30th Avenue Business Association:
Current Events: 30th Avenue, Astoria Hosts Olympic Flame

On June 9, 2004, various local organizations were called in by District Manager George Delis, Community Board 1 and hosted by the 30th Ave. Business Association at Espirides Restaurant in Astoria. They gathered to discuss the programs and events for the Olympic Flame Festivities at Athens Square Park, Astoria on Saturday, June 19, 2004 where it is expected Mayor Bloomberg and other dignitaries will be present.

Justin Carr, Manager of Nations of New York, briefed the participants on the details of the events to take place at Athens Square Park. 9:30AM is the expected arrival of the Mayor. The ceremony will begin at 10:00AM with the arrival of the Olympic Flame. The Olympic Flame will take the route starting at 30th Avenue and 30th Street to Steinway Street, to Broadway and then onward to Brooklyn.

In Attendance were: George Delis, Community Board 1; Justin Carr, The Nations New York 2012; Markella Garris; Rodolfo Sarchese, President of the Italian Federation of Queens; Selima Ashmat, Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts; Gus Lambropoulos, Manager of Flushing Savings Bank and 30th Avenue Business Association Director; Marie Gurmali, Central Astoria LDC; Paramdeep Singh and Vijay Paintal, Bhai Records; Jorge Bosch, President of The Centro Paraguya de New York; Tony Raouf, President of U.S Family Realty and Moroccan Association; George Maninakis, Mikroscosmos Ensemble; Angie Yanas, Dish 30, Ahepa & Dtrs.; Martha Zambrano, Ecuadorian International Center; Luzydany Griaido, FAF; Frank Bruchette, President of Punch Boxing Gym; Eleni Fuiaxis, Punch Boxing Gym; Jannah, Performer - Dance Oriental; Raphael Sutter, 718 Restaurant; Cliff Decatrel, Deca Media Consulting; Wanda S. Radetti President of the Federation of Italian American Organizations; Rachel Weitner, Project Coordinator of MyAstoria.com; Nikos Diamantis, President of Federation of Hellenic Societies; Helen Skarla; and Frank Arcabascio, President of 30th Avenue Business Association.

It was agreed to extend the celebration on June 19th an additional 5 hours from 1PM to 6PM to include diverse cultural entertainment such as singing, dancing, recitation and the like. Of interest, Olympic Style wrestling, boxing, gymnastics and other sports will be presented. Also, strong word of mouth is necessary and the participants agreed to spread the word. All those invited should be encouraged to bring a flag of their ethnic heritage to brighten the Olympic Flame Event and to highlight the international nature of the Olympic games.

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