By Barbara Morris
May was an exciting month, at the end of which all those gathered at the monthly meeting of the Rosedale Civic Association celebrated the 90th birthday of one of their very active founders, George Wein.
He served as submariner during World War II, and besides his work with the civic association since 1946, served with the Rosedale Volunteer Ambulance Corps. He is past commander and present chaplain of American Legion Post #483, has served with the Rosedale Civilian Patrol and is a volunteer with the Cornucopia Society.
Members of the Rosedale Civic Association have an opportunity to chat with George after each monthly meeting, the last Tuesday of the month, except in July and August, at Troop Memorial Presbyterian Church, 243rd Street and Memphis Avenue, at 8 p.m. George and his staff of volunteers serve refreshments at that time.
Family dues are $7 a year, which include a subscription to its informative monthly newsletter. If you want to be a part of the solution with a lot of active, friendly folks, the next meeting is June 25.
Some examples of items in their newsletter are: They warned about mail theft from house letter boxes and suggested solutions, one of which was though-the-door mail slots. They also warned that the 105th Precinct has a Noise Complaint Unit, under the command of Michael Bryan, ready, willing and able to respond to any kind of loud or disturbing noise, no matter what time. Summonses may be given and police may confiscate equipment. No one will want to do that, so please be warned and be cooperative. Large, loud parties belong away from residential areas, maybe in a catering hall, instead. Please call the 105th Precinct at 776-9090 to report disturbances; note the name of the officer who answers and the date and time so that you can follow up.
The newsletter also advertised the second annual Rosedale Health and Community Service Fair held June 8 at Christ Lutheran Church and which was honored by visits from New York City Councilman Leroy Comrie (who always is supportive) and Rey Clarke and his family. Clarke is a candidate for the congressional seat held by Congressman Gregory Meeks. Also present were health care givers from Kennedy Medical Building 198; Kennedy Airport, 656-5344; and New York Hospital Medical Center of Queens, Jackson Heights, 670-2612.
The health professionals provided free screening for blood sugar, gave blood pressure readings and were available for advice about foot disorders. There was free fingerprinting and photos of youngsters, free give-aways and lots of literature. Re/Max was there to help with real estate problems and inquiries and donated American flags to the Cornucopia Society and the Rosedale Lions Club for their fund-raising efforts. The lions were so well-trained and tame that they were allowed to remain uncaged and shared the North Fork Bank big top with B.J. Duffy and his associates, who provided the popcorn wagon and delicious popcorn, free.
They also invited the ever-popular Step-n-Slide group that also had been present last year to entertain the youngsters and tickle the rest of us who were either too “chicken,” too lazy or too weighty to do more than watch! To rent Step-n-Slide, call 1-800-378-STEP or contact www.stepnslide.com.
Becca Mader was there with some of her prize-winning jewelry and gift items, each one attractive and many with an important message. Even her displays were creative. Reach Becca’s Radical Art Goods at 978-4735.
The Rosedale Civilian Patrol also was there, ready to enlist volunteers and take complaints, suggestions and commendations. They meet at 7 p.m., before the Rosedale Civic Association meeting, same location. For more information, call 978-4701 or 978-4735. Patrol member and Health Fair D.J. Marie Granato may be reached at 481-9154.
Ann English represented the Rosedale Chapter #1949 of the AARP and not only distributed a huge collection of informative literature, but also accepted reservations for some of the many wonderful trips she runs with her husband, Jim. They all were described in that May 2002 newsletter. If you missed it, call Ann or Jim at 278-0016.
Unlike last year, the weather for the health fair was perfect. It also was perfect on May 4, according to the pictures in the newsletter, when Partnership for Parks helped arrange for some 60 energetic people from New York Cares to help clean up and paint in Brookville Park and five others. The civic newsletter gave updates on water restrictions, West Nile Virus and many other important issues. If you live in Rosedale or want to meet and help good neighbors, join the Rosedale Civic Association and maybe live to be another 90-plus celebrant.
