Hey neighbor!

Hope you are doing well and staying warm. Our “new in the neighborhood” meetup last week was one of those moments that reminds you why we live in such a special place. We met some wonderful new locals and heard from community champions who pour so much heart into this neighborhood. The energy in the room felt very… Jackson Heights. Welcoming. Hopeful. A little magical even.

If you are new to the area or simply love connecting with people, you are invited to our next one on MLK Day, Monday 19 January at 6pm (RSVP here). Newcomers get first dibs, but longtime residents are welcome too if space allows.

Speaking of neighborhood magic - have you seen the newly redone mural at 75th & 37th, between Food Dynasty and Romeo’s? The artist, Annabelle Popa, was born and raised right here in JH, and the refresh looks fantastic.

And mark your calendar: a brand new mural is being unveiled this Friday the 13th at noon, on 84th St & Roosevelt Ave, thanks to the JH Mural Project. Public art is really having a moment in the neighborhood!

Now since today is Giving Tuesday,, it felt like the perfect moment to shine a light on some local groups doing real, meaningful work around our neighborhood. After this short list, we will jump right into this week’s events.

• ​Chhaya CDC: Support for South Asian and Indo-Caribbean communities through housing stability, financial counseling, economic empowerment, and organizing. (donate page)
• ​The Jackson Heights Beautification Group: The quiet heroes behind our trees, gardens, cleanup efforts, local history, and the JH Growers Market (donate)
• ​Queens Together: Food relief powered by Queens restaurants. They feed neighbors, uplift small businesses, and host the International Food Expo on Dec 8. (donate / ticket info)
• ​New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE): Essential support for immigrant workers, from rights education to job training to legal help. They meet people where they are (donate)
• ​Epicenter NYC: Local journalism with soul. Reporting, resources, mutual aid, cultural coverage, and hands-on help for neighbors navigating city life. (donate)
• ​34th Avenue Open Streets Coalition: The volunteer crew that keeps 34th Ave lively, safe, and full of daily programming. Community magic in motion (donate)
• ​Love Wins NYC: A warm, volunteer-led food pantry focused on LGBTQ+ neighbors, immigrants, and anyone who needs support. Pure heart (donate)
• ​JH Mural Project: Community-led public art initiative that creates murals celebrating the diversity of Jackson Heights and Queens (donate here or here)
• ​Make the Road New York: A powerhouse for immigrant justice, offering legal services, tenant support, worker advocacy, and community organizing.

Feeling a little boost of neighborhood spirit after that list? Perfect timing. Here are some winter events to enjoy.

(Looking for more? This is just a short list. See the full calendar at jacksonheightsinsider.com/events)

This Week in Jackson Heights

December 2 to December 8

Featured Event

🎅 10th Annual Santa Ride

A joyful 2.6 mile holiday ride along 34th Avenue. Costumes welcome, cheer encouraged, one Santa only. All ages. → Join the ride

Want to try a new restaurant and meet people who actually live nearby? Dec 16: small dinner tables around the hood → one big meetup after. Join us

Tuesday, December 2

Free Immigration Consultation Day | 10am to 5pm | Queens Public Library JH • One on one legal guidance, Spanish available, appointment required. Adults and seniors → Book a slot​

Wednesday, December 3

Play Dungeons & Dragons @ The Queensboro | 6pm to 10pm | The Queensboro • Roll dice, meet neighbors, embrace your inner wizard. Materials provided. RSVP encouraged → Grab a seat​

Thursday, December 4

Introduction to Email and Microsoft Word in Spanish | 12:30pm to 2:30pm | Queens Public Library JH • Learn the basics, beginner friendly, four class series. Adults. RSVP by phone → Call to register​

Friday, December 5

Rock en Español y Rumba | 9:30pm to 4am | D’Antigua • Live classics, big energy, dance all night. • $20 → Get tickets​

Saturday, December 6

Toastmasters International: America’s Best | 10am to 12pm | Elmhurst Hospital & Zoom • Practice public speaking, friendly group, hybrid option. → Attend

🎅 10th Annual Santa Ride | 12pm to 2pm | 34th Ave at 93rd St • Family friendly holiday ride, bike decorating at 11am. Costumes encouraged → Join the ride​

JHBG’s Annual Holiday Lighting | 4pm to 5pm | 78th St Post Office • Ornament making at 4pm, caroling at 5pm. Hot chocolate provided → Stop by​

Regalos Night | 8pm to 10pm | The Queensboro • Community fundraiser, gift drive for children in shelters. Tickets support the cause → Reserve​

Music Show: Dan Strauss | 8:30pm to 10pm | Espresso 77 • Indie folk vibes, cozy venue, great weekend wind down → Listen in​

Sunday, December 7

La Noche de Las Velitas | 5pm to 7pm | 34th Ave at 93rd St • Colombian candle lighting tradition, hope and gratitude, all ages → Join the celebration​

Monday, December 8

Figure Drawing Session (Adultx and 14+) | 7pm to 9pm | A.R.T. Shop • Live model, relaxed setting, all skill levels. • $20 → Buy a ticket​

More to do in Queens

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

Business Persons of the Year Awards Gala | Wed Dec 3, 6pm–11pm | Terrace on the Park • Holiday gala vibes, toy drive welcome • $ • RSVP recommended → Get tickets​

Mini-Global Mashup Festival: Flying Horses/Sonic Threads | Fri Dec 5, 6pm–10pm | Flushing Town Hall • Silk Road sounds, global jam session, local food • $30 GA • $25 members → Buy tickets​

Queens Marathon & QDR Half Marathon | Sun Dec 7, 8am–9am | Unisphere, Flushing Meadows • Fast certified course, big crowd energy • All ages welcome to cheer • Runners must register → Register​

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​

High-Fives & Local Love

Shout-out to the brands keeping this newsletter going:

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That’s all for this week, neighbor. Whether you are lighting candles on 34th Ave, riding with Santa, or just grabbing a cozy drink at Espresso 77, hope the neighborhood brings you a little joy. See you around JH.

Jonathan (JBS)