walk Fundraiser

For the last four years, P.S.32 in Flushing, Queens has held their very own JDRF Kid’s Walk to help fight juvenile diabetes. They do this in memory of a special little girl with a smile as bright as the sun, Claudialee Nicanor Gomez. Claudialee passed away when she was only 6 years old due to complications related to undiagnosed juvenile diabetes. To lose someone at such a young age is a tragedy no parent, family member, teacher or classmate should face. Claudialee’s school wants to make a difference so that no other family has to go through such loss. Every year they raise money and walk in memory of Claudialee and to make a change. Help them find a cure for diabetes.

The website below has links where you can donate to the P.S.32 JDRF Kids Walk and where you can buy a “Claudialee’s Crusaders”  t-shirt.

www.claudialeescrusaders.com

Guest Blogger : Michelle Kawka, Photographer

Michelle Kawka is a professional photographer who I have gotten to know over the years at various networking and corporate events. She is a tireless worker and produces amazing work in several different mediums. Her ability to jump from a fashion shoot, to a wedding ceremony and to a professional headshot session or even producing a corporate video is nothing short of amazing.

Michelle also networks through social media and has a top notch online presence. Her website, besides being very SEO friendly (searchable keywords, updated content, photos & videos), has everything you need to know about her, who she is, what she does, examples of her work, client testimonials, as well as a constantly updated blog and instagram feed.

I have enjoyed reading and learning from her blog so I have asked her if I could lift some of her "greatest hits". She has kindly obliged and the first link up in this series is her piece:

Michelle's Blog : Why I Don't Quote Prices via Email

So it would come as no surprise that she receives plenty of inquires for her services via email. What might surprise you is what she will not do via email and that is contained in her blog and I have provided the link above this paragraph.

For more information on Michelle's work and her entire website click the link below:

Michelle Kawka's Website

or connect with her on social media

Michelle on Twitter
Michelle on Facebook

The Chair Market- Teah USA SALE

 

Chairs, Bar Stools, Tables- $49 & Up

Team USA Sale

 

 

LOVE AFFAIR Bridal Showcase on March 8th

The Renaissance Event Hall Collaborates with Exhibitors from the NYC Area to Host LOVE AFFAIR, An Upscale Bridal Showcase on March 8, 2014, 1-5 PM.

Long Island City, NY, January 25, 2014 – The Renaissance Event Hall will be collaborating with a carefully curated selection of upscale vendors and planners to host the Love Affair Bridal Showcase. This boutique collection for the sophisticated bride and her guests will feature experts in planning, cake design, floral design, tablescapes, gifts, entertainment and more! Your $15.00 ticket includes beer, wine, champagne, light snacks, entertainment and an exclusive introduction to the hottest trends for wedding celebrations in 2014.

Local attendees will recognize the renowned floral designer, Juan Carlo Bermudez of Flor-e-sta in Long Island City and the French Bakery, Cannelle Patisserie, opened by Jean-Claude Perrenou, formerly Executive Chef at Waldorf Astoria. An array of stunning wedding, bridesmaid and mother of the bride dresses for every bride’s style and budget will be part of the Love Affair Runway show. Hair and make up artists will also be on hand for consultations. Attendees will also get to know beautiful boutique hotels, like the ZNYCHotel, which boasts the best views of the Manhattan skyline

Guests will also have the opportunity to win high value prizes as part of the festivities for the Showcase. Other highlights include, entertainment, DJs, from Sound Connection, which is an official vendor of David’s Bridal, live music, samples, giveaways and individual presentations from each vendor. The Renaissance will provide a sample of its fine cuisine and cocktail menu.

The Renaissance Event Hall is one of the most elegant venues for celebrations in New York City. Well known for its international cuisine and tailored menus, The Renaissance hosts only one event at a time, which ensure individual attention and a private, intimate environment for guests.

The Renaissance has been the couples’ choice for many years, and was recently awarded The Brides’ Choice Award from WeddingWire in 2013. One memorable tradition at the Renaissance is the Love Lock tree. Typically the sweethearts' names or initials are inscribed on the padlock, and its key is thrown away to symbolize unbreakable love.

“I was so excited to attend the Renaissance Bridal Showcase last year.” Attending was such a special honor. I connected with many brides and other vendors at the expo to give more options to my brides and customers. The level of professionalism and confidence at The Renaissance will make any wedding event a memorable and unique experience.”

The Renaissance Event Hall provides full service wedding planning, coordination, catering, and production. Their attention to detail and deep dedication to creating a magical and intimate experience is apparent from the initial meeting to the wedding day and beyond. Couples often return for anniversary parties, baptisms and birthdays.

Link for Tickets

PR Contact
Ann O’Connor

Zoescope Studio: Where Culture & Community Connect
917 670 3724

NYC Beer Week - February 21st - March 2nd

In order to celebrate Beer Week in NYC, Bourbon Street on Bell Boulevard in Bayside and Austin Steak and Ale House are both presenting different beer pairing menus in conjunction with Brooklyn Brewery.

NYC Beer week runs from February 21st through March 2 this year see the calendar of events below the menus from these great Queens restaurants

                    Bourbon Street Website                                           

 Austin Steak and Ale House Website

NYC BEER WEEK EVENTS CALENDAR

2014 Queens World Film Festival

Queens World Film Festival Returns for 4^th Annual Event

March 4-9, 2014

The fourth Annual Queens World Film Festival (“QWFF”) is thrilled to return to the most diverse community on the planet on March 4-9, 2014 with a riveting program of feature films and shorts. The Festival is set to open at the prestigious Museum of the Moving Image on March 4 and will roll out to the Secret Theatre in LIC, the Nesva Hotel also in LIC and the historic PS 69 in Jackson Heights.

In addition to integrating the work of local Queens Filmmakers The Festival is spotlighting a dazzling selection of foreign films from around the world including Belgium, Iran, India, Spain, Kosovo, Switzerland, Vietnam, the UK and Canada in an exciting roster spread out over  5 days.  QWFF is excited to announce a one night only screening and  the World Premier of the Director’s Cut of the of 2014 Academy Award Nominated Documentary “THE ACT OF KILLING”.  Directed by UK Filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer, the doc portrays the story of national guilt potentially exhumed by a love of movies.

QWFF is thrilled to announce the 2014 QWFF Spirit of Queens Recipients: independent film icon Hal Hartly and Executive Director of MoMI Carl Goodman. This honor, which recognizes one extraordinary artist and one outstanding citizen who embody the spirit of our borough, is poised to become a hallmark of the annual film festival.

Hartley has worked beyond the Hollywood establishment for over 20 years. His offbeat, quirky pictures of the road less traveled are a direct line to the heart of our borough. Hartley’s films deal with the repercussions and pleasures of playing on the outskirts of conventionality and his next feature is in pre production to be shot here in Queens.

Goodman has steered MoMI back onto its rightful path as a Queens Institution and world class screening facility and has put the museum back onto the forefront of the indie film circuit.

In the past, QWFF honored LONG ISLAND CITY cult MOVIE DIRECTOR Lloyd Kaufman, ACADEMY AWARD-NOMINATED ACTRESS KAREN BLACK, and CITY councilmembers Danny Dromm and Jimmy Van Bramer. It is truly an honor to welcome both Hal and Carl to the QWFF family this year.

For more information please contact

Don Cato                                            Katha Cato

Dcato@mac.com                               Kathacato@gmail.com

like us on Facebook love us in real life. 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Queens-World-Film-Festival/131152030233616

Queens World Film Festival

Founders Night at Alewife

Alewife, located at 5-41 51st avenue in Long Island City is having a special event on Monday February 24th. Starting at 4PM you can try their Imperial Stout and Smoked Porter at a special tapping at Alewife. Alewife always has 25+ beers available on tap and some of the best bar snacks around.

Check them out Monday through Friday starting at 4PM and they open weekends for brunch. Get all the information here:

ALEWIFE LIC WEBSITE 

Get the backstory of Founders Brewing here:

Founders Brewing History

Queens County St. Patrick's Day Annual Ball

For more information check out their website: Shannon Gaels

The Entrepreneur Space’s Third Birthday Party

Argentine alfajores. Chinese-South African prego chicken rolls. Nordic bread. The Entrepreneur Space and its roughly 170 clients have contributed greatly to the local culinary scene over the past 36 months. It’s time to celebrate this milestone while commemorating a major food event in Queens -- the global premiere of the Authentic Belgian Waffle at the 1964 World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

MariePaule Vermersch, who came to Queens from Belgium at age 18 to serve these transcendental waffles with her family, will take part in the E-Space birthday festivities, which will feature about 40 clients displaying and selling their products. As part of the fun, Queens Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Seth Bornstein and local elected officials will give speeches before they join Vermersch in piping E-Space-made whipped cream onto three larges waffles…and adding fresh strawberries, of course.

WHAT: Entrepreneur Space’s Third Birthday Party

WHERE: 36-46 37th St., Long Island City

WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 11, 6 pm, program and waffle topping at 6:30 pm

WHO: QEDC Executive Director Seth Bornstein
1964 World’s Fair Waffle Server MariePaule Vermersch
Fortune Society Executives and Clients*
Local Elected Officials and Government Agency Representatives

This event is sponsored by Coffeed, Fairway, Fortune Society and SquareWine & Spirits.

*Special guests will include Culinary Arts Program graduates from The Fortune Society, which supports former inmates’ successful re-entry from prison and promotes alternatives to incarceration. Through intensive training under direct instruction from Kingsborough Community College, these ready-to-work cooks have earned food handler credentials and gained hands-on experience in a broad range of culinary skills at the E-Space. Some have interned with E-Space clients.

The E-Space is a 5,500 square foot food-and-business incubator which clients can rent by the shift on a 24/7 basis. Office and classroom clients can rent by the month, and all clients have the opportunity to meet with business counselors, take classes and participate in networking events. The E-Space is administered by QEDC and funded by the NYC Economic Development Corporation. Kathrine Gregory, national expert on food incubators and principal of Mi kitchen es su Kitchen® is the consulting partner.

Contact Rob Mackay for more information or to attend 718-263-0546

QEDC's Website

Samuel Field Y/Central Queens Y to Honor Pair

The Samuel Field Y?Central Queens Y's goal of their Business Council's committee is to build relationships with the private sector in Queens. The Samuel Field Y serves the people of Queens by providing quality services for people at all stages of life.

Check out some of their amazing programs here: Samuel Field Y

They hope to bring other types of support through appealing to the local Queens Business community.

A great way to support them is to attend their breakfast:

Tuesday, March 11, 2014
8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

The Samuel Field Y/Central Queens Y
Business Council's Fourth Annual Breakfast

honoring

Gus BuitragoVice President, Flushing Bank
2014 Business Leadership Award

Ronald FatoullahRonald A. Fatoullah, Esq., Ronald Fatoullah & Associates2014 Community Leadership Award

Douglaston Manor
6320 Commonwealth BoulevardDouglaston, NY 11426
For reservations and sponsorship information contact Jennifer Colletti-Membreño at
718-225-6750 ext. 238 or email jcm@sfy.org

It’s In Queens! Feb. 13 to Feb. 19

It’s Valentine’s Day, and Queens is for lovers. Residents can celebrate romance with everything from tango to Shakespeare to Michael Bolton. There’s also plenty of art and theater, as well as bird-counting, poetry and a gaming extravaganza. Here’s the rundown.

Feb. 13, Coffeed Lab & Roastery, 7 pm. Enjoy modern makers, accessory and fashion designers, installations, original art, music, the spoken word, tasting, wine and an open kitchen. First 10 guests receive a gift bag with goodies from participating vendors, restaurants and local businesses. Every guest gets a complimentary drink. Coffeed, 37-18 Northern Blvd., LIC, www.coffeednyc.com.

Feb. 13, Valentine’s Day Group Show, 2 pm to 9 pm (same times on Feb. 14 and Feb. 15). Queens residents display their work. Free. Gear Art Gallery, 61-08 Myrtle Ave., Glendale, 718-386-2812.

Feb. 13, Opening Reception: Art Faculty, 5:30 pm. Twenty members of Queens College’s Department of Art display painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, installation and conceptual art. Panel discussions on March 7, 2:30 pm, and March 19, 5:30 pm. Free. Godwin-Ternbach Museum, 405 Klapper Hall, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, www.qc.cuny.edu/godwin_ternbach.

Feb. 14, Twelfth Night, 2 pm (Feb. 15 at 2 pm and 8 pm; Feb. 16 at 3 pm). Aquila Theatre’s superb cast presents Shakespeare’s timeless comedy with never-before-seen innovation, theatricality and modernity. $42 for Friday/$49 for Saturday and Sunday/$25 for rear side seating for all performances. Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Avenue South, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, www.queenstheatre.org.

Feb. 14, Love is Good Concert, 8 pm. Enjoy a Valentine’s Day concert with Christine Andreas and Martin Silvestri, masters of the romantic ballad. Andreas and Silvestri entertain with antics and a touch of humor. $38-$59. LeFrak Concert Hall, vicinity of Horace Harding Expressway and Kissena Boulevard, Flushing, www.kupferbergcenter.org. (Use code “valentine” for $5 off tickets.)

Feb. 14–16, Indiecade East, hours vary. East Coast edition of the nation’s premier independent video game festival features talks and panels headlined by gamemakers, academics, artists and journalists; seminars and workshops; the Show & Tell showcase; and cutting-edge platforms and new games. Festival passes are $125 public ($100 student/senior/museum member). Feb. 14, passes are $45 ($35 discounted); Feb. 15 passes (including access to Night Games) are $55 ($45 discounted); and Feb. 16 passes are $45 ($35 discounted). Admission for children (ages 3–12) is $10 per day. 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria, www.movingimage.us.

Feb. 14, Valentine’s Tango and Milango Special, 8 pm. Thalia Spanish Theatre presents the most popular tango and milango classics in music, song and dance. Plus, special champagne reception with the performers after the show. $50. TSH, 41-17 Greenpoint Ave., Sunnyside, www.thaliatheatre.org.

Feb. 14, HurlyBurly Opening (runs through March 1). This rare New York City revival of David Rabe’s two-act version of a chilling comedy set in the cocaine-and-sex-infused Hollywood Hills of the mid-1980s. Four men are caught in a world of parties, backbiting, lies and self-obsession, but a string of encounters convinces one of them to dig beneath the surface to discover his soul. The Chain Theatre, 21-28 45^th Road, LIC, www.chain-theatre.org.

Feb. 14, The Wizard of Oz, 7 pm (and Feb. 15 at 1 pm). Classic play presented by the St. Stan’s Players. $8-$5. St. Stanislaus Kostka School, 61-17 Grand Ave., Maspeth, 718-326-1585.

Feb. 14, Blaze Craze/Open Mic Series, 7:30 pm. Poets, rappers, singers and community people take the microphone. Free. Afrikan Poetry Theatre, 176-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica, www.afrikanpoetrytheatre.org.

Feb. 15, Great Backyard Bird Count, 11 am. Queens Botanical Garden staffer and birding enthusiast Shari Romar leads participants in this family-friendly event that is part of an annual, national effort. The count provides data on how winter snowfall and temperatures affect bird populations, migration patterns and bird diversity. Free. QBG, 43-50 Main St., Flushing, www.queensbotanical.org.

Feb. 15, Hands-on History: Tiny Valentine, noon to 3 pm. Create a miniature self-portrait inside a locket necklace and other 19^th century-inspired valentines. Free. King Manor Museum, 150-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica, www.kingmanor.org.

Feb. 15, Amazing Grace from the Auction to the White House, 7 pm (and Feb. 16 at 4:30 pm.) This performance takes the audience on a journey through the African American experience from the auction steps of slavery to the inauguration of President Barack Obama. $20. Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica, www.jamaica-performingartscenter.org.

Feb. 16, Quakers: An Ethic of Tolerance and Respect, 2:30 pm. Cheshire Frager, a member of the Society of Friends (Quakers) of Flushing, discusses Quaker principles such as tolerance and inclusion. Free. Kingsland Homestead, 143-35 37th Ave., Flushing, www.queenshistoricalsociety.org.

Feb. 16, Creative Writing Workshop with Emily Herzlin, 11 am. Open to writers of all experience levels, this workshop is a place to create and share writing. This day’s topic is the body and how to write about body image, physical pain, touch, etc. $5-$10 suggested contribution. Astoria Bookshop,  Astoria, www.astoriabookshop.com.

Feb. 17, The Muppet Show, 1 pm (every day through Feb. 21). The Museum of the Moving Image presents four days of screenings of The Muppet Show during NYC public school recess. Free with admission. MMI, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria, www.movingimage.us.

Feb. 17 Engineering Week Kick Off (through Feb. 21). Opening day features activities and tables run by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Each day covers different engineering concepts—from nano to mechanical, accompanied by activities and challenges to put those ideas into practice. New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, www.nysci.org.

Feb. 17, Michael Bolton, 8 pm. Michael Bolton has sold more than 53 million albums and singles. He has won two Grammys for Best Pop Male Vocal Performance, six American Music Awards and a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. $65-$55. Queensborough Community College 222-05 56th Ave., Bayside, www.visitqpac.org.

The “It’s In Queens” column is produced by the Queens Tourism Council with the hope that readers will enjoy the borough’s wonderful attractions. More info at www.itsinqueens.com.

Advertising on Google

Are you running an SEM campaign on Google? Have you tried a product listing ad?

See what a product listing ads look like here:

Learn more about them here:

Google's Product Listing Ads


According to eMarketer enhanced ads saw a huge jump in spending in the fourth quarter.  Read the full article here:


Product Listing Ads on Google

Elmjack Little League Registration Starts on February 8th

Well, the Super Bowl is over and although the weather doesn't seem to want to cooperate spring is right around the corner. In the major leagues pitchers and catchers will report to spring training in their pursuit of a World Series title. The expression "hope springs eternal" seems like it was designed for baseball because right now, every team has a shot at the title.

Today we are featuring a little league in Queens that has been around for years. Baseball is great way to get your child involved in a team sport, grab some exercise and learn some valuable life lessons all while playing a game.

Check out more details on their website:
Elmjack Little League

Full disclosure I was a member of the 1979 Bantam League Championship team :

Queens Chamber presents Breakfast with the Queens Borough President

The NY Daily News is proud to sponsor the Queens Chamber of Commerce's breakfast with Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. It will take place on Tuesday February 11th at the LaGuardia Marriott Hotel located at 102-05 Ditmars Boulevard.

The Queens BP will discuss her vision of Queens, including new developments and economic initiatives all designed to make Queens a better place to work, live and travel around. Buy your tickets today or have your company sponsor a table and network with the people who will help shape Queens over the next couple of years.

Call the Queens Chamber to reserve your spot today 718-898-8500 or email Sophia Ganosis at sganosis@queenschamber.org

Queens Chamber's Website for Registration

Make Your Next Presentation a Winner

The Book of Lists reports the Top Ten Human Fears as:
 

1. Speaking before a Group
2. Heights
3. Insects and bugs
4. Financial problems
5. Deep water
6. Sickness
7. Death
8. Flying
9. Loneliness
10. Dogs

Well, I think we all can agree public speaking is no one's favorite, yet some people do it much better than others. Why? I had an old boss who drilled the "5 P's" into my head:
1. Proper
2. Planning
3. Prevents
4. Poor
5. Performance

My trick is have as much information as you can gather and then edit on the fly while you read your audience. If you are the first and only presenter, i may go a little long and throw a quick story to help prove my point, but if I am the last speaker of a two hour meeting, I keep it short and sweet and try to finish with a punchline. Trust me when I tell you, your audience will appreciate it

Here is another blog post I came across which inspired mine:

Tips on Public Speaking by Josh Hansen

It’s In Queens! (Feb. 6 to Feb. 12)

Okay, Mr. Snow, make room for Bill Cosby, Alvin Ailey, the Beatles and the Frog Prince. This week, the borough also welcomes Lunar New Year celebrations, Black History Month events, art, poetry and plenty of dance and film. Here’s the rundown.

Feb. 6, Bill Cosby & Frank Savage, 6 pm. Comedian Bill Cosby and financier Frank Savage discuss their new books. Free. York College Performing Arts Center, 94-45 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamaica, www.york.cuny.edu.

Feb. 6, Opening Reception for John Smalls, 6 pm. Smalls is an artist and a student of the martial arts. He showcases his passion for Jiu-Jitsu and its influence on his painting, illustrating, drawing, murals and digital design. Show runs through Feb. 28. Error! Hyperlink reference not valid., 29-09 39th Ave., LIC, www.spacegallerylic.com.

Feb. 6, Author Talk Urban Affairs Correspondent for The New York Times, 6:30 pm. Sam Roberts, who hosts the weekly NY1 program The New York Times Close Up, has a new book on NYC. Free. Queens Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica, www.queenslibrary.org.

Feb. 7, Black History Month w/Mr. Chris’ Musical Experience, 10:30 am. Mr. Chris presents a 45 minute hip hop performance celebrating two African Americans — Thurgood Marshall and Debbie Allen — along with various inventors. Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Ave., www.jamaica-performingartscenter.org.

Feb. 7, Beatles Anniversary, 11:30 am. The Port Authority marks the 50^th anniversary of the Beatles’ arrival at JFK Airport on Feb. 7, 1964 with an unveiling, food and the best faux Fab Four band. TWA Flight Center, JFK’s Central Terminal Area, adjacent to JetBlue’s Terminal 5. RSVP to the Port Authority’s Media Relations Office at 212-435-7777 is required.

Feb. 7, The Wiz, 7 pm. The Museum of the Moving Image presents the See It Big: Musicals series featuring films with singing and dancing extravaganzas. A Harlem school teacher is transported to Oz in The Wiz, a Motown co-production with a cast headed by Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. MMI, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria, www.movingimage.us

Feb. 7, Lab 201: Survey, 8 pm. In this play, Tom Lawrence hosts a popular entertainment news show and has a great life until his fiancée calls off their engagement and leaves him. Tom then struggles to understand his mistakes and turns to the unlikeliest sources. $10/$15. LaGuardia Community College Little Theatre, M Building, Thomson Avenue, between Van Dam and 30th streets, LIC, www.lagcc.cuny.edu

Feb. 7, Take Root with Teresa Fellion & Teddy Tedholm, 8 pm (and on Feb. 8). In this once-a-month series for choreographers, Fellion investigates reactions to sound and explores dualities through movement. Then Tedholm retrofits new ideas into old molds to create something new through explosive, meticulous movement. $15. Green Space, 37-24 24th St., LIC, www.greenspacestudio.org

Feb. 8, Ballet Hispánico, 8 pm (and Feb. 9 at 3 pm). Ballet Hispánico fuses classical, Latin and contemporary dance with a theatricality and passion that audiences of all ages enjoy. $29-$49 (Use code “ballet” for $5 off tickets). Goldstein Theatre at Kupferberg Center for the Arts, vicinity of Kissena Boulevard and Horace Harding Expressway, Flushing, www.kupferbergcenter.org

Feb. 8, Lunar New Year Celebration, 1 pm to 4 pm. Queens Botanical Garden hosts such festivities as a tea workshop and a performance by the New York Chinese Chorus. Free with fees for certain activities. QBG, 43-50 Main St., Flushing, www.queensbotanical.org

Feb. 8, Storybook Discovery Day, 11 am. In a cozy parlor setting, Karyn Mooney makes reading fun. Suggested for children six and under, the session includes an art or nature discovery activity. Suggested donation $5 per family. Voelker Orth Museum, 149-19 38th Ave., Flushing, www.vomuseum.org

Feb. 8, Democracy, 2 pm. This New York Council for the Humanities Conversations with Kids event focuses on democracy. Karyn Mooney reads and discusses the book I Could Do That! Esther Morris Gets Women the Vote by Linda Arms White. In this story, Morris shows how one girl’s courage helps her obtain the right to vote for women in Wyoming Territory. Free. Queens Historical Society at Kingsland Homestead, 143-35 37th Ave., Flushing, www.queenshistoricalsociety.org

Feb. 8, Like Water for Chocolate, 7 pm. A Better Jamaica’s new film series, Cinema en Español, begins with this Mexican gem (English subtitles). Free. Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning, 161-04 Jamaica Ave., www.jcal.org

Feb. 9, The Frog Prince & Peter and the Wolf, 3 pm. The Queens Symphony Orchestra brings these two classic tales to life. LeFrak Concert Hall at Queens College, vicinity of Horace Harding Expressway and Kissena Boulevard, Flushing, www.queenssymphony.org

Feb. 9, Con Brio Ensemble, 4:30 pm. This Astoria-based group plays works by Brahms, Schumann and Schubert. $12 adults/$10 seniors & students/free for children under 13. The Church-in-the-Gardens, 50 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills, www.thecitg.org

Feb. 9, Swingtime Big Band, 3 pm. A fun-filled afternoon of music, dancing and food with an authentic swing band. $30, includes pasta and meatball dinner and dessert. Queens of Angels Church Auditorium, 44-04 Skillman Ave., Sunnyside, 718-392-0011.

Feb. 9, Second Sundays, 3 pm. As part of Noguchi Museum’s monthly “Second Sundays” program, Leslie Gat from the Art Conservation Group and Noguchi's curatorial team present a combination of pending, in progress, and recently completed conservation and reconstruction projects. Objects to be discussed and displayed included a broken column (c. 1957-58) from Noguchi’s unexecuted plans for Idlewild Airport (now JFK International Airport) and Sky Mirror (1982-83), a galvanized steel sculpture damaged during Hurricane Sandy. Free with admission. NM, 9-01 33^rd Rd., LIC, www.noguchi.org

Feb. 9, Beatles Party, 6 pm. It’s the 50^th anniversary of the Fab Four’s first trip to the U.S. To mark the occasion, director and screenwriter Celeste Balducci hosts music, dancing and the world premiere of Lovely Lilly, an independent short film set in Jackson Heights on the historic weekend of Feb. 8-9, 1964. Elmhurst Hospital Center Auditorium, 79-01 Broadway, Elmhurst, www.thelovelylily.com

Feb. 9, George Edward Tait: The Poet Laureate of Harlem, 3 pm. The Afrikan Poetry Theatre and the World Afrikan Diaspora Union present a poetry reading and workshop featuring Tait. $10. APT, 176-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica, www.afrikanpoetrytheatre.org

Feb. 9, Fertile Ground, 7 pm. This non-curated performance event features five-to-six choreographers and a post-performance discussion with wine and cheese moderated by Green Space Artistic Director Valerie Green. $10. GS, 37-24 24th St., LIC, www.greenspacestudio.org

Feb. 10, Ailey II, 11 am. This is an artistic workshop, and tickets are only available for groups of five or more. $15 (five-ticket minimum). Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Ave., www.jamaica-performingartscenter.org

Feb. 11, Entrepreneur Space Third Anniversary, 6 pm to 8 pm. Celebrate the E-Space and its clients. As a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the 1964 World’s Fair, the celebration will include Belgian waffles, which were introduced to the U.S. in 1964. Mariepaule Vermersch, who left Belgium to serve these waffles, will be on hand. Free. E-Space, 36-46-37^th St., LIC, www.queensny.org

Feb. 12, Forgotten Queens, 7 pm. Author Kevin Walsh and Rich Melnick of the Greater Astoria Historical Society discuss their new book of local history, Forgotten Queens. Astoria Bookshop, Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.., Astoria, www.astoriabookshop.com

The “It’s In Queens” column is produced by the Queens Tourism Council with the hope that readers will enjoy the borough’s wonderful attractions. More info at www.itsinqueens.com.