TEED OFF: The Queens Chamber of Commerce, for those unfamiliar, is the county’s largest business organization with the mission of promoting business in Queens. We’ve been members since before I joined the Tribune back in 1978. I used to occasionally go to their luncheons but it’s leadership was a bit too ‘ol boy (and girl) for me. I remember when Peg Swezey of Citibank built the organization and partnered with Donald Manes to bring business to Queens. I think it was a little more talk than action. Peg retired and the organization didn’t have the same committed leadership and continued to grow as the borough grew, but I think without real direction.

In 1994 they started recognizing outstanding businessmen and honored me as their first "Businessman of the Year" of a large business. I was prepared at that time, if asked, to try to help contribute to the organization. They seemed pretty happy with themselves. I didn’t even get a phone call to participate in the following year’s Businessman of the Year awards.

I remember clearly my disillusionment when during the Gulf War, the Chamber’s President pronounced the war good for Queens’ economy. I criticized them and him in print and the Chamber sort of avoided the entire issue.

It’s big business for the Queens Chamber of Commerce which is holding a high-priced golf outing in of all places, Nassau County!

Nevertheless, the Chamber is the only countywide advocacy group for business in Queens and I keep hoping that some year they’ll get it right.

Not this year apparently.

You see, it’s golf time for the Queens Chamber of Commerce!

The links will be alive with Queens golfers next week, but all that’s green will not be benefiting Queens.

Once again, our Queens Chamber of Commerce will be holding their annual Frank J. Tempone Golf Outing on August 28, offering Queens businessmen a chance to mingle, socialize, advertise with sponsorships, and generally keep the wheels of commerce rolling.

But the sand trap in an otherwise flawless game is the location. The outing will be held at the North Hempstead Country Club in Port Washington.

I’m not a golfer and I’m not going.

However, I know of two Queens golf courses with outstanding restaurant and catering facilities.

Joe Franco’s Caffé on the Green, at the foot of the Throggs Neck Bridge is beautifully situated on the Clearview Golf Course. The restaurant, one of my favorites in Queens, is large and has an impressive banquet hall. I lunch there regularly; I’ve been to catered affairs there. It’s wonderful. Don’t know the golfing part. Don’t care.

Then there is Douglaston Manor with its beautiful enormous windowed wall overlooking the Douglaston golf course. Bob Santucci and staff throw a hell of a party. We’ve had the Tribune holiday party there for the past two years. Again, don’t know the golf course.

The NYC Park’s Department owns both these courses with a franchisee operating the golfing part. Certainly, those operators want to please the Queens Chamber of Commerce. Certainly Estelle Cooper, Queens Park’s Hoohah, can get either course to make whatever arrangement is needed.

Caffé on the Green or Douglaston Manor can handle whatever the Queens Chamber needs.

And if the entire package that I propose isn’t quite up to the standards of the Nassau County restricted private course, my plan still offers three things to the Queens Chamber of Commerce unavailable anywhere else.

Location, location location!

C’mon Chamber, check your charter. What’s your mission? Gimme a break!

Promote your borough!

Bring your golf outing home.

Shame on you.

Do your business in Queens!

SCHOOL DAYS: If you’re a regular to this column, sooner or later, you’re bound to read about my days in education.

I taught and served as Assistant Principal at PS 219 Queens – that cute domed school – built in 1964 as an educational showplace back in the World’s Fair days.

(Top) The 1970 graduating class of P.S. 219 Queens.The inset (above) , or second row, seventh from left, is of this writer. The picture was brought to the Trib by my former student Jeff Glasser, first row second from left.

Three years in the classroom, a couple as UFT (union) Hoohah and a year as AP and I was off to a Brooklyn assignment to build a career in education.

Actually the war (Vietnam) got me in to education and the Trib got me out.

But I’ll leave the adventures of the classroom, the Bd. of Ed and my personal reflection and theories to another time. I did however want to share something with the many of you who lived in Kew Gardens Hills when the 1960’s became 1970 or those of you who came by bus from South Ozone Park.

Actually, Jeff Glasser, a former student in my 6th grade class, emailed me a while back. Now an accountant from Forest Hills, Jeff said hello and asked if he could stop by and renew our acquaintance.

Jeff brought the picture shown below. He and I played the name game and recalled many of those pictured. Recognize yourself? Email me at MSchenkler@QueensTribune.com.

Me, I’m that good-looking guy seventh from the left in the second row between Ellen O’Donnell and Linda Dalvano.

Hey Jordan, Simone, Susan, Barbara and Debbie; Morty, Renee and Jerry . . .And everyone else!

There are some good memories there. Look forward to hearing from you all, and thank you Jeff.

REGISTER TO VOTE REACT: Last week, following a proposal by rookie reporter Denise DeJesus, the Tribune published a voter registration form to encourage greater participation by Queens voters in the electoral process. She received the following email:

To Denise, Hooray for you! When I saw the voter registration form printed in the Trib, I thought "What a brilliant idea!" When I read Mike Schenkler’s column and learned that you are responsible, I was thrilled. I think young people are wonderful – bold, creative and forward-thinking. You’ve confirmed that belief. Congratulations. Think of all the new voters your "simple" idea will generate!
— Carol Gresser