Bryant H.S. Leads In Academics, Involvement



William Cullen Bryant H.S. received the equivalent of an A minus rating in a recent evaluation of city high schools by the British firm Cambridge Educational Associates, to the delight of Principal Chris Pelletteri. “Ten percent of the city schools got an ‘A’ rating, so we’re at the cusp of that level,” he said. “It’s nice to be recognized.” Pellettieri […]

NYPA Donates $35K To CALDC July 4 Concert



Timothy S. Carey, president and chief executive officer of the New York Power Authority (NYPA), presented $35,000 to Julian Wager, president of the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition (LDC), to help underwrite CALDC’s Independence Day Celebration, which will be held Friday evening, June 29 in Astoria Park. “We at the Power Authority are proud to continue our partnership with the […]

Legislators Applaud Gov’s Power Plant Siting Bill



Governor Eliot Spitzer’s efforts to create a new power plant siting law which includes enhanced environmental, public health and community protections were applauded last week by Assemblymember Michael Gianaris and his upstate colleague, Assemblymember Kevin Cahill. In a letter to the governor, Gianaris and Cahill pointed out that “under the previous administration, New York consistently took a hands-off approach when […]

Astoria/LIC Kiwanis Awards Scholarships



On Wednesday, May 23, the Astoria/Long Island City Kiwanis held their annual Scholarship Dinner at Ponticello Ristorante. All members were delighted that this year’s sponsor again was Commerce Bank. Not only did they sponsor the event, but they gave each student a Savings Bond. Representing Commerce Bank was Michael Serao, Assistant Branch Manager of the Ditmars Branch. Chairman of the […]

Christ The King H.S. Graduates 343



The 343 members of the Christ the King Regional H.S. Class of 2007 flung their mortarboards in the air at the conclusion of graduation exercises in the school auditorium in Middle Village on Saturday, June 2. Pasquale DeSerio, a teacher of Italian at Christ the King and a member of the Christ the King Hall of Fame, was commencement speaker […]

As NYC Economy Grows, Subway Ridership Increases



New Yorkers love to gripe about the deficiencies of the subway system, but the fact of the matter is, more of them are using the trains now than at any time in at least the past 25 years. According to figures compiled by the city Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), in 2006 1.4 billion riders took the subway- 49 percent more […]

The Pulpit



All Saints’: +Jun. 9, Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Strawberry fair, great international foods, lots to buy, bargains galore, vendors wanted, 43-12 46th St., Sunnyside; 718.729.8523 (Rectory). **** Atonement Lutheran: +Jun. 9, 23, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Flea markets. +Jul. 2. Day camp begins, children ages 4+. +Sunday worship services in English at 10:15 a.m. and Sunday school at 11 a.m.; Sunday […]

Prostitution, Liquor Stings Conducted In 114th Precinct



Under the direct supervision of 114th Police Precinct Commanding Officer Inspector Brian McCarthy, on Friday, June 1 an operation was conducted in prostitution-prone locations utilizing undercover trained officers. Six offenders were apprehended. Officials commented that the operation is a prime example of the 114th Precinct’s efforts to better the quality of life for the Astoria community. Eight adults were observed […]

Queens College Offers Free Summer Courses To Vets



Some people express their gratitude with cards, letters, plaques, medals and mementoes. Queens College has found another way to say thanks to U.S. servicemen and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. In a gesture of appreciation, the Continuing Education Program (CEP) of Queens College will offer free tuition to any veteran who has served in Iraq or Afghanistan for courses […]

Commerce Bank To Raise Money For Cancer Foundation



Commerce Bank, “America’s Most Convenient Bank”, invites the public to join in the bank’s fundraising efforts for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation during the non-profit organization’s annual “Lemonade Days” event this year. Commerce aims to raise $100,000 for Alex’s Lemonade Stand over the long weekend of Friday, June 8, Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10 and is using its popular, […]