The 6 Koi Art Show & Fundraiser, Jade Eatery & Lounge, 9/21 opening show & Event through 11/1

For Immediate Release

Rego-Forest Preservation Council Chairman Michael Perlman

unlockthevault@hotmail.com  (917) 446-7775

http://regoforestpreservation.blogspot.com

Artist & Gallery Owner David Chatowsky

davidchatowsky@hotmail.com  (401) 835-4623

“The 6 Koi” from Rhode Island to Forest Hills: Art Exhibition To Benefit New York Police & Fire Widow's & Children’s Benefit Fund

     

NEW YORK, NY & NEWPORT, RI (Sept 16, 2019) – “The 6 Koi” exhibit, sale, & fundraiser is running from September 15 to November 1, 2019 at Jade Eatery & Lounge at 1 Station Square, Forest Hills Gardens, NY, which offers a popular gallery where artists gather. 

All are invited to an art show, sale, & fundraiser on September 21 from 5 PM to 10 PM. The exhibit is being organized by artist, humanitarian, and multiple gallery owner David Chatowsky, a Rhode Island resident who is returning to NY for another artistic and humanitarian opportunity.

   

Ten percent of all sales will benefit the New York Police and Fire Widow's and Children’s Benefit Fund, which provides financial assistance and support to the families of NYC police officers, firefighters, Port Authority police, and EMS personnel who have been killed in the line of duty. This initiative is in partnership with Chatowsky’s friend Lyle Carey, who is running in the NYC Marathon to raise 4k for the charitable cause.

   

Local historian Michael Perlman said, “On a trip to Newport, RI last fall, I am proud to have met a very talented and unique artist and humanitarian, David Chatowsky, and bring him to Forest Hills, NY on two occasions for highly beneficial causes. The arts are universal and can serve as a platform for committing good deeds.”  All works of art are for sale and will be presented to the buyer by Jade Eatery & Lounge on the day of purchase.   

Patrons enter Jade Eatery & Lounge, which offers a rare koi pond, home to 6 beautiful koi fish. Chatowsky said, “These 6 Koi are the inspiration for my art show. I am very familiar with koi and aquatic plants, since I worked on an aquatic farm in Palm City, Florida in my early twenties, and helped raise koi. I also grew many water plants such as water lilies and lotuses.” 

    

Acrylic paintings that are on display include “The Jonah Koi,” “The Samurai Koi,” “Koi with Water Lilies,” and “Red and Green Koi with Lotus Flowers.” “I hope my paintings’ variation in sizes and the fact that some are in color and black and white will stimulate the creative process in patrons,” said Chatowsky. 

The exhibition bears the potential to positively impact Forest Hills and the world. Chatowsky explained, “Animals make our lives more interesting. Their colors enrich our landscapes. All animals are here for our enjoyment, and we are their stewards. Therefore, it is our responsibility to create areas within the urban environment for animals, so future generations can be graced by their presence.  It is very important to use the gifts we have been given to bring peace and harmony into this world.”   

  

Chatowsky feels a bit like Jonah after he exited the giant fish. He said, “Unlike Jonah, I am selling the giant koi fish, which took me back to NYC. My message is not that of repentance, but environmental stewardship.”  

The collaboration between a Rhode Island artist and Jade “signifies the willingness of people working together to create a better future,” according to Chatowsky, who opened his first D. Chatowsky Art Gallery in Portsmouth, RI in 2016, followed by a second in Newport last year. His third gallery recently opened on Block Island. His diverse accomplishments also include permanent mural installations at the Florida Museum of Natural History, owning art galleries in Florida and New York, and coordinating humanitarian art exhibits in Los Angeles and Boston.

For a sneak peek of David Chatowsky’s “The 6 Koi” paintings, visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/albums/72157710893585847

Event page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/3100073963399601/

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Forest Hills History Mural Embraced By Community

Street artists Praxis & Crisp with Coordinator Michael Perlman, A Tribute To Ascan Avenue & The Forest Hills Gardens Mural

Adding Forest Hills alongside the Ascan Backus Homestead & Mr. & Mrs. Sage, Photo by Michael Perlman

By Michael Perlman

On April 2 to April 4, Forest Hills residents and commuters witnessed the transformation of a blank canvas into a work of art at a long-neglected underpass on Ascan Avenue. With the title “A Tribute To Ascan Avenue & The Forest Hills Gardens,” Forest Hills’ newest mural was born. 

After observing the community’s positive response last summer to the Ramones mural on Continental Avenue by the internationally-known street artists “Crisp” and “Praxis,” natives of Australia and Columbia, this columnist appointed them. The new mural bears homage to influential founding parties of the Forest Hills Gardens, set alongside a Gardens’ street lantern which depicts the neighborhood’s classic two trees and a fountain motif, and also sheds light on a flourishing community. Also resurrected is the Backus family homestead, better known today as Walgreens on Queens Boulevard at 69th Road. 

The underpass now features profiles of financier and railroad executive Russell Sage and philanthropist Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage, who amassed her husband’s fortune and helped establish the Russell Sage Foundation, which purchased 142 acres for the Forest Hills Gardens in 1909. Adjacently profiled is “King Farmer” Ascan Backus, regarded as the most successful 19th century commercial farmer in the northeast, when Forest Hills was known as Whitepot prior to 1906. Also honored are Forest Hills Gardens’ principal architect Grosvenor Atterbury and urban planner and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. Among the mural’s goals is to establish a face behind the names of frequented destinations including Russell Sage JHS 190, Olivia Park, and Ascan Avenue.

“The support and positive feedback from the local community that passed by while we were painting was overwhelming,” said Crisp. “It was lovely seeing its impact on all ages, from toddlers pointing things out to their parents, all the way up to a 96-year-old reflecting on his time in the area.” One fan stopped his car and later returned to share a photo of Ascan Backus II, Ascan Backus’ grandson. A young child felt passionate enough to ask questions, relay praise, and recommend highlighting the underpass’ “1909” marker, which has been pursued in the mural. Crisp added, “History is easily forgotten, so we educated people about their contributions to the area, and many loved learning about local history visually through the mural.” 

Keeping "King Farmer" Ascan Backus' memory alive!

Local residents and businesses helped shape the content of the mural and contributed nearly $4,000 since December 2016. Organization sponsors were the West Side Tennis Club, Ridgewood Savings Bank, Trylon Vet Care, Exo Café, Ripe, Knish Nosh, London Lennie’s, Belle Arti Center for the Arts, Oliloli Studio, Aigner Chocolates, Banter, Portofino, and Cipollina Gourmet. Fundraisers were held at Knish Nosh, Roast n Co, and La Boulangerie; the latter two restaurants where Marvel and DC Comics artist John Stanisci sold prints of his work and sketched characters upon request to raise funds. Additionally, Century 21 Department Store provided gift cards and wreaths for donors during the holiday season.

“The West Side Tennis Club is proud to have supported this project, particularly during our 125th anniversary,” said Bea Hunt, WSTC, Co-chair, 125th Anniversary Committee. “The mural is a brilliant combination of the people instrumental in creating this community and unique historic architectural elements, and it will raise appreciation of these great pioneers and our rich history.”

Fan Susan Weinstein, a Forest Hills resident, who is an avid walker and history buff said, “It’s a pleasure to learn new things and keep an eye on our quality of life. Now people will learn more about why the Forest Hills Gardens was founded and what it was founded as.”

Another Forest Hills resident, Waice Shah said, “At Russell Sage JHS, I never realized who Russell Sage was, but I always knew that if my school or any street is named after someone, 9 out of 10 times you can do your research and be wowed by their accomplishments.”

Mickey Leigh, brother of the late Joey Ramone, even stopped by. He chuckled and said, “I much prefer a mural than an abstract design of bird droppings.” As a notable himself, he pointed to the wall and said, “I am working my way towards obtaining the status of these accomplished people.”

Nearby residents also praised the mural. Kew Gardens resident Seth Welins said, “The Forest Hills Gardens is gorgeous and leads into an interesting shopping area. I would often walk through the underpass very quickly, but the finished product will encourage me to slow down a bit and admire the artwork. It’s also an educational resource and a win-win for everyone.”

Richmond Hill resident Shamim Arman views the mural from an artistic perspective and as a representation of a diverse community linking yesterday to today. “If we have the space, art is the best way of providing information to many people. You really have to think in detail that not anyone can do this, and I don’t think any other group features as much about a diverse community than artists.”

Fundraising hosts emphasized the importance of collaborating and contributing. La Boulangerie co-owner François Danielo explained, “As I like to say, Forest Hills is a small village, and part of it is to interact and help each other. Those responsible are creating a soul for our village, and it’s important to differentiate ourselves from the rest of NYC.” Hichem Ammous, co-owner of Roast n Co said, “Partnerships are a great tool to make the community stronger and well known, and we feel proud that we participated.” 

Multi-generational fans come together

Recreating a Forest Hills Gardens historic streetlamp, shedding light on Forest Hills' past & future

A similar version of this feature appears in Michael Perlman's Forest Hills Times/Queens Ledger column: www.queensledger.com/view/full_story/27396817/article-Community-embraces-Forest-Hills-history-mural- 

Sept 25th: Four Forest Hills Events - Mark Your Calendar!

What do animals, books, a yard sale, & a street fair have in common? Between 10 AM & 4 PM on 9/25:

At the Forest Hills Street Fair, I will be offering signed copies of my book "Legendary Locals of Forest Hills and Rego Park" as a collaboration with Trylon Vet Care P.C.'s Posh Pets Rescue fundraiser. Stop by our table on Austin Street near Starbucks. I will also be selling signed copies at the Tea Garden of the Forest Hills Inn around the corner from Station Square, as part of the Inn's annual yard sale that will benefit this historic property. Feel free to email unlockthevault@hotmail.com with questions or requests.


- Michael Perlman

Cinemart Cinemas Fundraiser Begins Dec 30 with "The Hateful Eight"

Please ATTEND & SHARE the 12/30 fundraiser to help upgrade & preserve the classic Cinemart Cinemas​ at 106-03 Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills.

Beginning on 12/30, Quentin Tarantino’s film, “The Hateful Eight,” an American mystery western with an all-star cast will debut at the Cinemart in a rich 35 mm film format & a digital format (only theater outside Manhattan). An $8 admission will include free popcorn, free drinks & refills (seniors $6). Help finance the installation of novelty leather recliners, slated for March 2016, which is part of owner Nicolas Nicolaou’s commitment towards providing comfort & affordability. 

Showtimes: www.cinemartcinemas.com

The Cinemart is presumably the city’s longest independently owned & operated theater since its opening in 1927, & one of the last.

Last year's screening of the first-run film, "American Sniper" achieved record ticket sales, thanks to the community, and helped prevent the Cinemart from closing its doors. Please continue your support. 

Owner Nicolas Nicolaou and manager Sal Parete welcome you....

Yard Sale To Help Repair The Forest Hills Inn, 9/20

You're Invited! Help repair the historic Forest Hills Inn by attending the 1st Annual Yard Sale at the Tea Garden at 1 Station Square, Forest Hills Gardens.

September 20, 2015 from 10 AM - 4 PM

Book Signing by Michael Perlman, Author of “Legendary Locals of Forest Hills and Rego Park.”

Lots of great items await!

(Rain Date: September 27)

Classical Concert To Benefit Historic First Presbyterian Church of Newtown's Restoration

You are invited to a unique musical event, which will also contribute to a "high note" in historic preservation. On Sunday, January 19 at 1:30 PM, award-winning harpist Tomina Parvanova will be performing Classical works at the historic First Presbyterian Church of Newtown in Elmhurst. 

For a $10 admission, the proceeds will benefit the restoration of this historic church, which was recently designated State& National Register of Historic Places status.

The church was founded in 1652, and the present Gothic sanctuary was built in 1895, and features stained glass by Tiffany artists. ALL are welcome!

The church is located on Queens Blvd & 54th Ave in Elmhurst, Queens. The R & M trains (east end) stop in front, and the Q58, Q59, & Q60 buses are within a block.

About the First Presbyterian Church of Newtown: http://www.fpcn.org/history

Historic & recent photos: http://bit.ly/1dVPoWA

About Tomina Parvanova: http://www.tominaparvanova.com/#!biography/c1enr

Please consider attending this great musical and restoration event, and circulate this blog posting.

Photos courtesy of Chairman Michael Perlman of the Rego-Forest Preservation Council

NYC Trees Need Your Help - Any Sum Makes A Great Difference!

A common picture of Hurricane Irene's devastation. Photo courtesy of MillionTrees NYC

When Hurricane Irene hit the eastern seaboard in late August 2011, it was responsible for the loss of over 2,000 trees, according to Million Trees NYC.

Backtracking, the tornado in Sept 2010 was responsible for at last 3,100 fallen trees in our borough, not to mention those damaged significantly. Our trees are an aesthetically & environmentally beneficial component, as well as historic component of all neighborhoods citywide. They become members of our extended family.

Fortunately, Million Trees NYC is the face behind an endeavor to raise funding for the replacement of the loss trees throughout NYC's 5 boroughs. Please consider donating to assist NYC street and park trees, or to assist tree planting on private property such as schools, and housing. This is a noble cause, so please take a few moments to also spread the word. Even a few dollars would be appreciated: 

http://milliontreesnyc.org/html/donate/donate.shtml

One of the few remaining historic Elm trees in Central Queens, which survived the tornado but not the hurricane. It sustained a large collapsed limb, which damaged the trunk. Sadly, this 7-story graceful Elm tree, which was at least 60 years old & was loved by many local residents, was taken down within days. All that remains is barely a stump on the corner of the Howard Apts on 66th Rd off the north side of Queens Blvd. Perhaps routine pruning would have paid off, & the tree would have still been around today. Photo by Michael Perlman, Rego-Forest Preservation Council.

The purple oasis of Cherry Plum trees was compromised at Parker Towers along Queens Blvd in Forest Hills. Let's hope these trees will be resurrected. Photo by Michael Perlman, Rego-Forest Preservation Council

 

A once bold Maple tree, which provided much beauty & shade in Forest Hills' Federoff Triangle falls. Photo by Michael Perlman, Rego-Forest Preservation Council.

Forest Hills' historic MacDonald Park was struck again, after losing around 70 trees during last year's tornado. This tree was likely planted by volunteers when MacDonald Park received some upgrades in the 1980s. A tree we will miss. Photo by Michael Perlman, Rego-Forest Preservation Council.

 

 

 

 

 

Palm Sunday 4/17 Concert: Help Restore The Historic First Presbyterian Church of Newtown

The historic First Presbyterian Church of Newtown proudly extends an invite, and encourages your help. ALL are invited to the church's Easter Concert & Restoration Fundraiser on Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011 at 2:00 PM. The church adult choir and youth will present For Such A One As This, a moving and beautiful musical presentation of the Easter story. The Organist and Choir Director is Kiyomi Kimura.

The church is at the south side of Queens Blvd & 54th Ave in Elmhurst, near the Grand Ave subway entrance. For more information, contact Church Historian Marjorie Melikian at (718) 897-5668. Rego-Forest Preservation Council is committed to assist the church in a restoration cause, and Chair Michael Perlman can be contacted at unlockthevault@hotmail.com

This church is endangered not by developers which have undermined the integrity of historic religious institutions in recent years, but is endangered, since it is in need of some major repairs to its 1895 building, including restoration of its intricate wooden doors, weatherproofing, electrical work, roofing, refinishing, the cleaning and repair of stained glass, and the installation of historic-style railings around the church's stoop. Similar repairs are needed for the adjoining 1931 Church House. Restoration is often costly, particularly for many religious institutions citywide, but the salvation of a historic religious edifice is priceless.

There is no admission fee, and a free-will offering will be collected, to benefit the restoration and upgrades of one of Queens' greatest "Landmarks at heart!" The church and its bell are symbols of the lost history of Queens, and have withstood the test of time. Your help is most crucial towards preserving this historic site for future generations to cherish. Please help by spreading the word, and bringing your family and friends. 

If you cannot attend this restoration fundraiser concert, & would still like to help restore a site with 17th century Newtown roots, please send donations to:

First Presbyterian Church of Newtown Building Fund
54-05 Seabury St, Elmhurst, NY 11373.
("Building Fund" must be noted on the check.)

Historic Overview

The First Presbyterian Church of Newtown is a greatly intact Gothic brownstone masterpiece from 1895 with a bell tower, stained glass windows, a pitched roof, and elaborate woodwork. The church’s congregation dates to 1652, making it one of New York City’s earliest extant. Originally a community church, it officially became Presbyterian in 1715. The church was founded in the wilderness (now Elmhurst) of the Dutch Colony of New Netherlands, and has survived war, invasion, and religious and political persecution. In 1924, the church faced another hurdle. Queens Boulevard was slated to be widened by the city, and therefore, the sole hope of salvation was transporting it. Teamwork resulted in an engineering marvel, as the 5 million-pound church was moved 125 feet.

The church has a bell which dates to 1788, and was installed in its 4th church building erected in 1791, just after the American Revolution. This replaced its 3rd church, which was desecrated by British soldiers and demolished. The bell survived the destruction of that church by fire, and the moving of the present church a half-block in the 1920s, which caused the loss of its original huge steeple. The bell was originally in an edifice on a single-lane dirt road, with horses going by. The current church was built on a double-lane dirt road. Both the single and double lanes form what is now bustling Queens Blvd. The bell has witnessed significant historic moments in Queens. A rare and unique history of the First Presbyterian Church of Newtown, published by Church Historian Marjorie Melikian of Rego Park, NY: http://www.fpcn.org/history/

Postcards and photo documentation by Michael Perlman, Chair of Rego-Forest Preservation Council & Queens VP of the Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance, is below and on flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/sets/72157605752409722/

Interior of the Gothic sanctuary towards the altar.

Looking out from the altar towards the balcony.

One of the church's many enriching stained glass works.

The 1895 First Presbyterian Church of Newtown is moved during the 1920s, and Queens Blvd is expanded to its current size today. The congregation and riggers worked diligently to spare the church from demolition, and this could potentially be the largest and heaviest building ever moved in New York!

A rare glimpse of rural Queens Boulevard with the First Presbyterian Church of Newtown & humble frame houses. The church's original huge steeple doubled the height of the building, and was sacrificed during the move. ~ Courtesy of the Michael Perlman Postcard Collection.

More stained glass beauty of the 19th century. They sure don't make 'em like they used to!

Spiritual scenes transcend from the artist's vision to reality.

An 1895 Gothic masterpiece is a one & only encounter on Queens Blvd! Visualize farmland with frame houses mere steps from this edifice 115 years ago.

John Goldsmith Payntar left $70,000 in his will for the new 1895 church building. "Payntar Memorial" is inscribed above the entranceway. Stained glass windows and Gothic ornamentation create an empowering entry, which is complemented by its hand-carved wood doors with intricate brass handles. These are a few of many authentic features which merit restoration, before they are lost forever.

A closer eye on the Gothic facade with stained glass overlooking Queens Blvd.

The charming 1931 limestone & brick Church House annex on Seabury St consists of recreational facilities, performance space, and classrooms. It is also in great need of restoration and upgrades.

NY1 News Publicizes First Presbyterian Church of Newtown Restoration Fundraiser

The First Presbyterian Church of Newtown has a congregational history dating to 1652 & a brownstone edifice from 1895, but gained a new chapter of faith when it was featured on NY1 News. On December 16th, Rocco Vertuccio interviewed Church Historian Marjorie Melikian and Rego-Forest Preservation Council Chairman Michael Perlman, on their initiative to raise funding for the church's much-needed restoration. The NY1 segment, "First Presbyterian Church of Newtown Reaches Out To The Community" first aired on Dec 17th & will also be televised today and on Dec 19th:

http://www.ny1.com/content/130808/first-presbyterian-church-of-newtown-reaches-out-to-community

Some measures to boost funding for a restoration include holding periodic concerts with a free will offering, and nominating the site for status on the State & National Register of Historic Places, but the site's future and historic beauty relies on the public. Any donation would be much appreciated.

To help restore this site which has roots to 17th century Newtown, donations to can be sent by check to:

First Presbyterian Church of Newtown Building Fund

54-05 Seabury St, Elmhurst, NY 11373.

("Building Fund" must be noted on the check.)

Dec 10 Posting: Christmas Concert Fundraiser For Restoration, Photos, & The Church's Significance

A rare glimpse of rural Queens Boulevard with the First Presbyterian Church of Newtown & humble frame houses. The church's original huge steeple doubled the height of the building, and was sacrificed during its move in 1924, when Queens Boulevard was widened to its present width. ~ Courtesy of the Michael Perlman Postcard Collection.