Here’s a sign that things are getting back to normal and it’s a sign that will bring smiles to lots of faces. The Forest Park Concert Series is back, kicking off 7 consecutive Thursdays of shows at the Seuffert Bandshell. All concerts start at 7:30 p.m. and are sponsored by The Forest Park Trust and Maspeth Federal Savings.
The popular concert series kicks off this Thursday, July 8th with an Elvis Tribute Show featuring impersonator Lamar Peters. According to his webpage, Peters “takes you back to the best of 1950’s Elvis rockabilly and through the 60s, and 70s of Elvis Presley’s career.”
And here’s an interesting tidbit; Lamar Peters is a 2nd generation Elvis impersonator. His father, Gregg, has been an Elvis impersonator for over 40 years and he’s still going strong!
On the following Thursday (July 15th), we have what sounds like a terrific show – Forever Plaid, a musical presented by Plaza Theatrical Productions. In the show, 4 members of a young singing group (The Plaids) are killed in a car accident on the way to their first big show.
The Plaids are given the opportunity to return to Earth for one final show during which they tell the audience stories about their lives and perform some of the greatest hits from the 1950s.
Rick Larrimore and Atlantic Crossing, the ultimate tribute to Rod Stewart, returns to the bandshell on July 22nd. We saw him at the bandshell back in 2014 and the lead singer was really good.
Next up on July 29th is Satisfaction, a tribute to The Rolling Stones. Tribute bands are popular and Satisfaction is right up there logging over 4,000 shows in 20 years.
The following Thursday (August 5th) sees the arrival of Fleetwood Macked, the Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band have one area where they are extra-authentic; the lead singers imitating Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham are married in real life!
There will be plenty of dancing in the aisles on August 12th as Gloria’s Miami Nights Latin Experience will perform the hits Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony, Ricky Martin and Selena. Looking at their performances online, we’re going to get a high energy show with lots of horns!
And the series comes to a close on August 19th when Captain Jack, the Ultimate Live Billy Joel Tribute Band, comes to Forest Park.
That’s quite a lineup! Many thanks to Portia Dyrenforth, Administrator of Forest Park, for putting together such a nice slate of shows.
We have enjoyed many shows at the bandshell in recent years; we even have our own little area where we sit and meet friends for each show. The Seuffert bandshell is a lovely place to sit on a summer evening and enjoy live music.
Speaking of the Seuffert Bandshell (pronounced Soy-fert), it is nearly 100 years old and is named after bandleader George Seuffert Sr. For many years, Seuffert and his band entertained people at the bandshell and it was officially named in his honor in 1979.
But have you ever heard of a man named Harry Tourte? He was the President of the Homestead Civic Association, was popularly known as “The Mayor of Woodhaven,” and was the driving force behind the erection of our beloved bandshell (which cost $25,800 to build at the time).
“For years, Mr. Tourte worked for a bandstand in Forest Park and carried his fight to every department of the Greater City which had any authority in the matter,” said the Leader-Observer of Harry Tourte.
But there’s a bittersweet ending to this tale. As the bandshell was being built, Harry Tourte was stricken ill and hospitalized. It looked for a while that he might recover in time for the opening but he took a sudden turn for the worse and passed away having never laid eyes on the bandshell he was responsible for getting built.
“Harry Tourte was an indefatigable civic worker,” said the Leader upon his death. “Forest Park’s bandstand is truly a monument to his efforts, one which he was not privileged to see, but will be dedicated to his memory.”
Sadly, there is no sign or marker for Harry Tourte, but when you next get there, say a quiet word of thanks to him for bringing this beautiful bandshell to life, for future generations of Woodhavenites to enjoy.

By Stephano Polis
After 45 years of service and as President, I am sad to say goodbye to the community that I love, Astoria and Long Island City.
I started this journey at the age of 29. I was single, not a worry in the world. Today I am seventy-four years (young) (thank God very healthy) married to the most amazing wife, have three wonderful children and just 3 months ago I became a grandfather of two beautiful healthy granddaughters.
I, in these 45 years, have weathered many glories and heartaches, all in the name of Astoria.
It all started 1976 when my late beloved father Giuseppe, my late beloved brother Nicolo and myself, purchased an old abandoned ice house in a NYC auction (my brother’s workplace).
Today the abandoned ice house, after many transformations, is known as one of the largest sports complexes in NYC.
Now the space offers elevator service, parking, full health club, a spin room, aerobics, zumba, yoga, olympic style swimming pool, hot jacuzzi, sauna, swimming lessons, two soccer fields with plexiglass walls and astro-turf fields, children birthday party room with super size jumping castle and super slide, private dining rooms, and a penthouse catering hall with fine dining, dancing, and view of Manhattan.
All of the above given amenities were supervised by the owners with unbeatable customer service, dedicated professional staff and above all at unbeatable low prices.
The Complex has won many awards, and with each award received, it gave me the strength and vision to add more and more amenities and floor space, all for the community of Astoria.
My sincere thanks go to all of my loyal, dedicated employees that I had the pleasure of working with.
A special thanks go to my wonderful hard working children, Joseph, Paulete, and Victor. The complex is what it is today because of them.
My children first started coming to the complex when they were babies, to play basketball, help me with birthday parties and interact with other children. They came to learn the value of hard work and learn to love what they were doing, serving the customers and the community of Astoria with courtesy and respect.
Today more than ever, I am very proud of them and am proud to say that they are my children.
On a final note, I want to thank all my loyal customers. It was a pleasure serving you and I wish you good health and happiness.
It’s time for the president to hang up his keys and put on his dancing shoes and hope to God for good health and time to spend with my adorable family especially my grandchildren.
Best regards,
Steve.

EmblemHealth, one of the nation’s largest non-profit health insurers, announced the opening of its newest EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care center, located at 41-61 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11355.
The Flushing Neighborhood Care center is free and open to the entire community, with staff who speak multiple languages and are trained in delivering culturally competent services and support. Anyone who needs insurance can also get help onsite from team members who can guide them through the process of signing up for affordable coverage.
“EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care provides crucial support to the communities we serve. Our centers offer virtual appointments, health education classes, and connections to community resources so that those most impacted by COVID-19 can continue to receive the support and care they need,” says Beth Leonard, EmblemHealth’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer. “We are thrilled to bring these vital services and resources to the residents of Flushing.”
The new site is part of EmblemHealth’s ongoing community investment strategy to address social determinants of health, the social and economic conditions that disproportionately affect health risks and outcomes in diverse and underserved communities.
The new location is in the heart of Flushing, Queens to accommodate and meet community members where they are. With multiple Customer Care Navigators who live in Flushing, the location is fully equipped to provide culturally competent services and digital literacy support. EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care’s professionals offer support in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. Neighborhood Care’s locations in other boroughs offer support in additional languages, including Spanish. EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care Flushing center is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm.
EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care Flushing is co-located with Advantage Care Physicians (ACPNY)—part of EmblemHealth’s family of companies—where community members can also access medical and specialty services at the recently expanded ACPNY medical office.
With the opening of Neighborhood Care Flushing Center, residents now have access to a one-stop shop for health care and community resources, where they can find doctors, free wellness classes, Customer Care Navigators who can answer questions about health benefits, and more.
With 13 locations across New York City and Long Island, EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care is open to the entire community and provides in-person and virtual customer service, offers health and wellness resources like yoga and meditation, and helps people access additional community resources to address barriers to their health like food insecurity, transportation and more.

The 1980’s graffiti, art and music scenes are things of legend, and restaurateur John McNulty offers a small taste of them with Thief, his new Williamsburg bar that opened last week.
“It’s my modern take on a neighborhood bar, and I can’t wait to bring it to the city at this moment of resilience,” says McNulty. “I dig the low key, casual vibe of a dive bar more than anything else but also appreciate a killer glass of wine. I hope a visit to Thief will help our visitors steal back some of the time they lost to the pandemic.”
Thief is open daily on Monday through Friday from 5pm – 2am, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm – 2am; located at 595 Union Ave (on the corner of N 11th).
McNulty has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, and during this time he learned that the casual, friendly vibe of a good dive bar is impossible to beat. With Thief, he hopes to pair this type of atmosphere with an upscale, contemporary bar program and some edgy, ‘80s style.
Their chicken parm sandwiches are one of the great foods they offer along with their killer wine menu that focuses on small producers that McNulty discovered throughout his years in the restaurant industry.
For those on a budget, there will always be pours below $10 on a list that includes some pinks and oranges along with an array of reds and whites. On hot days you can opt for a Friesling – a frosty glass of frozen riesling.
The Summer Nights offers a twist on the classic Old Fashioned by mixing reposado tequila with oranges bitters and peaches, while the Supersonic amps up a gin and tonic with celery shrub and a cucumber ice cube.
While a destination on it’s own, Thief is also perfect for a pre or post-meal libation for guests hitting one of the area’s popular restaurants – a selection of aperitif and after dinner drinks await visitors who are dining nearby. In keeping with the unpretentious vibe, McNulty promises neighborhood friendly beers like Miller Lite and Estrella Jalisco will flow alongside some select craft rarities from Other Half, Stillwater Artisanal and many more.
Thief also offers a large take out window, allowing passerbys a taste of the fun with a custom menu that can be enjoyed on-the-go. Take-out and delivery have become a crucial solution for many bar operations in NYC, and Thief’s take-out window is an extension physically built into the design of this new space to accommodate a wide range of customers and their varying needs.
Occasional live music will also capture the creative energy that coursed through the early ‘80s, while a top-notch sound system will fill the room with gritty soul. The double entendre hidden in the bar’s name hints at the spirit Thief hopes to add to the neighborhood: a thief is a tool used by producers of all things beverage (wine, beer, spirits) used when sampling from their barrels, and the classic meaning of the word should inspire you to purloin some precious moments for yourself.
For more information, please visit thiefnyc.com or follow along on Instagram @thief.bk.

On Monday June 28th, a United States Postal Worker was assaulted by three men on dirt bikes in Greenpoint. The unprovoked attack was captured by the security camera of a nearby store, and has since been made publicly available on the NYPD Crime Stoppers website and youtube channel.

The mail carrier (whose name is being withheld for privacy reasons) was pushing his mailcart down McGuinness Boulevard near Nassau Ave at around 6 p.m. when three men on electric dirt bikes rode up onto the sidewalk behind him. The bikers then dismounted their vehicles and began to punch and kick the man.

The victim began fighting back against the attackers before multiple passerby came to his aid. The three bikers then fled, travelling south down McGuinness Boulevard.

The entire incident unfolded during broad daylight while local businesses were still open.

According to the NYPD, the mail carrier sustained multiple broken bones in the face and was taken to Woodhull Hospital for treatment. Luckily, he is in stable condition.

The NYPD is requesting that anyone with information regarding the attack reach out to the Crime Stoppers Hotline at -800-577-TIPS (8477). Information can also be submitted via the Crime Stoppers website, www.nypdcrimestoppers.com, on Twitter @NYPDTips.

The attack in Greenpoint adds to the growing trend of violent crimes in New York City. According to a recent statistics report by the NYPD, overall crime in May 2021 was up 22 percent from May 2020.

On Tuesday, June 29th, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and other officials from the Diocese of Brooklyn gathered to dedicate a new Church and art center. The creation of new churches in the five boroughs has become a rare occurrence in recent years, making Tuesday’s event a powerful milestone, especially after the pandemic limited the capacity of Churches for close to a year.

The new Church, Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church is located at the corner of S. 3rd Street and Berry Street in Williamsburg. With a maximum capacity of 550 people, Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church will easily expand the number of masses and services that the Diocese will offer in North Brooklyn.

Bishop DiMarzio chose to dedicate this new church on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, a Catholic feast celebrated annually on June 29. Immediately following the Mass, Bishop DiMarzio blessed the new parish center building, which includes a new arts center focused on community engagement. The art center comes equipped with a newly renovated 600-seat theater and is housed in the Historic Williamsburg Opera house, which was built in 1897.

“We have witnessed a ceremony that few get to see in a lifetime because there are not that many new churches, certainly not here in Brooklyn and Queens, but this completely new renovation making a new church here on the ground level, giving us so many classrooms and a public center is truly unique,” Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio said in his homily.

He continued: “This new church, this new center, this new beginning, this new evangelization is something that gives us inspiration. I am happy that I have been here as Bishop now to see this day. It is a long time in coming but I pray that together today we take heart. We become new disciples of the new evangelization effort. We reach out to others who need us. Those who are already Catholics; those other Christians; those who know not the faith and need to encounter Jesus Christ.”

Monsignor Anthony Hernandez, the former pastor of the Parish who helped bring about the new construction project, also shared remarks.

“Today is a very important day for Ss. Peter and Paul Epiphany Parish and the Diocese of Brooklyn,” Monsignor Hernandez said. “With the inauguration of this new church and center, this parish, which has existed since before the Civil War, will begin a new chapter of outreach and evangelization to the people of Williamsburg, as well as to the people of Brooklyn and Queens.”
The last time a new church was opened in the Diocese of Brooklyn was in 2008 at Our Lady of Snows in the Floral Park section of Queens. The last church renovated and re-dedicated was the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph, located in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn in 2014.

26-year-old Edouard Massih opened Edy’s Grocer (136 Meserole Ave) with the goal of bringing Lebanese cuisine to the people of Greenpoint and North Brooklyn. This past Friday, he was able to share his cooking with the entire country when he was featured during a segment of NBC’s The Today Show.

Aired just two days before the Fourth of July, the segment featured Edouard (known by his friends and customers as Edy) making grilled corn, halloumi salad, za’atar spiced chicken, and no-bake chocolate cookies. The dishes are perfect for any summer get-together and make use of traditional Lebanese ingredients that are close to Edy’s heart.

As a Lebanese immigrant who moved to the U.S. in 2004, Edy is both humbled by and grateful for the opportunity to share his work so widely.

“To be honest with you, I never in a million years expected all this exposure in less than a year after opening our doors,” an enthusiastic Edy told our paper after filming for The Today Show. “With all the press and all the appearances, what makes me the happiest is how the neighborhood is starting to learn all about middle eastern spices, culture, and cuisine though the shop. My goal throughout all of this will always be to share the joy of Lebanese cooking and culture.”

While on the air, Edy also spoke of the challenges that came with opening and operating a business in the midst of a pandemic.

“It was one of the craziest things I’ve ever done,” Edy explained, “but it was also really fun to have my community and my friends come in and help me out. It was a group effort.”

All of the recipes that Edy showcased on the air can be found by vistining today.com/food.

Edy’s Grocer also recently launched its own revamped website, which features original recipes, special deals, and an online shop. Visit edysgrocer.com for more details.

Edy’s Grocer is open Tuesday through Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM and Saturday through Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM. You can follow the store on Instagram @edysgrocer.

Under Armour is bringing flag football to kids in Brooklyn, as they present the “Under the Lights” football league. The co-ed league is available for boys and girls from Kindergarten through 8th grade, looking to get all those interested onto the field.
It’s the first Under Armour investment for flag football in Brooklyn, and all those involved are hoping to get the nationwide program off to a great start in New York. Under the Lights has found success across the US as the fastest-growing youth flag football league, and has done a great job of promoting youth engagement in sports and activities.
The first season will consist of a seven-game season, playoffs, and a championship game. Play will kick off in September with the playoffs coming at the start of November. Games will be held on Friday nights
Meet and greets will be held in July as the league begins registration for the fall. The first two meetings will be held on July 10th and 17th at 872 Utica Avenue in Brooklyn, in front of the Golden Krust Restaurant. On July 24th and 31st, meetings will be held at George Floyd Square at Flatbush Junction.
Parents are eagerly urged to volunteer to coach and are encouraged to sign up alongside their kids during the meetings. The fee to register is $200, with an extra $10 fee for registration after September 6th. For families with multiple kids, the league offers a sibling promotion. By using the code “SiblingDiscount” during registration, additional kids will receive a $25 discount.
Participants will receive Under Armour game shirts and shorts, with coaches getting a youth football. The games are six-on-Six on 25 yard by 50 yard fields, with nine to ten players on each roster, ensuring all kids who register get to play. There are no tryouts or drafts, with the rosters formed by “friend” or “coach” request.
For players registering alone, the league will assign them to teams with some sort of familiarity, trying to match players by school, neighborhood, or organizations they take part in. While the league will do their best to balance the teams, the goal is to get kids on the field and playing as the city starts to reintroduce youth sports leagues.
There will be food and music at games, trophies and/or medals presented to the champions, and plenty of memories to be made under the Friday night lights in Brooklyn.

The growth of Downtown Brooklyn’s skyline reached a major milestone this past week.

9 Dekalb Avenue, the 93-story residential skyscraper that will one day be the tallest building in the borough, officially became the tallest structure in Brooklyn on Wednesday during its construction. 9 Dekalb surpassed the 720-foot mark, making it taller than the Brooklyn Point Building at 138 Willoughby Street that is currently the borough’s tallest.

Designed by SHoP Architects and developed by JDS, 9 DeKalb Avenue will stand 1,066 feet tall when it is finally completed sometime next year. The building will come equipped with 450 rental apartments and 150 condominiums, none of which will be reserved as affordable housing units.

9 Dekalb Avenue is located directly behind the neoclassical Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn (which first opened in 1908), and together the two structures paint an effective picture of the monumental changes Brooklyn has experienced over the past century.

For many years, the Williamsburg Savings Bank Tower — originally opened in 1929 — was the tallest structure in Brooklyn. It held that title all the way through 2010, when it was finally surpassed by the Brooklyner building at 111 Lawrence Street. The honor of tallest building in Brooklyn has changed many times in the past decade, with 9 Dekalb becoming the latest to hold the title.

For reference, the Williamsburg Savings Bank Tower rises 512 feet high, approximately half the height of the 1,066 feet tall tower at 9 Dekalb Avenue.

The surge in high-rise development can largely be attributed to Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s historic 2004 upzoning of multiple neighborhoods in Brooklyn. The zoning change opened the gates to high-rises (for both residential and commercial use) and other large developments that had previously been prohibited in the area.

While the rezoning has led to an unprecedented amount of growth in the area, it has coincided with constantly rising costs throughout the borough and widespread gentrification.

Additionally, residents throughout North Brooklyn are upset that the park space that was also promised as a part of the 2004 rezoning is still yet to be constructed. In Williamsburg and Greenpoint, the grassroots organization Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park have continued to lobby the city to add additional green spaces throughout the area to match the stunning rate of high rise development.

“The population growth along the North Brooklyn waterfront initiated by the 2004 rezoning has exceeded the city’s estimates by historic proportions,” Steve Chesler, an organizer for Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park, explained to our paper. “After 16 years and counting only 8 acres out of 27 are built or in progress. For our health and well being, the city must speed up its execution and funding for completion of this public green space, and fulfill its commitment to its residents.”