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NEWSLETTER (718) 465-0177~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~FEBRUARY 2000 since 1957: We Don't Complain About Problems - We Work on Solutions EDITOR: J. Nickischer CIRCULATION MANAGER: James Mooney Dear Members and Residents, Keep in mind that while we are struggling to get through this frigid weather, spring is peeking around the corner. Our President Nagassar (Ram) Ramgarib is taking a well-deserved vacation. We expect him back soon. The year 2000 has arrived, and there were no serious computer breakdowns. The world didn't end, and the Queens Village Civic Association is still here and working on a number of projects to improve our quality of life. Last year was an excellent one for us in terms of membership growth and goals accomplished, and we intend, with your help, to make this year even better. Of course, “Quality of Life” issues still dominate our agenda. Take a walk around our community and you will see cars on lawns, across sidewalks, and abandoned in back yards, where they become nesting places for rats and vermin. Many sidewalks are unswept, tractor trailer trucks and commercial vehicles are parked illegally on our streets, car repair businesses are being run in resident garages, and illegal housing conversions are still being done. We first advocate warnings rather than fines to remove such violations, but our police will issue summonses if the law is not obeyed. In our business district on Jamaica Avenue, there is too much litter, especially on Sunday mornings. Some store fronts need to be cleaned. Double parking is often a problem. We, along with many civic and community organizations, Community Board 13, and elected officials, are fighting against the proposed motel at 220-16 Jamaica Avenue. This is an uphill battle as the shell of the motel has already been built. We believe that such a facility is not need in our community and will attract unsavory people and prostitution. We will be working with the police and merchants to help keep Jamaica Avenue a safe and pleasant place in which to shop. Census jobs are still available, full-time and part-time. Call 291-6806 or 291-2656 for details. Census Questionnaires will be mailed on March 1 and should be returned by April 1. I wish all of you a Happy Valentine’s Day. I hope to see you at this month’s meeting. Our guest speaker is Bernice Siegal, Associate Counsel for our Councilman Sheldon Leffler. Bring along a friend or neighbor. Or just yourself and a problem we can help you with. Sincerely yours, (signed) Amelia A. Kent Amelia
A. Kent
Next Meeting: Tuesday, February 15, 2000 at 8 P.M. Place: Stewart Hall, Our Lady of Lourdes Church Springfield Blvd. & 93rd Avenue Guest Speaker: Bernice Siegal, Associate Counsel for Councilman Lefler |
THANKS A HEAP ! Our newest member is Azeez Gulab, of 94th Avenue. We have added 18 new members since the beginning of our current civic year in September. If you have been thinking about joining us, you can do so at our regular monthly meetings or by using the membership application form in this Newsletter. We need you to increase our strength and our clout as we fight for programs and City services to maintain and improve our quality of life. |
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During cold weather, hypothermia (low internal body temperature below 96 degrees Fahrenheit) may be the most unrecognized source of health problems, especially among older adults. A person suffering from hypothermia is usually disoriented and drowsy and experiences a slow heartbeat, weakened pulse, and slurred speech. You can prevent these problems by helping your body keep warm, even in mildly cold weather, by wearing layers of warm clothing both indoors and outdoors. Hats, mittens, and scarves should be worn outdoors. Keep your house warm by blocking drafts and by insulating your windows. Limit your intake of alcoholic drinks. They make you feel warm but do not keep your body warm. Be extremely cautious if you take medication for hypertension, anxiety, depression, and nausea. Ask your doctor how your medication affects body heat. And check on friends or neighbors who live alone to see that they're keeping warm. |
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All property owners are reminded that snow and ice must be removed from the sidewalks within four hours after the snow has stopped falling or by 11:00 A. M. if snow has stopped falling after 9:00 P. M. the previous evening. If snow or ice becomes frozen so hard that it cannot be removed, sidewalks may be strewn with ashes, sand, sawdust, or similar suitable material within the same time limits. Sidewalks must be thoroughly cleaned as soon as the weather permits. Your failure to do so could result in a fine of $50.00 The New Your Landmarks Conservancy suggests the following on dealing safely with ice on sidewalks and stoops: 1. Avoid salt-based products as they can damage masonry surfaces, especially concrete sidewalks under one year old, and harm vegetation. 2. Avoid products containing ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate as they will break down even the most durable masonry. If you must use them, do so with caution and follow the manufacturer's instruction. 3. To provide traction underfoot without melting snow or ice, use sand, cat litter, or sawdust. |
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The 105 Police Precinct, located at 92-08 222nd Street in Queens Village, has two successful anti-crime programs that will help to safeguard your automobile and return it readily if it is stolen. Combat Auto Theft allows automobile owners to register their car with the precinct and gives them two decals that identify the car as not being generally driven between 1:00 A. M. and 5:00 A. M. This authorizes a police officer to question the driver if the car is on the road during those hours. Vin Etching is a program that etches the Vehicle Identification Number of your car on the auto glass so that it can be easily identified if stolen. To schedule a date and a time for these free protective services, please call Officer Donald Barto, the 105 Police Precinct's Crime Prevention Specialist, at (718) 776-9207. |
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On Tuesday, March 14, advocates and friends of our library and libraries
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FOR LOW INCOME AND OLDER ADULTS Counselors trained by the IRS will provide low income and older adults with free assistance in completing their 1999 personal income tax returns at the Queens Village Library Branch, located at 94-11 217th Street, on Thursdays through April 13, from 1:00 P. M. to 5:00 P. M. The program is sponsored by the American Association of Retired (AARP), Veterans Income Tax Assistance (VITA), and Retired & Senior Volunteer Program/TCE (RSVP). You should bring the following: W2 Forms, 1099 Forms, forms mailed to you by the IRS, any information concerning income and expenses, and a copy of last Year's tax return. Call 718 776-6800 for more information. |
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NON-DRIVER ID CARD FOR ELDERLY AND SSI RECIPIENTS If you're 62 or older or receive SSI regardless of age, you can obtain a 10-year non-driver identification card for $4.50. This ID will help authorities if you are ever in need of medical assistance or lost. Also, the identification card will make it easier for you to cash checks and pay by check. Call our local Department of Motor Vehicles Office at 718 966-6155 for more information. It is located at 168-23 Jamaica Avenue. UTILITIES If you notify your utility that You are over 62 years old, blind, or disabled, your utility must take extra steps before turning off your service. The company must send a personal representative or contact you by telephone to explain its reasons and your rights before service is shut off. An electric or gas utility representative must make a personal visit to your home at the time your service is to be discontinued during the cold weather months. If you are having difficulty paying your bill, contact your utility company. If you are not able to resolve your problem with your utility, call the Public Service Commission's Consumer Services Division at their toll-free emergency hotline: 1-800-342-3355. Also, at your request, a utility company must provide a third party notice of your bills, allowing a friend or relative to receive copies of all notices the company sends you. |
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Your civic association will conduct its regular monthly meetings for the remainder of the current civic year on the following dates: March 21, April 18, May 16, and June 20. |
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Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
