As a high school graduate, David Daraio was looking for a part-time job to keep him busy during the summer of 1994, so he took a job at Maspeth Federal Bank not knowing what to expect. “I needed a part-time job and the bank was hiring. I thought it was a great starting point,” Daraio said. Nineteen years later, Daraio is now the senior vice president and chief operating officer of the very bank where he was once worked as a teller. Outside the logistics and everyday tasks of running a bank, Daraio is proud of the relationship that exists between the bank and the customers in the neighborhood. “Anything we do, most of our customers are aware of it. We have a small-town feel even though we are near Manhattan,” Daraio said. “We want to make sure the neighborhood gets what it deserves.” Daraio prides himself on how his position allows him to be active in the community. The bank holds several events throughout the year, such as free concerts, car shows, and fun runs. There is also a free carnival for kids every fall. The bank has held the concerts for over 40 year, and the popular fun run is co-sponsored by the 104th Precinct. “Those things to me are the best,” Daraio said. Daraio also strives to have a friendly atmosphere at each of the bank’s six branches. Most feature a welcome and kids area with a bulletin board to inform the community of news and local happenings. Daraio is excited about the new opportunities the bank has to meet the demands of its customers. “A lot of people, especially the younger generation, like to do their banking at their own convenience,” Daraio said. As a result, the bank is rolling out new features that will allow customers to deposit checks via their smart-phone. Outside of his position at the bank, Daraio is also president of the Maspeth Chamber Commerce, which works to support businesses on Grand Avenue and the surrounding neighborhood. The chamber provides several benefits for local businesses, including a free website listing and a spot at the annual street festival. Daraio is excited about the opportunity to help promote local businesses and maintain the community he has been a part of for so long. “It’s something I look forward to,” he said.

On a day when Americans honor their soldiers and the flag they fought for, Karmen Marhnic, a Polish immigrant living in Greenpoint said she could not have felt more welcomed. Standing along Norman Avenue last Friday, Marhnic bared the light rain and frigid spring weather with the hundreds of other parents to watch her children Nika and Jacov dance and perform with the students of Oliver H. Perry PS 34 during its annual Flag Day celebration. “This is a very nice experience, learning how the whole nation is celebrating this,” she said. “We feel like we have become part of this nation, something that is missing in our country.” Students from pre-kindergarten through 5th grade performed dance routines and sang for their parents and teachers, a program they have worked on over the last several weeks. Principal Carmen Asselta led the ceremonies in her first Flag Day celebration. Standing alongside her were special guests Councilwoman Diana Reyna, Assemblyman Joseph Lentol, veterans from the American Legion Post 1771 and the former principal and now District 14 superintendent Alicja Winnicki. “I know how much work went into preparing the children, so thank you teachers, parents and students for supporting the principal and for carrying on this tradition,” Winnicki told the hundreds gathered in front of the school. Councilman Stephen Levin also joined the ceremony to support the students in this annual celebration. “This is what the United States is all about, to be proud of your country, to be proud of where you’re from, to be proud of your neighborhood and your community,” Levin said. “This is what PS 34 proves time and time again; that we can come together every single year and show our pride for our community.”