🌱 Queens Composting Efforts A Success + Economic Development Webinars

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through the most important things happening in Queens today.

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But first, today's weather:

Breezy with clouds and sun. High: 56 Low: 35.

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📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Queens who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

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Here are the top three stories today in Queens:

1. Queens composting efforts have been a massive success, according to city Department of Sanitation data. The curbside organics composting program, which went borough-wide on Oct. 3, 2022, collected 12.7 million pounds of material. Community District 12 — which includes all or part of Jamaica, Hollis, St. Albans, and Springfield Gardens — led the way as the top area for organics collection. "Frankly speaking, I was surprised by the results myself," Community Board 12 District Manager Yvonne Reddick said. "I knew that the residents really wanted it to happen, so they took full advantage of the program." (Queens Chronicle)
2. Next week, the Queens Economic Development Corporation will be hosting two free webinars to help you with starting a business and get your Minority/Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) certification. Ready, Set, Go!, a 90-minute workshop on everything you need to know when considering going into business, will take place on Feb. 14 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Then on Feb. 15, they will be hosting Get Business From NYC and NYS Government: M/WBE Certification from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., where you can learn how to obtain government contracts and leverage your certification. Sign-ups for the events are available here. (Queens Economic Development Corporation)
3. On Wednesday, an Astoria man was arrested for a shooting that took place over two and a half years ago near the Woodside Houses. According to police, 21-year-old Jaheen Stephenson has been charged with two counts of attempted murder and weapons charges, among others, for shooting a 31-year-old man and grazing a 44-year-old bystander on Jun. 15, 2020. Stephenson is a resident of the Astoria Houses NYCHA complex. Police said the victims were transported to Elmhurst Hospital and survived. (Queens Post)

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Today in Queens:

• Tove Lo - Dirtfemme Tour with Special Guest Slayyyter At Knockdown Center (6:00 PM)
• Valentines Poetry Showcase Culture Lab LIC (7:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Severe weather can cause widespread devastation, and some states are more prone to disaster-related property damage than others. Due mainly to flooding, New York ranks No. 14 in the U.S. for total property damage, with an average of $227.32 per capita. See how our state stacks up against the rest of the country in this new interactive study. (NeighborWho)
• NYPD announced that a Flushing man fell off his e-bike on Jan. 18 in College Point and died at the New York Presbyterian Hospital on Jan. 20. (Patch)
• Celebrate love at the Queens Botanical Garden this Sunday, Feb. 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Join the garden for family-friendly botanical crafts, where you'll create a special Valentine's Day card and make your own plantable paper, along with a love-themed storytime and more. Advance registration is encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. (Queens Botanical Garden via Facebook)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Cash For JUNK Cars — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Vampire Cirque Cabaret Dinner Show (February 11)
• Transfer Open House (February 15)
• Black History Speed Networking & Airport Opps Meeting (February 16)
• 3K & 4K Pre-k For All Registration is Now Open!! (February 17)
• Summer Camp Registration is Now Open!! (February 28)
• Add your event

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday off right. I'll see you around!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.