Destination: Great Neck

New weekly column, “Focus on the Great Neck Peninsula” by Janet Nina Esagoff ?? Read all about #greatneck charities founded, led and run by formidable, selfless Great Neck women. @jodiharouche1 of @j_zips and @mel_aziz of @fountainofkindness ( *photo of Jessica Hakimi on the right). These non profit organizations deserve our support. Please look them up, and give generously, to your best ability. . Then, get a subscription, pickup a copy of the Great Neck News/ Record, or check your mailbox. Do you know a local merchant or resident who deserves the spotlight? Dm us for details! @schnepsmedia @longislandpress

Andy Kaufman a/ka “Latka” Class of ‘67 GNN #greatneck Destination: Great Neck Janet Nina Esagoff ?? “His brother Michael was in my class- and I knew them both from Nursery school practically-He was two or three years older than I was- I used to cut high school- he would pick me up and we would go to Jones Beach- He had an old funeral car and would dress as a chauffer and pick me up- He would do his show in his bedroom...He called his mother MOMMY- He was a dear heart and complete original- I was with him the first night he appeared on SNL- We were buddies to the end- He died in his 30’s- never did drugs and was a very clean liver- it was very sad. His funeral was choreographed by him at Temple Beth El and I half expected him to walk in- He was a tender person.” - C. M. Blackwood

Best Market closed at The Gardens shopping center and the COVID-19 pandemic leashed its impact. Many businesses and stores shuttered in our town and there was a sense of doom. On Facebook groups, and mommy chats, residents were alarmed. No one knew where the bottom was. . The idea of Destination : Great Neck was founded in 2021 as a grassroots organization by a longtime GN resident and business owner to help corral voices and solutions. A core of diverse residents outlined the mission— to celebrate our iconic history, foster more economic development on the GN peninsula, help fortify the merchant community and better connect residents, businesses and stakeholders. We launched a Facebook group, then converted to a Facebook page and Instagram. We filed as a 501c3 and incorporated. Some highlights —the West Egg Street Fair followed by several Gatsby Fest, Community Forums, DGN Speakeasy and the Taste of Great Neck. Our DGN Pop-up on MNR in the Winter of 2021 was very successful thanks to a benevolent landlord who acted as an incubator for entrepreneurs. One even opened her own retail storefront, (leasing space from that very same landlord !)and is enjoying great success. Our “Museum of Great Neck” pop up was also very popular and will be exhibited again next year for the centennial of “The Great Gatsby” publication. . Many agree that our town is on the mend post - pandemic thanks to our leaders and representatives pulling out all the stops. DGN, as volunteer community organizers remains dedicated to our town of “9 plus villages”—the best people live & love right here. So let’s continue to Shop, Dine, Play, Explore ??????

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New feature about #greatneck with more to come, thanks to Schneps Media Destination: Great Neck

The Mariner Estate is a historical place, now a popular venue in Great Neck, NY, hosting all types of private and public events. Formally, The Woman's Club of Great Neck, This site is now operated by the United States Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association and was built in 1936. The building is adorned with antique fixtures and intricate moldings, patios and outdoor spaces. On 12/18/24, at 6 pm, Destination: Great Neck is co-hosting a open- to - the public Welcome Party for Schneps Media and its founder, Vicki Schneps at The Mariner Estate. Seeking sponsors and partners to attend and join us. Please follow DGN @greatneckbiz ?? #greatneck

1920’s- Great Neck Plaza during the Jazz Age. “The Great Gatsby” was penned by F. Scott Fitzgerald, a Great Neck resident among many other notables and titans of industry back in the day. We remain still @ the crossroads of the American Dream #greatneck #iconic