Pastrami and a Local Author

From 1 PM - 3 PM on Sunday, Oct. 18, meet Author Michael Perlman at a luncheon at Ben's Best Kosher Delicatessen at 96-40 Queens Blvd. He will sign copies of his book "Legendary Locals of Forest Hills & Rego Park" & a new food will be added to this NYC institution's menu.

RSVP: www.facebook.com/events/1673419052871348
 
EVENT INFO:

Ben’s Best Kosher Delicatessen is delighted to host the book signing for local author, Michael H Perlman’s "Legendary Locals of Forest Hills and Rego Park," published by Arcadia Publishing. Released in 2015, this book provides a fantastic retelling of the neighborhood’s cultural development from its inception in 1652 (originally named Newton) to some of its most famous residents including Stevie Wonder, Burt Bacharach, Simon & Garfunkel and of course, The Original Ben’s Best Kosher Delicatessen.

Perlman will be joining us on Sunday, October 18th from 1-3pm for a luncheon reception featuring the launch of our newest culinary addition, The “Rego-Bark” hot-dog. The author will be available to sign original copies of his book and provide interesting quips and anecdotes of stories heard along the way, all while tasting a bit of Queens history.

Forest Hills Book Signing this Saturday

Michael Perlman will be signing his book tomorrow. Perlman, one of the earliest friends of this blog, is one of the foremost experts in local architectural history. This book takes a different direction, looking at the history of the many notable people who have made Forest Hills and Rego Park their homes over the years...

Signing & Presentation at Barnes & Noble To Launch New Book on Forest Hills & Rego Park Notables

Local author Michael Perlman

Introducing "Legendary Locals of Forest Hills and Rego Park," a new 128-page book written by native Forest Hills resident and preservationist Michael H. Perlman and published by Arcadia Publishing. On March 6, 2015 at 7 PM, Perlman will conduct a book signing, presentation, and question and answer session at Barnes & Noble at 70-00 Austin Street in Forest Hills. Readers will discover the unique stories of over 200 Forest Hills and Rego Park notables including celebrities, who have shaped its culture and history, and may have impacted society. 

“My book features an array of quotes from notables including celebrities, as well as descendants of notables, which grants an eternal presence to their voice,” said Perlman. “The average individual that I encounter is unaware of the heavily concentrated quantity of celebrities whose lives were influenced as a result of living or working in Forest Hills or Rego Park, where its historic surroundings are a breeding ground for culture, the arts, and various trades.”  

A diverse showcase will offer insight on musicians, actors, artists, sports figures, politicians, farmers, architects, developers, inventors, philanthropists, and longtime business owners. Wherever possible, home addresses are featured. Notables include Jerry Springer (wrote the book’s foreword), Helen Keller, Carol Channing, Ray Romano, Burt Bacharach, Stevie Wonder, Sid Caesar, Carroll O’Connor, Donna Karan, Geraldine Ferraro, Grosvenor Atterbury and Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr, Philip Birnbaum, Ascan Backus, Walter Dorwin Teague, Simon & Garfunkel, the Ramones, Dale Carnegie, Malthe Hasselriis, sisters Gypsy Rose Lee and June Havoc, Dennis Tito, Bob Keeshan (“Captain Kangaroo”), John Beltzer, Doug Leblang, and Michael Chaut.     

 Also featured are several community destinations, which are associated with the appearances of notables. Some “landmarks” are the Forest Hills Gardens, Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, the Midway and Trylon theatres, Eddie’s Sweet Shop, Knish Nosh, Ben’s Best Delicatessen, and the former Fairyland Amusement Park, Hamburger Train, and Boulevard Tavern and Stratton entertainment venues.  

Michael H. Perlman is a writer, news columnist, editor, and public relations consultant. He is chairman of Rego-Forest Preservation Council and a recipient of the Historic District Council's 2014 Grassroots Preservation Award. His pursuits range from singing in Carnegie Hall to photography, graphic design, and tree giveaway events.

Perlman stated, “I hope my readers will explore the historic neighborhoods of Forest Hills (1906) and Rego Park (1923), as well as acquire an interest in their neighborhood’s history. I envision a greater audience feeling inspired by the accomplishments of their past and present neighbors to become notables on either a personal level or in their community or society.” 

For more information, visit and “Like” his Facebook page or the Barnes and Noble events page  

Small Business Saturday in Forest Hills

"Shop Small & Be Rewarded on Small Business Saturday"  by Michael Perlman of the Forest Hills Times/Queens Ledger: 

 Trylon Vet Care, Red Pipe Cafe, & Oliloli Studio are a few of many Forest Hills businesses that will have special offers on Saturday, November 29th. 

Congratulations Michael

A tireless local advocate for historic preservation is being honored...

Forest Hills' Michael Perlman Wins 2014 Preservation Award

The Historic Districts Council (HDC), the citywide advocate for New York's historic neighborhoods, will present Michael Perlman, Queens native and chairman of the Rego-Forest Preservation Council with a 2014 Grassroots Preservation Award on Wednesday, June 4, 2014, at 6:30 PM at Grace Church, 254 Hicks Street, Brooklyn Heights.

The Grassroots Awards honor and celebrate the activists and groups who work to preserve New York City's historic neighborhoods. "These advocates are the foundation of the preservation movement and their efforts benefit everyone who lives, works or visits New York City," said Simeon Bankoff, executive director of HDC. "It's an honor and pleasure to be able to shine the spotlight on these neighborhood leaders."

Michael Perlman

A native Forest Hills resident, Michael Perlman is the Chairman of the Rego-Forest Preservation Council. The Council was founded in 2006 in response to that year's 100th anniversary of Forest Hills and the parcel which would become known as Rego Park in 1923. It works to preserve and commemorate the architectural and cultural history of Forest Hills and Rego Park, as well surrounding areas of Queens through advocacy and property owner assistance. In 2010, Mr. Perlman launched a public campaign to preserve and creatively reuse the iconic Forest Hills Tennis Stadium which was under threat of demolition. As a result of these efforts, the stadium has undergone some restoration work and has been reborn as a concert venue. He is involved in the continuing preservation efforts of a number of civic, religious and popular neighborhood institutions in Queens and earned the nickname "Diner-Man" after his efforts to save and relocate a number of historic freestanding diners.

The Historic Districts Council is New York's only citywide grassroots advocate for historic buildings and neighborhoods. Since 1971 HDC has been committed to preserving New York's rich architectural and historical heritage, working with communities to landmark and protect significant neighborhoods and buildings, as well as helping already designated historic communities to understand and uphold the Landmarks Law. HDC engages in community building and development, offers educational programs and delivers technical resources, strategic assistance and direct advocacy support to aid local groups in their individual preservation campaigns.

The event is open to the public at a cost of $30, $20 for Friends of HDC. Doors open at 6:15 pm, and the award ceremony will begin at 6:45 pm, with a reception to follow. For more information, go to the Grassroots page or call 212-614-9107.