By Dee Richard
Sorry there was no column last week, but I am in the process of trying to buy a condo and was up to my ears in paperwork. There were never-ending meetings with attorneys, accountants, mortgage brokers and banks. Before I realized what was happening, I had missed my deadline. I will try, however, to report on both weeks.
On Sept. 22, the state Conservative Party held its election convention at the NY Athletic Club in Manhattan. Party Chairman Michael Long was reelected for another term. Of course, the party choices for president and vice president were U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Gov. Sarah Palin (R-Alaska).
Some of the attendees were Jack Kemp, Marty Golden, Jerry Kassar, Tom Long, Ed Cox, state Sen. Serf Maltese (R-Glendale), John Catsamatidis, Rob Ryan and John's daughter, Andrea, who has started the Students for Catsamatidis Organization to help her father get elected.
John has his eye on the mayor's seat. How that will work out now that Mayor Michael Bloomberg has indicated he would like to run for a third term is anyone's guess.
The other big event was on Sept. 23. It was a fund-raiser for City Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. (D-Astoria) at the Bohemian Hall in Astoria. It was a success, so much so that even state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo came down from Albany to show his support. Peter is running for borough president.
Incidentally, the Bohemian Hall Beer Garden is the last one left of its kind. It is well worth a trip to visit. The ideal time would be now, during Oktoberfest.
On Sept. 25, Forest Hills New Parkway Hospital staged a rally in front of the Supreme Court building in Long Island City. The rally was held prior to the hospital's court hearing before Judge Sampson.
It appears there is a movement to try and shut down Parkway, but on Sept. 29, the Appellate Division of the state Supreme Court upheld a temporary restraining order that will keep Parkway open.
Good luck to Dr. Robert Acquino and his staff on keeping the hospital open with its much-needed services to all Forest Hills residents and the senior citizens in need of local services this hospital provides. More details later.
Later Thursday evening, a number of prominent business men and women held a fund-raiser for state Sen. Frank Padavan (R-Bellerose) at the Reception House in Flushing. The senator's son, Scott, flew in from his home in Hawaii to help with his father's reelection campaign. Good luck, senator.
Sept. 29 was the first day of Rosh Hashanah. “L'Shana Tovah” to all our Jewish friends. May you all have a healthy, happy and prosperous new year.
On Sept. 30, there was a fund-raiser for Maltese at the Woodhaven House in Rego Park. Serf's biggest cheerleader was former Mayor Rudy Giulani. It was wall-to-wall with VIPs. Good luck, Serf.
On Oct. 1, City Councilman Anthony Como (R-MIddle Village) had a fund-raiser at Russo's on the Bay in Howard Beach. Over 400 people attended. Way to go, Anthony!
A few weeks ago, I had mentioned in my column that Michael Ricatto seemed to have disappeared off the radar during the past few months. Well, he's back. I first saw him and his bus at the Woodhaven House Tuesday and then again Wednesday at Russo's. Welcome back, Mike. We missed you and your “Better Leadership America” organization.
On Oct. 2, at the Douglaston Manor, Victoria Schneps-Yunis and the Queens Chamber of Commerce held the first King of Queens Breakfast. It was so packed you could not get into the parking lot. You had to park blocks away and walk back.
Congratulations to both for coming up with a great idea and getting out such a huge and group. The theme was “Keep It in Queens.” The first official King of Queens was Bloomberg; the first official Queen of Queens was Borough President Helen Marshall.
There were 16 other Kings of Queens at the breakfast. They even had one prince, Damon Hemmerdinger. We are looking forward to many more King of Queens breakfasts.
That's it for this week.
I like receiving your voice mail at 718-767-6484, faxes at 718-746-0066 and e-mails at deerrichard@aol.com.
Till next week, Dee.
