Flushing is known for its cuisine, crowd, and culture. One can find a multitude of restaurants, ranging from Greek to Chinese. The variety of food makes it incredibly overcrowded, making it impossible walk ten feet without yielding to a mob of pedestrians. The thick population density of Flushing may be new, but it has always been home to immigrants and their aspirations.

There are several hair salons in Flushing, each touting its expertise and knowledge of style. However, my father and many other residents of Flushing are loyal to one barbershop, Jimmy’s Barbershop. Jimmy, an early immigrant to Flushing and longtime resident of Flushing, has been operating his small business for years. He has no online presence or Facebook account to promote his business. His clientele consists of those who have relied on him to give them a haircut once a month for years. He has no book of hairstyles to choose from and his haircuts aren’t unique, but his dedication to his work makes his customers reluctant to leave him. Jimmy’s patrons get a history and life lesson along with every haircut and a shave.

Flushing is home to businesses, old and new, but it also hosts humanitarian efforts. Every year, Flushing Meadow Park hosts American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. This walk unites the community against cancer, which is typically not addressed in Asian cultures. The cheer that cancer survivors receive when they reach every checkpoint of the five-mile walk shows the spirit of the community. All the proceeds of the walk go towards the American Cancer Society’s efforts to provide for cancer patients and cancer research. Everyone has different reasons for participating in the walk, but what unites these strangers is the singular vision of eradicating cancer.

As Flushing grows more and more populated, it is gaining opposition for its commercialization. There are giant supermarkets on just about every block and it is the definition of overcrowding. Politicians and residents are constantly at odds with the owners of new malls and shopping centers, as they contribute to the lack of space and displace family businesses.

The neighborhood of my choice is The Upper West Side of Manhattan. It is most definitely a place I call home because I grew up here. It is a place defined by its active individuals rushing for their early morning caffeine at Starbucks, the thrilled mothers taking their five-year-olds to Riverside Park on 88^th Street and Riverside drive, and the teenagers smoking cigarettes outside of their brownstone apartments. It is a home for the homeless; the poor men sleeping outside of the Church located on 86^th street between West-end and Broadway. It is defined by the exquisite architecture of the antique pre-war buildings that surround the Upper West Side. My favorite building is the Apthorp; it mimics a castle or a mansion. It is a place where young love is shared, on pier 84, encircled by the large body of water that is the Hudson River and the countless restaurants old couples go to, to celebrate their fortieth anniversaries. It’s known for its Soldier and Sailor monument and fashionable adolescents that walk the streets of New York. The Upper West Side consists of writers, artists, therapists, teachers, vintage boutiques, cafes, restaurants, schools, and the occasional street fairs that bring excitement to the neighborhood.

One of the major issues on The Upper West Side is that rent is going up and people who have lived in the brownstones for years are being kicked out because they can no longer afford to pay $2,500 a month for a one bedroom apartment. Most of the people that are now moving in to this area are wealthy and rich. The elementary school in the neighborhood has a low rating because of budget cuts and big classrooms and low graduation rates. There are countless homeless people hanging out around the church, begging people for money or building cardboard forts, occupying the corners of 86^th Street.

By: Teresa Roca

When I tell people that I live in Staten Island, I always get the same response: “Do you live near the dump?” Unfortunately, Staten Island has gained many stereotypes throughout the years. We are known as the “forgotten borrow,” we had the Fresh Kills Landfill, and we are almost as notorious as New Jersey for carrying a majority of the world’s guidos and guidettes. Staten Island has been my home for over 21 years. I want to choose an area in Staten Island instead of a more hip New York City area like the Village because I want to bring to light how historic and special this borough actually is.

To do that, I chose to report on the East Shore of Staten Island. This area is home to the small towns of Arrochar, South Beach, Grasmere, Dongan Hills, Grant City, Midland Beach, New Dorp, Oakwood, Old Town, Richmondtown and Bay Terrace. I chose this section of Staten Island because of the history these towns carry as a whole. South Beach has the largest boardwalk in New York, hosting firework displays, free concerts and festivals. Old Richmondtown is the city’s only living historic village where people can experience civic, commercial and domestic activities. If you want an escape from the hectic city, the East Shore of Staten Island is a great place to find peace and quiet.

Because of its attraction and history, the East Shore would be an intriguing location for Neighborhood Faces, Small Business, and Community Service. As for the conflict story, a newly added bus lane runs through most of these towns, causing traffic and impatience among East Shore Staten Islanders. This is threatening the peaceful tone the area is known for.

After reporting on the East Shore, I hope people will learn more about this borough and appreciate Staten Island for the history, beauty and enjoyment it should be known for.