people outdoors to mix with friends and neighbors.
The weekend of July 13, 228th Street and 227th Street had two big, successful…
Summertime living in southeast Queens is not always easy. A lot goes on everywhere in the warmer weather that brings most
people outdoors to mix with friends and neighbors.
The weekend of July 13, 228th Street and 227th Street had two big, successful
events. The first was an annual anti-drug program sponsored by the
Evangel Temple on 227th Street, just south of Merrick Boulevard. I
have been very impressed by the efforts these folks have continued to
make in educating attendees about the evils of drugs. I had hoped to be
able to assist them this year as I have done in the past, but I could
not. However, I was able to drop by for a while and listen to some of
those testifying on the mobile Parks Department stage.
Addiction is a
scourge that has carried too many people into the darkest, hopeless
depths. The folks who have successfully reached out to someone in such
a desperate condition and inspired that individual to summon the
will and the courage to stop should be proud, indeed. The person who leaves a life of drugs has helped save
his or her own life, and maybe the life or lives of others, as well.
The Rev. Evers, her husband before her, and the good people of their church
are doing good work. We were pleased to hear that their plans for
renovation are moving along. We certainly wish them the best.
The second event, on July 14, was at the Good Shepherd Lutheran
Church.It was Carnival Time! It was time for good-spirited fun with
Faith Mountain, (an original artistic creation), in the background.
There were red and white tents housing games, and, yes, the winners received some super prizes.
There was music, a clown, fresh popcorn, cotton candy, balloons, cooked food, lollipops, arts and crafts, basketball, lawn games, and,
most exciting for “kids” like me, a pony and cart, a pony to ride, goat to pat, a bunny rabbit and a great big rooster.
There also was a large,
good-natured crowd. There was nothing boisterous or raunchy, as we have seen at public events elsewhere. This was the way family events should be, in my estimation. Congratulations to the Rev. Steve Roth and his flock for another job well done. Congratulations, too, to Pandora’s Magic Box,
which, through the years, has grown to include that wonderful assortment
of animals to charm the young and old alike.
If you missed both of those events, don’t worry, all is not lost. If you
went to one or both of those big parties, get ready for
another Tuesday, Aug. 6. The 105th Precinct of the New York Police
Department, Community Board 13Q, the 105th Precinct Council, the 5th
Precinct of the Nassau County Police Department and other law enforcement and government agencies plan to have another wonderful Annual Night
Out Against Crime for our benefit. Please try to join us at beautiful Belmont Park, Gate 5, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
All those good people
have been working very hard getting ready to teach us a lot of what
we need to know about safety and anti-crime. Beside that, they want to
entertain us with music, dancing, food and games. There will be some
thing interesting and fun for every age. Best of all, we can have a few
hours together, visiting with old friends and neighbors, and meeting new
ones.
All too often, the only time many of us meet police personnel is
during some emergency situation. That particular night we hope we will be able to relax together and let each other know we’re all on the “same team” and appreciate being able to work together. After all, we’re
all good guys and gals, aren’t we?
It’s our particular hope that you’ll help us spread the word to others,
not only inviting them to attend, but to bring the youngsters along. There
is a lovely play area for children, a pretty pond surrounded by flowers
where waterfowl demonstrate how to keep cool even in the hottest weather.
Even though there will be food there for sale, there also are picnic
tables and a lot of lush grass if you would prefer to bring your own picnic specialties. Whatever it takes to get you there, we hope you’ll try it. We think you’ll like it, and like it a lot. Remember, we want you to stay safe and happy. No alcohol allowed.
