Gazette Celebrates 25th Anniversary

(L. to r.): Assemblymember Ivan Lafayette, former City Council Speaker Peter Vallone Sr., Gazette Publisher Tony Barsamian, Assemblymember Michael Gianaris and City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr.

Local elected officials, friends of the Gazette and members of the paper's staff celebrated the publication of the paper's 25th anniversary issue last Wednesday at Momento Italian Bistro, 29-35 Newtown Ave., Astoria. Guests included former City Council Speaker Peter Vallone Sr., his son, City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr., Councilmember Melinda Katz, Assemblymember Michael Gianaris, Assemblymember Ivan Lafayette and his wife, Bertine, and state Senator George Onorato and his wife, Athena.

Congressmember Anthony Weiner was represented by his aide, Lyden Sleeper. Marlene Perno and Gregory Flasconaro of Dynasty Realty, Marie Torniali, Central Astoria Local Development Coalition executive director, Caryn Schwab and Kathy Rubenstein, Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens executive director and senior director of marketing, respectively, and George Stamatiades, Central Astoria Local Development Coalition executive vice president, were also present.

The Rev. Father John Lardas holds a copy of the 25th anniversary issue of the Queens Gazette.

Lena Varis and Nick Pavlou of the Greek Children's Fund presented Gazette Publisher Tony Barsamian with an award in appreciation of his and the newspaper's efforts on behalf of the nonprofit organization which provides financial and emotional support for children suffering from cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Under the direction of Momento owner Gianni Redzic, the efficient, courteous wait staff kept everyone well supplied with toothsome hors d'oeuvres and beverages to suit all tastes were provided at the bar. Wine and cheese of all varieties were overflowing, and the party had a celebratory air.

Tony Barsamian, Marlene Perno of Dynasty Realty and Gazette Community Liaison Julian Wager. [ Lyden Sleeper, an assistant to Congressmember Anthony Weiner, delivered the congressmember's good wishes for continued success. Tony Barsamian poses with Momento Italian Bistro owner Gianni Redzic (l.) and his brother, Tony, Momento bartender. City Councilmember Melinda Katz made the party the occasion to announce her intentions to run for city comptroller in the next election. Lena Varis of the Greek Children's Fund presents Gazette Publisher Tony Barsamian with an award for his and the newspaper's support of the Fund as Fund President Nick Pavlou (r.) looks on. Tony Barsamian (c.), state Senator George Onorato and Athena Onorato hold a copy of the 25th anniversary edition of the Gazette. (L. to r.) Central Astoria Local Development Coalition (CALDC) Executive Vice President George Stamatiades and CALDC Secretery Tony Barsamian pose withCALDC President Julian Wager and CALDC Executive Director Marie Torniali, who hold copies of the 25th anniversary edition of the Gazette. The Gazette could not function without (l. to r.) Georgia Tservoulis, Melissa Cipolla and Rose Albergo, shown with Publisher Tony Barsamian. (L. to r.) Dr. Olga Gazones, attorney George Poulos, Tony Barsamian and attorney Michael Guararra. The hospitality of Momento Italian Bistro owner Gianni Redzic (r.) his brother, Tony, Momento bartender (second from l.), and Momento staffers (l. to r.) Brian, Tony Husko and Lilly made the evening extra special.