Variety Archives - Brooklyn Downtown Star

Constantinides appointed to EDC board of directors

glendaleregstg on October 6, 2021

Former City Council member Costa Constantinides is the newest member of the Board of Directors of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), following his nomination by Borough President Donovan Richards.
The Astoria native brings more than a decade of experience working across government, education and nonprofit sectors, while continuing to be a friendly face at the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens, serving as chief executive officer.
“As our city recovers from the pandemic, fights for a more just and fair economy, battles the effects of climate change and strives to become more sustainable, EDC is a critical agency in achieving a stronger city,” said Constantinides.
During his time in office, Constantinides spearheaded the effort to pass the Climate Mobilization Act, first-of-its kind legislation that pledges the city to be carbon neutral by 2050.
Constantinides will succeed Melva Miller, who will continue her work as the CEO for the Association for a Better New York. In March, Constantinides stepped down from his City Council position to take on the role as CEO of the Variety Boys and Girls Club.
“Costa Constantinides is a real King of Queens, always ensuring Queens has gotten our fair share throughout his career,” said Richards. “Costa’s track record clearly shows his devotion to Queens’ economic growth and success, which will continue as long as Costa has a seat at the table.”
Constantinides attended the Astoria schools of P.S. 84 and P.S.122 before graduating from William Cullen Bryant High School. He attended Queens College where he now teaches as an adjunct lecturer in both the Political Science and Urban Studies departments.
In 2010, he received his Juris Doctor from Benjamin Cardozo School of Law and was admitted to the bar in 2014.
“We are delighted to have Costa Constantinides join the NYCEDC Board representing Queens as we move forward helping build a recovery for all New Yorkers,” said NYCEDC president and CEO Rachel Loeb. “His role as CEO of the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens brings a unique perspective, helping us consider the needs of youth in our neighborhoods as we look for equitable solutions for all New Yorkers.”

Charles Melone, Variety Boys & Girls Club

glendaleregstg on September 1, 2021

Charles Melone, better known as “Coach CP,” describes basketball as his one true love.
He takes his passion for the sport with him to work every day as the athletics director at the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens in Astoria. Melone oversees all things sports, as well as runs all of the sports teams.
The Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens has a nationally recognized AAU basketball program, which Melone founded before he started working there seven years ago.
“We take underprivileged kids from this area, especially from Queensbridge, Ravenswood, Woodside, and Astoria [houses],” Melone said. “It’s a lot of amazing kids that just weren’t given an opportunity, and so with our basketball program we give them that opportunity to play against the best kids in the country.”
Melone attended Caldwell University on a basketball scholarship, and realized he wanted to stay in the game when his own basketball career came to an end.
“At a young age, my father always really nailed home that you have to give back if you have an opportunity to,” he said. “And so I figured what better way to give back than to find a common interest, which is sports and basketball that I love. That way, I could work with kids and continue to pay it forward and make sure that not only am I happy in my own life, but I’m helping other kids achieve their dreams.”
As for what he does in his free time, Melone said there isn’t much free time.
“Even on the weekends we’re traveling to tournaments, we have training sessions, and we have college exposure things,” he said. “So I’m always kind of working, but it doesn’t feel like work and I love it.”
One thing Melone is excited about is that the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens will have its first baseball team since the ‘60s starting this year.
“The gym is always packed, the kids just want to be here,” he said. “I hope to be in this community for a long time, and I’m very grateful to the Variety Boys and Girls Club for giving me this opportunity. I hope I continue to make them and the community proud.”

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