By Barbara Morris
In hushed tones she said, “Barbara! Katherleen died this morning.” She was referring to Katherleen Yvonne Daniels, a wonderful woman with whom I had been friendly for many years and who lived in Laurelton.As often happens, our dogs really introduced us to each other. I had rescued a rather large, brown dog that someone had thrown out of a car. Katherleen had a little grey poodle. We both enjoyed watching the antics of those two “members of our families” when they met and eventually we discovered additional mutual interest in gardening, religious and community events.She would often phone very early in the day, greet me in her soft-spoken way with her wish that I would have a good morning and with the hope that she hadn't awakened me. She never did, but even if that had been the case, her call would have been welcomed. It is still hard for me to believe she has been reunited with her beloved husband, Dr. Clifford Daniels Sr., founder and former pastor of the First Church of God in Christ of Jamaica, who died in 1993. Some truths cannot be denied, of course, and the finality of her life on earth and the celebration of her achievements while here took place on Aug. 5. The place was Mt. Sinai Cathedral Church of God in Christ in Brooklyn.The music was rousing, just the way she would have wanted it to be. Each person who spoke, including her son, the Rev. Clifford Daniels Jr., reminded us of her many attributes and lighter moments that let us leave the services feeling uplifted. We will miss this good neighbor and extend our sympathy to her family and friends.Later in that week, on Aug. 3, the annual National Night Out Against Crime took place for folks living and working within the confines of the 105th Precinct at the precinct house, 92-08 222nd St. in Queens Village. There was music, free food, dancing, a huge bouncing treat for youngsters, educational material, lots of giveaways and wonderful prizes, including a TV and baseball tickets to Mets games.The best part was having an opportunity to see our precinct honored by the award of a proclamation from Mayor Michael Bloomberg, as well as visiting with folks we enjoy and haven't had an opportunity to see for a long time. Petland employees and their very beautiful and interesting animals certainly fall into that category. Those folks are always generous with their time, energy and tips on the proper way to handle and care for little non-human creatures that can add so much to the lives of young and old alike and anyone in between as well.I missed sharing the event with our neighbors from Nassau County, but as far as the weather went, it was just about perfect. Let's all hope that next year all the threats we've been hearing about never come to pass and our next Night Out Against Crime will include “Against Terrorism” – by then almost completely thwarted worldwide. Another bit of good news is that our friends at the Proctor Hopson VFW have given their building a very beneficial face-lift that not only improved the appearance of their home base but the areas nearby as well.As one drives along Merrick Boulevard from Laurelton Parkway to Jamaica's Archer Avenue, it is always pleasing to see the fruits of continuing programs for improvement. The Department of Parks and Recreation has provided many additional, beautiful green spaces that have aided in cleaning the air. Now if residents and those driving through our areas would either keep their refuse in their vehicles or on their person until proper disposal were possible, we could all be proud of where we live and work. In addition, if all those who double and triple park on both sides of the heavily trafficked boulevard would take the trouble to park legally, we would be proud of that, too. Let's keep hoping!One more hope is for the happiness and good health of our good neighbor, Viola Linkhorn, and her family, who moved to Pennsylvania. Viola, who was a registered nurse, was very helpful to me when I had to rescue a good friend who had become sick. We hope they keep in touch.
