MERRY CHRISTMAS 2011

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AUDIENCES AND FOLLOWERS OF QUEENS ITALIA

* CHRISTMAS DAY ON THE DECEMBER 25TH FOLLOWS ON THE SAME DAY AS THE ROMAN EMPERORS' SOL INVICTUS

Astoria , New York

The management of this blog spot wishes everyone Happy Holidays. With Christmas tomorrow December 25th , historians are debating if the Roman Christians and the breakaway Byzantine Orthodox followed the Roman Pagan and later only God Sol Invictus feast and birth day. " We know that Sol was initiated in Syria from evidence. Also many pagans eleswhere saw the sun as a form of deity. " FPG said. When Emperor Aurelian in about 274 AD made the official claim of Sol Invictus as only God of the Romans, it was because he was victorious in his campaigns against the enemies of Rome. Temples were erected and there were annual celebrations of this God.

The December 25th date coincided with the Winter Solstice period. " We don't have historian evidence that this celebration took place on December 25th at the time of Aurelian. This occurred about a century later when the Christian religion was already accepted by the roman emperors. Whether or not this is coincidence both Roman Pagans and Christians were celebrating on the same day. " FPG finalized.

CONSOLATO D'ITALIA A NEW YORK FESTEGGIA IL NATALE

Astoria, New York

Il Consolato Italiano di New York sito a Park Avenue e 69 Street ha festeggiato il Natale con vari esponenti della communita' italiana della zona metropolitana. Il nuovo Console Natalia Quintavalle ha salutato e ringraziato gli invitati. " Il cocktail all'italiano con spuntini americani e' stato soddisfacente a tutti e ringraziamo Console Quintavalle per questo scambio di auguri. " dice FPG.

Silvio Berlusconi, ex Primo Ministro d' Italia, ha visitato due volte il Consolato di New York, dice un impiegato.

BERRY FRESH MARKETS TO DEBUT LARGER SUPERMARKET WITHIN A MONTH

Astoria , New York

The plans have been made earlier this year when management of the popular Berry Farms Supermarkets has decided to join up with an adjacent location. " This supermarket store could become a blockbuster in the area with a larger and more improved showcase of merchandise. It will be competing in size with larger supermarkets chains like Best Yet , Waldbaum's , Pathmark and Western Beef Supermarkets. " The old location would become a mostly grocery and miscellaneous items department with cashiers at the exit while the new location will showcase its much larger deli , meat and fruit & vegetables departments and have an entrance. Both locations will be connected through the back. The newly designed store is expected to be in operation by the end of December or early January. " Increased customer traffic is expected to occur due to larger supermarket and increased merchandise. " finalized FPG. Berry Fresh Farm Supermarket is located in a shopping center off Ditmars Blvd and 45 Street in Astoria , Queens.

QUEENS NITE CLUB RAIDED BY FEDS

Astoria , New York

A mob ring orchestrating in a few night clubs in the New York area has been smashed by federal agents. Gallagher's night club located off Queens Blvd was one of them as reported by NY1 News.

The mob ring with some members of two of New York's crime families was accused of trafficking russian ladies for waitress and night entertainment.

BLACK FRIDAY BEGINS WITH LONG LINES AT RETAILERS

Astoria , New York

Black Friday or perhaps Black Thursday night for some stores has begun early for US retailers. Best Buy on Northern Boulevard in Woodside , Queens had between one thousand to two thousand early bird shoppers in the midnight hour early Friday morning. " The line of shoppers waiting outside was wrapped around the block. Hot items on sale were computers , flat screens and gaming equipment. " said Berlusconi Italia blogger FPG. Target in College Point had an almost full parking lot of cars. There were people on line but I was able to get in after 10 minutes. A security guard advised that the line was very long before the store opened at midnight. More than a thousand shoppers were at that location too. There were many items on sale. People snapping up flat screens , cleaning equipment , gaming items and towels. " I believe that people are coming out to buy hoping for a good deal and they are getting a lukewarm welcome from retailers. Deals are not that hot but good enough for bargain hunters " commented FPG. Police presence was evident as retailers try to prevent any stampede. Markets may signal some reversal in the negative trend of the past week once retailers begin to release their sales.

ITALIAN FEDERATION OF QUEENS GETS GIADA VALENTI FOR 40TH ANNIVERSAY DINNER DANCE

Astoria , New York

The Italian Federation of Queens and its members concluded a successful event at the Chateau Briand Caterers in Long Island, New York. " The dinner dance to celebrate its 40 th anniversary was a enjoyable event with good food, music and entertainment. " said FPG. There were about 150 people who attended as George Onorato , Angie Markham and Carlo Bucich were honored for their dedication in making the Federation a continued success throughout its existence. The organization was founded back in 1971 by a few community leaders and italian americans who wanted to support and provide various services to the community. George Onorato, former NYS senator, was instrumental to the success of the Federation as he provided monetary support with funding in the millions for the 28 years he was in office. In attendance at the event, we had NYS assemblywoman Aravella Simotas , spokespeople for NYS senator Mike Gianaris and US congresswoman Carolyn Maloney , INCA USA president John De Gennaro and former Astoria city manager George Delis. Many presidents of various clubs that are associated to the Federation of Italian Americans of Queens also attended the event. Italian singer and songwriter Giada Valenti recognized for her special voice and stage presence had the stage with some italian and french classic songs. " We were delighted to see Giada sing among the crowd. She has real talent and we hope the best for her. " commented FPG. Her husband JJ informed Berlusconi Italia blogspot that Giada Valenti is preparing for a huge event early next year. The Italian Singer and her orchestra will host the event on Saturday, February 4, at 7.30 pm. Ticket prices will vary from $ 30.00 to $45.00. For additional information visit www.dhpac.org or call 631-656-2148 .

QUEENS ITALIA BLOGSPOT DEBUTS RAI 24 NEWS PORTAL

Astoria, New York

Queens Italia, a blogspot for the italian americans of Queens, has launched a portal for direct viewing from Italy of the RAI 24 news channel. " You can click on the link to get to Rai 24 news tv directly bypassing the Rai.it website. This a direct and quick way, that is senior citizen friendly, to get access to the tv station without wasting time " said FPG. Rai 24 news is a state owned tv station of the Italian government. It offers direct free 24 hours per day 7 days a week tv news to the world. Italian-americans and italian speaking audiences can get access to Rai 24 news with QUEENSITALIA.BLOGSPOT.com, BERLUSCONIITALIA.BLOGSPOT.COM and ASTORIAITALIA.BLOGSPOT.COM.

ONORATO TO BE HONORED AT CHATEAU BRIAND ON NOVEMBER 13TH

Astoria, New York
George Onorato, a former New York State Senator from the
Astoria Community will be honored at the 40 th Anniversary Dinner Dance hosted
by the Italian-American Federation of Queens. Onorato has been a NY State
Senator for a long time. His hard work and dedication to the Queens Community
will be remembered for years to come. Mike Giannaris is cuurently the new
senator. Others to be honored are Angie Markham and Carlo Bucich.

ITALIAN FEDERATION OF QUEENS COUNTY TO HOST DINNER DANCE AT CHATEAU BRIAND

The Italian Federation of Queens aka FIAO, will host its 40th anniversary dinner
dance at Chateau Briand on Sunday November 13th. The cost of the ticket will be
$100.00 per person. Please contact Angie Markham at 718-204-2444. The Federation
was founded in 1971 by a few italian-americans that included Vincent Iannece,
Chairman Emeritus.