South Queens, NY — On Saturday, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-AD 38) introduced her historic resolution commemorating Woodhaven’s Birthday to the Woodhaven community.

The Assemblywoman created and passed the first-of-its-kind resolution in Albany, with the State Assembly passing it unanimously, marking the first time New York State recognizes Woodhaven’s founding and unique history.

Saturday’s celebration started when the Assemblywoman and her staff entered a Woodhaven Residents' Block Association meeting surprising attendees with balloons, cake, and everything needed for a fabulous celebration.

This was no ordinary birthday: it was a 187th birthday.

Assemblywoman Rajkumar was there to celebrate Woodhaven’s birthday, which falls on July 1. To commemorate the occasion, she brought with her huge golden balloons in the shape of the number 187, as well as a cake from Woodhaven’s own Pan Ugo Bakery bearing the message, "Happy Birthday Woodhaven!"

The Assemblywoman’s office distributed printed and stamped copies of the special resolution to all attendees.

The resolution recounts the history, great people, and notable sights of Woodhaven. This includes Woodhaven’s treasure of Forest Park, its storied carousel, and tales of legend Mae West. Woodhaven has emerged as an Art Haven, as home to the Woodhaven Art Circle and concerts at Forest Park, sponsored by the Assemblywoman. The neighborhood boasts a storied history of successive migrations, beginning as Native American territory and later a settlement by the Dutch, before John R. Pitkin purchased the land to form Woodhaven in 1835. Today, there are historic small businesses, such as Neil’s Tavern, the oldest bar in New York City, and Schmidt’s Candy, which has provided the finest confectioneries since 1925.

Attendees were filled with pride and hope for the future of Woodhaven, as the neighborhood continues on its journey of growth and development. They thanked Assemblywoman Rajkumar for her resolution and surprise party, which will now be an annual Woodhaven event.

“In my 56 years of living in Woodhaven, I have never seen our neighborhood honored like this,” said Eric Ackermann. “Our history, our culture, and our businesses are getting their moment in the sun, and it’s all because of Assemblywoman Rajkumar. Seeing everything that makes Woodhaven great in one document makes me prouder than ever to call the neighborhood my home.”

"Assemblywoman Rajkumar is the first elected official from Woodhaven in a generation, and it shows,” said Maribel Perez-McDaniel. “We have a true leader for Woodhaven, who lives here, has her district office here, and lets Albany know about the importance of our neighborhood. Just when I thought she was doing everything she could for Woodhaven, she surprises us with a birthday party for the neighborhood."

“This is such a beautiful resolution. I already have it on display at home,” said Daphney Paul. “Now if anyone asks me why I love Woodhaven so much, I can just show them this. Even better is that we will now celebrate Woodhaven every year, and I can’t wait until we get to do it again. Thank you to Assemblywoman Rajkumar for this great celebration.”

“I was proud to lead the State Assembly in honoring the place I call home,” said Assemblywoman Rajkumar, “Woodhaven is one of the last remaining authentic neighborhoods in this city. The resolution highlights the landmarks, styles, businesses, people and artistry that makes ours one of the best communities in New York. I am proud to say that every year from now on we will celebrate Woodhaven’s Birthday on July 1st. I look forward to Woodhaven’s next 187 years!”