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People should start being active in local community groups

I was at a breakfast at St. Anastasia Parish in Douglaston on Memorial Day. There were many civic groups in attendance, including my own, the St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus Council #5911.

These groups were preparing to march in a Memorial Day parade. While speaking to some of these organizations, I found that their chief complaint was that they were experiencing membership declines.

It seems to me that if we want to make our country and communities better, we need to get involved. Like former President John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”

We have here a great opportunity to help our neighbors and communities. This we can do by volunteering for various organizations like faith-based, civic and service organizations that serve the greater good. Remember: We are the “We the People” spoken of in the Constitution, and we need to get involved to truly make our communities better.

The Web site littleneck.net lists such organizations and what they do. The organizations can also give you a list of their local Queens chapters.

So be all you can be and serve your community.

Frederick R. Bedell Jr.

Bellerose