Hey neighbor,

Usually I like to start this newsletter with good vibes, little wins, and neighborhood cheer. This week, though, it’s impossible to ignore something heavier. If you’ve ever eaten at The Queensboro, you probably know Dino – he’s been there since the early days, always smiling and welcoming everyone. Sadly, he was recently taken by ICE, deported and separated from his wife and three children here in Jackson Heights.

The response has been both heartwarming and overwhelming: In just one day through a fundraiser organized by the Queensboro, neighbors came together to raise nearly $100,000 to help his family cover rent and bills. It shows the best of who we are – standing united as a community when someone needs us most.

If you were able to give, thank you. If not, and you’d still like to help, check out NICE, a group helping immigrant families every day.

To stay in the loop and receive future updates on Dino’s situation, you can sign up for the Queensboro’s newsletter here (you can find previous updates here, here and here).

With that spirit of care for each other in mind, let’s look ahead at this week’s events.

This Week in Jackson Heights

September 23 – September 29, 2025

Featured Event

🖼️ Epicenter x Art Retail Therapy: Peter Stankiewicz | Fri 7–10pm | A.R.T. Shop, 84-26 37th Ave • Gallery opening with live DJ and refreshments, RSVP encouraged → Join the reception​

Tuesday, September 23

Jackson Heights Tuesday Cinema: Edward Scissorhands (PG-13, 1990) | 3–5pm | Queens Public Library, 35-51 81st St • Free movie magic in the auditorium, register with librarian • Teens and adults → Reserve your seat​

Wednesday, September 24

Food Distributions | 1–3pm | EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care, 40-31 82nd St • Fresh fruits and veggies, one bag per family, free while supplies last → Pick up supplies​

Queens Distance Runners: Community Run @ Queensboro | 6:30–7:30pm | 80th St & Northern Blvd • Weekly 5K fun down 34th Ave, no Lycra required → Lace up and run​

Thursday, September 25

Sparkling Wine Tasting | 7–8pm | The Queensboro, 80-02 Northern Blvd • Sip 4 sparkling wines with expert guidance • $20 → Book your glass​

Friday, September 26

Epicenter x Art Retail Therapy: Peter Stankiewicz | 7–10pm | A.R.T. Shop, 84-26 37th Ave • Gallery opening with live DJ and refreshments, RSVP encouraged → Join the reception​

Escena Sur Plays Sessions 2025 | 7:30–9:30pm | Libreria Barco De Papel, 40-03 80th St • Two plays in English and Spanish, limited seating, RSVP required → Email to reserve​

Saturday, September 27

Martin Vejarano & Gaitas Around The World | 5–6:30pm | Terraza 7, 40-19 Gleane St • Colombian gaitas meet global rhythms, no cover → Catch the show​

Sunday, September 28

La Galería Del Mundo | 12–6pm | The World’s Borough Bookshop, 34-06 73rd St • Outdoor pop-up art walk with music, snacks, and workshops → Explore the gallery walk​

Monday, September 29

La Rumba Cubana de Román Díaz | 7:30–10pm | Terraza 7, 40-19 Gleane St • Afro-Cuban percussion master with special guests • $20 mezzanine → Get tickets​

More to do in Queens

In partnership with events newsletter Astoria Live – another local events newsletter worth having in your inbox – sign up here.

Customer Assistance Day with conEdison | Thu Sep 25, 10am–3pm | 98-09 Northern Blvd, Corona • Help with bills and payment plans, RSVP required • Phone (718) 457-3615 → Call to book​

Queens Night Market | Sat Sep 27, 4pm–11:59pm | Behind NY Hall of Science, Flushing Meadows • 100+ vendors, live music, big crowds • Take 7 to 111 St, limited parking $15 → Plan your visit​

Communal Spaces Garden Play Festival | Sun Sep 28, 1pm–3pm | Moore Jackson Community Garden, Woodside • Plays and picnic, family friendly • Free • Bring a blanket → Save your spot​

Queens Mandarin Meetup | Sun Sep 28, 3pm–5pm | Bee Cafe, Woodside • Practice Mandarin, all levels welcome • Free • RSVP encouraged → Join the meetup​

Heads-up: times and places can change, so make sure you confirm event details with the organizers before you go.

And remember – this list is just a selection of everything that’s going on locally. You can check out full listings for more events at JacksonHeightsInsider.com/events​

💡 Quick Tip

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Want in? https://join.claim.co/i/TU5H5W (or code TU5H5W) — and yes, you start with a free $10.

High-Fives & Local Love

Shout-out to the brands keeping this newsletter going:

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If this email made your life easier, hit “forward” and invite your friends to stay in the loop. They can sign up at JacksonHeightsInsider.com/subscribe​

Catch you again next Tuesday… and until then, may your taco al pastor come with double piña and your Travers Park bench always be free at golden hour!

Jonathan (JBS)