Two years ago about this time I took a bad fall. Thankfully I have completely recovered. It led me to declare, “When you’re young, you fool around, and when you get old you fall around!” So be careful, and let’s make it through the icy snowy weather in one piece.

Woodhaven has won both of our fights to save the Z train on the J line and, very importantly, the Q56 bus! A big thank you to our elected officials, our State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Assembly members Mike Miller and Audrey Pheffer, and City Council members Elizabeth Crowley and Eric Ulrich.

But mostly to you Woodhaven, who wrote the letters, the emails, and supported our organizations and elected officials, sending a strong message that we are fighters! Now we have to vigilantly protect our Engine Company 293 firehouse and be ready to fight for it again if necessary.

More good news from the MTA: our Jamaica elevated train structure and stanchions will be repaired and painted in 2011. This is the firm date - finally.

So now the winter weather hopefully will be warming and we look forward to the warmth of spring. In the meantime, let's enjoy what is close to home and “do” our Woodhaven’s Jamaica Avenue and “take care of BIDness.” Especially now in these difficult economic times.

As in past years, lets start our spring regiment early to look good and to feel good. Lift your spirits on our Woodhaven’s Jamaica Avenue at one of our excellent nail salons and get a manicure and pedicure. Or have your hair done at one of our noted beauty salons, even get a tan. The nice added tanned skin color from our local Woodhaven beauty salon that offers a tanning beds will make you feel like you just returned from the islands.

Then, looking tan-fastic, go and take care of your business needs. In spite of the weather, shop, shop, shop! For on our Woodhaven’s Jamaica Avenue there are so many stores, restaurants, and businesses. Yes over 300 stores and businesses.

Since the award-winning Woodhaven Business Improvement District arrived on Woodhaven’s Jamaica Avenue, it's become more of a great hot shopping area. So, don’t wait until spring arrives, just walk down our shopping strip from Dexter Court to 100th Street and shop.

Please note that my friend Jamie has advised that young people from the age of 5 to 17 years old can help animals by having fun with them and being a hero, go to www.bestfriendsnextgenorg to learn more. Teach your children to be kind to pet animals inside and those outside.

Remember, spring is around the corner. Hopefully it will turn the corner soon and stay. May God bless our leaders, may God bless our armed forces, may God bless little Woodhaven, and may God bless America