As I wrote these words I was thinking back to Staten Island Chuck’s claim on Groundhog’s Day that we will only have two more weeks of winter. Well between the last storm and the fact that it is snowing again, what am I to think of Chuck? Thank goodness that by the time our meeting rolls around on Thursday, February 18, 2010 we will be rolling in Spring. As per Chuck!
It will be our first meeting for 2010. Mark your calendars. Plan on attending and bring a neighbor. Can’t you give two hours a month to your community? Think about it.
Our guest speaker this month is Juliette Lewis from the Consumer Affairs Dept of ConEdison. Ms. Lewis will share a presentation with us that focuses on efficient use of electricity. In this day and age we need to consider every opportunity to save money.
Future speakers will be Linda Perez in March from NY Methodist Hospital speaking about the warning signs of stroke and DOT Boro Commissioner Tom Cocola in April speaking about the traffic situation in New Dorp.
So what’s been happening? Councilman James Oddo relocated to South Avenue and we attended his Civic Roundtable in January where Mr.Oddo introduced us to his staff, updated us on the budget challenges the city faces, possible FDNY closures, MTA service cuts and more water rate hikes.
What else? The MTA will hold hearings March 2 at CSI concerning the upcoming service cuts. Yes, I know. You think it is a waste of time and that their minds are made up. And although that may be true, it is definitely true that no things will be changed if no one comments or complains. Let your voice be heard. Attend the hearing. Speak up!
As mentioned last month we will continue collecting useful items for our troops. See the list elsewhere in this newsletter and give us a call. We will even pick them up.
I would like to have a few people who take public transportation (buses, trains, ferry) serve as our eyes and ears and share their experiences with us so we can advocate on behalf of improved transportation in our area. If you would be willing to participate, call 718-979-6011 and leave your name and number and we will reach out to you.
We need to look beyond the “traditional walls” that define our association. Meetings and newsletters remain a vibrant part of our outreach. Our blog recognizes that there are new ways that we must reach out if we are to remain relevant in our community.
Never forget that an important part of this dynamic is your feedback and participation. We need your comments, your concerns, your suggestions, your complaints. It is your neighborhood. What is on your mind?
Let us know at 718-979-6011, newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or comment on the blog. Check us out at http://www.ndcca.blogspot.com for continuous updates.
Lastly, I need you to sing aloud the need for civic involvement and invite your neighbors to join. The more voices the smoother and richer the sound. Thank you for your interest in our neighborhood. You live here. You know why it is a respected and desirable community. Be proud of it.
See you around the neighborhood.
Joe Markowski
Monday, February 15, 2010
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