The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that Maclaren USA is voluntarily recalling about 1 million strollers because of fingertip lacerations and amputations. This recall involves all Maclaren single and double umbrella strollers. The stroller’s hinge mechanism poses a fingertip amputation and hazard to the child when the consumer is unfolding or opening the stroller.

For more details on the issue and how to get a repair kit, read the CPSC article.

AES Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition of sculpture by New York-based artist Karen Kettering Dimit. The exhibition highlights work from Karen’s two series “Observed” and “Gods and Goddesses,” both of which deal with the constant duality of forces in life.

The artist’s “Observed” series deals with her impressions of September 11th’s aftermath and the dichotomy created between our Western value society and its aggressors. The artist’s two and three dimensional use of stone reflects the simplification inherent in terms such as “we against them” and the striations act as a reminder of our collective experience accumulated throughout history. Karen’s “Observed” series rejects the use of simple terms in defining our experience and relationships among each other.

Joel Silverman, host of Animal Planet’s “GOOD DOG U” and his faithful co-star Foster will be in Long Island City on Monday, September 14, 2009, to make a personal appearance at Camp Bow Wow Long Island City. The duo is currently on a 90-city tour to promote Silverman’s new book, "What Color is Your Dog?" While at Camp Bow Wow LIC, Silverman will conduct a 1-hour seminar focusing on the philosophy behind his successful career as an animal trainer, answer questions and sign copies of his book.

Foster, an animal actor, himself, will also assist him in a demonstration.

We've heard quite a bit from people who are opposed to the ban on dog access to Gantry Plaza (and thanks for your comments, keep them coming). But, I have noticed that 6 percent of the voters on the poll are for this ban. I'd be interested in hearing from them.

By Robert W. Browne

The Secret Theater is presenting a series of twelve plays performed (and published by the Ampersand Review) in two programs of six each evening.

Program I:

Cat, Fish in the Bedroom - A mixed couple in Louisiana wait for the flood waters as the neighbors evacuate. They mix frenzy and denial to prove the case for rejection.

Coffee Girl - A young office worker is fooled by the smooth talking, warm and cozy manners of her successful boss; when her guard is down she experiences deliberate cruelty and then returns the same. Morgan Roose, as the young girl, portrays the sweetness and innocence of her home grown values with honesty. Her deflowering via life’s unfair cruelty unleashes a bittersweet revenge.

The White Box Theatre Festival 2009
July 15th thru August 1st 8pm, matinees on July 25th and Aug 1st

The Queens Players have joined forces with a literary review and publisher, The Ampersand Review; to bring you 12 scintillating original plays which were short-listed from the hundreds of submissions. With 34 actors and multiple directors all working hard on the very best new plays we could find we are confident that the quality of our inaugural White Box Festival will delight, provoke and amuse. The production is split into two alternating programs of 6 one-act plays. Tickets are $15 or $25 for two shows. Please check our website calendar for exact performance times and dates.

Secret Burlesque
July 25th 10.30pm
The Secret Theatre launches the only Burlesque in Queens!

A woman came up to me today while I was walking my dog and told me dogs will soon be banned from the Gantry piers. A dog owner herself, she said she'd be organizing a dog march in protest.

Has anyone else heard this?

The Secret Theatre presents their first burlesque and variety show hosted by their very own Dapper Dan, featuring renowned NY Burlesque performers Fem Appeal [Kitty Nights], Bird of Paradise [Wasabasscol] and Rubie Fizz [Vaudeville Nouveau] who present their unique acts in our Summer Blockbuster themed night.

The fire breathing board breaking Michael Eisenstein, Magician Gary Ferrar and Comedians Chris Iacono and Tim Thompson join the burlesque performers to bring you an action-packed night of theatrical stardust. Musical interludes from noted Astorian Hip Hop artist Hops.

Long Island City - AES Gallery is pleased to present "Almost Ten Years of Hits," an exhibition of works on paper by Renzo Ortega. Renzo is a Long Island City-based artist for the past six years and has been a part of Long Island City’s Local Project since 2003. All proceeds of the artist’s work will go toward his upcoming R-tronika album release "la Roosevelt y los Jackson Heights."

Time to celebrate! The Queens Library System will officially recognize the Friends Group of the Hunters Point Library at Queens West. The Chartering Ceremony will take place at Water Taxi Beach (more details below).

The future Hunters Point Library at Queens West will be built on Parcel 8 at Queens Landing, on the corner of Center Blvd. and 48th Ave. (photographed at left).

CHARTERING CEREMONY
Location: Water Taxi Beach
Date: Monday, July 13
Time: 4pm - 7pm

By: Robert W. Browne

A small placard quietly announces the entrance to “The Secret Theater”. I’ve come to witness, Macbeth- one of literature’s great tragedies and with each step I become a part of Director, Richard Mazda’s treatment of it. Walking through the open parking area, I am observed by a gang ;in control of their turf. Am I an intruder, in the midst of a small secret army awaiting orders?

The Friends Group for the future Queens Library at Hunter’s Point/Queens West reached out to public officials recently to request that their input be included during the library development.

"We requst a seat at the library planning table," said Don Dodelson, president of the friends group. "The community voice must be heard if the exciting potential for this building of important civic value is to be realized."

The LIC Times has partnered with the future Friends Group of the Queens Library at Hunter's Point/Queens West to create a new section dedicated to updates on Long Island City's library development. You'll see a link to their section on the right.

There may not be much action on the site, but there is plenty going on behind the scenes. Check back often to find the latest. And feel free to leave questions or comments here on the site.

--Editor, The LIC Times

The Spring Fair on Center Blvd. was a hit this year with Long Island City residents.

All proceeds for this annual event, organized by the PTA of P.S. 78 and supported by a number of neighborhood businesses, go directly to the school for things like computers and supplies. Their goal this year was $6,000 – $8,000.

Great news! Blacky, the 3-year-old male black/greyish white Shih-tzu who went missing on May 15th, is home and is safe. The owner wrote The LIC Times to say "an angel of a woman" found him where he was last spotted.

If your pet goes missing, send us a note at editor@lictimes.com. And we'll help you get the word out.

It wasn't a Fourth of July crowd, but a good amount of people turned out for the show. We certainly couldn’t have asked for better weather. It was a little breezy, but the temperature was just right.

To the right is a photo submitted by Brian Adams, who runs Delta Force Army & Navy Surplus store on Vernon Boulevard. It shows Brian with his crew for the Queensboro show. Adams was the Chief Pyrotechnician on the program. He was commanding the firing sequence during the show from the bunker.

Enjoy a long list of events celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Queensboro Bridge. Here's what's going on here in Long Island City. NOTE: Some events have limited space and require registration. Events that are already at capacity are not listed here. ENJOY!

Centennial Ceremonial Parade
Sun, May 31, 2009 at 9:00 AM EST
Where: Queensboro Bridge
Centennial Ceremonial Parade with Manhattan and Queens Borough Presidents and other dignitaries, featuring:

The NYC Department of City Planning released a new map to guide Queens cyclists through 18 miles of borough bike lanes, including landmarks in Long Island City, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona and other neighborhoods.

The "Queens Around the World" bicycle tour weaves through Queens on on-street and off-street bicycle lanes and through parks.

It's designed in such a way that riders can experience the music, shopping, culture and cuisines of Queens' diverse communities.

Art-O-Mat, Long Island City’s volunteer-run collaborative artists’ gallery, will close its doors Sunday.

Since they first opened on Vernon Blvd. in October 2005, Art-O-Mat hosted works of neighborhood artists in 26 exhibitions.

“We did this as a labor of love that we never really expected to last as long and become as popular as it did,” co-founder Kenny Greenberg told Astoria Times.

But now, with times as they are, it's just too difficult to get the manpower needed to keep things running smoothly.