By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
Woodhaven officially launched its 190th-anniversary celebration on Feb 27 with a special Community Mixer at the historic Oak Ridge in Forest Park. The event brought together local leaders from schools, churches, and civic organizations for an evening of networking, history, and discussion about the yearlong celebration ahead.
Hosted by Woodhaven Historian Ed Wendell and attended by representatives from All Nations Baptist Church, All Saints Episcopal Church, American Legion Post 118, American Legion Post 118 Auxiliary, Community Board 9, Emanuel United Church of Christ, Forest Park Trust, Leader-Observer, PS 254, PS 97, Richmond Hill Historical Society, School Sisters of Notre Dame Educational Center for Women, St. Thomas the Apostle, Unidad y Fe Lutheran Mission, Woodhaven Art Circle, Woodhaven Cultural & Historical Society, Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, and WORKS Little League were in attendance.
The gathering also welcomed Sen. Joe Addabbo and representatives from Nydia Velazquez (Jonathan Betancourt), Jennifer Rajkumar (Anna Sargeant), and Joann Ariola (Phyllis Inserillo). While many were able to join, other groups such as PS 60, PS 254, Woodhaven Business Improvement District, Woodhaven Library, Geordie’s Joint, and Neir’s Tavern are also in touch with organizers to participate in future events.
Guests had the opportunity to tour the 120-year-old former golf clubhouse and explore the Museum of Woodhaven History before gathering to share ideas for upcoming festivities. The event set the stage for a larger community-wide celebration planned for Saturday, June 14 at Victory Field, marking both Woodhaven’s milestone anniversary and the 100th anniversary of the beloved local sports venue, which opened in 1925.
The June event, held in partnership with Councilmember Joann Ariola and the Forest Park Trust, will offer a full day of activities and celebrations. The festivities will begin with a 190th Anniversary Parade and ceremony at the track in Victory Field from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., which will include a special ceremony honoring Victory Field’s centennial. Following the parade, a Flag Day event sponsored by Councilmember Joann Ariola will be held from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the cement softball field, featuring children’s activities and bounce houses.
At the same time, a vintage baseball game will take place on the big baseball field, where a Woodhaven team will face off against The New York Mutuals, dressed in 19th-century-style uniforms. After the game, children will have the opportunity to play a historic game called rounders, providing a fun and educational experience about the early days of baseball. Throughout the day, the Woodhaven Art Circle will host the Woodhaven Art Market along the road through Forest Park adjacent to the track.
Organizers encourage residents and community groups to get involved as planning continues. For more information on the upcoming event and ways to contribute, please email projectwoodhaven@gmail.com.
