28 THE QUEENS COURIER • KING OF QUEENS • NOVEMBER 22, 2018 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
Queens’ Most Influential Men Ho
The 2018 Kings of Queens
Russo’s on the Bay played host to the
award ceremony and networking night
which recognized men for their contributions
to their industries and work within
their respective communities.
The night began with a VIP cocktail
hour during which honorees and their
guests were invited to nosh on appetizers,
mingle and network before the main
event. SCNG President and CEO Victoria
Schneps provided opening remarks and
reflected on the varied accomplishments
of the men in the room.
“ We are, tonight, celebrating each one
of you, and the goal here is to meet each
other,” said Schneps. “You guys broke our
record, we have 500 people paying tribute
to you tonight!”
She then instructed each of the men to
attach a star-shaped pin to the lapels of
their jackets, which initiated them into
the “Star Network” and invited each of the
honorees to introduce himself by name
and profession.
Among the honorees was Anthony
LoCastro, General Manager Ground
Operations for JetBlue at John F. Kennedy
Airport. He has been with the company
for the past 18 years and was attracted to
its people-centric values.
“The company’s one of culture and I was
big on giving back to the people and being
a people person and that’s what this company’s
based on.
He highlighted JetBlue’s work in the
Hurricane Maria relief efforts in Puerto
Rico, wherein the company sent over one
million pounds of supplies to the island and
also donated $100,000 toward relief efforts.
“ It’s a great honor to be someone that
adds something to the community and in
giving back. Getting honored for that is a
great thing,” said LoCastro.
Honoree Bill Hutchingson, a financial
advisor at Flushing Bank, said that the
honor was important for him because it
“helps the people in the community.” The
Queens native transitioned from working
as a floor broker on the New York Stock
Exchange to banking. He said that the most
rewarding part of his job is helping customers
with their money and financial goals.
’ h l dh h h l b h f l h d ’ h b h
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Family Legacy Awardees: the Giannola family
The “Vickis”
Honoree Robert
Ferrito (OSIA) with
guest
Anthony Antoniou (left), guest, Fred
Catanese Jr., and Fred Catanese
Honoree George Eliopoulos
(center) with guests
Victoria Schneps-Yunis and honoree
Vito Turso, DSNY
Elmhurst Hospital
Airway LLC celebrates honoree Fred Catanese Honoree Yang Chen and his guests