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Dishing with Dee: QTIP seeks to raise $2M in donations for the arts

Dishing with Dee: QTIP seeks to raise $2M in donations for the arts
By Dee Richard

The Carl Paladino/Andrew Cuomo Race is starting to heat up big time and has all the earmarks of becoming down and dirty, but what else is new and what else would you expect?

While I haven’t noticed anything humorous in the Cuomo attacks, I think Paladino’s man, Michael Caputo, has an impressive sense of humor. One e-mail he sent shows a photo of Cuomo naked in the shower with the caption, “Let’s Clean up Albany, Starting with Cuomo.” One of the other e-mails that struck my funny bone was a photo of Cuomo with a long Pinocchio nose. As for that caption, remember the Pinocchio story and draw your own conclusions.

No matter what your political beliefs or choice of candidates, you have to love a guy with a sense of humor, as everyone enjoys a chuckle now and then.

On the other hand, humorless Cuomo’s team has been playing the same 60-second sound bite ad infinitum. Their main complaint seems to be their accusation that Paladino is a welfare landlord — what’s that all about? They don’t give any details, and how does that affect his ability to govern?

Early Monday evening, the Bayside BID held its inaugural celebration in Papazzio’s on Bell Boulevard in Bayside. A fun cocktail, finger-food introduction. They have great plans for a better Bayside business district — not that it is not good now, but there is always room for improvement. Papazzio’s owner, Dominic Bruccoleri, was aided by U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman and state Sen. Frank Padavan in making the party the success that it was.

On Thursday evening, Queens Theatre in the Park held its official ribbon-cutting and donor recognition ceremony. It was preceded by a lovely cocktail party and light supper in their new cabaret. What a fun place that is and what a great location for a small party or fund-raiser. It is intimate and sophisticated at the same time. Just about all the local Queens patrons of the arts were there. It’s not bragging on QTIP’s part when they say they have become the premier performing arts venue in Queens.

According to Executive Director Jeffery Rosenstock, the best is yet to come. They have started a new campaign to raise $2 million in private funds to support artistic development and secure the theater’s financial foundation. Any donation you make will be matched by the New York Community Trust. Donations must be made before Oct. 31 to qualify for the matching dollar funds, a tax deductible gift. They would like you to consider donating today, as every dollar helps.

Later on Thursday evening, the Kiwanis Club of Astoria/Long Island City held its annual dinner-dance at Ricardo’s by the Bridge in Astoria. This year’s honorees were Woman of the Year Gloria D’Amico, the Queens county clerk; Man of the Year Rocco Sacramone, chef/owner of Trattoria L’Incontro; and Community Person of the Year Felix DeVito, owner of DeVito Brothers Enterprise.

Ricardo’s was packed as it was a great turnout. The Kiwanians do good as they perform many services to our youth, elderly, community and nation. They believe in helping those who need their help the most. They are a worldwide service organization of individuals who want to improve their communities and the lives of people that dwell in them.

The big event this week was the fabulous Howard Beach Columbus Day Parade on Cross Bay Boulevard. The formation of the parade began on 156th Street and proceeded down to 164th Street, where they had a stage and reviewing stand set up.

This was surrounded by numerous purveyors of great Italian food. Needless to say, since Election Day is a little over a month away, every politician worth his or her salt showed up to march in the parade. There was a great showing and participation in the parade of local organizations. The organizers deserve credit for producing such an entertaining and well-organized parade. It went off without a mishap that we know of. I had so much fun I will definitely put it on my calendar for a place to be next year. See you same time, same place.

Later on Sunday afternoon, Albert Baldeo held a unity and empowerment meeting for late City Councilman Thomas White’s vacated 28th District seat. The special election will be held Nov. 2. Baldeo would like your support. The district covers Richmond Hill, Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, Jamaica and Rochdale Village. Baldeo is also looking for volunteers.

That’s it for this week.

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 Focus on Queens.