FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM DECEMBER 9, 2021 • THE QUEENS COURIER 49
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What a weekend!
First was the celebration
and recognition
of Dr. Peter Micholas, the
opthamologist and philanthropist
extraordinaire who has an
enormous impact and is devoted
to his Southampton community.
Th en I attended the Mattones’
elegant annual Christmas party
and fi nally on Sunday, my family’s
Hanukkah party, all packed
into three days!
A TREMENDOUS,
WELL-EARNED TRIBUTE
On Friday night, I joined
the Southampton Business
Alliance at the newly renovated
Manna Lobster Inn
owned by Donna Lanzetta
and Sag Harbor restaurateur
Ryunosuke Jesse Matsuoka as
they paid tribute to my dear
friend Dr. Peter Micholas, who
had introduced me to the community
when I bought Dan’s
Papers. He writes a health column
for us, as well as for NPR
Radio and WABC Radio.
“Dr. Pete,” as we like to call
him, was honored for his endless
help during the COVID-19 crisis
in bringing lifesaving equipment
to Southampton Hospital.
He found what no one else could
get from masks, to ventilators,
to hand sanitizers. He continues
to raise money for defi brillators
and more lifesaving equipment
for the Southampton Police
Department.
His scholarships have helped
endless numbers of local students
go to nursing school.
Southampton Hospital CEO
Bob Chaloner introduced Dr.
Pete as both a hero to the community
and as a friend who welcomed
and introduced him to
the community when he
took over the leadership
of the hospital.
Dr. Pete is a
true hero in saving
lives and helping
people’s eyesight,
as well as
a fantastic role
model for
how to give
back to the
community
one loves!
Holiday celebrations
Chanukah celebration
To fi nish off the weekend, I came back from
my overnight stay in Manhattan aft er a
holiday party at Dan Rattiner and his wife
Chris Wasserstein’s beautiful apartment overlooking
the Th e Metropolitan Museum of Art
and Central Park.
Upon returning home, all my children gathered
together to celebrate and light the last eight
candles of Chanukah, a holiday also called the
“Festival of Lights” that commemorates the miracle
in the second century BCE, when against
all odds, a small band of Jews led by Judah the
Maccabee defeated the mightiest of armies and
drove the Greeks away and reclaimed the Holy
Temple in Jerusalem.
A one-day supply of oil was found and, miraculously,
the seven-armed menorah remained lit
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A MATTONE CHRISTMAS
For over a decade, the offi cial beginning of the holiday
party season for me has been Joe and Mary Ann
Mattone’s superbly beautiful Christmas celebration.
Th is year had special meaning, since Joe, the grand
philanthropist business leader, father of seven and
grandfather of 27, turned 90 in September.
Th e guests were dazzled by the stunningly decorated
Columbus Club. It was a unique night as everyone
stood and cheered for our beloved Joe as Father
Bernard Tracey, who is in the leadership of St. John’s
University, off ered a blessing for him and all of us. A
memorable moment to cherish!
Each year, an opera singer and brilliant pianist serenades
us with holiday songs, from “Ave Maria” to
“Jingle Bells” — and then we had a chance to sing
along! What fun as our voices rang in the sparkling,
luxurious setting.
It was good to see old friends Peter Meyer (now
leading TD Bank in Florida) and his brilliant and beautiful
wife Denise Arbesu (with Citibank) both working
remotely from their home in West Palm Beach. I
look forward to seeing them more when our company
launches Dan’s Papers Palm Beach+.
for eight days, a miracle we celebrate every year,
this year from Nov. 28 to Dec. 6.
It was a special aft ernoon of gift giving
and great food shared around the beautifully
decorated dining table.
What a way to end a wonderful weekend fi lled
with friends and family!
Dr. Peter Micholas (l.) and
Southampton Hospital CEO
Bob Chaloner.
1: Father Bernard Tracey, Richard DeZego, Judge Joe Golia and Greg Galdi with
the Mattones
2: The Mattone sisters, Julie, Teresa and Irene
3: Dr. Corrine and Larry Landau
4: Judge Donna Golia with Joseph Petze
5: Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello with Joe Mattone
6: Joseph and Peggy Mattone with family
7: Peter Meyer, Denise Arbesu and Joe Mattone
8: Gayle Gartentsein, Father Tracey and Carol Madaio
9: Linda and Greg Galdi
10: Sal and Lisa Salibello with Angelo and Denise Vovolo
11: Rosalie and Joe Golia
12: Dr. Michael and Catrine Golia
13: Adele and Michael Tabrizi
14: Dr. Guy and Julie Bello
15: Vinny Riso, Georgiana Reese-Benatti and Linda Desabato
16: Debbie and Barry Markell
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