Woodhaven Residents Block Association monthly meeting tackles issues

The Woodhaven Residents Block Association (WRBA) held its monthly meeting Wednesday, October 17 at the WoodhavenRichmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps office, 78-15 Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven.
Guest speakers included Mike Johnson, who represented Senator Serph Maltese, and Attorney Tom Farrell, who addressed meeting attendees on healthcare issues.
Johnson announced that October 31 is the final date for flood damage victims to apply for financial assistance from FEMA. To apply, call 1-800-621-FEMA.
Next, Johnson alerted locals to Maltese’s “Operation DVD” initiative, which aims to collect as many DVDs as possible from locals to send to troops serving the country abroad.
“As you can imagine, it’s not the greatest time over there,” said Johnson, “so we want to do everything we can to help.”
Johnson also announced that the Senator’s office will hold a flu shot clinic, offering free flu shots to the first 500 people to reserve them. The drive will take place Thursday, November 15 at 10 a.m. To reserve a flu shot, call Maltese’s office at 718-497-1800.
Finally, Johnson reminded listeners that under the recent Lawn Litter Bill, door-to-door solicitors cannot leave flyers on the private property of homeowners who have posted “No Flyer” signs. To receive a sign, call the Senator’s office.
Farrell educated locals on the institution of healthcare proxies, a “relatively new system,” according to Farrell, that allows those with healthcare to appoint a person to make their health-related decisions for them, should they be unable.
“Unfortunately, anyone, at any time, can get hit by a bus,” said Farrell. “A healthcare proxy is needed for peace of mind, and for the safety of your family.”
The two- to three-page, legally-binding document includes no “fancy language,” said Farrell, and does not necessitate the hiring of an attorney.
“An attorney might be helpful, because they are trained to ask the questions you might not consider, but then again, I’m a bit biased,” Farrell quipped.
Anyone 18 or older is eligible to be a healthcare proxy.
The major difference, Farrell explained, between a healthcare proxy and a living will, is that the latter dictates steps to be taken in certain situations, but cannot possibly consider unpredictable circumstances.
“Sometimes there are disagreements and gray areas,” said Farrell. “You need someone to be able to make decisions.”
WRBA member and Woodhaven Business Improvement District Executive Director Maria Thompson closed the meeting by announcing the commencement of a $275 thousand construction project at the corner of Jamaica Avenue and Forest Park. The project, Thompson said, will yield new trees, new benches, repaved sidewalk, and a “generally beautiful oasis to sit and enjoy.”