46 The Courier sun • FEBRUARY 18, 2016 for breaking news visit www.qns.com When the old is new again Victoria’s Secrets Victoria SCHNEPS-YUNIS vschneps@gmail.com tweet me @vschneps Disney return after decades I’m off to Disney World for a break from the cold. I will keep you posted on this fantasy, fun-filled vacation destination. Sorry, New York — it’s 75 degrees in Orlando ! Dynamic $1500 off Lumineers $500 off Invisalign DENTAL WORK Free Whitening included the inViSiBle WAy to Some excluSionS Apply StrAighten teeth third generation dentist 175-15 Jamaica avenue, Jamaica 718-297-4100 • 718-297-4106 When I began my teaching career in Brooklyn, my friend and colleague Shari Segall at P.S. 199 in Midwood and I would make regular visits to Fortunoff’s on Livonia Avenue. It didn't stop us that there were riots in the Brownsville neighborhood where the store was under the elevated subway tracks. After all, where else could we find a huge selection of things at unbeatable prices for our new homes, as we were both newlyweds? It was an opportunity we couldn't resist. When they opened in Westbury on Old Country Road, I became a regular. They brilliantly had their well merchandised jewelry department on the first floor off every entrance from the parking lot. It's where I looked for diamonds or silver bracelets. It's where I bought the silverware for my home, selecting one from the wall of a hundred choices. They sold perfect silver spoons for new babies and their engraving department etched the initials into my favorite new baby gift. Then, upstairs were linens in every color and texture, a wonderland of choices. Then, sadly, they closed. Happily, the multiple-generation business is back and I had the pleasure of getting to know Esther Fortunoff whose mom created and ran the famous, unique jewelry division. I'm sure she's smiling from heaven at her daughter and the shop now open on the same Old Country Road block in the Mall at the Source in Westbury. She has an eclectic collection from jewelry made by African artists to stunning rubies, emeralds, sapphires and, of course, diamonds, all uniquely set. It's worth a trip to meet the iconic owner who is bringing back on line and in store the collections that people stood three deep to view! Tell Esther I send my regards! Hooray! I'm registered There is still a glass ceiling preventing women from getting to the top of the ladder at many businesses both in government and private industry. Now there is help and I took advantage of it. For a woman-owned business, there can be some advantages and one is to be certified by the New York State Division of Minority and Women's Business Development. It's a division of the Empire State Development Corporation set up by the governor to help women get their fair share of business from state agencies and private corporations. It wasn't easy filling out voluminous documents, but there is help. In Queens and Brooklyn, there are offices to "hold your hand" and guide you through the process. I worked with Olga Candelaria from the state agency, who can be reached at 212- 803-3243; the staff of Seth Bornstein, director of the Queens Economic Development Corporation, 718-263- 0546; and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, led by Carlo Scissura, 718-875-1000. It's worth taking the time to apply but don't attempt to do it on your own. My hope is that someone, perhaps a state agency, will look at the application and simplify the now hair-raising process. I'm so grateful to my CFO Maria Valencia for her tireless work as she helped me to complete the filing. Hugs to her! Esther Fortunoff of Fortunoff Fine Jewelry Addy, Jonah, Morgan and Blake enjoying Disney World in Orlando!
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