By Dee Richard
Congratulations to the Queens Chamber of Commerce on its 100th anniversary. In order to celebrate the occasion, they held a fabulous gala at Terrace on the Park. It was reported they had over 650 guests. I can believe it — the place was packed to the rafters.
The slowing down of our present economy apparently did not affect the enthusiastic support for the chamber and its centennial.
It was a black tie affair. The men looked positively handsome and the ladies never looked lovelier. It really was a fun night and everyone seemed to be in a great party mood.
Of course, being the Gossip Queen of Queens, I had to work the room to see what was going on in the various parts of Queens that might possibly be of interest to Dishing with Dee readers. There was much happening and a lot going on. Unfortunately, the juiciest stuff you just can’t print.
One of the rather pointed conversations concerned Peter Koo. I asked him why he had decided to endorse Democrat David Weprin rather than Republican Bob Turner in the 9th Congressional District seat race. That was biting the hand that feeds you. It was, after all, the Republican Party that gave Koo its line. It was also the party that worked so hard to get Koo elected. That wasn’t exactly a show of loyalty or appreciation.
When asked by a member of the press why he did it, he replied Weprin secured more than $30,000 for one of his local community organizations. You really don’t want to go there, Peter, because the implication is if Turner was able to come up with $30,000 for your local community organizations, then he would have received your endorsement. That doesn’t really look too cool.
Do I think Peter Koo is manipulative or a sellout? No, I do not think he has an evil bone in his body. I rather think he is naive and he probably thought he was showing his appreciation without realizing the many negative connotations of his actions. He is obviously getting bad advice from someone, unless he just on the spur of the moment made an instant decision on his own.
Peter, you may be knowledgeable in the pharmaceutical world, but you are an innocent babe in the woods in the political world. While I’m sure you meant well, you damaged yourself. Who will trust you now? After all, you turned on people who were your best friends. Don’t become a victim of hoof-and-mouth disease.
My advice to you is before you make an important decision, discuss it with you consultants and supporters. If they are capable of doing their job, it’s in their interest to keep you out of trouble. Remember, in the world of politics there is no forgiveness, only retribution. Enough of the lecture, but for what it’s worth I still like you and will be happy to help you in any way I can.
Jeff Rosenstock tells us that he is getting adjusted to his new career at Queens College as an institutional development officer. Jeff looks good in a tux.
Now for some sad news. Someone told me that Hank Auffarth died at the end of August. He was only 63. I was so sorry to hear that, as he was one of the good guys. He loved to dance and he and his wife Tish could be seen on the dance floor at all the events. He and his wife were also creative and their Halloween costumes were always outstanding at the annual Queens Allied Artists Costume Ball at Terrace on the Park. In fact, they had won best costume on numerous occasions. Rest in peace, “Hank from the Bank,” as he was affectionately known.
As part of the Queens Chamber’s centennial, they had 100 raffle prizes. The majority of the prizes were worth $100 each or more. Here’s hoping the Queens Chamber survives another 100 years. Can you imagine what life was like in Queens in the year 1911, which was the year the Queens Chamber was founded?
Kudos to the Queens Chamber’s working members, volunteers and committees, as it took a lot of time and talent to produce one of the finest parties ever.
Our heartfelt condolences to good friend Chet Szarejko on the loss of his wife Marion, who died suddenly Sept. 20. You are both in our prayers. Rest in peace, Marion.
I like receiving your voice mails at 718-767-6484, faxes at 718-746-0066 and e-mails at deerrichard@aol.com. Don’t forget to check out the Focus on Queens page.
