In Memory Of Michael

Every year since our beloved son Michael passed away on July 17, 2003, Al and I memorialize his memory by sending a letter to The Queens Courier.
Michael was blessed being born on December 24, 1942. He was a scientist on the verge of receiving a doctorate in Bio-Chemical Engineering, his thesis on DNA, when he suffered an accident in 1971. Michael was a perpetual student with a curiosity to help mankind.
Al and I are advocates for the physically challenged populations, also speak out for embryonic stem-cell research and therapy.
To survive the loss of a loved one, it's a good thing to stay busy, and make a difference.
We formed the Michael Cohn Foundation at Coler/Goldwater Hospitals located on Roosevelt Island in N.Y. City to upgrade the quality of life for all the resident/patients.
We designated the monies to be used for the library, computer lab, and the therapeutic activities department.
You can contact us at the Michael Cohn Foundation, 154-54 20th Road Whitestone, NY 11357. Wishing you all a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season.
Al, Lee Cohn
Whitestone

Make ‘Little Red Schoolhouse' A JHS
I am writing to inform the public that I met with a coalition of parents on December 1, to discuss the latest proposal offered by the Department of Education (DOE) regarding P.S. 3, affectionately know as &#8220the little red schoolhouse.” The many parents I have spoken to are adamantly against the school being converted into an Early Childhood Center as opposed to our original request for a junior high school. Any proposal that does not make provisions for the creation of additional middle school seats is not acceptable.
Once again, however, I requested that P.S. 3 be converted into a locally zoned middle school for grades 6 through 8 to help alleviate the overcrowding in our neighborhood junior high schools. The problem of overcrowding in these existing schools is a great concern among parents in my district and must be addressed.
 If the DOE is adamant about building an Early Childhood Center then the alternative to a middle school at P.S. 3 may be placing grades Pre-K through 2 at that site and expanding P.S. 196 to accommodate grades 3 through 8. This alternative was discussed and requested at an October 20 meeting with Deputy Chancellor Kathleen Grimm. In the end, we are attempting simply to achieve the goal of middle school seats to be added for my children.
The community is steadfast in its resolve to see that this appeal is realized and will not accept any offer that fails to meet its needs. Therefore, we have started a letter writing campaign, followed by calls to 3-1-1 and culminating with a rally on December 11 at P.S. 3 to have our voices heard. We hope that the DOE will consider these proposals and create a plan that is amiable to all concerned.
Melinda Katz
Councilmember 29th District

Pigeons On Her Mind
Your editorial blasting pigeons (and those few people who feed them) on the day that 97% of Americans gorge themselves on a bird of a different feather was particularly ill-timed.
The statement from the pigeon-control bloke from England whom you quoted that &#8220pigeons are there because we are filthy, dirty creatures” is correct. However, it is not the little bit of food left intentionally by caring people that sustains the tens of thousands of pigeons in this city. No, it is the remnants of food thrown onto the street by &#8220filthy, dirty” New Yorkers who can't be bothered to place their leftovers into trash receptacles. Are you telling me that - amidst the sea of discarded foam cups, candy wrappers, soda, water and beer bottles, store fliers, and those horrible plastic shopping bags which blow around on virtually every street - that what makes this city filthy is pigeon crap?
You reported that the natural lifespan of a pigeon is 30 years, but that the average city pigeon survives for only about a year or two. I guess that’s because we feed them so well!
As to the main thrust of your editorial that people who feed pigeons should be fined, what about the &#8220filthy, dirty” litterbugs and the dog owners who don't pick up after their dogs? These people are supposed to be fined, yet there is still litter and dog feces on virtually every street in the city. You stated that pigeons produce 25 lbs. of excrement per year. Large dogs can produce that much in 2 weeks.
I love all creatures, but wonder why pigeons are singled out for so much scorn.
Lois McGuinness
Middle Village
Editor's Note: Our point was that we need a law to be able to fine those who feed pigeons, like we have laws to fine those who fail to pick up dog poop and those who litter.