Queens 200 by CNG community Newspaper Group: A News Corporation company

Queens

200 Essential • Influential • Distinctive

Celebrating the spirit that put our borough on the map FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS entertainment manufacturing RESTAURANTS CIVIL SERVICE Recreation Education HOSPITALS Retailers UTILITIES CULTURE ARTS

Ridgewood savings bank celebRates 90th anniveRsaRy! 90 years of strength, stability & serviCe!

Pictured above is the Ridgewood Savings Bank Main Office200 located at 71-02 Forest Avenue, Ridgewood, Queens. Queens The bank celebrated its 90th Anniversary on June 18, 2011.

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Treating you like family since 1921.

Ridgewood savings Bank Celebrates 90 years Of strength, stability & ser vice! In 1920, a group of 14 local Ridgewood businessmen got together with the idea of forming a new mutual savings institution to serve the people of their community. On June 18, 1921 Ridgewood Savings Bank opened its doors.

With over $4.6 billion in assets and 35 branches throughout the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester, Ridgewood has grown into the largest mutual savings bank in New York State.

This year Ridgewood celebrates its 90th Anniversary – 90 years of treating our neighbors like family and serving our communities with strength, stability and service.

No one will treat you more like one of the family than Ridgewood. It’s been a Ridgewood trademark since 1921. Come join our growing family as we celebrate our 90th Anniversary.

1-800-250-4832 2011

www.ridgewoodbank.com

Queens 200 3 Bronx • Brooklyn • Queens • Manhattan • Nassau • Suffolk • Westchester Member FDIC

WHEN YOUR HEART IS IN QUEENS, YOU ARE IN EXCELLENT HANDS...

THE HEART HOSPITAL OF QUEENS

Today, there’s a Heart Hospital in Queens. This hospital is filled with expertise on the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac and vascular disease. This means that you don’t have to leave Queens to find excellent heart care. And, with the opening of a new wing on the main campus of New York Hospital Queens, we have added more services to protect and restore heart health. Our physicians and surgeons are board certified specialists. And, many highly skilled doctors throughout the area treat and refer their patients here. Together with our talented nurses and technicians, they deliver a higher level of expertise you can trust. Whatever your heart needs — you will find it right here.

From state-of-the-art technology, to the most sophisticated procedures and comprehensive rehabilitation and wellness programs, you can ﬁnd a higher level of heart and vascular care, right here in the Heart Hospital of Queens. Ask your doctor, call us, or visit nyhq.org to learn more.

FOR MORE INFORMATION 718-670-2087 800-282-6684 (Find a Physician) 56-45 Main Street Flushing, NY 11355

nyhq.org 4

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The Queens 200

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few pitchers of beer and authentic food. You’ll read about where to find the bar where Goodfellas was filmed and where you can wait in line at 2:30 in the morning to buy a sandwich that’s worth waiting for. The list is full of treasured eateries loved

how many people they put to work. In some cases, these companies are doing business all over the globe. Queens 200 showcases a number of organizations operating in Flushing-Meadows Corona Park in the very heart of Queens. They include the New

and known only to the locals – until now. We suspect that some of what you’ll find in the Queens 200 will come as a surprise. There are multibillion-dollar companies that have helped to build this city. One company is creating a tunnel under the East River that eventually will bring LIRR riders to the east side of Manhattan. Other companies have helped to build bridges, highrises, schools, shopping centers and hospitals. One construction company played a major role in building the terminals for some of the largest airlines at JFK Airport, which is, of course, also in Queens. And yet another Queens company put in the lights, electricity and communications at JFK. The companies on our list have created thousands of fulltime jobs for skilled laborers and entry level workers living in Queens. And they have contributed millions of dollars in taxes to the city’s economy. It strikes us that even people living nearby the headquarters and warehouses for some of these companies have no idea what these businesses do and

York Mets, a team that ingood times and bad times reflects the fighting spirit of the people of Queens. There is also the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where the US Open is played; the New York Hall of Science, which encourages young people to learn through interaction with the exhibits; and across the street, the Queens Botanical Garden. We made a special effort to highlight the community hospitals that play such an important role in Queens County. There are thousands of people living in our borough who for one reason or another don’t have health insurance. Each of the hospitals makes an effort to see that anyone who walks through their doors gets the best healthcare possible without regard to their ability to pay. The city hospitals, which are also teaching centers, offer state-of-the-art medical care while making a concerted effort to reach out to the communities they serve through clinics and public speakers. The list includes several organizations that exist to help people without insurance pay for doctor and hospital visits

Photo: Jay Gorm

elcome to the Queens 200. In putting this magazine together the TimesLedger wanted to call attention to the 200 most important, most influential and iconic businesses, organizations and institutions in this borough. They are the places that make Queens Queens. Because of these businesses and non-profit organizations, Queens is a great place to live and a great place to raise a family. The success of the businesses that are singled out shows this borough is also a great place to do business. To create the Queens 200, we searched the borough from Long Island City to Laurelton, from Whitestone to Jamaica. The list includes some places that our readers are already very familiar with such as Jamaica, Elmhurst, Flushing and New York Hospitals. We also singled out some small, unique places. For example there are delis, pizzerias and shops that are famous in their own neighborhoods but may not be as well-known to all the people of Queens. The list includes an old-fashioned ice cream parlor that feels like walking into a Norman Rockwell painting and may wellmake the best sundaes in all New York. The Queens 200 includes elegant restaurants and banquet halls that are as magnificent or better than places you’ll find in Long Island or Manhattan. These establishments offer the finest cuisine and banquet halls with romantic décor and exciting views. After all, you can’t see the New York skyline on a beautiful spring night from Manhattan. The banquet halls offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a once-in-a-lifetime event. Many of the places that made the list reflect the nature of the international community that calls Queens home. There’s a Bohemian beer garden that may well be the last of its kind in New York City. On a warm summer night hundreds of people in the know sit at picnic tables in the garden with good friends, a

Queens 200

and medications. With unemployment hovering around 9 percent, they play an increasingly important role in Queens. Readers will learn about organizations that offer quality, compassionate long-term residential care and organizations that send caregivers directly to your home. The Queens 200 shows why Queens residents looking for colleges that offer a quality, affordable education for their children should start that search in their own backyard. From CUNY Law School to the new Kupferberg Performing Arts center at Queens College, they’ll learn about the exciting opportunities in their own borough. In addition there are specialized public and private high schools that serve the best and brightest students. Time and time again as we prepared the Queens 200 we were struck by the efforts of the businesses and organizations to reach out to the international community that is Queens. This borough is home to people from virtually every nation in the world. The unique cultures of these countries are honored, even celebrated.Places like Elmhurst Hospital have gone out their way to make certain that translators are available to help them communicate with patients who speak nearly every language. Putting together the Queens 200 was a privilege and a learning experience. We have long believed that Queens is the greatest borough in the greatest city in the world. Now we know even better why this is true. Once again we are proud to be the community newspaper of Queens.

TimesLedgerNewspapers ASTORIA TIMES n Bayside Times Flushing Times n Forest hills ledger Jackson Heights Times n Jamaica Times Laurelton Times n Little Neck Ledger Queens Village Times n RIDGEWOOD LEDGER n Whitestone Times

41-02 Bell Boulevard Bayside, New York 11361 (718) 260-2500 5

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ABCO Refrigeration Supply

Photo: Daquella Manera

49-70 31st. St. Long Island City (718) 937-9000 ABCO Refrigeration Supply keeps the northeast chilled. Through 15 locations including an office in Long Island City, the company distributes air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment, parts, and supplies. ABCO offers more than 250 brands of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration products including DuPont, Maytag, Mitsubishi Electric, and Honeywell. ABCO provides online ordering and tracking for its contractor customers. The company also sells directly to home owners. About half of its proceeds come from customers in the New York metropolitan area.

AirTrain Those who have spent what can feel like a lifetime sitting in traffic on the Van Wyck Expressway, know this is not the best way to get to Kennedy Airport from anywhere. Unless, of course, you’re in no great hurry. AirTrain JFK, the ultramodern monorail, is the easiest way to get to, from and around Kennedy International Airport. Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, AirTrain provides easy connections with MTA New York City Transit subways and buses and the Long Island Rail Road. AirTrain makes frequent stops around the airport — including the airline terminals, parking lots, hotel shuttle areas and rental car facilities. The ride to and from the airport costs just $5 and AirTrain ride around the airport is free. It takes only 10 minutes to get from Jamaica or Howard Beach station to JFK’s passenger terminals. Trains arrive every seven to 10 minutes during the day, every 15 minutes between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. Passengers landing at JFK can arrive at Penn Station in midtown Manhattan in just 35 minutes. Best of all, you never have to worry about traffic conditions or how much to tip.

Almabank 28-31 31st Street, Astoria, New York 11102 . Corporate Offices: 718-267-ALMA (2562) Telephone Banking: 1-866-4248229 In the new millennium you have more to do and less time to do it in. It only makes sense to find a bank that understands the challenges you face and is ready to work with you. Almabank is here to help you with ultimate banking convenience. It offers flexible accounts and services that make your banking faster, easier and more convenient. Whether you are just starting out, nearing retirement, or somewhere in between, its brand of personal banking gives you a little more time for yourself. Alma Bank offers a wide range of deposit accounts with convenient services including 24-7 telephone banking, internet banking, bill payment services, electronic statement and more. And for small business customers at Almabank, there is Basic Business Checking.

Amerasia Bank 4106 Main Street, Flushing, NY 11355, (718) 463-3600 After 20 years the goals at Amerasia Bank have remained unchanged. The customer and

service comes first. Always. Amerasia Bank was established in 1971. The bank has regularly been awarded the “Five-Star” and “Outstanding” ratings by financial rating companies indicating that it is one of the securest and most trustworthy banks in the country. Amerasia Bank now offers customers online banking, making it easier to do your business, no matter where you happen to be. Its Internet commercial services will save your time and your employees’ time, streamline processes and offer increased privacy in a secure environment. They have just the right checking account for you. From low cost checking to high yield checking they can match your needs to the correct account. www.AmerasiaBankNY.com

Aqueduct Race Track 11000 Rockaway Blvd, Jamaica (718) 641-4700 Queens politicians are betting on the plans to turn Aqueduct Racetrack into a state-of-the-art “racino.” Today the finest thoroughbreds in the world race on this track, located in South Ozone Park, from October to May. But by September the track will be the new home of Resorts World at Aqueduct Racetrack. It is expected that

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8 million visitors a year will come to bet on the horses and take their chances on 4,500 video lottery terminals. The opening of Resorts World will create more than 800 permanent positions for local workers and will include two signature restaurants, a buffet and an indoor water show. The only question is what will happen to all those buses that used to taking Queens residents to Atlantic City.

Asia Bank 135-34 Roosevelt Avenue Flushing, NY 11354 (718) 961-9700 As Asian business continues to grow in Queens and especially in Flushing, it’s only natural that businesses would open that address their special needs. The Asia bank in Flushing is dedicated to meeting the banking needs of its customers. The bank has ties to China and serves the unique needs of the area’s Asian Americans. Its target is to serve individuals and to help businesses grow, whether they are large or small. Whatever the size of your credit needs, you can count on Asia Bank to work with you. It offers a complete line of services to meet all of Continued on page 8

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www.myNYCB.com www.myNYCB.com www.myNYCB.com 718-448-7272 718-448-7272 718-448-7272

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playground plus free concerts and events, Belmont makes a good case for bringing the whole family on a day’s outing. The staff is friendly and helpful, there’s plenty of seating, lots of food choices and more fun than you think. And, best of all, you get to see some of the world’s fastest and most beautiful horses. Belmont can’t guarantee you’ll win every time you put your money on horse, but it’s a safe bet that you and your family will have a great day. And yes, Belmont Racetract is partially in Queens.

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your banking needs. Asia Bank is committed to the communities it serves.

Associated Foods

Beyer Farms

Photo: Nick Johnson

Multiple locations Looking for old-time service and value in a high-tech world? For over 50 years, Associated Supermarkets has provided the communities of Queens with the freshest quality foods, the best service for its customers, along with the lowest prices available. With 40 supermarkets in Queens stretching from Jamaica to Long Island City there’s bound to be an Associated Supermarket near you. And now customers can get the most out of what they have to offer by planning their shopping trips at their brand new website. Here they can find what’s on sale this week while getting access to money-saving coupons. www. Associatedsupermarkets.com.

Astoria Federal Savings Bank Multiple locations At Astoria Federal putting people first is a part of everything they do. Their goal is to make everyday banking quick and easy with 85 banking offices and 117 ATMs. Stop by and say hello or take advantage of the easy-to-use 24-Hour telephone banking by calling 1-800-ASTORIA or check out the online banking capabilities. Astoria Federal is proud to be a banking leader. They never forget that banking is a highly personal business, where good service, relationships and being a part of the neighborhood really make a difference. Whether it’s helping you manage your everyday finances, selecting the right mortgage or finding the right way to grow your small business, they understand the importance of every financial decision you make. For a list of locations throughout the Metropolitan go to www.astoriafederal.com

Bartlett Dairy 105-03 150th Street ▪ Jamaica, NY 11435. T: (718) 658-2299 /▪ (718) 725-2527

For nearly half a century Bartlett Dairy has been bringing fresh dairy products to retail stores throughout the Metropolitan area. Bartlett Dairy was started in 1963 by Thomas Malvae. Today Thomas remains the chairman but the dairy is managed by his sons. Bartlett Dairy, the largest fresh milk distributor for Farmland Dairies, no longer is limited to bringing fresh milk and dairy products. The company delivers pastries, cakes, juices, frozen fruit, fresh bread, soups, and paper products to schools, hotels, hospitals, restaurants, and grocery stores that span Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York.

Bayside Historical Society 208 Totten Avenue, Bayside, NY 11359, (718) 352-1548 Every town and village should be so lucky. The Bayside Historical Society was founded in 1964 to collect, preserve and disseminate information concerning the history of Bayside, Queens, and its adjacent communities. The Society advocates for preservation and protection of Bayside’s most historic structures and distinctive neighborhoods through the landmarking process. The birth of the

Bayside Historical Society was the dream of its founder, Joseph H. Brown. Today the Officers’ Club at Historic Fort Totten Park is home to the Bayside Historical Society, and hosts events, exhibitions and cultural programs. It is a learning destination for local schools and a resource for scholars and community groups.

Belmont Racetrack 2150 Hempstead Turnpike Elmont, NY 11003-1599 (516) 641-4701. Long Island City (718) 937-9000 If your idea of fun is standing in a crowd and shouting like a crazy person over a $2 bet while magnificent thoroughbreds come thundering towards you down a dirt track, then you probably already know about Belmont Park Race Track. And whether you’re tearing up a losing ticket or cashing-in a winner, you’ll be ready to do it all over again in 20 minutes. Since it opened in May 1905 Belmont has been thrilling patrons. From the wealthy horse owners and their friends to the working folks from the neighborhood, Belmont’s appeal crosses all lines. With a backyard picnic area with food concessions and

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156-02 Liberty Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11433 , (718 ) 272-4500 It was nearly a century ago that Jacob Beyer started a neighborhood dairy on his small farm in Maspeth. Beyer Farms was eventually taken over by his son Clarence who delivered milk to his customers with just one truck. Since its humble beginning Beyer Farms has taken pride in delivering the highest quality service and value for its growing list of customers. In 2003, Beyer Farms acquired the New York distribution of Tuscan Dairy from Dean Foods. Overnight, the company tripled in size to over 120 trucks. Today it has become the leading distributor of Tuscan milk and dairy products throughout the New York Tri-state area. From the Jersey Shore to mid-town Manhattan to the beaches of Southampton, you can count on Beyer Farms to deliver fresh milk and dairy products.

Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden 29-19 24th Avenue Astoria, NY 11105, (718) 274-4925 At one time there were more than 800 beer gardens in New York City - three in Astoria alone. Today only the Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden survives to carry the proud tradition into the new millennium. For more than 100 years the Bohemian Hall has been a part of New York City history. This is the last original Beer Garden in all of NYC. The Bohemian Hall is run and managed by the Bohemian Citizens’ Benevolent Society of Astoria, a fraternal organization dedicated to education and preserving the Czech and Slovak communities in the area. There’s nothing better than hanging out at a picnic table full of Continued on page 10

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Your Hometown Bank on the Move F

or over 150 years, Queens County Savings Bank has played a major role in the Queens community. When the Bank was established in the village of Flushing on April 14, 1859, it was the first savings bank in the borough chartered by the State of New York. Prior to that, residents had to take the long trip to Manhattan to do their banking. The new bank was greeted with elation and relief. Since that time, major changes have taken place at QCSB. On December 15, 2000, the Bank’s name was changed to New York Community Bank to better reflect the expansion of the franchise beyond Queens County, and at the same time, Queens County Savings Bank began operating as a division of New York Community Bank. As a result of ten merger transactions and, to a far lesser extent, de novo growth, the Bank now has 123 branches serving customers in New York; 52 in New Jersey; 28 in Ohio; 25 in Florida; and 14 in Arizona. Acknowledging the importance that the names of banks have to local communities, many of the banks that have been acquired by NYCB operate under their original names as divisions of New York Community Bank. Ilene Angarola, Executive Vice President and Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications, said, “Our QCSB customers have benefited from our growth through a series of mergers and acquisitions of other financial institutions. For example, before our first acquisition of Haven Bancorp on November 30, 2000, we had

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Kew Gardes branch at 75-44 Main Street Kew Gardens, NY, 11367 14 branches, 13 of which were in Queens. Today, as a result of our business combinations, we have 34 branches of QCSB in Queens County as well as another 10 branches of our commercial bank subsidiary, New York Commercial Bank. NYCB has an additional 65 branches

on Long Island and a total of 157 branches in Metro New York. With some branches located in supermarkets, customers can find an open branch in Queens seven days a week.” “QCSB continues to be guided,” she said, “by the principles of ‘strength, stability, and

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service’ that have been a tradition at the Bank since day one.” Queens residents know well that the Bank is a constant presence at community events. The Bank’s name and logo show up everywhere. QCSB has sponsored everything from blood drives and walkathons to the annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York. Among the scores of institutions that receive support from QCSB are Queens College, the Queens Public Library, the Queens Museum of Art, and The Child Center of NY. As the Bank has grown, so has its ability to increase its involvement and support of the communities it serves. QCSB knows how tough the job market is. Under the Bank’s College Applicant Program (CAP), hundreds of local college students have been hired to work in the branches or in various back office departments. Angarola said the Bank’s strong connection with the community is due in part to President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Ficalora. A graduate of Pace University, Ficalora grew up in Queens and started working at QCSB as a teller in 1965. Recognizing the multicultural nature of Queens, the Bank makes every effort to staff its branches with people who live in the same communities they serve. Everything possible is done to make the customer feel comfortable. From a small bank in the village of Flushing to an institution with hundreds of branches, hundreds of ATMs, telephone and online banking, QCSB has grown dramatically with the borough that it serves.

Queens

org. Build It Green is the logical and environmentally friendly alternative to discarding durable materials.

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Bulova Corporate Center 75-20 Astoria Blvd; East Elmhurst, New York It was a sad day 25 years ago when the Bulova Watch Company closed shop after 30 years of manufacturing watches in Jackson Heights. But the story is sad no more. The Bulova factory is now a Class A ultra-modern office center. In addition to office space the Bulova Corporate Center includes a health club, swimming pool, an auditorium, conference space and a restaurant. This historic Art Deco building features an atrium with streams and waterfalls and a seating area surrounded by a rotating art exhibit provided by the Queens Museum. Just a few blocks from LaGuardia Airport, the Corporate Center rivals any office space Manhattan has to offer.

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friends in their traditional beer garden on a warm summer’s night. A couple pitchers of cold beer and a plate of hearty Czech food and you’re in for an evening to be remembered.

There are companies that fill a need and do things that the most people just take for granted. The Bono Sawdust Supply Company in Willet’s Pont is one of them. The Bono brothers now manage the company started by their Sicilian immigrant father Jacob Bono. Jacob spent long days peddling bags of sawdust and wood shavings, delivering their product in horse-drawn wagons to saloons, butcher shops, and loading docks all over the city. Today Jake Bono drives the company truck and is proud that Bono Sawdust continues to recycle scrap wood into something useful. “We’ve always been a green company,” says Jake.

Borough Hall There are those who believe that in the new city government Borough Hall has become an outdated institution. Don’t tell that to Queens Borough President Helen Marshall and her hardworking staff at Queens Borough Hall. Borough Hall is the heart of a borough that is home to people from virtually every nation around the world. It is here in this building erected in 1940 just as the nation was emerging from the Great Depression that the Borough President and her crew monitor issues from business development to education and healthcare. They make certain that Queens will continue to offer first class sporting events, cultural institutions and parks that draw thousands of people each year. Office of the Borough President

Bowne House 37-01 Bowne Street, Flushing, NY 11354 (718) 359-0528 Three hundred years after

Photo: Tony the misfit

Bono Sawdust Supply Company

Canada Dry Bottling Co. it was built, the oldest house in Flushing serves as a window into the history of New York City. It was built by John Bowne in 1649 when New York was still under Dutch rule. Bowne’s family prospered in America. Nine generations born and raised in the house produced businessmen, horticulturists, educators and politicians. Bowne himself was a courageous defender of religious freedom. In 1662, the Flushing Remonstrance, an historic document which defended religious freedom, was drafted here. Bowne House has been a museum since 1947. It has been preserved for its historical and educational interest, for its role in the fight for freedom of conscience and religious liberty. The museum is temporarily closed for renovation.

Bramson ORT College Main Campus Queens 69-30 Austin Street Forest Hills (718) 261-5800 Any college education is a great thing but in this day and age you want an education that will give you the best chance to compete for jobs in a very difficult economy. Headquartered in Forest Hills, Bramson ORT College is dedicated to preparing students for meaningful

employment. The Bramson programs include Accounting, Business Management, Computer Information Systems, Electronics Technology, Medical Assistant, and Office Technology. Its global network of schools and high-tech training programs provide cuttingedge curriculum and strategic educational initiatives to empower 300,000 students and beneficiaries annually.

Build It Green NYC

3-17 26th Ave at 4th St. Astoria, NY 11102 Did you know that more than 16,500 tons of building material are thrown out every day in New York City? These materials are clogging our landfills, releasing carbon into the atmosphere, and creating a need for more materials to be manufactured. Build It Green! NYC, is New York City’s only nonprofit retail outlet for salvaged and surplus building materials. Their warehouse has everything from panel doors to high end refrigerators and shutters to movie props. Our mission is to keep these materials out of the landfill, while offering deep discounts on their resale. Build It Green is sponsored by Community Environmental Center (CEC) www.cecenter.

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From a plant tucked away in quiet College Point, Canada Dry Bottling is one of the largest beverage manufacturers and distributors in the New York metropolitan area. Canada Dry Bottling of New York currently distributes national brands such as 7 UP®, Sunkist®, Canada Dry Ginger Ale®, Evian®, Nantucket Nectars®, and Welch’s® to name a few. The plant distributes soft drinks and alternative beverages in the five boroughs of New York City including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island as well as Long Island, Northern New Jersey, and Westchester County.

Cascon Cheesecake

704 149th Street, Whitestone, NY (718) 767-7500 info@casconcheesecakes.com Every morning before the sunrise the bakers at Cascon Cheesecake & Baking Co. are already at work firing up our ovens to ensure that our customers can start their day with fresh baked goods. Cascon’s delicious fresh-baked products can be found for sale every day in its store in Whitestone and delivered wholesale to businesses throughout the New York area. Since they opened their doors in 1975, this family2011

owned business has provided over 35 years of dedicated service to its loyal customers. They are proud to have expanded operations to include all five boroughs, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester Counties. Thanks to customer loyalty Cascon Cheesecake Corporation will continue to deliver quality baked goods at affordable prices for years to come.

1950 48 Street, Astoria, NY 11105. (718) 726-2500 http://www.charmer.com Queens based Charmer Industries is one of the largest wine and liquor wholesalers in New York state. Family owned and operated, Charmer Industries sells many of the world’s most prestigious brands of wines, spirits, champagnes and cordials to the region’s retailers, bars and restaurants. Great customer service helps keep Charmer on top.

Cherry Valley Deli and Grill

12-29 150th Street , Whitestone, NY 11357, (718) 767 -1937 Once you visit the Cherry Valley Deli and Grill in Whitestone you’re gonna kick yourself for not going there before. The 24-hour deli sells 150 heroes, wraps and rolls worth writing home about. Whether you buy the Fat Cat cheeseburger that’s nearly too big to hold, or the famed TCS, a chicken cutlet on a toasted garlic hero with American cheese and gravy, you’re going to become a regular on the spot. The deli is open 24-hours, seven days a week. You can call your order in or take your chances on waiting in a line which can grow rather long in the latenight hours. And, on top of everything else, their prices are reasonable and their service is top notch.

Christ the King

68-02 Metropolitan Avenue Middle Village Anyone in the New York area who follows high school sports knows Christ the King Regional High School is a sports powerhouse with a number of nationally ranked athletic programs. But that’s just part of the story. Christ the King has reached a level of academic distinction that makes it one of the most sought after private high schools in New York City. Each year its students achieve aca2011

Photo: Gary Soup

Charmer Industries Inc.

demic excellence that translates into millions of dollars of scholarships from colleges across the nation. Christ the King, an independent Catholic secondary school, offers a college preparatory curriculum for students of all academic levels.

Christie & Co. Salon and Spa

23-64 Bell Boulevard. (718) 225-7766. Superman may be missing but Bayside has its Lois and she is doing a super job for the women lucky enough to come to her salon and spa. In 1970 Lois Christie opened her first salon on Bell Boulevard in Bayside. She later moved to larger space on Bell where she there are 16 colorists, including herself, and more than 90 employees. Christie has been at the forefront of teaching and introducing new trends in the industry. Christie & Co. was voted one of the top 20 salons in America. It has been featured in W Magazine as one of the best salons in the United States. Her work has also been recognized in Redbook, Town & Country, and trade publications. Christie, an award-winning colorist, was named one of the “Top 10 Business Women in New York” by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Her salon is famous for its total makeovers and exotic spa treatments. “We look at you as an entire person,” said

Christie. “Our job as beauty professionals is to give you the information and the tools, and you as an independent woman pick and choose what you want. Professional service, especially at our level, is unsurpassed.”

Citigroup

Queens wouldn’t be Queens without the Citibank building, and, more recently, citifield. It only makes sense that a borough that is home to people with ties to virtually every nation in the world should be so connected to a bank that serves people in one thousand cities and 160 countries around the world. Today Citi is America’s only true global bank. But despite its global standing, it has never forgotten the people who made it what it is today. Since 2007 Citigroup has helped more than one million American families to stay in their homes and avoid foreclosure. No matter how big the bank has grown it has never lost sight of its commitment to provide caring, personal service to every one of its clients.

City Cadillac

Showroom (866) 379-0307 Service (866) 647-6463 If you are a New Yorker looking for a new or used Cadillac, this is the place you need to go. City Cadillac has the car you

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have been looking for. It offers great deals on all Cadillac vehicles. At City Cadillac they know there are many New York Cadillac dealers and they appreciate your choosing City. Come to their showroom and see all of the newest Cadillacs, including the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. They also offer top quality used cars that you can see online or at the nearby used car dealership.

City Gates 15-20 129th Street, College Point, NY 11356, (718) 939-9700 In these days it’s not often enough that you’ll find a quality product designed and manufactured on American soil. Since 1955 City Gates has sold rolling door products designed and manufactured at its plant located in College Point. One of the major benefits you receive when you purchase a product from City Gates is that it is one of the largest manufacturers of steel rolling doors in the United States. This enables the company, which is family owned and operated, to offer you a complete rolling door package. Its engineers design your doors, and its factory-trained mechanics will construct all of the finished parts from raw materials for your project. City Gates has the ability to control each aspect of the fabrication procContinued on page 12

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ess. A City Gates representative is available to provide you with technical support and will answer any of your questions about the design, fabrication and installation of any of its products.

202-12 Willets Point Boulevard Bayside, NY 11360, (718) 229-2570 www.nycteetimes.com Located at the foot of the Throgs Neck Bridge, the Clearview Park Golf Course was designed to provide golfers of all levels with an excellent golf experience. Clearview is a “Top Choice” for New York City Golfers. And when they’re finished their round, golfers can enjoy Clearview’s newly renovated clubhouse - including a new bar and grill and large meeting room. The clubhouse is perfect for your next business meeting or event including preand post-golf outing receptions. Newly constructed forward, mid and back tees provide beginners, seniors, women, juniors and low handicap golfers with an enjoyable golf course suited for skill levels of all types. A brand new 8000 sq. ft. putting green is available for warming up or a little practice.

Coca Cola Bottling Co. 5902 Borden Avenue, Flushing (718) 326-3636 The global reach of Coca Cola depends very much on the company’s 300 bottling partners worldwide. One of those important partners is the Coca Cola Bottling Company in Flushing. The bottlers are part of the “Coca Cola system” and enable the parent company to have a local focus. The bottling partners manufacture, package, merchandise and distribute the final branded beverages to Coca Cola customers and vending partners, who then sell its products to consumers. All bottling partners work closely with customers – grocery stores, restaurants, street vendors, convenience stores, movie theaters and amusement parks, among many

Photo: Jay gorman

Clearview Park Golf Course

others – to execute localized strategies developed in partnership with the parent company. Customers then sell these products to consumers at a rate of 1.7 billion servings a day.

Cookie’s Department Store Multiple locations Shouldn’t shopping for the kids be fun? Truth is that too often it’s not. At Cookie’s, the world’s largest and best stocked kids’ department store, they want your family’s visit to be a good experience. Since they opened their first store in 1975, Cookie’s Kids has offered everything in children’s clothing from newborn to young adult sizes, shoes and accessories, school uniforms, baby products, and all the latest toys. In fact Cookie’s is recognized as the #1 School Uniform Headquarters in the United States. And if you can’t make it to one of the seven branch stores, you can visit them online at CookiesKids. com, where you’ll find the same great children’s fashions and gifts for any occasion.

Cord Meyer 111-15 Queens Blvd. Forest Hills, NY 11375, (718) 268-2500

When The “City of the Future” was built at the 1939 World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows, the Cord Meyer Company had already been serving the people of Queens for over 40 years. Throughout the 20th century, Cord Meyer Development Company has played a significant role in Queens development. As the 20th Century began, Meyer pursued an interest in real estate. He acquired a substantial parcel of land, designed street layouts, introduced utilities, and built single family homes. Schools and shopkeepers soon followed, and as time unfolded, Cord Meyer named his town Forest Hills. The creation of Forest Hills marked the advent of Cord Meyer Development Company, which was incorporated in December of 1904 with Cord Meyer, Jr. as its first president. The company’s current projects include the renovation and renewal of several retail and mixed-use properties. Through these residential buildings and others, Cord Meyer Development Company contributes to the Greater New York Metropolitan Area as a stabilizing force in times of rapid change through decade

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upon decade of growth and prosperity. see feature story on page 39

Creedmoor Psychiatric Center 8045 Winchester Boulevard Queens Village, NY (718) 264-4000 It’s not something people like to think about but in a family crisis it’s nice to know that Queens is served by one of the best mental health facilities in the nation. Creedmoor Psychiatric Center provides compassionate, high quality mental health services for Queens County residents. The hospital offers a continuum of inpatient, outpatient and related psychiatric services. Inpatient treatment at Creedmoor is reserved for individuals with illnesses that have become so severe that they are unable to function in the community. The heart of the center is a 20-story newly renovated building that offers a variety of treatment options. The focus of treatment is rapid recovery and support for patients returning to community living. Treatment is provided by multidisciplinary teams of professional and paraprofessional Continued on page 14

2011

COMMUNITY MINDED BANKING

We are a dedicated, caring Bank that is committed to the success of our customers and the well-being of our community. We make a difference in each community we serve, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Brought To You By MAIN OFFICE:

56-18 69th Street, Maspeth, NY 11378 (718) 335-1300 �

LOAN CENTER:

We Treat You Like Family 185-18 Horace Harding Expy. Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 (718)353-6145 � Free Parking Available 2011

64-19 Woodhaven Blvd. Rego Park, NY 11374 (718) 459-3400 �

56-05 69th Street, Maspeth, NY 11378 (718) 651-7888 �

101-09 Metropolitan Ave. Forest Hills, NY 11375 (718) 520-1500 �

801 Jericho Turnpike New Hyde Park, NY 11040 (516) 437-5000 �

www.maspethfederal.com Queens 200

66-60 Fresh Pond Road Ridgewood, NY 11385 (718) 497-4800 24 Hr. ATMs on-site 13

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200 Essential • Influential • Distinctive

Continued from page 12

staff who work closely with families and the community.

Cross County Federal Savings Bank Multiple locations Cross County Federal Savings Bank must be doing something right. The bank has been serving the people of Queens since it was founded in 1888. The reason for bank’s success is simple: “customer satisfaction has been the driving force behind all we do.” Every effort is made to respect the individual financial goals of its customers. Together, the bank’s dedicated staff and loyal customers have developed a strong partnership which is the core of its success. Cross County is determined to continue to play a leadership role

in the communities it serves.

CUNY School of Law

Davis & Warshow

Crystal Windows & Doors

65-21 Main Street, Flushing, NY 11367, (718) 340-4200 Admissions: (718) 340-4210 The mission of CUNY Law is unique. CUNY School of Law has become the premier public interest law school in the nation. Its mission is to graduate outstanding public interest attorneys and to enhance the diversity of the legal profession. Its motto, “Law in the Service of Human Needs,” infuses everything it does. CUNY School of Law consistently ranks among the top 10 law schools in the country in clinical training. Its clinical program serves over a thousand New Yorkers each year that would otherwise not have access to legal representation. When the Princeton Review released its 2010 rankings, CUNY Law was featured in the Top 10 in the following categories: Best Professors, Most Chosen by Older Students, Most Diverse Faculty, Most Liberal Students.

57-22 49th Street, Maspeth, NY 11378, (718) 937-9500 Maspeth is home to one of the oldest and most successful kitchen and bath distributors in New York City. Davis & Warshow was founded in 1925 in lower Manhattan and opened for business. The challenge was to bring something new to the market. Eighty years later, Davis & Warshow is one of the country’s premier commercial kitchen and bath distributors. Twice it was named America’s “Wholesaler of the Year.” The company is responsible for supplying some of the most exclusive residences in Manhattan, opulent estates of the Hamptons, New York’s prestigious hotels, renowned landmarks and sports stadiums. Projects run the gamut from the Empire State Building to Trump Tower, Time Warner Center, Yankee Stadium, and the Ritz Carlton, just to name a few. Davis & Warshow currently owns and operates eight showrooms throughout New

31-10 Whitestone Expressway Flushing, NY 11354, (718)9617300, www.crystalwindows.com Crystal Windows & Doors offers high quality products with its investment in state-of-theart manufacturing equipment. And Crystal is right in your backyard. The family-owned company is ranked as one of the Top 100 window and door companies by Window & Door Magazine. Crystal Window & Door Systems is one of the fasted growing, minorityowned businesses in the New York Metropolitan area and is one of the largest employers in Queens. Its high quality Energy Star® family of products will help your family save. Its environmentally friendly product line keeps your home warmer in the winter, and cooler in the summer, dramatically reducing your energy consumption and reducing your monthly utility bills.

Continued on page 16

Study at Queens College This Summer and Fall SUMMER SESSION

◆

Two sessions to choose from: ◆ ◆

◆

July 5 through July 28 July 5 through August 15

◆

Hundreds of undergraduate and graduate courses A breezy, 77-acre campus Cybercafés and free use of athletic facilities, including tennis courts and Olympic-size pool Freshmen and transfers welcome.

www.qc.cuny.edu/summer_session

◆

718-997-5890

FALL SEMESTER DIRECT ADMITS

Apply directly to Queens College for the fall semester! It’s easy:

DIRECT APPLICATION HOURS:

1 Visit our Welcome Center in Jefferson Hall by August 4. 2 Bring along your high school transcript and any college transcripts (unofficial copies are fine). 3 Meet with an Admissions counselor who will review your transcripts and tell you how to continue the enrollment process.

www.qc.cuny.edu 14

◆

Through June 24: Monday–Friday, 9 am–4:30 pm June 27–August 4: Monday–Thursday, 9 am–4:30 pm **Late evening hours on Wednesdays till 7 pm.

718-997-5600

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2011

200 Cardiology Unit makes mark as Second to None Queens

ocated in the heart of Queens, Elmhurst Hospital Center, a 545-bed community hospital, is facing a growing and increasingly difficult challenge. As a city hospital, its mission is to deliver comprehensive and compassionate care to people of all backgrounds and income levels. Ensuring access to high-quality, affordable healthcare is the hospital’s top priority. One of the many areas where Elmhurst excels is its state-ofthe-art Department of Cardiology. Elmhurst Hospital Center was the first cardiac center in the five boroughs to perform elective angioplasty without requiring on-site cardiothoracic surgery. Now, almost all of the patients who require angioplasty can receive this important treatment onsite at Elmhurst. Dr. David Rubinstein, the director of the Cardiology unit, said the hospital does more than 100 emergency angioplasties a year and 300 elective angioplasties. Angioplasty is a coronary procedure used to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. The procedure improves blood flow to the heart muscle. Over time, a fatty substance called plaque can build up in arteries, causing them to harden and narrow. Because angioplasty saves lives, Dr. Rubinstein said the doctors in the cardiac center are on-call 24/7. “When a patient comes through the door with the symptoms of a heart attack, there is a window of about 90 minutes to perform the angioplasty,” he said. The symptoms are often chest pain or trouble walking. “We’re one of the places you want to be if you’re having a heart attack,” he said. The lon2011

Dr. David Rubinstein, the director of the Cardiology Elmhurst Hospital ger it takes to get treated, the lower the chance that the patient will survive. “Fortunately,” the doctor said, “the unit has had a very high survival rate.” The cardiology unit at Elmhurst is “one of the most successful and best in the state,” he said. Patients are often ready to go home in as little as two days, he said, and are ambulatory almost immediately. In an angioplasty, a catheter is placed into an artery in the patient’s leg. A balloon clears the blockage in the artery. The balloon presses against the inside wall of the artery. This opens the artery and restores proper blood flow. Dr. Rubinstein sees his unit as part of the hospital’s commitment to the community. “We’re really their hospital,” he said.

“We will do everything we can to help regardless of the patient’s ability to pay, regardless of insurance.” In many cases, the patients coming to Elmhurst don’t have a family physician. A cardiology clinic was created to make certain that patients get the appropriate follow-up care after being released from the hospital. In addition, the hospital has increased its outreach to the community by sending speakers to clubs and events to talk about heart-related issues. Elmhurst is expanding both its inpatient services and outpatient testing. The hospital has added a telemetry service to complement its nine-bed Coronary Care Unit. Telemetry, or the continuous monitoring of the cardiac rhythm by electro-

Queens 200

cardiography, allows early intervention with medication or defibrillation, improving the prognosis. Elmhurst is also expanding its outpatient diagnostic testing services, including additional stress test evaluations in its nuclear medicine and echocardiography laboratories. In some cases, the patients coming to the cardiology unit speak little or no English. The hospital has volunteers on hand to help with translations in the more common languages such as Spanish, Chinese or Korean. Dr. Rubinstein praised the dedication of these volunteers. And if no one is available to translate in a specific language, the hospital is connected to a phone system that offers simultaneous translation in 140 different languages. The service is expensive, but it plays a critical role in helping patients understand what the hospital can do to help them. Dr. Rubinstein said the closing of St. John’s Hospital and the tough economic times with people losing jobs and insurance have put an extra burden on Elmhurst Hospital and the community it serves. He praised the doctors, nurses and technicians who have helped to make the cardiology unit a success. In particular he singled out two colleagues: Dr. Arti Shah, a cardiologist and electro-physiologist and winner of the Patients Choice Award and Dr. Mazullah Kamran, cardiologist and specialist in cardiovascular disease. Dr. Rubinstein’s Cardiology Unit is just one of the ways Elmhurst Hospital is working to bring the best possible medical care to one of the most diverse communities in the nation.

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200 Essential • Influential • Distinctive

Continued from page 14

York including two premier Kohler Showrooms in Mid-town Manhattan and Westchester.

11-21 Northern Boulevard Corona, NY 11368, (718) 898-6100 Very few retailers can boast about three quarters of a century of service to the community. But DiBlasi Motors has been satisfying discerning car buyers since 1934. The dealership was started by current owner Thomas DiBlasi’s grandfather Joseph whose sons, Anthony and Richard, took over the reins in the mid 1950s. Under his father’s guidance, Thomas DiBlasi started working at the dealership as a child, at first sweeping the floors and gradually working his way through every department in the dealership. He has been working there full-time since 1975. When his father and uncle retired, Thomas was more than prepared to take over as President, which he did in 1992. Today, Tom and his wife Mary Ann run the dealership. Three generations of the DiBlasi family have been providing fine Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and vans, and expert service to tens of thousands of satisfied customers. They have become New York’s Mustang HQ, with one of the nation’s largest Mustang inventories, including Shelby, Roush and Saleen models. They look forward to the next 75 years of maintaining the DiBlasi tradition of sales and service excellence. DiBlasi Ford has been A+ accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 1974.

Photo: Rob Boudon

DiBlasi Motors

Douglaston Golf Course 6320 Marathon Parkway Douglaston, New York 11363 (718) 224-6566 Even if you’re not the next Tiger Woods, you’ll enjoy the magnificent views at the Douglaston Golf Course. This short and hilly course provides a challenge for even the lowhandicap golfer. Douglaston became a municipal course in the early 60’s. The club is situated at the highest point in the borough, providing picturesque

views of the Manhattan skyline. The beautiful old clubhouse was completely redesigned in 2004 and includes a lavish catering facility. These improvements on the course and in the Clubhouse have moved Douglaston up into the position of number 2 in popularity among all the NYC golf courses. Play the course and enjoy the experience of a country club at a fraction of the cost.

Douglaston Manor 6320 Commonwealth Blvd. Douglaston, NY 11362-2300 (718) 224-8787 Imagine for a moment that you are standing in the European countryside with a dramatic view of the New York skyline. This could be your experience if you decide to hold a wedding reception or your next event at Douglaston Manor. Nestled within the country club setting of the beautifully manicured Douglaston Golf Course, the Douglaston Manor provides a unique setting for a once-ina-lifetime affair. The grand ballroom features intricately carved woodwork, stone framed archways, beamed ceilings and a magnificent floor to ceiling limestone fireplace. The professional banquet staff at Douglaston Manor can help you plan the perfect party or business meeting. The dedicated staff is equally adept at handling weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate functions, or showers. Exquisite continental fare is served on fine china and

glassware. The Manor takes great care to ensure your special day is a success right down to the smallest detail.

egory which is why E. Gluck’s timepieces sell so well in stores nationwide.

E. Gluck Corporation

46-41 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City, N.Y. 11101, (718) 786-9400 Since it was founded in 1899, E-J Electric Installation Co. has been a pioneer in emerging electrical technologies and their applications. Long ago E-J decided to lead rather than follow. Today it is the premier professional and full service electrical and communication contractor in the Metropolitan New York region. It provides customers with innovative, unequaled and indispensable services. A look at some of recent projects shows the impact E-J has had on industry in the Metropolitan area. E-J provided all power and lighting, lighting control system at a new 1.5 million square foot Terminal in JFK International. At the British Airways terminal E-J performed the complete electrical terminal expansion including lighting, power, medium voltage substations, fire alarm and communications infrastructure. E-J has also played a major role in the building and renovation of a number of hospitals, including Sloan Kettering, and the creation of a DNA laboratory at Bellevue Hospital.

29-10 Thomson Avenue Long Island City, NY 11101 Forget Switzerland. The world headquarters of the best watchmaker in the world is located right here in Long Island City. It’s likely that you never heard the name, but for more than 50 years, E. Gluck Corp. has been a major force in the watch industry and continues its tradition in the marketplace with innovative design and craftsmanship. The company’s extensive collections of quality timepiece brands include: Armitron, Anne Klein New York, AK Anne Klein, Lucky Brand, Badgley Mischka, and JLO by Jennifer Lopez. EGC also produces licensed watches for the top properties belonging to Mattel, Dreamworks, Disney, Warner Bros., and United Media. These properties include; Looney Tunes, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Batman, Betty Boop, Speed Racer, Superman, WonderWoman. E. Gluck Corporation has been a major force in the worldwide watch industry and continues to dominate the marketplace with its innovative design and craftsmanship. Every E. Gluck watch is made with precision craftsmanship and innovative design and offers the optimum in style, quality and value for each price point and brand cat-

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E-J Electric Installation

Eagle Electric 23-10 Queens Plaza South Long Island City, NY 11101 2011

(718) 706-3300 Since it was founded in 1920 Eagle Electric Manufacturing Company, has been a leader in the field of manufacturing electrical devices. Ahead of its time, in 1991 Eagle Electric introduced a line of surge protector wiring devices. In the spring of 2000 the company was purchased by Cooper Wiring Devices in Peachtree City, Georgia. The company continues to produce high-quality electrical devices at its plant in Long Island City.

Eddieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sweet Shop 105-29 Metropolitan Avenue Forest Hills (718) 520-8514 In the words of one food critic, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not to love!â&#x20AC;? At Eddieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sweet Shop, in Forest Hills, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a century-old soda fountain that offers up huge, fresh homemade-ice-cream sundaes, malts, shakes, and egg creams. If you are old enough to remember what an egg cream is, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll definitely appreciate the old fashioned charm of this ice cream parlor. Located on bustling Metropolitan Avenue, the shop invites customers to

take go back to a better time. Visiting here feels like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting. And while the atmosphere is great, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the sundaes that keep the regulars coming back. Said an Eddieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s regular, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The triple-scoop banana sundae will bring you back to a time in your life when chocolate ice cream was your main raison dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;etre.â&#x20AC;?

Elmhurst Dairy 155-25 Styler Road, Jamaica, NY 11433, (718) 526-3442 Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a reason why Elmhurst Dairy has stood the test of time. Founded in 1919, it is one of the oldest continuously operating dairies in the state. Elmhurst Dairy, Inc., pasteurizes, homogenizes, packs, and delivers bottled milk to local groceries in New York City. The stores keep selling its milk because they know their customers like it. The customers trust that the product they are buying is as fresh and dependable today as it was nearly 100 years ago.

Elmhurst Hospital Center 79-01 Broadway, Elmhurst, NY 11373, (718) 334-4000

It isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just any hospital that can succeed in a neighborhood as complex as Elmhurst. Elmhurst Hospital Center (EHC) serves an area of nearly one million people in one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse communities in the United States. Its patients come from across the globe, speaking a multitude of languages and dialects. The 545-bed hospital located in the heart of Queens, delivers firstrate, comprehensive and compassionate healthcare services providing medical care to people of all backgrounds and income levels. EHC is one of the top medical facilities in Queens for treating stroke and cardiac arrest patients and has been a designated Stroke Center since August 2004. see feature story on page 15

Empire Market 1426 College Point Boulevard NY 11356-1720, (718) 359-0209 Empire Market. If that name doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t conjure up delicious, homemade German style hot dogs, sausages, cold cuts and

dozens of other goodies, it soon will. Find out what thousands of people have known since the store first opened in 1921. Empire Market has been at the same location for 90 years â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three generations of Lepine family smiles and great food. Grandpa Lepine worked here for 54 years and he stood by everything he sold. His sons follow the standard he set to this day. Everything at Empire is made by hand. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a smokehouse in the back and the kitchen is always buzzing. While you are here, check out the always expanding, selection of imported German groceries. Is tonight the night for Smoked Pork Chops or juicy Bratwurst and German Spaetzle? Think about that for a second.... Oh, man!

Farenga Funeral Home 3808 Ditmars Boulevard Astoria, NY 11105-1851 (718) 726-6060 When you trust your funeral plans to a local, family-owned funeral home, you expect close Continued on page 18

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2011

Queens 200

Queens

200 Essential • Influential • Distinctive

Continued from page 17

Photo: complicated

personal attention and compassionate personal service. At Farenga Funeral Home your family will be treated like one of their own, as the staff helps you honor the life of the person you loved for so long. Fareng has been a long-standing part of Astoria and the greater Queens community, offering assistance and support to families when a death occurs. Should you require funeral services, you can be assured that you will be assisted by someone you can consider a friend and neighbor. With a complete selection of burial and cremation services, Farenga can help you plan a touching and affordable tribute. There are many options to match your traditions, beliefs and budget.

Feinstein Iron Works 126-85 Willets Point Blvd. Flushing, NY 11368, (718) 8998300 Established in 1931, Feinstein Iron Works, Inc. is a familyrun business. For more than 80 years the Iron Works located in Willets Point has provided the fabricated metal structures used to build nearly half of the schools in New York City, as well as shopping centers and high rise buildings throughout the area. The company is run by Daniel Feinstein, the grandson of the company founder. The company employs approximately 32 people.

Fidelis Care

Fidelis Care was created with the simple belief that everyone regardless of income, age, religion, gender or ethnic background, should have access to quality health care, provided with dignity and respect. Today Fidelis Care serves nearly 690,000 people in 58 counties throughout New York State. The organization has grown steadily since its origin in 1993 as the Catholic Health Services Plan of Brooklyn and Queens, Inc. Today Fidelis Care has a statewide network of more than 43,000 providers and is the largest government programs-based health insurance company in

the state. Through the Family Health Plus, Child Health Plus, and Medicaid Managed Care programs, Fidelis Care covers checkups, prenatal care, preventive care, well-child visits, immunizations, lab tests, x-rays, hospitalization, emergency treatment, and much more. Information for providers, members, and prospective members is available toll-free by calling 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888343-3547).

Canada, France and the United Kingdom. Its comprehensive technician training covers most current business aircraft models and a wide range of commercial aircraft. At FlightSafety LaGuardia, the New York friendly team is dedicated to saving lives by training pilots and other aviation professionals to safely operate and dispatch aircraft.

First Central Savings Bank

4500 Parsons Boulevard Flushing, NY 11355 (718) 670-5000 More than 125 years ago Flushing Hospital Medical Center, was founded by a small group of community minded men and women to fill an urgent need. In 1884 it consisted of one bed in a rented house. Today it’s a not-for-profit 325bed teaching hospital. The medical center, located in the city’s most culturally diverse borough, has served the healthcare needs of the borough for more than a century. The hospital offers a recently renovated Emergency Department, state-of-the-art Labor, Delivery & Recovery Suites and one of the most respected Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the city. Last year more than 43,000 patients were treated in FHMC’s Emergency Department, 2,500 patients were seen in the hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center and 2,800 babies were delivered.

Multiple locations Remember the good old days when the bank teller knew your name and greeted you with a smile? The First Central Savings Bank has brought those days back. Since it opened in 1999 the bank has been striving to fill a void created by the giant banks, by providing good old-fashioned personal service. FCSB wants to be your onestop shopping financial center and is determined to meets the needs of its customers and the community it serves.

FlightSafety International Queens’ own FlightSafety is the national leader when it comes to the training aviation professionals, including pilots, flight attendants and flight dispatchers. Each year FlightSafety delivers more than one-million hours of professional instruction. Thousands of pilots train to proficiency at 40 learning centers in the United States,

Flushing Hospital

Flushing Meadows-Corona

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Park

There is no park like it anywhere in the world. The Unisphere built for the 1964 World’s Fair still stands, a reminder that Flushing Meadows was the home of not just one but two World’s Fairs. At one end of the park stands Citi Field, the home of the Mets, replacing Shea Stadium. Nearby is Arthur Ashe Stadium where the US Open is held each year. On any weekend young men from all around the world come to play soccer on the new turf fields. Others come to stroll along the Flushing Bay promenade or to enjoy the sounds of a summer concert The park is also the home of Queens Theatre in the Park, the New York Hall of Science, the Queens Museum of Art. And each year hundred come to the park to watch the Dragon Boat Races. The park is always changing and is as diverse and exciting as the community it serves. For more information, go to http://www.nycgovparks. org.

Flushing Savings Bank Multiple locations Like the communities it serves, Flushing Savings Bank is an institution with a rich history and a bright future. For over 80 years, Flushing Bank has helped families, business owners and communities grow and prosper. That tradition continues today with their community-based approach to banking Continued on page 20

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Healthfirst is proud to have been selected as one of the

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Congratulations to our participating hospitals that have also achieved this distinction: Creedmoor State Hospital Elmhurst Hospital Center Flushing Hospital Medical Center Holliswood Care Center Jamaica Hospital Medical Center The Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens

New York Foundling Hospital The New York Hospital Medical Center of Queens Peninsula Hospital Center Queens Hospital Center St. John’s Episcopal Hospital – South Shore Wyckoff Heights Medical Center

Together, we will continue to provide access to vital healthcare services for the Queens communities we serve

1-866-463-6743 | healthfirstny.org

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relationships. The Bank offers a full complement of deposit, loan, and cash management services through its 16 banking offices located in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Nassau County. The Bank also operates an online banking division, iGObanking.com®. To find the Flushing Savings bank location nearest you, go to flushingbank.com.

Flushing Town Hall 137-35 Northern Blvd. Flushing, New York 11354 (718) 463-7700 You don’t have to take the train to Manhattan to experience some of the best cultural performances the city has to offer. Right at your doorstep, Flushing Town Hall offers magical performances of jazz, world and classical music, puppetry theatre, dance, visual arts, school programs, and interactive workshops. The varied forms of artistic and cultural expression are as diverse as the people that pass through its doors. In this time of economic upheaval, the Town Hall has faced serious budget cuts that have required many difficult decisions. But, in tough times the arts become even more important. Town Hall has traditionally been the place where people of all ages and walks of life come to renew themselves, to laugh, to cry, to heal and to discover. For their sake Town Hall is determined to move forward.

Forest Hills Hospital

102-01 66th Road, Forest Hills, NY 11375, (718) 830-4000 The mission of Forest Hills Hospital is to provide the highest quality and most compassionate healthcare in the county. Forest Hills Hospital, a proud member of the North Shore-LIJ Health system, is a 222-bed community hospital located in an ethnically diverse residential neighborhood in northern Queens. The hospital is determined to act with sensitivity and respect for the cultural needs of its

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patients and their families. Their emergency department, a certified heart station, designated stroke center, and 911 receiving site, treats over 25,000 patients a year. The House Calls Program delivers nonemergent medical care to the community’s frail, homebound elderly. The Women’s New Life Center features LaborDelivery-Recovery suites for new moms and their families, and the Adult Primary Care Center offers high-quality, affordable, outpatient healthcare. Forest Hills Hospital is on the cutting edge of medical technology and a leader when it comes to patient care.

Frank Sinatra School of the Arts

35-12 35th Avenue Astoria, New York, 11106 In September 2001, Frank Sinatra School of the Arts opened its doors. This high school offers a specialized program in the arts, as well as, a competitive academic curriculum. There are approximately 800 students selected from 8th & 9th graders who are residents of New York City. The state of the art facility, includes the 800-seat Tony Bennett Concert Hall, Black Box Theatres, dance studios, art studios, vocal and instrumental studios, with recording and practice rooms, as well as, a film studio with editing suites. This site offers students an opportunity to study a sequential competitive arts curriculum in one of six majors. The school was founded by world-renowned entertainer, Tony Bennett, to honor his late friend and colleague, Frank Sinatra.

Free Synagogue of Flushing

41-60 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY (718) 961-0030 This is a House of Prayer for All People. The Free Synagogue of Flushing stands proudly in the midst of one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in the world, an enduring center of Jewish culture. Founded in 1917, it is the oldest Reform Synagogue in Queens. True to the ideals of its founders, FSF is an allinclusive, vibrant, community dedicated to equality, freedom, social action and commitment to Torah. Guests are invited to join in worship in the historic sanctuary surrounded by the 2011

beauty of stained glass windows. They will be welcomed by an open congregation. And they will be guided by the wisdom of Rabbi Michael Weisser, whose knowledge of Judaism, commitment to tolerance and ability to build bridges of understanding, is recognized worldwide. They will be inspired by the operatic voice of Cantor Steven Pearlston, accompanied by a choir and pipe organ, as he chants both traditional and modern liturgical music. You are invited to join in the holiday celebrations and take part in the many educational, cultural and social events the Free Synagogue of Flushing has to offer.

FreshDirect

2330 Borden Ave. Long Island City, NY 11101, (718) 433-0982 If you like fighting for a parking space, squeezing your grocery cart through crowded aisles and waiting in line while the cashier finishes sending a text message, then the Fresh Direct experience may not be for you. For everyone else online grocery shopping is sure to be a godsend. Online shoppers use FreshDirect’s Smart

Shopping Tools to save time and money. The Quickshop feature allows shoppers to select from their favorites and previous orders. With the Budget Tracker you control exactly what you’re spending before you spend it. In addition you can choose from over 85 chefcreated 4-minute meals, all freshly made each day in our kitchen from recipes from the top chefs of Manhattan’s finest restaurants. With competitive prices and extraordinary service this is grocery shopping designed for the 21st century.

Garden World

Francis Lewis Blvd. & 46th Ave Flushing, NY 11358 email: info@igardenworld.com (718) 224-6789 Gardening is fun! Or at least it can be. And if you don’t believe that, Garden World is ready to help you discover the joy of gardening. For more than 50 years Garden World has been providing quality products to the local community. They are constantly sharing their gardening experience and excitement with their customers to ensure they too have a good experience with

the products they purchase. The staff at Garden World enjoys helping their customers grow beautiful gardens and lawns year after year. Garden World is a family-run business that is very involved in the communities it serves.

Gateway National Park

One of the city’s under-appreciated treasures is just a few minutes drive from any point in Queens. Stretching through New Jersey, Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens, and covering 26,707 acres, the Gateway National Recreation Area offers recreational opportunities rarely found in a dense urban environment. This includes ocean swimming, bird watching, boating, hiking, bike riding, camping and much more. The Jamaica Bay Unit includes several dozen islands in Jamaica Bay and a tidal estuary. Gateway offers some of the city’s most pristine and secluded ocean beaches, a maritime forest, a coastal dune system, and a freshwater pond. And Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a prime location for bird watching. Its 9,155 acres include islands with salt marsh,

dunes, brackish ponds, woodland, and fields.

GDC Acquisitions LLC

47-07 32nd Place, Long Island City, NY 11101-2409 Turn on the lights! From its headquarters in Long Island City, GDC Acquisitions is one the nation’s largest distributors of Wholesale Electric Equipment and Supplies. Its subsidiary, JDC Lighting, LLC, is a major distributor of lighting fixtures and accessories in the New York Metro area. JDC offers superior accuracy in estimating and industry leading project management. JDC has the advantage of maintaining longstanding relationships with manufacturers and contractors. JDC has been a part of the construction of the new Jet Blue Terminal, Bloomberg Tower and the Sony Music Building, just to name a few. Another GDC subdivision, Unalite Electric & Lighting, is one of the top electrical contractors in New York. GDC has been meeting the electrical maintenance needs and performing property management services, for a prestigious list of clients for

It’s Our Mission. Continued on page 22

Quality Health Coverage Child Health Plus with Fidelis Care

• Free or low-cost health insurance coverage for children up to age 19 in New York State. • Checkups with your child’s doctor • Immunizations (shots) • Hospital and emergency care • Prescription drug coverage • Dental and vision care • Speech and hearing services • More than 43,000 quality providers

Child Health Plus is a New York State-sponsored health insurance program offered by Fidelis Care.

Proof of age, income, and address necessary to enroll. Some children who had employer-based health insurance coverage within the past six months may be subject to a waiting period before they can enroll in Child Health Plus. This will depend on your household income and the reason your children lost employer-based coverage.

To find out if you are eligible for one of our government-sponsored health insurance programs, call Fidelis Care at:

1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) (TTY: 1-800-421-1220)

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fideliscare.org

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1-866-435-9521

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many years

Glaceau smartwater

Photo: Marine Corps

The warning is right on its smartwater bottles: Side effects may include being called nerd, dork, geek, dweeb … may induce sudden and inexplicable aversion to all less intelligent forms of water …” Glaceau could bore you with lots of technical reasons why its smartwater is the “purest form of water you can drink.” They could tell you how the minerals including calcium, magnesium and potassium work to promote rapid hydration and how the electrolytes in smartwater will quench your thirst and energize you better than any water you have ever tasted. But at Glaceau, founded by a guy from Queens, knows, like everyone else, you’ll find that out the first time you try their product.

Gothic Cabinet Craft What’s the difference between the real wood bookshelves and furniture sold at Gothic Cabinet and the laminated stuff that’s sold at hardware stores and discount furniture stores? They both look good. Today. But only real wood put together by craftsmen who take pride in their work will stand the test of time. Gothic Craft sells cabinets, desks, book shelves that you can buy finished or unfinished, bedroom and dining room furniture at prices that will truly surprise you. Buy from Gothic today and years from now you’ll still be thanking them.

Grace Industries 15121 6th Road, Corona, NY11357, (718) 767-9000 There is no such thing as luck. The success of Grace Industries is the result of years of hard work and dedication. Grace Industries Inc. has been in existence for over five decades, serving the New York Metropolitan areas as one of the largest heavy construction companies in the region. They are proud to have worked on some of the most highly trafficked roadways in

New York State, including the West Side Highway, Clearview Expressway, Triborough Bridge, George Washington Bridge, Grand Central Parkway and the Long Island Expressway just to name a few. At Grace Industries, the company has seen how far dedication can take a business. It’s the force that drives its employees, job after job, year after year. It pushes them forward every day. No one said winning would be easy; the best just make it look that way.

Harpell’s Pharmacy 12-65 150th Street, Whitestone, NY 11357, (718) 767-7868 At Harpell’s Pharmacy they’ve been taking on the big guys for years. They’re pretty sure that once you fill a prescription here you won’t be returning to the giant chain stores. At Harpell’s they’re big enough to have the important medicine that your family needs and small enough to deliver the kind of service you expect from a neighborhood store.

Healthfirst 9320 Roosevelt Ave, Flushing, NY (718) 396-0637 And multiple other locations Your family may be going through difficult times but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for second-rate healthcare.

Established in 1993 Healthfirst offers its 500,000 clients a network of more than 20,000 providers with access to nationally recognized hospitals and medical centers. In this short period of time Healthfirst has become one of the area’s fastest growing health plans. Healthfirst offers free or affordable health insurance plans to eligible adults, children, families and seniors living in New York State. It has partnered with providers in the communities it serves and makes an effort to reinvest in member hospitals. The end result is that your family gets healthcare that is second to none at a price you can afford. see feature story on page 25

Hillside Honda 139-07 Hillside Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11435, Sales: 800.330.9904 Looking for a great deal on a Honda? Hillside Honda will find a Honda to fit your budget. At Hillside, they put their customers first by offering them great pricing and excellent customer service. Hillside is a fullservice dealership conveniently located in Jamaica, Queens. They are committed to providing New York drivers with exceptional service and a wide selection of Honda vehicles.

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Hindu Temple Society of North America

14307 Holly Avenue Flushing, NY 11355-2242 (718) 939-2857 As one of the most international communities on the planet, Queens is home to houses of worship for every major religion in the world. In Flushing you’re invited to visit the Ganesa Temple, one of the most impressive and historically important Hindu temples in the West. This was the first Hindu Temple in North America composed of largely imported materials, and constructed by artisans from India. New York City was the gateway for nearly all Indian immigrants coming to America and there is a large concentration of Hindus in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The Hindu Temple Society of North America today has over twenty thousand devotees who benefit from the religious and cultural activities of the Temple.

Holliswood Care Center 195 44 Woodhull Avenue Hollis, New York 11423 (718) 740-3500 Be careful. Holliswood Care Center could forever change Continued on page 24

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Photo: JayGorman

the way you think about nursing homes. Walk through the doors at Holliswood and the first thing that you’ll notice is that people are enjoying each other’s company. The staff and residents are smiling talking, listening and building friendships. The goal at Holliswood is to provide superior quality long-term, short-term and outpatient care made possible by the kind of warmth and nurturing you would expect from a leader in its field. Holliswood Care Center is proud to be rated at the top of the list among skilled nursing and rehabilitative facilities nationwide.

House of Spices (718) 507-4900 It all started in 1970 with a complaint from the founder’s wife, Sobhana. She was frustrated that she couldn’t get all the ingredients she needed for delicious Indian cooking. It was then that Kumar and his brother G.L. realized that the demand for Indian groceries was growing in New York City. They moved into what today is the House of Spices headquarters and began producing the Laxmi brand products. To this day, their motto is “Made pure, made fresh, made here!” The bothers taste and test new products again and again until they are satisfied. Then, they pass them on to the whole HOS team for a second opinion. But Sobhana gets the final say – mom always knows best. Today, House of Spices is helping the nation from coast to coast enjoy authentic Indian food.

Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) 153-10 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica (718) 658-7400 Each year 28,000 Queens residents awaken their inner artist thanks to the varied programs offered by the Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL). Since the day it opened, JCAL has served as a vital resource for discovery, creativity and self-expression. The center uses art as a vehicle to enrich the lives of the people who pass

through its doors — women and men, children and senior citizens, accomplished artists and aspiring beginners. JCAL is a non-profit organization that offers visual, performing and literary arts, arts education and artist programs to encourage participation in the arts and to contribute to the cultural enrichment of Queens.

Jamaica Colosseum Mall 89-102 165th Street, Jamaica, Avenue Built in an area that was once riddled with abandoned and burned-out buildings, the Jamaica Colosseum Mall has helped to revive one the borough’s busiest shopping districts. The Colosseum Mall was founded in 1984 in the heart of Jamaica. It was named after the Roman Colosseum where merchants once competed to sell their goods. The modern Colosseum has over 120 jewelers and merchants under one roof competing for your business. What began as an indoor flea market has become a bustling retail center with enough jewelry stores to earn the right to be called “The Largest Jewelry Exchange in Queens.” The mall has attracted some of the world’s most famous rap artists including LL Cool J, Run DMC, Jay Z and Fifty Cent. Don’t worry about parking. Shoppers can take advantage of a convenient parking lot on the roof of the mall.

Jamaica Hospital 8900 Van Wyck Expressway Jamaica, NY 11418 (718) 2016-6000 From its humble beginnings in 1891 in a four-bedroom home, Jamaica Hospital and Medical Center has gone on to become

one of the most important medical facilities in all of Queens. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s growth has been remarkable. Today Jamaica Hospital is a 387-bed, fully accredited community teaching hospital with a large network of community-based ambulatory care centers. JHMC offers a full array of acute inpatient, rehabilitation and mental health services, the largest voluntary hospital ambulance fleet serving the city’s 911 system, and a Level I trauma center. JHMC has brought high quality, accessible services to the underserved residents of southeast Queens. Jamaica Hospital’s services fill a void for the people in the community, many of whom speak limited or no English, are underinsured or have no health insurance. The hospital offers the latest technology but the real key to its success is its physicians, nurses and other clinical staff who serve the needs of the population on a daily basis with experience, skill and compassion.

JetBlue 1-800-Jetblue They won again. For the seventh time JetBlue Airways, headquartered in Forest Hills, was awarded highest honors in airline customer satisfaction among low-cost carriers by J.D. Power and Associates 2011 North America Airline Satisfaction Study. That’s because they’re devoted to becoming the Americas’ Favorite Airline by bringing humanity back to air travel. At JetBlue “13,000 crewmembers set out to deliver an unforgettable experience for every customer, on every flight, with professionalism and passion that make our company stand

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out above the rest.” JetBlue looks forward to building on its success to achieve even greater service next year.

JFK Airport At 90 years old, JFK Airport is a city within a city. Built on more than 880 acres JFK’s terminals, parking lots, hotels, stores and restaurants operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Last year the airport handled 46,514,154 passengers, making it the 18th busiest airport in the world in terms of passenger traffic. More than 90 airlines operate out of JFK. It is the base of operations for JetBlue Airways and is a major international gateway hub for American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. The Port Authority, which runs JFK, takes its role as a community leader very seriously. This includes everything from investing in the infrastructure that keeps the region moving to investing in the people that make it all possible. It works closely with communities and elected officials throughout the region on a variety of community-based initiatives. They live here too and they do all they can to make a difference whenever they can.

Judlau Construction 26-15 Ulmer ST. College Point, NY 11354, (718) 554-2320 For more than 25 years, Judlau Contracting in College Point has been a leader in the heavy construction industry specializing in capital improvement and public works projects. The work runs the gamut from highways to subways, tunnels to subsurface utilities, roadways to bridges, electrical and signal work to environmental remediation projects. The Continued on page 26

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Healthfirst: Bringing Healthcare to the Underserved

ne of the biggest challenges facing New York today is making certain that everyone from young children to the elderly has access to quality healthcare. Healthfirst has played a major role in making certain that need is met. Healthfirst was established as a not-for-profit managed care organization in 1993 and is owned by 19 of New York’s most prominent and nationally recognized medical centers and hospitals. Healthfirst provides high-quality healthcare coverage to eligible individuals and families living in New York and New Jersey through a variety of government-sponsored health insurance programs, including New York State’s Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, Medicaid, and Medicare. Healthfirst has more than 107,000 Queens-based members who are served through its various healthcare plans. Its network includes more than 4,000 providers in and around Queens, and more than 25,000 providers citywide—including primary care providers and specialists—who work hard to keep its members healthy. Healthfirst members can select their own doctors, and are encouraged to select doctors within the extensive Healthfirst network to ensure they have the lowest co-pays and deductibles possible for the services they receive. George Hulse, Healthfirst’s Vice President of External Affairs, said, “Healthfirst is an organization that stands out from other health insurance groups because of our strong ties to the communities we serve.” That is due in part to the program’s hospital-sponsored model. “But another major part,” he said, “is our involve-

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“Healthfirst staff members who work at the community office at 93-14 Roosevelt Ave. in Jackson Heights are available to answer questions about Healthfirst’s services and plans, and will always put your health first.” ment with local groups and leaders Last year, Healthfirst participated in more than 550 community-related events in

Queens. Citywide, Healthfirst takes part in more than 3,000 events annually in support of the communities we serve.

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These events help people understand what Healthfirst has to offer and help us to better understand the community’s needs.” In May, Healthfirst hosted a Cinco de Mayo Street Fair at Elmhurst Hospital to celebrate Mexican culture and the great contributions of Mexican Americans, as well as provide healthy living information. Hulse is particularly proud of his organization’s outreach to the South Asian community of Queens. “In late May, Healthfirst and Queens Hospital Center launched a co-sponsored South Asian Community Program, which consists of a series of health and social service initiatives that are geared towards promoting health awareness among South Asian families. The first event of the program was a healthcare forum, which addressed the issues of health disparities and chronic illnesses that are prevalent among Asian Americans.” According to Hulse,“the future of Healthfirst looks very bright.” Total membership passed 600,000 earlier this year, and Hulse expects enrollments to grow as more people qualify for government-sponsored healthcare. “One certainty is that Queens will continue to be a very important community to Healthfirst. In the future, we will continue to build strong relationships and provider partnerships throughout Queens and the surrounding areas.”. “Healthfirst is dedicated to helping our members get the healthcare services they need,” said Hulse, “and we will always put their health first.” Healthfirst 93-14 Roosevelt Ave. in Jackson Heights

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Karlin Decorators 17-18 154th Street, Whitestone, NY 11357 (718) 445-9393 Serving Queens, and the surrounding New York City areas, for over Forty Years, Karlin Decorators is your one-stop source for all your interior design and home décor needs, including custom window shades, shutters, draperies, curtains and more. At Karlin Decorators, the staff is committed to bringing customers the best value possible in window treatments. They bring the highest quality craftsmanship and décor skills and their customers deserve nothing less.

Kaufman Astoria Studios At Kaufman Astoria Studios their job is making it easy for you to do yours. Since the studio’s rebirth in 1980, Kaufman has established itself as one of the largest and most sophisticated film and television production centers on the east coast. As a full-service, turnkey facility, it is equipped to handle every conceivable size, style and type of production whether it be for film, video, commercials, music, sound, or studio photography. KAS is the center of a bustling creative environment where shooting, pre-production, and post-production take place around the clock. It offers producers, di-

Photo: Gary Soup

Judlau employees live and work in this city and they appreciate its uniqueness, grandeur, and what it takes to keep it moving, connected, lighted and continually revitalized. The employees are united by a commitment to be the best in the industry. In a project currently underway, Judlau is building a tunnel under the East River for the MTA. The East Side Access project will connect the LIRR’s Main and Port Washington Lines in Queens into a new LIRR terminal beneath Grand Central Terminal. The new connection will increase the LIRR’s capacity into Manhattan and significantly reduce commute times for tens of thousands of daily passengers.

rectors and other industry professionals over 500,000 square feet of office and service space, long or short term, for budgets large and small. Call Kaufman Studios at 718-392-5600 to inquire about stage, studio and office space availability.

including the other boroughs. Keil Brothers carries the finest available garden supplies, nursery stock, annuals and perennials, fertilizers, soils and mulches and holiday plants. They serve both homeowners and commercial accounts.

Keil Brothers

Kew Motor Inn

210-11 48th Avenue Bayside, NY, (718) 229-5042 Keil Bros. Inc. was born in tough times at the end of the Depression as a humble flower shop serving the people of Bayside. It’s grown into a wellrespected, full-service garden center with an extensive nursery stock, trees and shrubs, as well as expanding the garden supply product line. In addition to serving to homeowners they service prestigious commercial accounts, including the USTA. But they haven’t forgotten what got them here. Keil Brothers has become known for its efficiency and premium services, as well as its dedication to leaving customers satisfied with excellent products and exceptional customer service. Keil Brothers takes a great deal of pride in customer satisfaction when it comes to landscape design and work. They now serve not only their Bayside Hills neighbors, but also customers from nearby communities,

139-01 Grand Central Parkway Kew Gardens Hills This is not your grandfather’s motel. Since it opened Kew Motor Inn has offered guests an experience unlike any other hotel / motel in the city. The couples-friendly hotel has 69 spacious and, in some cases, exotic rooms. Many of these rooms have special themes and designs such as the Arabian Nights, Cupid, Waterfall and Safari rooms. The Inn, conveniently located on Grand Central Parkway, offers reasonable rates, including short-stay rates. Rooms are available 24 hours a day.

Key Food We could tell you how good the Key Food supermarkets in Queens are, but then we thought why not let a happy patron do it for us: “Key Food is a breath of fresh air compared to the cramped establishments that I have had to endure. There

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is a wide variety of products at this store and the staff are really nice. The store is clean, well-stocked, and not crowded at the times I shop.” Come find out for yourself just how right this customer is.

King Manor Museum Take a step back in time. The King Manor Museum provides a window into life in Southeast Queens in the 19th century. Founded in 1900, through its interpretive programs, King Manor helps visitors to better understand the role of Rufus King and his sons who became leaders in the early anti-slavery movement. The museum explores the ramifications of their choice to hire free workers rather than practice slavery. The goal of this museum, located in King Park in the heart of Jamaica, is to make history come alive for the hundreds of school children and adults who visit each year. In addition, the museum is designed to foster a deeper appreciation of history as an on-going process. Guided tours of King Manor Museum are offered February – December.

KISKA Construction Corp-USA 1034 44th Drive FL 2 Long Island City, NY 11101 2011

Queens County New York Dig they must. KiSKA Construction Corp-USA is proud to have played a part in the development of New York City. The company played a major role in the $4 billion expansion of the city’s water system with the timely construction of two 650-foot deep access shafts. Like much of KiSKAUSA’s work, construction of these shafts was undertaken in a dense urban setting where the solution to complex logistical and regulatory requirements was the key to the project’s ultimate success. The company’s diverse areas of experience and expertise range from infrastructure to high-rise construction. KiSKA-USA’s greatest strength is its ability to minimize cost through cost-effective engineering and efficient management. KiSKA-USA is a subsidiary of KiSKA Construction Corporation, an international company based in Ankara, Turkey.

Koeppel Nissan If you’re looking for a dealership with a great history and solid reputation, you need look no further. Koeppel Nissan is one of the most trusted Nissan dealerships in the Metropolitan area. At Koeppel Nissan, they have worked hard to provide you with a comfortable environment in which to choose your next car. From its accommodating showroom to its easy-to-navigate website, Koeppel is always available to help visitors find exactly what they need. Their repeat customers have come to know that at Koeppel Auto Group, “Customer Satisfaction is Standard Equipment.” Koeppel Nissan understands that not everyone is shopping for a new car. Their selection of used cars is one of the most thorough in the area. At Koppel they care about your happiness and work very hard to make certain that you’ll return to the dealership time and again. Call them at 866-466-4772.

Krinos Foods 4700 Northern Boulevard Long Island City, NY 11101-1017 Opa! For decades Krinos Foods, Inc. has been leading the way in bringing a taste of the old country to tables in North America. Today Krinos is the largest importer, distributor and manufacturer of Greek specialty foods with plants in Queens, 2011

Chicago, Montreal and Toronto. Krinos imports and manufactures over 500 frozen, refrigerated and dry foods including cheeses, olives, olive oil, pasta, beans, peppers, yogurt, condiments, and confectionery. In addition, they import a variety of beverages including coffees, teas, juices, sodas, and nectars as well as beer and wine. All Krinos products are prepared in state-of-the-art facilities using highly automated techniques. Krinos is committed to maintaining the authenticity and homemade quality of the foods it sells. Select items are still made by hand according to ageless culinary traditions. The goal in all they do at Krinos is to bring the finest Mediterranean products into your home.

Kupferberg Center for the Arts Queens College has always been committed to the performing arts. But in 2006 that commitment got a jump start with the opening of The Selma and Max Kupferberg Center for the Visual and Performing Arts. The center provides a mechanism that enables the college’s seven arts units to work together on projects and events that in turn increase their visibility. Kupferberg Center for the Arts stands as a symbol of the college’s superior, multicultural arts programs and facilities. The hope is that its student audiences will become lifelong lovers of the arts. Queens College is grateful to alumnus Max Kupferberg (class of ’42) and his wife, Selma, for their generous gift in support of the arts at Queens College. The college also thanks New York Community Bank for funding its projects and initiatives. To find out about opportunities and benefits of volunteering at Kupferberg Center for the Arts, call 718-544-2996 or email pprice@kupferbergcenter.org.

LaGuardia Community College 31-10 Thomson Avenue Long Island City, N.Y. 11101 (718) 482-7200 LaGuardia is “The World’s Community College.” Students come to LaGuardia Community College from, at last count, at least 160 countries. The goal of this college is to educate leaders for a global workforce and a global citizenry. Every college has something special

to brag about. At LaGuardia Community College, it’s the quality of its faculty and staff, and the diversity of its students. LaGuardia Community College is the doorway through which students pass on their way to a life of achievement. Whether students use their research experience in National Science Foundation labs to become scientists, their co-op internship in accounting to secure a great job while they complete their CPA, their musical experience to compose great jazz, or their work with a local high tech industry to become an entrepreneur, LaGuardia graduates are well prepared to face the challenges of a complex world. LaGuardia is proud to be part of the City of New York (CUNY) system and they invite you to visit their campus to see what the college has to offer you.

LaGuardia Airport Although it’s often overshadowed by the larger JFK, LaGuardia Airport remains one of the most important airports in the world. LaGuardia Airport is one of the busiest in the nation, handling more than 23 million passengers in 2008. In 1937, New York City took over the airport and enlarged the grounds with the purchase of adjoining land and by filling in 357 acres of waterfront along the east side. In 1939, it re-opened with a new name, New York Municipal Airport-LaGuardia Field. The airport was leased to the Port Authority in 1947. The Port Authority takes LaGuardia’s role as community leader seriously. This includes everything from investing in the infrastructure that keeps the region moving to investing in the people and places that make it all work.

Lees Toyota Lees Toyota has been proudly serving the people of Queens from College Point to Howard Beach for over 45 years. They offer the largest indoor display of new and certified used vehicles. And parking at the dealership is easy. If you were smart enough to buy a Toyota, you’re in a great position. Right now Toyota owners get preferential treatment on a huge selection of fuel-efficient Toyotas. Trade in your Toyota today for a new one and you’ll be surprised at how much your old car is worth. Lees Toyota has helped thousands of people re-

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pair their credit. So, whether you have good credit, bad credit or no credit, its finance team can help.

LeFrak Organization (800) 796-9377 It’s safe to say that no developer has had a more profound impact on New York City than the LeFrak Organization. Founded in 1901, The LeFrak Organization is recognized as one of the world’s leading building firms. In the 1960’s affiliates of The LeFrak Organization undertook one of their largest challenges when they developed and built LeFrak City, a community of 5,000 apartments on 42 acres adjacent to Forest Hills, Queens. In the early 1980’s, affiliates of the Organization were also the initial developers of the 92-acre Battery Park City in Manhattan, constructing the first 1,700 luxury apartments, known as Gateway. The LeFrak Organization is currently involved in developing and building Newport, the largest waterfront community in the United States. Newport is situated on four hundred acres of land facing Manhattan. Le Frak’s success in the New York area has been duplicated in cities around the world. Founder Harry LeFrak would be proud.

Lemon Ice King of Corona 52-02 108th Street), Corona, NY When you got it right, why change? For more than 60 years Lemon Ice King of Corona has been recognized as the standard for Italian ices. The Ice King has received an award of distinction from Zagat and has been featured in numerous magazines as a must place to visit. The Benfaremo family has made making Italian ices into an art form. They squeeze cases of lemons and oranges to get the true taste and all our flavors have real fruit pieces in them from blueberry to watermelon. Nothing fancy, just the best flavored ice served in a paper cup. In the words of one reviewer, the Lemon Ice King is “One of the tastiest ways to beat the heat and humidity of an NYC summer.” Come see for yourself.

Lenny’s Clam Bar 161-03 Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach, (718) 845.5100 For more than three decades Lenny’s Clam Bar and Restaurant in Howard Beach Continued on page 28

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has been the place to go for fresh seafood, BBQ and Italian specialties that are, in the words of one loyal customer, “as good as nana’s.” Lenny’s has become a Queens landmark with outside seating and views of the water in summer months and comfortable indoor seating and lounge year round. The restaurant is and always has been a family-owned business. Manager Joe Jr. is committed to carrying on the tradition of hard work, great food, good service and personal attention set by his father who came over from Italy in 1956. And don’t forget, when you visit remember to “ask for Joe and get a free glass of wine on the house.”

Leo’s Latticini (Mama’s) 46-02 104th St. (46th Ave.) Corona, NY 11368 (718) 8986069

Mama is no longer here but the restaurant that bears her name still makes the best sandwiches in the city. Leo’s Latticini, or Mama’s as it is affectionately known, is the place to go for Italian specialties and a full load of charm! The daily Mama’s specials (turkey, pork , meatball etc.) make for a full house during lunch hours. There are no seats but you can eat on Mama’s patio or take your lunch to the nearby Bocci court. Leo’s Latticini is a Corona institution and a Queens landmark that harkens back to the Italian heritage of the neighborhood. Stop by to enjoy the old world charm, ambiance, and, of course, the delicious sandwiches.

Levine Builders 4209 235th Street, Douglaston, NY 11363, (718) 224-7147 In 1979 they were just two people with big dreams. Today Levine Builders of Douglaston has evolved into full-service construction company with 200 employees. Over the three decades it has built, renovated and rehabilitated thousands of residential units and millions of square feet of commercial

space, including hotels, office buildings, retail centers, religious, educational and healthcare facilities. Its projects range from luxury high-rise residential housing and hotels to affordable housing, assisted living facilities, as well as retail, mixed-use developments. Past projects included the largest development built in Harlem in the last 20 years, and the restoration of an architectural landmark on 90 West Street. Today, Levine Builders, and its affiliates, Douglaston Development and Clinton Management, are going strong.

LIRR It’s easy to take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) for granted until a track closing or train breakdown traps commuters in the crowded hallways of Penn Station or the platforms of Jamaica Station for hours. It’s only then that riders become aware of the riders who use this service every day. Truth is: the LIRR is a remarkable achievement. Each year 83 million ride the train from Long Island to Manhattan and back. Each weekday, more than 303,000 customers ride the LIRR. The

LIRR was first created in 1834, more than 175 years ago. It is the oldest US railroad still operating under its original name and charter. The LIRR is the only commuter passenger railroad in the United States to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Louis Armstrong House Museum 34-56 107th Street, Corona, NY 11368, (718) 478-8274 Turn off MTV Cribs and come see the home of a music legend right here in Queens. Louis Armstrong’s house is one of Corona’s hidden treasures. And if the kids don’t know who the great “Satchmo” was, that’s even more reason why the whole family should visit. Armstrong – the world’s most famous jazz musician – was an international celebrity who could have lived anywhere. And yet in 1943 he and his wife Lucille settled in a modest house in Corona where they remained until they died. Through the years, Armstrong entertained millions including heads of state and royalty. But despite his fame, he remained

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M.Z. Berger & Co. 2976 Northern Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101, (718) 729-0170 Queens residents might be surprised to learn that the designer and manufacturer of some of the world’s finest watches, clocks and jewelry has been operating in their back yard for more than 50 years. M.Z. Berger & Co. is a design, marketing and distribution company that specializes in products created with fashion and value in mind. The company has an extensive line of clocks, watches, jewelry and personal care products. With over 60 years of experiencing operating in the United States, MZB has more than 700 employees and has corporate offices in New York, Hong Kong, China

and Canada. This family-owned business has become one of the leading accessory companies in the world and their reputation for quality and commitment has steadily grown.

Major World 43-40 Northern Boulevard Long Island City, New York 1110, (718) 937-3700 www.majorautomotive.com Why look anywhere else? Major World offers a showcase of more than 3,000 cars. Its parent, the Major Automotive Companies, Inc. is a leading consolidator of automobile dealerships in the New York City metropolitan area. Major Automotive sells new cars onsite and online through a number of retail franchises, including Major Chevrolet; Major Dodge; and Major Chrysler, Plymouth, Jeep Eagle. These franchises are located on Northern Boulevard in Long Island City; Hempstead, Long Island; and Orange, New Jersey. Major also sells used cars and provides parts and services from our Long Island City locations. It also leases cars and trucks and offers financing through third parties

a humble man enjoying the working-class neighborhood. To this day just the mention of his name makes people smile. The Louis Armstrong House Museum is open to the public, offering guided tours of his longtime home. On the tour, audio clips from homemade recordings are played, and Armstrong practicing his trumpet or talking with his friends.

and distributes new General Motors vehicles to countries around the world. Major Auto knows there are many Chevrolet, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Kia dealers that you can choose from. They thank you in advance for choosing them.

Marathon National Bank Since it was founded in 1989 quality customer service has been the standard at Marathon National Bank of New York has. Whether you’re a small business owner or are there to do personal banking, the staff is dedicated to meeting your every banking need. For more than two decades, this full-service commercial bank has provided creative financial solutions and unparalleled personal service to its customers. With a successful network of branches, Marathon Bank is looking forward to additional expansion.

of the most difficult choices a family ever has to make. At the Margaret Tietz Nursing & Rehabilitation Center they welcome you or your loved one with open arms and a warm embrace. Since the doors opened in 1971, The Tietz Center has followed a tradition of caring for the medical, emotional, physical and spiritual needs of its residents, and also the special concerns of their caregivers and loved ones. As the premiere facility of its kind, its services have expanded through the years to better serve the community and include short-term care, long-term care, hospice/palliative care and adult day health care. It offers innovative programs such as its groundbreaking alternative holistic services. In the Nursing and Rehabilitation Center’s ShortTerm Rehabilitation Program a modernized gym helps patients achieve their maximum functional capacity and get back to their homes and their community in the shortest time possible. To achieve this goal, patients receive physical, occupational and speech therapy from

Cross County Federal Savings Bank Margaret Tietz 164-11 Chapin Parkway Jamaica, NY 11432, (718) 2987800 The decision to put a loved one in a nursing home can be one

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Providing the communities we serve with innovative banking solutions with a traditional touch.

Free Online Banking Free Online Bill Pay Coin Machine 24/7 ATMs

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Passbook Savings Mortgage Loans Holiday Club Checking

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Now a proud member of the Van Nest community 791 Morris Park Avenue • Bronx, NY 10462 • 718.828.5600 Queens 200

MEMBER

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compassionate, highly skilled therapists.

There are a lot of places in Queens where you can put your money. Doesn’t it make sense to choose an institution that over the years has demonstrated a commitment to its customers and the community they live in? Maspeth Federal Savings is proud of a philosophy that emphasizes personalized banking and a strong community ties. Whether the tellers are dealing with a business owner or a customer doing personal banking, their dedication to timely and personal customer service has contributed to Maspeth Federal’s success and profitability. For more than 40 years, Maspeth Federal has been holding free summer concerts. The concerts and a 5-Mile Fun Run are long-standing events designed to bring the townspeople together.

Melrose Credit Union In tough times like these it’s natural that people are looking for financial institutions that can deliver the biggest bang for their bucks. Since it opened in 1922 the Melrose Credit Union has offered the same products as the banks, including savings and checking accounts, ATMs and online banking, mortgages and college loans at equal or better rates. It can do this because, as a credit union, it is owned and controlled by its members, not profit-driven shareholders. Melrose invites you to stop in to learn what joining a credit union can do for you and your family. 13930 Queens Blvd Briarwood (718) 658-9800

Mt. Hebron Cemetery 130-04 Horace Harding Expressway, Flushing, NY 11367, (718) 939-9405 Mount Hebron Cemetery has served the Jewish community of New York City ever since its first burial on April 14, 1909. Since then, over 217,000 burials have taken place. At the turn of the 20th century, immigration from Europe and Russia to the

Photo: Jay Gorm

Maspeth Federal Savings

United States was at an all-time high. It was not uncommon for an apartment building in New York City to house only immigrants from a particular town or village from the old country. As part of the dynamic of the building, a social structure emerged in the form of a society or a synagogue. The society provided for the social life of the inhabitants of the building, and in some cases provided burial benefits. The societies would purchase large tracts of land at local cemeteries for burials of its deceased members. During its early years, Mount Hebron sold roughly 80 percent of its land to the local Jewish societies. Each society usually commemorated the organization in some manner, such as granite gates at the entrance to the society’s burial grounds.

Mt. Lebanon Cemetery 7800 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385, (718) 821-0200 info@mountlebanoncemetery. com For nearly 100 years Mount Lebanon Cemetery in Glendale has been serving the Jewish communities of Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Long Island. The first burial took place on May 11, 1915. Today the cemetery has over 88,000 interments. Mt. Lebanon offers single and companion gravesites as well as family plots on beautifully landscaped grounds. In recent years Mt. Lebanon has responded to the growing demand for above-ground burial with three community mauso-

leums and there are plans to expand.

Mt. Sinai Hospital of Queens By definition, community hospitals can’t be everything to everybody. But, at Mt. Sinai they try to be what their neighbors need most. For instance, they know you turn to Mt. Sinai in an emergency. In response, they have updated the Emergency Department to offer a space that is more comfortable and more efficient, with upto-date equipment and staffed by the very best professionals. Mt. Sinai is proud to serve the culturally and ethnically diverse population of Western Queens. Its physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals are dedicated, caring and expert at the art of healing. They are committed to continuing this role, meeting your needs of primary, preventive, emergency, and essential acutecare services. They’re equally committed to taking the lead on defining how a community hospital should operate in the 21st Century. Mount Sinai has been serving western Queens for more than 100 years since it was founded in 1910 as Daly’s Astoria Sanatorium. They look forward to serving the community for another 100 years.

Museum of the Moving Image 36-01 35 Avenue (at 37 Street) Astoria, NY 11106, Queens 200

Lights! Camera! Action (hopefully yours)! Just a short subway ride from almost anywhere in Queens, the Museum of the Moving Image is the country’s only museum dedicated to the art, history, technique, and technology of the moving image in all its forms. The museum is a one-of-a-kind destination for audiences of all ages and interests, from connoisseurs of classic cinema to children and families to avid gamers. From 19th century optical toys to the latest in digital art, the museum explores every phase of the production, promotion, and exhibition of moving images. It offers an engaging, highly interactive core exhibition, programs of contemporary and classic films from around the world, discussions with leading figures in film and television, a unique collection, inspiring educational programs for learners of all ages, stimulating changing exhibitions, and groundbreaking online projects. The goal of the museum is to advance the public’s understanding and appreciation of the art, history, technique, and technology of film, television, and digital media.

Muss Development 118-35 Queens Boulevard Forest Hills, N.Y. 11375, (718) 263.3800 Even if you have never heard of Muss Development you have most certainly witnessed their accomplishments. And they’re just beginning. The Muss family’s love for building began over a century ago. Today, hundreds of thousands of people in Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island benefit from properties created by Muss Development. In Queens the Muss development projects include: Flushing Plaza, a full service, 242,000 square-foot, office/professional building located in the heart of the booming Asian community of Flushing and the Jackson Heights Shopping Center, a 134,000 square foot retail and office center. In Brooklyn Muss Development created the 656room New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge and the 850unit Oceana Condominium and Club in Brighton Beach.

Nab Construction Corp 112-20 14th Avenue, College Point, NY 11356, (718) 762-0001 Although even its neighbors in College Point probably don’t know much about what it does, Nab has worked on projects of 2011

bilitated premier suspension bridges, major highway and rail viaducts, and some of the busiest rail and subway stations in the New York metropolitan area. The company performed highly specialized restorations at landmark structures including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Jefferson Market Library, and the New York State Capitol Building and it has completed complicated restoration and reconstruction projects at many subway stations including 72nd Street, Union Square and Herald Square. Founded in 1916, Nab is a family business in its third generation of ownership. The mission of Nab Construction is to provide quality construction services to its customers. Nab recently completed construction on a one-million square foot, 3,200 parking space garage, using structural steel and precast concrete slabs. Nab also built an access bridge, access roads, and foundations. And it completed the rehabilitation of the central heating and refrigeration plant (CHRP) at John F. Kennedy Airport, expanding its capacity and replacing worn and outdated equipment.

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Neir’s Tavern and Café 87-48 78th St. Woodhaven, NY 11421 (718) 296-0600 If this place looks familiar, it should. Neir’s Tavern and Café in Glendale is not only one of the oldest and most historic bars in the country, it’s also the site where Martin Scorsese filmed the unforgettable bar scene in his classic “Goodfellas.” Neir’s Tavern has been serving the coldest beer on tap nearly continuously for 180 years and even managed to survive Prohibition. There’s no cover charge and it features state-of-the-art online jukebox with over a million songs. Neir’s is known as the tavern where Mae West first performed and where actors such as W.C. Fields and businessmen like Fred Trump (the Donald’s father) would gather for a drink.

Nemet Motors 15312 Hillside Ave. Jamaica, NY 11432 (866) 464-6604 Since 1916 Nemet Nissan Motors has been serving the nearby community with high quality service. As New York’s exclusive Nissan dealer, they are located on Hillside Avenue and they feature a great selec-

tion of new and certified used Nissans at competitive prices. Nemet Nissan Motors is a family oriented dealership with Nissan, Volvo and Hyundai, and the best certified used cars in New York. Make sure to ask about lease specials, finance specials, certified used car specials, payment reduction program and friends & referral program. The dealership serves all five boroughs and Long Island. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are on hand to assist you with any questions you may have. You are sure to find what you need with a massive new car inventory with over 400 New Nissans in stock. Come visit soon.

New York Foundling Hospital 1143 47th Ave, Long Island City NY 11101, (718) 784-4422 In the wake of the Civil War, when gas lights were in vogue and Ulysses S. Grant was president, Sister Mary Irene Fitzgibbon and a small group of devoted sisters opened The Foundling Asylum of the Sisters of Charity to care for abandoned babies. From the first baby taken out of the cold that October night 140 years

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ago, thousands of children have found safety with loving families. The New York Foundling Hospital has upheld a commitment to protect society’s most vulnerable children. That commitment was and is to “Abandon No One.” Today, The Foundling’s extensive network of communitybased services provides havens for children whose safety is at risk, loving foster and group facilities to protect children and support for at-risk families to strengthen them. The families that it serves today have complex needs and The Foundling will continue to evolve to ensure it continues saving children, preserving families and building communities, as it has done for 140 years.

New York Hall of Science 47-01 111th Street Queens, NY 11368-2950 (718)699-0005, info@nysci.org The World’s Fair held in Flushing Meadows in 1964 was one of the most wonderful things to ever happen in Queens. The fair brought the world together and filled everyone who visited with hope. Built initially as a pavilion for the World’s Fair, the New York Continued on page 32

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Hall of Science is a living legacy of that spectacular event. Since 1986, the Hall of Science has served over seven million children, parents and teachers. The museum’s mission is to convey the excitement and understanding of science and technology to children, families, teachers and others by galvanizing their curiosity and offering them creative, participatory ways to learn. The Hall of Science features the largest collection of hands-on science exhibits in New York City. Visitors of all ages can explore over 450 interactive exhibits in the technology center.

New York Hospital Queens 56-45 Main Street, Flushing, NY 11355, (718) 670-2000 No doubt some residents wondered what would happen to the Booth Memorial Hospital they had grown to love in 1992 when it became an affiliate of the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center. By the early 1990s, the Salvation Army decided to discontinue its management of acute-care hospitals across the United States in order to focus on other charitable endeavors. The hospital was ultimately renamed New York Hospital Queens. Would the great standard of service and patientcentered care instilled by Salvation Army live on under the new management? The answer is a resounding yes. That spirit lives on in the institution to this day. New York Hospital Queens is now a 519-bed acute care hospital that last year admitted more than 35,000 patients, had more than 139,000 outpatient visits, and treated 115,000 people in its emergency room. Over time, this hospital has dramatically expanded but it still retains the original values and the founder’s commitment to service.

New York Mets Forget that team in the Bronx. The New York Mets are the hometown team of Queens and, win or lose, they hold a special place in the hearts of their fans. One of baseball’s first expansion teams, the Mets began play

Photo: Jay Gormon

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in 1962 but didn’t play at Shea until the stadium was completed in 1964. As any fan will admit, it’s been a rocky road. But fan loyalty paid off in 1969 and 1986 when The Amazins won the National League Championship and the World Series. From 1964 to 2008, the Mets home was Shea Stadium. Today the Mets play in their brand new state-of-the-art stadium, Citi Field. And as it does every year, hope springs eternal that the Mets will make it to the playoffs and ultimately to the World Series. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to: mets.com

Noguchi Museum 9-01 33rd Road (at Vernon Boulevard), Long Island City, NY (718) 204.7088 It doesn’t take long for visitors at the Noguchi Museum in Long Island City to realize that the museum itself was one of Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi’s greatest works. The internationally renowned artist designed the museum to showcase representative examples of his life’s work. Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Long Island City, the museum is itself a work of art. In building a museum, Noguchi (1904–1988) was an early pioneer who led the metamorphosis of the Long Island City area into the arts district it is today. The broad scope of Isamu Noguchi’s artistic interests and his creation of a museum devoted to encouraging the en-

joyment and contemplation of these same interests provides us with the challenge to protect and further the legacy of his vision. The museums will continue to reflect Noguchi’s vision and extend it into the future.

NYC Department of Corrections On an average day the men and women working for the City Department of Correction oversee an inmate population that fluctuates between 13,000 and 18,000. That’s more than the prison population of many state correctional systems. On a typical weekday, the Department logs more than 3,000 miles transporting inmates to courts in the five boroughs and to medical and other jail or prison facilities throughout the city and state. The main DOC facility is located on Rikers Island where there are 10 jails with a combined capacity of nearly 17,000 inmates. The borough jails in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx house up to 3,000 detainees awaiting arraignment or currently on trial. Hundreds of men and women have found that a career as a Correction Officer offers a tremendous opportunity for advancement, a competitive salary and great benefits. Think you might want to be one of New York’s Boldest? Find more information at nyc.gov/doc.

Old Quaker Meeting House 137-16 Northern Boulevard

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Flushing, New York 11354 718-358-9636 To step across the threshold at the Old Quaker Meeting House is to leave the present behind and to enter a sacred space seasoned by centuries of devotion. This house has been used by the Society of Friends as a house of worship for over 300 years. The Meeting House is a reminder of an eventful and historic past. Built in 1694 by John Bowne and other early Quakers, the Old Quaker Meeting House is the oldest house of worship in New York State and the second oldest Quaker Meeting House in the nation. The House played an important role in the struggle for religious freedom in America. The Flushing Remonstrance, a document which is perhaps the earliest demand for religious freedom in America, was drawn up here. For 300 years, Flushing Meeting members have made history struggling against religious intolerance, slavery, injustice and violence. And Flushing Meeting continues to work, hope, and pray for a peaceful, just world.

Ozanam Hall 42-41 201st Street, Bayside, Queens, New York 11361 (718) 423-2000 www.ozanamhall.org Putting a loved one in a nursing home is never an easy decision. The staff at Ozanam Hall understands this and they encourContinued on page 34

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Fireworks explode over the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center during the Opening Night Ceremonies of the US Open. Photo: USTA/Getty

n a sparkling, late-summer day in 1968, before a weekday gathering of some 7,000 fans, Arthur Ashe drove a forehand volley past Tom Okker on his first match point to win the men’s singles title in five sets at the very first US Open. Ashe collected the silver championship trophy, laughing and hugging his father during the presentation ceremony, and as the crowd rose to its feet and cheered the American champion, their applause signaled not only the end of the first US Open fortnight but the beginning of an exciting new era. Indeed, the advent of “open” competition—allowing amateurs and professionals to play one another—changed everything about the sport. Tennis has since transformed itself into a stardriven, high-voltage sport, and nowhere is this more evident today than at the US Open. The world’s highest-attended annual sporting event, with nearly three-quarters of a million fans onsite each year, the US Open, with its unique blend of sport and spectacle, brings down the curtain on each Grand Slam tennis season in grand style. Starting with Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day and continuing through Finals Weekend, the US Open is where fans can spend all day—and sometimes all night—enjoying a non-stop celebration of first-

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rate music, food, shopping, people-watching, and, oh yes, the greatest tennis players in the world. Of all the different summertime spectacles taking place in New York City, none matches the US Open for high drama and excitement. For two wondrous weeks in Flushing Meadows, the world’s top men and women players compete day and night, through seven rounds of competition, knowing that only the toughest will survive. This is New York, after all History has shown that players never luck their way into winning a US Open title. Remarkably, in the 43 years of the US Open only 42 players—23 men and 19 women—have captured the singles championship trophy. They’re players we’ve come to know on a first-name basis, household names in countless households. Roger and Rafa. Venus and Serena. And they’ve all taken to heart the words made famous by Frank Sinatra inscribed above the tunnel leading to the great stage of Arthur Ashe Stadium court: “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere.” The US Open serves as the premiere showcase for tennis in the United States. But for the players, it is more than fun and games. It is a test not only of talent but of will. They know that the US Open is where the stars of tennis truly earn their stripes.

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Photo: Gary Dunaier

age the families, friends and acquaintances of prospective residents to visit the home before making their final decision. What they’ll find is Ozanam Hall is one of the finest nursing homes in Queens. The 432-bed facility is run by the Carmelite Sisters, whose mission is to provide the best possible care for their residents. Ozanam Hall specializes in short term rehabilitation and skilled geriatric care. The following services are provided for the residents: 24-hour registered nurse care, pastoral care, physical, occupational and speech therapy, pain management, orthopedic care, wound care, pet therapy, out-patient dialysis, stellar food service and in-between meals nourishment, as well as in-house medical clinics. After a short visit, families usually feel much better about entrusting loved one to the compassionate care of the staff.

Paragon Motors Imagine driving a sporty new Honda by this afternoon. Paragon Honda has the inventory to make this possible. Since it first opened Paragon Motors has served thousands of satisfied customers from Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx and greater New York City. The staff at Paragon Honda in Woodside is ready to help you purchase a new Honda or used car. When you visit the dealership, expect the superior service that you deserve. With years of experience and training, the Paragon Honda team will get you into the car that was built for you. Take the first to getting the new or used car that you have been dreaming about by calling 1-800-PARAGON or visiting Paragon Honda today. Call 800-PARAGON or stop by the dealership located at 57-02 Northern Blvd.

Parker Jewish Institute Parker Jewish Institute has grown by leaps and bounds. It first opened in 1907 as a shelter for 25 indigent men and women. Since then the Parker Jewish

Institute has evolved into a nationally recognized 527-bed, rehabilitation center. Today it offers a comprehensive network of community health care programs for adults. In addition it is a leading academic campus for the training of health care professionals, and an important research center for studies related to aging. Parker is a teaching affiliate of Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Its mission is to provide superior quality health care and rehabilitation for adults. Its experienced, highly trained staff not only provides the best medical care, nursing and therapy, but also extends the hand of reassurance and the smile that warms the heart. They call it ParkerCare. Parker Jewish invites you and your family to visit, tour the facilities, and speak to the professional staff. To schedule a tour, you can call 718-289-2163 or 718-289-2164.

Parkside Memorial Funeral Chapels 98-60 Queens Boulevard Rego Park (718) 896-9000 Funeral arrangements very often involve making difficult decisions at a most stressful time. The staff at the Parkside Memorial Funeral Chapels are dedicated to making this entire experience as stress-free as pos-

sible. Parkside is proud of its Jewish heritage and is ready to share its knowledge and understanding to help you find meaning even in times of tragedy. Years of experience ensure that you are treated with the care and compassion your family deserves. The Parkside Memorial Chapels provide services that conform to the Reform, Conservative and Orthodox Traditions, as well as the nondenominational.

Park Side Restaurant

107-01 Corona Ave. Corona, NY 11368, (718) 271-9871 www.parksiderestaurantny.com All you really need to know about the Park Side Restaurant in the heart of Corona is that the regulars love this place. It’s perennially booked in a neighborhood where they know something about good Italian food. In fact their customers say they serve the best Italian food in all of Queens. Park Side offers great atmosphere, traditional ambience and delicious food and wine. The portions are huge, not the prices. Attentive waiters in tuxedoes treat you like the important person that you are. Dining here is an unforgettable experience and you might consider holding your next event in the Marilyn Monroe room.

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Peninsula Hospital Center 51-15 Beach Channel Drive Far Rockaway (718) 734-2000. The Peninsula Hospital Center understands that quality health care goes beyond technology. Peninsula Hospital offers the latest technology often found only in the best hospitals, but that’s just the beginning. Everyone at Peninsula Hospital Center is committed to caring for the patients and serving the community in which they live. The Hospital Center recently completed a modernization of its Department of Emergency Medicine that includes a renovation of patient treatment areas and the modernization of its mammography suite. To commemorate its 100th anniversary, the Hospital Center is offering screenings free of charge to the community to assist in the early warning signs for stroke, hypertension and heart disease.

Pepsi Bottling Group of New York 11702 15th Avenue, College Point, NY 11356, (718) 392-1000 ‎ At Pepsi Cola they found the secret to making a good thing better. In 1999 the Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. split from its parent group PepsiCo. Today PBG is the world’s largest manufacturer, seller, and distributor of 2011

Pepsi-Cola beverages. In 1999 it accounted for 55 percent of Pepsi-Cola beverages sold in the United States and 32 percent worldwide. In addition to its extensive production and distribution facilities, like the one in College Point, PBG leases and operates about 20,000 vehicles and owns more than 1.1 million soft drink dispensing and vending machines. With nearly $11 billion in annual sales, the Company delivers nearly 200 million eight-ounce servings of Pepsi-Cola beverages each day. The Company also produces noncarbonated drinks, including Aquafina, Tropicana juice drink,. Lipton iced tea and Starbucks Frappuccino. All of that is good news for its customers and the hundreds of workers it employs in New York City.

Personal Touch Homecare Inc. 18618 Hillside Avenue, Jamaica (212) 725-5521 Caring for a seriously ill or disabled loved one at home can be an overwhelming experience. The burden placed on the family can even make the person in need of care feel worse.

Fortunately, there are many options today that enable those who need assistance to remain safely in their homes. However, deciding which option is best for your family can be difficult. At Personal-Touch Homecare a staff of caring professionals will explain the options and help tailor the best care possible for you and your loved ones. Home health care helps people of all ages remain in the comfort of their own home. From the pediatric patient to the frail elderly adult and all those in between, services are provided which are suitable to the patient’s needs, as prescribed by their physician. Homecare allows the patient to recuperate from an illness, receive long term care for the chronic patient. Personal Touch assists the patient with activities of daily living and so much more. Its motto is Feel Good Again with Personal Touch.

Petrocelli Electric Company 22-09 Queens Plaza North Long Island City, NY 11101-4003 (718) 752-2200 info@petrocelli.com Exceeding customer expec-

tations is not just a goal, at Petrocelli Electric it’s standard operating procedure. Founded in 1933, the company has grown from a small entrepreneurial venture to a recognized leader in fields of the electrical and data communications. Petrocelli specializes in electrical and communication installations and has worked for some of the most prestigious commercial, institutional, and public sector clients in the United States. The company offers its clients extensive experience with new and civil construction projects and provides them with unsurpassed service. Petrocelli is committed to a quality that is unparalleled in the industry. This ensures customer satisfaction and builds lasting relationships with its clients. Petrocelli invites you to let them demonstrate how they can improve your power and communication infrastructure and keep you on the cutting edge of technology.

Plaza College 74-09 37th Avenue, Jackson Heights, NY, 11372 (718) 779-1430 A college degree is a nice thing to have but it won’t pay

the rent. At Plaza College the Career Services Department boasts over 95 percent placement of graduates. Plaza has a tradition of providing students with a quality education that leads to opportunities for both personal growth and career advancement. For more than 90 years, the College’s reputation for excellence has been well recognized throughout the employer and academic community. Plaza College is proud to be a student-centered institution that goes above and beyond normal expectations to ensure the success of its students. For 30 years Jackson Heights has been the home of Plaza College. Known as the “City within the City,” Jackson Heights is a cohesive, people- oriencommunity. It was the perfect setting for Plaza College. The Plaza family of students, teachers and administrators is a diverse community comprised of over 95 different nationalities. Plaza hopes you’ll take a moment to see what the College can do for you and how it can increase your earning potential. Continued on page 36

“The most famous tavern you’ve never heard of” -NYC TV www.neirstavern.com Full Bio Appeared on emmy awarded “New York Originals” TV show

Goodfellas was filmed here!

2010 Business of the Year by Woodhaven Residents Block Association

One of the oldest continuously operating taverns in the country!

~ est 1829 ~

FAMOUS CELEBRITIES THAT HAVE VISITED NEIR’S

Robert Dinero, Ray Liotta, Lorraine Bracco, Ben Stiller, Joe Pesci, Mae -West, WC Fields, Fred Trump (Donald’s father), Director Martin Scorsese ...and more

”Tower Heist” film (to be released 11/2011) was filmed here (starring Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Alan Alda, Tea Leoni)

NEIR’S TAVERN & CAFÉ • 87-48 78TH ST. WOODHAVEN, NYC, NY 11421 718-296-0600 2011

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Poppenhusen Institute

Photo: Jay Gorman

11404 14th Road, College Point, NY 11356 Conrad Poppenhusen would be proud. The German immigrant first came here when College Point Boulevard was little more than a dirt road. In 868 the Poppenhusen Institute that stands to this day was built with funds donated by the philanthropist. The original charter specified that the institute be open to all, irrespective of race, creed or religion, giving people the opportunity to improve their lives. At one time the institute housed the Justice of the Peace, the first home of the College Point Savings Bank, German Singing Societies, the first library in the area, a court room, the Sheriff’s Office with two jail cells and the first free kindergarten in the United States. The Institute was designated a N.Y.C. Landmark in 1970. Today the Institute continues to serve College Point as a community cultural center housing a variety of programs including: karate for children and adults; group piano lessons and community theater. Adhering to its original charter, it is the goal of the Institute to provide a warm, welcoming and encouraging environment to all who pass through Conrad’s “Doorway of Opportunity.”

PSCH 718-559-0516 info@PSCH.org There are times when people don’t know where to turn either because of personal challenges or difficulties a loved one is facing. PSCH is a comprehensive human service agency whose mission is to empower individuals and families with complex needs to realize their full potential for achieving meaningful goals, guided by principles of independence, wellness, safety and recovery. PSCH serves more than 8,500 residents of Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island, Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, and New Jersey. PSCH offers a complete range of integrated services from primary care

and clinical diagnoses and treatment, to educational, vocational, residential, rehabilitation, day treatment and family support programs.

Qside Federal Credit Union 35-30 Francis Lewis Blvd. Flushing, NY 11358 (718) 353-1300 Where should you put your money? In the giant bank or in the community-based credit union? Qside Federal Credit Union thinks the answer is simple. Qside Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, cooperative financial institution owned and controlled by its members – the people who use its products and services. Like all other credit unions, Qside is based on the concept of “people helping people.” Unlike banks, Qside returns all profits to its members in the form of higher dividends on savings, lower interest rates on loans, lower fees and expanded services. Today, Qside has more than $45 million in assets and serves over 8,500 members with a field of membership that includes people who live and work in our local Queens community. As Qside has grown, so has its commitment to its members-first, notfor-profit philosophy. They know how important it is that your hard-earned money be

kept safe. No one has ever lost a penny placed in trust with a federally insured credit union.

Queens Boulevard Extended Care Facility

61-11 Queens Boulevard Woodside, New York 11377 (718) 205-0287 When a loved one needs to spend time in a nursing home you want to be certain that he or she will get the best care possible. The goal at Queens Boulevard Extended Care facility is to provide the highest quality health service in a caring environment and to meet the needs of the diverse communities that it serves. Whether they are caring for our Shortterm or Long-term residents, their approach embraces, the health, well-being and dignity of the individuals they serve, including their physical, emotional, social, spiritual and environmental needs. The Queens Boulevard Extended Care Facility is a modern, state-ofthe-art nursing facility with a 280-bed, conveniently located in Western Queens. They offer the professional, comprehensive, compassionate care you seek in a unique therapeutic environment that promotes recovery.

Queens Botanical Garden

43-50 Main Street, Flushing, NY

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11355 The Queens Botanical Garden is just one more treasure that the people of Queens owe to the World’s Fairs. The garden was first created for the 1939 World’s Fair. It would later be moved across the street from Flushing-Meadows Park when construction began on the 1964 World’s Fair. Today The Queens Botanical Garden is an urban oasis where people, plants and cultures are celebrated through inspiring gardens, innovative educational programs and demonstrations of environmental stewardship. The Queens Botanical Garden now consists of 39 acres of rose, bee, herb, and perennial gardens. The Garden serves over 300,000 visitors every year and has become favorite location for wedding photos.

Queens Center Mall

90-15 Queens Blvd, Elmhurst (718) 592-3900 You can take a crowded subway to Manhattan or drive the jammed expressway to Long Island, but why would you when the stores you love are located close by at the Queens Center Mall. The mall includes hundreds of top retail names, a mouthwatering food court and an easy-to-shop, easy-to-love vibe. If you want it, it’s here, from American Eagle and Aldo 2011

to the Disney Store, Macy’s and Modell’s Sporting Goods. And if you need a break, you can fuel your shopping spirit with a relaxing lunch, an uplifting coffee break or some other favorite treat (we won’t tell).

Queens Chamber of Commerce

75-20 Astoria Blvd. Suite 140 Jackson Heights, NY 11370 Phone: 718-898-8500 info@queenschamber.org. The Queens Chamber of Commerce believes: “A better Queens is our Business.” The Chamber offers a variety of services to the borough’s business community. It sponsors events that offer information and advice helpful to small business, as well as opportunities for meeting and working with other businesses and groups in Queens. It’s an opportunity to Educate, Advocate and Network. The Chamber sponsors frequent breakfasts with speakers that in the past have included Mayors Michael Bloomberg and Rudolph Giuliani. Each year, the Chamber offers businesses opportunities such as the Business Expo and card exchanges. The Chamber maintains close relationships with federal, state and city officials and agencies.

Queens College

65-30 Kissena Blvd. Flushing, NY 11367, (718) 997-5000 In tough times like these it’s natural that people are looking for the best education value for their dollar. Queens College is that and more. Its liberal arts, science, and pre-professional programs have earned high rankings in prestigious college guides such as The Princeton Review America’s Best Value Colleges, and its graduates have won prominence in nearly every field. Queens College prepares students to become leaders of our global society by offering a rigorous education in the liberal arts and sciences under the guidance of a faculty dedicated to both teaching and research. Founded in 1937, Queens College has entered its eighth decade with a revitalized campus, rising enrollment, and a clear vision for the future.

Queens County Farm Museum

73-50 Little Neck Parkway Floral Park, New York 110042011

1129 (718) 347-3276 Want to take a step back to what was arguably a better time? The Queens County Farm Museum in Floral Park is the only working farm left in the City. The site includes historic farm buildings, a greenhouse complex, livestock, farm vehicles and implements, planting fields, an orchard and herb garden on a 47-acre parcel that dates back to 1697. The farm animals and tranquil environment provide an opportunity to visit a working farm without leaving the city. The Queens County Farm Museum is owned by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, and is operated by the Colonial Farmhouse Restoration Society of Bellerose. The Farm Museum is open year-round 7-days a week.

Christ the King Regional High School Excellence in Catholic Education since 1962 An independent Catholic secondary school since 1976

68-02 Metropolitan Ave Middle Village, NY 11379

ing K e h st t Chri onal HS Regi

Queens County Savings Bank A bank that has lasted this long and grown this much must be doing something right. On April 14, 1859 the founders of the Queens County Savings Bank responded to a need in the village of Flushing. QCSB, the forebear of The New York Community Bank, was the first savings bank chartered by the State of New York in the borough of Queens. Prior to its establishment, residents of Queens had no choice but to travel to Manhattan for their banking. The new bank was a welcome addition to the borough, and its opening was greeted with both elation and relief. Today, more than150 years later, Queens County Savings Bank fills a need no less urgent, providing customers with unparalleled convenience, and a vast array of products and services to meet their financial needs. For more information, go to www.mynycb.com or call (877) 786-6560.

OPEN HOUSE

OCTOBER 2 10AM to 1:30PM

• • • • • • • • •

Queens Crossing 136-17, 39th Ave, Flushing NY 11354. (718) 888.1234 136-20 38th Ave, Flushing, NY 11354 (718) 713.0250 Queens Crossing is as unique as the international community that it serves. The state-of-the-art mixed-use development is located in the heart of downtown Flushing, one of New York City’s most active and most diverse urban areas. A visitor to this venue will discover specialty retail stores, both casual and fine dining options, and a large banContinued on page 38 Queens 200

Middle State Accreditation NYS Regents Accreditation Certified Microsoft Information Technology Academy Performing Arts Program Advanced Research Program National Renowned Sports Program Over $12 million in College Scholarships Full Time Campus Minister Honors, College Level and Advanced Placement Courses

TACHS CODE 014

For more information call our Admissions Office at 718.366.7400 Extension 240 Principal: Peter J. Mannarino Chairman: Serphin R. Maltese President: Michael W. Michel Chairman Scholarship Committee: Thomas V. Ognibene Director of Admissions: Steven Giusto 37

Queens

space rather than a collecting institution, MoMA PS1 devotes its energy and resources to displaying the most experimental art in the world. Through its affiliation with the Museum of Modern Art, PS1 is a catalyst and an advocate for new ideas, discourses, and trends in contemporary art. MoMA PS1 actively pursues emerging artists, new genres, and adventurous new work by recognized artists in an effort to support innovation in contemporary art. MoMA PS1 presents over 50 exhibitions each year, including artists’ retrospectives, sitespecific installations, historical surveys, arts from across the United States and the world, and a full schedule of music and performance programming. A true artistic laboratory, MoMA PS1 aspires to maintain its diverse and innovative activities to continue to bring contemporary art to international audiences.

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quet hall at the lower levels of the building. Situated on the ground floor is also Crossing Art, an art gallery. Its vision is to avoid all mainstream structures, bringing art exhibitions into the open space. Located on the fourth floor is the Long Island Business Institute, a community college, and several medical offices. Floors five to eleven are professional offices, housing medical offices, lawyers, financial advisors, real estate and travel agencies. The top floor of Queens Crossing hosts the headquarters for the F&T Group, the developers behind this remarkable project.

90-15 Queens Blvd, Suite 1024 Elmhurst, NY 11373 (718) 592-2082 www.discoverqueens.info The challenge before the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) couldn’t be greater. The mission of this non-profit organization is to create and retain jobs through programming that grows our neighborhoods, assist small businesses and promote tourism and business development. Since 1977 QEDC has worked with scores of neighborhoods to revitalize their commercial districts by creating business organizations and the establishing business improvement districts. Entrepreneurs are assisted in the preparation of business plans through individual counseling, classes and workshops. The Discover Queens program promotes the many cultural, recreational and retail opportunities within the Borough. The Queens EDC will play a major role in the economic development efforts in a Borough that encompasses 2.3 million people from every corner of the world.

Queens Hospital Center 82-68 164th Street, Jamaica, NY 11432, (718) 883-3000 Queens Hospital Center in Jamaica is a member of the Queens Health Network and

Queens Public Television Photo: Corinely

Queens Economic Development Corporation

affiliate of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine Last year, QHC received 338,319 ambulatory care visits - the most in the region. QHC also received 72,915 Emergency Room visits offering our patients the finest medical care when they need it the most. The hospital maintains three Centers of Excellence in Cancer Care, Women’s Health and Diabetes Management. It also features more than $20 million in new state-of-the-art equipment including a linear accelerator for radiation oncology to be used in the treatment of cancer and special monitoring equipment for intensive care, telemetry and emergency patients.

country since 1994. The Queens Library serves 2.2 million people from 62 locations plus seven Adult Learning Centers and two Family Literacy Centers. In FY 2009 23 million items were circulated and in-person attendance was 14.7 million people. An additional 3.4 million people visited Queens Library electronically and some 595,000 people attended more than 30,000 free programs. In that year these dedicated librarians answered 11.4 million reference and directional inquiries. Queens Library has more than 7.1 million items in its collections with more than 857,500 active borrowers. You have made the librarians feel needed.

Queens Library

Queens Museum of Modern Art at PS 1

89-11 Merrick Boulevard Jamaica, NY 11432 (718) 990-0700 www.queeslibrary. org Most Queens residents, even those who come by on a regular basis, don’t realize that they are served by the second largest library in the nation in terms of the size of its collections or that they have circulated among the highest number of books and other library materials in the

22-25 Jackson Ave. at the intersection of 46th Ave. Long Island City, NY 11101 (718) 784-2084 If you think Manhattan stands alone as the center of the art world in New York City, think again. MoMA PS1 in Long Island City is one of the oldest and largest nonprofit contemporary art institutions in the United States. An exhibition

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41-61 Kissena Blvd, Suite 2077 in the Flushing Plaza Building. Do you have something to say? Do you ever wish you had the money to buy airtime on television so your voice can be heard? QPTV (Queens Public Television) may be your dream come true. QPTV is a not-forprofit private corporation serving the residents of Queens. QPTV manages four community television channels specifically for Queens, under the Franchise Agreement between the City of New York and the Cable Operators in the Borough of Queens. QPTV offers shows you can’t find anywhere else. With over 300 different programs every year there’s something for everyone. This is the place for residents to learn about the art and craft of television production and media creation. This is a place for creating programs that are made for, by and about you. Whether you’re a home grown talent, pro/semi-pro, or a trained producer, QPTV is the premiere outlet in Queens for creators.

Queens Symphony Orchestra 65-30 Kissena Blvd. Flushing, NY 11367 (718) 570.0909 For 58 years the Queens Symphony Orchestra (QSO) has been bringing world class music to the international comContinued on page 40

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Building neighborhoods one brick at a time I

n the early 1890’s, Cord Meyer had rec- at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York, the ognized that Queens would not remain Cord Meyer Company had already been serva rural outpost or the limited preserve ing the people of Queens for over forty years, of a few wealthy landholders. He envisioned and the Meyer Family had been an integral a vital, growing neighborhood with homes, part of community life for almost a century. schools, shops, and services. As a result, he In the 1980’s, Cord Meyer Development purchased a farm in Newtown from Samuel Company was well positioned to take advanLord, co-founder of Lord & Taylor, and re- tage of the shift in the real estate market tonamed the area Elmhurst. ward individual partner ownership, and it The Meyer Family real estate firm was began the successful conversion of its apartoriginally structured as a ment buildings into coops. partnership with Cord Under the next generaMeyer’s brothers, Christion of the Meyer family, tian and John, holding Charles G. Meyer, Jr. and equal shares. In 1899, George S. Meyer began the partnership became to focus on its retail coma corporation: The Cord mercial properties. In Meyer Company. As 1998, the Meyer brothers the Twentieth Century restructured the combegan, Cord Meyer conpany as a Subchapter S tinued his interest in corporation and formed real estate. He acquired a limited liability coma substantial parcel of pany. After leading the land in the Hopedale company since the early section of Whitepot, de1980’s, both Charles and signed street layouts, Cord Meyer office building in Forest Hills George Meyer decided introduced utilities, to retire, in the year and built single fam2000, and for the first ily homes. Schools and time in Cord Meyer’s shopkeepers soon followed, and as time un- history, the Company was and continues to folded, Cord named his town “Forest Hills”. be managed and led by non-family members, The creation of Forest Hills marked the ad- Sal Panico, CEO and Anthony J. Colletti, vent of Cord Meyer Development Company, COO. This was an exciting time as Sal’s past which was incorporated in December of 1904 experience in both residential and commerwith Cord Meyer as its first president. cial real estate brought Cord Meyer back into Throughout the 20th century, Cord Meyer the residential market, wherein Cord Meyer Development Company played a significant successfully constructed a 21-story, 95-unit role in the development of Queens. The com- hi-rise and luxury condominium building pany’s developments include blocks of Tudor known as The Windsor at Forest Hills. The Style attached single family residences, the building and all 95 units sold in less than a landmark Lexington and Livingston Apart- year. ments, along with many other residential Cord Meyer Development LLC continues homes and apartment buildings that fol- its mission to develop premium quality real lowed. estate that exceeds the expectations of both When “The City of the Future” was built our tenants and the communities we serve.

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Queens Theater in the Park

Photo: Gary Soup

munity of Queens. QSO is the borough’s only professional orchestra and the oldest and largest professional arts organization in the borough. The orchestra is made up of professional, union musicians who also perform on Broadway, with the New York City Ballet, and with other orchestras. Its current Music Director, Constantine Kitsopoulos, is in his fifth season with QSO. Each year the orchestra puts on a number of free concerts to enrich the lives of the people of Queens.

Flushing Meadows Corona Park Corona, NY 11368, (718) 760.0064 info@queenstheatre.org. You don’t have to go to Broadway to experience high quality theater. Queens Theatre in the Park is committed to presenting performing arts that are second to none. Queens Theatre in the Park is located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in the New York State Pavilion designed for the 1964 World’s Fair. QTP was officially established in 1989 with the full support of the community and the Queens Borough President. The Theatre officially opened to the public in 1993 in a facility that allows it to stage productions equal to those of any OffBroadway house in Manhattan in its 464-seat main stage theatre and its 99-seat studio theatre. QTP also produces new plays, with a concentration on up-and-coming directors and playwrights.

Queens Zoo 53-51 111th Street in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY Hopefully you’ll be planning your next trip to the Queens Zoo in the very near future. Every season offers a new and memorable experience. But before you come it’s recommended that you check out the new QueensZoo.com! The revitalized site provides an intimate look into the lives of the animals and connects you with their caretakers at the Zoo and their kin in the wild. You can use this site as a tool to help

you make the most of your trip. And when you return home, check back in to learn more about what you saw along the trail. Parents and educators will also find many programs and resources to enrich the learning experience for children and students while at the zoo and in the classroom. The staff at the Queens Zoo hopes you will have a great time sharing the wonders of wildlife with them. See you soon!

Queensborough Community College 222-05 56th Avenue Bayside, NY 11364 (718) 631-6262 Not every student can begin his or her higher education at an Ivy League school. For most it’s too expensive and others just aren’t ready. For many students in the New York City area, Queensborough Community College is the ideal starting place to pursue their academic and career goals. QCC is committed to providing students with a quality, affordable education in a supportive environment. For 50 years, Queensborough has proudly reflected the uniqueness of the Queens community - the most diverse county in the United States. QCC distinguishes itself from other higher education institutions in America with its diversity of cultures, including nearly equal populations

of African Americans, Asians, Caucasians and Latinos. In fact, close to half of its students were born in another country, and 47 percent speak a language other than English at home. QCC’s goal is to provide an academic environment that strengthens the student’s commitment and makes it possible to graduate or complete career goals in a timely manner.

Queensboro Toyota 77-12 Northern Blvd Jackson Heights, New York 11372 (718) 335-8600 Why shop around when the original Toyota dealership in Queens is still the best? Queensboro Toyota has been in business since 1967. It offers great prices, rebates, parts and service for new and used Toyota cars, vans and SUVs. Their expert service & parts staff is there to help customers keep their Toyotas in great shape. If you were smart enough to already be driving a Toyota, you’re in a great position. Right now Toyota owners get preferential treatment on a huge selection of fuel-efficient Toyotas. Trade in your Toyota today for a new one and you’ll be surprised at how much your old car is worth. You can go to our online site at queensborotoyota.com to check out new and top quality used Toyotas.

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Queensboro Toyota

Rego Center Now there is one more reason why you don’t need to drive to Long Island to satisfy your shopping needs. Rego Center, Queens newest shopping mall, opened less than a year ago in Rego Park. The enormous shopping center is home to some of your favorite stores. The Rego Center has three levels of stores which make up the 950,000 square feet of space. On Level three, you’ll find TJ Maxx, Bed Bath and Beyond, Old Navy, and Century 21. The second level is home to Toys R Us/ Babies R Us, Marshalls, and Sears. The first level is filled with Dallas BBQ, Mandee, Payless Shoes Source, a Five Guys Burger and Fries restaurant, and a Sprint store. There is also a common area and atrium on the first floor. On the sub-cellar level, there is Costco and Aldi Supermarkets. Rego center is located at Junction Boulevard and 62nd Drive, next to the Long Island Expressway, in Rego Park. If you haven’t been there yet, what are you waiting for?

Resorts World New York There’s a new kid on the block. Resorts World New York is a $6 billion company that is preparing to bring Queens a brand new entertainment experience. 2011

Photo:Jay Gorman

Its goal is to provide our guests with world class gaming entertainment, exquisite dining and unique entertainment experiences. The “Racino” that is being created will provide superior entertainment and amenities, staffed by respectful and professional team members, in a safe and hospitable atmosphere while consistently exceeding their guests’ expectations. Day in and day out, their goal is to provide an experience that makes our customers and players want to return and refer their friends, family and colleagues to us. The totality of friendly service, superior gaming value, excellent hospitality, quality food and exciting entertainment is the keystone upon which a memorable and friendly experience can be built. To make all this possible Resorts World will be hiring hundreds of people for skilled and entry level jobs. The racino, operated by Genting New York, will be a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Restaurant Depot 1524 132nd Street, College Point, NY 11356 (718) 939-6400 Restaurant Depot serves the people who serve you. The Depot is a one-stop wholesaler offering savings, selection and service seven days a week. In its warehouse restaurants find the highest quality fresh, frozen and dry foods, beverages, paper goods and cleaning supplies and equipment. Visit one of their convenient locations and you’ll see why they are “Where Restaurants Shop®.” The Depot is in business purely to supply the needs of the food service industry. Membership is free. No minimum size orders required. Restaurants buy what they need, when they need it.

Ridgewood Savings Bank Multiple locations From Astoria to Laurelton, Maspeth to Forest Hills, Ridgewood Savings Bank treats all of Queens like family. Since the bank opened in 1921 a lot of things have changed but one thing has remained the same: the commitment to meeting the needs of its customers and the communities they live in. Ridgewood Savings Bank is convenient, courteous, comfortable and secure. No matter what your financial needs may be, you’ll find the valuable products and services you 2011

want. But their commitment doesn’t stop there. Ridgewood Savings Bank is also dedicated to community investment. Whether it’s by providing affordable mortgage financing, being involved in charities, supporting educational organizations, or simply assisting those in need, Ridgewood Savings Bank wholeheartedly strives to be a leading corporate citizen. As New York’s largest mutual savings bank, Ridgewood has no stockholders. The faith and confidence of its depositors have enabled the bank to grow and prosper. Their continued loyalty is the essential ingredient that will give the bank the ability to realize its future goals.

Rienzi & Sons Inc. 4001 19th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11105-1010 Michael Rienzi is nothing if not an American success story. He came to America in the 1960s from his home town in Southern Italy. Since 1967, his family-operated company has been providing customers with the finest quality food products from Southern Italy. After produce has reached its peak of flavor, it is transported to Rienzi’s Italian factories to be canned, bottled, or packaged. The Rienzi business is a vertically integrated company that takes pride in its decades of

manufacturing, importing and distributing the highest quality Italian products. Today its traditional Italian products are found in the finest supermarkets where they are purchased by people who want to serve their families only the best.

Riva Jewelry Manufacturing 4131 39th Street, Long Island City, NY 11104 (718) 361-3100 Proudly made by a New Yorker! Ted Doudak started his jewelry company in a small basement in Brooklyn in 1988. After moving first to Manhattan the business continued to grow and he eventually moved to a larger space in Long Island City in 1997. He decided early on that he would only pursue excellence. Today, 23 years later, you will find that same spirit of excellence in every step of production at Riva Jewelry. The result of Doudak’s vision and his team’s dedication has been constant growth. Today his company employs 150 people and produces 30,000 units a month. The road to success, he says, is most always under construction. The pursuit of excellence never stops.

Rizzo’s Pizza

30-13 Steinway St. (718) 721-9862 “A slice of heaven!” That’s what one critic called the famous this-crust Sicilian pizza sold at Rizzo’s Fine Pizza. Since

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1959 Rizzo’s has been a local favorite on Steinway Street in the famed Astoria section of Queens. At Rizzo’s each Sicilian pizza is a work of art. No fancy gimmicks here. The extra crisp crust is topped with a thick layer of rich tomato sauce. The cheese is an unblended combination of grated parmesan and whole milk mozzarella. If you like, it is then topped with anchovies, mushrooms or pepperoni. For 40 years Joe Rizzo has been making pizza the way his father learned to in Sicily. If you prefer Neapolitan, it’s available, but it’s the Sicilian pizza that has made Rizzo’s famous in a city where the great New York pizza can be the elusive dream.

Royal Waste Services

187-40 Hollis Avenue, Hollis, New York 11423, (718) 526-2623 info@royalwaste.com Looking for a company with a sterling reputation in the field of waste management? Need a customized recycling program? Royal Waste Services in Hollis, Queens, covers the map when it comes to these services. With its decades of experience, Royal Waste has earned a sterling reputation in the New York area. They offer a broad range of equipment, outstanding service and the ability to reduce and recycle all of your waste streams. The folks at Royal Waste Continued on page 42

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Services are on-call 24/7/365. No answering machines. No call centers.

162-45 Cross Bay Blvd. Howard Beach, New York 11414 (718) 843-5055 Russo’s on the Bay is the place to go in Queens when you’re ready to celebrate life. Whether you’re planning a wedding, an anniversary, a retirement party or any other of life’s major events, consider all Russo’s and all it has to offer. To ensure the very finest and most memorable experience, professional Banquet Consultants will guide you in selecting the services and menus that are right for you. For more than 20 years Russo’s On The Bay has been a romantic setting for couples to exchange vows and celebrate the beginning of a new life together. From a small intimate gathering to the grandest of affairs, Russo’s will guarantee your event is an occasion to remember. The Florentine Room is a favorite of many with its intimate size that overlooks the waters of the bay. It is perfect for those prefer a smaller setting. The breathtaking beauty of its two ballrooms offers grand spaces and luxurious settings for your family and friends to enjoy.

Sac’s Place Restaurant 25-41 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106, (718) 204-5002 “Pizza Perfection, Coal Fired and Crisp” That was the headline in a glowing review of Sac’s Restaurant. Although the pizza is unforgettable, Sac’s is much more than pizzeria. This is a full service restaurant with a complete menu of fine Italian dishes. In creating this restaurant, they wanted to share our experience of growing up in a family of good cooks where food was and still is an expression of love and caring. This passion practiced in their Mother’s kitchen has proudly been passed on to her sons. Cooking for family and for you, their customers, brigs them joy.

Photo: Tony the misfit

Russo’s on the Bay

To celebrate and make people happy are the reasons the ac brothers opened this restaurant. Life is too short to eat anywhere else.

St. Francis Prep 6100 Francis Lewis Blvd. Fresh Meadows, NY 11365-2840 (718) 423-8810 Like most parents you know that a good education goes beyond the academics. If possible you want to find a school that will instill values that will last a lifetime. At St. Francis Prep in Fresh Meadows, your son or daughter will be exposed to the Franciscan traditions of peace, love and respect for the individual, community, and environment. These are the fundamental building blocks of the St. Francis Prep Education. Its mission is to enable all students to develop and broaden their spiritual, intellectual, creative, emotional, social, and physical abilities. The proud traditions of St. Francis Preparatory School stretch back 140 years. The school challenges every individual to value learning, thinking, and critical inquiry. The teachers strive to not only

instruct students, but to inspire them. St. Francis Prep provides opportunities for students to develop their academic potential and make college and career choices in concert with their personal desires and talents.

St. John’s Episcopal Hospital 327 Beach 19th Street Far Rockaway (718) 869-7000 St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, the largest hospital on the Rockaway Peninsula, is committed to meeting the needs of the medically underserved and providing the best medical care with ethnic, cultural and religious sensitivities. St. John’s is the only full-service hospital serving the entire Rockaway and the Five Towns communities. St. John’s offers adult medical and surgical services, pediatrics, obstetrics and psychiatric services. Our goal is medical excellence provided in a compassionate, caring environment expected from a faithbased community hospital. St. John’s is the cornerstone of Episcopal Health Services Inc.

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8000 Utopia Parkway Queens, NY 11439 (888) 9STJOHNS or (888) 9785646/ (718) 990-2000 admhelp@stjohns.edu If you’re a basketball fan, you know that St. John’s basketball team has often been a contender in the Big East. You might not know that St. John’s is also a leader when it comes to academics. As a university, it is committed to academic excellence and the pursuit of wisdom which flows from free inquiry, religious values and human experience. It strives to preserve and enhance an atmosphere in which scholarly research, imaginative methodology, global awareness and an enthusiastic quest for truth serve as the basis of a vital teaching-learning process and the development of lifelong learning. Only minutes from Manhattan by car, bus or train, our 105-acre Queens campus offers a traditional university environment in the world’s most dynamic city. The Queens campus features broad lawns, handsome stone buildings and ultramodern student residence halls. Facilities include high-tech laboratory and classroom buildings; the main collections of our 1.7 million-volume Library; and state-of-the-art athletic facilities.

St. Mary’s Hospital 29-01 216th Street, Bayside, NY 11360, (888) KIDS-NYS or (718) 281-8800 www.stmaryskids.org St. Mary’s Hospital for Children has earned a special place in the hearts of the people of Queens. The 97-bed inpatient facility in Bayside provides intensive rehabilitation, specialized medical care, and education to children challenged with catastrophic illness, severe injury, and ongoing complications of premature birth. A longawaited modernization of the hospital is currently underway. It will not add patient beds, but rather will provide much needed additional space for rehabilitation, patient care, education, and family visitation – and bring St. Mary’s further in line with today’s standards for pediatric care. “We are thrilled that our dream of bringing a new state-of-the-art pavilion to our region’s most remarkable children will soon become a reality,” said St. Mary’s President Continued on page 44

2011

200 The YMCA Is the Place for Families This Summer! Queens

t’s not summer in New York without the YMCA—the city’s authority on helping families stay active and healthy. Here are some tips will help to help keep your family cool, happy, and active all summer long: • Net Rewards: Play outdoor sports this summer like basketball, volleyball and tennis. YMCA branches across the city are introducing a new “10 and Under Tennis” program to get kids hooked on racket sports early! • Dive into Summer: Help your child learn to swim or improve his or her swimming skills. And adults remember to be active by the poolside. • Prevent Summer Learning Loss: Help your child prepare a summer reading list before school lets out; commit to keeping up with current events as a family every day. • Protect Your Skin: Always use sunscreen, even on overcast days. Encourage your child to wear a hat or cap when playing outdoors. • Avoid Screen Addiction: Limit television and video game time during summer daylight hours. Encourage your kids to get up, get out, and stay active. • Explore Nature: Introduce your child to the glories of nature, whether that takes the form of picnics in the park, hiking and camping trips, bird watching or stargazing. • The Big Payback: Give back to the community by volunteering as a family, especially in programs and events that will get you all outside and moving such as park clean-ups. • Commit to Family Fitness: Join the YMCA: During a time when families struggle to eat right, stay physically active, and find enough 2011

Call or visit your local Queens YMCA branch for details! Cross Island YMCA

Long Island City YMCA

238-10 Hillside Avenue, (718) 479-0505

32-23 Queens Boulevard, (718) 392-7932

Flushing YMCA

Ridgewood YMCA

138-46 Northern Boulevard, (718) 961-6880

69-02 64th Street, (212) 9122180

Jamaica YMCA

SLEEPAWAY CAMP New York YMCA Camp,

89-25 Parsons Boulevard, (718) 739-6600

300 Big Pond Road, Huguenot, NY, (845) 858-2200

time to be together, we’re here to help parents meet these challenges. Whether you’ve been thinking about joining the Y for a while, are a family on a bud-

get considering a “staycation” in the city this summer, or are concerned about the kids being out of school and needing structured programs around health awareness and physical edu-

Queens 200

cation, the YMCA provides an all-access pass to a summer of healthy fun. Our Summer Membership Special makes staying healthy and fit more affordable than ever. Through June 27th, pay $200* for individual adults or $275* for the whole family! Give your kids a summer to remember at the Y’s Day and Sleepaway Camps. YMCA campers gain new experiences, develop essential social skills and create lifelong friendships, while enjoying camp adventures along the way. To ensure that every child and teen has the chance to go to camp, the YMCA offers financial assistance to those in need. Space is still available so register today! *Some pricing exceptions apply. www.ymcanyc.org

Why do the best hospitals

turn to St. Mary’s?

Queens

200 Essential • Influential • Distinctive

Continued from page 42

and CEO Jeffrey Frerichs. “At St. Mary’s we are committed to improving the health and quality of life for children with special needs and their families. Our modernization project will transform the lives of the children we serve for generations to come. St Mary’s is grateful to all of our supporters who have helped us get to this historic point.” Those who understand the incredible work done at St. Mary’s are proud that this institution calls Queens home.

St. Michael’s Cemetery

Perhaps because we continue to develop the most innovative ways of caring for children with special healthcare needs. We’re St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children, and we’re building hope and restoring lives for patients with special healthcare needs. Our unique brand of rehabilitation and specialized care helps kids from just after birth into adulthood to heal, grow and thrive. It is why many great hospitals turn to us after their course of treatment. Whether at our inpatient facility, at home or in the community, St. Mary’s delivers the pioneering post-acute care that children need to be their best. For more information call (718) 281-8800 or visit:

29-01 216th Street, Bayside, NY 11360

7202 Astoria Blvd. East Elmhurst (718) 278-3240 Established in 1852, St. Michael’s is one of the oldest and largest cemeteries in Queens and the only cemetery that regularly hosts free concerts for the surrounding community. This religious, nonprofit cemetery is open to people of all faiths. The cemetery is owned and operated by St. Michael’s Church, an Episcopal congregation located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The pastor’s intention to provide a final dignified resting place for immigrants and the poor who could not otherwise afford a decent burial. This is no ordinary cemetery. Each year in May St. Michael’s holds a Winter Concert and in May in May it hosts the Scott Joplin Memorial Concert and in honor of the jazz legend and King of Ragtime who is interned there.

Samuel Aaron International 3100 47th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101, (718) 392-5454 At Samuel Aaron International the goal is simple: they want to be the world’s leading jewelry manufacturer. The company is dedicated to developing and maintaining customer satisfaction by consistently delivering quality jewelry that is competitively priced in an expedient manner, while creating a fair return on investment for our shareholders. At Samuel Aaron’s the number one commitment is serving their customers and exceeding their expectations. They have a passion for a job well done. They value difference and promote Queens 200

diversity, innovation and creativity. Plans are executed in a superior fashion and quality has been made their mark of distinction.

Samuel Field Y 58-20 Little Neck Parkway Little Neck, NY 11362 (718) 225-6750, SFY@SFY.ORG They are proud to be “the Everybody Place.” The Samuel Field YM&YWHA has been serving the greater Northeast Queens community for more than 55 years and they’re just getting started. The Samuel Field Y serves more than 30,000 individuals annually through a diverse array of services offered at 23 different sites. They place special emphasis on programs that serve the needs of a diverse, multi-ethnic, multilingual community. In particular they have targeted the most vulnerable members of our community, including at-risk children, the elderly and the victims of domestic violence. By providing a full range of camping, mental health, Jewish cultural, educational and recreational activities, and through supporting individuals with special needs as well as those people beset by difficult life challenges, the Samuel Field Y has been inclusive and responsive to the needs of all who walk through our doors.

Sheraton LaGuardia East 135-20 39th Avenue Flushing, New York 11354 No matter your reason for passing through the Flushing area you are invited to enjoy the distinctly Asian flair at the beautiful Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel. The hotel is just three miles away from the LaGuardia airport, accessible by our complimentary shuttle. While you’re he here, you might catch a Mets game at Citi Field or stroll over to the Arthur Ashe Tennis Stadium, both are just a half-mile away. If you’re looking to venture into Manhattan, just a block away, you can catch the subway, bus, or Long Island Railroad. Whether you’re searching for the perfect wedding venue or planning for a business conference, the Sheraton professionals will listen to your needs and tailor your next event. Connect, converse, and inspire new ideas in the hotel’s 14 meeting rooms, offering 15,000 square feet of space. And after a full day of travel, sightseeing, or meetings, take the time to enjoy cuisine 2011

from around the world in the hotel’s new restaurant – Deluge. You’ll find total comfort and relaxation in the 173 spacious guest rooms and suites.

Silver Star Mercedes 36-11 Northern Boulevard, Long Island City, NY 11101 (888) 450-9052 Pardon the dust. Major changes are underway at Silver Star Motors. The dealership is in the midst of a renovation project designed to make your experience even better. A remodeled Service Area is already complete with a new customer lounge and a Mercedes-Benz boutique. The Showroom is now undergoing a full transformation and will be completed very soon. Just pull your vehicle right into the Customer Drive and let them park it for you. Whether you are searching for a new or certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz, this is the place to go to in the Metropolitan area. And if you need a service appointment or you’re searching for a genuine MercedesBenz part or accessory, they can assist you. Mercedes-Benz is proud to stand by the qual-

ity of each vehicle it sells. Once you have made the decision to buy a Mercedes-Benz the aim of Silver Star Motors and the Mercedes engineers is to keep you happy throughout your ownership.

Silvercup Studios 42-22 22nd Street, Long Island City, NY 11101, (718) 906-2000 silvercup@silvercupstudios.com All you need to know about Silvercup Studios is that HBO’s Soprano’s was shot in these studios. That alone should tell you that the facilities at Silvercup are second to none. Since opening the first studio in what was the former flour silo room of the landmark Silvercup Bakery, Silvercup Studios established itself as the largest independent, full-service film and television production facility in the northeast. The facilities offer on-site production offices and extensive set, prop and wardrobe storage areas that are conveniently located within minutes of midtown Manhattan. Silvercup has a fully-equipped on-site lighting and grip department as well as a lumber

yard with paint, hardware and other set building supplies. Silvercup is currently home to NBC’s 30 Rock, the WB’s Gossip Girl, HBO’s How to Make It in America and USA’s White Collar. The Studios also provide facilities for still photography including shoots for fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle and Mirabella.

costs are reasonable. All family budgets are accommodated. DVD and real-time webcast of chapel services are available at no additional cost. The staff Rabbi is available to answer your questions and experts are on hand to guide monument selection and FDIC insured preplanning.

Sinai Chapel

Skanska USA Inc.

162-05 Horace Harding Expressway Fresh Meadows, New York 11365, (800) 446-0406 • 718-445-0300 A funeral should be a celebration of life, an observance that meets the emotional needs of your family and commemorates the life that has been lived. At Sinai Chapels, the staff helps you plan just such a tribute. No other funeral chapel does more to help you honor your loved one in a meaningful way. There truly is a difference at Sinai Chapels. Sinai is dedicated to your comfort and care. It offers a dignified and comfortable chapel located in Fresh Meadows. Funeral services are held at locations throughout the New York Metro area and

16-16 Whitestone Expressway Whitestone, New York NY 11357 (718) 767-2600 Few Whitestoners are aware but their town is home to one of the world’s leading construction groups. Skanska USA Inc. is a provider of comprehensive construction services and a developer of public-private partnerships. They apply their expertise to everything from small renovations to billiondollar projects, using a variety of delivery methods. Skanska is the world’s third largest heavy contractor and the fourth largest general building contractor. The company played a major role in the design-build of the new Meadowlands Stadium, a Continued on page 46

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BAD CREDIT? WE CAN HELP. Ask for Tony ext. 204

Prices incl all costs to a consumer except tax, tags & MV charges. Leases are closed ended w/purch option incl 10,500 mi/yr @ 20¢ thereafter. Lessee resp for maint excess wear & tear. All ﬁn subject to primary lender approval. See dlr for complete details. Offers can’t be combined. ^Customers who currently lease or have terminated a competitive car, truck or SUV (non-Ford model) lease within 90 days will receive $1,000 towards the lease of an eligible new Ford vehicle. Pre-owned vehicles cosmetically as is. Not resp for typos/equip errors & vehicles that are sold prior to pub date. Pics for illus purp only. Offers exp 6/30/11. 2011

Queens 200

Queens

200 Essential • Influential • Distinctive

project that involved the construction of a technologically advanced open-air sports and entertainment venue. In addition to being the home field for the New York Giants and the New York Jets, the multi-purpose stadium will be used for concerts and other entertainment and sports activities.

Socrates Sculpture Park 32-01 Vernon Boulevard Long Island City, NY 11106 (718) 956-1819 Socrates Sculpture Park owes its existence to the belief that reclamation, revitalization and creative expression are essential to the survival of humanity and improvement of the urban environment. It is the only site in the New York Metropolitan area specifically dedicated to providing artists with opportunities to create and exhibit large-scale sculpture and multimedia installations in a unique outdoor environment that encourages strong interaction between artists, artworks and the public. The park was once an abandoned landfill and illegal dumpsite until 1986 when a coalition of artists and community members, under the leadership of sculptor Mark di Suvero, transformed it into an open studio and exhibition space for artists and a neighborhood park for local residents. Today it is an internationally renowned outdoor museum and artist residency program that also serves as a vital New York City park offering a wide variety of free public programs.

Standard Motor Products 37-18 Northern Boulevard Long Island City, N.Y. 11101 (718) 392-0200 In these tough times people are keeping their used cars longer than ever before. That’s music to the ears of the folks at Standard Motor Products, Inc. SMP is a leading independent manufacturer, distributor and marketer of replacement parts for motor vehicles in the automotive aftermarket industry.

Photo: Vincent DesJardins

Continued from page 45

It is organized into two major operating segments, each of which focuses on a specific line of replacement parts. The Engine Management Segment manufactures a full line of engine management related products. The Temperature Control Segment manufactures and remanufactures a full line of replacement parts for automotive air conditioning and heating systems. Standard distributes parts primarily to warehouse distributors, large retail chains and national program distribution groups. Meeting customer demands in many different market channels is one of the qualities that sets SMP apart. Their commitment to engineering ingenuity makes them real problem solvers.

Star Auto Group 21134 Jamaica Ave. Jamaica, NY 11428, (718) 479-6200 Since 1941 Star Auto has been a one-stop shop for all of your car needs. They have the most popular new cars and trucks as well as the highest quality gently used cars. Come by and talk with the friendly professionals in the full-service showroom. Star Auto has refinancing and insurance specialists onsite. They can do all of the motor vehicle processing on the premises so you drive out with the new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota, Subaru or Hyundai of your dreams on the same day.

Steinway and Sons Steinway & Sons has a long and storied history in New York City. Founded in Manhattan in 1853 by German immigrant Henry E. Steinway, the factory was moved to Astoria, Queens in 1873, where Steinway pianos are still handcrafted to this day. Steinway pianos set an uncompromising standard for sound, touch, beauty and investment value. Steinway remains the choice of 9 out of 10 concert artists, and it is the preferred piano of countless musicians, professional and amateur, throughout the world. For more information, visit www. steinway.com.

Steinway Auto Parts 22-25 Steinway Street, Astoria, NY 11105, (718) 274-0306 When Frank and Denise Festa opened the Steinway Auto Parts store in Astoria in 1985 they could not have known how successful they would one day be. There are now seven locations, the most recent opened in Oceanside. Steinway Auto Parts Group has partnered with NAPA to bring the highest quality parts to hundreds of local auto repair facilities as well as thousands of retail customers. The Festas invite area drivers to stop in and say hello!

Steinway Child and Family Services 22-15 43rd Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101-3852 (718) 389-

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5100 For three decades the Steinway Family and Child Services has been helping troubled people reach their maximum potential. Since 1972, the agency has provided mental health and social and residential services to people in Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Manhattan. Steinway is committed to community-based care and to serving the diverse populations that make their home in New York City. Each year 3,500 children, adults and families take advantage of Steinway’s 21 programs. Its efforts are targeted to those most in need, including poor, minority and underserved populations. Only 6 percent of those coming to Steinway can pay for the services they receive. After all these years Steinway remains a force for enhancing human potential.

Steve Madden Ltd. 888-Smadden (888-762-3336) The man who is easily America’s most successful shoe designer gets his inspiration from “pounding the pavement.” The fashion footwear mogul of the 21st century, Steve Madden has been responsible for the design and marketing of trendsetting shoes for the past two decades. His vision to give young women a unique way to express their individuality through style has resulted in millions of customers worldwide and propelled his designs to the forefront of the fashion industry. 2011

Madden started crafting shoes in his Queens-based factory in 1990, with a mere $1,100 in his bank account. With sheer guts and unique creative designs, Madden formed a successful enterprise. Today, the Madden brand represents a successful lifestyle. “To me,” said Madden, “the fashion of the future is anything that a young guy or girl feels good wearing as long as it’s put together in the right way.” His label has expanded into apparel and other accessories such as dresses, handbags, belts, sunwear, cold weather, outerwear and hosiery,

Long Island City, NY 11101 · (718) 707-2808 · sara@sweetandsara.com For Sara Sohn vegan marshmallows were “the Holy Grail of animal-free sweet treats.” Sara had been vegan for 18 years when she decided it had been way too long since she’d had one of her favorite childhood snacks: the rice crispy treat. With no culinary background but a lot of determination and vegan sweets on her mind, Sara began her quest to create a vegetarian and vegan marshmallow. Food scientists warned her that her attempts would be futile because reproducing the properties of gelatin in marshmallows would be impossible. That only made her more determined than ever. After 10 months of tireless experimentation, Sara finally came up with a recipe for the perfect marshmallow: rich, creamy, mouthwatering, and completely gelatin-free! Vegan marshmallows are now a reality that you can enjoy only at Sara’s. So go on, indulge yourself.

Terrace on the Park 52-11 111th Street | Flushing Meadows Park, NY 11368 phone 718-592-5000, info@terraceonthepark.com If you’re planning a once-in-alifetime event, consider holding that event in a location truly worth remembering, a location that’s, well, breathtaking. As you enter Terrace on the Park, the spacious Carrera marble lobby adorned with dazzling Baccarat chandeliers and fine European antiques, you sense an air of grandeur. The exquisite Grand Ballroom, nestled high above Flushing-Meadows Park, offers floor-to-ceiling windows with incredible views of the New York City Skyline that are simply breathtaking. 2011

Photo: Vige

Sweet and Sara

The Terrace’s award-winning executive chef is well versed in the preparation of culinary masterpieces. Terrace on the Park offers impeccable oldworld service, combined with a personal dedication to gratifying your dreams, creating unforgettable moments to last a lifetime. If you’re hosting a wedding, you’ll find that everything has been meticulously planned to the last detail with an uncommon sophistication. From the extensive selection of culinary masterpieces to the exquisitely appointed ballrooms everything is just what you deserve.

Thalia Spanish Theater 41-17 Greenpoint Ave. Sunnyside, NY 11104 718-729-3880 In this borough there is only one theater dedicated to celebrating the Spanish culture. The Thalia Theater is the first and only bilingual Hispanic theatre in Queens, serving one of the most diverse communities in the United States, including more than one million Hispanics from every Spanish-speaking nation in the world. Every month is Hispanic Heritage Month at Thalia Spanish Theatre. In 32 years Thalia has presented more than 150 productions of the best Spanish plays, zarzuelas (Spanish operettas) and folklore shows of music and dance. The theater earned national recognition as a leader in New York City’s celebrated Spanish theatre movement. Its mission

is to celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of Spanish and Latin American culture with unique productions of plays, musicals and dance.

The Mattone Group 134-01 20th Avenue, College Point, NY 11356 (718) 353-5500 The commercial real estate market is constantly changing in Queens and the ability to keep abreast of these changes is the key to successful property development and management. Mattone Group has demonstrated a unique ability to develop and maintain a diversified, high quality portfolio. The leader of the group is Joseph M. Mattone Sr. With his sons, he completed a Pathmark shopping facility in Southeast Queens for $28 million and completed construction on a $80 million project called Jamaica Center - Site One, which combines retail shopping and a National Amusements movie theatre. The Mattone Group provides exceptional property management services marked by professionalism, financial expertise, and a dedication to be the best. Mattone currently manage over 1.5 million square feet of property.

The Original Cascarino’s 14-60 College Point Blvd., College Point, NY 11356 Find out why The Original Cascarino’s in College Point was named the “Official Pizza of the New York Mets.” Its brick

Queens 200

oven pizza is so good that it’s even sold at Citi Field. The pizzeria that has “mastered the perfect crust” was established by Robert Cascarino in 1989 and is now the ORIGINAL Pizzeria and Ristorante. Cascarino’s also provides a full service bar and full dinner menu until 11 p.m.. on weekends for those looking for a night out. Cascarino’s offers catering for all occasions with seating for 100 people in our private room. They can cater any event, big or small. Call 718.445.9755 to book your party now.

The Waterfront Crabhouse 2-03 Borden Ave. Long Island City (718) 729-4862 The Waterfront Crab House is an important part of the history of Long Island City and an even bigger part of its future. The restaurant located in a landmarked former 19th Century hotel, is a fun place with the finest seafood available anywhere and fresh fish specials daily. The Crab House has been dubbed “The fish house known for its meat!” due to its outstanding USDA Prime Aged Steaks. Try the Surf and Turf. The Crab House also offers a complete selection of fresh homemade pasta prepared with a true Italian flare. So come on down and enjoy a good time and great food at The Waterfront Crab House. Continued on page 48

Queens

training that will allow them to reach their full potential. In return for this the members are committed to being productive, efficient workers producing work of the highest quality – work that the union stands behind. The union works to improve the community and encourages its more than 25,000 skilled carpenters, millwrights, dockworkers, timbermen, cabinetmakers and floorcoverers to be active citizens and informed voters.

200 Essential • Influential • Distinctive

Continued from page 47

Touro College

USTA National Tennis Center

Photo: Vige

27-33 West 23rd Street New York, NY 10010 (212) 463-0400 No education no matter how advanced is complete without a commitment to values and ethics. Touro College is a Jewish-sponsored independent institution of higher education dedicated to the transmission of knowledge, social justice and service to society. The college was established primarily to enrich the Jewish heritage and to serve the larger American community. Touro offers undergraduate and graduate programs in Jewish studies and liberal arts and sciences including professional and graduate programs in such areas as education, law, medicine, pharmacy, the allied health sciences, social work, and business.

Townsend Harris High School 149-11 Melbourne Ave., Flushing, NY 11367, (718) 575-5580 Townsend Harris High School was created to be a public school worthy of teaching the best and brightest students in the city. Located at Queens College, Townsend Harris High School has succeeded in attracting the city’s most talented young people and dedicated teachers. It takes great pride in the rigor of its curriculum, the quality of its instruction, and the performance of its students. The mission of Townsend Harris High School is to foster a love of learning, to instill the habit of inquiry, and to promote an awareness of beauty in nature and in the arts. Townsend exposes students to multiple perspectives so that they will be able to appreciate various points of view. It enables students to achieve their potential and to become articulate and responsible adults who respect others and are productive members of our society.

Tully Construction Co. 127-50 Northern Blvd Flushing NY 11368

(718) 446-7000 A business is only as good as its people and this is especially true in the construction industry. For more than eight decades the Tully family of businesses has made an effort to hire only the best and the brightest workers. The company has brought safety, quality and productivity to the highway and bridge construction industry. Today more than 80 years after it was created, Tully Construction is still a familyowned and operated business, now managed by the third generation of the Tully family. The road to success at Tully has been built with ingenuity, workmanship and competitive pricing. The key factor in the growth and stability of the business is its young, aggressive management team. Its projects have included landfill construction, sewage treatment and dewatering facilities, subway

restoration, soil remediation, a variety of building construction projects and construction management.

United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America 214-38 Hillside Avenue Queens Village (718) 464-6016 Like the song says, “There is power, there is power in a band of working men. When they stand hand in hand.” For more than 125 years the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America has been a leader of the American labor movement. The union was founded on the core beliefs that every worker deserves a good job with benefits and a living wage that can support a family. The union believes its members deserve a safe and secure workplace, job security, retirement benefits and the education and

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(718) 760-6200 You don’t have to be a tennis player or even a tennis fan to appreciate the world-class tennis stadium and tennis center built in Flushing Meadows Park. When the US Open was moved to these new facilities, it was a recognition that the greatest event in tennis was here to stay. In 1997, the USTA opened Arthur Ashe Stadium as its main stadium and expanded the tennis facilities at the USTA National Tennis Center. The construction increased the number of courts on the grounds from 25 to 45 and saw the acreage more than double to 46.5 acres. In 2006, the USTA renamed the entire facility the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in honor of one of tennis’ finest players and ambassadors. Even if you never swing a racket, you can take pride in the fact that once a year the greatest tennis players in the world will be gathering here. see feature story on page 33

Valentino’s 20110 Cross Island Parkway NY 11360-1000 - (718) 352-2300 Capturing the romance of silent film legend Rudolph Valentino is no small task. The much anticipated Italian restaurant and banquet hall, Valentino’s on the Green, rises to the challenge. The restaurant, which recently reopened after extensive restorations, brings fine Italian cuisine to a neighborhood rich in history, culture, and style. The entire building and the surrounding property has been completely renovated and lovingly restored. Valentino’s on the Green abuts the Clearview Golf Course and overlooks Little Neck Bay. It combines the romantic history of its namesake with culinary expertise to offer a one-of-a-kind dining ex2011

perience where the atmosphere is opulent, the wine plentiful, and the superior service and cuisine unmatched.

the store and look through its amazing selection of in-stock merchandise offered at prices you won’t believe. Come in today and take advantage of great savings. VIM is currently showcasing fantastic deals on end-of-season clothing, tops, boots and outerwear. Since the first store opened in 1977, the “winning team” at VIM has provided friendly and knowledgeable service.

Vallo Transportation Ltd.

Voelker Orth Museum

Photo: Silveryyn

151-17 Sixth Road Whitestone, New York 11357, (718)-961-7600 You want your kids to ride on the safest school bus available. Vallo Transportation Ltd., an independent schoolbus company serving families throughout Queens, has been named Bus Contractor of the Year by the New York State Bus Contractors Association. The award recognizes Vallo Transportation for its outstanding safety record, on-time performance of nearly 98 percent, superior maintenance, training programs and legacy of community outreach. Vallo operates a fleet of more than 50 buses that carry children living in Queens to private schools and magnet schools in Manhattan and the Bronx, such as the Bronx High School of Science. Charter service is offered for field trips, community organizations and other events.

Vallone & Vallone 2559 Francis Lewis Boulevard Bayside, NY 11358, (718) 204-2929 When you need legal assistance it makes sense to stick with a name you know. Vallone and Vallone, a general practice law

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firm, has been serving Queens since the Honorable Judge Charles J. Vallone founded the firm in 1932. His vision was to create a law practice that had a caring, personal relationship with its clients. That vision continues to this day, 80 years later. Vallone and Vallone is proud to announce the return of its Senior Partner, the Honorable Peter F. Vallone. Peter served the Astoria Community as Councilman for over 25 years and became the City’s First Speaker of the City Council where he served for more than 15 years. A third generation of legal representation continues with the Hon. Peter F. Vallone Jr., the Councilman for Astoria community. Recently the firm

opened brand new office in the Bayside-Whitestone-North Flushing areas. No other law firm in Queens County has 80 years of experience and two offices to serve their clients. The firm’s goal is to continue to provide unparalleled legal services. .

VIM 164-01 Jamaica Avenue Jamaica NY 11432, (718) 297-3227 1008-1010 Beach 20th Street Far Rockaway NY 11691 (718) 337-2490 The best in name-brand jeans and sneakers at fantastic prices. What more can you ask for? VIM invites you to visit

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149-19 38th Avenue Flushing, NY 11354 (718) 359-6227 Queens hasn’t gone to the birds, but you can. The Voelker Orth Museum, Bird Sanctuary and Victorian Garden in Flushing occupies a home that was purchased by a German immigrant named Conrad Voelcker who emigrated in 1881. Serving as a sanctuary, the garden’s many varieties of berry bushes and trees attract migrating birds, such as orioles, mockingbirds, and hummingbirds, as well as local species like cardinals and blue jays. In June and July, the butterfly bush attracts monarchs, swallowtails, and other species, and the bee hive is home to a thriving colony of honey bees which produce a modest amount of honey for our eduContinued on page 50

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cently defeated top-seeded Baruch College, to win the CUNY Athletic Conference/ Con Edison Men’s Basketball Championship – bringing the title home to York for the second straight year. The York Cards have also regularly won championships in track and field events.

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cational programs. Besides the birds, a distinguishing feature of the museum is the garden, containing plants that were once regular favorites in the Victorian era. The garden is maintained using 18th century propagation methods and gardening techniques, such as hand pruning and the use of natural fertilizers and pesticides

YWCA

Western Beef

Photo: Nat Valentine

47-05 Metropolitan Ave Ridgewood, NY 11385 (718) 417-3770 Western Beef knows the neighborhood! In the 30 years that the store has been in service, this has been more than just a slogan. It is something they strive for in every community where they have opened one of their high-volume warehousestyle supermarkets. It means that each one of its stores is custom tailored to offer the highest quality product at the best value to meet their customers’ needs. Today there are 27 Western Beef Supermarkets in New York, New Jersey and Florida. The company prides itself on its relationships with its customers. They want to be your neighborhood butcher, baker, deli and fruit market. One key to success is their 11acre facility in Ridgewood, Queens where it operates its own meat, grocery and produce warehouses. These warehouses allow them to buy truckloads direct from manufacturers and farmers, cutting out the middle man and then passing these savings to their customers in the form of lower prices.

Wyckoff Heights Medical Center 374 Stockholm St. between Wyckoff and St. Nicholas avenues in Bushwick, (718) 963-7272 Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, although technically in brooklyn has been serving the bordering Queens neighborhoods for 122 years. The 350-bed teaching hospital has partnered with the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, bringing the next

generation of physicians to the community. But young doctors aren’t the only people attracted to the medical center. More than 75,000 patients visit the pediatric and adult emergency departments every year, about 2,000 mothers give birth at Wyckoff annually, and thousands of other Queens residents take advantage of its community ambulatory care centers.

YMCA 138-46 Northern Blvd. Flushing, NY 11354 (718) 961-6880 Good intentions alone won’t get you back in shape. The Flushing YMCA has everything you and your family need for a healthier lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to start a new exercise regimen, get the kids involved in a healthy activity, make new friends or just get healthier, the YMCA can help. The YMCA of Greater New York is a community service organization which promotes positive values through programs that build spirit, mind and body, welcoming all people, with a focus on youth. A special effort is made to assist those individu-

als and community groups who may not be able to afford the full cost of the programs, services and facilities. see feature story on page 43

York College 94 - 20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11451 | 718-2622000 The City University of New York (CUNY) colleges have long been one of the under-appreciated treasures of New York City. That includes York College in Jamaica, an institution that offers a top quality and affordable education. York College enriches lives and enables students to grow as passionate, engaged learners with the confidence to realize their intellectual and human potential as individuals and citizens. York is known for its liberal arts curriculum, with more than 40 major disciplines including Accounting, African-American Studies, Anthropology, Art History, Biology, Biotechnology, Business Administration, Chemistry, Communications Technology, Computer Science, Nursing and Economics, to name a few. The college also offers an outstanding athletic program. This year the York College Cardinals re-

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32-07 Parsons Boulevard, Flushing (718) 353-4553 Since it was founded in 1978 by a close-knit group of KoreanAmerican women, the Flushing YWCA has been reaching out to newly-arrived Asians and other immigrants. Its goal is to preserve and strengthen families and their traditions while serving as a bridge to the mainstream culture and community in the most diverse borough in the most diverse city in the country. The YWCA, the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world, is committed to eliminating racism and empowering women. Women come here for health and fitness and a variety of reasons. And they leave with a renewed spirit, new skills, and stronger lives.

Zum Stammtisch 6946 Myrtle Ave. Glendale, NY 11385, (718) 386-3014 The best compliment any restaurant can get is that it’s always crowded. If you come for dinner, expect to wait. That’s no surprise to the folks at Zum Stammtisch. Over the years they have won the reputation for serving “some of the best German food this side of Munich.” But perhps one customer described the experience of coming to Zum Stammtisch the best: “Do I have a long lost German grandmother? And am I in her dining room being served her famous home cooking made with love? Yes! Doilies on the chairs, darkened mountain vistas hanging on the walls, and turned wood trestles on every piece of furniture. Love it!” Zum Stammtisch is one of the few restaurants in the city still serving authentic German food at modest prices in an atmosphere that will make you feel like you too have a long lost German grandmother. Zum Stammtisch is what a German restaurant should be. 2011

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S59 TL

TIMESLEDGER MARCH 12, 2009

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Celebrating the spirit that put our borough on the map FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS entertainment manufacturing RESTAURANTS CIVIL SERVICE Recreation Education HOSPITALS Retailers UTILITIES CULTURE ARTS

Ridgewood savings bank celebRates 90th anniveRsaRy! 90 years of strength, stability & serviCe!

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Pictured above is the Ridgewood Savings Bank Main Office located at 71-02 Forest Avenue, Ridgewood, Queens. The bank celebrated its 90th Anniversary on June 18, 2011.

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Treating you like family since 1921.

This year Ridgewood celebrates its 90th Anniversary – 90 years of treating our neighbors like family and serving our communities with strength, stability and service.

No one will treat you more like one of the family than Ridgewood. It’s been a Ridgewood trademark since 1921. Come join our growing family as we celebrate our 90th Anniversary.

1-800-250-4832 2011

www.ridgewoodbank.com

Queens 200 3 Bronx • Brooklyn • Queens • Manhattan • Nassau • Suffolk • Westchester Member FDIC

WHEN YOUR HEART IS IN QUEENS, YOU ARE IN EXCELLENT HANDS...

THE HEART HOSPITAL OF QUEENS

FOR MORE INFORMATION 718-670-2087 800-282-6684 (Find a Physician) 56-45 Main Street Flushing, NY 11355

nyhq.org 4

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Photo: Jay Gorm

quintessential Queens W

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elcome to the From mom-and-pops to Queens 200 mega-corps, they offer us — the Commerchandise and services munity Newspaper unmatched anywhere else Group and TimesLedger on earth — and for that we Newspapers’ salute the are in their debt. trading acumen and enThe members of the Essential • Influential • Distinctive terprise of 200 of the bor“Queens 200” can confiough’s best and brightest dently lay claim to a cominstitutions, which continue to pour riches, mon denominator, too. They all possess that rewards and respectability into the our cof- quintessential Queens spirit, which has enfers. sured that our borough surges along the Congratulations to the members of the global corridor of commerce like a bull. “Queens 200” for their enormous contribuWe’ve come a long way from the first cities tions to our economic revitalization — a boon of Mesopotamia, where the art of trading for which has kept Queens County financially profit began its meteoric rise 5,000 years ago. and commercially durable at a time when Today, Queens is near the epicenter of capital other parts of the country face a fiscal slump. and labor as we know it — and the best that Our commercial stars are an aspiring, it can be, thanks in large part to its “Queens adventurous and audacious bunch — as if 200” gallery of institutions. a Queens business could be any other way. — The Community Newspaper Group

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ABCO Refrigeration Supply

Photo: Daquella Manera

Amerasia Bank 4106 Main Street, Flushing, NY 11355, (718) 463-3600 After 20 years the goals at Amerasia Bank have remained unchanged. The customer and

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is www.myNYCB.com 718-448-7272 ÂŠ2011 New York Community Bank Member FDIC

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your banking needs. Asia Bank is committed to the communities it serves.

Associated Foods

Beyer Farms

Photo: Nick Johnson

Bartlett Dairy 105-03 150th Street ▪ Jamaica, NY 11435. T: (718) 658-2299 /▪ (718) 725-2527

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Your Hometown Bank on the Move F

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org. Build It Green is the logical and environmentally friendly alternative to discarding durable materials.

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friends in their traditional beer garden on a warm summer’s night. A couple pitchers of cold beer and a plate of hearty Czech food and you’re in for an evening to be remembered.

Bowne House 37-01 Bowne Street, Flushing, NY 11354 (718) 359-0528 Three hundred years after

Photo: Tony the misfit

Bono Sawdust Supply Company

Build It Green NYC

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Cascon Cheesecake

Cherry Valley Deli and Grill

Christ the King

Photo: Gary Soup

Charmer Industries Inc.

Christie & Co. Salon and Spa

Citigroup

City Cadillac

Showroom (866) 379-0307 Service (866) 647-6463 If you are a New Yorker looking for a new or used Cadillac, this is the place you need to go. City Cadillac has the car you

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ess. A City Gates representative is available to provide you with technical support and will answer any of your questions about the design, fabrication and installation of any of its products.

Photo: Jay gorman

Clearview Park Golf Course

others – to execute localized strategies developed in partnership with the parent company. Customers then sell these products to consumers at a rate of 1.7 billion servings a day.

Cord Meyer 111-15 Queens Blvd. Forest Hills, NY 11375, (718) 268-2500

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upon decade of growth and prosperity. see feature story on page 39

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www.maspethfederal.com Queens 200

66-60 Fresh Pond Road Ridgewood, NY 11385 (718) 497-4800 24 Hr. ATMs on-site 13

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staff who work closely with families and the community.

in the communities it serves.

CUNY School of Law

Davis & Warshow

Crystal Windows & Doors

Continued on page 16

Study at Queens College This Summer and Fall SUMMER SESSION

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July 5 through July 28 July 5 through August 15

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718-997-5600

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200 Cardiology Unit makes mark as Second to None Queens

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York including two premier Kohler Showrooms in Mid-town Manhattan and Westchester.

Photo: Rob Boudon

DiBlasi Motors

glassware. The Manor takes great care to ensure your special day is a success right down to the smallest detail.

egory which is why E. Gluck’s timepieces sell so well in stores nationwide.

E. Gluck Corporation

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E-J Electric Installation

Eagle Electric 23-10 Queens Plaza South Long Island City, NY 11101 2011

Elmhurst Hospital Center 79-01 Broadway, Elmhurst, NY 11373, (718) 334-4000

Farenga Funeral Home 3808 Ditmars Boulevard Astoria, NY 11105-1851 (718) 726-6060 When you trust your funeral plans to a local, family-owned funeral home, you expect close Continued on page 18

, -9 " 1 " 1-

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Photo: complicated

Fidelis Care

First Central Savings Bank

Flushing Hospital

Flushing Meadows-Corona

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Park

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Healthfirst is proud to have been selected as one of the

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200 essential • influential • Distinctive

Together, we will continue to provide access to vital healthcare services for the Queens communities we serve

1-866-463-6743 | healthfirstny.org

INA11_39 06/2011 2011

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Forest Hills Hospital

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Frank Sinatra School of the Arts

Free Synagogue of Flushing

FreshDirect

Garden World

Gateway National Park

dunes, brackish ponds, woodland, and fields.

GDC Acquisitions LLC

It’s Our Mission. Continued on page 22

Quality Health Coverage Child Health Plus with Fidelis Care

Child Health Plus is a New York State-sponsored health insurance program offered by Fidelis Care.

To find out if you are eligible for one of our government-sponsored health insurance programs, call Fidelis Care at:

1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547) (TTY: 1-800-421-1220)

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•

fideliscare.org

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1-866-435-9521

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many years

Glaceau smartwater

Photo: Marine Corps

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Hindu Temple Society of North America

Holliswood Care Center 195 44 Woodhull Avenue Hollis, New York 11423 (718) 740-3500 Be careful. Holliswood Care Center could forever change Continued on page 24

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Photo: JayGorman

Jamaica Hospital 8900 Van Wyck Expressway Jamaica, NY 11418 (718) 2016-6000 From its humble beginnings in 1891 in a four-bedroom home, Jamaica Hospital and Medical Center has gone on to become

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out above the rest.” JetBlue looks forward to building on its success to achieve even greater service next year.

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Healthfirst: Bringing Healthcare to the Underserved

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Queens. Citywide, Healthfirst takes part in more than 3,000 events annually in support of the communities we serve.

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Photo: Gary Soup

Keil Brothers

Kew Motor Inn

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KISKA Construction Corp-USA 1034 44th Drive FL 2 Long Island City, NY 11101 2011

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pair their credit. So, whether you have good credit, bad credit or no credit, its finance team can help.

Lenny’s Clam Bar 161-03 Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach, (718) 845.5100 For more than three decades Lenny’s Clam Bar and Restaurant in Howard Beach Continued on page 28

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Leo’s Latticini (Mama’s) 46-02 104th St. (46th Ave.) Corona, NY 11368 (718) 8986069

why leave queens?

The best choice, close to home

YOUR HOSPITAL

Call our Cardiology Department today!

(718) 334-3573 28

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and Canada. This family-owned business has become one of the leading accessory companies in the world and their reputation for quality and commitment has steadily grown.

Cross County Federal Savings Bank Margaret Tietz 164-11 Chapin Parkway Jamaica, NY 11432, (718) 2987800 The decision to put a loved one in a nursing home can be one

Continued on page 30

Providing the communities we serve with innovative banking solutions with a traditional touch.

Free Online Banking Free Online Bill Pay Coin Machine 24/7 ATMs

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

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Passbook Savings Mortgage Loans Holiday Club Checking

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Now a proud member of the Van Nest community 791 Morris Park Avenue • Bronx, NY 10462 • 718.828.5600 Queens 200

MEMBER

FDIC 29

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compassionate, highly skilled therapists.

Maspeth Federal Savings

Photo: Jay Gorm

leums and there are plans to expand.

Museum of Moving Image 36-01 35 Avenue (at 37 Street) Astoria, NY 11106, Lights! Camera! Action (hopefully yours)! Just a short sub-

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way ride from almost anywhere in Queens, the Museum of the Moving Image is the country’s only museum dedicated to the art, history, technique, and technology of the moving image in all its forms. The museum is a one-of-a-kind destination for audiences of all ages and interests, from connoisseurs of classic cinema to children and families to avid gamers. From 19th century optical toys to the latest in digital art, the museum explores every phase of the production, promotion, and exhibition of moving images. It offers an engaging, highly interactive core exhibition, programs of contemporary and classic films from around the world, discussions with leading figures in film and television, a unique collection, inspiring educational programs for learners of all ages, stimulating changing exhibitions, and groundbreaking online projects. The goal of the museum is to advance the public’s understanding and appreciation of the art, history, technique, and technology of film, television, and digital media.

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Photo: Jay Gormon

Continued from page 31

Old Quaker Meeting House 137-16 Northern Boulevard

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200 America’s Grand Slam Queens

Fireworks explode over the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center during the Opening Night Ceremonies of the US Open. Photo: USTA/Getty

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Photo: Gary Dunaier

Parker Jewish Institute Parker Jewish Institute has grown by leaps and bounds. It first opened in 1907 as a shelter for 25 indigent men and women. Since then the Parker Jewish

Park Side Restaurant

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Petrocelli Electric Company 22-09 Queens Plaza North Long Island City, NY 11101-4003 (718) 752-2200 info@petrocelli.com Exceeding customer expec-

Plaza College 74-09 37th Avenue, Jackson Heights, NY, 11372 (718) 779-1430 A college degree is a nice thing to have but it won’t pay

“The most famous tavern you’ve never heard of” -NYC TV www.neirstavern.com Full Bio Appeared on emmy awarded “New York Originals” TV show

Goodfellas was filmed here!

2010 Business of the Year by Woodhaven Residents Block Association

One of the oldest continuously operating taverns in the country!

~ est 1829 ~

FAMOUS CELEBRITIES THAT HAVE VISITED NEIR’S

Robert Dinero, Ray Liotta, Lorraine Bracco, Ben Stiller, Joe Pesci, Mae -West, WC Fields, Fred Trump (Donald’s father), Director Martin Scorsese ...and more

”Tower Heist” film (to be released 11/2011) was filmed here (starring Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Alan Alda, Tea Leoni)

NEIR’S TAVERN & CAFÉ • 87-48 78TH ST. WOODHAVEN, NYC, NY 11421 718-296-0600 2011

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Poppenhusen Institute

Photo: Jay Gorman

and clinical diagnoses and treatment, to educational, vocational, residential, rehabilitation, day treatment and family support programs.

kept safe. No one has ever lost a penny placed in trust with a federally insured credit union.

Queens Boulevard Extended Care Facility

Queens Botanical Garden

43-50 Main Street, Flushing, NY

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Queens Center Mall

Queens Chamber of Commerce

Queens College

Queens County Farm Museum

73-50 Little Neck Parkway Floral Park, New York 110042011

Christ the King Regional High School Excellence in Catholic Education since 1962 An independent Catholic secondary school since 1976

68-02 Metropolitan Ave Middle Village, NY 11379

ing K e h st t Chri onal HS Regi

OPEN HOUSE

OCTOBER 2 10AM to 1:30PM

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Queens Hospital Center 82-68 164th Street, Jamaica, NY 11432, (718) 883-3000 Queens Hospital Center in Jamaica is a member of the Queens Health Network and

Queens Public Television Photo: Corinely

Queens Economic Development Corporation

Queens Library

Queens Museum of Modern Art at PS 1

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Queens Queens

Building neighborhoods one brick at a time I

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Queens Theater in the Park

Photo: Gary Soup

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Queensboro Toyota

Resorts World New York There’s a new kid on the block. Resorts World New York is a $6 billion company that is preparing to bring Queens a brand new entertainment experience. 2011

Photo:Jay Gorman

Rizzo’s Pizza

30-13 Steinway St. (718) 721-9862 “A slice of heaven!” That’s what one critic called the famous this-crust Sicilian pizza sold at Rizzo’s Fine Pizza. Since

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Royal Waste Services

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St. John’s University

Essential • Influential • Distinctive

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Services are on-call 24/7/365. No answering machines. No call centers.

Photo: Tony the misfit

Russo’s on the Bay

To celebrate and make people happy are the reasons the ac brothers opened this restaurant. Life is too short to eat anywhere else.

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200 The YMCA Is the Place for Families This Summer! Queens

Call or visit your local Queens YMCA branch for details! Cross Island YMCA

Long Island City YMCA

238-10 Hillside Avenue, (718) 479-0505

32-23 Queens Boulevard, (718) 392-7932

Flushing YMCA

Ridgewood YMCA

138-46 Northern Boulevard, (718) 961-6880

69-02 64th Street, (212) 9122180

Jamaica YMCA

SLEEPAWAY CAMP New York YMCA Camp,

89-25 Parsons Boulevard, (718) 739-6600

300 Big Pond Road, Huguenot, NY, (845) 858-2200

time to be together, we’re here to help parents meet these challenges. Whether you’ve been thinking about joining the Y for a while, are a family on a bud-

get considering a “staycation” in the city this summer, or are concerned about the kids being out of school and needing structured programs around health awareness and physical edu-

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Why do the best hospitals

turn to St. Mary’s?

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St. Michael’s Cemetery

29-01 216th Street, Bayside, NY 11360

diversity, innovation and creativity. Plans are executed in a superior fashion and quality has been made their mark of distinction.

from around the world in the hotel’s new restaurant – Deluge. You’ll find total comfort and relaxation in the 173 spacious guest rooms and suites.

ity of each vehicle it sells. Once you have made the decision to buy a Mercedes-Benz the aim of Silver Star Motors and the Mercedes engineers is to keep you happy throughout your ownership.

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Stk#10T-546, 780A pkg, auto, a/c, dual rear whls, 15x7 box, chrome grill, roll up doors, MSRP $35,275. Price incl $4000 Ford rebate ($2500 factory + $1500 Commercial Upﬁt rebate).

Expedition XLT 4x4

Stk#11T-198, 203 pkg, sport appearance pkg, navi, sunrf, lthr, V8, pwr mirrs/wndws/ lks/steer/brks, AM/FM CD, tilt, cruise, MSRP $51,965. Price incl $3000 Ford rebate.

BUY FOR

19,495 $21,599 $28,699 $44,995

SAVE

4820

SAVE

1466

OFF MSRP

SAVE

6576

6970

OFF MSRP

TAXI DEPT

OPEN NOWAlex or Ed

112-21 Northern Blvd, Corona, NY

Ask for

1.800.409.5142 | Showroom Hours: Mon-Thur: 9-8 pm Fri-Sat: 9-6 pm Sun: 12-5 pm

Service: Mon-Fri: 7-5 pm Sat: 8-4 pm Sun: Closed

Parts: Mon-Fri 7:30-5 pm Sat: 8-4 pm Sun: Closed

NYC DCA No. 203916 DMV No. 7022028

www.DiBlasiFord.com

BAD CREDIT? WE CAN HELP. Ask for Tony ext. 204

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200 Essential • Influential • Distinctive

Photo: Vincent DesJardins

Continued from page 45

Steinway Child and Family Services 22-15 43rd Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101-3852 (718) 389-

Queens 200

Photo: Vige

Sweet and Sara

is to celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of Spanish and Latin American culture with unique productions of plays, musicals and dance.

The Original Cascarino’s 14-60 College Point Blvd., College Point, NY 11356 Find out why The Original Cascarino’s in College Point was named the “Official Pizza of the New York Mets.” Its brick

Queens 200

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200 Essential • Influential • Distinctive

Continued from page 47

Touro College

USTA National Tennis Center

Photo: Vige

Tully Construction Co. 127-50 Northern Blvd Flushing NY 11368

restoration, soil remediation, a variety of building construction projects and construction management.

Queens 200

perience where the atmosphere is opulent, the wine plentiful, and the superior service and cuisine unmatched.

Vallo Transportation Ltd.

Voelker Orth Museum

Photo: Silveryyn

2011

Queens 200

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200 Essential • Influential • Distinctive

Continued from page 49

YWCA

Western Beef

Photo: Nat Valentine

als and community groups who may not be able to afford the full cost of the programs, services and facilities. see feature story on page 43

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2011

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S59 TL

TIMESLEDGER MARCH 12, 2009

2011

Queens 200