By Dee Richard
On July 30 the Jamaica Rotary had its second annual luncheon at Sarabella’s Restaurant in Forest Hills. Last year the rotary held its first special luncheon at which it presented the New York City Mounted Police Unit with two horses, “Woody” and “Jonathan.” They were both assigned to male police officers.
This year the Jamaica Rotary donated a mare named “Alicia’s Pride,” which will be assigned to a female mounted police officer, Yevette Anderson. The owner of Sarabella’s Restaurant is Danny Sollenne, who is also an officer in the Jamaica Rotary and whose wife Alicia died last year.
She was a young, vibrant woman who was still in her 40s. In order to honor her memory the rotary selected a female horse to be ridden by a female officer. What a nice gesture, a sort of living memorial.
July 30 was obviously Mayor Mike’s day to visit Queens. He made seven stops that I know of. Once the word was out that the mayor would be at Sarabella’s, it seemed a perfect opportunity for the local pols to show up for a photo op. We caught Cliff Miller, Melinda Katz, (her office is next door to Sarabella’s), Leroy Comrie, Michael Cohen and Joe Addabbo in our camera lens.
After the mayor addressed the rotary members on the “State of the City” in an optimistic upbeat way, everyone moved outside for a photo-op with “Alicia’s Pride.” Mayor Mike presented her with a large red Delicious Apple, which she started to munch on it until she noticed the local florist had brought out a beautiful arrangement of flowers shaped like a horseshoe on a tall wire stand. She promptly spit out the apple and started chomping on the flowers. I guess it’s true when they say children and animals will upstage you every time.
The mayor graciously spent some additional time for local photo shoots with residents, Rotary members, Police Department members and the Forest Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps. I don’t know how you feel about him, but I like Mike!
Before the mayor arrived, as was its custom, the Jamaica Rotary honored six Cops of the Month with plaques. Patrol Borough South Chief Thomas Lawless and Rotary Club President Joe Saboni presented the awards to the officers. Honored were Police Officers Louisa Souffrount and Bobby Espinel from the 102nd Precinct, Verna Hendrick and Robert Moore from 103rd Precinct, and Taiwo Miller and Christopher Giambrone both from the 113th Precinct.
On July 30 Queens Theater in the Park hosted the beginning of its seventh Annual Latino Cultural Festival. We were there on opening night. The evening’s entertainment was provided by the International Garifuna Band. The music traces its roots both to an ancient Caribbean Culture and descendants of Africa. The rhythm is known as “Punts,” which employs Garifuna Drums, turtle and conch shells, maracas, base keyboards and guitars. Members of the dance troupe accompanied the musicians in the traditional cultural dances.
Other first nighters there were Frank Padavan, Diccia Pineda-Kirwan, Brenda and Greg Murphy, Ivan and Bertine Lafayette, Helen Marshall, Gill Miller, Terry Osborne, Nettie Mayersohn, Carl Lee, Carol Conslato and Dario Centrocelli.
After the performance in the Claire Shulman Playhouse, food and beverages were served on the outside patio in front of the theater entrance. There was also a 10-piece band with singer playing for the dancing pleasure of the theatergoers. It was a beautiful, clear summer evening. We left early as we had a big day the next day, but everyone there looked like they were prepared to dance the night away. Good show, Jeff Rosenstock!
On Aug. 2 Belinda and Bill Briggs, (he of Youth and Tennis fame), held their outdoor garden party at their lovely St. Albans home. Their guests were coming and going to and from other events. During the short time we were there we saw Ada Smith, Leroy Comrie, Dora Young and hosts Belinda and Bill along with about 100 guests. Delicious food was catered and the waiters saw to it that no one was thirsty for very long. The four-piece band sounded just great. Bill lucked out this year as the weather was great. Last year it rained and Bill had to squeeze everyone inside his house as well as outside on the large front porch. The weather was really with you this year.
The New York Press Club had a get-together at the newly refurbished Ritz Carlton Hotel on West Street in Lower Manhattan. The hotel is attractively decorated, the cocktail lounge is on the 14th floor. The view of the harbor from there is magnificent, although the drinks are pricey. Getting there is another story as the traffic is wall-to-wall gridlock. If you decide to give it a try, go for off hours. We were there at 7 p.m. and that’s definitely not the time to go.
The Queens County Democratic Organization held its annual Golf Outing at the Inwood Country Club on Aug. 4. Everyone who is anyone was there. But more about that fabulous party next week.
The only political action this week seems to be the usual petition challenges in court. I will let you know who survives or whether it will be “off with their heads,” Stay tuned.
Be sure to check the Focus on Queens page for photos to illustrate the events mentioned in the column.
If you care to share information or invitations to your upcoming events, call me at 718-767-6484 or fax me at 718-746-0066.
Till next week,
Dee
