Hello Everyone! Would like to begin with a big welcome back to Lorraine Sciulli who had been out of commission for a while due to an illness. Happy to report that she is back on patrol in our neighborhood with her watchful eye reporting all incidents and infractions on our town. She was surely missed by everyone.
 
Resurrection Ascension had been planning a 75th Anniversary Party in October and had to cancel because of poor response. It seems that the outside agency hired to send out the notices didn’t notify anyone. The school is now planning to celebrate in April 2015. We will keep you posted with details.

Did you notice the brand new tennis courts in Juniper Valley Park? They were resurfaced and look great at the expense of United States Tennis Association.  The USTA is building for the future and has invested in youth tennis, installing 2 smaller courts at Juniper. Nice!

If you drive by Flushing Meadows you will notice three large cranes ready to lift a dome onto the tennis stadium. Plans are for a 2015 opening if the weather cooperates. 

George and Mary O’Neill celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on September 26th. A party was held at the restaurant.  Congratulations George and Mary! 
 
Neil Foley who grew up in Middle Village and graduated from Resurrection Ascension School won a Republican seat on the Brookhaven Town Council.  Neil, who lives in Blue Point with his wife Karen and four children, twins Grace and Neil, Cole and Ryan, is a pharmaceutical representative.  Congratulations Neil!
 
Several members of the Juniper Park Civic Association attended the
St. Margaret’s Octoberfest held in the parish hall. Our camera spotted Ed & Pat Shusterich on the dance floor. The food and the music were fabulous!

Congratulations to Middle Villager Captain Brian Hennessy who was recently promoted to be the Commanding Officer of the 115th Precinct, which covers Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst and the north section of Corona.  Capt. Hennessey‘s new position represents a homecoming for him because he worked from 2011 to 2013 in the 115th precinct under his predecessor Deputy Inspector Michael Cody. Capt. Hennessy leaves the 108th precinct where he did a relatively short but well received stint. 

A very Happy Birthday to Frieda Rastetter who celebrated her 95th.  Frieda is an active member of the Silver Sneakers at NYSC and walks there from her home two to three times a week. She is also a big fan of the Juniper Berry and loves to read.  A party was held with her family.  Congratulations Frieda! 

 A ceremony retiring the baseball jersey of Michael Weinberg who played baseball for St. John’s University was held at O’Neill’s Restaurant.  Michael who was a New York City Firefighter was a victim of 911. Those in attendance were Michael’s former coaches, teammates, friends and family. 

This comes in from Ben Schiff: Congratulations to PS 153 celebrating 83 years in Maspeth on February 2, 2015. The school opened on February 3, 1931 located at 60-02 60th Avenue.  The principal appointed was Arthur Gratz. 
 
Our Juniper Park Civic Association is part of the Glendale/Middle Village Coalition making strides in an effort to combat the city on the proposed Cooper Avenue homeless shelter.  They have raised $70,000 for legal fees. Anyone interested in contributing may do so thru the Juniper Civic.

A former municipal parking lot (Elmhurst) has made room for three new restaurants down across from JC Penney. They are Longhorn Steak House, The Olive Garden, and Joe’s Crab House. All have their own parking lots. Same time, sadly, Chalet Alpina on Metropolitan Avenue has closed, the owners retired. 

Our Lady of Hope held the first Annual Dinner Dance in the auditorium of the school on Saturday night, November 8th. It was a great success and it is expected that it will continue as an annual dance. 

People have reported getting summonses for not have their re-cycle garbage with printed tags on the container. So be careful and label your containers.

Police Officers Kenneth Frevola and David Lewis received community service awards from the Juniper Park Civic Association at our Town Meeting on October 30th at OLH. The officers chased down a man and arrested him for breaking into cars in Middle Village. JPCA President Robert Holden and Capt. Christopher Manson, the 104th Precinct’s commanding officer presented the awards.
(photo: Kelly Marie Mancuso, Times Newsweekly)

Wishing everyone a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Back in Spring!