By Stephen Stirling
The Queens Botanical Garden announced a new board chairman and the addition of five new board members for the new year Friday. The changes came at the board's first annual meeting, where it announced the departure of three members, including former Chairwoman Stefanie Handsman. Incoming Chairman Frank Macchio said the new board brings hope and promise to the Queens Botanical Garden for the current year. “I am inspired by the commitment of our new board members. We value their expertise and look forward to furthering the future of the garden,” Macchio said. The five new board members include Patrick Jones, a certified urban planner; Stan Markowitz, a Flushing resident and vice chairman of the Flushing Business Improvement District; Michael Meyer, a real estate developer who serves as president of TDC Development International; Willets Meyer, whose family has been involved with the Queens Botanical Garden for four generations; and Catherine Redd, a Jackson Heights horticulturist and landscape designer. Macchio also praised the work of the outgoing board members: Handsman, Richard Aurelio and Robert Schirling. He said the new board will benefit from the example left by those leaving. “To all outgoing board members, I thank you for your leadership and service to the garden as you leave a part of you with us,” Macchio said.Created as an exhibit for the 1939 World's Fair, the Queens Botanical Garden consists of 39 acres of rose, bee, herb and perennial gardens. Originally located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the site was moved to 43-50 Main St. when construction began on the 1964 World's Fair. The Queens Botanical Garden is open to the public free of charge year-round Tuesdays through Sundays. For more information call 718-886-3800. Reach reporter Stephen Stirling by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 138.
