Facebook Twitter Instagram
718 426 7200
Facebook Twitter Instagram

“Looking Back At The Future” with Author Gloria Nash World’s Fair Aficionado Requests Preservation Rediscovering World’s Fair Remnants

webadmin on April 10, 2025

MICHAEL PERLMAN

“Looking Back At The Future: Photographing Vintage Leftovers of New York’s World’s Fairs” embodies a primary source, where no book of this comprehensive nature has ever been produced. Published in late 2024, one can purchase a copy and feel as if they are revisiting or newly exploring the 1939 – 1940 World’s Fair and acquire its “World of Tomorrow” theme, or the 1964 – 1965 World’s Fair with its “Peace Through Understanding” and Space Age themes. The interactive book offers a first-hand tour guide approach with dynamic photos from a 1964 World’s Fairgoer. That author is Rego Park resident Gloria R. Nash, a talented writer, historian, and photographer with a particular emphasis on World’s Fair culture along with Mid-Century and roadside architecture and collectibles. She also has a history as a therapist, teacher, and website builder.

The book within itself is a work of art, as soon as one eyes the nostalgic and energizing cover, graced with the landmarked Unisphere. “Take a walk through time, back to the future” is stated on the back cover. In between, a magical experience unfolds as the reader discovers the pavilions and public art that remain on the World’s Fairgrounds at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, or discovers relics that were transported citywide, nationally, or even internationally to entertain, historically educate, and aesthetically intrigue audiences. In some cases, physical tributes exist. Over 120 new photos, a list of both Fairs’ remnants, addresses of all known relics nationally, and a map with two park walking tours engage the public.

Nash’s book has already been motivating readers to become urban explorers and walk in the footsteps of Fairgoers, architects, and planners, and interact with World’s Fair relics that helped place Queens on the map. It has also been awakening the dormant preservationist within to advocate for NYC landmark status, but the clock is ticking. An inscription reads, “For Layla, Inge, Aura, SL, HX, and Gary. This book is also dedicated to the forward-thinking individuals whose efforts to preserve World’s Fair structures not only made these photographs possible, but preserved America’s history.”

“It is absolutely magical. The feeling is like nothing else! It is the energy of pure joy, optimism, confidence, hope, wonder, and excitement in each present moment and for the anticipation of every day in the future,” said Nash in response to her emotions when encountering World’s Fair pavilions, whether standing or not. Such emotions also surface upon viewing a vintage diner or neon Coca-Cola sign, but the Fairs were much grander than anything that existed prior or after. “As a 10- and 11-year-old visitor, the 1964 World’s Fair appeared to be infinite. As an adult, I look back on it as the most memorable experience I ever had. It is beyond words; a visceral, shared experience that instantly connects me with so many other people who ‘get it.’ I don’t know what ‘it’ is, but I know it’s real for me and so many thousands of other people.”

Nash’s memories of the Fair are largely visual, encompassing crowds of happy people, long lines anticipating exhibits such as the Pieta and rides including the monorail, Luminaire lights and colors (a favorite), Tower of Light, GE, Pepsi Cola, 7UP, Coca-Cola, fireworks, fountains, and car exhibits, such as Ford and GM, which were also favorites. “It was the excitement of so many different things to choose to see and do, and it was so much fun, especially waiting for dusk when the lighting and colors were so vivid. I clearly remember shaking John Glenn’s hand as he stood on a podium in front of the New York Hall of Science,” said Nash.

Backtracking, Nash was born in 1954 in La Paz, Bolivia, where her family resided after fleeing their native home in Vienna, Austria due to Kristallnacht (1938). “America was not open to the Jewish people who escaped, as per President Roosevelt’s mandate, but South American countries welcomed them. In the 1950s, America welcomed the immigrants, so my family applied to the lengthy process of obtaining visas to New York City.”

Nash would later become a photography major at Art and Design High School. She majored in psychology at Queens College in the 1990s, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. Then she pursued graduate studies at the New School and received an M.A. in Psychology, and later received an M.S. in Education from Mercy University.

As far back as Nash can recall, her interests revolved around the arts, and applying her talents in writing and photography. “I grew up loving cars, so I included driving and traveling in my activities. Collectibles played an important role throughout my life; from the time I bought my first toy robot at an airport show in the 1960s to postcards among ephemera, signs, dolls, clocks, and other food and beverage related advertising collectibles I sought for my collection and also sold. I built several businesses around these artifacts,” said Nash.

Architecture has long been an interest, originating with an innate fascination of Frank Lloyd Wright since her teens. She also enjoys reading about architecture and architects. She explained, “Frequent visits to California ignited a passion for the modern restaurants and coffee shops, which are so different from the west side buildings, luncheonettes, and diners in NYC, which I also enjoyed. Years before marrying my second husband, we became close through our mutual interests of collecting vintage advertising artifacts and touring structures designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Eero Saarinen, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Charles Eames, among others.”

Nash’s personal, creative, and historical influences are in abundance. They include her mother Inge, her late husband Gary, Edward Weston, Georgia O’Keefe, Aaron Copeland, Antonin Dvorak, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Ford, Neal Cassady, Jack Kerouac, Andy Warhol, Eldon Davis, Louis Armet, Wayne McAllister, Betty Willis, Helen Liu Fong, Ray Kroc, Harland Sanders, Howard Johnson, Dave Thomas, Joan Payson, Tom Seaver, RA Dickey, Steve Jobs, Paul Allen, Frank Sinatra, Burt Bacharach, Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas, Terry Cole, Patti Smith, Amy Rinker, Larry Cultrera, Alan Hess, John Baeder, and Grete Lampel.

Nash explained how her vision as an author originated, in addition to her journey’s intriguing adventures and challenges. She visualized a three-month process, but it was a three-year process. “When I curtailed my long-distance travels during the pandemic, I began photographing sites in the five boroughs and Long Island that I used to ignore. I drove to Flushing Meadows Corona Park, where I had not been in 55 years. I proposed writing an article about the two Queens World’s Fairs for the Society of Commercial Archeology. For two years I talked, read, and researched these and other World’s Fairs, while seeking remnants. It was the most fascinating activity. I photographed and wrote so much that it clearly wasn’t an article anymore, but could only be a book. In a way, the book wrote itself, since it was totally unplanned.”

Part of the adventure was enlisting her family and friends to join her on numerous visits to the park. She explained, “Structures can look different at various times of the day and seasons, so I was compelled to capture beautiful images. I went to the park almost daily for two years. Often the weather wouldn’t cooperate nor the season, such as when leaves obscured what I wanted to photograph.” For example, lighting throughout the day presents each subject in a varying manner.

The largest challenge entailed knowing who and what information to trust, since none of the practices are standardized. Nash explained, “Other challenges involved obtaining copyright clearances, learning the minutia about fonts, formatting, typesetting, software that works, SEO, Library of Congress registrations, color versus black and white, photographs versus text, hardcover versus soft cover versus eBook, printing processes, and the timing of these events.”

Nash pinpointed remnants of World’s Fairs ranging from the local to national scene. “I’ll never forget seeing the U.S. Post Office pavilion, since it was the first remnant I looked for. I drove around until I could find the building that matched up with the photos I had. Whether locating original benches, the Boathouse, the subway train, and finding statues of Peter Stuyvesant and King Jagiello, each discovery has its own unique story from when I learned of its existence to the time I located it. For two years, I became that child again, completely absorbed in detective work to catalogue World’s Fair leftovers.” Magnificent works of art in Nash’s eyes include the Unisphere, Freedom of the Human Spirit, Forms in Transit, Form, and the Rocket Thrower.

Nash shared examples of how the World’s Fairs’ spirit lives on. “The churches in Plainview, LI and Groton, CT are extraordinary examples of repurposing vintage parts of pavilions by reusing these works of art instead of destroying them. These churches were created from what were once the Mormon and Vatican Pavilions at the Fair. A most fascinating story was that of Aaron Heine, owner of a New Jersey cemetery. He purchased the four Doric columns used to build the Ohio Building at the 1939 World’s Fair. He was a visionary who imagined placing these tall columns at the entrance to the cemetery as a way to help mourners, so they could look up to them and hopefully feel inspired and uplifted.”

Nationally, her favorite moment was revisiting the ride from “It’s a Small World” for the Fair’s Pepsi-Cola Pavilion. She reminisced, “I stayed with my father and his wife and child in San Francisco in the summer of 1966. Twice we visited the original Disneyland in Anaheim, where the ride was relocated. The Sherman Brothers’ music composed for this ride captivates me, and the joy of seeing the animatronic dolls and scenes always makes me smile.” Nash has yet to see

Fair Park in Dallas. “I know it will be a remarkable experience to see the world’s largest collection of Art Deco buildings, as well as the most intact World’s Fair in existence,” she said.

The demolition of pavilions from the Fairs far exceeded what was preserved. “From the 1964-1965 World’s Fair, it is criminal that the United States Pavilion was not saved, especially since it was one of the few structures meant to become a permanent part of the new public park that Robert Moses was planning for the Fairgrounds after 1965.” She pinpointed the General Motors Pavilion as a personal favorite. “I wasn’t alone, since more people attended this exhibit than any other exhibit at all other world’s fairs, with over 26 million visitors. Aspects of the ride, such as the moving chairs were borrowed from the General Motors’ Futurama ride that was at the 1939 – 1940 World’s Fair.” She also referenced its demolition as shameful.

Nash continued, “From the 1939 World’s Fair, while I commend the repurposing of the Trylon and Perisphere materials to strengthen America’s presence in the war by creating bombs from the steel, it is nonetheless sad that they are the only icons from any world’s fair that have been demolished. If they remained standing, where would the Unisphere have been built? So many stunning and unique statues and Art Deco buildings were built for the 1939 World’s Fair, that having any one of them exist would be a treasure.”

Ideally, the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) can designate the remaining World’s Fair buildings and monuments through their pursuits and the public nomination process. The agency was established in 1965, but yet only the Unisphere was landmarked in 1995. In addition to preserving properties, collecting memorabilia is an acknowledgement of human culture and history through time. Nash said, “So many people worldwide have cherished memories of these two Fairs, which they love to talk about. Everyone has eaten a waffle at some time in their life, and it’s just a waffle, but talk to someone who has eaten a Bel-Gem waffle at the 1964- 1965 World’s Fair, and you’ll hear a story rich with remembrances and history. Isn’t that kind of experience worth sharing and saving?”

“Flushing Meadows Corona Park’s connection to two of the most esteemed World’s Fairs is undervalued, underappreciated, and underutilized,” said Nash, who believes that much can be pursued to create events, activities, and amenities to further initiate a Fair-related awareness to the park as a means of public engagement. She explained, “There needs to be a master plan, a vision, and an imagination that sees beyond the restoration of one pavilion. Why has preserving the New York State Pavilion been such a long struggle? What is the reticence of the LPC to landmark it? Its restoration, along with that of the Mist Garden, Rocket Thrower, Rocket Park, and other structures has come in bits and pieces, here and there. Why do we have to defend whether the mosaics at Dinkins Circle, created to honor the two Fairs, are worth saving? Shouldn’t we instead be discussing the best way to preserve the deteriorating mosaics?”

“Where is the effort to educate the public to the wonder, awe, and joy of the history that once existed in this park?” asked Nash, referencing that the park was erected on a historic site and exists due to both Fairs. “When this is better appreciated and understood by the public, they will come, and that will support the vision and generate revenue streams. The LPC can make this more accessible when they start taking our World’s Fair history more seriously. They should designate the entire park as a landmark, since it was the World’s Fairgrounds,” she continued.

Nash is a go-getter, who envisions photographing remnants of World’s Fairs that captured minds in Chicago, San Diego, Dallas, and Seattle. She is already working on part two of her 60-year and 85-year local World’s Fair anniversary book series, and is aiming to publish it in 2025. She explained, “The contents may be somewhat more esoteric than the more recognizable structures that are in my first book, but to those who are fascinated with World’s Fairs, the subjects will be equally or more interesting. The fact that structures from the Fairs are all around us, but hiding in plain sight, gives them a quality of intrigue, which can be of great interest to a broad range of people.”

“I would like to see my books contribute to more people knowing about the two World’s Fairs in Queens, since both are a significant part of the culture and history of the world during the 20th century,” she continued. For updates and to purchase a signed paperback, hardcover, or large print edition, or an ebook, visit www.NRGGRN.com and email gloriarnash@gmail.com. 

 

Uniting Generations Through Passover Collectibles Passover Memorabilia Lighting The Way

webadmin on April 10, 2025

MICHAEL PERLMAN

Passover is among the most celebrated Jewish holidays, which consists of eight days often in April or in late March, based on the Jewish calendar. This year, it will be from April 12 until April 20. Passover signifies the time when G-D rescued Jewish people from captivity in Egypt.

This columnist preserves a Passover collection, and has been sharing it on social media for a decade. Besides the admiration of design and craftsmanship, a story unfolds, where historical awareness and an understanding of traditions is essential.

Passover, a contraction of “pass over” is known in Hebrew as Pesach, which translates as “jump.” Passover begins with two Seders (translation for “order”) and consists of ritual meals on the first two nights, where the miraculous story of the Exodus is told, symbolic foods are eaten, and four cups of wine are consumed. Kosher For Passover matzah (such as the popular Streit’s) or shmurah matzah is known as unleavened bread, which Jews in Egypt were historically commanded to eat. A tray with three covered matzahs is also symbolic. Songs performed at the Seder and throughout the holiday include “Ma Nishtana,” “Avadim Hayinu,” “Baruch Hamakom,” “Dayenu,” “Eliyahu Hanavi,” “Echad Mi Yodea,” “Chad Gadya,” “Im Ein Ani Li,” “I Am The Afikomen,” and “Seder Table.

A prized collectible is titled “The Seder Plate,” which shimmers in its gold inscription on the back. It then states, “Adapted by Lenox from a Nineteenth Century Plate in the collection of The Jewish Museum New York.” This ivory Lenox China model, produced around 1973, and stamped “Made In U.S.A.” The 13-inch in diameter Seder plate, trimmed in 24-karat gold, is ornate, elegant, and meant to leave a lasting impression. Symbolic foods, also named in gold Hebrew inscriptions, read zeroa (shank bone to symbolize paschal lamb), beitzah (egg that represents presented each day of the festival during the Temple’s existence in Jerusalem), maror (bitter herbs to recall bondage), karpas (greens, often parsley to symbolize spring), charoseth (sweet paste with apples, nuts, ginger, and grape juice/wine to represent mortar), and hazeret (sharp green vegetable). As for the latter, it is commonly substituted with a potato to dip in saltwater. Collectively, they represent the Jewish people’s transition from slavery to freedom.

The four cups of wine are reminiscent of Moses being sent by G-D to deliver the Israelites from Egypt and represent four categories of redemption from Pharaoh. A Kiddush cup is filled with wine and is reserved for Hebrew prophet Elijah, who visits observant families. Kiddush cups are often ornate works of Jewish art.

The Maxwell House Passover Haggadah, which tells the Passover story, complete with prayer, and songs, has long been a staple in Jewish homes, and most recently published the 90th Anniversary Edition. Traditionally, Jewish grocers would only distribute tea for observant patrons. Maxwell House Coffee, with its slogan “Good to the last drop,” originated in 1923 in NYC under ownership of the Cheek Neal Coffee Co. of Nashville, Tennessee. That year, Maxwell House would secure the first Kosher For Passover certification for coffee, which enticed palates nationwide.

The anniversary edition, which features past artistic covers, reads, “In 1932, Maxwell House Coffee, then owned by the General Foods Corporation, produced the first Maxwell House Passover Haggadah. Since then, the demand for this Haggadah has increased steadily. Maxwell House Coffee, now part of the Kraft Heinz Foods Company, has printed over 55 million copies of its haggadah, making it the most widely used haggadah in the world.” However, the earliest extant complete manuscript of the Haggadah dates to the 10th century. The earliest surviving Haggadot produced as works in their own right are manuscripts from the 13th and 14th centuries, such as the Golden Haggadah and Sarajevo Haggadah.

One of many elaborate manuscripts were featured in The Leipnik Haggadah, created in 1734 in Darmstadt, Germany. Scribe artist Joseph ben David of Leipnik pursued a reinterpretation of the Haggadah through colorful depictions of figures in 18th century European attire, along with columns and motifs. It was also noted for graceful calligraphy. Leipnik was regarded as a foremost figure in Hebrew illuminated manuscripts’ revival for the century, according to the Jewish Cultural Quarter. Medieval manuscript techniques were applied, as he was inspired from the Haggadah’s earlier printed editions.

Some local residents have fond recollections of Barton’s Bonbonniere, a foremost candy shop chain, where goods were presented in showroom style. In 1938, Jewish chocolatier, Stephen Klein, immigrated from Austria and founded Barton’s Candy Corporation. Around 1950, Barton’s was located at 97-01 Queens Boulevard in Rego Park, followed by 97-19 Queens Boulevard around 1958. Artistic Barton’s tins attracted audiences, and today they are collectors’ items. One tin states, “Famous for continental Passover chocolates,” and chocolates at large, top off many meals. Furthermore, in April 1952, a New York Post newsbrief stated, “For what they believe to be the first time anywhere, ice cream strictly kosher for Passover is being offered by Barton’s Bonbonniere. Smoothly delicious, kosher Continental ice cream is available in the Barton stores in chocolate, chocolate mocha, coffee and vanilla flavors.” The price was 60 cents a pint.

As a deltiologist, vintage postcards and lithographs are included in the collection. Artist Alphonse Lévy (1843 – 1918), a native of Bas-Rhin, France, was born into an Orthodox family. In his works of art, which were featured on vintage postcards, he is highly regarded for his affectionate depictions of the rural French Jewish community of Alsace, where he was raised. One postcard reads “Pesach” and features a caption that translates as “Dumplings of Passover.” A Jewish peasant woman is smiling for the occasion and rolling matzah balls/kneidel for traditional soup. In another postcard, she is approaching two young grandchildren who greet her with flowers and an embrace, as she is offering an egg and holding another. A traditional frame home captures rural livelihood. The back of his postcard series reads “Collection D’Art & D’Histoire E.S. Paris, 2 Rue Ménars.”

 Lévy was inspired by caricaturist Honoré Daumier and Rembrandt, who often represented Jews of Amsterdam. He was drawn by majestic Jewish traditions. As of 1876, he produced lithographs that explored Alsace’s Jewish family life. A decade later, he coordinated an exhibition, “The Jewish Life.” According to the University of Chicago Library, Lévy produced his first caricatures of rural Jewish life for Léon Cahun’s “La Vie Juive,” published in 1886 as part of the Passover Preparations and Matzah section.

German native Moritz Daniel Oppenheim (1800 – 1882) produced an oil on canvas circa 1867, which was represented in the early 20th century as a postcard and titled “Fete De Paque – Le Seder.” This translates as “Festival of Passover – The Seder.” The canvas is in the possession of The Jewish Museum at 1109 Fifth Avenue. It features the beginning of the Passover Seder and is characterized by Haggadahs (book featuring the narrative of the Exodus), Hebrew prophet Elijah’s cup, a Seder plate, and cups of wine. A Kiddush was recited after the first cup was poured and the Passover story is being shared.

Oppenheim is regarded as the first Jewish painter in Germany to receive academic training. He pursued his studies in Hanau, Munich, and Paris. His works consist of 350 documented paintings, and some are in the possession of The Jewish Museum, Jerusalem’s Israel Museum, Museum Schloss Philippsruhe in his hometown of Hanau, and Jewish Museum Frankfurt. The Leo Baeck Institute references him as the first Jewish painter of the modern era, which influenced a new generation of artists to take pride in their faith and resulted in the acceptance of Jews within the European artistic community. He was courageous at a time when the Jewish population at large in Europe faced a lack of equal opportunities. His original collection, “Scenes From A Traditional Jewish Family Life” is among the most acclaimed.

Bernard Picart (1673 – 1733) is remembered as a French copper engraver, book illustrator, and draughtsman, who produced works of art that captured religious and cultural traditions. He was born in Paris and passed away in Amsterdam. In the name of Judaica, he produced a copper engraving in 1725, which is present in the Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam and is titled “Le Repas de Paques chez les Juifs Portugals” or “The Feast of Passover Among the Portuguese Jews.” His work of art is also available as a card. The multi-line text includes the following translation: “A dish containing a shoulder bone of lamb and a hard egg” and “A dish consisting of figs, apples, almonds, mace, & c. hashed and boiled all together representing ye manner of their making bricks in Egypt.”

Among the most popular 20th century New York hotels was Grossinger’s, an 812-acre kosher resort in the Catskills Mountains in the Town of Liberty. This circa 1970s-era Passover menu was once in the hands of resort guests, and featured an illustrated scene of the liberating splitting of the sea in the Exodus story. The dominant clientele was Jewish, and families often embraced annual stays and traditions. Under hostess Jennie Grossinger, it earned recognition as one of the largest resorts of the Borscht Belt, a region that attracted Jewish tourists. The Grossinger family immigrated from a section of Poland in 1910. Some celebrities who could be spotted at Grossinger’s included Milton Berle, Eddie Fisher, Jerry Lewis, and Rocky Marciano. The ambiance was recreated for the 1987 film “Dirty Dancing.” Major amenities included a chapel, two kosher kitchens, a 1,500-patron dining room, a nightclub, outdoor and indoor pools, a tennis court, a golf course, and even an airport and a post office. Despite closing in the late 1980s, it continues to hold a special place in many hearts.

 

Men’s & Women’s College Hoops Champions

webadmin on April 10, 2025

The Florida Gators won the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship in dramatic fashion, erasing a 12-point deficit to fellow #1 seeded Houston. Despite a strong defensive performance, the Cougars were unable to hold onto their lead, falling by just a pair of points. They were unable to get a shot off on their final possession.

Gators star Walter Clayton Jr. was held scoreless in the first half, but hit shots when it mattered as he finished with 11 points and 7 assists. Will Richard led Florida with 18 points.

L.J. Cryer led all scorers with 19 in the Cougarsí loss. He was the only Houston player to score in double figures.

Despite a sizable 2nd half lead the Cougars werenít able to fend off Florida. In a reversal of their Final Four win over Duke the lead evaporated late, as Florida went ahead for the first time since leading 8-6 early in the game.

In the women’s tournament it was the #2 UConn Huskies who won their first national title since Breanna Stewart led them to four consecutive championships from 2013 to 2016. In her final year of college ball, Paige Bueckers was finally able to lift her national title, tearfully embracing head coach Geno Auriemma. 

Bueckers had a tough shooting night, going 5/14 and scoring 7 of her 17 at the free throw line. Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong each scored 24, and Strongís 15 rebounds were instrumental in the 82-59 win over top seeded South Carolina.

Bueckers is the consensus 1st overall pick in the WNBA Draft, likely selected by the Dallas Wings on Monday, April 14th.

The reigning champion NY Liberty do not hold a draft pick after trading for Natasha Cloud. They will look to defend their title without the addition of new blood.

Similarly the NY Knicks will go without a 1st round selection after their trade for Brooklynís Mikal Bridges. With the NBA season winding down Brooklyn is locked into the 4th best odds for the 1st overall pick. They will have a few additional picks in the first round, with immense talent across the college landscape.

 



Rick Pitino named Coach of the Year as BIG EAST Landscape Changes

webadmin on April 10, 2025

Rick Pitino is the Men’s College Coach of the Year. Ahead of the Final Four in San Antonio this weekend the 2nd year Red Storm coach was nationally recognized for the second season in his collegiate coaching career, previously named NABC Coach of the Year in 1987, his last season with the Providence Friars.

Pitino shared the Associated Press award with Bruce Pearl of Auburn; the two finished with 31-5 and 32-6 records respectively. Pitino also won the US Basketball Writers Association and Werner Ladder Naismith National Coach of the Year awards, a trio for the active winningest coach in college hoops.

For Pitino it was a heartbreaking second round exit that ended his season, falling to #10 Arkansas in one of the few clear upsets of the 2025 tournament. Still, he snapped a 40-year BIG EAST championship drought, reinvigorating a stagnant program and putting Queens basketball back on the college map. You could see how proud Pitino was of his and the Red Storm’s accomplishments as confetti rained down twice at Madison Square Garden.

It will be difficult for Pitino and St. John’s to follow up their tremendous 2024-25 season, especially with the departure of stars and seniors RJ Luis Jr., Deivon Smith, Aaron Scott, Kadary Richmond, and Brady Dunlap.

Additionally, the landscape of the BIG EAST is shifting, and though it didn’t come easily this season, Pitino will have his work cut out for him with the arrival of his son Richard to Xavier and former BIG EAST co-coach of the year Kevin Willard to Villanova. Richard Pitino did a remarkable job at New Mexico, leading the Lobos to a first-round upset over BIG EAST representatives Marquette. Willard also impressed in March Madness, leading Maryland to wins over Grand Canyon and Colorado State before running into top-seeded Florida.


Summer Renovations Coming to the Barclays Center

webadmin on April 10, 2025

The Barclays Center is getting a guest experience upgrade! In the second phase of a five-year plan, BSE Global is developing a new premium membership club, upper concourse fan zone, and a new section called Gallagher Terrace providing in-seat dining with waiter service.

Also coming is “The Bridge,” a 63-foot bar accessible to all guests seated in the arena’s upper bowl. In-game entertainment will also be brought to the upper bowl via The Bridge, helping transform the interior into a more eye-catching and unique experience for fans.

“We are thrilled to enter phase two of our five-year arena renovation plan at Barclays Center, a significant leap forward in enhancing the overall guest experience for all ticket holders,” said BSE Global’s Chief Hospitality Officer Shanon Ferguson. “We are committed to continuously setting new standards in hospitality for our guests, creating more immersive, comfortable, and elevated experiences for all and ensuring every visit to Barclays Center is unforgettable, regardless of seat location.”

There are a host of additional projects and improvements planned for this Summer, from improvements to the main concourse’s Garden Bar as well as to six backstage dressing rooms. Renovation work is led by architects at Populous, with Shawmut Design and Construction serving as project construction manager. 

 

Construction for Gallagher Terrace and The Bridge will begin at the end of the 2024-25 Brooklyn Nets season. While renovations will stretch near the start of the 2025-26 NBA campaign, construction will not interfere with NY Liberty games or concerts scheduled at the Barclays Center this Summer.



 

 

  



 

Running As Independent, Adams Guarantees Some Fun

webadmin on April 10, 2025

With Mayor Adams plainly assured of too much of an uphill battle in the democratic primary against Cuomo, his running as an independent for the November general assures us all of hearing from him for an added 5 months. Not a bad move for him considering there will be a lot less noise from fringe candidates who are likely to get blown out in the democratic primary. It’s going to be interesting to bet on where the drop down votes will go. It’s fairly common thought that both Cuomo and Adams have solid negatives, which could translate to voters not putting them anywhere on their dropdown ballot votes. This could lead to someone else sneaking in if they are #2 or #3 on the dropdown candidates for either Cuomo or Adams.

Meanwhile in the 30th

Meanwhile the race in the 30th (Middle Village) council district got even more bizarre this weekend as a piece that the NY Post did, only online, had the current councilman throwing stones at a democratic rookie candidate who runs a local sports league. This happens to be right in our wheelhouse because our flagship paper, The Queens Ledger, has intimately covered this district with a weekly newspaper for over 150 years.

Newspapers now often use website-only stories that don’t go very deep into the verification mode. It might not go in print for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it was pushed by a trusted source, but the editors might not be comfortable with it.





Fill the Form for Events, Advertisement or Business Listing