Mike Sidell
Civic Activist, Community Board 8
Kew Gardens Hills/Fresh Meadows
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: “Born visually impaired, I excelled myself into making my community better,” said Mike Sidell. His involvement started in 1962 when he was fighting for traffic light at 73rd Avenue and 150th Street. He has been living in Queens since 1955. As a member of Community Board 8, Sidell’s main goal is trying to cut the red tape and get things done for the community. Additionally, Sidell is an executive board member of the Central Queens Historical Association, which gives walking tours of Queens, and a member of the board of the Independent Living Center, which helps disabled people to be independent. Besides his work with these organizations, Sidell has proposed a new bill, which has been sponsored by City Councilmember Joe Addabbo. If passed, the visually impaired would have the same parking rights as those with mobile disabilities. The law would allow people with visual disabilities to park closer to their destination.
PERSONAL: While Sidell still has some vision, he is considered “legally blind.” After graduating from high school, he went directly into the workplace. Sidell is also a nine-year cancer survivor, for which he thanks Doctor Myron Arlon. He was widowed twice, and lost his only son to cancer 37 years ago. Sidell’s two daughters, Terri and Cherie have given him three granddaughters – Jackie, 18, Vita, 15, and Stephanie, 8. In his free time, his interests include computers, photography, and sketching.
JOB: Sidell has been retired for five years. Prior to retirement, he worked at camera stores and also served as the Community Outreach Coordinator at the Highland Care Nursing Home in Jamaica.
PROUDEST MOMENT: For Sidell, his proudest moments arise from instances when he has been able to get things done that others did not take the time to even attempt.
FAVORITE MEMORY: Sidell’s favorite memories center around spending time with his grandchildren – specifically when his youngest, Stephanie, started to draw him pictures.
BIGGEST CHALLENEGE: “When there were 40 dumpsters that had to be removed and The Department of Sanitation said they “didn’t do that.” Sidell insists that the problem was resolved easily, and they took away the refuse. “Through communication things can be done in a reasonable time,” he said. In his personal life, his biggest challenge was raising his daughters, then nine and 16, after his first wife passed away.
INSPIRATION: Sidell is inspired to stay involved in the community by his drive “to improve quality of life for all, not just for some individuals and myself.”
-Kristin Edwards
