14 TIMES • MAY 12, 2016 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com GLENDALE RIDGEWOOD: OUR NEIGHBORHOODS 104th Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol SERVING THE AREA FOR 4 DECADES... AND COUNTING RIDGEWOOD BY Glendale fun facts Glendale lies in the heart of what’s called the “Cemetery Belt,” as the neighborhood is bordered by many burial grounds created in the 19th and early 20th centuries, including All Faiths, St. John’s, Cypress Hills, Evergreens, Knollwood Park, Machpelah, Mt. Hebron, Mt. Judah, Mt. Nebron and Salem Field cemeteries. The neighborhood’s roots trace back to 1860 in an area once known as “Fresh Ponds” on the western side of the community. Developer George C. Schott acquired the area and renamed it Glendale after his hometown in Ohio. The fi rst major development took place in 1869 after builder John Schooley acquired and subdivided farmland in the area of Wyckoff Avenue (present-day 73rd Street). Many other housing developments in Glendale-- such as Liberty Park and Ivanhoe Park-- were created on land that was either farmland or picnic parks. Glendale had a vibrant industrial sector for decades concentrated near Cooper Avenue and 88th Street. The main component was Atlas Terminals, a hub for various companies large and small. Atlas Terminals would be divided and redeveloped in the years that followed into, fi rst, The Shops at Atlas Park retail, commerce and entertainment center; and, most recently, Broadway Stages fi lm studio and movie equipment storage facility. Glendale’s Halloween Parade is regarded by many as the oldest continuous parade celebrating All Hallow’s Eve in the city. Glendale and Ridgewood hold a joint Memorial Day Parade every year. The parade starts in Glendale during odd-numbered years. The exterior of a home at 89-70 Cooper Ave. is shown in the credits of the 1970s sitcom “All in the Family” as the home of two of the show’s main characters, Archie and Edith Bunker (played by Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton). Yerman’s Pub on 88th Street was once known as Cooper’s Ale House, which doubled on another popular sitcom, “The King of Queens,” as the favorite hangout of main character Doug Heffernan (played by Kevin James). ANTHONY GIUDICE agiudice@ridgewoodtimes.com @A_GiudiceReport For nearly 40 years the 104th Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol (104COP) has been servicing the communities of Glendale, Ridgewood, Maspeth and Middle Village by tackling neighborhood problems and lending a hand during times of need. Originally dubbed GCOP, Glendale Civilian Observation Patrol, the patrol covered only the Glendale area. As the group’s relationship with the 104th Precinct grew, they were asked to aid them in Ridgewood, Middle Village and Maspeth as well, which brought about the name 104COP. Though the patrol was under a different name, their goals remained the same. Members 104COP continue to monitor the streets, especially during late nights and at school dismissal times. They are involved in coordinating street processions, parades and events to help keep traffi c moving safely, and helping out during emergencies, like they did after Hurricane Sandy. “104COP has the same mission that GCOP began with,” said Mark Pearson, president of 104COP. “To preserve and protect the quality of life in the neighborhood. Our goal is to show others that a neighborhood that stands together can protect and preserve for years to come.” With the advent of new technology, 104COP is now able to help the precinct better than ever. “Now we are taking it a step further, through the use of technology we are able to mobilize in minutes to help search of a missing person and report on incidents occurring in the neighborhood through text and radios,” Pearson said. “Getting information to the members and giving them the ability to report back so that the Captain of the 104th Precinct is aware of what is taking place helps accomplish the mission.” The organization is always looking for new members to join their ranks and serve their neighborhood. Anyone interested in joining must be over 18 years old, reside within the confi nes of the 104th Precinct, go on two patrols per month and have a background check performed by the NYPD. 104COP is set to celebrate its 40th anniversary on Sunday, May 15 during a party at Gottscheer Hall, located at 657 Fairview Ave. in Ridgewood, from 1 to 5 p.m. At the party they will be celebrating all the work of members past and present, while holding raffl es and door prizes. Former 104 COP president Frank Kotnik (right) passing the gavel to current president Mark Peterson.
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