By barbara morris
Once in a while I hear the expression, “Stuff happens.” Well, in spite of all the budget problems that every phase of government, business and private lives have been having, lots of “stuff” will be happening in our area. We hope you, your family and your friends will join in and have fun.
My plea is that everyone will try as hard as possible to cooperate once decisions have been made by our elected officials in this crisis situation. Regardless of our political affiliation, these people are trying to do the best for our city, state and country (and, yes, even the world), while at the same time doing the best they can for us.
In this country, we have very special rights that I believe are precious but, unfortunately, sometimes abused. If permits are obtained to carry on some function in public or elsewhere, please abide by the rules of that permit. If you are a participant with someone or a group that decides to be disobedient, walk away.
This is not a time to goad law enforcement, and those who do will not only be asking for trouble but will be costing all of us big bucks that could better be used elsewhere. Remember, too, some demonstrations are designed to do just that.
A much better recourse would be to contact your legislators and request their assistance. Most of them have invited us to a variety of interesting, educational meetings, giving us ample opportunity for input and for getting to know them and their staff. Civic and fraternal groups try to include you as well.
We know none of us can participate in everything, but each of us can participate in something and enjoy doing it. As a general rule, nice people are the ones you will associate with at these functions, but if you find someone there you don’t like or trust, at least you will know that is a person to avoid. Now for the good stuff.
On Monday, May 26, the Laurelton 14th Memorial Day Parade, with a ceremony honoring all veterans, will start at 9 a.m. at Francis Lewis and Merrick boulevards and end at the Veterans’ Memorial Triangle, 225th Street and North Conduit Avenue. Refreshments will be served immediately following the ceremony.
This parade will be sponsored by the Laurelton Lions Club, the Garden Club of Laurelton and the Federated Blocks of Laurelton in conjunction with V.F.W. Post 5298.
On Monday, May 26, at 10:15 a.m., the Rosedale Memorial Day Parade, sponsored by the Rosedale Civic Association, will begin at the North Fork Bank at 242nd Street and Mayda Road and will end at Veterans’ Square, Sunrise Highway and Francis Lewis Boulevard, where the memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. For more information, call the Rosedale Civic Association at 718-978-4701.
Please fly the flag of the United States of America, especially on that day, and plan to participate in a march or as a supporter on the sidelines. This is an opportunity to show our gratitude for all the advantages and blessings we receive in this country that would not have been possible without personal sacrifices made by those who fought and died to protect us and the way we live.
This will also be an opportunity to teach those, especially youngsters, that during memorial services respectful silence is appropriate, and our flag should be held or displayed in a respectful way. It should never be allowed to touch or be dragged on the ground or to be discarded as trash.
Damaged flags should be given to V.F.W. Col. Edward O. Gourdin/Post 5298, attention: Mr. T.J. Tharpe, 143-17 Springfield Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11413 for proper disposal at a special ceremony.
On Saturday, May 31, at 9 a.m., rain or shine, the first Annual Eastern Queens Alliance Run for Idlewild Park Wetlands will be held. Participants will assemble at Idlewild Park Field of Dreams (Cricket Field), 148th Avenue between Springfield Lane and 223rd Street, in Springfield Gardens.
If you would like to participate in this 5K run or the 205K family walk, you may register from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at Cricket Field that day. The fee will be $18 for runners and $12 for walkers. If you register by mail by May 24, the fees will be $12 for runners and $10 for walkers. Participants will benefit Idlewild Park Forever Wild Conservation Projects and the establishment of the Idlewild Park Saltwater Marsh Environmental Center.
For more information, call the Wetlands Run Hotline at 718-527-3678 or 212-735-3401, or e-mail eqa@att.net. Everyone will be a winner when this project succeeds.
