CALDC Waterfront Concerts Kick Off June 29

New York Power Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Timothy S. Carey (second from l.), presents a $35,000 contribution to the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition (CALDC) to help fund the CALDC Independence Day Celebration. Holding the specimen check are (far l.) George Stamatiades, CALDC executive vice president, and (seated) Julian Wager, CALDC president. Also standing are (far r.) NYPARegional Superintendent for Southeast New York Paul Tartaglia and Marie Torniali, CALDC executive director. The Central Astoria Local Development Coalition (CALDC) annual Independence Day celebration will be held on the lawn in Astoria Park between Shore Boulevard and 19th Street, the Hell Gate Bridge and the Astoria Pool on Thursday, July 29, starting at 7:30 p.m. The event will begin with a Marine Corps color guard, followed by an evening of old-time rock 'n' roll with music performed by Risky Business, and ending with a spectacular fireworks display over the East River that will start at about 9 p.m. The celebration, the theme for which this year is "Freedom", marks the start of the 2006 CALDC Waterfront Concert Series.

Timothy S. Carey, president and chief executive officer of the New York Power Authority (NYPA), on Thursday June 15 presented a $35,000 contribution to CALDC to help fund the Independence Day Celebration. Carey presented the contribution to Julian Wager, CALDC president, at the NYPA Charles Poletti Power Project in Astoria.

"We at the Power Authority are proud to continue our partnership with the people of Queens by sponsoring this wonderful patriotic family event for the 22nd year," Carey said. "On behalf of Chairman Frank McCullough, our other trustees and the staff at the Poletti Project, I congratulate Julian Wager and the Coalition for planning another superb celebration and encourage the entire community to take part in it."

"We are very appreciative of the Power Authority's contribution, which again allows us to bring this great event, highlighted by a superb fireworks display and outstanding music, to Queens residents," Wager said. "This is just one part of the Power Authority's long history of dedicated involvement in our community, which includes providing the power used by our subways, police and fire stations, schools, hospitals and municipal buildings. It is a good example of how government, business and the community can work together to achieve benefits for all."

The remaining free concerts, including an All-Star Tribute show, a tribute to Bobby Darin, Big Band, Latin Jazz and Pop Rock performances by some of the best musicians in the business, will continue on each succeeding Thursday night. There's no admission fee, no music charge. Just bring a chair, a blanket, your family and friends, and enjoy! All performances will start at 7:30 p.m.

Performances scheduled are:

+ All-Star Tribute Show, featuring Gregg Peters as Elvis Presley, Thursday, July 13;

+ Tribute to Bobby Darin, featuring Martin Smoak and Hs Martinettes, Thursday, July 20;

+ Big Band, featuring the Lew Picardi Orchestra, Thursday, July 27;

+ Latin Jazz, featuring Bobby Matos and the NY Latin Allstars, Thursday, August 3, and

+ Pop Rock, featuring the GetAway Drive, Thursday, August 10.

The Waterfront Concert Series presented by the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition is made possible through funding provided by City Councilmember Peter F. Vallone, Jr. through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and through contributions from the following corporate sponsors: the New York Power Authority, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, NRG, Time Warner Cable, Astoria Federal Savings Bank, North Fork Bank, Doral Bank and Thomas M. Quinn & Sons Funeral Home. For more information, contact CALDC at 718-728-7820 or visit www.centralastoria. org.

NYPA uses no tax money or state credit. It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. NYPA is a leader in promoting energy efficiency, new energy technologies and electric transportation initiatives. It is the nation's largest state-owned electric utility, with 18 generating facilities in various parts of the state and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines.