By Michael V. Cusenza

Each year, this weekend, the last of May, signals the unofficial start of the summer season. Perhaps more importantly, it annually offers the communities of the World’s Borough the opportunity to thank the men and women of the Armed Forces and celebrate the lives of those who made the Ultimate Sacrifice in service to the United States.

On Thursday, May 26, at 11 a.m., Queens Borough President Melinda Katz will host the Memorial Day Observance Ceremony in the Veterans Memorial Garden at Borough Hall. The event will include reflections on the Vietnam War by John Rowan, a Middle Village resident and national president of Vietnam Veterans of America. Also, Katz will also present Citations of Honor to Lt. Col. John W. Peterkin, U.S. Army (Ret.) (veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War); Senior Airman Ryan Graham, U.S. Air Force (veteran of the Iraq War); and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 32.

Later on Thursday, at 7:30 p.m., the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation is sponsoring the Small Town Memorial Service at Forest Park Plaza (Forest Parkway and Jamaica Avenue).

On Monday, May 30, at 10 a.m., the American Legion will host their annual Memorial Day services in front of Post 118 on 91st Street and 89th Avenue in Woodhaven.

And on Monday, at 11 a.m., the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2565 will lead Howard Beach’s annual Memorial Day ceremony and parade, beginning in Coleman Square.

michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

Whether you’re Irish, Catholic, both, or even just like the color green, we at The Forum want to wish you a very happy and safe St. Patrick’s Day.

But we won’t wish you the luck of the Irish, as that has some derogatory origins. According to historical sources, it was a term invented by Americans after noting that Irish were doing particularly well during the Gold Rush – and they used it to imply that it was sheer luck, as opposed to brains or skill, that those miners had been successful. Others believe that the phrase isn’t actually about luck but rather about fortune, referring to the series of bad or unfortunate events in Irish history and, sometimes more positively, to the ability of Irish people as a whole to bounce back after those crises. It’s not uncommon for “the luck of the Irish” to be said sadly or sarcastically, with a rueful shake of the head.

Indeed, even the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, in Irish folklore from the early 1600’s, is managed by a “mischievous” leprechaun who might not necessarily have your best interests in mind when you try your luck at cashing in that gold.

Not to be confused with “lucky” four-leafed clovers, the shamrock, with its distinct three leaves, has religious significance, particularly for Irish Catholics, because it was said that Saint Patrick chose the plant as a teaching tool: the three leaves symbolized the Holy Trinity. But maybe that meaning, in and of itself, conveys its own share of luck. Shamrocks and green ribbons have been associated with St. Patrick’s Day since the mid-seventeenth century.

Celebrated in our country since the 18^th century, while not a legal holiday, St. Patrick’s Day is certainly a beloved, widely-recognized, and often commercialized one. In addition, it’s one of the deadliest days for drunk driving, probably because of our collective tendency to over-celebrate on nearly every occasion that calls for even mild celebration.

And in New York City, a recent law enforcement initiative (which went into effect just one week ago) sponsored by the Manhattan DA’s office, Police Commissioner Bill Bratton, and Mayor Bill de Blasio, makes it less likely that those over-celebrations will lead to arrest. The idea is that police officers will be freed up to arrest for the more egregious offenses, leaving infractions such as public urination and public consumption of alcohol punishable by summonses instead. This is predicted to keep approximately 10,000 New Yorkers from being arrested annually. We are, we admit, a little curious (and concerned) about what percentage of that number would have been for public urination, before this initiative came about.

So, does this give us the “green light” (no pun intended) to go out this week and get a little goofy? (Public urination? Really?) Not so fast. On St. Patrick’s Day, as with New Year’s Eve and SantaCon, alcohol will be banned on the LIRR as well as upstate Metro-North trains. Bar carts at Grand Central and Penn Station will also be closed. It’s not to say that violators of this regulation will be arrested, but they will have the offending substance taken out of their possession. So whatever you do, don’t bring your Jameson Reserve on board, or the MTA might be celebrating on your behalf.

Above all else, please be safe – and consider the safety of others – as you mark this special day. May you find your own pots of gold, whatever they may be.

By Michael V. Cusenza

A City police officer is being hailed a Holiday hero with a heart after his efforts saved a distraught man who attempted to jump from a balcony at the Queens Center Mall last week.

Officer Christian Campoverde, who works out of the 40^th Precinct in the Bronx, was actually off-duty and shopping with his family at the Elmhurst mall when he heard the man mumbling that he wanted to kill himself as he pushed his way up the escalator. Sensing something was not right, Campoverde began to follow the man, but did not catch up to him until he had one leg over the balcony railing.

Queens Center Mall. Photo Courtesy of macaulay.cuny.edu

As he reached the balcony area, Campoverde said that he immediately grabbed the man’s waistband and began to speak with him about why he wanted to end his life. As the two began to connect conversationally, Campoverde asked “Is it OK if I give you a hug, do you want a hug?” As the man replied yes, the officer was able to bring him to safety where he was taken by EMS for evaluation.

“I just saw somebody who needed help,” said Campoverde, who just completed the NYPD’s Crisis Intervention Team training the week prior to the incident.

According to the NYPD, CIT training uses mental health consumers, professionals and police officials to train officers on how to recognize signs of mental illness, respond to such calls and empathize with someone in the throes of a crisis. Earlier this summer the NYPD launched a four-day program that will be incorporated into standard training and issued a requirement that officers take annual refresher courses, officials said. Though the department already has a small, highly-trained unit of officers for mental health cases, the training is meant to give more cops a better chance at deescalating crisis situations.

michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

The Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic on Tuesday waved goodbye to a productive 2015 with its annual Holiday Gathering at St. Helen Catholic Academy—where the kids stole the show.

The Stanford Dance Studio and the children’s choirs of St. Helen and Ave Maria Catholic Academy strutted and sang for the season, eliciting cheers and participation from the more than 100 audience members in attendance.

There was a palpable buzz inside the cafeteria at St. Helen’s as the Stanford troupe marched in two lines up to the front of the room. Clad in matching red T-shirts, the girls brought the house down with choreography set to a holiday-tinged medley of Dem Franchize Boyz’s hit “Lean Wit it, Rock Wit It.”

The choirs led beautiful renditions of Christmas classics, including “Soon and Very Soon,” “Frosty the Snowman,” and crowd-favorite “Jingle Bells.”

But it was their spirited presentation of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” that spurred the surprise appearance of the titular holiday hero, who posed for pictures and thanked families for contributing to the 106^th Precinct Toy Drive.

“Have a happy, safe, pleasant Holiday Season,” said Civic President Joann Ariola.

By Michael V. Cusenza   michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

With the Holiday Season in full swing in the Big Apple, area communities this past week gathered at festive events across the southern swath of the World’s Borough.

Mr. Claus enjoyed some assistance from his Helpers at the 102nd Precinct Kids Holiday Party.

Civic groups, including the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, the New Hamilton Beach Civic Association, and the Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic, organized holiday parties replete with food, caroling, and a very special guest from the North Pole.

Santa stopped by the West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Department firehouse last week for pictures and presents. On Tuesday evening, after Howard Beach and Lindenwood families enjoyed spirited performances by the Stanford Dance Studio, and the children’s choirs of St. Helen and Ave Maria Catholic Academy, St. Nick posed for pics and reviewed his Naughty and Nice lists.

The Stanford Dance Studio heated up the Holiday Season on Tuesday at the Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic party.

And Mr. Claus and his merry helpers also visited some of New York’s Finest last week, catching up with cops and kids at the 102^nd Precinct’s holiday party in Richmond Hill.

By Michael V. Cusenza   michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

In an effort to show their appreciation for the Howard Beach community that has helped them channel their grief and sorrow over the past seven months, the grateful family of Valentina Marie Allen on Tuesday organized a holiday party at Roma View in Howard Beach.

Valentina captivated the community through her innate resolve to conquer hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare congenital defect marked by a severely underdeveloped left ventricle.

Nearly 200 members of the Allens’ extended Team Valentina family filled the first room at Roma View Tuesday afternoon, dancing to Disney tunes, and lining up to have their faces painted as familiar red heart balloons anchored the dining tables.

Santa Claus also made an appearance and enjoyed the festivities.

“We reached out to anybody who did anything for Valentina,” said Maria Del Cielo, Valentina’s maternal grandmother. “This is our way of saying thank you and giving back to them.”

Since she passed away at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in May, myriad volunteers have organized fundraisers in Valentina’s name, with the proceeds going to directly to CHOP.

A cardiac intensive care unit room at the renowned pediatric hospital has been renamed in honor of this adopted Daughter of Howard Beach.

Valentina died on Tuesday, May 12, at 3:35 p.m. To mark the six-month anniversary on Nov. 12, mom Danielle, dad Ryan, and big sister Victoria, invited the community—especially children—to join their family outside their home to release those signature red, heart-shaped balloons into the atmosphere.

By Michael V. Cusenza   michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Woodhaven.

Revelers last weekend were treated to two annual traditions that signify the arrival of the holidays in the proud south Queens community: the lighting of the Forest Parkway Plaza Christmas tree on Friday night, and the Santa Parade along Jamaica Avenue the following afternoon.

The majestic Christmas tree at Forest Parkway Plaza near Jamaica Avenue is always a popular attraction for families.

Sponsored by the Woodhaven Business District and the Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation, the tree-lighting is more than a simple flip of a switch—it’s a neighborhood celebration, replete with caroling, characters, and the Clement Clarke Moore classic “Twas the Night before Christmas.”

And there was a palpable added appreciation of this year’s Santa Parade, as inclement weather forced the cancellation of the 2014 pageant.

“Holiday events in Woodhaven, such as the tree lighting or the Santa Parade, give the community a sense of continuity,” said Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Cultural and Historical Society. “Parents are bringing themselves to events that they themselves attended as children. At the same time, it gives people who are new to our community the opportunity to gather and celebrate something special, yet new to them. These events really give off a nice small-town vibe, where neighbors know each other and greet each other warmly.”

By Michael V. Cusenza  michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

However, sometimes skepticism is best set aside when circumstances dictate.

And so with six parties over the course of the last four years under my belt, I’m finally ready to come out of the Pampered Chef closet and say it: I’M ADDICTED.

Thankfully this is one addiction with a happy ending––this stuff is the real deal. From a simple scraper to a garlic slicer or a skillet, the amazing Rockcrock pot, or a hand powered food processor, this is a line of products that are fashioned from top quality material and offer a level of performance in the kitchen only rivaled by other giants in the cookware industry. And Pampered Chef has another outstanding feature: they stand 100 percent behind everything they sell. They even offer replacements on any defective merchandise for up to three years after original purchase!

And so with everyone’s most favorite time of the year to enter­tain and create culinary masterpieces to celebrate with family and friends, upon us, it’s a great opportunity to discover first hand, just how easy Pampered Chef can make your life around the kitchen. And of course it’s not just around the holidays that you will love Pampered Chef products, it’s all year long.

The recipes that we chose to share with you here are but three of dozens of delicious, restaurant-quality entrees, appetizers, desserts that you can create with ease. People will be after you for your secrets and praising you prowess in the kitchen with every bite.

That’s another thing we love about this line of goodies for food­ies, the connection doesn’t end with the purchase. There’s a constant flow of information on the products to use them to their fullest and also an endless supply of recipes and suggestions that just keep com­ing. Questions are readily fielded by your Pampered Chef rep and there is an absolute wealth of support and information online and through social media.

So whether you’re buying a gift for someone else or giving hints for your own Christmas desires, we’d like to leave you with some suggestions on what we consider in the line-up of Pampered Chef must haves:

1- The double grill pan. With a totally non-stick surface, this beauty will handle meat, fish, vegetables and anything else you can slice, dice, chop or shred. And by the way, if you suffer the pangs of missing your barbeque and grill marks on you rib eye when the tem­perature drops, this baby will do the job right from your cook top––totally without smoke. That’s right, the grill pan is totally smoke free.

2-The Rock Crock. There isn’t enough to say about this pot ex­cept that it’s equally as comfortable on the stove top, in the oven, on the grill or in the microwave. Produce foolproof delectable risotto, pasta and anything else you can fit in this must have vessel.

3- The salad chopper. Absolutely the most dependable, versatile cutter/scissor type tool you’ll ever find. This is a tool that will prove its worth over and over again.

4- The shallow baker, and actually any piece in the stoneware line, is a must have for anyone who likes to bake, roast vegetables or create delectable desserts. Don’t stop there, the possibilities are endless.

Take advantage this weekend at the Ave Maria Christmas Fair (see page 19) on Sunday Dec. 6 to meet Pampered Chef rep extraordinaire, Marielena Russo, and get your Pampered Chef col­lection started. Mention you read this in The Forum and start out with a free gift!

By Patricia Adams

pat@theforumnewsgroup.com

City Hall kicked off Veterans Week last Wednesday with a celebration of city, national, and military colors.

In Queens, Borough President Melinda Katz last Friday hosted the annual Veterans Day Observance Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Garden at Borough Hall. The service commemorated the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and honored three distinguished WW II veterans.

“More veterans call Queens home than any other borough in the city of New York,” Katz noted. “We salute all veterans’ tremendous service to our nation and their sacrifices for our freedoms.”

Last Sunday, the World’s Borough celebrated with service members and their families at the Queens Veterans Day Parade in Middle Village. Revelers saluted vets, including Grand Marshal Brigadier Gen. Stephen Bucaria, commander the New York Guard and a state Supreme Court justice, along Metropolitan Avenue from 80^th Street to 69^th Street.

This year’s parade was dedicated to the memory of U.S. Army Pfc. Le Ron Wilson, a Springfield Gardens native who was killed in action in Baghdad, Iraq on July 6, 2007.

By Michael V. Cusenza   michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

Marchers and revelers honored military service members then and now at the Queens Veterans Day Parade last Sunday along Metropolitan Avenue in Middle Village.

With Veterans Day – Nov. 11 – on the horizon, Queens communities will once again take the opportunity to honor military service members and cherish the freedoms for which they fought.

Here are just some of the Veterans Day ceremonies taking place in neighborhoods across the World’s Borough.

On Friday, Nov. 6, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Queens Borough President Melinda Katz will host the Veterans Day Observance Ceremony in the Veterans Memorial Garden at Borough Hall. This year’s event will feature three special veteran honorees commemorating the 70^th anniversary of the end of World War II.

On Sunday, Nov. 8, at 12 p.m., the Queens Veterans Day Parade Committee will host its annual veterans parade in Middle Village. The festivities kick off at the intersection of Metropolitan Avenue and 80^th Street, and run down Metro to 69^th Street.

The Grand Marshal of this year’s parade will be New York Guard Commander Stephen A. Bucaria, Brigadier General in the New York Guard. The parade is also being held in memory of Private First Class Le Ron A. Wilson, who was killed in 2007 while serving in the U.S. Army in Baghdad, Iraq.

“I greatly appreciate the efforts of the Queens Veterans Day Parade Committee and the respect they show our veterans. An event such as this annual veterans parade is just one small way we can attempt to show our appreciation for the unthinkable sacrifices our military service members have made throughout the years,” said state Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) the ranking member of the Senate Committee for Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs.

On Tuesday, Nov. 10, 9:30 a.m., Queensborough Community College will host a Remembrance and Reflection Ceremony at the Charles F. Bova Veterans Memorial Grove, located inside the main Bayside campus gate on 56^th Avenue.

By Michael V. Cusenza

michael@theforumnewsgroup.com

There will be a holiday open house from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. until Dec. 28 at the picturesque Queens County Farm Museum. Tour the historic, decorate Adriance Farmhouse, pictured, here, among other festive activities. Photo Courtesy Queens County Farm Museum

From sipping mulled cider at the picturesque Queens County Farm Museum to making holiday crafts and ushering in 2014 with comedians from HBO, BET and Gawker, there are plenty of reasons to stay in the borough this holiday season.

After Christmas comes and goes, the wrapping paper is thrown away, and the stacks of leftovers are safely in the fridge, don’t feel down about the holiday being over – head out to celebrate the season at the Queens County Farm Museum’s open house. There, residents can, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. daily until Dec. 28, tour the Adriance Farmhouse, learn about the county’s agricultural and colonial history, and enjoy holiday crafts and mulled cider. The tours are free. The farm museum is located at 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy. in Floral Park.

Or, if you’re feeling creatively inspired, check out the ReMake the Holidays events at the New York Hall of Science at 47-01 111th St. in Corona. There, residents will be able to bend, twist, light, sculpt, and animate a new version of the holiday season with workshops, demonstrations, artist installations, and more. The crafty sessions will be held at 12 p.m. every day until Dec. 30 and include ice sculpting and a screening of “Bag It: The Movie” with the nonprofit environmental group Skraptacular. Tickets are $8 to $11 for admission, but some activities cost more.

Residents will get a new twist on the holiday season with workshops, demos, artist installations and more at the New York Hall of Science’s “ReMake the Holidays” event at 12 p.m. every day until Dec. 30. Photo Courtesy New York Hall of Science

While you’re at the New York Hall of Science, be sure to meander through the facility’s “gingerbread lane,” which is open to the public until Sunday, Jan 12. While at the lane, you’ll be able to marvel at homemade gingerbread houses that are drafted, designed, baked, planned, built, and decorated by chef Jon Lovitch over the course of an entire year. Gingerbread Lane is a 1.5-ton, 300-square-foot village made entirely of edible gingerbread, royal icing, and candy – and it’s a contender for the Guinness World Record for the largest gingerbread exhibit. And, come Jan. 12, you’ll be able to take a piece of the gingerbread extraordinaire home with you. Gingerbread houses will be given away, while supplies last. The line will open at 10 a.m., and the giveaway starts at noon.

And, of course, there’s New Year’s. As for saying hello to 2014 in Queens in style, there are plenty of events going on throughout the borough.

The Laughing Devil Comedy Club in Long Island City will host its “New Year’s Eve Spectacular,” which will feature five famous headliners, including BET’s Kareem Green, HBO’s Leighann Lord, and Gawker’s Kyle Ayers. There will be shows at 5:30 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $65 and include one appetizer or dessert and two drinks. Attendees may choose from wine, champagne, 13 draft beers, or soft drinks. The comedy club is located at 47-28 Vernon Blvd.

Resorts World is holding their own bash beginning at 9 p.m., and the festivities will include live performances by France Joli and Disco Unlimited, party favors, ball drop live stream and champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are $50. Resorts World Casino is located at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd. in South Ozone Park.

By Anna Gustafson

Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder, right, worked with the Secret Sandy Claus Project to turn his office into the North Pole to bring holiday cheer to children whose lives were turned upside down by Hurricane Sandy last year. Photo Courtesy NYS Assembly

Last Thursday, Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Howard Beach) converted his community office in Rockaway Beach into the North Pole as he teamed up with the Secret Sandy Claus Project to bring the holidays to children whose families were affected by last October’s Superstorm Sandy.

The Secret Sandy Claus Project, founded by Michael Sciaraffo in the wake of Sandy, is a collective city-wide effort to distribute toys to more than 15,000 children across the affected Sandy-damaged areas in New York and parts of New Jersey.

The original goal of the project was to match up each child with a toy they had lost or asked Santa for Christmas.

“Many families in southern Queens and Rockaway are still struggling to
make ends meet after Sandy,” said Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Howard Beach).

“I partnered with the Secret Sandy Claus Project and Rockaway Free Flea Market to transform my office into a winter wonderland. Our goal was to make sure no child goes without a present this year. It was great to see faces light up as children received toys from Santa and Mrs. Claus.”

Goldfeder added that the event demonstrated that all the Sandy-affected communities will remain united until all families are recovered.

Belle Harbor resident Irene Dougherty had signed up for the Secret Sandy Claus Project and brought her three kids, Ryan, 14; Brendan, 11 and Kevin, 9 to the Assemblyman’s office on Beach 96^th Street where each child received two toys.

Dougherty, who is also a member of the PTA at PS 114, had high praise for the work of Goldfeder and the Sandy Claus Project.

“Phil is great.  He was absolutely marvelous,” she said. “It was very nice to be included in Secret Sandy Claus. It is so nice that people are looking out for our kids as we try to get back on our feet.”

Explaining that the effects of Sandy have still to be put behind them, Dougherty, who was forced to live in Brooklyn for two months following the storm, said that the family’s basement, which took on nearly seven feet of water, is still unusable.

“We’re still waiting to rebuild. I just want my kids to be able to go down in the basement and play.”

She said the family is still awaiting word from the city’s Build it Back program on when funding will be available to reconstruct the basement and also repair her home’s badly damaged porch.

She said that Goldfeder has gone “above and beyond” in helping the family.

Dougherty also had praise for the project’s founder, Michael Sciaraffo.

“It was really amazing how Michael came into the neighborhood, having no ties, and has helped so many people.”

Rockaway resident Marisa Bernowitz is a “head elf” for the project and operates many routes across Sandy-impacted areas in Queens. She also helped staff and coordinate the event at Goldfeder’s office.

“The Secret Sandy Claus Project is an all-volunteer effort of people trying to give kids in the Sandy-affected areas some gifts for Christmas,” said Bernowitz, who nows all too well the losses from Sandy.

Bernowitz lost her home during Sandy and also hasn’t had a job since the storm hit last October.

“I don’t know where I find the energy or the drive to do what I do but I will keep doing it,” she said.

Bronwyn Woods, who lives on Beach 96^th Street in Rockaway Beach, also brought her two kids, Brontin, 5 and Angelique, seven months, to the event.

“It was a very nice event,” said Woods, who also had a rough time during Sandy, recalling how she didn’t have electric for nearly a month and was unable to get her wheelchair-bound daughter out of the house for a doctor’s appointment.

“The storm was very rough and it affected lots of people in very bad ways. I saw the boardwalk coming down the block,” she said.

She noted that many people, especially in Belle Harbor, are still not back in their homes for Christmas.

But, Woods said she was thankful for Goldfeder’s help.

“I see the Assemblyman trying to do the right thing for people. His staff really tries to help you out whenever you come into his office,” she said.

“He seems very genuine to me.”

By Alan Krawitz

Staffers at Russo’s took a moment to share their Christmas wishes with Santa in between crowded sessions with more than 500 children who registered to share in the day. From left to right: Jeremy McMilleon, Santa Claus, Suzie Serra, Priscilla Lampasone, P.J. Connolly and Danielle the Elf. Patricia Adams/The Forum Newsgroup

More than 500 children passed through the doors of Russo’s on the Bay this past Sunday—taking advantage of what has become a neighborhood holiday tradition. Each year, Frank Russo opens the doors of Russo’s on the Bay to anyone who wants to bring their kids by for a photo with Santa and some delicious holiday treats. Ear to ear grins were the common denominator on the faces of families as they entered a winter wonderland filled with all the glitter and glow of Christmas.

Frank Russo maintains that his pleasure from the event is seeing the wonder in the eyes of the children that walk through room after room of stunning holiday decorations and are greeted with holiday cheer spread by elves, snowmen and other Christmas creatures before arriving on the lap of the big guy himself—Santa.

Busy as elves were the children of Russo’s staffers who took time out of their own holiday plans to make sure there were some beautifully decorated (and of course, delicious) butter cookies and gingerbread men. Among Santa’s bakers were, Juneau McMilleon, Max, Nick and Jake Russo, Patrick, Travis and Lia Connolly and Farren Retas.

Mary LaMarca has been attending the event since its conception and says she wouldn’t miss it. “I used to drag my own kids on the train to Macy’s every year,” the grandmother of 7 says with a smile, “but that was before Frank Russo.” And indeed, LaMarca was just one of many who praised the efforts and generosity of Russo’s.

The day that started as a simple gesture on Russo’s part—“I love to see the kids just smiling and pointing—they squeal sometimes,” joked Frank Russo, “seriously it’s incredibly heartwarming and for all of us here—well let’s just say we look forward to this more than you could imagine. It’s a great opportunity for us, and we are really thrilled to do it.”

And despite the fact that the event has been an ongoing tradition for several years, the staff is still amazed at the overwhelming response they get each year.

“Every year we try to be a little different—do a little more—than the year before,” said Russo executive Suzie Serra, “it’s something we really look forward to.”  And this year was no different. Once again phone lines rang off the hook with people phoning in their registrations for the event.

“This is just so amazing,” said visitor Joseph Warren. An Ozone Park resident, Warren says he and his wife Juliet have been bringing their 5 year-old twins Jacob and Justin and 7 year-old daughter Emilee to the event since it started. “This is the only Santa that the twins don’t cry with,” Warren joked, “but very simply put, what they do here is great. A trip to see Santa in other places can cost you an arm and a leg.” But not at Russo’s, where everything, including the pictures and homemade treats, are all offered to the community at no cost.

But in addition to all the festivities on Sunday, there was a full day of baking and decorating by Russo’s staff and their children over the weekend so that every person who came to see Santa left with a delicious, beautifully decorated Christmas treat.

At the end of the day, hundreds of families went home with a smile, a memory, a picture and a sweet treat. Just a nice way to say Merry Christmas from Russo’s on the Bay.

By Samantha Geary 

Staffers say it was a lot of fun trying to get to their desks amidst mountains of bags filled with toys at Councilman Ulrich’s office. Patricia Adams/The Forum Newsgroup

Councilman Eric Ulrich once again opened his office up as a collection center for a toy and coats to be distributed to needy and sick children in shelters and hospitals throughout the area. “It’s really the least we can do for families that are so burdened with either financial difficulties or unfortunate health issues at this time of year,” said Ulrich.

The office acted as a drop-off point where hundreds of new unwrapped gifts for boys and girls of all ages were collected. The toys were packed up and delivered to several stops through the community to a welcome and willing audience.

Christ the King students donated toys for children battling cancer at the Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center. Photos Courtesy Christ the King Campus

Christ the King Campus recently hosted its annual toy drive and semi-annual blood drive to benefit those who are in need.

The toy drive will help to provide a merry Christmas for the children at Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park. Children with cancer will receive toys donated by Christ the King.

The collection was organized by Carly Nieves, a junior at Christ the King High School, who created a foundation in her name to help children with cancer. Carly is a two-time cancer survivor.

It was with much excitement and tears in her eyes that Carly, who knows well what it feels like to spend Christmas in a hospital, thanked everyone involved.

“I am so grateful to everyone who donated toys,” Carly said. “Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and merriment for everyone. For the children at Cohen’s Hospital, it is not always the case. To be able to bring some happiness and a sparkle to a child’s eyes that is in the hospital during the holidays, is the best present we can give.”

Christ the King Community also hosted its semi-annual blood drive in conjunction with the New York Blood Center at Christ the King High School. Eligible seniors took time from their schedules to give the gift of life by donating their blood, as the New York Blood Center is always in need of blood. Almost 150 pints of blood were donated.

Everyone on the campus was happy to help with the blood drive and the toy donation for the Carly Rose Foundation.

Both events were a huge success and brought much joy to not only the Christ the King community, but to the many lives that will be saved through the blood donations, as well as the smiles and joy of children battling cancer.

“We at Christ the King High School are proud of the students that came out to donate blood and donate toys to children with cancer,” said Principal Peter Mannarino. “Christ the King has always strived to instill a strong sense of moral values and civic mindedness in our students and we are pleased that they are setting an example for others.”

Almost 150 pints of blood were donated during Christ the King’s semi-annual blood drive.

St. Helen’s School engaged students in various activities to prepare for the celebration of Christmas. Here two proud young men display their obvious prowess in making beautiful advent wreaths. Photos Courtesy St. Helen School

The church and school community at St. Helen’s enjoyed a recent Christmas Fair at the school as well as the living nativity, portrayed by students who dressed in costume to tell of the birth of Jesus.

Many people experience depression over the holidays, but individuals can combat it with a variety of measures, from exercise to creating new traditions.

The lights on the tree are twinkling, the presents are wrapped – well, maybe, and there could even be a white Christmas this year – but despite the saying that this is the most wonderful time of the year, many people across the country fall into what is called holiday depression during this season.

To combat these unwelcome guests that arrive uninvited, a Queens mental health worker has some words of wisdom that could bring the tidings of joy you’d rather see this time of year.

Anthony J. Maffia, a licensed clinical social worker who is the vice president of psychiatry and addiction services at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center and Flushing Hospital, pinpointed a number of sources for holiday depression, including stress, a lack of money, fatigue, difficult family relations, and loneliness.

“People have a tendency to become very stressed over the holidays – they’re having to shop, they’re having to cook, they have to worry about relatives and friends coming,” Maffia said.

“There can be a lack of money, and people can become depressed because they don’t have enough money to spend on gifts – which can lead to overspending and then that’s a problem you have to face in January,” Maffia continued. “There’s fatigue – people need to accomplish tasks, and they fall behind; they become tired, and they become more anxious and more upset.”

So, what can you do if you find yourself struggling this season?

To alleviate stress, Maffia said individuals should focus on eating well, exercising and not forgetting about yourself.

“Exercise reduces anxiety,” Maffia said. “Don’t overeat – the more you overeat, the more upset you become.

“Do something for yourself over the holidays,” he continued. “We’re so busy giving and giving that we don’t do anything for ourselves. Go to a movie, buy yourself a present, go for a massage, do something with someone you love.”

As for financial concerns, the mental health worker stressed the importance of not overspending. Before you head to the mall or get online to go shopping, create a budget for yourself and stick to it. We’ve all heard it, but it’s worth saying again: Money won’t buy happiness. Think about donating to a charity in someone’s name, giving homemade gifts, or starting a family gift exchange so you don’t have to buy bucketfuls of presents.

Then there’s the difficult family relationships: Maybe you’re going to have to face an estranged parent or sibling, or perhaps you’re just going to have to sit through dinner with an aunt or uncle who always manages to say something offensive after gulping down a little too much wine. Whatever the case, Maffia said it’s important to recognize the limits of people including yourself, and not have unrealistic expectations.

“Accept people as they are; people aren’t going to change magically over Christmas as we wish they could,” he said. “If we accept what is, the holidays will go a lot smoother.”

Feelings of isolation and loneliness too can prevail during the holidays, when Maffia said it can be difficult when remembering family members or friends that we used to celebrate with who have died.

“We very fondly remember those days, and certainly a remedy for that is to start your own new traditions,” Maffia said. “Many of us no longer have our parents, but we have children and grandchildren. Now we can pass on traditions to them.”

 By Anna Gustafson