ASTORIA – The Old Astoria Neighborhood Association (OANA) holds its next virtual meeting on Wednesday, February 10, 6:30 PM, streaming live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OANA.NewYork and on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JbE2ODPiOAM.

The agenda includes New York City Council Member Costa Constantinides, updates on the Astoria Library Renovation from the Department of Design and Construction and Queens Library, on Hallets Cove Clean Up / Restoration from the New York City Economic Development Corp, a Performing Arts presentation with Audrey Dimola, Spoken Word Artist, and the New York State Budget Overview from Dr Guillermo Linares, New York State Higher Education Services Corp.

Questions may be asked of the presenters via Facebook or Youtube chat, include your name and email in the chat if you join us for attendance.

All presenters are subject to change without notice.

Missed OANA meetings may be viewed online: https://oana-ny.org/meeting-videos/.

More information about OANA is available online: https://oana-ny.org.

OANA is also bringing attention to the plight of the arts during the pandemic with its Save the Arts efforts.

No sector of New York City has suffered more during the pandemic than the performing arts. Theater, dance, live music, etc. are in desperate straits. The culture and nightlife of the city, so much a part of what attracts tourists, creatives and new residents to New York, may disappear if action is not taken.

As OANA President Richard Khuzami said via email, “We ask that, as soon as the pandemic allows, that venues be allowed to open back up, with proper social distancing and mask-wearing.

“We are pleased that the Federal, State, and City governments have created programs aimed to help performing artists and venues in the last month! While not in effect yet, we hope they provide the means that will allow artists and venues to survive and thrive in todays unique environment. Keep checking back to OANA for more information.”

He added, “OANA has started a program of virtual performances in all our monthly meetings. We want to give deserving artists some outlet to present their craft.This month's performance will be with Spoken Word Artist Audrey Dimola who also handles outreach at Socrates Sculpture Park.

“If you are a performing artist and want to join us in a future meeting, please email us at [email protected] (Note that the performance, whether live or video, must only have one A/V feed because of latency issues.)”