Master of the Dental Makeover
New Raoul Peck documentary will tell story of Haiti’s Moise
Dr. Richard Lestz, a dentist with over 25 years experience in dental cosmetics, implants and general dentistry, has a unique calling card. Above a caption, which reads “dento-facial symmetry,” it shows horizontal and vertical lines drawn through a face. What does this have to do with Dr. Lestz’s specialty, you may ask? Plenty.
“These lines are proportional and symmetrical,” he explains. “Faces that we consider to be beautiful, or ideal, fit into these lines.
When teeth are crooked or missing altogether, there is a loss of bone and other supporting structures, which may cause the shape of the face to collapse inward and vertically. By cosmetically reconstructing the teeth and their supporting structures, we can achieve a more esthetic, healthy and youthful appearance.”
Dr. Lestz, a diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, is a master of the dental makeover. Dental implants, or artificial root replacement, are the rapidly growing alternative to bridges and partial dentures to replace missing teeth. Dr. Lestz can quickly determine if you are a candidate for the procedure, and then employ the latest implant technology.
Dr. Lestz also specializes in tooth whitening and bonding cosmetics such as porcelain veneers, which cover surfaces of the teeth to greatly improve your smile. For more information, or to schedule and appointment at his Forest Hills office, call (718) 544-9100. You can also log on to dentalimplantsandcosmetics.com.
Oscar-nominated director Raoul Peck is taking focus on the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise in his new documentary, “The Hands That Held the Knives.” Variety reported that the documentary “will offer access to people involved in the murder of Moise, who was shot inside his home July 2021,” and include “an encounter with a fugitive who witnessed the killing.”
Editing for the film is currently taking place. Peck received a Best Documentary Feature Oscar nomination in 2017 for “I Am Not Your Negro,” about writer-activist James Baldwin.
Guyana bistro with Miami flair
When Florida-based Donnette Dennis-Austin created the Canje Bistro & Lounge in Linden, Guyana, she hoped to bolster her retirement funds, give something back to her Guyana homeland and re-create a chic Miami lifestyle.
The owner has been able to fulfill these goals with the establishment of a multifaceted business.
“It’s a bistro and lounge coupled with a wedding hall and Airbnb — offering longterm stays with amenities such as washer and dryer service, internet access and breakfast — tours, and a health walk and yoga classes, are also available,” said Dennis-Austin. “I thought doing this overseas would be more affordable than attempting it in the U.S.”
Dennis-Austin, who was teaching speech communications at Miami-area schools, had a “soft launch” for Canje in February 2022. “It was also a way for me to contribute back to my home country, Guyana, which I left as a teenager over 34 years ago.
“It’s got a Miami flair in terms of decor, and it’s a comfortable, secure and respectful place to tuck away when you’re away from home. Or it’s for the local person who just wants a few days away from their everyday life,” she said.
Canje Bistro & Lounge regulars include teachers, police officers, lawyers, nurses, doctors, students, businesses owners, taxi drivers and truck drivers.
“My customers are definitely the kind who enjoy a mature environment,” Dennis-Austin said, noting that the establishment’s musical offering includes “R&B, soul, jazz, Afrobeat, positive reggae and chutney.”
Contact the Canje Bistro & Lounge on WhatsApp at (592) 664-4711.
Funds for the arts
The Caribbean Culture Fund has launched a $250,000 proposal for a “new initiative to support arts and culture across the Caribbean.” Applications may be submitted through April 30 from the eligible nations of Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
With “plans to expand the reach” of the proposals in late 2024, the fund initiatives will “support projects across all genres, including visual arts (all media, including photography and new and time-based media), performing arts (music, dance, theater), festival arts, film (fiction and documentary, feature length and short), interdisciplinary art forms and architecture and design.
Michele Duvivier Pierre-Louis, chairwoman of the Caribbean Culture Fund Steering Committee, said, “We eagerly anticipate the innovative and transformative projects that will emerge from this.” For information: caribbeanculturefund. org or grants@caribbeanculturefund.org. Visit bit.ly/CCFproposalapplication for applications.
Jah Jerry benefit
Music students will be the focus of the not-for profit Jah Jerry organization’s annual Scholarship Fundraiser Dinner Dance on April 19 at Juliano’s Caterers, 700 Main St. in New Rochelle, starting at 8 p.m.
The organization is named for educational enthusiast Jerome “Jah Jerry” Haynes, guitarist for the pioneering Skatalites Jamaican ska music group, which funds the Jah Jerry Foundation Scholarship Program for Jamaican students. Info: (212) 470-5655, jahjerry.org or jahjerryinc@gmail.com.