Best People
Okay, so this category is not very fair. Every parent thinks his or her child is the best, every coach thinks there is a best player on a team, every boss has a best employee, and every kid has a best friend.
The people who make up this list come in many shapes, sizes, ages and ethnicities, from a great variety of cultures, practicing a wide range of religions – if any at all – and bringing something to the table to make Queens the best.
Not every one is a marathon runner, not every one is liked by all, but they all come from Queens, live in Queens and make Queens a more beautiful place to live – or take a run through.
Animal Lover
Dr. P. Kwasnik
78-46 Metropolitan Ave., Glendale
“Dr. Kwasnik and Staff are the most caring, loving and attentive people we have ever dealt with. My husband found two dogs chained to a radiator after their owner passed away. The dogs were left in the apartment for days. The male dog’s leg was ready for amputation when my husband found him. We searched for someone to help the dog survive. We luckily got referred to the Animal Clinic in Queens. Dr. Kwasnik immediately started healing the dog on a daily basis for months.
The excellent job performance and love Dr. Kwasnik gives to these pets is extraordinary. He is such an asset to the Queens community.”
David and Yolanda Atson, Brooklyn/Queens
Baseball’s Greatest
New York Mets
“Are you kidding? We live in Queens!”
Gino Gabrelli, Woodhaven
Best Borough Folks
The People Of Queens
“They’re all interesting people in Queens. There’s no one person. The borough has a vast variety of people.”
Jim Higgins, Woodside
The BID Master
Mathew Kenakis
Best Woodhaven Business Improvement District President
“Works very hard for the community’s business district.”
Maria A. Thomson, Woodhaven
Breathe Easier
Dr Robert J. Mittman
38-21 Bell Blvd., Bayside.
“Allergy & asthma doctor who saved my life.”
Mike Sidell, Kew Gardens Hills
By Your Bedside
Bedsidebooks
Forest Hills
“Bedsidebooks is a program of student volunteers who collect, sort and deliver recycled books to needy members of the community.
Dozens of schools, religious institutions and nursing homes in Queens have received books over the past four years.”
Raphael Spiro, Forest Hills
Clang, Clang, Clang
Trinity Handbell Choir
Astoria
“Angelic sounds of a unique art form.”
Scott Munson, Astoria
Class Act
Geraldine Ferraro
1984 Democratic Candidate For Vice President
“It was nice because she was from Queens and that made her the most interesting person.”
Gloria Kelly, Long Island City
Eduardo J. Martí:
Dr. Eduardo J. Martí, President of Queensborough Community College, was named to the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities 2007 Independent Sector Alumni Hall of Distinction.
Lauren Scrietta:
Lauren Scrietta of Hollis, a life science major at New York Institute of Technology, was honored with two awards at the college’s Student Leadership and Service Awards ceremony. She received the Jules H. Singer Memorial Award, which is given to a student who has made an outstanding contribution to the intellectual and cultural climate of the college during a period of the past academic year. In addition, she was presented with the Richard Gabay Memorial Award, which is given to a student for demonstrating outstanding leadership in extracurricular activities.
Close Call
David Close
Oratorio Society of Queens
“Conductor and musical Director of the Oratorio Society of Queens David Close makes a community chorus of amateur singers sound professional, and his commentary at the concerts entertains and informs the audience making the experience memorable for all.”
Mary E. Boyd, Bayside
“David Close is an excellent conductor. Chorus reflects Queens diverse population and although amateur, sounds professional.”
Diane Haber, Douglaston
“Maestro David Close is what makes this chorus exceptional; he is a gifted and talented artist, who gives of himself selflessly so they may continue to bring this joyous music to the borough of Queens. Each member works tirelessly to perform the beautiful and historic classical pieces of Bach, Beethoven and Verdi, to name a few. They are a true credit to the arts and their devotion is shown in each and every flawless performance. They are the very best in Queens!”
BarbaraAnn Flannery, Forest Hills
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Sandra Hernandez:
The Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation honored Sandra Hernandez, RN, of College Point, for her commitment as a Step Down Nurse at St. Francis Hospital in Manhasset at its Annual Outstanding Service Awards Luncheon. Hernandez is currently working at St. Francis Hospital as a step down nurse in the stroke unit. She is mother to a 10-year-old son.
“David Close is the best! Instructive, professional, humerous and wonderful to its members and guests, young and old! It’s life changing to participate, learn and produce great sounds.”
Beatriz Roman, Flushing
Coupon Checker
The Coupon Inspector
“He’s great. He rings our doorbell and makes sure we get our coupons, over on 97th Street and 101st Avenue.”
Gregory Laterza, Ozone Park
Delightful Duo
Simon and Garfunkel
“Simon and Garfunkel bring me back to my childhood.”
Beth Gluick, Middle Village
Dental Delight
Dr. Carmen Every-Degel, DDS
Astoria Dental 32nd Street and Broadway, Astoria
“She is wonderful, reassuring and professional, and you’ll never have pain. You’ll smile your way out.”
Tom Brenseke, Woodside
Developing Interest
Stephen Esposito
Best President, Greater Woodhaven Development Corp
“Interested, helpful to staff, helps keep Woodhaven a ‘greater’ community!”
Maria A. Thomson, Woodhaven
Dig Satchmo’s Digs
Louis Armstrong House Museum
34-56 107th St., Corona
“World’s most famous jazz musician’s home, furnished just as he lived there.”
Clara M. Jones
The Drill Man
Dr. Clifford Degel, DDS
Astoria Dental Group
“Will create a great smile for you in a no pain procedure.”
Tom Brenseke
The Fairer Sex
The Ladies
All over Queens
“We have such a diverse cultural community, Asians, blacks, Latinos, whites, Arabs and everything in between. It never hurt to give us ladies some more recognition.”
Mimo Moore, Flushing
Milton Espinoza:
Milton Espinoza Jr. Insurance Agency has been recognized by Allstate Insurance Company for high standards in customer satisfaction, customer retention and profitability. The agency is now among the top Allstate agencies in the nation in auto, property, commercial insurance and financial service sales. Espinoza’s agency is located at 96-60 Queens Blvd. in Rego Park.
Fearless Leader
Janet Chan
President of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association
“Hardworking president. Always seeking to address concerns of Woodhaven’s residents.”
Maria A. Thomson, Woodhaven
GWDC Heartbeat
Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation Staff
84-01 Jamaica Ave., Woodhaven
“Friendly, efficient staff.”
Stephen Esposito, Woodhaven
Harmonic Convergence
Musical Saw Players Gathering
Astoria
“Do you know any other place that is a pilgrimage spot for musical saw players from all over the world to come to every year?!”
Scott Munson, Astoria
Jam On
Jam Master Jay, Musician
“He gave back to the community. He donated money to fix up parks. And that was when he shot his first music video.”
Jeremy Diaz, Hollis
Legal Eagle
Scott Baron & Associates, PC
159-49 Crossbay Blvd., Howard Beach
“The best attorney in Queens. Scott Baron and his associates handled my accident case with excellent professionalism.”
Larry Tempesta
Pedro Ruiz:
On Dec. 31, 1906, former New York Gov. Teddy Roosevelt was President, the average life expectancy was 47, a first-class stamp cost 2 cents and a man named Pedro Ruiz was born in Colombia. On Jan. 12, 2007, Mr. Ruiz celebrated his 100th birthday at the Catherine Sheridan Senior Center with a roomful of friends, family and several elected officials.
Let’s Hear It For Ana
Rego Park Café
63rd Drive
“Ana Lopez is the best coffee server.”
Paul Toomey
Loveable Coots
Forest Hills Fellas
“In Forest Hills, there are some odd, old-codger types. Interesting. They have all these stories to tell about their lives.”
Ed Hertzman, Bayside
A Man Who Cares
George Russo and Villa Russo
Richmond Hill
“For all they do for the community.”
A. Spencer
Medical Worker
Vladimir Gabay
69-30 Grand Ave.
“I have a great rapport with him and he’s given me some great tidbits of information on life.”
M. Bierber, Forest Hills
Most Likable Teachers
Francis Lewis High School
“Teachers and staff you get to like.”
Lois Curry, Fresh Meadows
Mr. Fix-It
Dr. Robert Mittman
Bell Boulevard, Bayside
“He is the only doctor who helped me. He listened to what I had to say and examined me thoroughly. I went to four other doctors and none of them knew how to fix me. Dr. Mittman did!”
D. Zofrea, East Williston
Photo Fanatic
Walter Paul Bebirian
Forest Hills
“Everyone knows him! You’ve seen him along 108th Street, Austin Street. Continental Avenue, Uptown, Midtown, Downtown, all around town, giving out his fabulous business card. He has single-handedly given out over 2 million of them! You must have at least one of them yourself! Hold on to it because someday you’ll need a photo for a special event, affair, self or family portrait. Don’t call anyone else! He gives you the best professional services around: Excellence in quality at a very reasonable fee. He’s patient, honest, sensitive to your needs, creative, will go anywhere for you shoot, spends hours with you until you get the look you want. So many clients have marveled at the results of his art. If you want the best service and quality available, take out that card and call the best.”
Antonia Taylor, Forest Hills
Our Real Mayor
Maria A. Thomson
Best Executive Director, Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation
“Works 24/7, caring, concerned, eager to help with problems. Keeps Woodhaven ‘a Haven in the City.’ She’s like the Mayor of Woodhaven.”
Maureen Bermingham, Woodhaven
Top Teacher
Mrs. Axelrod from PS 13
“My 4th grade teacher. She and I kept in touch for years. She was very kind and patient and gave wonderful advice.”
Fran Kanowsky, Rego Park
Trainer Extraordinaire
Christina Shusterich
www.nycleverk9.com
Christina is fabulous. I’m handicapped and needed someone to work with my reserved standard poodle and train her as a service dog. Christina worked wonders and turned Hanna into a fabulous mobility dog. Christina is not only my dog’s trainer, she’s also become a friend and even though Hanna’s intensive training has come to an end, Christina makes it a point to visit us once a month and take us out on field trips, going to local stores, restaurants or just to the park, making sure Hanna is up to par. She’s an excellent trainer and I can think of no other person or place that deserves the honor of being named the best in Queens.
Judy Harfield, College Point
I would like to nominate Christina Shusterich of NY Clever K9 as the Best Trainer and Animal Specialist in Queens. I am president of a small Queens based canine rescue group, For Our Friends, and it has been our privilege to work with Christina for the past 3 years. She has made an enormous difference in our adoption policy. Because of Christina all our dogs are evaluated and trained prior to adoption. She has provided us with insight into our dogs that enables us to place them in the most appropriate homes. Her dedication and commitment is phenomenal. Because we are such a small group, we do not have a shelter. We board our dogs at a veterinary clinic where they do not have room to provide us with space to train our dogs. She evaluates and trains our dogs in the parking lot in all sorts of weather. Once this winter she was working with one of our dogs, her nose red and running, her fingers frozen, she turned to me after the session and said what good progress she made today. She was beaming because one of our dogs, that had a problem, was making a breakthrough. It is rare to witness such selflessness.
In addition, she has adopted a dog from us that was totally unadoptable. Sienna, a greyhound mix, was so abused that she had every behavioral problem imaginable. Christina worked with this dog extensively for over a year and decided she would probably never be adopted, so she adopted her. Today Sienna is well on her way to becoming the well adjusted dog she was meant to be
I hope you will consider Christina Shusterich for one of the best persons in Queens because she truly is. She is a person making a difference.
Frederica Szilagyi, Oakland Gardens
Christina is the best dog trainer I’ve worked with. She uses only positive reinforcement and helped me train my dog to snap out of her fear aggression, something that other behaviorists I’ve seen have not been able to do.
Suzanne, Forest Hills
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Hobin Lee:
Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Rockaway Beach) welcomed Hobin Lee, Class of 2008, to Albany as part of West Point Day. Lee was raised in the Rockaway Beach area, and attended Brooklyn Tech. He is currently majoring in Economics and participates in intramural orienteering, wrestling and biathlon. He also serves as Squad Leader for a new cadet squad and as an Academic Platoon Sergeant.
Maninder Kaur:
St. Agnes senior Maninder Kaur has been accepted into the prestigious Macaulay Honors College of the City University of New York at the City College of New York. Maninder is one of a small group of outstanding students selected to join the Macaulay Honors College Class of 2011 as a University Scholar.
Jerry Iannece:
On Sunday May 21, Community Board 11 held a thank you party at Bourbon Street in Bayside in honor of outgoing Chairman Jerry Iannece. Pictured here: (l. to r.) Bernard Haber, CB 11 Chair prior to Iannece, Jerry Iannece, and Steve Newman, the new Chair.
