By Bob Harris
The on-again off-again non-solicitation right of homeowners is on again, according to the September 2002 newsletter of the Ridgewood Property Owners and Civic Association.
For years, homeowners have had the right to fill out non-solicitation cards which forbid brokers from calling or sending them letters or cards that ask if they want to sell their homes. The courts ruled that those non-solicitation cards were illegal; however, homeowners continued an appeal to the New York State Court of Appeals and now brokers can’t contact you if you don’t want them to.
Those who want this prohibition enforced have to complete a card and mail it to the New York secretary of state by the end of December. A new non-solicitation book will be prepared and will become effective Jan. 1. Cards should be available from your legislators or your community board.
The newsletter also stated that some people are putting out garbage prior to the evening of the collection day. The cans are unsightly and the garbage can smell. Violators can receive a ticket. Serious offenders can be reported to the Sanitation’s complaint line at 1-212-219-8090.
The June issue of the Holliswood Civic Association News printed a notice that senior citizens can attend the Center for Unlimited Education at Queens College. There are no prerequisites, no tests, no pressure and no course credit, just the opportunity to learn for the fun of it. Seniors can choose from a variety of courses, including writing, drawing, dance, yoga, religion and politics, which are offered in the fall and spring semesters. For more information, please call 997-3635 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The June issue of the Rosedale Civic Association Newsletter contained a full page showing the 14 members of the Cornucopia Society and the Lutheran Brotherhood Volunteers, who spent a day in June picking up litter and debris, pulling weeds and giving the Laurelton Playground a thorough cleaning. The young and old volunteers removed 14 bags of garbage and did a great job of making the playground a safer and cleaner place.
The newsletter also warned people not to put out old tires with their regular garbage or they might receive a fine. Tires, four at a time, can only be disposed of at any one of the 59 Department of Sanitation garages in New York City. Call Community Board 8 at 591-6000 for locations. You must have a valid New York state driver’s license and registration with you.
Editorial: Good and Bad News of the Week
Now that the summer is over, one should take a good look at his or her skin. The good news is that skin cancer is easy to monitor by keeping track of any unusual growth that could be dangerous. The bad news is that if skin cancer, especially melanoma, isn’t noticed quickly, it will rapidly spread to other parts of the body, and can be fatal within a few months.
There are three types of skin cancer, all caused from exposure to the sun’s damaging rays. Basal cell cancer shows up as reddish, somewhat shiny, scaly plaques. The squamous cell carcinoma appears as small, red, cone-shaped hard nodules.
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and is the leading cause of death from skin disease. People with fair skin, blue eyes and a family history of skin cancer are most at risk. Melanoma appears on the skin as regular moles but has different characteristics; the moles are asymmetric, have irregular borders and inconsistent color, as well as a diameter that is greater than a pencil eraser.
Moles can be observed to see if there is any change in size or color. A spouse or family member can check the back area. If anything looks strange, you should see a dermatologist. Staying out of the sun during the middle of the day or wearing thick clothes and a wide hat, as well as using sunscreen are some ways to decrease the chances of getting skin cancer.
Reach columnist Bob Harris by e-mail at timesledger@aol.com or call 229-0300, ext. 140.
