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BIZ for KIDZ By MARIE GRILLO When sisters Eleni Graciano and Thekla Manoloudis took over Raising Astoria from its original owners, they took what was already a great space for children and adults to socialize and turned it up a notch. “We have since made significant changes to the space to make it our own, and we feel like we are making a footprint in the neighborhood as families come to us to meet new people, and for the children to get a head start in early learning,” Graciano said. Raising Astoria is a multi-use space that offers “pre-school classes for early learners (18+ months to 4 years), a weekly live music performance (concert!) for children of all ages, a music education program with songs from around the world, baby developmental movement, maternity classes, after-school dance and yoga classes for kids ages 4+,” Graciano explained. Along with classes, toys are of paramount importance for the space. “We also offer tons of toys including a bounce house, full kitchen with utensils and play food, ride-on dinosaur, play house, books and a train set that can be used during open play hours and also when we host birthday parties, baby showers and other private functions,” Graciano said. As “transplant” parents themselves, Graciano and Manoloudis recognized the importance of making new parent friends and set out to make Raising Astoria a community. Coming into an already established location in the central Ditmars area helped move their success along. “We feel very lucky to be able to work and live in one of the most safe, culturally diverse and dynamic neighborhoods in New York,” she said. As new business owners, Graciano and Manoloudis make a point to listen to feedback from their customers. “We keep our prices very affordable to make sure that our classes and activities are accessible to everyone,” Graciano said. They even offer childcare on Friday nights for those rejuvenating and rare nights out. EXPLORE YOUR BORO As more families are making western Queens home, child-centered businesses are springing up. We talked to the owners of four businesses in Astoria, Long Island City and Sunnyside that cater to kids and make life a little easier for parents. If you are looking to involve your children in a safe, social play environment, check out these businesses: Raising Astoria 26-11 23RD AVE., ASTORIA RAISINGASTORIA.COM Photos courtesy of Eleni Graciano 32 MARCH 2017


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