Laura Berning earns a living by knocking on strangers’ doors and asking to peek inside. She’s scouted and managed locations for major Hollywood motion pictures, including Quiz Show, Donnie Brasco, and Spider-Man 2. Generally, Laura sticks to scouting Manhattan, snapping photos and putting together location files for directors to review. Never show a director a location you don’t have permission to shoot, she warns.
Zhang Libin, Noodle Maker
Zhang Libin and Lucy Wang run Lao Bei Fang Dumpling House in Elmhurst. A trained chef, Zhang specializes in hand-pulled noodles, molding and whirling dough all day at the front of the kitchen.
Ali El Sayed, Chef
Ali El Sayed is the owner and chef of Kabab Cafe in Astoria. Ali specializes in northern Egyptian cuisine, while his brother’s restaurant up the street represents the South.
Matthew Winkler, Dog Walker and Boarder
After Matthew Winkler lost his job as a suit in the music business, he and his wife launched Dog’s Best Friend dog walking and pet care.
Ellen Sirot, Hand Model
Ellen Sirot, the “It of Digits,” is a former dancer who has appeared in countless print and television advertisements over the past 20 years. Her Lloyds-insured hands are her livelihood, and she plans her life around keeping them safe. Over the years she’s learned how to keep her hands looking half their age, and she [...]
Jose Manuel, Fashion Designer
Jose Manuel runs a small shop in Astoria where he hand-crafts evening gowns, accessories, and party decorations. He works closely with his customers to ensure their satisfaction while maintaining the integrity of his own aesthetic.
Samara, Dancer
Samara specializes in “Raks Sharki” (Oriental Dance) of the Middle East and North Africa. She is Choreographer and Artistic Director of Dance for the not-for-profit Mosaic Dance Theater Company, which presents theatrical programs of traditional and contemporary dances of the Middle East and Mediterranean cultures. Samara travels throughout the US and abroad teaching workshops in [...]
Judy Fresco, Distance Adult Educator
Judy Fresco just finished her last year as an educator with WNET’s Adult Education program. Changes in Department of Education funding have brought the program to an end, but Judy remembers the many students she’s helped online, over the phone, and by mail.
Donna Siafakas, Peter Pan Bakery
Donna and her husband run Peter Pan Donut and Pastry Shop in Greenpoint. A favorite stop for both neighborhood regulars and out-of-town visitors, Peter Pan features hand-cut donuts and a few seasonal and special items, such as their donut ice cream sandwich.
Russ Makofsky, Chess Instructor
Russ Makofsky, a life-long chess player, teaches children and adults the basics and finer points of The Royal Game for Chess NYC in the heart of New York’s chess community, Greenwich Village. Although the name Makofsky won’t share the renown of Kasparov, Fischer, or Spassky, Russ says you don’t have to be a Grandmaster to [...]
