It's Queens, Fall 2008

It’s

QUEENS FASHION & STYLE: WINTER PICKS, BOUTIQUES & MORE

QUEENS THE M AGA ZINE

LATE FALL 2008 Volume 1.4

Fran Drescher Cancer Schmancer

We Rank: • Top 15 Queens Innovators • Top 10 Moments At Shea • Top 5 Hot Towel Shaves

Also..

• Living In..Astoria • Rating The G1 • Ugly Betty on the Red Carpet $2.95 Late Fall 2008

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It’s

QUEENS THE M AGA ZINE

Fall 2008

Publisher Walter H. Sanchez

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Volume 1 Number 4 – Fall 2008 It’s Queens is published quarterly. Postmaster, send all address changes to It’s Queens – PO BOX 780376 – Maspeth, NY 11378. It’s Queens is a consumer magazine covering the people who move and shake Queens, from real estate trends to transportation, politics to entertainment, It’s Queens will bring our readers the ins and outs of the borough.

It’s Queens is wholly owned and published by the Queens Ledger/Greenpoint Star Weekly Newspaper Group. We know enough about the borough, covering it week in and week out since 1873. Bulk mail Flushing, NY Permit #652. Copyright ©2008 It’s Queens. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. Any news or feature solicitation for publication in It’s Queens should be done so without expectation of use and without expectation of return to solicitor. Send correspondence to editor@itsqueens.com . Subscriptions are $7.95 per year. Inquiries for subscriptions - Mail to PO BOX 780376, Maspeth, NY 11378. (718) 639-7000. www.itsqueens.com

On the Cover: Fran Drescher (Photo by Baxter/AbacaUsa.com)

It’s

QUEENS THE M AGA ZINE

Features 20 Top 15 Innovators It’s Queens takes a look at 15 people whose singular vision is shaping and changing the borough.

FALL 2008

45

40

9

27 Shea Goodbye A look back at the 10 most memorable moments in the old home of the Mets before it disappears for good.

40 Fran Drescher

10

She rose to fame as the star of The Nanny, but before all that she was a star on the streets of Queens.

Plus…

27

9 Premiere Ugly Betty on the Red Carpet

10 Commerce The Bravest Businesses in Queens

14 Expansion Top 5 Borough Developments

26 Technology It’s Queens Tries Out the G1

45 It’s Queens - Fashion & Style Top Boutiques, Winter Picks, 5 Hottest Hot Towel Shaves & More

57 Living In… Get to Know Astoria www.itsqueens.com Fall 2008 5

Publisher’s Note WALTER SANCHEZ It’s Queens The Magazine has shown our readers that a story can be found anywhere here in Queens.

From the two busiest airports in the free world to the best New York Pretzels in the best pretzel city in the U.S., Queens continues to surprise us with its diverse menu of eateries, activities, and opportunities. Our innovators are in a class by themselves.

Queens Innovators Innovators are not simply individuals who had an idea and “went with it.” A genuine innovator has more than an idea. He or she has a vision, seizes an opportunity, takes a risk, and then follows through. There are bumps in the road, obstacles, detractors, supporters who share the vision – and finally, maybe, just maybe, there is that innovation which saves time, money, lives, or simply makes daily life easier. True innovation makes a measured difference to someone

out there, doesn’t it?

Well look no further than page 20 in this issue for our Top 15 Innovators of Queens.

In our quest to have something for everyone in It’s Queens, why not think about getting a nice hot towel shave?

Check it out...this issue we give you the five hottest in the borough.

With the proliferation of big box stores, whose philosophy (by definition) is to put the little guys out of business, we thought we would point out some brave and crafty souls whose businesses bucked the odds and thrived in this age of chain stores that are better known for their lousy service and low prices.

Also, check out our Top 5 Developments and the Top 10 all-time moments at Shea Stadium. As Queensites know very well, the Mets will play in a new stadium next season, so dear old Shea will be gone forever.

residents of Astoria these days.

Queens Fashion – Oh Yeah!

Feedback from our readers on recent issues of IQ has led us to start a fashion section. (One quick look at the get-ups that people around our office sport and it was obvious to me we shouldn’t hire a fashion guru for the magazine from within the organization.) For those who think Queens fashion is an oxymoron, think again. There is some real time and money spent by Queens residents on fashion and you’ll be surprised where they shop for it.

Enjoy the fall issue!

Walter H. Sanchez

It’s Astoria Try living in Astoria. We did – and it’s great. Astoria is not just for Greeks anymore. Artists, serious business people, some great watering holes and outstanding food is on the mind of ®

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Queens Buzz HOT & COLD A quick rundown of what Queens residents are talking about, and what they no longer care about.

Citi Field: The bank was close to closing, but the stadium named for it will still open in a few months. Until then, we’ll keep it on the cold side.

HOT

East River Tolls: Looks like the free ride over the Queensboro Bridge just might be coming to a screeching halt if the MTA follows the recommendations of the Ravitch Commission.

Cold Weather: Predictions are that it will be a severe winter, so people are bracing themselves. So this should be on the hot side, right?

But it’s about the cold, isn’t it? Now even we’re confused, let’s move on.

The Flushing Meadows Corona Park Makeover: There hasn’t been a whole lot done to this Queens jewel since the days of Robert Moses (super huge pool/ice skating rink notwithstanding), but it looks like the Parks Department is eyeing a snazzy makeover.

Two Points: Sure, there is going to be a lot of buzz surrounding Willets Point and Hunters Points in the future, but now that the city has okayed both massive redevelopment plans, expect it to be a little more quiet for the time-being

COLD The Economy: It’s on the tips of our tongues because we can’t afford to pay a doctor to remove it.

www.itsqueens.com fall 2008 7 www.its

Stealth No More We told you that she would be under the radar, but not for long. Ciara Eland, who It’s Queens picked as our #1 Stealth Operator in the spring issue is indeed well on her way to the big time. Eland’s signature “I Heart Queens” shirt was seen on Ugly Betty. Ana Ortiz, who plays Hilda Suarez on the show about Queens’ favorite fictional resident, was spotted wearing Eland’s designer tee during a recent episode.

Queens Pride Down to a

T

By Shane Miller

Ciara Eland hasn’t always lived in Queens. In fact, she grew up in Orange o County (yes, that Orange County), California, and only moved to Sunnyside four years ago, but her love of the borough is as strong as a fifth-generation native.

Some of that pride can be spotted on the backs of her neighbors. Eland is the creator of Queensbound, a fashion line about and inspired by the borough.

“Queens has a gritty edge in addition to the suburbs and the big parks, how can you not be inspired?” she told It’s Queens during an interview at the The Grind, a coffee shop on Queens Boulevard and a favorite haunt of Sunnysiders.

“Plus, I realized that there were no cool Queens shirts.”

There are now. Eland’s tee shirts include images of the Sunnyside arch, the New York State Pavilion in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, and a shirt that matter-of-factly states “I Heart Queens.” The shirts can be found at several boutiques across Queens, as well as online at www.ciaraeland.com.

To create the shirts, Eland carves the design into a wood block, and then covers the block in ink and, with a big roller, presses the design onto the tee shirt. Imperfections in the wood and the human touch in the process produces a unique result each time.

“No two shirts are exactly the same,” she explains.

Eland hasn’t always been into fashion. She attended film school at USC, and earned a degree in graphic design from Parsons. Her co-op apartment, which she and herr husband recently purchased and share with their beagle, Chomsky, is full of examples

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ollowing in the footsteps of its title character, the cast of Ugly Betty made their way to the glitz and glamour of Midtown Manhattan after an extensive stint in Queens. Just as Betty Suarez left working-class Jackson Heights for the fashionable metropolis of Manhattan, so too did the cast leave behind the hard work of taping the show at Kaufman Astoria Studios for a glamorous red carpet party.

Production of the show, which is set in New York City, was moved to Queens after taping its first two seasons in Los Angeles. On the red carpet at the premiere party, which was hosted by Midtown’s High Bar, cast members America Ferrera, Ashley Jensen, and Eric Mabius told reporters and paparazzi about how thrilled they were to be filming in Queens.

“So much of the city informed the show,” Ferrera said. Though she is made up to look “ugly” on the show, Ferrera was just as pretty in person as media darlings Lindsay Lohan and Vanessa Williams, who also attended the premiere.

As the show continues, Queens residents can look forward to seeing the stars of Ugly Betty on the streets as they continue shooting the third - and maybe even fourth - season at locations throughout the borough.

ERIC MABIUS

BECKI NEWTON

VANESSA WILLIAMS

ANA ORTIZ www.itsqueens.com Fall 2008 9

THE TOP Jeffrey Harmatz t’s an exciting time to be living in Queens. Despite the slipping national economy, the borough is a hotbed of businesses that know that if there is anywhere they can still thrive, it just might be in New York City’s most diverse borough. The last ten years have seen unprecedented growth in neighborhoods from Long Island City to Jamaica, and it’s definitely changing both the makeup of the streets and the rest of the world’s perception of the once-humble west end of Long Island.

Of course, not all change is good, as a number of long-time businesses and residents have been driven from their spots on the borough’s numbered streets as rents rise, condos go up, and big companies make their move for a piece of Queens. Many residents are happy to welcome big national stores to their neighborhood, and it is certain that their arrival is indicative of a newfound national respect for the millions of people that live and work here.

But these new businesses often come at the expense of beloved family run shops that have served as the foundation for communities for decades.

With many of these businesses going the way of the ten-cent phone call, It’s Queens decided to shine the spotlight on some of the borough’s best locally owned businesses that have withstood the test of national competition and made a place for themselves. We call them the “Borough’s Bravest Businesses,” but they’re only brave for continuing to do what they do in the face of overwhelming change.

For those that continue to cook, trade, buy, and sell, we salute you!

I

10 Fall 2008 www.itsqueens.com

Bravest Businesses in Queens 1

Family Pharmacy 43rd Street and 47th Avenue Sunnyside The Sunnyside shopping district seems like an ideal place for a pharmacy. So ideal, in fact, that a number of national chain pharmacies have popped up right underneath the 7 train, competing not only with each other, but with the many local shops that once filled prescriptions along Queens Boulevard.

Still, a few family-owned medical outposts soldier on, including the appropriately named Family Pharmacy. They may not have the aisles and aisles of hair color, hard candy, caramel corn, and DVD’s of a bigger pharmacy chain, but those items are superfluous to what a good pharmacy, at its heart, should be.

Family Pharmacy provides little in the way of chotchkies or knick-knacks, but it does have a huge selection of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Besides medicine, they sell medical

supplies and have a small selection of greeting cards. But it’s not the selection that has kept them in business, despite the heavy competition. As this list will reveal, people love buying things from people they know, and in no business is that more important than in medicine. Neighborhood pharmacists are visited more often than doctors, and often become revered medical advisors among their community. It’s this personal connection that has allowed Family Pharmacy to thrive in an area that is already overdosing on pharmacies.

is an oft-overlooked hole-in-the-wall, often overshadowed by bigger and fancier establishments serving the same cuisine. In fact, the ethnically diverse blocks that line Broadway between Roosevelt Avenue and Queens Boulevard in Elmhurst are home to many different styles of food, the majority of which are primarily Asian, and any given block is likely to have at least two restaurants cooking the same style of food. Take for example, the two Pho restaurants that share a parking lot just north of the LIRR tracks. On that same block are three Malaysian restaurants, which is peculiar since an informal survey of average New Yorkers found most have never even t tried Malaysian food. The restaurants, one of which is a local chain, are all good, but special congratulations are due to the p proprietors of Taste Good.

An unassuming restaurant that could pass for a neighborhood Cantonese restaurant holds some of the best and cheapest food in t city. Taste Good qualifies as the bravest Malaysian restaurant the in the borough because it competes with two other restaurants, b both of which are admittedly classier establishments, within spitting distance. And based on the modest storefront nestled b between two grocery stores and a park, Taste Good is easy to m miss.

But it continues to thrive based solely on the quality of t their food, and is worth seeking out.

2

SS Natural Austin Street and Ascan Avevue Forest Hills SS Natural, named as if it were a cargo ship carrying fresh plant life and exotic spices across a watery wasteland to the residents of Forest Hills, certainly was one of the first stores to bring the gourmet shopping experience to a neighborhood that is now known throughout the borough as being gourmand. One of the anchors of the changing atmosphere along Austin Street, SS Natural has thrived so much that it is constantly expanding, swallowing up neighboring stores in its constant struggle to expand within a claustrophobically crowded shopping district.

But it’s not the shop’s four walls that the store is struggling against now, as California’s popular strip-mall epicurean chain Trader Joe’s opened this year in the opposite corner of the neighborhood.

It is doubtful that anybody is upset about the new Trader Joe’s other than the owners of SS Natural, but that doesn’t mean that there can’t be room enough for two great gourmet grocery stores in Forest Hills, and it seems unlikely that either business will be doing anything other than providing mushrooms, juices, and fresh produce to the community for a long time.

3

Taste Good 82-18 45th Avenue Elmhurst Taste Good, the appropriately named Malaysian restaurant in Queens’ second, smaller Chinatown (after Flushing, naturally),

4

Tamale Girls 82nd Street The most obscure and possibly bravest entrepreneurs on our list, the daring Tamale Girls, fill the streets of western and central Queens with their corn husk-wrapped goodness, but a high concentration of the best tamales can be found on the crowded block of 82nd Street between Roosevelt and www.itsqueens.com Fall 2008 11

Baxter avenues. There are already enough vending carts and restaurants legally stationed on the block to make it a food destination, but the addition of the barely-illegal Tamale Girls is the icing on the cake. Though they appear with little rhyme or reason - at least as far as we can tell - a few women hang out on 82nd Street with big pots of home-cooked tamales hidden by plastic bags and clothing. Though delicious, the preparation and sale of these delicious corn meal, meat and chile treats is not regulated by the Department of Health, so these tamales are tough to get. We’ve seen lunches broken up by beat cops on more than one occasion, but fortunately for us, the Tamale Girls continue to bring their tasty wares to market. Though it’s never proper to endorse something that is clearly against the law, the tamales are just too good to ignore and skirting the law is a small price to pay for these spicy treats.

5

Maspeth Federal Savings Headquarters – 69th Street and Grand Avenue Maspeth As the streets of New York City, and Queens in particular, have transformed over the years, perhaps the most recognizable

12 Fall 2008 www.itsqueens.com

pattern is the proliferation of national bank branches in every conceivable location. Generally, it’s a wonderful trend, and leads to more savings, more loans, and a more prosperous borough. The invasion of national banks is another sign that huge financial corporations believe in the borough, which is an amount of respect that, while long deserved, hasn’t always been afforded. But national banking comes at a cost, and that cost is the smaller, locally run and family-owned banks that have served their community for decades. As evidenced by the holiday classic, “It’s A Wonderful Life,” small bankers and banks with a connection to the community can have an incredible impact on the community. Maspeth Federal Savings is one of those banks. Still headquartered in its namesake neighborhood, the bank has not only served families in Queens (and also Long Island) for more than 50 years, but has provided continued support for community organizations and businesses. It was difficult enough for a small bank to survive in New York City at the beginning of the year, but the current economic crisis is making it even harder. Fortunately, Maspeth Federal will be able to rely on the loyal customer base that it has developed over the years, and that customer base can rely on them.

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Top 5 Developments

Feet On The Ground But Head

In The Skyline

P

eople love to build things. Our homes, offices, and malls, especially in New York, are mighty testaments to the abilities of the human race, reaching high into the sky and sometimes even scraping it. While these ambitious buildings have long been the province of Manhattan, Queens has been, for better or for worse, closing the mega-development gap with towers and complexes of our own.

The Citicorp Tower in Long Island City was the herald of development to come, with Queens West and its stunning Manhattan views following soon after. Now, neighborhoods all over the borough are getting into the act, with large, prestigious and all-around marvelous new projects breaking ground, commissioning renderings, and actually opening their doors.

It’s Queens compiled a list of the Top 5 Biggest new developments that you need to know about.

Sky View Parc What it is:More than 1,500 residential units in six luxury residential towers sitting atop an 800,000 square foot mall.

Development includes a four-acre rooftop park complete with swimming pool, tennis courts, and a playground.

Our Take: Muss Development has been one of the biggest names in New York City real estate for close to 100 years, and it wouldn’t be reaching to suggest that their Sky View Parc project in Flushing may be their biggest achievement in all that time. This development will bring in national chain retailers and a whole new look to bustling Downtown Flushing.

14 Fall 2008 www www.itsqueens.com itsqueens com

Hunters Point South Developer: Hunters Point South Development Corporation, NYC Economic Development Corporation Where: Hunters Point Size: 30 Acres Completion Date: 2018 (Estimated) What it is: Located in the southern portion of Long Island City, Hunters Point South will create an entirely new neighborhood with new city streets connecting close to a dozen new residential buildings, retail space, new school, and lush waterfront park to the rest of the borough. More than 60 percent of the development’s 165,000 units will be reserved for middle- and low-income families.

Our Take: Though this project is still subject to a number of approvals and further planning, it stands as one of the most anticipated in the borough. The community has been heavily involved in the creation of the project, and its intention to create a haven for middle-class families means that its premise is somewhat noble, a rarity in the real estate market of the last five years. If that wasn’t enough, preliminary plans for the park are pretty sweet, making room for sports fields, dog park, and waterfront access. Kayaking, anyone?

Expansion of Kaufman Astoria Studios/Museum of the Moving Image Developer: Kaufman Astoria, Museum of the Moving Image Where: Astoria Size: KAS-4,000 Square Feet/MoMI-Expansion and Renovations Completion Date: KAS-2010/MoMI-Fall 2009 What it is: Kaufman Astoria is creating Stage K, a brand new film and television studio directly across the street from the existing landmarked studios. The new facility will provide even more space for the increasingly popular Queens-based studio. It will feature an 18,000square-foot sound stage along with 22,000 square feet of support space that will consist of dressing rooms, offices, prop rooms, makeup rooms, and a carpentry shop. The Museum of the Moving Image expansion will not only create a new outdoor theater space, a new gallery and several classrooms, but an entirely new, high-tech entrance to the famed museum that will utilize 242 video monitors.

Our Take: Though not technically the same development, the separate expansion of two long-time Astoria cultural institutions across the street from each other is indicative of the borough’s momentum as a growing cultural force, and will permanently cement the neighborhood’s position as the center for film and television in New York City.

Arverne by the Sea Developer: The Beechwood Organization and Benjamin Development Where: Arverne Size: 127 Acres Completion Date: 2010 What it is: A large scale, 2,300-unit residential development along the Rockaway coast. Paneled, free-standing two- and three-family homes will hug winding, tree-lined streets connecting them to new parks and a primary school. A Water Taxi transit center will help residents commute to lower Manhattan without having to drive all the way through Queens.

Our Take: Suburbia comes to New York City. Taking a page from West Coast planned communities, Arverne By the Sea offers inexpensive luxury homes in a peaceful, beachside setting on the outskirts of metropolitan New York City. Perfect for new families looking for a peaceful, quiet place to raise kids or young urbanites who want to do a bit more surfing on the weekends. www.itsqueens.com Fall 2008 15

Flushing Meadows Corona Park Pool and Ice Rink Developer: New York City Parks Department Where: Flushing Meadows Corona Park Size: 110,000 Square Feet Completion Date: Summer 2008 (Go Skate!)

What it is: Side by side Olympic sized swimming pool and NHL regulation sized hockey rink bring together two seasonal sports for yearround enjoyment inside a temperature-controlled complex. Glass walls provide stunning views of the surrounding park in what is considered to be the largest recreation complex in any New York City park.

Our Take: Among the kitschy architectural remnants of the World’s Fair and Class-A sports stadiums that dot Flushing Meadows Corona Park, it’s nice to finally have an old-fashioned, high-tech recreational center that can be used by neighborhood kids. This is the place where the next generation of Olympians will get their start.

16 Fall 2008 www.itsqueens.com

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TOP 15 INNOVATORS There are people who are comfortable doing things as they’ve always been done, and then there are those who aren’t. We call those people Innovators, and they aren’t afraid to take risks or buck trends.

Queens is full of these people, and It’s Queens picked 15 we deemed worthy of The “It’s” List.

15

Lambert Shell Youth Coordinator Queens Public Library

14

Xiang Yang Artist Queens Art Scene

Queens teens are flocking to the library as never before thanks to Lambert Shell, Queens Library’s coordinator of Youth Enrichment Programs. Shell created a library program designed specifically for young people with its own space, stacked with reading material geared towards teens, and run by a Youth Counselor, instead of a librarian. Shell’s youthfriendly programs have drawn teenagers from across the borough. The Far Rockaway branch even started morning GED classes for adults who have been inspired by Shell’s program to return to school.

The Queens art scene has an up-and-coming star in Xiang Yang, a Chinese-born artist who lives in Astoria. A diverse artist who works in several media, Yang is best known for his “thread works” - pop-culture images woven onto flat, transparent surfaces. Yang makes creative use of the excess stitching behind the images by stretching the threads into long trains of color that give his pictures a futuristic dimension. Yang first experimented with the idea while still a student in China, where he was arrested during the Tiananmen Square protests for producing an image of China’s former Communist Leader, Mao Zedong. Yang continued this work after moving to New York, where he has made thread works of famous leaders from around the world such as Saddam Hussein and George W. Bush. His works have been exhibited at the Philadelphia Art Alliance and in New York, most recently at Long Island City’s Repetti Gallery.

13

Amy Fischetti-Boncardo Executive Director Queens County Farm Museum

F Farming in Queens is cool again, in no small part due to the efforts of Amy FischettiB Boncardo. The landmark site, which is owned by the New York City Parks Department, iis home to the oldest continuously working farm in the state of New York. Despite its hhistory, less than 100,000 people visited the farm museum as recently as fifteen years ago.

Since then, by joining traditional livestock and crop production with a modern sustainable d development vision, Fischetti-Boncardo has increased annual attendance in the 21st century t a whopping 500,000. Fischetti-Boncardo added popular Easter egg hunts, a new to v vineyard, and built the Amazing Maize Maze, where Queens residents sick of city life can l lose themselves in nature, literally.

20 Fall 2008 www.itsqueens.com

12

Mark Dean Founder The Dean Project

Little more than a year old, the Dean Project art gallery in Long Island City has already emerged as a leading player in the burgeoning LIC arts world. Owner Mark Dean’s commitment to showcasing provocative, high-quality art has drawn notice from artists and collectors alike, who head to his gallery to find the latest trends in contemporary art. A former public relations man, Dean decided to change directions in 2006 and did so with his first New York exhibition. In September of 2007, Dean opened Dean Project and hasn’t looked back. His gallery shows often include large, startling sculptures like artist Timothy Berg’s series of pink penguins or Reinaldo Sanguino’s haunting black crows. Housed in a corner of P.S. 1, the Dean Project gallery is positioned to be a fixture in the arts community for years to come.

11

Steven Hitt Managing Director LaGuardia Performing Arts Center

Steven Hitt has worked hard to put the Queens performing arts world on New York City’s cultural map, and the results are beginning to pay off. Hitt is the managing director of the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center (LPAC), part of LaGuardia Community College.

LPAC’s Mainstage Theater - the largest theater in western Queens - routinely draws crowds from the community college and around the city. The center hosts a Jazz Jam Series, Weekend Family Series for theater, dance performances, concerts, international film screenings and much more. Under Hitt’s leadership, LPAC has gained a tri-state reputation for excellence in the arts.

10

Stephen Hans Attorney

Stephen Hans, a 48-year-old Long Island City-based attorney, stands alone in a field where few actually do anything that resembles innovation. Hans’ business acumen told him that most companies that will launch in the next ten years would be vastly different than the ones we are used to seeing. His firm is creating a no-nonsense handbook to help entrepreneurs navigate the mundane legal tasks of business procedure in New York, which includes everything from a cookie-cutter employee handbook, compensation programs, payroll, legal, accounting and office services. Outsourcing this stuff frees up the entrepreneur to do what he or she does best: operate the business without getting bogged down in the paperwork.

www.itsqueens.com Fall 2008 21

9

Sheila Lewandowski Co-Founder and Executive Director The Chocolate Factory

F the past five years young, experimental artists have thrived at The Chocolate Factory, For cco-founded by Sheila Lewandowski in 2003 in Long Island City. Lewandowski’s C Chocolate Factory attracts multidisciplinary artists who feel equally comfortable pproducing dance, theater and film productions - sometimes combing all three in dynamic nnew ways. The factory’s visiting artists and its founding members push traditional pperforming arts boundaries in surprising, thought-provoking ways. In addition to ffocusing on the company’s own work, Lewandowski rents affordable studio and work space to independent actors and dance and theater companies searching for their own ooriginal performance styles.

8

Helen Ho Organizer/ Founder/ Vice-Chair Transportation Alternative Queens Committee

H Helen Ho is a force to be reckoned with in what she calls the “Queens green world.”

IIn recent years, Ho has become one of the most active members in this community of iindividuals and organizations committed to promoting sustainable living and protecting tthe Queens environment. Ho works for Greenthumb, the Parks Department program tthat oversees the city’s community gardens, and also serves as the vice-chairperson on T Transportation Alternative’s Queens Committee, which fights for the rights of bicyclists.

H passion for cycling led her to start the first ever “Tour de Queens,” a 20-mile bike Ho’s t tour held on a stifling 99-degree day this past June. More than 500 bikers participated i the event, which raised awareness about the need for an improved bike lane system in t throughout the borough. As if this weren’t enough, Ho also started Queens Greendrinks, a social networking group for eco-friendly businesses, institutions, and preservation g groups that meets once a month to discuss everything green.

7

Marilyn Hoyt Former President and CEO New York Hall of Science

U Under Marilyn Hoyt’s leadership, the New York Hall of Science, in Corona, made llearning about science a fun-filled, hands-on activity for anyone willing to brave the e experience.

For starters, the Hall puts on five Live Science Theater productions a year.

T most recent show, Dr. Frankenstein’s Lightning and Electricity LIVE!, and others The b blend science education with history and dramatic acting - a tradition that dates to the a ancient Greek theater. While heading the Hall, Hoyt transformed regular exhibitions for b both children and adults into interactive learning exercises popular with school groups, t teachers, and parents alike who journey to the Hall of Science to learn about microbes, m molecules, and so much more. The Hall’s Science Playground, a favorite with young v visitors, is open to children of all ages.

22 Fall 2008 www.itsqueens.com

Look no further The perfect gift is here.

6

Burt Grebin President/Chief Executive Officer St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children

In 1975, Dr. Burton Grebin joined the team at St. Mary’s Healthcare System in Bayside, and the institution hasn’t been the same since. Today, Grebin is the president and chief executive officer of St. Mary’s, a post he assumed in 1991, and since then he has revolutionized the care of children with special needs. Over the years, St. Mary’s has grown from a small inpatient facility to a $100 million system with international recognition. St. Mary’s has been at the forefront of health care for children. Under the guidance of Grebin, St. Mary’s created the nation’s first pediatric palliative care program, the state’s first and largest pediatric long-term HIV/AIDS home care program, and the city’s first certified traumatic brain injury program. The facility touches the lives of 4,000 children each day.

5

Susan Lacerte Executive Director Queens Botanical Garden

When Susan Lacerte took over as executive director of the Queens Botanical Garden, the term “garden” was a bit of a misnomer. Sure, QBG was still a natural paradise left over from the 1939 World’s Fair, but it was hardly the manicured oasis that its name suggested.

Lacerte changed all of that, and today QBG is a jewel in the heart of Flushing that is not only enjoyed by the residents of Queens for its natural beauty, but plays host to a number of cultural events throughout the year. But that isn’t what makes Lacerte an innovator.

Over the past few years, Lacerte has been at the forefront of “greening” the garden in more ways than one, and the new Visitor & Administration Center is a perfect example.

Built to the highest standards of sustainable design, the center is the most technologically advanced green building in New York City. Under the guidance of Lacerte, the garden is transforming how we interact with our environment in more ways than one.

4

Luchia Lee Curator Crossing Art Gallery

Established international artists seeking Big Apple recognition are finding a home at the Crossing Art Gallery in Flushing. Crossing Art’s curator Luchia Lee has dedicated the spacious modern space to stimulate cultural exchange between the gallery’s mainly Chinese artists and the Queens and citywide arts scene. Past exhibitions such as the spring 2008 “Back to the Garden: Daily Life to Spiritual Vision,” united artists of various backgrounds, among them Eun Young Choi, Shannon Plumb, and Jeremiah Teipen, who showcased their diverse talents side by side in a compelling multicultural milieu. Luchia has developed Crossing Art into an important contemporary art outpost in Flushing.

24 Fall 2008 www.itsqueens.com

3

George McDonald Founder Doe Fund

M Many New Yorkers are concerned about the city’s homeless problem. George McDonald aactually decided to do something about it. A former business executive, McDonald first bbecame involved with homeless issues in the early 1990’s, when he distributed sandwiches tto homeless people at Grand Central every night for nearly two years. The experience pprompted McDonald to run for Congress with the promise to end homelessness. Though hhe lost his race, McDonald went on to found The Doe Fund, an organization committed tto helping homeless people find homes, work, and build self-sufficient lives. The o organization’s Ready, Willing and Able program, which McDonald designed with his w and fellow activist Harriet Karr, was New York’s first paid residential work program wife f homeless people. The program branched out from its Manhattan center and is now for a active on the streets of all the outer boroughs, including Queens.

2

Jason Ackerman Founder FreshDirect

I the days before FreshDirect, shoppers actually had to do things like leave their own In aapartments, walk to the grocery store, choose between endless varieties and brands of realllive food, and then schlep their groceries home in too many plastic bags. In 2002, Jason A Ackerman said enough to this madness, and founded Fresh Direct in a 300,000-squareffoot Long Island City building. His business model was surprisingly simple: to make hhome deliveries of fresh, low-cost food picked out online by consumers tired of trekking tto the grocery store themselves. The idea quickly caught on. Today, FreshDirect makes nnext-day deliveries to residents of Queens and the city’s other boroughs, Westchester C County, and even parts of New Jersey.

1

J. Darius Bikoff CEO/Founder Glaceau

A mid-90’s New York City water scare prompted J. Darius Bikoff to re-imagine the w way we think about water. The famous entrepreneur founded the Glaceau Company iin Whitestone. It has since become a worldwide leader in alternative bottled water, aand a subsidiary of The Coca Cola Company, that produces vitaminwater, smartwater, vvitaminenergy and fruitwater. The eco-friendly beverage line is known across the globe f the originality of its flavor titles: Endurance, Essential, and Revive are just a few. for C Countless celebrities have endorsed Bikoff’s drinks, among them rap artist and Queens n native 50 Cent and New York Mets star David Wright. In 2000, Bikoff, who was born in N York and grew up on Long Island, was named as one of Brandweek’s “Marketers New o the Next Generation.” of www.itsqueens.com Fall 2008 25

T-MOBILE G1 Price: $179 with 2-year contract

The T-Mobile G1 is an enigmatic phone. On the one hand, it is T-Mobile's biggest shot against AT&T and the iPhone, and on the other hand, it is Google's attempt to create smart phone software that is actually easy to use. However, in the end, what potential buyers are left with is a phone that, while solid to use, does not quite fulfill either goal.

Hardware:

The G1, created by Taiwanese phonemaker HTC, is a very solidly made phone that feels good in the hand and against the face. While not containing any of the iPhone-inspired chrome accents that most cell phone makers add to their phones, the G1 is an elegant piece of hardware. Sporting a black matte finish that complements its 3.2 inch touchscreen, the G1 has 8 main buttons: send and end keys, a back button, a home button, a menu button, two side volume rockers, and a camera button that controls the phone's 3.2 megapixel camera. The phone also contains a mini trackball that the user can use to scroll around the screen. The touchscreen flips out (in a motion that will seem somewhat familiar to sidekick users) to reveal a fiverow QWERTY keyboard.

The phone also has a microSD slot on the bottom-left corner that is horribly annoying to open and even more difficult to insert a memory stick into, especially for users with large fingers.

The G1's screen is beautiful, but it can tend to feel a bit cramped at times, especially when compared to the iPhone's 3.5 inch screen.

Calls on the G1 sounded crisp and clear through the speaker, and callers on

26 Fall 2008 www.itsqueens.com

with GOOGLE

by Nigel Chiwaya

the other end said calls sounded louder compared to other phones.

The real gripe towards the phone is its lack of a 3.5-mm headphone jack. Instead, HTC chose to include an ExtUSB jack that doubles as the phone's charging jack. This means that those hoping to use the phone as music player will have to deal with using the included adapter. The failure to include a standard headphone jack is horribly annoying and could be a deal-breaker for some.

Software:

The hype around the G1 is not about its hardware; rather it is Google's first foray into the cell phone market that has drawn the attention. Google's Android operating system was designed to be smart phone software that everyone can easily use, unlike Microsoft's Windows Mobile. For the most part, it works well.

The initial setup of the phone is a breeze.

The first time one turns on the phone, they will be prompted to enter their Google account username and password. Once that is completed, the user's Gmail, calendars and contacts are all synced automatically.

There is also an email client for those that don't use Gmail (but then, why did you buy this phone?)

The phone's home screen is simple and resembles a computer desktop: it contains an analog clock, along with icons for the phone, contacts, the web browser, and Google maps. There is also a slideout tab that reveals the phone's other apps, including Amazon MP3 for music, the Android market for downloading applications, pictures, calendar, etc. The home screen also slides to the left and the right, revealing a Google search box, along with more space for users to place their apps. Users can return to the home screen at anytime by pressing the home key.

At the top of the screen is a notification bar which contains the time, a battery icon, and signal strength. However, the notification bar is one of Google's strongest innovations. Rather than cluttering the screen with flashing messages when the user receives an email, text message, etc, an icon will appear in the notification bar, which the user can then slide out by swiping down on the screen to reveal more

i f ti It' i idea, id d th information.

It's a genius and the implementation is spot on.

The phone's web browser is based on the same technology as the iPhone's, so it renders pages in the same way- you're getting the "real" internet here, not stripped down mobile sites. While the phone does not support multi-touch, the user can zoom in and out with on screen buttons.

While the operating system is generally smooth, it does suffer from first-generation lapses. There is no onscreen keyboard, meaning that the user has to flip open the phone to enter any text, effectively rendering the user unable to operate the phone with one hand.

Also, the phone's over reliance on the keyboard tended to overshadow the touchscreen- at times, the user will be so used to using the keyboard and trackpad, they will forget the phone even sports a touchscreen.

Also, the phone contains no desktop syncing app, so non-Gmail users will have a hard time syncing their contacts.

Overall, the T-Mobile G1 is a mixed bag. It is a beautiful phone, but its lack of a desktop syncing app means it's not really a smart phone, at least not yet. Its over-reliance on the physical keyboard can become very annoying at times. However, the phone is already easier to use than Windows Mobile, and Android's potential is tantalizing. The open source operating system means that developers have the potential to create better apps than those seen on the iPhone.

For those looking for a good internet and media phone, the G1 will get the job done, however, business users will want to wait.

Rating: C+

TOP TEN A rare Mets/Jets postcard, the only one promoting Shea Stadium as both a home to baseball and football.

Memorable Moments at Shea

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10. April 17th, 1964 - A True Opening Dayy 10

I

View from the seats on Opening Day.

nexplicably, as the METS inaugurated their new ballpark just in time for the World’s Fair, manager Casey Stengel uttered two proclamations - “There’ll never be anything built this good” and “You’ll never get sick when you’re watching the Mets” – proclamations which 44 years have proved to be a whole lot of cock-eyed optimism, but then did we ever really expect anything less from “The Perfesser”?

Mets manager Casey Stengel bids the Polo Grounds goodbye. www.itsqueens.com Fall 2008 27

9. October 19, 2006 - Endy Chavez’s Unforgettable Catch

I

t may not be the greatest catch in NY sports history – Eli Manning and David Tyree can probably claim that crown. And die-hard loyalists will always favor Mays, Gionfriddo, or Amoros. But as FOX announcer Joe Buck said that fateful night at Shea, when left-fielder Endy Chavez robbed Scott Rolen of a home run and instead turned a double play, “Have you ever seen better?” In many ways, METS fans still see that catch as their team’s last glorious moment – it all unraveled just a short time later, with the bat still sitting on Carlos Beltran’s shoulders, and bringing the NLCS to a close. Losing, however, ought not to have made Chavez’s catch a footnote, an afterthought – it’s still one of the most spectacular in METS history.

8. October 9, 1999 - Todd Pratt’s Series Winning Homer

T

his is one of the most enduring memories of Shea, even some of our Queens atlases and road maps use it as their cover photo. Back-up catcher Todd Pratt was perhaps the unlikeliest of heroes to deliver for the METS, but deliver he did, lofting a game-winning, series-winning 10th inning homer that 50,000 plus thought was just a long, long flyball out at the wall. Even D-BACKS centerfielder Steve Finley thought he’d caught it. But behind the fence, those entrusted with raising the apple and with setting off the fireworks realized it firsthand – they saw the ball bouncing towards them, and immediately launched the celebration that let the entire stadium – and Finley – know that the METS were on their way to the National League Championship Series.

Jubilant Mets players and fans go crazy following Todd Pratt’s walk-off homerun.

28 Fall 2008 www.itsqueens.com

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30 Fall 2008 www.itsqueens.com

7. October 17, 1999 - Robin Ventura’s “Grand Single”

B

RAVES vs. METS, and another of their all-time classics. Bobby Valentine and Bobby Cox managing NL baseball at its best. Those who were there will recall the historic “14th Inning Stretch.” And then suddenly, with the bases loaded and the score deadlocked at 3-3, Robin Ventura lofts a towering home run over the right field fence – another of his many, many career grand slams. But when his teammates storm the field and mob him in celebration between first and second, it is officially ruled a single, and the final score recorded at 4-3 instead of 7-3.

6. August 15, 1965 – The Beatles At Shea

W

hen Ed Sullivan introduced The Beatles - “Now, ladies and gentlemen, honoured by their country, decorated by their Queen, loved here in America, here are The Beatles!” – it was the first time a concert had been staged inside a stadium. Sure, that concert was only 30 minutes long, covering just a dozen songs – but those songs included “A Hard Day’s Night,” “Help!” and “Ticket To Ride,” none of which were actually audible thanks to the 55,600 screaming fans in attendance. The Beatles had had similar reactions in smaller venues, but thanks to a gutsy impresario named Sid Bernstein – after Shea, it was a whole new ballgame.

5. October 25, 1986 - “It Gets By Buckner!”

T

here may not have been a more dramatic moment in METS history (and RED SOX history, for that matter) than the Mookie Wilson slow roller that seemed to perpetuate the Curse of the Bambino just a little bit longer. Game 6 of the World Series, and the RED SOX just moments away from celebrating their first World Championship since 1918. It was one of the late Bob Murphy’s most memorable calls: “And the pitch by Stanley... And a ground ball trickling... It’s a fair ball. It gets by Buckner! Rounding third is Knight... The Mets will win the ballgame... They win! They win!” www.itsqueens.com Fall 2008 31

4. October 27, 1986 - Orosco’s Glove Ever Come Down?

T

wo nights later (it should have been one, but Sunday’s Game 7 was rained out), the METS came from behind again. Down 3-0 to the SOX for most of the game, the METS rallied for 3 runs in the bottom of the sixth, 3 runs in the bottom of the seventh, and 2 runs in the bottom of the eighth, sealing the RED SOX’ fate for all eternity. (Well, until 2004, anyway.) When closer Jesse Orosco struck out Marty Barrett to end the game, he hurled his glove skyward in triumph, and there are a great many who believe that to this day, it still hasn’t come down.

The New York Mets celebrate after Game 7 of the 1986 World Series.

3. September 21, 2001 – That First Ballgame After 9/11

I

t remains the most heart-wrenching time New York has ever known, but somehow baseball – specifically the METS and the YANKEES – helped an entire city begin the healing process. Here was Liza Minelli singing the national anthem and dancing on the field with outfielder Jay Payton; here were bitter rivals, the BRAVES and METS, standing on the diamond together just before the game’s start – and hugging; here was Rudy Giuliani getting exuberantly cheered, not at Yankee Stadium, but at Shea Stadium. USA! USA! USA! If you were there, you will never forget it.

34 Fall 2008 www.itsqueens.com

2. September 21, 2001 - Piazza’s Most Dramatic Homer

M

ike Piazza’s contribution on that poignant evening belongs in a class all by itself. No surprise, the future Hall of Famer considers it his proudest moment as a MET. Down 2-1 to the BRAVES in the bottom of the eighth, Piazza strode to the plate with a man on and drilled a towering two-run homer that proved the game-winner and cemented his status as New York’s most iconic “Casey At The Bat” since Mickey Mantle. Even more so, it was the kind of cathartic release of unexpressed emotion that we seemed to be longing for, over the course of the previous Catcher Mike Piazza ten days – ten days that seemed a lifetime. As time and distance put Piazza’s many MET achievements behind him – and us – it just might be this one brief shining moment that will loom largest.

1. October 16, 1969 – The Miracle Mets, ’69 World Champs

Y

ou never fforget orget your fi first rst. S So o many hheroes eroes hhere, ere most notably notabl bly Tom Seaver, Tom Terrific, The Franchise, one of the best big game pitchers baseball has ever known. Plus some outstanding - or rather amazin’ - catches by Tommie Agee in center and Ron Swoboda in right. And some invaluable contributions from the little guys like Bud Harrelson and Al Weis. Not to mention the auspicious start of a Hall of Fame career from a young Texan named Nolan Ryan. And when it all was over… the Shea faithful stormed the field and tore up the grass for mementoes, for the second time in a month. in

Fans storm the field after the Mets win the 1969 World Series.

I

‘Shea’ Goodbye, But Don’t Forget

t’s been called a dump by many, but that dump was also the humble home of the New York Mets for over 40 years, and while some may be happy to see it go, Shea Stadium will always hold a special place in the hearts of many, many more people.

A perfect way to remember the stadium is with Shea Stadium: Images of Baseball, a new book written by Jason D. Antos and published by Arcadia Publishing. The book is full of rare photos and historical context dating back to the days the Mets played at the Polo Grounds right up to the construction of Citi Field. (In fact, all of the photos used for this feature appear courtesy of Arcadia Publishing and were taken directly from the book.)

But it’s not just about the baseball that was played at Shea Stadium. The book also captures the role Shea has played in the culture and history of New York. The book opens with a photo of Robert Moses, the mastermind behind Flushing Meadows Corona Park, pointing at a map of the park and the location of Shea Stadium, as well as photos of concerts that took place at Shea – including The Beatles,The Who, and Grand Funk Railroad, to name a few – and even old photos of Flushing and Corona, the two neighborhoods that sandwich the stadium.

Of course, Shea Stadium is primarily about baseball, and the book includes photos from some of the most memorable moments in Mets history. Those include the amazing 1969 season that gave the Mets their nickname and the 1986 run to the championship. And for those of you who remember when the Jets called Shea home, there are photos from that era, too, as well as from when the Yankees shared the stadium while The House That Ruth Built was undergoing renovations.

All in all, Shea Stadium: Images of Baseball is a comprehensive look back at the history of the stadium, and a must-have on the bookshelves of Mets fans and New York City historians alike.

Shea Stadium: Images of Baseball retails for $19.99. It can be purchased at area bookstores or at www.arcadiapublishing.com. www.itsqueens.com Fall 2008 35

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The Voice of Queens Spreads the Word About Cancer

By Jeffrey Harmatz or better or worse, Fran Drescher is the voice of Queens in popular culture. Her longrunning television sitcom The Nanny and Drescher’s unmistakable accent served as an introduction of sorts to the borough for the couch potatoes of the nation. Now, after a battle with cancer, she is introducing women to the dangers of uterine cancer and benefits of early detection. From humble beginnings in Flushing and Jamaica, Drescher has risen through the ranks as an actress to become a bona fide star and ambassador for women’s health.

Drescher was born in Flushing in 1957 and grew up in Kew Gardens Hills. She spent most of her time in Eastern and Central Queens, relaxing in Whitestone, shopping in Downtown Flushing, and working in Forest Hills.

In a 1997 interview, Drescher spoke to Newsday about growing up in the borough. “The Queens that I grew up in (in the ‘60s and ‘70s) had a small-town, provincial feel to it,” she recalled. “People lived in the same apartments for years. You’d meet a group of kids in kindergarten, and you’d still be with them in high school. No one ever left the neighborhood.”

It was because of that closeknit structure that Drescher would ultimately find success. She met Peter Marc Jacobson while attending

F

40 Fall 2008 www.itsqueens.com

Jamaica’s Hillcrest High School, and not only married him three years after graduating, but the couple went on to create, produce and write The Nanny, the show that put Drescher in the national spotlight.

The show featured a semiautobiographical character named Fran Fine, born and raised in Flushing, who becomes a nanny to the children of a stuffy, British-born Manhattanite. Drescher’s over-thetop Queens accent, nasal voice, and obsession with leopard-print and tights may have done a slight disservice to the borough’s national image, but national exposure in something other than Goodfellas was nice. The show was critically and commercially successful, garnering several Emmy Awards during its six seasons, and defined Drescher’s screen persona, which she would play variations of in the film and television projects that followed.

As the show ended, Drescher and Jacobson divorced, and the actress proudly took up with a much-younger beau, whom she dated for four years.

She often pointed out that it was a double standard in Hollywood that men could date younger women, while older women were less likely to be seen dating younger men. “Of course, society is much less tolerant of any atypical behavior from a woman,” she said. “That’s all it really comes down to.”

In 2000, Drescher was diagnosed with uterine cancer, which was successfully treated. But she only learned of her cancer after several years of misdiagnoses, coming from eight professional doctors.

Her experiences with the medical community were so trying that it inspired her to write a book detailing the troubles, as well as the rest of her life. Drescher told Larry King that she wrote her book, Cancer Schmancer, because “I was angry that it took two years to get diagnosed. Because I thought, ‘Don’t let what happened to me happen to you.’ Because I felt like I’m a celebrity, I got cancer, it wasn’t handled right by the medical community, I lived to talk about it, and I should use my celebrity to wake people up because once you wake up and smell the coffee, it’s hard to go back to sleep. So let me sound the alarm.”

After her book became a bestseller, Drescher launched the Cancer Schmancer Movement, an organization that promotes early detection for women with cancer through fundraising and legislation.

Based on her experience with the group and its legislative board members, Drescher has admitted in interviews that she is considering a career in politics herself, though her status as a resident of Nassau County means that the Queens residents she typified and brought to national attention will be unable to vote for her.

Though she is most known for her work on network situation comedies, Fran Drescher’s career is peppered with roles in unusual and cult films from the 70s and 80s before she hit it big with The Nanny. Post-Nanny, her roles have consisted of a second sitcom and a variety of appearances on other television shows playing off her established character.

Saturday Night Fever (1977) Her breakthrough role was in Hollywood’s definitive take on 1970’s disco.

The Beautician and the Beast (1997) Drescher’s first starring role, a take off on The King And I, sees a New York beautician educating the children of a Stalin-esque Eastern European dictator.

This is Spinal Tap (1984)

A small but memorable role in what would go on to be one of the most memorable films of all time.

Living with Fran (2005– 2007)

A second, shorter-lived sitcom saw Drescher as a single mother dating a much younger beau.

UHF (1989)

“Weird Al” Yankovic’s film was a proving ground for many future television stars, including Drescher, Michael Richards, and Yankovic himself.

The Nanny (1993–1999) The role that defined her career, she plays a cosmetician who takes care of a British widower’s children, ultimately falling in love with him.

Jack (1994)

A little-loved Francis Ford Coppola movie about a 10-year-old boy that looks like he’s 40.

Car 54, Where are You? (1994) A silly update of a beloved television show featuring a variety of over-the-top New York characters.

Shark Bait (2006)

Drescher lends her famous voice to a fortunetelling fish in this aquatic animated adventure. www.itsqueens.com Fall 2008 41

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It’s Queens - Fashion & Style Astridland’s Denim Goddess Gown, $550

Designer Q&A with Astrid Brucker, of Astridland

By Amy Preiser strid Brucker’s designs have been worn by Faye Dunaway and Scarlett Johansson, but even those of us who aren’t bombshell icons can pick up her charming Astridland collection at LIC’s Subdivision. With a background that zigzagged her from Germany, Minnesota, and finally Manhattan’s Parsons School of Design, Brucker’s love of fashion led her to work designing wedding dresses and textiles, and as a stylist and costume designer before creating Astridland. Since then, her designs have been featured on Glamour.com and in Women’s Wear Daily, as well as on the backs of stylish Queens residents in the know. We checked in with the lady behind the label to get the scoop on Queens style, how to stay fashion friendly in the economy, and where she finds her inspiration.

A

Q

How long has Astridland been around?

My clothing line is one year old, and my accessories I started two-and-a-half years ago.

Q

Describe the quintessential Astridland girl?

She’s feminine and subtle, elegant but strong, and definitely a city girl.

Q

What are some of your most popular items?

My chain necklaces have been doing well, also my cotton knit wrap tops and angel knit dresses have been really popular!

Q

What’s your own go-to outfit?

My black cowl neck dress, with long boots. It’s stylish, works for day and night, and I can add necklaces and my latest gloves to accessorize it all differently each time.

Q

What has been the most fulfilling moment in your career so far?

My most fulfilling moments as a designer are hopefully still to come. I’m just starting so am constantly trying to create something new!

Q

Who are some of your role models?

Audrey Hepburn incorporates style, grace, and a timeless elegance. I also admire Madeleine Vionnet for her visionary designs, and Karl Lagerfeld, who inspires me because he is the master of reinvention and always evolving in the world of design.

What are some of your favorite Queens spots for eating/drinking/shopping?

I love Astoria for the traditional Greek restaurants—one of my favorites is Agnanti Restaurant, and I love the M2Lounge for drinking and Subdivision (of course) for shopping for clothes, jewelry, accessories, and even amazing art.

Q

Astridland’s Black Cowl Neck Dress, $300 46 Fall 2008 www.itsqueens.com

Q

What about Queens inspires your designs?

People always inspire me the most. I like the relaxed shopping vibe in Queens, and talking with other shoppers.

It informs the design when I picture the person that will be wearing my creations.

Q

What have you noticed about the difference in styles between Queens residents and Manhattanites?

Queens residents seem to dress a bit more carefree and add their own individual touches.

Q

The economy is on everyone’s minds right now: what changes have you made?

I have been recycling all of my fabric inventory, and am currently making new tops, fingerless gloves and sunglass cases at very affordable prices. It makes me feel good for using 100 percent of my materials, and helps the buyer because I can sell at a lower price.

Q

You participated in the eco-fashion show in LIC— what kind of commitment have you made to environmentally friendly design?

I recycle vintage fabrics and reconstruct my existing collection of vintage pieces. I also use natural materials such as cotton, wool and silk, and all my clothes, jewelry, and bags are handmade and produced locally in New York City and Queens. And personally, I save on transportation by using my bike whenever possible!

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Q Q

What’s a quick, cheap way to improve an outfit?

The fastest way is with a necklace or scarf.

What’s the biggest difference between designing your own line and working as a costume designer?

When I design costumes for feature films, I’m contributing to the overall look of the characters, and I am part of a design team. I work within the confines of the script, the time period, the location and the director’s vision. While I enjoy that process very much, designing my collection allows me to tell my own story and have the drama of my designs come to life on the runway. I can also respond to current events and provide something that is immediate.

Q

OK, so this is It’s Queens, and we’re talking about style. So tell me: What’s the biggest misconception about Queens style?

The outer boroughs have a style all their own and the misconception is that style is created by Manhattanites. But actually, street fashion is the true influence.

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718-457-8068 www.itsqueens.com Fall 2008 47

Top M Queens

By Amy Preiser emo to Manhattan: it’s not you, it’s us. This crop of Queens boutiques, ranging from the hyper-chic to the downright groovy, ensures you’ll never have to go a borough over to get your next chic fix.

KrisTees 24-01 23rd Avenue Astoria kristeesny.com (718) 204-5031 Hands down the chicest selection—un-fussily stylish pieces from the best labels you never knew you loved line the walls, while tables present luxurious hand-made accessories.

(A clutch made of purple eel-skin? Count us in.) Owner Kristie is tremendous fun to chat with, and her sale rack alone is worthy of a trek even from Manhattan.

Candy Plum 30-98 36th Street Astoria Candyplum.com (718) 721-2299 With an eclectic collection of women’s clothing like the vintage-inspired Nicole Rae Styer, or exquisite handmade jewelry by Stars For Sydell, cozy Candy Plum is perfect for finding gifts for friends with avant-garde style, or cultivating your own fashionably distinctive look.

48 Fall 2008 www.itsqueens.com

Candy Plum

Ethereal, Inc.

Ethereal, Inc. 47-38 Vernon Boulevard Long Island City (718) 482-8884 Starring lush labels and exquisitely tailored pieces from the likes of Mint by Jodi Arnold, this is perfect for Queens residents with uptown tastes (and an uptown budget.) Brilliant touches, like sequins on a pencil skirt, or the burst of color of a canary-yellow blazer keep the pieces far from stuffy, while bowls of candy (and an equally sweet owner) make you all the more excited to be there.

Mimi’s Closet 21-10 31st Street Astoria mimiscloset.net (718) 726-0971 With dresses of every style, fabric, and cut, Mimi’s Closet is perfect for those women with no patience for mixing and matching separates. Sure, there are blouses and skirts (cute ones too!) but the frocks are the star, especially since Mimi herself can customize one for you if you don’t find your match.

Subdivision 48-18 Vernon Boulevard Long Island City (718) 482-1899 The shop’s offbeat, cheery vibe lends itself well to those who love to browse, and hate the idea of finding someone wearing their exact same outfit. A rotating bill of up-and-coming designers makes sure all the bases are covered, from funky (try a ruched plaid skirt) to comfy (like their nubby knit shawls.)

LoveDay31 33-06 31st Avenue Astoria loveday31.com (718) 728-4057 Forget what you assume about New York vintage shops, the musty, pickedover wares with jacked-up price tags.

LoveDay31’s spread is reasonably priced, in terrific condition, and the selection makes it hard to zero in on only one outfit—even though the shop is a quarter of the size of traditional vintage stores. Plus, an assortment of new and 50 Fall 2008 www.itsqueens.com

ffun jjewelry l and d bbelts lt hhelp l bbreathe th new life into the picks.

The Blooming Company 22-75 31st St Astoria (718) 726-2161 A low-key must-see right outside the train station, The Blooming Company’s

ffair-priced i i d racks k off sweater t ddresses and d tailored pieces might not feel cutting edge at first glance, but hidden treasures, like the flattering silhouetted zigzagprint dress or pink tweed jumper make it worth including on your (and our) shopping list.

WINTER FASHION PICKS

by Amy Preiser ure, when the weather gets to its worst, the ideal thing to wear is an electric blanket in the warm safety of your own home. But hey! What about those of us who have to work? Or get dinner and drinks? These winter picks will keep you looking cool when the weather gets frigid.

S

WOMEN

Cashmere Hoodie in Royal Violet $188 J. Crew (jcrew.com) The luxury of 12-gauge knit cashmere plus the ease and versatility of a classic hoodie means you’ll pretty much live in this too-soft zip-up.

Extra points for the deep violet color, which is dark enough that you won’t have to dry-clean after every little spill.

Favorite-fit Silvered-Tweed University Pant $298 J. Crew (jcrew.com) The perfect antidote for being bored to death by denim, these trousers spiked with metallic yarns are more diva than disco.

Cotton Spandex Jersey Unitard $32 American Apparel (americanapparel.net) We are not advocating wearing this as outerwear, but promise that stashed under whatever you’ve got on, it will make you noticeably more toasty, and the cold slightly more bearable.

52 Fall 2008 www.itsqueens.com

MEN The Leather Bomber $298 Gap (gap.com)

Baby Thermal Long Sleeve T-Shirt (3-Pack) $51 American Apparel (americanapparel.net)

A classic leather bomber is one of the only winter jackets that will keep you warm without making you look like a nerd. Plus, getting it in a softer brown ensures you’ll be free from Fonzie jokes.

It’s not scientifically proven, but we’re pretty sure it’s impossible to have too many tight, snug thermal tees to layer under everything you own.

Douglas Straight Leg Jean by Heritage 1981 for Forever21 $34.90 Forever 21 (forever21.com) The darker the jeans, the less awkward you’ll feel going to a swanky after-work dinner.

Bonus points for a slimming straight-leg fit.

Shawl-collar fleece $78 J. Crew (jcrew.com) Sturdy fleece brings a rugged edge that keeps this cardigan from looking too preppy. www.itsqueens.com Fall 2008 53

THE ART OF MASCULINITY

Hot Towel

Top ,

Shaves in Queens

The Hustle is where it’s at.

By Henrick A. Karoliszyn

W

omen have manicures, facials, and wildly expensive haircuts. For men, it’s a different deal. We get primped on the fly and most of us never give a second thought about “pampering.” We’re fine watching football, stunning women, and Kung-Fu movies. But let’s be honest: We’re not that simple.

Besides being hammered off Jack Daniels or stale PBRs, there is another way to feel great without hurting your masculinity: shaving. But not just any shave - a hot towel shave. Those in the know can tell you a hot towel shave is right up there with betting, boxing, and buxom babes.

It’s what Hemingway wrote about consistently, for shaving’s sake. But that doesn’t mean it is a) dated, b) out of your reach, or c) in any way only for the literary. Instead, it’s just about putting some metal to flesh and feeling proper, and it’s just the right season to get rid of those pesky hairs, too.

54 Fall 2008 www.itsqueens.com

Let It’s Queens Guide You

We took to the streets of our favorite borough to find the best spots for a hot towel shave. Here’s a few things we were looking for: • When someone is slicing any part of your skin with a sharp object, you want to be in a comfortable place. This was a top priority for us.

• You also have to get the right temperature on your skin before shaving. This is important for obvious reasons.

According to GQ Magazine, the most vital part of shaving is preparing the skin.

• When most of us wake up, lather, and shave, we don’t think about the art of it. When seeking out the best shave, it’s important to realize it is, in fact, an art form. So finesse and style were taken into account.

It’s Queens writer Henrick A. Karoliszyn before getting the best hot towel shave in Queens from Joe’s.

That said,, here’s what we found…

1

Joe’s Unisex Hair Styling Salon Southern Corner of 159th Avenue Howard Beach

Joe has run this shop for decades. With a picture of his daughter in a frame next to his scissors, an array of new magazines, and wide mirrors, the place is easy to relax in. You can get a standard haircut along with the right type of shave.

“We like to do the shaving,” says Joe, who works with his partner Frank. “It’s a great way to relax, for both you and me.” That was what Joe said before Joe put the hot white towel on my face for a full five minutes. “This clears the pores,” he says. Then he put on some tiger shave gel and reached for a cutthroat razor that looks more like a mini-sword.

“This won’t hurt a bit,” he joked. He’s right. It felt like a silver surfboard skimming along my beard. In no time I felt refreshed.

He washed my face, combed my hair, and I was on my way.

“You were my best hot towel shave today,” he said. When I asked him if there were any others, he replied, “Well, no, but you were the best.”

2

Sharp Cuts 86-20 101 Avenue Ozone Park

In business since 1997, this barbershop has plenty of people coming in and out every day of the week. That’s why Sharp Cuts proclaims to be the best barbershop in Queens, and they could be close-to-right, at least when it comes to shaving.

The owner, who is also a rap artist who performs under the name Solo Cash, likes to make things friendly; he’s suave and so are the shaves. It’s not dated at all, he insisted of the hot towel shaves. “We think it’s good for business,” he added.

56 Fall 2008 www.itsqueens.com

The same writer post-shaving experience. What a little razor and hot towel care can do!

3

Two Hands Barber Shop 7003 Beach Channel Drive Far Rockaway

This place has a lot of business as well. They do a hot towel shave “Ghetto Style” as “T,” the owner of the place says.

We guess that means the towel stays on for less time and the razor is sharper than normal. Nonetheless, it works. It was surprisingly quick and he expedited the process with three other people waiting on me.

4

The Hustle Barbershop Inc. 134-11 Hillside Ave Richmond Hill

The hustle is known as a type of entrepreneurial activity in the rap world. Jay-Z hustled, 50 Cent hustled and so did JadaKiss. Outside the ambiguity of it, the idea is that you make money any way you can. That’s what The Hustle Barbershop is all about. They make money by giving wild haircuts and, of course, giving hot towel shaves. They still do tape-ups, too. I walk in and they go to work. It’s a hustle and a pretty smooth shave, too.

5

Community Unisex & Barber Shop 1622 Central Ave Far Rockaway

As a general rule It’s Queens hates to pick the same “Top 5’s” in the same area. But this Far Rockaway shop made us really wonder why we do that any way. It’s interesting to get a hot towel shave by a woman and that is just what happened at this happening shop in Far Rockaway. It went really well and I felt better than ever. Geneva, who works at the place, said, “This was my first time.” I answered in all honesty: “Me too.”

LIVING IN...

ASTORIA

Like a Disco Ball Ba

by Danielle Mastropiero t is the ultimate mix, the ultimate fix, and the ultimate kicks.

And in many ways, it is a microcosm for Astoria proper.

Mallish niceties like Payless and the Gap live in harmony with fresh boutiques, dollar-ramas and a boatload of Hellenic

I

hi d h shops h d eateries. i Th ’ even a ffreckling kli off this-and-that and There’s Brazilian clothing stores, if you know where to look.

There’s also a gi-normous Salvation Army Thrift Shop as well, and if you can’t find anything decent there, you just don’t know good livin’.

The intersection of Steinway and Broadway is like the Adriatic version of Groundhog Day. It’s fishmonger, bodega, 99 cent store, lather, rinse, repeat, with a butcher or two sprinkled in between.

Although a little redundant, the shops bring Old World charm to the neighborhood.

Walk a little further down Steinway and you’ll come to what’s known as Little Egypt. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see Arab men of all ages engaging in lively debates over pungent hookahs and backgammon at outdoor cafes and

58 Fall 2008 www.itsqueens.com

a string i off H Halal l l bbutcher h shops, h one H Halal-ier l l i than h the h next.

Unlike the feast for the senses that are the hookah cafes, the butcher shops are not meant for the faint of heart.

Across Astoria Boulevard is the demarcation for Ditmars, a typical Astoria mishmash.

Stereotypically, New York businesses like flower shops, pizzerias, and pubs cling beneath the trestle that marks the oblivion of the N and W lines like stodgy barnacles. But in their defense, that area is the single best place in the city for bubble gum bric-a-brac.

Claw machines stand staunchly on sidewalks there, braving the elements like quarter-eating warriors. Their neighbors are husky bubble gum machines and they are in full effect.

Here there’s nary a stale Runt, chalky gumball, or chipped M&M for the lousy missing children in sight.

Enormous sticky hands, glow sticks and mega bling are the real treasures in Ditmars. If you’re lucky, you might even get a sticky nose; it’s just doubtful you’ll be as pleased on laundry day.

But there are plenty of upscale diversions to be found for those who fancy more than the well-kept contents of plastic eggs.

60 Fall 2008 www.itsqueens.com

Ditmars Boulevard is where the m movers and shakers eat and play.

Omega Wines and Spirits offers a great selection of grog to keep the p party going. And Martha’s Country B Bakery is reminiscent of a French c café.

Their wares are so gorgeous, c chances are you’ll melt even before y make it to the counter. you Particularly noteworthy to the area i a little shop called Inside Astoria. is P Part Restoration Hardware and part a museum gift store, the place is a art b breezy delight.

Ditmars Boulevard is also a radical d departure from the oft-repetitious q quickie cuisine in the rest of the n neighborhood.

Great sushi abounds, for starters, and w when has that ever been a bad thing?

T There are also plenty of Italian, seafood a café options available on the Bouand l levard.

For certain, it’s date central.

We’d be remiss at this point if we failed to mention the beer garden, but you’d be even more remiss if you didn’t know about it.

The Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden at 29-19 24th Avenue is one of Astoria’s top draws. The establishment boasts New York’s last remaining outdoor beer garden as well as an indoor bar and restaurant. It’s truly a Bavarian ball.

Not to be outdone by the merchants in the area, the residential section tucked away in Ditmars is quintessential Queens.

The houses in the area are stark brick and a little old, but very well maintained. The fierce pride of the neighborhood is evident to casual passersby and visionaries alike: the residential neighborhoods of Astoria have welcomed a host of TV and moviemakers.

Martin Scorsese saw a great deal of “New Yorkness” in Astoria and made it a major player in the mob classic Goodfellas. The house at 24-09 32nd Street served as Henry Hill’s childhood home in the movie.

And who could forget the show about nothing, that delightful flagship of the 1990s? To this day, 37th Street between Ditmars Boulevardand 23rd Avenue is known as “the Seinfeld Street.” Although the Costanza family supposedly lived in Flushing, the houses on this street were the ones used for television.

All in the Family was also set in Astoria, but in another bit of television biz trickery, this fictional home in reality was in Glendale. And while the Cosby’s were denizens of brownstone Brooklyn, the show was actually filmed at Kaufman

Astoria, the neighborhood’s biggest claim to fame and crown jewel.

Located at 34-12 36th Street, Kaufman Astoria was the original home for Paramount Pictures. Because of Astoria’s proximity to Manhattan, early producers found there was a glut of Broadway talent to draw from and the studio grew by leaps and bounds.

Over 120 silent films and ttalkies alike were produced aat the studio until it was taken oover by the U.S. Signal Corps dduring World War II. After decades of disrepair ffollowing the war, developer G George Kaufman bought tthe landmark and initiated a gglorious expansion.

Although today the studio is a hotbed for movie, television aand commercial production, m most locals know it as the pplace where Sesame Street is filmed, because, more than a any other thing, Muppets m make a neighborhood.

Another treasure in the c community is the behemoth e expanse that is Astoria P Park.

Nestled along the East R River south of the Triboro ough Bridge to north of the H Hell Gate Bridge, the park www.itsqueens.com Fall 2008 61

offers bocce and tennis courts, as well as a track and the famous Astoria Pool - New York City’s largest and the two-time site of Olympic qualifying events.

The fact that the masses are darting to Brooklyn is to Astoria’s credit. In the midst of all the chatter about Park Slope, Williamsburg, and the usual hotspots, residents are mum about their gem and Astoria remains a private treasure. This has saved it from becoming an overpriced and obnoxious hipster haven as some parts of the city have become.

Diverse, decadent, and wholly unique, Astoria is truly a vibrant star of Queens. Shh! Don’t tell!

62 Fall 2008 www.itsqueens.com

Discovering the

Western Queens Waterfront

New map provides comprehensive guide for fun in LIC and Astoria

By Jeffrey Harmatz hough it may not be the best time of year for a picnic in the park, it will now be a lot easier to find a patch of green in Astoria.

A newly created map of the western Queens waterfront provides illustrations and detailed descriptions of every park in the neighborhood, helping not only residents uncover hidden gems in their own backyard, but spreading word of Astoria’s open spaces and cultural institutions to boroughs on the other side of the East River.

The Astoria-Long Island City Map and Guide, which was created by Green Shores NYC, the City Parks Department, and the City Parks Foundation, provides a detailed overview of the parks by way of street maps and a cartoon guide illustrating where parks, landmarks, and cultural institutions can be found throughout western Queens.

It also includes detailed historical descriptions of the locations and the neighborhood as a whole. Both maps feature the area north of Newtown Creek, South of 20th Avenue, east of the East River and west of 42nd Street.

“The Astoria-Long Island City Map and Guide is a functional work of art that not only highlights the geography of western Queens, but showcases the cultural, historical, and natural points of interest in our community,” said Katie Ellman, president of Green Shores NYC.

T

The illustrated portion of Astoria-Long Island City Map and Guide, created by artist David Cain, provides a fun a simple overview of all that western Queens has to offer. Signed editions of the illustration are available.

“Th map guide id also l ill “The illustrates to new residents and the city at-large that our waterfront offers much more than beautiful views of Manhattan.”

The illustrated portion of the map takes up half of the 33-by-14 inch folded pamphlet and was created by artist David Cain. The illustration shows the colorful pastel row houses and shopping centers of Astoria, Ravenswood and Hunters Point erupting with bright green and blue parks, art centers, and community centers, giving even the smallest children of Western Queens an overview of the wonders that are within walking distance.

The other half of the large foldout map is dedicated to more technical information, including a street map with a key to where parks and o other landmarks can be found. The c comprehensive map includes subway a bus routes, guides to major housing and d developments, and cultural centers i including art galleries, movie studios, l libraries, police precincts, and the n numerous parks that dot the landscape.

The map also includes a detailed h history of the entire neighborhood, as w as several of the individual parks well a the bodies of water that surround and t them.

The descriptions dotted with fun t tidbits further illuminate not only the

i hb h d’ past and d present, bbut neighborhood’s provide insight into its future.

“This map and guide was created through a collaboration between neighborhood leaders form Green Shores NYC and government officials managing city parklands,” said David Rivel, executive director of City Parks Foundation.

Though the map is comprehensive in its inclusion of things to do, it admits that one long-standing evening tradition may still be the easiest and most satisfying thing to do in all of western Queens.

“With so much to see and do in Long Island City and Astoria,” reads the map, “there’s one thing that everyone agrees upon: nothing beats watching the sun set over the East River from one of the waterfront parks.”

The Astoria-Long Island City Map and Guide was launched this fall with an event at the Deitch Gallery in Astoria, at which residents could see the map for the first time and pick up collectable editions of the illustrated map that were signed by Cain.

To pick up your own copy of the map and guide, visit the Astoria Historical Society at 35-20 Broadway during regular business hours, or order a box of them by emailing info@astorialic.org. www.itsqueens.com Fall 2008 63

IN

ASTORIA SINCE 1898 Compiled by Ernest Hernandez 1898 – Astoria is incorporated into greater New York along with the outer boroughs.

1907 – The Queensboro Bridge opens and transforms Astoria from a desolate area into a bustling neighborhood with close proximity to Manhattan.

1917 – The Second Avenue elevated train is completed. It connects Long Island City with Manhattan and provides residents with better access to the city.

1920 – The Astoria Studio, later renamed Kaufman Studios, opens on 36th Street. Hundreds of silent film productions were made on their six sound stages since its opening. The site was the location of a bustling movie industry until the lure of Hollywood drove them away to the west coast.

1936 – The Triboro Bridge opens, which connects Queens with Manhattan and the Bronx.

1936 – Astoria Pool opens much to the delight of local residents looking for relief from the summer heat. Shortly

after it opened, it was named “swimming pool of the year” and presently remains the largest public pool in New York City at 54,450 square feet.

1939 – LaGuardia Airport opens.

1960’s – Astoria witnesses an influx of Greek immigrants, becoming the largest immigration boom in its history.

1980’s – Immigrants continue to arrive in Astoria, most notably from Ecuador, India, Bangladesh, Dominican Republic and Brazil.

1982 – Developer George Kaufman renovates and expands the site formerly occupied by the Astoria Studio. The studios are now the fourth largest in the United States.

1983 – Silver Cup Studios opens and establishes itself as the largest independent film and television studio in the country. Numerous commercials are filmed each year as well as feature films such as

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Home Alone 2, When Harry Met Sally and Godfather III, just to name a few.

1985 – The Isamu Noguchi Museum opens.

1995 – Long Island City High School opens the school year in a new facility at 14–30 Broadway. It seats 4,000 students and has two large gyms, a dance studio, a custom made culinary kitchen for cooking classes and an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Mid 1990’s to Present – The population of Astoria increases as housing demands in Manhattan spread to the outer boroughs.

Property values rise throughout the area as new homes and businesses open. Today, Astoria boasts a diverse population with a variety of small businesses, restaurants, and an active nightlife. It also holds the distinction of being one of the safest neighborhoods in the city.

All photos in this section were taken from the book Long Island City (Postcard History Series) and appear courtesy of Arcadia Publishing. The book is available for purchase at www.arcadiapublishing.com.

www.itsqueens.com Fall 2008 65

Astoria

BEST

Every Thursday in our eight weekly newspapers, we showcase the “BEST OF THE BEST,” wherein we take a look around town at some of our favorite restaurants, shops, recreational facilities, etc. – basically trying to help them, and you, find each other.

of the

With our IT’S QUEENS “LIVING IN…” focus on Astoria for our Winter Edition, “BEST OF THE BEST” joins the cause with, appropriately enough, “BEST OF THE BEST: Astoria!” – NICK D’ARIENZO

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BEST

BEST Neighborhood Scene

Once you've been here, you will never forget it. Obviously the main attraction at this Czech landmark is the tremendous selection of European beers on tap, including Krusovice light and dark, Staropramen, Czechvar, Brouczech, Erdinger, Hoegaarden, Stella, and Spaten, all for just $14 a pitcher during the week. (Which is really when you ought to go, because especially during the summer, the GARDEN can get absolutely jam-packed.) Having said all that, what we really love about this place is their food – the kielbasa for sure, and the dumplings, oh yeah, but absolutely and without question, their Potato Pancakes with sour cream and applesauce are unforgettable! Come alone, come with friends, but if you've never been to the BOHEMIAN HALL & BEER GARDEN, you are definitely missing out on one of Astoria’s greatest treasures. (BOHEMIAN HALL & BEER GARDEN, 29-19 24th Avenue, (718) 274-4925.)

and you just might feel like you've stepped into a scene from "Casablanca" – but in a good way! And if you dare, make sure you dab on a little of that red-pepper harissa, just like they do back home. (LITTLE MOROCCO, 24-39 Steinway Street, (718) 204-8118.)

BEST Views

This is one of Queens' unheralded gems, but Astorians have long been well aware of its charms, especially its grandiose views of the Manhattan skyline, the newly christened Robert F. Kennedy Bridge (fka the Triborough), and the picturesque Hell Gate Bridge to the north. Weighing in at 65-plus acres, ASTORIA PARK boasts any number of outdoor tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and basketball courts, as well as a track, and even a number of trails for a bit of a rural experience within the city confines. It even has a bandstand, the gathering place for a whole host of municipal and cultural events. However, the Park's featured and perhaps most renowned attraction is more than likely the A ASTORIA POOL, one of the more positive aspects of Robert M Moses' legacy. It’s the oldest and largest such pool in the city, and iits spectacular renovation a couple of years ago makes it a mustssee for anyone residing within the five boroughs. (ASTORIA P PARK, along 19th Street in Astoria, (718) 626-8621.)

BEST Watering Hole B

Especially during the summer, the BOHEMIAN HALL & BEER GARDEN is one of Astoria’s greatest treasures – and so are their Potato Pancakes!

BEST Burgers

Eggs, omelettes, and pancakes are probably why this is probably one of the premier brunch destinations in Astoria, too, but if you ask us, one of the best things they do here at JACKSON HOLE is bacon... and it's why they excel at both breakfast and burgers without skipping a beat. Given the name, you're definitely talking smoky Southwestern flavorings here, and generously-sized 7 oz. portions to boot (pardon the expression). Our recommendations – the Wyoming Burger (BBQ Sauce and Bacon); the Santa Fe Burger (Cheddar, Guacamole, and Raw Onion); and the exotic Baldouni Burger (American Cheese, Fried Onions, Sauteed Mushrooms). As big as these are, the burger prices here hover around the $10 range, with the most basic of them topping out at about $7 or so. Good food, and at a reasonable price, too!

(JACKSON HOLE, 69-35 Astoria Boulevard, (718) 204-7070.)

B Basically, this corner bar is one big room, but oh what a room iit is! Cozy and intimate, think of SUNSWICK 35/35 as the b best of communal gathering places, one with ample room a along the long wooden bar, or anywhere amongst the many, m many seats within the main dining area. And as if that weren’t e enough, SUNSWICK 35/35 just might have one of the best beer selections around. There’s a total of 25 on tap here at all times, a list which gets updated regularly and is prominently displayed on a large chalkboard, featuring the likes of Bluepoint Toasted Lager, Young's Chocolate Stout, Corsendonk Abbey Pale Ale, and the extremely rare Lindeman’s Framboise Lambic, just to name a few. Not only that, but SUNSWICK 35/35 also has some of the best bar food going, especially their Burgers (served with Waffle Fries), and their unparalleled, unforgettable Hot Wings.

Great place to catch a game, or for a night out with the boys (or girls). And by the way, the name "Sunswick" comes from the old

BEST Sandwiches

There are a whole host of outstanding eateries along this savory little strip of Steinway Street (mostly of the Middle Eastern/ North African persuasion). But LITTLE MOROCCO deserves special mention, mostly for its just-spicy-enough Merguez (Lamb Sausage) Sandwich. A perfectly crusted piece of French bread, basted with some tangy green-olive relish,

Regulars at SUNSWICK 35/35 can never really agree on just what it is that makes the place so special – is it the burgers, the wings, or the 25 different beers on tap? (Well, you know what – neither can we!) www.itsqueens.com Fall 2008 67

Indian name for the area, before John Jacob Astor got his hands on it! (SUNSWICK 35/35, 35-02 35th Street, (718) 752-0620.)

BEST Date Night

In a neighborhood filled with Greek restaurants, S’AGAPO TAVERNA definitely stands out. For one thing, especially when the weather cooperates and outdoor seating is available, this cozy nightspot is one of the most romantic you’ll find, and is just a few blocks from the hustle and bustle of the KAUFMAN/ ASTORIA multiplex. That its name “S’Agapo” means “I love you” in Greek, probably helps the cause a little bit, too. But most importantly, the food here is absolutely delicious. Kudos (another Greek word) to your hosts Barbara and Kostas Lambrakis for getting it right for fifteen years now. Regulars rave heartily about the Cretan appetizer known as Pikilia Orektikon, an assorted selection of savory dips. Our favorites are the Tzatziki (yoghurt) of course; the Pantzari Skordalia (beets); the Piperosi (red peppers); and the exotic, but tasty Taramasi (carp roe). For main courses, consider any of their seafood (but especially the octopus or the langostini); definitely the lamb; or their extraspecial Pastitsio, that acclaimed Greek pasta dish. (And don’t forget a side of fried zucchini!) Then, as we always should wherever we dine, but especially here, make sure you save room for dessert – because the Galaktoboureko at S’AGAPO is guaranteed to have you heading home with a smile on your face.

After that…. well, it’s really up to you then, isn’t it? (S’AGAPO TAVERNA, 34-21 34th Avenue, (718) 626-0303.)

Proprietor Barbara Lambrakis will be the first to tell you, these paintings aren’t the only works of art at S’AGAPO TAVERNA. Their Pikilia Orektikon and Galaktoboureko are, too!

BEST Place For Your Kids

We always like to say that the Best Place For Your Kids is actually in school – but in the evening, or on the weekends, ASTORIA SPORTS COMPLEX has such a cornucopia of activities that it just might be an equally suitable haven for your young ones! For one thing, you've got an Olympic-sized swimming pool here. Or let’s say your youngster's a big soccer fan maybe – well folks, you've never seen an indoor soccer field quite like this one. Baseball, you say? ASTORIA SPORTS COMPLEX has 6 state of the art batting cages with features not too many others can claim – like vacuum technology that alleviates your need to pick up the balls afterwards, and token boxes that make it possible for kids on a budget to buy time in 68 Fall 2008 www.itsqueens.com

The Olympic-size swimming pool is just one of the main attractions at the ASTORIA SPORTS COMPLEX. There’s also an indoor soccer field, 6 state-of-the-art batting cages, an entire gym, and much much more.

bits and pieces. In addition, ASTORIA SPORTS COMPLEX provides young people with something no other facility around has managed to figure out, a workout area all their own, away from the decidedly more intense sections reserved for the neighborhood’s adults. You should also know, that if you're looking for a place to host your young one's birthday party or other special occasion, the top floor of the ASTORIA SPORTS COMPLEX is one of the premier destinations for same in Queens, and can accommodate a great many more participants than other such venues. (ASTORIA SPORTS COMPLEX, 3438 38th Street, (718) 729-7163.)

BEST Home-Made Ethnic Cuisine

They're called Cevapi and they're one of the most unbelievable taste treats you're ever going to sink your teeth into. The favorite of Bosnians everywhere, we’re fortunate to have some of the best of them right here in Astoria, but none better than the ones at CEVABDZINICA SARAJEVO. Handrolled mini-sausages of ground beef, all grilled to absolute perfection right in front of you (make sure you get an order of 10), and served with some incredibly fluffy and doughy bread alongside (a little bit like Indian naan, actually). Add a couple of raw onions and an accompaniment of red-pepper paste for a little extra spice, and – Presto! Delicious and absolutely unforgettable. And by the way, make sure you wash it all down with a Cockta or two – you know, that popular Slovenian soft drink. You’ll be back for more, no question. (CEVABDZINICA SARAJEVO, 37-18 34th Avenue, (718) 752-9528.)

Father and daughter Ismet and Elvira Huskovic combine friendly service with some unforgettably delicious Bosnian cuisine at their charming eatery, CEVABDZINICA SARAJEVO.

BEST Diner

While service at NEPTUNE DINER is admittedly rather gruff and dismissive, some of the food here (and the heaping portions thereof) tends to make up for it. Burgers, of course, Tuna Salad and Egg Salad, and even their Gyros. Once voted the "Best Diner In New York" (hmmm), the NEPTUNE DINER shares a great many similarities with others that could make that claim, but does tend to succeed in a number of critical areas. It's roomier than most, its menu is pretty extensive, and if you're a local or a regular, you just might get a little of the extra special service that some others don't. One menu item here that is always worth the trip is their deliciously creamy Milk Shakes. A bit of a caveat, though – as Astoria has developed considerably, prices too have begun to climb at NEPTUNE, so if you haven't been there in a while, be forewarned. (NEPTUNE DINER, 31-05 Astoria Boulevard, (718) 278-4853.)

BEST Cultural Destination

Whether you're a casual fan, a self-proclaimed movie buff, or an out-and-out cine-phile, perhaps no other organization (in this country, anyway) so completely celebrates and nourishes the appreciation of film in as accessible a way as does the MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE. On-site exhibits like Behind the Screen, for example, thanks to more than a thousand film and television artifacts, audio-visual materials, and demonstrations of professional equipment and techniques, help to illuminate the many processes involved in producing, marketing, and exhibiting films of all kinds. Not only that, but with their special Variety Screening Series, museum members get to participate in any number of film screenings, Q&A's and the like, with Hollywood talent like Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Penelope Cruz, Dennis Hopper, Sam Mendes, Gus Van Sant, and more taking part. (Currently, events such as these take place either at the Times Center in Manhattan or at the LANDMARK Sunshine Cinemas on Houston Street while the Museum undergoes an extensive state-of-the-art renovation.) It’s also worth mentioning that, for the youngest of film enthusiasts in your family, MOVING IMAGE even hosts after-school and similar educational programs. (MUSEUM OF THE MOVING IMAGE, 36-01 35th Avenue, (718) 784-4520.)

BEST Produce

Inside this mini-plaza along 31st Street, you will find one of this neighborhood’s must-see destinations for one of the largest selections of European delicacies around, the aptly named MEDITERRANEAN FOODS. While their specialty here is understandably Greek food, you should know that they also bring you the very best of a number of different locales – Italy, Spain, France, and many more – all imported fresh from Europe on a weekly basis. Pastas, olives, olive oil, and home-made yoghurt are the presumptive favorites here, but where the shop truly excels is in its selection and rather appetizing display of cheeses from all around the world. Of course, given that they are located right smack in the middle of what many have come to know as “Little Greece,” it’s only fitting that that selection include a variety of top-notch Feta cheeses. Like, for example,

You’ll find great service here at MEDITERRANEAN FOODS II (pictured are Spiro (l.) and Gus (r.)), as well as just about any kind of European cheese imaginable!

the very popular Dodonis, and a regional variety of Varelisia Feta (aka “from the barrel”) such as Parnasou or Arahovas, just to name a few. By the way, MEDI FOODS’ original shop is still located on 34th Street, as well. (MEDITERRANEAN FOODS II, 23-18 31st Street, (718) 721-0221; MEDITERRANEAN FOODS I, 30-12 34th Street, (718) 728-6166.)

BEST Sweets

Okay, yes, the cupcakes at MARTHA'S COUNTRY BAKERY are fantastic – yes, yes, yes. But you know what, you haven't had cannoli until you've had it at LA GULI PASTRY SHOP. Italian and family-owned, this bakery still occupies the original storefront that's been a neighborhood legend for almost 75 years.

It's the kind of institution we see more often in Brooklyn or the Bronx than in Queens. So we ought best to appreciate it while we may. And while the aforementioned cannoli are certainly a personal favorite, LA GULI PASTRY SHOP also excels at the quintessentially Italian variety of marzipan fruits (especially at holiday time) and a wide assortment of cookies. If you're looking to go the extra mile with a cake for a special occasion, then LA GULI is also the place for you. And when summer comes, oh boy, if you like the cannoli, wait till you taste their home-made gelato – it's even creamier! (LA GULI PASTRY SHOP, 29-15 Ditmars Boulevard, (718) 728-8225.)

BEST Restaurant Overall

Granted, TRATTORIA L'INCONTRO is one of the most expensive restaurants in Astoria. But with good reason – it's one of the best Italian restaurants in the city! A popular destination for some of NY's most notable foodies, TRATTORIA L'INCONTRO excels at everything from their lightly crispy coal-oven pizzas to their signature dish, Mezza Luna Ravioli (stuffed with mascarpone cheese and pesto), and even Italian staples like Spaghetti and Meatballs (among the biggest and tastiest you'll ever have). But where the menu proves most noteworthy is the manner with which Chef Rocco Sacramone puts a perfectly nuova cucina spin on some traditional favorites: Pear and Gorgonzola Risotto, for example, or the delightfully inventive Green Apple and Mascarpone Ravioli. For a truly special occasion, you'll be glad you celebrated it at as special a place as TRATTORIA L’INCONTRO, and you'll probably be back sooner than you think. (TRATTORIA L'INCONTRO, 21-76 31st Street, (718) 721-3532.) www.itsqueens.com Fall 2008 69

10 Do’s and Don’ts for Investing in an Uncertain Economy

By Michael Terry, CFP

F

or years, the stock market seemed like a sure place to grow your retirement fund or a quick way to make a few bucks. But with the economy tanking, the stock market has become a scary place, especially for the casual investor. However, that doesn’t mean that you should start putting your money in a shoebox in the back of your closet or a pillowcase under the mattress. It’s Queens checked in with a financial planner to give you some tips on how to weather these turbulent economic times.

5 Don’ts

5 Do’s

1. Don’t Panic. Investing should be dispassionate.

Don’t let your emotions overrule your logic. Before making an impulsive move, give yourself some time. Sleep on it.

Do some research. Talk to your financial advisor (not your neighbor or co-worker). Impulsively pulling all your money out of the market only contributes to the panic and locks in your losses. Remember that bear markets are generally short and are followed by bull markets that last 3 to 5 years.

1. Make sure your emergency fund is in place. Everyone should have enough liquid cash somewhere to pay three to six months worth of expenses should some catastrophe occur. If you have a lot of debt, come up with a plan to systematically pay it down. Now may be a good time to look at your budget and begin to cut back on unnecessary expenditures.

2. Don’t lose sight of your long-term goals.

Ask yourself why you are investing. Is it for retirement? For college? For a vacation home in the mountains? What’s the time frame for each of these goals? Remind yourself that you have a plan and that your money will be needed down the line.

Selling now will only lock in your losses. Keep your eyes on the goal.

3. Don’t stop making contributions to your 401(k) or other retirement plan. Continue to put aside savings. Not only are you getting a tax break, you’re investing in your future. This is even more important if your employer matches your contribution. You’ve earned it. Why leave money on the table?

4. Don’t keep peeking at your account values. Investing is for the long-term. Sure the internet has made it easy to look at your portfolio holdings every day or even every hour, but all that does in tough times is increase your angst. Know that you have a long-term plan and stick with it.

5. Don’t listen to the talking heads. The job of a TV commentator is to increase ratings and make advertisers happy. They are in the entertainment industry, not necessarily the information industry. Sure, it can be informative and even interesting, but as times get tougher the noise on the air gets shriller and more excitable. It all contributes to mob psychology and the volatility of the market. Try to stay above the fray. See number 1.

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2. Focus on your job. Make sure that you are invaluable at your job. In tough economic times, businesses tend to cut back. Be sure that you are on the list of untouchables.

If you own your own business, make sure you touch base with your customers. Now is the time to look to expand your realm while everyone else is contracting. Look for opportunity rather than wringing your hands and getting into a malaise.

3. Check your asset allocation and rebalance if it is way off. You do have a plan and a well diversified portfolio, right? While diversification can’t protect you entirely when global markets are suffering, banks are failing, and bonds are yielding next to nothing, it can certainly temper the losses.

At this point the bond and cash portion of your portfolio may be high relative to your stock holdings and so, counterintuitive as it may seem, now might be a good time to start buying more domestic and foreign stock. Don’t forget fundamentals. PEs are low relative to historical levels. By any measurement, stocks are cheap. Multi-billionaire Warren Buffet is out there looking for bargains. You should be too. Consider investing in mutual funds because funds are an instant way to diversify since they buy hundreds, maybe even thousands of companies. If you’re worried that mutual fund managers may take too many risks for you or may be too expensive, consider index funds. There are lots of excellent no-load index funds available.

4. Think about converting your IRA to a Roth IRA. If you qualify and won’t need the money for 5 to 10 years, now might be an excellent time to convert a conventional IRA to a Roth IRA. Sure, you’ll have to pay taxes now (which, by the way, will actually help the government in the short term pay

Michael Terry, CFP® is a fee-only financial planner in Maspeth, NY. He is a member of the Garrett Planning Network and one of the editors of Sheryl Garrett’s latest book, Investing in an Uncertain Economy for Dummies.

for all its actions) and that tax bill may seem high, but you’ll be doing it when your account balance is at an all time low.

Then, when the market comes back, your Roth IRA will grow and, better yet, it will be tax free forever. Low or no taxes when you’re retired can be a great relief.

5. Do something for yourself. Have a nice glass of wine. Or a Hot Fudge Sundae. Or whatever your comfort food/

activity is. Relax. The outlook is tough, but, in spite of all the hype, the world as we know it isn’t coming to an end. It may take a few years, but you have a plan don’t you? In investing, the tortoise does indeed beat the hare. Be patient, be calm, and be assured.

www.itsqueens.com Fall 2008 71

A Single Mom, The Military and Her Children

A

s the day breaks, Bechie realizes another day has arrived and wonders how the night has once again evaded her.

She rises from the small hand-medown couch where she sleeps most nights, and goes to awaken her two small children, seven-year-old fraternal twins for another long day.

Bechie is a 31-year-old single mom and a former Marine who served her country faithfully for eight years. She is a citizen, born in Guyana but raised in America.

One of the reasons she joined the military was the opportunity to travel and grow as an individual, away from her traditional upraising. She recently relocated back to New York, where her roots lay. Making the decision to leave Texas implied a new life and fresh start for the family.

It was a transition which both worried, yet excited, the mom who was ready to enjoy life with her children. Though she grew up in various parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan, upon returning to New York City, she landed in Queens. She found a comfortable apartment in Glendale, which she chose for its tight-knit community.

However, Queens became a muchdreaded and different type of war for Bechie. The former soldier found herself lost and lacking simple comforts, such as childcare and furniture. Traveling to work has also become a hardship, since the modest car she purchased upon arrival

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could no longer manage the wear and tear of her civilian life. Until recently, a daily task for the mom was traveling to Queens from L.I., where she works as a statistician in a recruiting center, everyday to pick up her children from school, only to return to complete her work day. At times, the trio would arrive as late as 8 p.m., with only enough time to prepare for the following day. In another life, a past life, Bechie had no reason to worry about daily management; the military provided her with housing, childcare from the time the children were six weeks old, and full-time employment with a comfortable salary. Living on a military base also meant being surrounded by others who shared the same lifestyle.

Living as a civilian without the provisions of military life has brought an unexpected realization to the single parent: there is no promise of what tomorrow will bring. Though she is eligible for many VA programs, a lack of availability hinders her from benefiting from them. Sadly, one can only remember the Vietnam heroes who also found themselves abandoned by the same country they served; and yet, no regrets from our heroine.

Though times are obviously hard, she hides the stress well. She takes pride in not only her appearance, but also those of her children. She makes sure to take the time o to maintain her hair and nails herself, out c caring for her clothing and for theirs as w - the perfect illustration of a woman well w is not defeated by her struggles. who Looking around her empty apartment l leaves her frustrated and embarrassed, b what truly hurts her most are the but c changes her children must suffer through.

N Nostalgically, Bechie reminisces of a b better life, one she created for herself and h family in Texas (briefly they also found her c comfort in California after her discharge, b she admits to not being able to afford but

California living). The children have also voiced their longing for the past and ask their mother to return “home.” Bechie asks herself what will become of her future. Where will she find herself next?

A scarcely furnished apartment, no steady means of getting to work, and a detachment from familiarity leaves her wondering what is best for her and her babies.

When asked how she feels about what she is going through, she says, “Thank God I was fortunate to be placed into an administrative position of the military.

Imagine those whose military careers focused on weaponry? Tank operator?

What skills will they have for civilian survival? What job choices will they be given?” What she really hopes for are state-funded programs that address the transitional period one must go through after being discharged from the military.

Yet, she is nothing short of gracious and remains thankful for the help she has received and the people she has met in her lifetime, especially those who have helped her through the transitions in her life. Shared memories and anecdotes keep her in touch with many of the friends she made throughout her military career. She understands that the situation is not hers alone, but is shared by many of those who served their country as well. She keeps a bright smile on her face, and focuses hard on the tasks ahead of her, both daily and long term. She is smart and implements the tools she received in training, both physically and mentally. She tackles her life with strategic planning that any commander would be smart to envy. But most importantly, she sets an example her children will be impressed upon to follow.

CIVIC CORNER

C

ivic organizations in Queens weigh in on nearly every issue and debate affecting the borough. The facts, according to most civic leaders, are that the people who live in the outer boroughs continue to be viewed as “outsiders” by Manhattan. When the MTA looks to tighten their budget, they look at Queens subway and bus lines to cut service or immediately suggest putting a toll on the Queensboro Bridge. The “congestion pricing plan” is another great example of how the Manhattan-centric decision makers try to fleece the outer borough residents. Yet, the commuter tax, which taxes people who live in New Jersey, upstate, or in Connecticut but work in the city, remains out of the question. But those are just some of the big issues, as the tirelessly active civic organizations in Queens are not just looking out for the borough as whole, but right down to your own individual block. As with each issue, It’s Queens offers up a sampling of some of the local civic organizations and what they are fighting for.

Queens Civic Congress

President: Sal Candela

Covers: All of Queens - Umbrella Civic for Local Civics President: Corey Bearak Email: Bearak@aol.com

Meetings: 2nd Mondays of the Month, 7:30 p.m., at St. Margaret’s Parish Hall, 80th Street Open to All Hot Topics: Finishing the Middle Village business district renovations, such as sidewalks, tree plantings, poles and garbage cans, along Metropolitan Avenue between 73rd and 80th streets. The overdevelopment in Middle Village must be addressed by the Department of City Planning. Although the Mayor’s Flood Mitigation Task Force has detailed steps to help flooding hot spots throughout Middle Village, the group remains on the forefront of making sure sewers are cleaned and the new projects over the next ten years actually mitigate flooding. The MVMCA is working with the Middle Village Chamber of Commerce on Community Day and making sure the 104th Precinct is on top of protection in the community.

Hot Topics for winter of 2008: The new city budget, term limits, MTA finances and zoning are all in play this holiday season. The MTA fare hike and threat to cut services to more than a couple of lines in Queens is a lightning rod for Bearak and his bunch of passionate civic leaders. A quick talk with QCC board member Pat Dolan and you can feel the disgust Mayor Bloomberg’s attempt to repeal the two-term limit. To add insult to injury, his premise was that not having him on the ballot was taking away a voter’s right to choose. “How about taking away our ballot vote to actually have term limits in the first place?” she asks.

COMET (Citizens of Maspeth/Elmhurst Together Civic Association) Covers: Zip Codes 11378, 11373 President: Roe Daraio Hot Topics: Zoning is still an issue.COMET members are unhappy that the Queens office of the Department of City Planning has delayed the rezoning of parts of Maspeth.

A high school is planned for the corner of 57th Avenue and 74th Street in Elmhurst. The School Construction Authority has advised the civic that the school will be for 1,000 kids and not be as intrusive on the area as was previously thought.

Middle Village Property Owners & Residents Association Covers: Zip Code 11379 Email: scandela@mvpora.org 74 Fall 2008 www.itsqueens.com

Glendale Civic Association Covers: Zip Code 11385 Email: glendalecivic@aol.com President: Kathy Masi General Information: Town Hall meetings on specific issues only. They work with the Queens Civic Congress on sponsoring seminars and events, the dates of which are published regularly in the Glendale Register.

They are a regular host for the 104th Precinct Community Council.

Hot Topics: The Atlas Mall development has had residents concerned about the added number of people visiting the area.

Liz Crowley, the newly elected council representative for the area, was an active member of this civic. She was chairperson of the Going Green Committee, but has since turned the post over to Dori Figliola. This group is eyeing the expansion of P.S. 91 park facility with great concern.

Jackson Heights Beautification Group Covers: Zip Code 11372 Email: info@jhbg.org President: John McCaffrey, Jr. General Information: Established in 1988, the civic is credited with keeping Jackson Heights on the minds of legislators in Queens.

As its name suggests, the group is constantly performing neighborhood beautification projects and makes sure its merchants and residents understand that Jackson Heights is both diverse and thriving. They have a Garden Club, a Graffiti Busters Committee, and even a Halloween Parade Committee. They don’t hold regular meetings, but meet when it is important. They perform weekly duties in the neighborhood.

Hot Topics: Keeping Jackson Heights green, mitigating graffiti, expanding the historic district and motivating the 115th Police Precinct to ticket double-parked cars, especially along the Roosevelt Avenue and 37th Avenue business stretch.

Queens Colony Civic Association

down, the civic monitors its comeback. The civic also provides constructive input into the NYC2030 plan. Policing has increasingly become more important to this association.

The Glendale downzoning is a hot topic.

Their meetings are always on target, and their focus groups have been a lightning rod for Glendale concerns as the group becomes a much more powerful voice within Queens.

Covers: Bellerose from 87th Road to Jamaica Avenue, from Little Neck Parkway to the Cross Island Parkway.

Email: info@NOSPAMqueenscolony.org President: Angela Augugliaro General Information: September through December and March through June at Holy Trinity Church, 246–55 87th Avenue, Bellerose.

Hot Topics: Security, and the Cease and Desist Law protecting its members from being contacted by real estate brokers and salespeople.

Dutch Kills Civic Association Covers: Dutch Kills Section of Long Island City Web site: www.dutchkillscivic.com President: Gerald Walsh Executive Director: George Stamatiades General Information: Revitalized in 1979, the Dutch Kills Civic has been instrumental in keeping residents knowledgeable on housing and zoning issues in the Long Island City and Astoria area.

Hot Topics: With a million square feet of hotel space planned for LIC in the next year, and four new housing towers near the waterfront, the Dutch Kills Civic is on the front line in bringing the concerns of residents to the city on zoning, affordable housing, and increasing city services to match the growth in population. Queens Plaza is the hub of transportation in Queens trains, autos and buses all meet here. It’s also the convenient midnight drop-off point for the dozens of criminals released every day from Rikers Island. Can your neighborhood brag about that? The group has also been fighting to restore fire protection to the neighborhood after the firehouse on 29th Street was closed down during a round of budget cuts.

United Community Civic Association Covers: Ditmars section of Astoria President: Rosemarie Poveromo General Information: Handles neighborhood issues in an area packed with industry and infrastructure. Covers Astoria, East Elmhurst, Steinway.

Hot Topics: The ongoing battle against industrial pollution from the large number of power plants, expressways, and LaGuardia Airport. The neighborhood’s proximity to Rikers Island is a constant concern. Recent plans for a Federal Express hub were scratched, but the Con Ed owned property is likely to be sold to another large company. Poveromo said that she would like to see the property turned into a park. The UCCA is actively involved with LaGuardia Airport, and has had to deal with the noise, traffic, and hotels that come with living near it.

Gl d l P Glendale Property O Owners Association Covers: Zip Code 11385 Email: GPOA4Glendale@aol.com President: Brian Dooley General Information: Meet first Thursdays of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Greater Ridgewood R Youth Council Office.

Hot Topics: Getting Glendale its own zip code (it currently shares one with Ridgewood).

R Flooding caused by the lack of ample sewer service has been a thorn in the t sides of the civic leadership for a yearand-a-half now. Civic members have taken a leadership role on flooding issues at the community board level. Although graffiti is

Ridgewood Property Owners & Civic Association Covers: Ridgewood President: Paul Kerzner - (718) 802–5078 General Information: General Membership meetings - First Thursday of the Month (September through December and February through June) in the JHS 93 auditorium at Forest Avenue and Madison Street, Ridgewood (where they have met for the last 77 years, incidentally). This civic group has been instrumental in helping form the Greater Ridgewood R Local Development Corporation, with w its 24-hour graffiti-removal hotline (718-366-8721), ( as well as massive street tree plantings, p and the Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement I District, which has helped the Ridgewood R business strip thrive. They were effective e in securing Ridgewood’s Federal and a State Historic District designation before historic h districts were fashionable.

Hot H Topics: Passive development of the Ridgewood Reservoir site, making sure the 2000 Ridgewood downzoning is enforced, monitoring improvements to the mass transit hub at Myrtle and Wyckoff avenues, and securing New York City Landmark Designation for all 2,982 buildings in Ridgewood’s Federal and State Historic District.

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