Author: Julia Lauria-Blum
Julia Lauria-Blum
Julia Lauria-Blum earned a degree in the Visual Arts at SUNY New Paltz. An early interest in women aviation pioneers led her to research the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) of WW II. In 2001 she curated the permanent WASP exhibit at the American Airpower Museum (AAM) in Farmingdale, NY, and later curated 'Women Who Brought the War Home, Women War Correspondents, WWII’ at the AAM. Julia is the former curatorial assistant at the Cradle of Aviation Museum and is currently an editor for Metropolitan Airport News.
On March 19, WINGS (Women Inspiring Nex-Gen Stars) at JFK celebrated the official launch of its new foundation and mentorship program at a brunch at The Rockaway Hotel, nestled in Rockaway Beach, NY. WINGS at JFK is a non-profit, mission-driven organization focused on empowering women to inspire the next generation of stars through leadership, mentorship, and visibility. Founded on the belief that representation and mentorship drive lasting impact, WINGS at JFK brings together accomplished women across industries to support, guide, and elevate emerging leaders. The organization will deliver curated programming, community-building initiatives, and strategic partnerships designed to foster growth, opportunity,…
Harriet Quimby was once described to me by her biographer, Giacinta Bradley Koontz, as “a woman moving forward with purpose.’’ In Koontz’s book, The Harriet Quimby Scrapbook: The Life of America’s First Birdwoman, 1875- 1912, Quimby’s life story is that of a modern woman living in a not-so-modern age “that touched the fringes of the Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, the Ragtime Era, and the new Age of Aviation.” Born on a Michigan homestead in 1875, Harriet moved to San Francisco in 1888. Though she initially sought a stage career, her sharp writing led her to journalism and a move…
The School Sisters of Notre Dame Educational Center (SSNDEC). located in Woodhaven, Queens empowers underserved women of all races and faiths to reach the fullness of their potential. In 2004, the SSNDEC opened its doors with a simple but profound belief: an educated woman is the agent of change for herself, her family, and society. Founded by Sisters Janice Algie, Cathy Feeney, and Jean McLaughlin, the center has grown from its roots in Jamaica, Queens, to their current home in the heart of Woodhaven, one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in the country. Within a safe and welcoming environment,…
The Airport Community Foundation (ACF) hosts a discussion about the phase one opening of Terminal 6 at JFK Airport. In 2024, I spoke with Steve Thody, CEO of JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), about the two-phase development of the John F. Kennedy International Airport’s (JFK) new 1.2 million-square-foot Terminal 6. The first phase of the terminal’s redevelopment is ontrack to open its initial gates this year, with full construction slated for completion in 2028. Terminal 6 (T6) at JFK is a public-private partnership between the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) and JFK Millennium Partners (JMP) – a…
When traveling by air, nine times out of ten, I fly out of John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The main reason for my choice over LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is the ease of access to JFK from points east of Queens and the NYC boroughs via mass transit, avoiding the expense of a taxi or Uber. More importantly, it enables me to travel at any time without inconveniencing a friend for a ride to or from the airport. It is also more economical and spares me the time and expense of driving myself to the airport and paying for long-term…
In December 1939, the first airport lounge opened when American Airlines debuted its Admirals Club at LaGuardia Airport. The idea was envisioned by C.R. Smith, the then President and CEO of American Airlines. Smith wanted to create a dedicated, relaxed space catered to the most loyal American Airlines passengers and VIPS. The lounge was also a way to build support for commercial aviation. The Admirals Club included a bar and a comfortable spot to enjoy before and after a flight. Membership was exclusive, and access to the Club was by invitation and consisted of celebrities, politicians, VIPs, and valued passengers…
Metropolitan Airport News recently spoke with Belinda Jain, Vice President, Customer Experience & Commercial at JFKIAT – the operator of Terminal 4 at JFK International Airport – and asked her to share her insights about lounges currently at JFKIAT, trends at T4 lounges that enhance customer experience, what makes the lounges at JFKIAT unique in showcasing the New York City vibe, and more. What options do passengers have at T4 lounges at JFK Airport? JAIN: JFK T4 has a variety of airline and common-use lounges available for passengers. Our premium collection includes nine lounges: the Capital One Lounge, Delta One…
Deborah Camp is a Queens, New York-based freelance mural and graphic design artist, author, and art educator. She recently completed painting the Christmas window murals at JFK International Airport for American Airlines Terminal 79 and American Airlines Hangar 10, spreading holiday cheer at the airport. Ms. Camp was hired to create a festive atmosphere for American Airlines employees to boost morale. This year’s colorful holiday themes narrate a visual story on the windows and walls at American Airlines Terminal 79 and Hangar 10, helping to create a festive, inviting space. “Over the years I have shared my visual art, writing and…
This past November, as the wheels of a JetBlue airliner left the runway at JFK International Airport, Donna Coughlin-Argeroplos breathed a sigh of relief as she settled into her seat for the three and a half hour flight she was taking to the Dominican Republic with over a dozen fellow congregants of the Genesis Church Dominican Republic Mission Team. On this trip, Donna, a retired teacher and librarian at the Mill Neck School for the Deaf, was now realizing her four-year vision of creating and building a children’s library at a school in San Marcos, which is financed by the…
Airports worldwide, including the Port Authority NY & NJ’s LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy, and Newark Liberty International airports, have recently completed, or are currently undertaking, major terminal redevelopment projects. Today’s redeveloped airport terminals feature sweeping, light-filled, expansive interior spaces. These architectural designs, combined with passenger amenities, create a brilliant and modern aesthetic. These spaces serve as central lounges or living areas at the airport, offering a perfect canvas for festive holiday cheer. Adornments such as giant Christmas trees and lights, holiday-themed events, entertainment, and a spirited palette of colors and special programs create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for travelers during…