Photo Gallery
On Friday, November 18th, Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer joined owners Shih and Skinny Lee for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of their new restaurant Skinny’s Cantina.
The opening featured the Lee brothers and friends dressed in traditional Mariachi attire and quickly became a festive celebration. The brothers are no strangers to business in Long Island City; they also own neighborhood hot spot Shi, which is located across the street.
Van Bramer is a strong supporter of local, small businesses and has been an advocate for the plethora of quality restaurants, businesses and shops that have been flocking to the growing and vibrant communities of District 26. Long Island City, in particular, has seen tremendous growth in recent years as the community has become home to thousands of new families.
On November 18th, Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, Senator Michael Gianaris, and members of the community announced that sound abatement equipment for the 7 train ventilator plant in Hunter’s Point has successfully been installed. Van Bramer, Gianaris, and Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan secured funding for the equipment last year after complaints of ear-splitting sounds coming from the MTA East River ventilator, located at 50th Avenue between 5th Street and Center Street.
On Thursday, November 17th, Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer hosted a fall mixer for the LGBT community and friends from District 26 at SHI Restaurant in Long Island City, which over 150 people attended. City Council Speaker Quinn, ACS Commissioner Ron Richter, and Councilman-elect Michael Sabatino were among the attendees.
On November 17th, Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer visited Queensbridge Houses with his mother for their annual Thanksgiving dinner celebration at Jacob Riis Center. The Council Member plays an active role in fighting for senior services, including renovations to the facilities and nutritious meals such as this. Council Member Van Bramer is pictured here with his mother, Elizabeth Van Bramer, Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan, and Bill Newlin, Executive Director of Jacob Riis Settlement House.
On November 17th, Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer joined seniors at Woodside Senior Center in the Woodside Houses for a festive lunch to celebrate Thanksgiving. The Council Member visits the senior centers in his district frequently and has been a strong supporter of programs for seniors. In this photo, the Council Member is pictured with Julia Vieira, Woodside Senior Center President, Yetiva Virgil and Center Director Matthew Ancona.
On Wednesday, November 16th, Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer and Assemblywoman Cathy Nolan held a high school enrollment fair at the Long Island City YMCA. At the fair, sixteen Queens high schools set up tables to answer detailed questions from parents, and future high school students. Teachers, counselors, and administrators also provided pamphlets and prizes while encouraging attendees to look at each school, which all have specialized curriculums, and plenty of extra-curricular activities.
As part of a week-long series focusing on combating bullying in schools, Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer joined 13-year old, Woodside resident Rocky Sanabria for an interview with Pix 11. As part of the program, Rocky discussed his own difficulties overcoming bullying as a transgender teen. Van Bramer highlighted the important initiatives that the City Council has introduced to tackle bullying, including "Respect for All Week."
On November 16th, Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer joined fellow elected officials and members of the community at the Long Island City Partnership’s Annual Luncheon & Trade Show where he presented Harriet Taub, Executive Director of Materials For the Arts, with the Green Business Award.
On November 16th, Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer honored Aycan Kaptaner, an intern on his staff, and Sunnyside resident, who became a United States Citizen this week.
On November 15th, Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer joined fellow past Queens Courier Rising Stars for a reunion at The Foundry in Long Island City. Van Bramer is pictured here with Courier Publisher Victoria Schneps.