MERRY CHRISTMAS 2011

CONSOLATO D'ITALIA A NEW YORK FESTEGGIA IL NATALE

Astoria, New York

Il Consolato Italiano di New York sito a Park Avenue e 69 Street ha festeggiato il Natale con vari esponenti della communita' italiana della zona metropolitana. Il nuovo Console Natalia Quintavalle ha salutato e ringraziato gli invitati. " Il cocktail all'italiano con spuntini americani e' stato soddisfacente a tutti e ringraziamo Console Quintavalle per questo scambio di auguri. " dice FPG.

Silvio Berlusconi, ex Primo Ministro d' Italia, ha visitato due volte il Consolato di New York, dice un impiegato.

38TH STREET AND 23RD AVE A GARBAGE BLOCK IN ASTORIA SAYS RESIDENT

Astoria , New York

One resident fed up with crime in Astoria , calls his 38th Street a Garbage Block and wants to move himself out of it. This happened after a double shooting that occurred near him earlier this morning. The resident was interviewed by NY1 News shortly after the incident. He mentioned that the block was once a beautiful block. The block was closed to traffic to allow the police to investigate the shooter who is in custody. Apparently his wife and daughter were shot and are at Elmhurst Hospital. The daughter is mentioned to be in critical condition. The crime wave continues to plague the 114th precinct after political leaders have vowed to fight all kinds of crimes in Astoria. " Unfortunately this a domestic case and that could happen to rich people in a rich neighborhood too. We believe that the resident should reconsider his opinion because the block considered as one of the safest in Astoria since it is located in the heart of the Ditmars area, a safer portion of Astoria for its Deputy Inspector. It is also not too distant from the local politicians headquarters.

BERRY FRESH MARKETS TO DEBUT LARGER SUPERMARKET WITHIN A MONTH

Astoria , New York

The plans have been made earlier this year when management of the popular Berry Farms Supermarkets has decided to join up with an adjacent location. " This supermarket store could become a blockbuster in the area with a larger and more improved showcase of merchandise. It will be competing in size with larger supermarkets chains like Best Yet , Waldbaum's , Pathmark and Western Beef Supermarkets. " The old location would become a mostly grocery and miscellaneous items department with cashiers at the exit while the new location will showcase its much larger deli , meat and fruit & vegetables departments and have an entrance. Both locations will be connected through the back. The newly designed store is expected to be in operation by the end of December or early January. " Increased customer traffic is expected to occur due to larger supermarket and increased merchandise. " finalized FPG. Berry Fresh Farm Supermarket is located in a shopping center off Ditmars Blvd and 45 Street in Astoria Queens.

EUROZONE HOPES AND RETAIL SALES SEND US FUTURES HIGHER

Astoria , New York

Worldwide markets are soaring and that was good for US futures as they are higher by more than 2 percent. Retailers did very well in post Thanksgiving sales and they are forecasted to be about 1 billion dollars more than last year. " We need to see item sales versus total sales as I may see inflation trickling into all of this, but even so it is very good and a morale booster for the economy. " commented FPG. " With the euroone, it has been a cat and mouse game and every time there is hope, that bodes well for the markets."

ONORATO, HONORED BY THE ITALIAN FEDERATION OF QUEENS

Astoria, New York
George Onorato, a former New York State Senator from the Astoria Community will be honored at the 40 th Anniversary Dinner Dance hosted by the Italian-American Federation of Queens. Onorato has been a NY State Senator for a long time. His hard work and dedication to the Queens Community will be remembered for years to come. Mike Giannaris is currently the new senator. Others to be honored are Angie Markham and Carlo Bucich. The event will start at 1.30 pm on Sunday November 13th at Chateau Briand in Long Island.

QUEENS ITALIAN FEDERATION TO HOST DINNER DANCE AT CHATEAU BRIAND IN WESTBURY

The Italian Federation of Queens aka FIAO, will host its 40th anniversary dinner
dance at Chateau Briand on Sunday November 13th. The cost of the ticket will be
$100.00 per person. Please contact Angie Markham at 718-204-2444. The Federation
was founded in 1971 by a few italian-americans that included Vincent Iannece,
Chairman Emeritus.

BREAKING NEWS : EARTHQUAKE HITS ASTORIA AND NORTHEAST

ASTORIA, NEW YORK
ASTORIA AND QUEENS ROCKED BY EARTHQUAKE. PRELIMINARY IS THAT IT WAS CENTERED IN VIRGINA AND IT WAS FELT IN NEW YORK CITY.

BABY FOUND OFF DITMARS BOULEVARD

A newborn baby was found in a shoe box on 28 th street in Astoria. The baby was brought Elmhurst hospital. A search for the baby's mom has begun.

ASTORIA FEDERAL EMPLOYEES ENJOY METS GAME AGAINST CARDS

Astoria, New York
Employees and clients of Astoria Federal Bank got together at Citi Field to watch the Mets. "The event hosted by the savings bank is a great thing for employees and clients to intermingle" said one of the participants. The air conditioned Embassy Suites had waiters serving food and beverages. Partecipants who wanted to watch the game went out to the balcony seats. Ed Kranepool, a 1969 Met member was at the event. He took pictures and signed baseballs were given out to all participants. " I think he is great down to Earth guy and I do wish him luck in his endeavours. " said FPG. An Astoria Federal employee who happens to be a Met fan himself, said that the event was a great exposure to its best clients of BusinessOne, a free checking solution for business clients. " We do have a product that is superior and we intend to market this especially to the small business community." the employee said.

CHEAPEST PIZZA PIE IN ASTORIA

THE RESTAURANT GUY HAS LOCATED THE CHEAPEST 8 SLICE PIZZA PIE IN ASTORIA AT THE BEST YET SUPERMARKETS OFF 20TH AVENUE.
6.99 PLUS TAX. WITH THE THE 3.00 COUPON YOUR TOTAL COST WILL BE 58 CENTS PER SLICE. AMAZING.

WEINER RESIGNS AS INTERNET PHOTOS SCANDAL ESCALATES

Astoria, New York

Democratic US Congressman Anthony Weiner ended his career as politician by resigning today. A scandal that began from the privacy of his computer led to an escalation as private body parts photos surfaced. These were sent to ladies over the internet for a period of time while Weiner was married to Hillary Clinton's assistant. " This is a sad chapter for the democratic party and Astoria. The Congressman knew Astoria's politicians of the democratic machine as well its famous restaurants." said a voter from Queens. Last week, a democratic politician said that Weiner has to go in the midst of this scandal. She contended that this is not acceptable for a politician. She also said the digital technology we have today facilitated this as Weiner did not have time to reflect what he was doing. Twenty years ago, it was a different story for the internet user and Weiner would have realized that this was wrong before committing such acts.

BIN LADEN IS DEAD

Astoria, New York
BREAKING NEWS
Osama Bin Laden is dead, says President Obama.

GUADAGNINO GETS HOMELAND SECURITY PLATES BY MISTAKE

Astoria, New York

Antonio Guadagnino, a humble accountant in Astoria, has received nearly 3 dozen homeland security license plates from the GSA agency. It was classified as mail room mistake where someone somehow has put the accountant's name and address as the final destination. The secured plates could have gone to the wrong hands and something could have happened insinuated Guadagnino. Michael Giannaris, newly elected NYS Senator of the district, has asked for an investigation. " More security steps need to be taken in consideration when government materials are mailed. Electronic security in computers and mailrooms need to be implemented because a computer spitting out a bogus name and address for destination to a government entity is not reasonable" said a Queens resident.

ASTORIA HOMEOWNERS, TENANTS & BUSINESS CIVIC ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES MEETING FOR MARCH 10TH

Astoria, New York
The AHTB Civic Association will hold a meeting on Thursday March 10th 2011 at St Francis of Assisi, Astoria NY. It will take place at 7.30 pm in the school's basement. Special guests will be Aravella Simotas, NY State Assembly woman and Stephen Cirabisi, Deputy Inspector of the 114th Precinct. Attendees can ask questions and voice their concerns about the community.

HEALTH EVENT IN ASTORIA

Thursday, October 21, 2010

ASTORIA HOMEOWNERS TENANTS & BUSINESS CIVIC HOSTS HEALTH EVENT AT PISTILLI'S GRAND MANOR
Astoria, New York
Mount Sinai Queens is sponsoring a health event for men. Titled " Men's Health - Below the Belt " is an event for men over 50. It will take place tonight Thursday October 21st, 2010 at 7 pm. Dr Granato will discuss prostate cancer screening as well as other topics for older men. Carol Weber will be on site to provide information about colorectal cancer. The event will take place at the Pistilli Grand Manor, a condo building located at 45-02 Ditmars Blvd and across the street from the Berry Farm Market Supermarkets in Astoria. For additonal info and reservations, please call Mt Sinai at 718-267-4333. Refreshments will be served. The Astoria Homeowners, Tenants and Business Civic Association is an organization open to all members of the
community.

ASTORIA COLUMBUS DAY PARADE STARTS FROM DIFFERENT LOCATION

*COLUMBUS AND ISABELLA WALK ON DIFFERENT ROUTE IN ASTORIA QUEENS
Astoria,New York
The Queens Columbus Day Parade had last minute changes for its starting location. "PC Richards' parking lot gets the okay after Astoria's Studios usual location was not available due to the NYPD's permit unallowance for a specific portion of the route" stated a source. The festivities are annually organized by the Italian-American Societies Federation of Queens County, aka FIAO. The Grand Marshal was Carolyn Maloney. Other local dignitaries like Mike Giannaris as well as italian representatives joined the celebration of the genovese sailor. " As usual, Columbus assisted by Queen Isabella, were waving to the crowd. This is an event for the kids of Queens, with various schools and bands participating" commented one of the helpers to the organizers. The weather with temperatures in the low to mid 70's and lots of sun made the event joyful, even though there was less attendance than previous years. The Queens Columbus Day Parade takes place every year on the Saturday preceding the Monday and legal holiday in Manhattan.

ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI FESTIVITIES END WITH MASS

St Francis of Assisi Church in Astoria, Queens, held a Mass with the Bishop this evening. This marked the end of the festivities that commenced on Saturday in honor of the Saint. Today was the actual name day for Saint Francis, a rich man, who gave up his wealth and lived a life as a poor monk in the mountains of central Italy. " On Saturday, it was real fun. We had all kinds of fun stuff and good food like the sausage and peppers hero. " said a student of St Francis School. The Parish also held raffles with lots of goodies. The grand prize was 10,000.00 for first place followed by 5,000.00 second place and 2,000.00 for third.

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK TORNADO VIDEO

THE BROOKLYN TORNADO MOVED INTO QUEENS MINUTES LATER.
CLICK HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPXT2HMWaj8

ASTORIA DODGES BULLET BUT OTHER QUEENS AREAS WHIPPED BY POSSIBLE TORNADO

ASTORIA, NEW YORK
Scary moments for Astoria residents as the sky turned black just before 6 pm last night. A severe thunderstorm zoomed by in a matter of minutes. It spared Astoria's residents from damage but just a few miles away in Corona,Forest Hills, Flushing and Bayside it was a completely different story. Large trees ripped off the ground, damage to homes and vehicles and a fatality on the Grand Central Parkway led to traffic delays for hours on streets in Astoria leading towards Nassau County. Stay tuned to your local news for additional information.