Parks overlooked Sunday events

At least one Bayside resident is miffed at City Councilmember Tony Avella, charging him with cultural and religious insensitivity, but The Queens Courier has found out the blame lies with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.
Bay Terrace resident Renee Wagner has complained that Avella has not funded an event on a Sunday for two years, but has funded several events on Saturdays.
Records show that Avella provided funding for a total of 15 events for which Parks issued a permit, most of which were during the week, such as the “Dancing under the Stars” program on Wednesday evenings in the Little Bay area.
As a courtesy, schedulers try to accommodate the schedule of the person who provides the funding, according to a Janice Melnick, an area supervisor for the Parks Department.
“We would avoid scheduling an event on a Saturday for Councilmember Weprin, for example, because he observes the Sabbath,” said Melnick, who actually schedules the events.
“I had already issued the permits when I heard about the complaint,” she said, adding, “you know, I really should have considered it; I’m Jewish.” Melnick promised to correct the situation in next year’s schedule.
Avella said he would “remind the office to include Sunday in scheduling.”