New Yorkers for Parks recently gave Juniper Valley Park an “A” rating with perfect scores for its playgrounds, bathroom and ballfields. No surprise to anyone in the JPCA as everyone knows the hard work it is to keep Juniper Park at the top of its game, so to speak, and its “A” rating also reflects the condition of our great community of Middle Village!
For years, Jack Rosenhammer, wanted to attend West Point and he finally succeeded being awarded his appointment to the USMA Class of 2015. Jack applied during his senior year at Xavier and reapplied twice after two years at St. John’s University as a scholarship ROTC student. After spending one year at the Service Academy Preparatory program at Valley Forge Military College he was awarded his appointment. We congratulate Jack Rosenhammer and wish him great success in the future. Jack is the grandson of Juniper Valley Park hard working volunteer, Ursula Rosenhammer, so she’s certainly a proud grandmother!

The grandson of JPCA Board member, Manny Caruana and his wife Lillian, Jefferson Koutsantanou, made his Confirmation In Port Jefferson on October 22nd.

Congratulations to Steve Garza and former Juniper Berry editor, Christina Wilkinson, on their marriage November 5, 2011. The happy couple celebrated their nuptials at Transfiguration Church with a reception at Connolly’s Corner (our Berry advertiser). We wish them the best of luck and happiness for the future.

Our Lady Of Hope Hornets show off their brand new Diocesen Championship jackets. Nice going girls.

The “Gracercize” Gals at JVP Every Wednesday from July to September these lovely ladies in the picture gather in the sunshine of Juniper Valley Park. The moderate stretching, dancing and relaxation exercises set to music are choreographed and led by Grace Kusen of Maspeth.

Gaspare & Phyllis Scarpulla celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their children and grandchildren, spending 3 glorious weeks at a resort in Sicily. Great memories were made relaxing, sightseeing and spending time with many relatives and friends. Lots of love to them from Maria, Josephine, Joe and grandchildren, Joe, Cathy, Nick and Salvatore. Auguri!

Proud grandparents, Jeanette and Tony Pace were so happy for their grandson, Nicholas Teri after he made his trip to Madrid, Spain in August. Along with his classmates from Charminade Nicholas saw our Pope on “World Youth Day,” an experience they won’t soon forget!

JPCA Executive Board Member, Pete Polonski, celebrated his milestone 90th Birthday on October 21st 2011. Pete has been a mainstay of the JPCA, always working in Juniper Valley Park and making sure the beautiful flowers he plants stay beautiful and that no one dares abuse any of these great treasures. Happy Birthday, Pete, and we wish you many more productive years as a Juniper Park volunteer!

Gunther Duy told us that his daughter, Grace Duy, recently represented Middle Village at the Bridgehampton Classic Horse Show. She placed fourth in the Marshal and Sterling equitation division. Congratulations to Grace!

Former JPCA President, Jo-Ann Benini celebrates her milestone birthday in December and we wish Jo-Ann the best of luck and good wishes for the future. She has always stayed involved in our community and whenever there’s a question related to her term of office as JPCA President Jo-Ann is the “rolodex” as they say, for information!

JPCA Executive Board Member Gary Colter reports that he recently had to go to the new Premier Urgent Care in Maspeth. Gary tells us that the experience was very pleasant stating that the staff was efficient and friendly and he felt comforted to have such an accessible emergency care facility within our very own neighborhood. In fact Gary made it sound like it was such a pleasant experience that we can’t wait to get sick so we can give Premier Urgent Care a tryout. OK, just kidding, but you get the message! Oh, and did we mention that Gary Colter is one of the best DJ’s in town? He brings a pleasant, motivating personality to his work and before you know it, he has the whole room rocking to his DJ-ing music! Check out his ad in the Juniper Berry.

Martin Luther High School in Maspeth recently honored five distinguished graduates with its Achievers Award which is given by the school yearly on Alumni Day. This year our very own Gunther Duy from the Class of 1968 was one of the honorees. We congratulate Gunther and wish him best wishes into the future. Gunther lives in Middle Village and runs a successful business, Gunral Service Station. When you’re having car issues, Gunther is your guy!

Vinnie & Elaine Borzumato welcomed a granddaughter into their family on April 26, 2011. The little one's name is Giana Elena and as you can see from her photo, she's a cutie! Glad to see also that her grandpa, Vinnie, is doing so well after his recent illness. Congratulations to all the Borzumatos

Recently two former U.S. Marines from our neighborhood passed away, Bill Ottinger served in the Korean War and Sandy Gowans, who was awarded the purple heart, served in Viet Nam. Deepest sympathy to their families. Bill and Sandy personify a Marine motto,“Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful)

Congratulations to Our Lady Of Hope's 8th Grade Girls Soccer Team on their
Diocesan Championship Win Versus St. Lukes. The game was played at BCAB on Nov. 18th. From top left: Coach Frank Simone, Siobhan Loftus, Erica Arundel, Ciara Walsh, Ciara Lawler, Goalie Dina Goodger, Kailey Halpin, Lexi Lombino, Monica Zhivanaj, Coach Seona Maloney, and Coach Mike Maloney. Second row: Francesca Simone, Diana Castillo, Lara McFadden, Sarah Atanasio. Front row: Kaylyn Sanchez, Tara Maloney, and MollyRose McMahon.

Blaise & Marie Marchese of Middle Village celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary this summer at Villa Roma. Congratulations Blaise & Marie! 

It is amazing how many people truly enjoy the
Juniper Berry. Letters come in from all over the country from people who really miss good old Middle Village so I thought I would like to take time out to thank some of the Juniper Berry distributors like Artis Drugs, Met Food, Silver Barn, Maspeth Dry Cleaners, Maspeth Federal Savings and Cross County banks. These local businesses can’t get enough of the Juniper Berry for distribution to area residents. Of course everyone realizes, we hope, that we distribute the Berry in some of our businesses to encourage residents to pay $20 to become members of the JPCA when you would receive the Juniper Berry in the mail. The $20 dues would help defray some, not all, of the enormous costs of getting the Juniper Berry ready for its prime time, which is the mailing to members. I also want to thank those behind the Berry, Bob Holden and Lorraine Sciulli, and all the writers who send us those great articles. We need people, young and old who would like to write articles and urge you all to send material.