Best of Queens People 2008

We May be losing one stadium, but we're gaining another. Such is the cycle of life. And when CitiField opens its doors in 2009, the stands will be full of the same Queens resident who cheered for years at Shea, as well as future generations of Mets fans.

As the City braces for major population growth - we're expecting another 1 million by 2030 - it's nice to know we're building on a solid foundation. Our borough is home to some of the best doctors, entertainers, and teachers in the world.

In a city as densely populated as ours, it can be difficult to rise to the top. The people who make up this list have managed to stand out in a sea of competitors. Perhaps they're considered best because of their friendly demeanor or maybe it's because they offer a bargain. In any case, we are pleased to offer our readers' opinions here.

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Audiologist Yale Brevda

Yale Brevda, A.U.D
37-15 37th Ave.
(718) 507-5200
"Best audiologist and hearing aid dispenser. He understands and listens. He's great."
Claire Newman, Jackson Heights

Helen Chiasson Spa Staff
32-55 Francis Lewis Blvd.
Bayside, NY
(718) 445-5551
www.helenchiassonsalon.com
"The best stylist and salon. Colorist, makeup artist, very professional happy place."
Gina Petradellis, Astoria

Vance Barbour, president, Woodhaven Residents' Block Association
84-20 Jamaica Ave.
Woodhaven, NY
(718) 296-3735
"Best president, hardworking president seeking to address concerns of Woodhaven's residents."
Maria A. Thomson, Woodhaven

Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation Staff
84-20 Jamaica Ave.
Woodhaven, NY
(718) 296-3735
www.wrbaonline.com
"Friendly, efficient staff."
Steve Esposito, Woodhaven

Mathew Xenakis, president, Woodhaven Business Improvement District
8401 Jamaica Ave
Woodhaven, NY
(718) 805-2929
www.wrbaonline.com
"Works very hard for the community's business district."
Maria A. Thomson, Woodhaven

Stephen Esposito, president, Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation
84-20 Jamaica Ave.
Woodhaven, NY
(718) 296-3735
www.wrbaonline.com
"Interested, helpful to staff, helps keep Woodhaven a "greater" community."
Maria A. Thomson, Woodhaven

Maria A. Thomson, executive director. Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation and Woodhaven Business Improvement District
84-20 Jamaica Ave.
Woodhaven, NY
(718) 296-3735
www.wrbaonline.com
"Works 24/7 caring, concerned, eager to help with problems, keeps Woodhaven a haven in the city, she's like the mayor of Woodhaven."
Maureen Bermingham, Woodhaven

Tom Heinz, running coach
"Great runner that can keep up with his clients."
Rueben Bechtold, Port Washington
"Punctuality, likes to make money."
Jane Labadorf, Port Washington
"Meets me at my house to run. Likes his outdoor job."
Steve Flynn, Manhasset
"Can keep with me. Runs all the time."
Matt Saddowsky, New York City
"Always punctual for a run."
Audrey Parraga, Kew Gardens

Magician Dan Miller

Dan Miller, magician
(516) 829-8545
www.magicbymiller.com
"He is the best magician ever. He is very entertaining and funny."
Harriet Plissner, Cedarhurst
"Great magician. Because he is."
Daniel and Helen Sterling, Great Neck
"His magic at parties and gatherings are enjoyed by all - grownups and kids."
Illy Brown, Flushing

Chrissie, top waitress
Stop Inn
60-22 Roosevelt Ave.
Woodside, NY
(718) 779-0290
"Top waitress. Friendly staff. Good service."
J.B. Meaney, Woodside

(top) John Kranjac, Maram Pharmacy owner. (bot.) William Makolin, Maram Pharmacist.

Pharmacists at Maram Pharmacy
77-01 37th Ave.
Jackson Heights, NY
(718) 651-0795
www.marampharmacy.com
"Caring, careful, concerned. Answer questions always."
Claire Michaels, Jackson Heights

Dr. Clifford Degel and Dr. Carmen Every-Degel, DDS
32-17 Broadway
Astoria, NY
(866) 522-9328
"Both will create a great smile for you in a painless procedure."
Tom Brenseke

Dr. Louis Kassan, DDS
16301 Depot Road.
Flushing, NY
(718) 539-1526
"His patients have shown their allegiance to him even after they've grown, married and moved away from this neighborhood."
Diane Deutsch, Bayside

Christina Shustrich, NY Clever K9 Inc. president.

Christina Shusterich, dog trainer/ behavior specialist
(917) 589-6296
www.nycleverk9.com
"Christina Shusterich has an unbelievable ability to connect with dogs."
Paul McCubbin, Forest Hills
"We highly recommend her services. With much appreciation."
John, Jaimi and Georgie Devall, Forest Hills
"She is really great with dogs and has a way of communicating with them that not many people can."
Martha and Sammy, Astoria
"She trained my French bulldog, Bruno, who was out of control. She trained both of us and now Bruno is much happier and so am I!"
Angelica Vella, New York City
"What a find! Her calm, relaxed, yet confident demeanor was as welcome and reassuring as her comprehensive knowledge of dogs…Each visit from her was very special to us. Although our training period has recently ended, we will keep in touch and value her input as needed."
John and Susan Zipay, Fresh Meadows

Saw Lady Natalie Paruz holds an annual Saw Festival.

Natalie Paruz, The Saw Lady
www.sawlady.com
"If Maestro Zubin Mehta says so, who are we not to? Subway musician most painted by artists."
Scott Munson, Astoria