By Dee Richard
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!” to quote a line from a famous holiday song. I do not know how it looks in your neighborhood, but in mine the way some houses are decorated is enchanting. Most of the streets adjacent to local stores have holiday lights strung across the streets. The local shopping centers, malls and department stores are decorated with all sorts of enticing merchandise.
The total effect gives you a warm feeling, encouraging you to do some serious shopping. It feels good to shop for and buy a gift for someone you know will truly enjoy receiving it.
The holiday party circuit is in full swing as we cover the events throughout the county.
Dec. 1 was U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman’s annual holiday party, held at Melville Hall at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point. There were so many guests it was difficult to move around the room to get photos. It was a nice party and a great way to kick off the season.
Prior to attending Gary’s party Monday, we stopped by the Douglaston Manor for their kickoff as an official Toys for Tots dropoff point. It is nice that some businesses believe in giving back to the community. If you drop a toy off at the Manor, they will present you with a complimentary glass of wine at the bar.
On Tuesday evening, Danny Dromm had a birthday fund−raiser at Natives Restaurant in Jackson Heights. He had a fabulous female impersonator guest. Her stage name was “Gefil Tefish.” She was wearing a red “Hello, Dolly” ensemble, sounded like Carol Channing and mingled with all the guests. That was a fun party.
On Wednesday, the Queens Chamber of Commerce held its annual Buildings Award Dinner at Terrace on the Park. It is one of my favorite organizations. If you are in business and not a member, you should consider joining, as it has much to offer businesses, especially small ones that may not be able to access the help they need any other way.
On Thursday, the Queens Village Republican Club held its holiday party at Trattoria Lucia in Bellerose. State Sen. Frank Padavan told everyone that the vote counting is not over yet.
Phil Sica and Jim Trent announced that they expect their upcoming Lincoln Day Dinner to be the biggest and best yet. Michael Ricatto stopped by to wish everyone a happy holiday season, but could not stay as it was his birthday and he had to leave to go and celebrate with his family. Happy birthday, Mike!
Liz Berney entertained everyone with a violin concert. She is really good. It was a pleasant evening.
Early Friday evening was my annual girls’ night out holiday dinner with friends Myra Baird−Herce, Joanne De Martino and Debbie Markell. This year we had dinner at the Sheraton LaGuardia East in the Deluge Restaurant. It was good food, good drinks and good company. What could be better?
After dinner, Debbie and I drove over to Sullivan’s in Bayside to attend Jim Wrynn’s law firm’s annual holiday party. That was the best stop of the night, and a good last stop it was.
On Saturday, Honey Miller and the Eleanor Roosevelt Democratic Club held its annual holiday luncheon at the New Gold Garden Restaurant (formerly the Szechuan Inn) on Union Turnpike. This event is always one of my favorite luncheons, as Honey has so many nice members in her club.
U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner stopped by and did the political kissing the baby routine with 8−month−old Ellie Weprin, daughter of Jennifer and state Assemblyman Mark Weprin.
From there, a number of Honey’s guests and I drove over to the Queens Civic Congress’ annual legislative reception and cocktail party at the Douglaston Club. Since so many of us wind up at the same parties at the same time, maybe we should all consider car pooling?
I finished the evening at the annual holiday dinner and ball at Melville Hall at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, given by the Regiment of Midshipmen. It was a lovely formal party. I sat at a table with old friends who are members of the Little Neck−Douglaston Memorial Day Parade Committee and the Queens Flag Day Committee, of which I am also a member.
That’s it for this week.
I look forward to hearing from you with information on people, parties or politics or gossip.
I also 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.
