28 TIMES • JUNE 2, 2016 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com 72 The QUeeNS CoUrier • buzz • JUNE 2, 2016 FOr breaking news visit www.qns.com Weekend of Celebrations Victoria’s Secrets Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, Joe and Mary Ann Mattone, Father Bernard Tracey, St. John’s University President Dr. Conrado “Bobby” Gempesaw, and his wife Dr. Clavel Albay Gempesaw Dynamic for all the news 24 hours, 7 days a week DENTAL WORK THE INVISIBLE WAY TO STRAIGHTEN TEETH 175-15 Jamaica avenue, Jamaica 718-297-4100 • 718-297-4106 go to www.Third Generation Dentist timesnewsweekly.com $1500 off Lumineers $500 off Invisalign CALL FOR FREE CONSULTATION SOME EXCLUSIONS APPLY Victoria SCHNEPS-YUNIS vschneps@gmail.com tweet me @vschneps It was an extended weekend of joyous occasions. First, I flew to Washington, D.C., to share in the joy of dear friends Joe and Mary ann Mattone being honored by the national organization of the sons of italy with the group’s national education & Leadership award. Then, I came back to New York for a trip to the East End with my grandkids, 7-year-old Jonah and 5-year-old addy, for some swimming and sun and enjoying parties galore after a weekend soccer tournament when my 9-year-old grandson blake made a goal and his team won the tournament. What a weekend! I had scheduled a Delta flight to Washington, D.C., that I thought left at 1:30 p.m. And at 10 a.m. I got a call from my friend Linda to remind me that the flight left from the Marine Air Terminal, not the Delta Terminal, at LaGuardia. I said with disturbing surprise, "Why are you at the airport so early?" and she quickly r e s ponded , "Vicki, it's a noon flight!" I gasped and rushed to finish packing as I called my driver, telling him, "Come as soon as you can.” Then, the race to the airport began. Fortunately traffic was light on sunny Thursday, and we got to the airport in record time. But when we got into the Marine Air Terminal area, we took a wrong turn. The signage to the Delta terminal was awful. Linda called again asking where I was and with tremors in my voice, I said I would be there as soon as we turned around and found the entrance. I thought I'd never make the flight. My sweet driver said to me as I vaulted from the van, "Vicki, stay calm." Oh, yes. Good chance. I was amazed as I reached the check-in desk that there was no line, only two people ahead of me. I asked them if I could skip ahead because my flight was in a few minutes. They kindly let me pass ahead and I got my boarding pass and checked my luggage for an annoying $25 fee. My next hurdle was getting through security. But again the line was short. I again asked the three people ahead of me if I could pass through but the man in front of me, with a smile on his face, calmly said, "Don't worry. I'm on the same flight. You will be okay!" With a big sigh and a feeling of calmness coming over me, we walked through the small terminal and I asked him how he knew that and he said, again with a smile on his face, "Oh, I work for Delta and travel all the time.” I responded by saying, “I love your leader gail grimmett.” "Well," he said, “she left Delta to join a big travel company." What a surprise, because she was recently honored by a Queens group. Her leadership will be missed! With a deep sigh, I found my traveling companions and with hugs and smiles, we made our way into the plane to begin the journey of joy. The formal dinner at the national building Museum was packed with about 1,000 people. The Mattones, with a group of friends and family, were surrounded by the other celebrities and honorees, among them Condoleezza rice, gary sinise and Joe Mantegna, who was master of ceremonies. Gary was warm and welcoming with an engaging smile and intelligent eyes as we talked about his foundation created to help veterans through support for programs to help them after they have given so much to our country. But the Mattones brought down the house, receiving a standing ovation after the audience heard Joe’s humble humor. It brought tears to everyone’s eyes as Mary Ann told us of the influence of the spectacular women, her mom and grandma, in her life. What a powerful moment! It was a magical night. After a celebratory breakfast, we made our way back to New York. Going through the Marine Air Terminal is the most stressless flying experience I have ever had! So if you are going to Chicago or Washington, fly Delta through the Marine Air Terminal. You, too, will love the experience — they even offered free drinks on the flight! As a bonus, my top woman in business Marilyn tolchin held a barbecue to celebrate her daughter Michelle's engagement to william Henry. Another Top Woman at the party was North Shore Towers’ Pouran eshghi and her family, as well as our Hall of Fame honoree for the Power Women of Queens networking event on June 7, the legend in the cosmetics industry vera Moore, who was also there with her family. I must admit that, for me, the most touching moment of the weekend was my grandson Blake's joy at kicking the winning goal to make his team the champions after a weekend four-game tournament. Go, Blake, go! It seemed fitting that the Monday of Memorial Day was solemn and gray after all the festivities. Remembering those who fought for our country is always in my heart. Power Women Pouran, Marilyn Tolchin and Vera Moore with their daughters and me At the moment Blake scored a goal, with his friend Leo (left), cheering him on
RT06022016
To see the actual publication please follow the link above