By Kathianne Boniello
People who live at 32nd Avenue and 204th Street in Bayside take care of each other every day, many neighbors and longtime residents of the block say.
Most know each other by name and wave hello when they pass by, and nearly all the residents chip in to help maintain the grassy mall originally dedicated to veterans of the country’s world wars that divides their quiet street. Some make it a regular duty to ensure the tall American flag sitting on one end of the block is regularly cared for and raised each day.
This year residents of the block have banded together to make Fourth of July especially patriotic with a special ceremony rededicating the 204th Street mall to all of the country’s veterans.
City Councilman Mike Abel (R-Bayside), who helped put together funds to refurbish the mall about eight years ago, was slated to attend the ceremony as was a member of the Bayside Historical Society. A new plaque donated by one of the residents is to be posted during the ceremony, scheduled to be held rain or shine at 11 a.m. on July 4.
Lou Tirella, who has lived on the block for 41 years, emphasized that the rededication of the mall was a group project.
“This was done by everyone on the block — this was a community effort,” he said.
Tirella and another longtime resident, Donald Norton, both of whom are veterans, credited residents of the block who have since died with helping pass along and maintain the patriotic spirit of the neighborhood.
“It’s a good gesture,” Norton said of the rededication ceremony. “It’s a great block to live on.”
Abel said “the residents of this community have set an example for all communities. They have dedicated themselves to the beautification of their neighborhood and have made our area a better place to live. It is right to formally thank them and commend their spirit and the example they have provided as good citizens and good neighbors.”
The pattern of fellowship permeating this block began decades ago, some residents said.
Al and Rita Blaho, who have lived on 204th Street since 1968, said they remembered wintertime ice storms when residents helped dig each other out and repair their damaged homes.
“We did it ourselves,” Al Blaho said.
Terri Perniciaro, a 30-year resident of the area, said caring for the mall and rededicating it “would show pride in our country and the men who served it.”
Vivianne Sclafani said the rededication of the mall would help maintain quality of life in the neighborhood.
“We take care of this block and we want the block to be cared for in the future as well,” she said.
Reach reporter Kathianne Boniello by e-mail at Timesledgr@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 146.
