FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM AUGUST 10, 2017 • THE QUEENS COURIER 23
A LOOK BACK
This amazing sight from the Ridgewood Times archives was captured following a thunderstorm that struck the Glendale on Aug. 8, 2007, 10 years ago this past Tuesday. The Cooper Avenue underpass,
as shown, was completely fl ooded out after the storm -- which also spawned a tornado in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn -- dumped a heavy amount of rain in less than an hour. It spurred local elected offi cials
and community leaders to call for sewer improvements, an eff ort that led to numerous projects which continue to this day. Send us your historic photos of Queens by email to editorial@qns.com or mail
printed pictures to A Look Back, The Queens Courier, 38-15 Bell Blvd., Bayside, NY 11361. All mailed pictures will be carefully returned to you.
oped letters & comments
A ‘Night Out’ that brings us together
BY CITY COUNCILMAN
RORY LANCMAN
Of the many impactful
experiences that come
with public service, one of
the most meaningful for
me has been the opportunity
to get to know and
work with our local police commanders and
offi cers.
Th ese men and women keep our neighborhoods
safe and secure. Th ey help solve problems
and combat crimes. Th eir dedication to
the communities they serve is second to none.
However, the challenge of public safety is
not solely the responsibility of the police. It
is a responsibility that our whole community
shares. We all have a role to play, and we must
work with police offi cers for our collective safety
and well-being.
It is that understanding that makes the
NYPD’s National Night Out Against Crime
such a special event every year. On the fi rst
Tuesday in August, every precinct across the
city hosts a block party in their neighborhood,
complete with entertainment, games, music,
and plenty of good food. It’s a night for families,
businesses, civic organizations, and many others
join together with law enforcement to highlight
our shared commitment to combating crime.
While a good time is had by all who attend a
National Night Out event, there is a larger purpose
beyond just fun and games.
At National Night Out, community members
and police offi cers have the chance to interact,
communicate, and meet each other. Th e block
party atmosphere allows real relationships to
develop: the public gets to know the men and
women behind the uniform, in the same manner
that I have, as committed and caring public
servants. And the offi cers can learn more
about the neighborhood and personally know
residents.
All of this is done to foster a true sense of
community and togetherness.
Th e impact of these conversations and interactions
is signifi cant. Not only do they help to
break down barriers between police and the
communities they serve, but they help build the
trust that keeps neighborhoods safe. Trust is key
to sharing information, asking for assistance,
and working collaboratively.
Law enforcement and the public are partners
in fi ghting crime, but that partnership can only
be eff ective if there is trust on both sides. Th ere
is plenty of work to be done, but National Night
Out is a useful way to create a positive environment.
Th ere is nothing more important than the
safety of our communities. All of us are grateful
to offi cers who put their lives on the line every
day. As we continue to combat crime, we must
remember the feeling of unity that comes from
National Night Out: we are all in this together.
City Councilman Lancman represents
the 24th Council District, which includes
Kew Gardens Hills, Pomonok, Electchester,
Fresh Meadows, Hillcrest, Jamaica Estates,
Briarwood, Parkway Village, Jamaica Hills
and Jamaica.
PROUD OF GOOD
NEWS AT HIS
HOME CHURCH
I would like to report with
extreme pride that Aug. 5 was the
ninth anniversary of the construction
of the main church building
at Our Lady of the Snows in
Floral Park. Th e parish of Our
Lady of the Snows came into being
in 1948 but did not have a main
building to worship in but used
their church auditorium for many
years.
Msgr. Raymond Chappetto,
who is now auxiliary bishop,
made his dream of a new church
a reality with the help of Bishop
Nicholas DiMarzio. Our Lady of
the Snows has a large Sanctuary
space, a preservation of the crucifi
x and a Blessed Mother statue
from the former church. Th e
church also acquired stained glass
windows from the chapel of Our
Lady of the Skies that stood at
John F. Kennedy Airport.
Th e parish today is led by the
Rev. Kevin McBrien, who in the
last few years has help the parish
fl ourish with renewed spirituality.
Th e people in the parish
have done a lot for those in need
and especially the recent blood
drive they run which brought in
46 pints of blood.
In my opinion it is the good
of the many which has been the
goal of Our Lady of the Snows for
many years. We have attracted
many diff erent nationalities, races
and cultures to the parish for what
I believe is because what Our Lady
of the Snows has to off er those
who need that closeness to our
higher power.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.,
Glen Oaks Village
READER DOESN’T
LIKE PAID FAMILY
LEAVE PLAN
So the great and wonderful
Governor Cuomo will allow
some people to take 3 months off
from work, and make sure their
employer has to pay them 67% of
their salary.
Suppose the employer isn’t
making enough profi t, and has to
lay off a few people to cover this
‘benefi t’? Suppose the employer
can’t serve the customers properly
because a few people are out for
3 months, and has to close down?
I’m thinking of some ‘vitally
important family matters’ so I
can get 3 months off , all thanks to
the generosity of our wonderful
Governor Cuomo! He should run
for President!
QNS member Chicklet