Midway Theatre World's Fair Films on June 10 at 7 PM - You're Invited!

Come celebrate the 75th anniversary of the 1939 World's Fair and the 50th anniversary of the 1964 World's Fair by attending two complimentary films on June 10 at 7 PM at the historic Midway Theatre, 108-22 Queens Boulevard, Forest Hills. With much gratitude to the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce and Regal Cinemas.

Michael Perlman Receives 2014 Grassroots Preservation Award by the Historic Districts Council

For those who missed my speech at the Historic District Council's 2014 Grassroots Preservation Awards (or wish to relive it), you can view the video clip. Preservationist Jeffrey Kroessler spoke with much grace and spirit, and presented my award at the time slot of 9:45. The text of my speech is below:

Good Evening, Everyone,  As a 31 year-old native Forest Hills resident and Chairman of Rego-Forest Preservation Council, I feel honored to receive the 2014 Grassroots Preservation Award. I am also encouraged to become an even stronger historic preservationist of Forest Hills and Rego Park, among other neighborhoods.

I founded Rego-Forest Preservation Council in 2006, in response to the 100^th anniversary of Forest Hills, and the parcel which became known as Rego Park in 1923.  Landmark-worthy buildings and stretches of Forest Hills and Rego Park faced a growing number of insensitive alterations and demolition. We seek to preserve and commemorate our architectural and cultural history by advocating for Individual Landmarks, Interior Landmarks, and Historic Districts, as well as State & National Register of Historic Places sites, and by assisting property owners in the acquisition of funding to restore their properties. 

As a Forest Hills Times columnist since 2012, I take pride in featuring preservation, an often underrepresented topic in local media.  Preservation is my civic duty and religious calling.

1. I conducted a PR campaign and petition drive in 2010 in response to the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium’s potential sale for condos. This contributed to its iconic stadium’s partial restoration and creative reuse in 2013 as a concert venue.

2. I assisted Rego Park Jewish Center and the First Presbyterian Church of Newtown in the acquisition of National Register status. Presently, I am co-organizing concert fundraisers, to help restore the church.

3.  I founded Friends of TheRidgewood Theatre, and succeeded in obtaining Individual Landmark status.

4. I assisted in landmarking campaigns for Engine Company 305 / Hook & Ladder Company 151 in Forest Hills, as well as the Forest Park Carousel and the Sunnyside Gardens Historic District.

5.  Jay Dee Bakery in Forest Hills offered a great slice of Americana, but when it shuttered in 2009, I brokered a deal to have the huge neon sign salvaged.

6. I founded committees and brokered deals to spare the Moondance Diner in SoHo, and the Cheyenne Diner in Chelsea from demolition. Respectively, they were transported on flatbed trucks to Wyoming and Alabama. I then earned the nickname, “Diner Man.”

    

Forest Hills and Rego Park have numerous properties which fit the criteria for landmark status, but since 2005, the Landmarks Preservation Commission rejected properties for a public hearing. Despite an over 100-year history, current official landmarks are the Remsen Family Cemetery (designated in 1981), the Ridgewood Savings Bank facade (designated in 2000), and the Forest Hills firehouse facade (designated in 2012). 

I extend an invite to Mayor de Blasio and the Landmarks Preservation Commission to see Forest Hills and Rego Park from our perspective at a walking tour and meetings. Let’s work collaboratively on a city official to constituent basis, before experiencing any further architectural losses.

Extending much gratitude to the Historic Districts Council for this true honor!

Michael Perlman, Chairman of the Rego-Forest Preservation Council

Nadezhda Williams with Simeon Bankoff of the Historic Districts Council 

Preservationist Jeffrey Kroessler

Preservationists and friends of Rego-Forest Preservation Council

Forest Hills' Michael Perlman Wins 2014 Preservation Award - Historic Districts Council

Forest Hills' Michael Perlman Wins 2014 Preservation Award 

For Immediate Release

May 19, 2014
Contact:
Nadezhda Williams
Deputy Director
nwilliams@hdc.org/212-614-9107
New York- The Historic Districts Council (HDC), the citywide advocate for New York's historic neighborhoods, will present Michael Perlman, Queens native and chairman of the Rego-Forest Preservation Council with a 2014 Grassroots Preservation Award on Wednesday, June 4, 2014, at 6:30 PM at Grace Church, 254 Hicks Street, Brooklyn Heights.

The Grassroots Awards honor and celebrate the activists and groups who work to preserve New York City's historic neighborhoods. "These advocates are the foundation of the preservation movement and their efforts benefit everyone who lives, works or visits New York City," said Simeon Bankoff, executive director of HDC. "It's an honor and pleasure to be able to shine the spotlight on these neighborhood leaders."

A native Forest Hills resident, Michael Perlman is the Chairman of the Rego-Forest Preservation Council. The Council was founded in 2006 in response to that year's 100th anniversary of Forest Hills and the parcel which would become known as Rego Park in 1923. It works to preserve and commemorate the architectural and cultural history of Forest Hills and Rego Park, as well surrounding areas of Queens through advocacy and property owner assistance. In 2010, Mr. Perlman launched a public campaign to preserve and creatively reuse the iconic Forest Hills Tennis Stadium which was under threat of demolition. As a result of these efforts, the stadium has undergone some restoration work and has been reborn as a concert venue. He is involved in the continuing preservation efforts of a number of civic, religious and popular neighborhood institutions in Queens and earned the nickname "Diner-Man" after his efforts to save and relocate a number of historic freestanding diners.

The Historic Districts Council is New York's only citywide grassroots advocate for historic buildings and neighborhoods. Since 1971 HDC has been committed to preserving New York's rich architectural and historical heritage, working with communities to landmark and protect significant neighborhoods and buildings, as well as helping already designated historic communities to understand and uphold the Landmarks Law. HDC engages in community building and development, offers educational programs and delivers technical resources, strategic assistance and direct advocacy support to aid local groups in their individual preservation campaigns.

The event is open to the public at a cost of $30, $20 for Friends of HDC. Doors open at 6:15 pm, and the award ceremony will begin at 6:45 pm, with a reception to follow. For more information, go to the Grassroots page or call 212-614-9107.

May 18th Forest Hills Tree Giveaway To Offer 200 FREE Trees from 1 PM - 3 PM in MacDonald Park

For Immediate Release

Forest Hills Tree Giveaway To Donate 200 Trees on May 18th

Contact: Michael Perlman
unlockthevault@hotmail.com
Forest Hills Tree Giveaway, Coordinator
Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance
Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Chair

www.treegiveaways.com/4bnpa

www.facebook.com/ForestHillsTreeGiveaways

QUEENS, NY (May 10, 2014) - The boroughs are about to become greener at the Forest Hills Tree Giveaway Event. On Sunday, May 18 from 1 PM to 3 PM, citywide residents will line up in MacDonald Park on Queens Boulevard and 70^th Avenue, and take home a tree or two among 200 free trees. Adopters will then plant their tree outside their house or building.

This bi-annual event, typically held in May and October, will be the sixth Forest Hills Tree Giveaway since 2011, and bring the total quantity of donated trees to 1,045. Adopters can select from 5 tree species, which consist of Tulip Trees, American Sweetgum, River Birch, Eastern Redbud, and Black Walnut. This will add diversity to the boroughs. 

This event is made possible through Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance (4BNPA)’s partnership with New York Restoration Project (NYRP) and MillionTreesNYC. The lead sponsors are Toyota and TD Bank, and the lead partners are plaNYC, NYC Parks, and NYRP. A supporting sponsor is jetBlue Airways. Volunteers will be derived from Rego-Forest Preservation Council (RFPC), Trylon Vet Care, Forest Hills Jewish Center, the Forest Hills Green Team, the Compost Collective, and Green Mountain Energy.

NYRP began coordinating tree giveaways in 2008. As of 2011, 4BNPA had the mission of advocating for landmarks and curbing overdevelopment, but began realizing how environmental preservation is a significant complement to the city’s architectural achievements. The organizations’ relationship would then begin.

Extreme weather patterns intensified over the last few years, as evident by the 2010 macroburst, Hurricane Irene, and Hurricane Sandy. This caused numerous trees to succumb within seconds, and a single characteristic that vanished was the physical reminders of what people grew up around and developed an attachment to. Despite loss, it emphasized the benefits behind preserving mature trees and planting new ones. Trees enhance property values and character, mark a community’s history, offer a serene setting, capture stormwater, reduce runoff, filter and cool the air, and conserve energy, among numerous benefits.

For tree adopters to acquire a relationship with their trees, trees are being named after local landmarks, streets, and notables by volunteer Steve Goodman, and certificates will be distributed. Adopters will be photographed with their trees, and nature-inspired artwork designed by Oliloli Studio and the Queens Paideia School will contribute to the event’s diversity.  

On May 18th, those who wish to adopt a potted tree should line up earlier than 1 PM at MacDonald Park.

The public can reserve a tree by visiting www.treegiveaways.com/4bnpa

Forest Hills Tree Giveaways on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ForestHillsTreeGiveaways

###

May 17 & May 18 - National Register of Historic Places Ceremony at First Presbyterian Church of Newtown - One of NYC's Earliest Congregations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:   Marjorie Melikian, Historian

First Presbyterian Church of Newtown

54-05 Seabury Street,  Elmhurst, NY 11373

(718-897-5668 or 646-338-4772;  or email  mmelikian@aol.com.

Or call Interim Pastor Louis Knowles Wed.- Friday  917-745-7888

 

Elmhurst’s First Presbyterian Church of Newtown (founded 1652) to take part in State-Wide Open House & Celebrate Its Listing on the National Register of Historic Places

Saturday May 17 & Sunday May 18, 2014 

 The 362 year old church, now in its fifth building (1895), and one of the NYC’s oldest congregations, will Participate in New York Landmarks Conservancy’s Sacred Sites Program's two day Open HouseWeekend. There will be talks on history & architecture, walking tours, and an unveiling of a National Register of Historic Places plaque. (Building listed Sept. 2013) . 

Founded 1652 in a wilderness that is now Elmhurst, Queens, its pastor and 54 others bought all western Queens from the Native Americans. NY State Archives has a recording of that sale. Although the Elmhurst area has had had 4 different names, it was known as Newtown for most of its history. It has been under 3 governments- Dutch, British & American. Under the British the church suffered for issues of Religious Freedom, with the British Governor driving out our pastor & replacing him with one of his own religion. He arrested visiting Presbyterian pastors. It has suffered for Political Freedom as well, with members working for the cause of Revolution- in what was a Tory town. When the British occupied Newtown for most of the war, they desecrated & tore down the Presbyterian Church of Newtown, after using it first as a prison. Today the church is a multicultural one, reflecting the diversity of Queens. 

The church’s current bell is from 1787, made just after the Revolution and placed in a new 1791 church. That building survived until 1928. The present gothic style Sanctuary was built in 1895, a gift of one man, and features stained glass by Benjamin Sellers & William Ashley, both Tiffany artisans brought from England. They worked 10 years for Tiffany. Furniture is original. The exterior is made of NJ rough brownstone, in 2 colors & has a slate tile roof. It’s huge steeple was lost in1924 when the entire building had to be moved for the widening of Queens Blvd. Before modern methods, the bldg. was raised by pegs onto greased logs. Turned by hand winches it took a year to move. Be sure to see the photos.

The 1894 rotting Gothic wooden doors were beautifully restored in 2013, partly through a Sacred Sites grant. The church is also a Presbyterian National Historical Site. The National Register of Historic Places listing will be celebrated Sunday, May 18 at 12:30 pm with an unveiling of the plaque. All are welcome to join the celebration!!

 

SCHEDULE of EVENTS FOR SATURDAY, MAY 17

OPEN HOUSE:    10:00 am – 4:00 pm. DISPLAY ongoing

Talks on history & architecture 10:30 & 2:30, followed by tour                                   

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR SUNDAY, MAY 18

CHURCH SERVICE Sunday 10:45 am to noon

****NATIONAL REGISTER PLAQUE UNVEILING  Sunday at 12:30 pm

OPEN HOUSE immediately following until 3:30 pm

Talk on history & architecture approx. 1:30

ONGOING DISPLAY OF HISTORICAL PHOTOS & DOCUMENTS

  First Presbyterian Church of Newtown

  Corner of Queens Blvd. & 54^th Avenue 

        (Mailing address: 54-05 Seabury Street)

  Elmhurst, Queens NY 11373

R or M subway to Grand Ave/Newtown, SE exit.  Or Q 58,59,60 bus to Grand Avenue, Elmhurst

May 18 Forest Hills Tree Giveaway To Donate 200 Trees & To Exceed 1,000 Donated Trees Since 2011!

By Michael Perlman, Rego-Forest Preservation Council Chairman & Forest Hills Times Columnist

To reserve a free tree, visit www.treegiveaways.com/4bnpa

A feeling of rejuvenation is in the air, as our trees and flowers are in bloom each spring. The inspiration continues as NYC residents adopt a tree at the Forest Hills Tree Giveaway event, giving birth to new additions to an urban tree canopy. On Sunday, May 18 from 1 PM to 3 PM, citywide residents will line up in MacDonald Park on Queens Boulevard and 70^th Avenue, and take home a tree or two among 200 free trees. Adopters will then plant their tree outside their house or building.

This bi-annual event, typically held in May and October, will be the sixth Forest Hills Tree Giveaway since 2011, and bring the total quantity of adopted trees to 1,045. Adopters can select from 5 tree species, which consist of Tulip Trees, American Sweetgum, River Birch, Eastern Redbud, and Black Walnut. This will increase the diversity of trees donated at earlier events, such as Black Gum, Magnolia, Dawn Redwood, and Weeping Beech. Even though most trees will find their new homes locally, some will grant new life to other boroughs. 

The event is made possible through Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance (4BNPA)’s partnership with New York Restoration Project (NYRP) and MillionTreesNYC. The lead sponsors are Toyota and TD Bank, and the lead partners are plaNYC, NYC Parks, and NYRP. A supporting sponsor is jetBlue Airways. Volunteers will be derived from Rego-Forest Preservation Council (RFPC), Trylon Vet Care, Forest Hills Jewish Center, the Forest Hills Green Team, and the Compost Collective.

NYRP began coordinating tree giveaways in 2008. As of 2011, 4BNPA had the mission of advocating for landmarks and curbing overdevelopment, but began realizing how environmental preservation is a significant complement to the city’s architectural achievements. The organizations’ relationship would then begin.

Extreme weather patterns intensified over the last few years, as evident by the 2010 macroburst, Hurricane Irene, and Hurricane Sandy. This caused numerous trees to succumb within seconds, and a single characteristic that vanished was the physical reminders of what people grew up around and developed an attachment to. Despite loss, it emphasized the benefits behind preserving mature trees and planting new ones. Trees enhance property values and character, mark a community’s history, offer a serene setting, capture stormwater, reduce runoff, filter and cool the air, and conserve energy, among numerous benefits.

The Forest Hills Tree Giveaway’s volunteers and tree adopters consist of new faces and close followers, as well as varying tree species among events. Two characteristics which unify all events are community spirit and education. Volunteers Tara Levin and her husband Mark Levin adopted 9 trees over the years for their Rego Park apartment building and a nearby private park, and they naturally became tree stewards. Tara explained, “We are greening, and they are blooming and growing. A person who cares for trees has a positive personality. Most of our population likes trees, but a problem is a deficit of land to plant them, since we are covered in asphalt.”

Tree giveaways have become a tradition for all ages. “It is a great opportunity to meet new friends from children to seniors,” she continued. Her fond recollections are four young sisters who volunteered with their Newfoundland dog at their side, as well as triplet boys who asked many questions about adopting Black Walnut trees.

Last Saturday, she collaborated with volunteers to erect a promotional table on Continental Avenue, where passersby reserved trees in advance. She also displayed flyers in storefronts along 63^rd Drive and at the library and Chabad House.

Forest Hills resident Michele Dore anticipates her first tree giveaway volunteer opportunity. She explained, “I am new in this wonderful neighborhood, and I am really excited to be a part of Michael Perlman’s team (4BNPA & RFPC). Greening the city is critical not only for appearances, but for our health.” Dore sparked the interest of her colleagues and her landlord. “I would be more than delighted if each of the 200 trees can find a good family to grow with.”

For tree adopters to acquire a relationship with their trees, trees are being named after local landmarks, streets, and notables by volunteer Steve Goodman, and certificates will be distributed. Adopters will be photographed with their trees, and nature-inspired artwork designed by Oliloli Studio and the Queens Paideia School will contribute to the event’s diversity.

  On May 18, those who wish to adopt a potted tree should line up earlier than 1 PM at MacDonald Park.

 “Like” Forest Hills Tree Giveaways on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ForestHillsTreeGiveaways

A similar edition of this article appeared in Michael Perlman's column with the Forest Hills Times: 

http://foresthillstimes.com/view/full_story/25055687/article-Groups-to-give-away-over-200-trees-in-Forest-Hills

Concert Fundraiser Starring Harmonica Virtuoso Jiayi He - Help Restore The First Presbyterian Church of Newtown

You are cordially invited to a unique concert starring notable harmonica virtuoso Jiayi He. 

 When? Sunday, May 4 at 1:30 PM 

Where? At the historic First Presbyterian Church of Newtown, south side of Queens Blvd and 54th Ave.

The concert is also a fundraiser that will address a much-needed restoration of the church, which was recently designated State & National Register of Historic Places status. The public will pay a $10 admission fee.

Fundraiser contributions can also be mailed to:

First Presbyterian Church of Newtown, 
54-05 Seabury Street 
Elmhurst, NY 11373

An early 20th century photo, Courtesy of the First Presbyterian Church of Newtown

 The church was founded in 1652, and the present Gothic sanctuary was built in 1895, and features distinctive attributes such as stained glass by Tiffany artists and a 1788 bell. In the 1920s, the church was transported to accommodate the widening of Queens Blvd. A diverse history which ties into Queens' Colonial past is as follows: http://www.fpcn.org/history

Historic & recent church photos, Courtesy of Michael Perlman, Rego-Forest Preservation Council: http://bit.ly/1dVPoWA

About the concert - "Harmonica Music from Classical to Modern"

“Jiayi He plays one harmonica for many pieces & many harmonicas just for one piece!” Jiayi He has won prestigious awards in America, Europe, and the Far East. Performing concerts around the world, he plays an extensive range of harmonicas, which includes Chromatic, Diatonic, Tremolo, Bass, Wheel, multiple harmonicas... as well as the largest harmonica and the smallest harmonica in the world. He will also play "Sheng," which is a forefather of the harmonica and the earliest Chinese reed instrument with blow and draw playing. It was invented nearly 3,000 years ago. The harmonica was invented in Germany in 1821.

Jiayi He will perform with a Woodwinds Quintet and a Harmonica mixed with Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Horn and Bassoon, among a new and unique combination of music. Jiayi He's daughter, Jenny He, will accompany her father on the piano.

The concert will world premiere "Cantabile for Solo Harmonica and Woodwind Quintet" by renowned composer Michael Isaacson. It is a new work special written for Jiayi He.

The concert program will include: Blue Danube Waltz, Skaters Waltz, Turkish March, Flight of the Bumblebee, Little Swan Dance, music by Gershwin, Blues... and Wind Quintet Selections from Cosi Fan Tutte by W. A. Mozart.

BIOS

Harmonica: Jiayi He
Flute: Abbe Krieger
Oboe: Suzette Jacobs
Clarinet: Aaron Abramovitz
Horn: David Moldenhauer
Bassoon: Kukiko Otani
Piano: Jenny He

Jiayi He is a world-class harmonica virtuoso. He won silver medals at the World Harmonica Championships in Germany in 1989, in Japan in 1995, and the bronze medal at the International Competition in the U.S. in 1991. He taught master classes and judged competitions in Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Hangzhou and Singapore. He has soloed with the China National Symphony Orchestra, China National Ballet Symphony Orchestra, Nassau Symphony Pops, Isle of Wight Symphony Orchestra, California Pops Orchestra, Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Society of Philadelphia, Carson City Symphony, Calcutta Chamber Orchestra and numerous others. Mel Bay Publications, Inc published his book Recital Pieces for Chromatic Harmonica. Jiayi regularly performs in recitals throughout Europe and Asia. He has appeared on ABC, NBC, News 12 Long Island, Queens Public Television, Sino Television, and recorded for movies and CDs. He has performed at the General Assembly Hall of United Nations and at a pre-game show at Shea Stadium for the New York Mets. New York City Mayor Bloomberg attended his seminar, and learned how to play harmonica at Harmonica Mass Appeal MMNY in 2012. Jiayi also performed at International Peace Day in China 2012. He has received award the honorary title of "Messenger of Peace" by Friends of the U.N. and the Organizing committee. Jiayi is a faculty member at the Turtle Bay Music School in New York City.

PentaWinds was founded on the principle of five breaths or energies working together in the form of a quintet. Dedicated to serving audiences of all ages and backgrounds, Penta plays traditional quintet repertoire and is devoted to exploring new musical media with the awareness of the effortlessness of breath. To that end, PentaWinds has recently embarked on an operatic/musical journey that will include an adaptation of Cosi Fan Tutte and the world premiere of Musical Soup. Comprised of esteemed musicians flutist Abbe Krieger, oboist Suzette Jacobs, clarinetist Aaron Abramovitz, hornist David Moldenhauer and bassoonist Kukiko Otani, recent engagements have included the Roerich Museum, the New York City Bar Association, the Art on the Corner series, and the Mahwah Public Library.

Jenny He began her studies in music and piano at the age of four. She has performed in various venues including TV shows at News 12 Long Island TV and Queens Public Television. She performed at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, as well as in many other live concerts. Jenny is also a mechanical engineer working at a consulting firm in NYC.

For questions, please contact Michael Perlman, Chairman of the Rego-Forest Preservation Council at unlockthevault@hotmail.com

 Preserve this icon & enjoy a quality concert!