Iconic Forest Hills Tennis Stadium Makes A Comeback with Mumford & Sons

For Immediate Release

Contact: Chairman Michael Perlman

Rego-Forest Preservation Council

unlockthevault@hotmail.com 
http://regoforestpreservation.blogspot.com

Iconic Forest Hills Tennis Stadium Makes A Comeback with Mumford & Sons

QUEENS, NY (August 28, 2013) -   The iconic Forest Hills Tennis Stadium at 1 Tennis Place in Forest Hills is reopening as a concert venue on August 28 at 6 PM (doors open at 5 PM). British folk rock group, Mumford & Sons, along with two opening acts, will be the first major concert at the stadium since the 1980s. Over 16,000 tickets were sold within an hour. A reported nearly $1.5 million has been spent to restore and upgrade the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium since June 2013, and future restoration plans and upgrades are envisioned by the West Side Tennis Club and concert producers.

Chairman Michael Perlman of Rego-Forest Preservation Council launched a grassroots campaign in July 2010, calling for the preservation and creative reuse of the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium. Meetings with local elected officials and civic associations were held, as well as a petition drive and public relations campaign. That was followed by meetings with the West Side Tennis Club.

In October 2010, a bid by Cord Meyer Development to purchase the stadium parcel, and demolish the majority of the stadium for condos was rejected by the majority of West Side Tennis Club members. Perlman explained, "Disney-esque condos would have torn the heart out of Forest Hills. Mixed-use creative revitalization will likely yield a greater long-term economic return. The stadium has potential for tennis matches, concerts, ice hockey, weddings, exhibits, school trips, charity events, and art festivals.”

Rego-Forest Preservation Council feels the stadium has the potential to be a 21^st century family destination, which would bring our communities closer together, boost tourism, convey historic pride, educate our children, assist local businesses through tough economic times, and be an incentive for newer businesses, such as along the Austin Street corridor.
 

The Forest Hills Tennis Stadium embodies firsts in tennis, music, and architectural history. Designed by famed architect Kenneth Murchison and built by The Foundation Company, it was the first concrete tennis stadium countrywide (1923). It also accommodated National Tennis Championships, the Davis Cup and Wightman Cup, and was the first home of the U.S. Open. It hosted tennis players such as Bill Tilden, Helen Jacobs, Ted Schroeder, Rod Laver, Helen Wills Moody, Billie Jean King, Roger Federer, Don Budge, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, and Arthur Ashe and Althea Gibson who broke racial color barriers during a segregated time in tennis history. The stadium also played cinematic roles, and was featured in key scenes of Alfred Hitchcock's Strangers On A Train.

The annual Forest Hills Music Festival and concerts took ground in the late 1950s and continued through the 1980s, featuring the likes of The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, The Doors, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Ross, The Monkees, The Who, Johnny Mathis, Barbra Streisand, Simon & Garfunkel, Trini Lopez, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, and Peter, Paul, & Mary.

Rego-Forest Preservation Council will continue advocating for preservation, restoration, and historically-sensitive upgrades for the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, for the benefit of the stadium, the West Side Tennis Club, and the Forest Hills community and beyond.  

PHOTOS

Forest Hills Tennis Stadium photos and memorabilia courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/sets/72157607136282297

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Press Release: Forest Hills Tree Giveaway Becomes A Tradition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Another Blooming Tree Giveaway At MacDonald Park on May 19, 2013

Contact: Preservationist Michael Perlman
Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance
unlockthevault@hotmail.com

Facebook page, "Forest Hills Tree Giveaways" - https://www.facebook.com/ForestHillsTreeGiveaways

Tree Giveaway Flyer & Photos: http://bit.ly/May2013FHtreegiveaway  

   QUEENS, NY (May 13, 2013) --  A growing tradition in the heart of Forest Hills is the  Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance’s Tree Giveaway Event. On Sunday, May 19 from 1 PM – 3 PM, citywide residents will line up in MacDonald Park on Queens Boulevard and 70^th Avenue, and adopt one of six unique species among 200 trees, which adopters will take home and plant on private property. 

   This will be 4BNPA’s fourth tree giveaway since June 2011, which will bring its donations up to 645 trees. Years earlier, the 4BNPA had the sole mission of advocating for landmarks and curbing overdevelopment, but then realized how trees complement architecture, and are an important element in restoring our city’s historic landscapes. The New York Restoration Project began coordinating tree giveaways in 2008. Inspiration stemmed from the understanding that MillionTreesNYC was focused on greening public spaces, but private homes, apartment buildings, religious institutions, and community gardens also represent a great percentage of the city which merits tree-planting.

   This season, nearly 30 tree giveaway events are being coordinated, and 9 are being hosted in Queens. Therefore, New York City’s urban landscape will have approximately 4,500 new trees. Since the inception of tree giveaways, greater than 18,000 trees have been planted.

    Forest Hills Tree Giveaway Event Organizer and Preservationist Michael Perlman stated, "Many community residents did not realize the benefits of trees, until some of which were a century-old succumbed in seconds during the September 2010 macroburst, which was followed by Hurricane Irene in August 2011 and Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. Trees enhance a community’s aesthetics and property values, and most significantly contribute to its environmental sustainability."

   New York Restoration Project Community Initiatives Manager Mike Mitchell stated, “The trees we give away will clean our air and water, reducing run-off and filtering particulate matter from the air for generations. The value of a city’s urban forest will only increase as rainstorms become more severe and levels of particulate matter increase in our atmosphere.”

   Once again, MacDonald Park was selected as the event site to initiate memories relating to its value to the community since 1933, and shed light upon what is a “Central Park” to Forest Hills, which lost sixty mature trees during the tornado. The 4BNPA seeks to restore the “forest” factor in Forest Hills, as a case in point.  

   

   Trees available for adoption will consist of 50 Witch-Hazel, 50 Natchez Crape Myrtle, 25 Leonard Messel Magnolia, 25 Centennial Magnolia, 25 Persian Ironwood, and 25 Dawn Redwood. This will add to the more frequently planted trees throughout the city over the years, such as Oak, Maple, Sycamore, Honey Locust, and Gingko. 

1. Dawn Redwood - http://www.treegiveaways.com/53.pdf
2. Persian Ironwood - http://www.treegiveaways.com/55.pdf
3. Crape Myrtle ‘Natchez’ - http://www.treegiveaways.com/47.pdf
4. Magnolia ‘Leonard Messel’ - http://www.treegiveaways.com/50.pdf
5. Magnolia ‘Centennial’ - http://www.treegiveaways.com/49.pdf
6. Witch-Hazel - http://www.treegiveaways.com/18.pdf

    Tree giveaway events and adopted trees generate lasting memories. Mike Mitchell explained, “At 4BNPA’s giveaway last fall, there were triplets who were absolutely enamored with trees, and their parents were so excited to help them learn and to plant trees at their home. Each of the boys was able to adopt a tree. There is nothing I like to see more than young, intelligent people who exhibit genuine interest in our living world.”

    With hopes that each tree adopter will feel as if their tree is part of their extended family, volunteer Steve Goodman is designing tree adoption certificates. Trees will be named after local historic sites such as the Forest Hills Theatre, notable local figures such as Architect Grosvenor Atterbury and Helen Keller, and historic street names such as Roman Avenue (72^nd Avenue) and Ascan Avenue, which will educate the public while granting the trees an identity. In addition to the 4BNPA, there will be volunteers from Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Trylon Vet Care, the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce, Forest Hills Jewish Center, Parker Towers, and Key Food. Tree-inspired artwork with poetry and slogans is expected to complement the tree giveaway site.  

  To make this event possible, Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance (4BNPA) is in partnership with New York Restoration Project (NYRP) and MillionTreesNYC. Toyota is a lead sponsor, American Express is a tree giveaway sponsor, and lead partners are NYRP, plaNYC, and NYC Parks. On May 19, those who wish to adopt a potted tree should line up before 1 PM at MacDonald Park. In advance, tree adopters may reserve their tree by visiting www.treegiveaways.com/4bnpa.php

 

In late April, volunteers Tara Levin, Steve Melnick, Michael Perlman, & City Council Candidate Jon Torodash (District 29) reserved trees for prospective adopters at a promotional table on Continental Avenue.

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200 FREE Trees in Forest Hills

"Free Trees in Forest Hills" by Michael Perlman of the Forest Hills Times/Queens Ledger: http://www.foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/22508582/article-Free-trees-in-Forest-Hills

Tree Giveaway Promotional Poster designed by Michael Perlman

A feeling of rejuvenation comes as our trees and flowers are in bloom each spring. A growing tradition in the heart of Forest Hills is the Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance’s (4BNPA) Tree Giveaway Event.

On Sunday, May 19th from 1 to 3 PM, residents will line up in MacDonald Park on Queens Boulevard and 70th Avenue and adopt one of six unique species among 200 trees to take home and plant on their property. Those who wish to adopt a potted tree should line up before 1 p.m. at MacDonald Park. In advance, tree adopters may reserve their tree on this http://treegiveaways.com/4bnpa.php

The Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance (4BNPA) hosts the event in partnership with the New York Restoration Project (NYRP) and MillionTreesNYC. Toyota is a lead sponsor, American Express is a tree giveaway sponsor, and lead partners are NYRP, plaNYC, and the Parks Department.

This will be 4BNPA’s fourth tree giveaway since June 2011, during which time the group has given away nearly 650 trees. Years earlier, the 4BNPA had the sole mission of advocating for landmarks and curbing overdevelopment, but then realized how trees complement architecture and are an important element in restoring our city’s historic landscapes.

NYRP began coordinating tree giveaways in 2008, understanding that the MillionTreesNYC initiative was focused on greening public spaces, but private homes, apartment buildings, religious institutions, and community gardens also represent a great percentage of the city that merit tree planting.

This spring, nearly 30 tree giveaway events are being coordinated - nine will be hosted in Queens – meaning New York City’s urban landscape will have approximately 4,500 new trees. Since the giveaways started, greater than 18,000 trees have been planted.

Many community residents did not realize the benefits of trees until many old trees were lost in a matter of seconds during the September 2010 tornado, which was followed by Hurricane Irene in August 2011 and Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. MacDonald Park, which dates back to 1933, is the Central Park of Forest Hills, and lost 60 mature trees during the tornado. The 4BNPA seeks to restore the “forest” in Forest Hills.

Trees enhance a community’s aesthetics and property values, and most significantly contribute to its environmental sustainability.

“The trees we give away will clean our air and water, reducing run-off and filtering particulate matter from the air for generations,” said NYRP Community Initiatives manager Mike Mitchell. “The value of a city’s urban forest will only increase as rainstorms become more severe and levels of particulate matter increase in our atmosphere.”

The need to plant more native species in Queens and beyond is essential.

“Native species are very helpful for pollinators and wildlife, and their importance should not be understated,” said Mitchell. “The native trees we introduce help increase diversity in the tree plantings around the city, and help ensure a healthy urban forest.”

Trees available for adoption will consist of 50 Witch-Hazel, 50 Natchez Crape Myrtle, 25 Leonard Messel Magnolia, 25 Centennial Magnolia, 25 Persian Ironwood, and 25 Dawn Redwood. This will add to the more frequently planted trees throughout the city over the years, such as Oak, Maple, Sycamore, Honey Locust, and Gingko.  Magnolias are highly praised for their graceful spread of white-pink or pink-purple flowers, which are a crowning sight every spring. 

Crape Myrtles produce very showy white flowering shoots in the spring and summer. Mitchell added, “Crape myrtles have a gorgeous bark that really gets shown off during the winter months.”

 Dawn Redwood is a fast-growing conical tree with needles that turn bronze in the fall, and is especially unique due to its history. “It was thought to be extinct for millions of years, only known from impressions made in coal, until the early 20^th century,” stated Mitchell. 

Witch-Hazels provide early yellow flowers. He explained, “When I took a course on bees, most beekeepers were hoping for flower blooms early enough to feed their bees. One of the only options was Witch-Hazels, so they’ll be a great addition to our city, particularly as our climate becomes more unpredictable.” Persian Ironwood also produces late winter or early spring flowers, with abundantly red leaves every fall.

The tree giveaway events also generate lasting memories.

“At 4BNPA’s giveaway last fall, there were triplets who were absolutely enamored with trees, and their parents were so excited to help them learn and to plant trees at their home,” Mitchell said. “Each of the boys was able to adopt a tree. There is nothing I like to see more than young, intelligent people who exhibit genuine interest in our living world.”

Some adopted trees are planted in memory of loved ones. Mitchell explained, “The most memorable of these memorials was this year’s event at the Staten Island Buddhist Vihara. Before their tree giveaway, the monks were holding a Puja, where they honored a community member’s father. They made several mentions of the merit a tree planting brings, and discussed how the trees that were planted that day would confer merit on the man who passed away three months prior.”

Volunteer Steve Goodman is also designing tree adoption certificates. Trees will be named after local historic sites such as the Forest Hills Theatre, notable local figures such as architect Grosvenor Atterbury and Helen Keller, and historic street names such as Roman Avenue (72nd Avenue) and Ascan Avenue.

In addition to the 4BNPA, there will be volunteers from Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Trylon Vet Care, the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce, Forest Hills Jewish Center, Parker Towers, and Key Food.

West Side Tennis Club Raises The Flag To 100 Years

100 Years In Forest Hills, WSTC Flag Raising Ceremony, Photo by Suzan Causey

WSTC Members at 100th Anniversary Flag Raising Ceremony, Photo by Michael Perlman

"West Side Tennis Club celebrates 100th Anniversary" by Michael Perlman of the Forest Hills Times/Queens Ledger: http://www.foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/22343330/article-West-Side-Tennis-Club-celebrates-100th-Anniversary

Generations young and old at the West Side Tennis Club (WSTC) will remember April 21, 2013, as the day they witnessed Forest Hills history in the making.

To welcome a summer filled with events celebrating a century of operation at 1 Tennis Place in Forest Hills Gardens, the club held a Flag Raising Ceremony. With a backdrop of crisp blue skies and trees in bloom, a tennis ball-themed flag reading “100 Years in Forest Hills” was raised, and now waves with pride alongside the American flag.

The West Side Tennis Club, comprised of a diverse membership, a stately Tudor clubhouse from 1913, and the iconic Classically-styled Forest Hills Tennis Stadium from 1923, commemorated its tennis, music, social and cinematic legacy by reminiscing and visualizing a promising future.

Club members assembled over a cocktail reception at the wood-paneled clubhouse overlooking the stadium, and were then guided by a bagpiper through a foyer to an outdoor ceremony. The historic walk featured a timeline of photos capturing the glory of Bill Tilden, Bobby Riggs, and Kenneth Rosewall, as well as Althea Gibson, Billie Jean King, and Chris Evert.

WSTC bagpiper escorts members through the Clubhouse, Photo by Nicole Zivkovic

Some notable guests were President Helen Griffin of the Women’s Club of Forest Hills, President Robert Schnell of the Men’s Club of Forest Hills, Community House Chair Lily Zivkovic, and Dan Olson, treasurer of the Church-in-the-Gardens. Sinead Whelan, WSTC Chair of Membership and Marketing delivered opening remarks, setting the stage for WSTC President Roland Meier, who referred to his audience as one big family of the West Side, and attributed part of the club’s road to success as the need to work with the greater community.


 

President Roland Meier, Photo by Michael Perlman

“When I researched 100 years, I did not find a bond between the West Side Tennis Club and Forest Hills,” Meier said. “We were the center of the tennis universe, and now we are trying to reinvent ourselves and become a children and family-friendly club which will revive the stadium and finally become part of the neighborhood.”

In addition to tennis, he envisions ice skating and concerts that respect the club’s ambiance.

Since the U.S. Open moved from the stadium in 1977 to larger accommodations at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, and the Forest Hills Music Festival began phasing out after its peak from the 1950s to the 1970s, the club lost some of its prestige and the stadium began decaying under minimal use.

Griffin Fluhr & Alice Beatrice Adams raising the 100th Anniversary Flag, Photo by Michael Perlman

Sinead Whelan with Alice Beatrice Adams & Griffin Fluhr, Photo by Nicole Zivkovic

Following Meier’s remarks, two of the club’s younger members raised the commemorative flag. One was 11-year-old Alice Beatrice Adams of Greenwich, CT, who has played tennis at the club for as far back as she can recall.

“I felt pretty honored,” said Adams, who serves on the club’s junior committee and organizes parties for fellow junior members.

“I was proud,” said 11-year-old Griffin Fluhr of Forest Hills, who served as a ballboy for Children’s Day in Forest Hills Gardens, and is also part of the junior tennis program.

WSTC audience members take part in the festivities, Photo by Nicole Zivkovic

Over lunch, some club members shared their visions for the future. Fourteen-year member Richard Del Nunzio of Forest Hills is chair of the Facilities Committee.

“Development of the juniors is one way of expanding the membership of the club I love,” he said. “We’re spending $45,000 on a world-class playground and we’ve improved our children’s lounge, and now our summer camp has over 150 children and is growing annually. They’re our club’s future.”

He took pride in the role the WSTC has played in his own family.

“I have a son who was part of the juniors, and now earned a full scholarship playing tennis in college,” Del Nunzio said.

He then explained why revitalizing the stadium is most valuable.

“As a result of [music] pirating on the internet, performers are looking for open stadiums, and they have come to realize that live performances are the best source of income,” Del Nunzio said. “By default, we are at the right place at the right time, and are being approached by promoters who want to invest in the stadium’s restoration for concerts.”

The stadium may become the New York Philharmonic’s summer home.

Forest Hills resident Juan Reyes, a 42-year member relayed his heartfelt sentiment. He explained,

“My children were friendly with a group of kids from France, when we invited them to Forest Hills, they were excited to be part of the tennis tradition,” said 42-year member Juan Reyes. “We want to make the younger Americans aware, since they don’t have that same appreciation.”

Viewing a restored stadium as a source of long-term revenue from events, Reyes opposed Cord Meyer Development’s 2010 proposal to build condos in its place.

“Demolition of the stadium would have destroyed the club and the community,” Reyes said. “Some people have no respect for tradition.”

The club also serves as a second home to many of its elder members.

“At age 92, I still play tennis,” said Helen Allen of Forest Hills. “One thing I admire about President Roland Meier is how he’s opening membership to everyone. We are holding occasions to invite people to see the club and play tennis for the afternoon, and that helps create a diverse membership.”

The West Side Tennis Club informed club members about a series of 100th anniversary events planned for the spring and summer. The public events schedule features a Meet The Pro Staff and Fundraiser Round Robin on May 11; Level 1 Junior Sectional Tournaments from June 24–28; a Century Celebration and Tennis Carnival on June 30; the New York Open Tournament from July 4–7; the USTA Women’s National Championships from July 14–20; a 100-Year Celebration Extravaganza on August 18; and USTA Men’s National 40, 55, 60 Grass Court Championships from September 16–29.

WSTC Clubhouse exhibits Tudor charm, Photo by Joe Dutton

Linna Hunt, a 41-year member, can’t imagine the West Side Tennis Club minus its stadium, and last weekend’s ceremony reinforced its value.

“I’m pleased so many club members and the business community are looking forward to our historic stadium coming to life again,” she said. “I always love sitting on the clubhouse’s terrace, looking out into the sunset at our horseshoe stadium.”

Eagles & terra-cotta shields adorn the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium facade, Photo by Michael Perlman

Center court with the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, Photo by Pat Lannan

Historic Forest Hills Inn Lobby At Risk For A Nightclub?

Forest Hills Inn is an anchor of Station Square, Photo by Michael Perlman

The Forest Hills Inn's historic lobby is at risk of demolition for a nightclub, to the disrespect of shareholders, Photo by Michael Perlman

Controversy Brewing At The Forest Hills Inn
by Michael Perlman, Forest Hills Times
 
http://www.foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/22211192/article-Controversy-brewing-at-Forest-Hills-Inn

An unofficial landmark in the heart of Forest Hills is at risk of being forever altered.

May 1, 2013, will mark 101 years since the Forest Hills Inn opened its doors and greeted guests and passersby at the gate of Forest Hills Gardens. In our country’s earliest planned garden community, the Forest Hills Inn towers, with its Tudor and Arts & Crafts charm over Station Square, is analogous to how the Empire State Building towers triumphantly over Manhattan.

Both symbols echo the first of their kind in regard to their lofty height and architecture, and cast countless social associations for generations. In May 2012, residents and visitors attended a 100th anniversary ceremony in the Forest Hills Inn’s elegantly appointed lobby, which featured historic presentations by the Inn board’s Historic Committee. Nearly a year later, a controversy is brewing.

The Forest Hills Inn’s One Station Square co-op board is at odds with Reiner & Kaiser Associates, the commercial landlord of the Forest Hills Inn and its accompanying Tudor buildings along Station Square.

The board learned that the company has plans to erect a concrete wall in the Forest Hills Inn’s historic lobby between the three centrally-located pillars for the intent of commercial conversion. The proposal would likely downsize the residential lobby by 75 percent

The plans may include the removal of historic woodwork from the wall separating the Inn's lobby and the neighboring Jade Eatery and Lounge at 1 Station Square. Plans are also rumored to involve the demolition of other English wood-paneled walls, wooden doors, a fireplace, ceilings, chandeliers, and sconces.

“This is defacing history,” said one board member. “Once you knock down a historic wall or details, you cannot put it back.”

At a board meeting, members were told that building manager AnnMarie Ferrelli was taken by surprise on March 20 when she saw a construction crew taking measurements for the installation of a concrete wall, blueprints in hand. First she asked who sent them and was told it was a sponsor. Then they presented a printed email with requests from Ray Kaiser of Reiner & Kaiser.

The board is set to fight the proposal.

“We already contacted the Department of Buildings to call attention to this matter,” said a representative of the One Station Square board. “As far as we can tell, it would be illegal to convert a portion of our lobby into a commercial space. It’s not zoned for anything other than residential use.”

“We learned that Kaiser plans to rent out the Forest Hills Inn’s basement and lobby for a split-level nightclub, so we made an offer for the lobby space to block a nightclub,” said Raymond Taylor, manager of Jade Eatery and Lounge. “Our offer has not been accepted, yet.”

When asked what Jade’s plans would be for the lobby, Taylor responded, “We have not put any energy into plans, since our main focus now is making an investment to stop what would attract the wrong element to the Forest Hills Inn and Station Square.”

“In Jade, we restored many original elements from the Inn’s earlier restaurants, such as the original wooden bar,” said Taylor. “We have done a lot to maintain class, and we’re also working towards the restoration of the abandoned Tea Garden, which our restaurant overlooks.”

The properties within Forest Hills Gardens are subject to “restrictive covenants,” which are upheld by the Forest Hills Gardens Corporation, to maintain the aesthetic beauty of period architecture and landscapes. One Station Square, Inc. emphasized prior frustrations with Reiner & Kaiser Associates for not being a team player and, in their opinion, allowing commercial facades along Station Square to decay. The co-op board is continuing to fund façade restoration work through shareholder assessments.

Residents have also had problems with tenants in the past. Bartinis Lounge once occupied the basement, and it became notorious for the fatal beating of a patron in November 2010. Board members recalled wild functions that would last until 4 a.m., compromising Station Square’s quality of life. In spring 2012, the former nightclub’s entryway was padlocked.

“If the co-op can take over the basement and make it into something to benefit the Inn, then we won’t have to worry about Kaiser opening another nightclub,” said one board member.

As of press time, Reiner & Kaiser Associates has not responded to a request for comments.

The Forest Hills Inn was once the center of a classy social life in Forest Hills. When tennis championships and music festivals took place at the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, notable figures stayed at the Forest Hills Inn. The Tea Garden featured afternoon teas, string music, plays, and dancing under the stars. The Windsor Room hosted dancing on weekends and dinner music evenings. Much preceded the Inn’s residential conversion in 1967.

“The Forest Hills Inn will always be our jewel in an architectural crown,” said a board member.

Forest Hills Inn lobby at risk of demolition, Photo by Michael Perlman

Forest Hills Inn lobby at risk of demolition, Photo by Michael Perlman

Forest Hills Inn lobby at risk of demolition, Photo by Michael Perlman

Forest Hills Inn lobby at risk of demolition, Photo by Michael Perlman

The Forest Hills Inn at Station Square circa 1915, which would be a few years after the Inn's May 1, 1912 opening, Courtesy of Michael Perlman Postcard Collection

Going forward to a March 2012 view of Station Square, Photo by Michael Perlman

A 1950s super-sized matchcover, Courtesy of Michael Perlman

A 1950s super-sized matchcover, where even the matches depict an artist's rendering of the Forest Hills Inn, Courtesy of Michael Perlman

The charming social spots of the Forest Hills Inn were captured in a 1950s super-sized matchcover, Courtesy of Michael Perlman

Personalization Spans Generations At Stoa Jewelry - Support The Mom & Pop Shops

Personalization Spans Generations at Stoa Jewelry

by Michael Perlman, Forest Hills Times
 
http://www.foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/22084561/article-Personalization-spans-generations-at-Stoa-Jewelry

Rena Monogenis, co-owner of Stoa Jewelry

The heart of Forest Hills can be found along Austin Street, which was once dotted with both simple and upscale mom-and-pop shops reminiscent of a small town. Today, much has changed with the rise of some large corporations often occupying a few storefronts, but the business district retains its Tudor village and Colonial charm.

Nestled between that charm is a gem, where multi-generational patrons come upon a recessed flagstone entryway, sided by tastefully decorated window displays under a rustic wooden sign that reads “Stoa Jewelry.”

Enter Stoa at 71-60 Austin Street, and whether you are a longtime or new patron you will be greeted with a smile and the amiable demeanor of business owners Marie Sinanian and Rena Monogenis.

They have been giving their heart to the community for nearly 45 years by offering custom-produced jewelry, as well as art from local artists.

Making your way inside, the rustic charm continues with wood-and-glass wall and counter displays of custom-made jewelry, high ceilings bearing accent lights on artwork, a rugged plaster wall finish, and wood plank floors. Classical music adds to the gallery ambiance.

Customization is a dominant aspect of Stoa’s mission. “We design every type of jewelry that can be worn, from looks that are classic to way out there,” said Monogenis.

Jewelry is handcrafted in a variety of materials, including sterling silver or gold. Jewelry was originally produced in the back of the shop, but now the owners sketch the designs by hand and it is custom made off premise by local and international artists.

“If you want cufflinks and you have the design, we can execute the design, but if you want us to design it, we can from scratch,” said Monogenis. “If you wanted to create your own family crest, you would tell us what elements are very important to your family, and then we would design it using symbols.”

A notable custom-made design is a sterling silver barbell pendant, where the weight actually fluctuates. A sculptor from Germany designed a universe-inspired abstract sphere comprised of sterling silver rings with a single gold bead. It collapses and expands, and can be worn as a bracelet.

Customers often refer local artists to Stoa, and the owners fulfill their mission to the community by selling their work, which ranges from classical to abstract. Currently, paintings from three local artists are on display. Proceeds from the sale of the artwork are shared between Stoa and the artist.

Sinanian emigrated from Greece with her family in 1962, and settled in Forest Hills. Monogenis was born in Manhattan, but in 1950 at the age of 8, she made a move to Forest Hills. Both are Forest Hills residents to this day.

In 1968, Sinanian began working for her brother-in-law, who once owned Lorilil Jewelers on Continental Avenue. After learning the business firsthand, she took the initiative in 1972 to open her own jewelry shop on Austin Street, known as “A Bit Outre.”

Monogenis, then an employee of Chemical Bank, decided to change her career path not long after befriending Sinanian, and she took some jewelry design classes at the 92nd Street Y. Sharing a mutual vision, their friendship evolved into a business partnership, and on October 2, 1976, they opened Stoa Jewelry.

It may be hard to grasp that the jewelry business was neither owner’s childhood dream, but now it is their niche. Monogenis, who first envisioned being a clothing designer at age 11, attributes part of their success to a balance between their work styles.

“I work more from the heart, whereas Marie works more from the mind,” she said.

Stoa was originally situated further west on Austin Street in a portion of what is now Victoria’s Secret. Sinanian coined the business name due to the large recessed storefront’s configuration, which resembled a portico or arcade in Greek culture.

“A stoa was an ancient structure that was long and narrow, had columns and a roof, and was the town center where markets and meetings took place and people would sit and think,” she explained.

When asked how she felt being one of the last Austin Street mom-and-pop shops, she said, “I feel truly wonderful, and I must say that after all these years, we have been blessed with wonderful customers who have become friends.”

She then reminisced about yesteryear’s well-known mom-and-pop shops in close proximity. There was Buster Brown Shoes, Homestead Gourmet Shop, Beau Brummel (clothing), Koch and Nord Delicacies, Horn & Hardart, Towne Shepherd (hair salon), Thorn & Thistle (florist), Ina’s (millinery shop), and Madeline Begg, which she described as an exquisite dress shop owned by her neighbor.

Throughout the years, Stoa’s clientele has included notables such as Geraldine Ferraro, former professional tennis player Renée Richards, Dennis Hevesi, and judges. Within Stoa’s walls, countless memories are harbored relating to the relationship between the owners and patrons, on the basis of the character of the owners and which extends into their custom-made jewelry.

This contributes to stories ranging from humorous to heart-warming. For example, a long-standing American craftswoman from Maine named Peggy Johnson worked with Stoa to produce a sterling silver necklace with copper-and-stone accents, and dangling kitchen pots and utensils as a focal point.

“A man came into our shop and purchased it for his wife,” Monogenis recalled. “When he returned, he said the rest of his life won’t be the same, since he will never be able to give his wife another gift that she would enjoy as much.”

A heart-warming story followed.

“We designed a necklace for a woman who was the mother of a bride, and based it on the dress she planned to wear at the wedding,” Monogenis said. “She was thrilled, and thanked us with a photo of her outfit during the wedding.”

As for younger generations hoping to launch a jewelry and art business, Monogenis offered some pointers.

“Follow your dream,” she said. “If it is a true love, that will make your entire life a lot easier. Especially since we are in poor economic times, start small.” Referring to her experience, she added, “We could have expanded way back when, but we felt good with this size, which our customers helped accomplish. I don’t believe that success is measured strictly by money.”

On a Saturday afternoon, 10-year-old Ian Fried and his mother engaged in conversation with Monogenis. He was impressed when he learned about Stoa’s custom-made mission. Some items reminded him of his recent interest in collecting antiques, but only time will tell if it will unfold into his niche.

“It’s my first time here, and it’s a very artistic store,” he said. His mother first shopped at Stoa in 1990, and now the younger generation is being introduced. Fried said, “I always pictured these pieces as old-fashioned items from the early to mid-industrial revolution, but now this has given me a whole new light on antiques and how they are made."

“Customers over the years become the mamas, the papas, and an acquired family,” Monogenis said. “They know if they need a place to sit, rest, and socialize over coffee, they can come to us.”