FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com jUNE 18, 2015 • The Queens Courier 27 Where to park and watch first Fort Totten Independence Day fireworks show BY LIAM LA GUERE lguerre@queenscourier.com @liamlaguerre No doubt about it, excitement for the first-ever Fort Totten Independence Day fireworks show is exploding. The July 1 fireworks show, which is the brainchild of Councilman Paul Vallone and the Bayside Historical Society (BHS), is expected to draw thousands of residents from around northeast Queens and may ignite an annual tradition. Vallone and BHS began blasting new details to the public on Monday about the event, such as where to watch the fireworks and where to park vehicles, hoping the information will help to launch the fireworks show without a hitch and provide familyfriendly fun for the community. “I can’t imagine a better way to kickstart the summer than with a fireworks show and concert in Fort Totten,” Vallone said. “For the first time, residents in northeast Queens won’t have to travel far for world-class fireworks.” The event will begin at 6 p.m. with performances from the MichelleMarie RockBand Camp, and then the Phil Costa & Something Special Band. The pyrotechnics show by Long Island-based Fireworks by Grucci will begin at 9:15 and last 15 minutes. The fireworks will shoot up from the soccer fields, also known as the Parade Grounds, and about 2,000 residents should be able to fit in the lawn near the pool for prime viewing area. However, because the fireworks will be so high, many areas around Fort Totten will provide good views. Vallone said even Bronx residents will be able to see the show. Guests can park their vehicles at Little Bay Parking Lot, along Bell Boulevard, and beginning at 5 p.m. the Clearview Golf Course and the Bay Terrace Shopping Center parking lots. Shuttle bus service provided by Vallo Transportation will then take residents to Fort Totten from the golf course and shopping center. Vallo will have return buses to the lots from Fort Totten following the event. Residents are asked to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic items to the event, however, alcohol is prohibited because Fort Totten is a park and security will check bags and storage devices, such as coolers. Vending trucks will be on site with snacks and drinks, including roasted corn, lemonade, funnel cakes and corn dogs. During the show, the BHS will announce the winner of its bee-naming silent auction. BHS has two new beehives and two winning bidders will have the chance to have the queen bees named after themselves. The winners will also receive a Swarovski crystal tiara, a sash, a certificate, a gift basket with skin care products, a jar of local honey, and family membership to the BHS for one year. The starting bid is $250. To enter, email a bid to info@ baysidehistorical.org. Also, the BHS will extend hours to its castle so guests can view exhibitions, giving them a sense of the past of the community. “We’ll be making history on July 1,” said Alison McKay, executive director of the BHS. “Hosting an Independence Day celebration right outside our front door is a great way for the community to link the past with the present.” Map via Office of Councilman Paul Vallone Banking On More Than Technology The banking world is undergoing extensive change. More and more bank advertising promotes the latest technological advances, most of which seem to encourage people not to visit their branches. “Why go to a branch when you can do it online?” is an attitude that is becoming prevalent among many customers, large and small. Well, Sussex Bank has a better vision for the future. The Bank wants its customers to enjoy the ultimate banking experience online, but at the branch location as well. Imagine a bank branch concept that is hassle-free and convenient. Where the team assembled there can assist with multiple financial needs, as well as eliminate the teller window as a barrier. Where the traditional branch combined with a new “digital branch” allows customers the choice to easily bank online or on-site. This is exactly what has been achieved at Sussex Bank’s new Astoria location! Vito Giannola, Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Officer, is well aware of the changes that are going on in banking today. He points out that the big banks are consolidating in an attempt to be more efficient, resulting in fewer and smaller branches. Those remaining branches will have self-service kiosks, video teller machines and more technology over time, resulting in less personal interaction. And, since mobile and online banking will continue to offer more services and conveniences in the future, opportunities for individualized attention and solutions are greatly diminished. Sussex Bank’s vision builds on the positive advances that technology will bring, but keeps the personal touch and individualization that they have become well-known for throughout their 11-branch network in Northern New Jersey. Astoria’s state-ofthe art Sussex Bank branch is the model for expansion that will be followed for additional branch openings in the near future. In this way, Sussex Bank continues to build deeper and more convenient ways to be closer to its customers, whether online or in person. 28-21 Astoria Blvd. Astoria, NY 11102 P (347) 472-1727 sussexbank.com
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