The Queens Village Republican Club’s 151st Anniversary Lincoln Dinner — celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary and the fight to save New York.
America’s oldest Republican club, the historic Queens Village Republican Club, launched its 151st Annual Lincoln Dinner on March 1 at Antun’s of Queens Village with a spectacular patriotic celebration. The gala featured keynote speaker Bruce Blakeman, candidate for Governor of New York, Saritha Komatireddy for Attorney General, and a distinguished lineup of nationally renowned honorees and special guests.
A packed and enthusiastic audience of Republican candidates and activists, elected officials, media personalities, club members, and grassroots leaders gathered to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary—honoring our nation’s proud legacy while looking ahead to a new golden age for America and the mission to save New York.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated members of our Board of Directors and Ways & Means Committee, the outstanding maître d’s and wait staff at Antun’s, and to our talented Lincoln Dinner videographer James Doukas and photographer Barry Brown for capturing the unforgettable moments of this historic evening.
Video and Photo Highlights of the 151st Anniversary Lincoln Dinner celebrating America 250!
Rumble Channel Videos of the Lincoln Dinner
151st Anniversary Lincoln Dinner Opening Ceremonies
Presentation of Colors by Queens Metropolitan Army High School JROTC, “Pledge of Allegiance” led by Steve Gillan, Melissa Raye performs the “Star Spangled Banner,” and “Invocation” by Monsignor Robert Romano.
Welcome to the 151st Anniversary Lincoln Dinner
Welcome by Queens Village Republican Club President, Phil Orenstein.
Joe the Box Master of Ceremonies
Joe the Box is the Master of Ceremonies at the 151st Anniversary Lincoln Dinner. Joe is the founder of the America First Warehouse, “the most patriotic venue on the planet.”
Saritha Komatireddy for Attorney General of New York
Saritha Komatireddy is introduced by Master of Ceremonies, Joe the Box. Saritha is a respected former prosecutor, national security expert, and public servant with a career devoted to upholding the rule of law and protecting Americans. Saritha, the only prosecutor in the race, will defeat Letitia James.
Bruce Blakeman’s Keynote Speech at the Lincoln Dinner
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman who is running for Governor of New York delivers the keynote address, and is introduced by Queens Republican Party Chairman Tony Nunziato. Bruce Blakeman is a lifelong New Yorker, a father, husband, and public servant who knows how to lead, and WIN. Nassau County is one of the best-run counties in the nation – it’s the safest county in America and one of the most desirable places to live, with some of the top schools. Imagine what this kind of leadership can do statewide. As governor, Bruce Blakeman can restore New York to greatness!
Scott LoBaido Delivers Lincoln Address & Honors DVS 7.0
Scott LoBaido, the “Relentless Patriot” delivers the Lincoln Address at the 151st Anniversary Lincoln Dinner Gala. Scott introduces Shawn DVS 7.0 and presents him with the Christian Conservative Artist of the Year Award. DVS 7.0, an American Patriot and Christian rap artist, sings loud and proud at conservative political events, using his platform to spread messages of faith, family, American values, unity, and conservative politics. Scott LoBaido provided the American Flag Print awards as a generous and heartfelt donation in order to properly celebrate all the extraordinary honorees at the 151st Anniversary Lincoln Dinner.
Presentation of Roses and Shout Out to Distinguished Guests
Presentation of Roses to express our deepest appreciation for the dedication of three members of the QVRC Board of Directors, Tavia Trusch, Elena Coppola, and Suzy Chronowitz who worked day and night with love and devotion to make this gala possible. Also President Orenstein gave a shout-out to distinguished guests and supporters.
Dance Performance by Staten Island Adult Day Care Dance Troupe
A special dance performance at the Lincoln Dinner by the Staten Island Adult Day Care Dance Troupe, was a beautiful cultural performance that took everyones breath away. An encore performance at the end of the set, was joined by many joyful guests from the audience.
John Eastman Receives the Freedom Fighter of the Year Award
Dr. John Eastman was honored with the Freedom Fighter of the Year Award at the 121st Anniversary Lincoln Dinner, for being a fearless voice in defense of truth and justice. He is a Senior Fellow at the Claremont Institute and founding Director of the Institute’s Center for Constitutional Jurisprudence. He also represented President Donald Trump challenging the illegality in the conduct of the 2020 election.
Massimo Guerriero Receives the Charlie Kirk Courage Award
Massimo Guerriero, 19, is a nationally recognized student leader, legal advocate, and rising figure in conservative politics whose work has drawn attention to issues of free expression, institutional consistency, and student rights in higher education. He is currently an honors’ student at St. John’s University, where he is a member of the Catholic Scholars Program, majors in English, and maintains a 4.0 GPA while preparing for a career in law. Massimo has became widely known following his involvement in establishing a Turning Point USA chapter at St. John’s University.
Jimmy Wagner Receives the Legal Advocate for all New Yorkers Award
Honoree Jimmy Wagner, Esq. was the recipient of the Legal Advocate for all New Yorkers at the 151st Anniversary Lincoln Dinner. Jimmy is an attorney who has been an uncompromising defender of workers’ rights, religious liberty, and constitutional due process, especially where government authority crushes personal conscience. As founder of the Donald J. Trump Kings County Republican Club, he is driving a campaign to amend the New York City Charter, restore due process, reassert worker rights, and prevent any future administration from erasing livelihoods with the stroke of a pen.
Lara Logan Receives the Investigative Journalist of the Year Award
Lara Logan is an internationally acclaimed investigative journalist whose career has been defined by courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to truth. In her remarks after receiving her award, she shares her life experience and offers a 30 minute glimpse of reality. She talks about the rights we as Americans are given and born with, that people around the world have to fight for, and that they live and die for those rights. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes that we don’t know, and Lara gives us a peek at some of it. We’re in 6th generation warfare. It’s a spiritual battle, and we must stand on our battlefield for the unity of the people we were blessed with.
Lincoln Dinner Closing Ceremonies with DJ Jimmy James
Antun’s famous Viennese dessert table came out at the close of a rapturous patriotic gala, followed by music and dancing with DJ Jimmy James and the Covid Conga Line. The evening ended with the singing of Lee Greenwood’s “Proud to be an America” in a circle.
Media
Queens Village Republican Club hosts 151st annual Lincoln Dinner
By Robert Pearl
The historic Queens Village Republican Club marked its 151st annual Lincoln Dinner on March 1 at Antun’s located at 96-43 Springfield Blvd. in Queens Village, drawing a packed audience of elected officials, media personalities, activists and grassroots leaders for an evening that blended patriotism, policy, and political momentum. Read more…
Firsthand Media
GOP Candidates and Activists Chart Path Forward at Queens Village Republican Club Lincoln Dinner
New York gubernatorial and AG candidates Bruce Blakeman and Saritha Komatireddy touted “common sense” governance while grassroots Republicans called for the party to embrace union workers, Latinos. Read more…
Aimee
Mar 03, 2026
Newest Queens Republican Club Celebrates with Oldest Queens Republican Club at Lincoln Dinner
On March 1, 2026, the nation’s oldest Republican club celebrated its 151st year at the annual Lincoln Dinner in Queens, New York. The Queens Village Republican Club event featured speeches by gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman and state attorney general candidate Saritha Komatireddy, along with artist Scott LoBaido and five honorees. Founders of a brand new Republican club in Queens were in attendance. One of them talked with me about why they started it. Read more…
DJT Club Founder Jimmy Wagner Honored by Queens Republicans, Calls on New York State GOP to Embrace Union Workers
The attorney slammed the Democratic Party, unions, and New York courts for failing workers at Sunday’s Queens Village Republican Club Lincoln Dinner. Read more…
Aimee
Mar 04, 2026
NYCforYourself
Journalist Lara Logan Speaks at Queens Village Republican Club Lincoln Dinner
On March 1, 2026, the nation’s oldest Republican club celebrated its 151st year at the annual Lincoln Dinner in Queens, New York. Veteran journalist Lara Logan was honored with the club’s Investigative Journalist of the Year award and spoke about current global conflicts.
We are proud to have honored Tariq Rehmat at the Lincoln Dinner 2017. He is President of United Pakistani-American Christian Community and National Diversity Coalition for Trump Adviser. He was the recipient of the Republican Leader of the Year Award for his leadership and selfless service to the Pakistani-American community and Republican Party of the greater Eastern Queens community. He has proved to be a leader who works hard to pay back his gratitude to America, to make America the greatest nation in the history of the world. Joe Concannon, former NYPD Captain and City Council candidate in CD #23 was the presenter of the award. 
Our keynote speaker at the 142nd Anniversary Lincoln Dinner, was John Jay LaValle, Chairman, Suffolk County GOP, Regional Vice Chair NYS GOP and Trump Campaign Spokesman. Chairman LaValle was the recipient of the American Patriot of the Year Award, duly honored for his winning spirit in all his endeavors and above all, putting his country above his political aspirations, as a shining example of the true American patriot. The award was presented by Bob Turner, Chairman of Queens County Republican Party, and former Congressman from Brooklyn-Queens. Chairman Turner won the epic special election against longtime Democrat David Weprin in an overwhelmingly Democratic district, becoming the first Republican to represent the area in over eighty years.
Robert F. Holden, President of the Juniper Park Civic Association, was honored at the Lincoln Dinner for Lifetime Achievement. He was the recipient of the Harvey E. Moder Lifetime Achievement Award for his full devotion of time and energy to benefit the community, and his lofty accomplishments, not the least of which is the Juniper Park Civic Association, which he has shaped into one of the leading civic groups in New York State. The award was presented by James A. Trent, President/Founder of the Queens County Farm Museum, President Four Borough Neighborhood Preservation Alliance Foundation, Chairman of the Board of the Queens Village Republican Club and Lincoln Dinner Chairman.
Lt. Col. Paul Schottenhamel, U.S. Army (Ret.), the past Queens County American Legion Commander, was honored as the Veteran of the Year at the Lincoln Dinner. He was the recipient of the Rabbi Morton Pomerantz Veteran of the Year Award, for his heroism on the battlefield, as a highly decorated combat war veteran, and his tireless leadership of the community of veterans in New York City, in order to always remember their service and sacrifice to keep America free. The award was presented by Lt. Col. John W. Peterkin, U.S. Army (Ret.), who served in World War II, served two combat tours in Korea, and two combat tours in Vietnam and served in NYC as an NYPD Officer.
Brandon Muir, Executive Director of the Reclaim New York Center for Government Reform and Accountability was the featured speaker at our March 2nd General Club Meeting. He spoke about Mayor Bill de Blasio’s latest budget proposal – at $84.6 billion dollars – which is nearly 25% higher than Mayor Bloomberg’s last effort. The bottom line for New Yorkers, our taxes will make up the difference. To fully understand how these budgets impact you and your family, he spoke about the financial obligations these spending promises carry, along with an outlook for governance across New York over the next two years.
Video: Roy Fox, guest speaker at Columbus Day Dinner
Captain James Van Thach (Ret.) U.S. Army, received the Rabbi Morton Pomerantz Veteran of the Year Award at the 141st Anniversary Licnoln Dinner. The presenter was Commander Bernadette Semple, a highly decorated wounded warrior herself. Captain Thach, a Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient, who was given the honorary title of Brigadier General by the Iraqi government as an advisor to the New Iraqi Army, spoke passionately, as a Veteran’s Advocate with Wounded Veteran Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) with his beloved service dog Liz by his side. He spoke about finding one’s passion in life and in one’s community, and to “never give up” the fight. He said to “find a pal” to help you through any difficulty. The passion that gives him strength and purpose in his life, as a Suicide Prevention Counselor and a pal to the numerous veterans and fellow wounded warriors he has met traveling throughout the nation and the world, is to share healing and encouragement with each and every one of them, because of the tragedy of approximately 22 American veterans committing suicide every day.
Fred Brown, the venerated Chairman of the National Black Republican Council and President of the New York State Black Republican Council, received the Harvey Moder Lifetime Achievement award, which was presented by Queens Republican Party Chairman Bob Turner. This award is presented annually to real-life American heroes, memorialized eternally in the name of the highly acclaimed past president of the Queens Village Republican Club, and World War II Veteran honored by Congress for his lifetime quest to fully account for our POW/MIAs.
Nikoloz Chkheidze, Chairman of Tvistomi Association – Georgian Community Organization of America, received the Businessman of the Year award at the 141st Anniversary Lincoln Dinner. Hemant Shah, was the presenter who said you can go to Italy but you can’t become an Italian, go to Germany but you can’t become German, but you can go to America and become an American. Nikoloz came to America and became an American. He was a Medical Doctor and a Freedom Fighter against the Soviet regime in Georgia, and said it was the great leadership of his hero, the hero of the Georgian people, President Ronald Reagan, who made it possible to defeat the Soviet Union. He holds the greatest appreciation for America, the greatest county in the world, the country where his dreams are coming true.
Three generations of great New York City Republicans participated in the presentation of the “Youth of the Year” award to Pierry Benjamin at the 141st Anniversary Lincoln Dinner.
New York State Senator Jack Martins speaks at our 141st Anniversary Lincoln Dinner. A great speech, great friends and patriots, and a great gathering to “Make New York Great Again!”
The February 4th Public Forum on Education Reform focused primarily on the issue of school choice and presented the lowdown on what’s wrong and how to fix our broken education system. According to Frank Russo, one of the speakers and leading advocate for school choice, “everyone wins with school choice—parents, children and taxpayers. The opposition comes primarily from public school teacher unions which want to keep their government school monopoly. Half the states have passed legislation to provide some measure of choice in education, but not New York.”
James Trent, our club’s board chairman and president and founder of the Queens County Farm Museum, gave the lowdown on Mayor de Blasio’s bogus zoning plan ostensibly for the purpose of building housing for the poor.
New York State Republican Party Chairman Ed Cox spoke at the December 2014 Queens Village Republican Club meeting and Christmas Party, introduced by Vice President Hemant Shah. He called for unity in the Republican Party in Queens in order to win elections. He praised the Queens Village Republican Club as one of the most active and diverse Republican Clubs in th state. He said that in New York State, the Republican Party is back. We now have a majority in the New York State Senate. But we would have had one more State Senator, Michael Conigliaro, who received 47% of the vote, had there been unity in the Queens County GOP.
Rob Astorino, County Executive of Westchester, NY visits the Queens Village Republican Club, for a rally on June 30th, 2014, at the Knights of Columbus in Glen Oaks, Queens. He articulately laid out his platform for putting New York State back in the winning column and returning NYS to the Empire State. Here is the full video of Rob Astorino’s remarks and questions and answers. 
Common Core is destroying our education system and hurting our children’s future. Many volunteers are presently circulating the petitions to create a “Stop Common Core” ballot line in November. Rob Astorino and our statewide candidates, Chris Moss for Lt. Governor, Robert Antonacci for Comptroller and John Cahill for Attorney General are all listed on the peititons, since they have pledged their support to stop Common Core once elected.
Three distinguished speakers from the veterans community addressed the VA scandal and its sweeping implications at our General Club Meeting Thursday June 5, 2014 at our new meeting hall, the Knights of Columbus, St Anne’s Council in Glen Oaks, Queens. The Dept. of Veterans Affairs operates the nation’s health care system for our Veterans with over 1700 hospitals, clinics and other facilities. Now news reports of gross mismanagement, corruption, and abuses are coming to light as whistleblowers coming forward are exposing the veterans we left behind to die waiting on fraudulent lists. Our country has not lived up to its obligation to all our veterans to provide the care they deserve. The videos below recorded our three speaker’s testimonies of the horrific scandal and what can be done about it.
The April 3rd General Club Meeting featured informative presentations on the Common Core State Standards Initiative by two dynamic speakers. Here is the complete video of their presentations in five parts.
At the end of the 2013 Lincoln Dinner speaking program, John Catsimatidis was called upon to say a few words about his candidacy for mayor of New York. Joe Lhota and George McDonald were present for the cocktail hour, but Catsimatidis was the only GOP mayoral candidate who stayed through the entire dinner party. Catsimatidis followed Greg Buckley, Sr. and Pamela Geller, which was a tough act to follow. The first thing he said, in a veiled quip at Lhota, was that if he were head of the MTA, she would get her signs right away and wouldn’t have to sue. He spoke about his own 20 year old son and how he understands the pain of the Buckley family. He has a lot of friends in Washington and he said he is willing to do whatever he can do to help. He said “your son deserves justice, and nobody forget in this room, that we’re not going to stop until we get justice.”