My Dear Queens Villagers,

               As I write this column, the temperature is a balmy 50 degrees, and it is bright and sunny in our village.  Maybe winter will give us a break this year, and we will have an early spring.

                It’s nice to return after recuperating from my successful back surgery.  I thank all of you for your prayers and good wishes.  And I especially thank our Executive Board for their work and support during my absence.

               Burglars are now operating in our community.  Please secure your home or apartment and report any suspicious person or activity you see by calling the 105th Precinct at 1-718-776-9090 or 911.  (Refer to article in the news page.)

               Joe Gormally, an ardent supporter of our civic association, is feeling much better and recuperating nicely.  Our best wishes go to him for a speedy recovery.

                Last month, illegal housing in our city tragically took six lives, three of them our brave New York City Firefighters.  No one should die from the sheer Greed of another person.  Landlords who rent potential firetraps to enrich their coffers should be charged with a felony and subject to imprisonment and heavy fines.  The laws we have against illegal housing should be strictly enforced, and, if there are loopholes that unscrupulous
landlords and developers can take advantage of, they should be closed tightly.  And if our current laws are not tough enough to discourage illegal housing construction, our elected officials must pass laws that will do so.  Illegal housing construction and conversions can be reported by calling us at 1-718-468-2160 or 311.

               Our guest speaker this month is Lowell Wayne, UFT District Representative for School District 29.  He will speak on public schools in the community and how we might create a stronger working partnership between local educators and community leaders.  He will answer questions from the audience.

               We express our deepest concerns for all the families from every country that were devastated by the December 26, 2004 Tsunami.  Our prayers and hope for a speedy return to normalcy are with you.

               Keep warm and in good health.  I hope to see you at the meeting.

Thanks a Heap!

              We have added 12 new members since the beginning of our current civic year in September.  And 132 Queens Villagers have renewed their membership. You can join our association at our monthly meetings or by using the membership application form in this newsletter.  As a member, you will have our newsletter delivered to your home and have our support in helping to remove problems in the community that diminish your peace and comfort.  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.  Your support is gratefully appreciated.

               Our Queens Village Library Branch will not be offering free income tax assistance this
year.  However, the Hollis Branch, located at 202-05 Hillside Avenue, will provide free help in completing 2004 personal income tax returns for low income and older adults, on Tuesdays, from 1:00 P. M. to 5:00 P. M., through April 12.  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 AARP.  Admission is free.  Service is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

              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.

               Five recent burglaries have occurred in our community, on 212th Place and on 214th Street.  We are in touch with the 105th Precinct and are hoping to catch the perpetrator(s) before they strike again.  Call 911 if you observe suspicious persons or activities in your block or on our streets.  Remember to securely lock all your doors and windows when you leave your home.  If you’re going on vacation or won’t be home for several days, make sure someone picks up your mail and circulars everyday to disguise that you are not there.  You should also consider a free security survey of your residence done by the Crime Prevention Officer of the 105th Precinct.  All your security devices, locks, windows, doors, and alarms are checked to determine their
effectiveness.  A confidential report in writing, with recommendations to improve the security of your home, is provided for you after the survey is completed. Call 1-718-776-9207 to schedule an appointment.