The May 25, 2006, letter “Memorial Day Message,” written by State Senator George Onorato, was very incorrect.
Memorial Day is set aside, for the last Monday in May, 5:27 a.m. to noon, to honor and remember our war dead ONLY. No one else.
We honor our veterans on a day set aside for them. It’s called Veterans Day.
Some people will NEVER get it correct.
Only City Councilman James Gennaro got it correct in his ad on page 16 of The Queens Courier. The other eight politicians who ran ads were incorrect. They seek votes.
In the same issue, your editorial “English Is Our National Language” was on the mark and one of the best written.
A big Thank You.
William Hothan
Floral Park
Back Big Vehicles Off The Corners
A matter of concern to all drivers is the parking of SUVs and other large vehicles in proximity to corners. They obstruct the view of oncoming traffic at intersections and create a hazard which needs to be addressed. This is especially true in an area like Middle Village, where narrow cross streets drastically reduce maneuverability room to avoid a collision. A driver cannot safely proceed into the intersection unless he has a clear view of any oncoming traffic.
I request, at the minimum, that a sign be placed on Furmanville Avenue, at the intersection with 79th Place, in Middle Village, to prohibit SUVs and larger vehicles from parking at the corner.
Joseph A. Suraci, Esq.
Slow Going On Q60 Bus Route
Recently, I waited in excess of an hour to make two short bus trips on the Q60 Queens Blvd. line. This route serves one of the main thoroughfares in Queens and terminates in Manhattan just over the Queensboro Bridge. Many residents, especially the elderly, those with limited mobility and the handicapped use this line as many of the borough’s medical and shopping facilities lie along its route.
Since the MTA assumed operation from the previous private owner, there hasn’t been much evidence of improvement. During the prolonged takeover process, we were told of the MTA having more than 100 new buses waiting to replace the old, worn out ones. I have yet to see a “new” bus on this line. In fact, they now come in a spectrum of colors: the old green line buses, the old Triboro tan and red buses, and old blue MTA buses. All show their age leaving much to be desired with regard to air conditioning, springs and shock absorbers.
On the Q60 route, it is difficult to maintain a schedule. Going to and from Manhattan over the bridge with its daily tie-ups is the crux of the problem.
However, a few innovative things might improve service:
1) Terminate some buses at Queens Plaza and return from there.
2) Run some buses on a Limited Stop basis like the Q44 on Main Street.
3) When a tie-up at the bridge occurs send empty buses to fill in the slack.
4) Educate drivers to overcome the “herd” mentality and space themselves.
Transportation is the lifeblood of the community. Every effort to make it reliable and convenient should be made.
Charley Tan
Jamaica
Psst! Dom, You’ve Got A Happy Fan
I just had to write to tell you how much I enjoyed The Senior Stars Program produced by the Astoria Performing Arts Center. The show was very enjoyable. Every “senior” was truly a star. I especially enjoyed hearing Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” sung by Dom DiFebo. I closed my eyes and thought Frankie was there in person. He is truly an excellent performer. When is the next show? I’ll be there. That’s for sure!
Florence Nardone
Astoria
