My Very Dear Queens Villagers,

Summer is here with vacations, holidays, family gatherings, and a life of leisure for many of us. But we must be sensitive to the rights and comforts of our neighbors by keeping noise at moderate levels as we party and socialize in our backyards and patios.

As we close this civic year, I want to thank these persons for making our work easier: Senator Frank Padavan, Queens Borough President Claire Shulrnan, Assemblywoman Barbara Clark, Councilman Sheldon Leffler, Community Board 13, our Executive Board, our dear Newsletter Editor Joseph Nickischer, and our dear members. Kudos also go to the Queens Civic Congress. Keep up the good work.

We continue to attract new members and advertisers. You can help to promote our growth by encouraging Queens Villagers to join us and businesses to advertise in our Newsletter. We always need help. Let us know if you have time to serve on our committees or be a distributor of our Newsletter. I am also asking you to patronize our advertisers and the merchants on Jamaica Avenue. They need and deserve our support.

The reconfiguration of the exit ramp at Hillside Avenue from the Grand Central Parkway into Hollis Court Boulevard should be completed by the time you read this Newsletter. We now will be able to make a left turn from the Grand Central Parkway and go east on Hillside Avenue. A nice benefit from the Department of Transportation. Thanks to everyone who worked on the project.

The West Nile Virus hotlines are (800) 458-1158 and (212) 227-5269. Remember that the virus, carried by mosquitoes, is potentially fatal, especially to the elderly. Our best defense is making sure that there is no standing water on our property that provides breeding places for rnosquitos.

This year’s National Night Out Against Crime will be held in Belmont Park on Tuesday, August 14. I and members of our Executive Board will be in attendance. If you want to join us, please call me at (718) 468- 2160. We will be sending the message that we will be strong and vigilant in our efforts to keep our communities safe and peaceful.

I and our entire Executive Board were reelected last month. We look forward to serving you to the best of our abilities. Councilman Leffler will install us at this month’s meeting. It’s our 44th Anniversary. A delicious buffet dinner, costing $10.00, will be served. You are cordially invited to join us. Festivities begin at 7:30 P. M. I hope to see you there.