Around the Neighborhood - Fleischmanns - 13 March 2026

Well wasn’t that sneak peek of Spring just wonderful? I’m sure we’ll get at least another dusting of snow, but it was fabulous to be out and about in a cardigan part of the week. Bring it on, Spring! 

One of my favorite ways to gear up for Spring is to celebrate St. Patrick’s day. Growing up, I’d get pulled out of school at Immaculate Conception in Astoria early— or not sent in at all. My Irish parents, especially my mother, made sure I celebrated my heritage. More importantly, the history of Ireland and why it was so imperative to keep the culture alive. For many years, my mom and I walked the parade with county Westmeath. Shout out to Tommy Shiels who came to this country the year my father was born, and has carried the Westmeath flag for many years down 5th Avenue. My dad had a bar called The Breifne Pub on Crocheron Avenue in Flushing. That’s when St. Patrick’s Day became an “all hands on deck” situation. My mother and father would be up late cooking corned beef for about 100 people. We had an industrial meat slicer that would get brought in from the garage. The blade was a little dull, so corned beef would be flying all over the place at early hours of the morning before my dear mother went for a nap and was up again to enjoy the day. I’d stay up to watch the potatoes and oven— full of Shepherd’s Pie. 

My dad’s lawyer would usually throw a party at his firm which would allow us to look out the windows and cheer at folks walking in the parade while drinking all the soda I could. From there, we’d the hop on the subway to Flushing where we’d have our own party. Notably, there was some cross over from both events. My dad would send me to school the following day with some satire note to excuse my absence. The most infamous was one where he said I woke up covered in green spots and that the news said the only cure was to go to 5th avenue to immerse yourself in the cultural cure. Needless to say, it didn’t go over as well as he thought. He still has a copy of that note today. 

Alls to say, we have carried on the tradition and will be serving CB&C in my own family’s bar this weekend, until it’s out! This weekend  at The Print House we’ll dance with The Classics, Saturday, 3/14 and Sunday, 3/15 (also Joe’s and my wedding anniversary) we’ll listen to the wonderful Marji Zintz. Good way to spend the weekend. 

The Joint Comprehensive Plan survey is truckin’ along! The survey will run through 3/19 so please take the time to complete it! Our Public Input Meeting will be at Union Grove on 3/26 at 5pm. We look forward to seeing everyone! 

Hope everyone has a wonderful week. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!