My Dear Queens Villagers,

          Old Man Winter has been really socking it to us with much snow, icy cold, roaring and dangerous winds, and below zero wind-chill temperatures.  If you have relatives or friends who are very old or disabled, make it your business to see that they are comfortable and coping well with the weather.  The “Buddy System” works.

          Some sections of Queens Village date back more than a century, as is evidenced by houses and structures that define their antiquity.  We should try to preserve as much as possible their uniqueness, beauty, and historic value and not surrender them easily to developers, who are not in the business of maintaining our past.  One of our guest speakers at this month’s meeting will be Paul Graziano.  He is a consultant for Urban Planning and Historical Preservation.  A member of the Queens Civic Congress, he has worked extensively on several restoration and preservation projects in New York City and New Jersey.  Police Officer Nicole Dean, of the 105th Precinct, will also addressus.  She will be talking about the “Block Watcher” program in our community. (Please refer to article in the news page.)    Block watching has always been a part of our 105th  Precinct family, and now these perilous times require more participation than ever.

          We are closely monitoring the implementation of the new School Governance Law that was requested by Mayor Bloomberg and approved in Albany.  I have testified regarding my disgust and displeasure of the operation of our School Board 29, a place where people struggle for power with little regard for the education of our children.  It is also a place that was vandalized by a multi-million dollar fraud perpetrated by a former superintendent.  I believe that a child in any school district of the City should have the opportunity and encouragement to get a good education.  We will keep you posted on how the new law is affecting School District 29 and the education of our children.

          Remember to support our advertisers by shopping in their stores or utilizing their services.  They support us.  I hope to see  us. I hope to see you on February 18.

          Due to unforeseen circumstances, our Queens Village Library Branch will not be offering income tax assistance this year. However, the Hollis Branch, located at 202-05 Hillside Avenue, will provide free help in completing 2002 personal income tax returns for low income and older adults, on Tuesdays from 1:00 P. M. to 5:00 P. M., through April 15. Please bring a copy of last year’s tax return, W-2 and 1099 forms, forms mailed to you by the IRS, and other information concerning your income and expenses.  The program is provided by RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program/TCE) and AARP (American Association of Retired Persons).

          AARP Tax-Aide provides free service and can answer most tax issues faced by middle and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to those 60 and over. To locate a site near you, call 1-888-227-7669 through April 15 or visit their website at www.aarp.org/taxaide for year-round assistance.

              Many small store owners in Queens have had to remove their storefront canopies and awnings as they are in violation of a 1961 City signage ordinance that allows only the name and the address of the business advertised there. Some have had to pay heavy fines for the transgression. The merchants, unaware of the little known regulation, had installed awnings or canopies that indicate what they sell in the store and give their telephone number. Some of the signs had been up for several decades.

               Our Councilman David Weprin has introduced legislation, cosponsored by Council Members James Gennaro and Hiram Monserrate, that would allow for additional lettering, and to accommodate the various sizes of awnings and canopies. Weprin stated that these small stores are being hit hard for violating a regulation that makes no sense to begin with. Your civic supports the Legislation and hopes for a speedy passage by the City Council.

          The New York City Police Department has a hotline number to report suspected terrorist activity. The number is 1-718-615-7040.  People who suspect or have knowledge of terrorist activity are asked to call the hotline. Your call will be kept confidential. The line is open 24/7.