By Dee Richard
Let me start this week’s column on a rather sad note. I wish to extend my deepest, heartfelt sympathy to the family of Marissa Roslyn Feldman.
She is survived by her son Michael Feldman and daughter Beth Curcio. She had two grandchildren, Erica Feldman and Amy Curcio. She died Feb. 9 at the assisted living home Harbor House in Oyster Bay, L.I.
As some of you may know, Michael has been a partner of mine for quite a few years. He and his sister should have no regrets, as they were always devoted and loving children to their mother. Marissa had been failing for the past two years, and they both went above and beyond what was expected of them.
Rest in peace, Marissa. You will always be in our prayers. Needless to say, Michael, if I can be of any help, do not hesitate to call.
On Feb. 7 at 9 a.m., there was a breakfast with Borough President Helen Marshall and her cabinet at the LaGuardia Marriott Hotel. The room was filled to capacity and everyone was brought up to date on the present and future plans of Queens. The event was sponsored by the Queens Chamber of Commerce.
While there, we ran into old friend Dolly De Thomas, who has worked across the street from the Marriott for many years at the LaGuardia Plaza Hotel. Dolly was upset as she announced that her hotel was scheduled to close in mid-March. We also heard at the breakfast that Staples on Northern Boulevard is also due to close. At the same time, there is a rumor circulating that the Waldbaum’s on 154th Street may also close its doors.-Who says the economy is starting to get better?
Feb. 7 was the 15th annual Taste of Fine Food at Terrace on the Park to benefit the Queens Centers of Progress. That’s always a fun but fattening evening, as all the purveyors of fine food in Queens had samples for everyone to taste and enjoy. This year’s Chefs of the Year were Martha Taylor Esq., a long-time community activist, and Linda De Sabato, president of Vallo Transportation.
It was a well-deserved honor for both ladies. Marshall was the honorary chairwoman. QCP is celebrating more than 60 years of service to the Queens Community. Charles Houston, executive director, and Maryann McAleer, director of development, both deserve kudos for presenting a great event.
Early last Thursday evening, the Democratic Organization of Queens held its annual winter cocktail party at Antun’s in Queens Village. It was hosted by Joe Crowley, chairman of the Queens Democratic Organization. The dinner co-chairs were Elizabeth Crowley and Sulpice Chamblin.
As usual, just about every Democrat who wanted to support the party was present. Mary Lou and Jamie Plunkett did their usual exceptional best to provide everyone with a memorable evening. Some of the notable guests were Joe Crowley, Gary Ackerman, Tom DiNapoli, Christine Quinn, Scott Stringer, Bill de Blasio and John Liu. I mentioned them as they are not the regular politicians who attend Queens events. This is an election year and Queensites vote.
Last Thursday evening, the Jefferson Democratic Club held its February meeting at the Clearview Golf Course Club House. The guest speaker was state Assemblyman Ed Braunstein, who brought everyone up to date on the new legislative session in Albany. I really like Ed, as he is a decent young man, the kind of man everyone would like to represent them. You can be sure he sincerely tries to do his best to represent his constituents.
On Friday evening, the School Sisters of Notre Dame Education Center held a Mardi Gras festival at Monsignor Mulz Hall in Woodhaven. The honorees were Jerry Sampanato, general manager of JFK Airport, and Dolores Hofman, program manager of Queens Air Services. They both made an excellent King and Queen of the Mardi Gras. Needless to say, I added more purple, green and gold beads to my collection.
An interesting bit of trivia: Did you know the first Mardi Gras, “Fat Tuesday,” was near New Orleans in 1699? I had no idea it went back that far. I had the pleasure one year of being in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. New Orleans folks sure know how to celebrate party and live large. What a great city!
