Mural Shows 5 Variety Boys & Girls Club Benefactors

The mural designed and painted by Sandra Fabara and Roger Smith of Pink Smith Designs on the 30th Road façade of the Salah M. Hassanein Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens at 21-12 30th Rd., Long Island City shows Anne Buehler, the club's first executive director, surrounded by (clockwise from Buehler's l.) former City Council Speaker Peter Vallone Sr., George Skouras, Judge Charles Vallone and Hassanein, all flanked by depictions of the many activities offered at the club. Five people who have made significant contributions to the Salah M. Hassanein Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens in the course of its 53-year history are depicted on a mural on the 30th Road façade of the club at 21-12 30th Rd., Long Island City. Anne Buehler, the club's first executive director, is surrounded by former City Council Speaker Peter Vallone Sr., George Skouras, Judge Charles Vallone and Hassanein. The five are flanked by depictions of the many activities offered at the club, including swimming, basketball, performing arts, drama, dance, computers, homework assistance, arts and crafts and game room. The mural was designed and painted by Sandra Fabara and Roger Smith of Pink Smith Designs.

The club was founded in 1955 to help eliminate an overwhelming gang problem in Western Queens. Since then, the club has successfully offered after school and summer youth programs in personal and educational development, citizenship and leadership development, cultural enrichment, health and physical education and social recreation to more than 1,500 boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 17 annually.

The club's fall program begins September 8 and is in session Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 718-728-0946 or visit www.vbgcq.org.