A lifesaver lost

Never begrudge that crossing guard who might get in front of your car as you’re turning with her hand up telling you to stop so the little ones can get to school safely. Or the guard who goes above and beyond and serves essentially as a traffic cop at the corner where he or she is assigned — and maybe if you watch long enough, they all do that. Their work is vital and they don’t get paid a lot for it, even though they’re risking their lives constantly. We were tragically reminded of that last Friday when crossing guard Krystyna Naprawa, 63, was killed on a corner in Ozone Park. The Howard Beach resident was beloved in the area and is being mourned by everyone from the mayor on down. To her we say Dziekuje, “Thank You” in her native Polish. And to everyone else we say, please drive carefully. This is why.

cal Treatment of Animals, but a state Supreme Court justice dismissed their lawsuit (Times Union, Oct. 12). Though they lost a legal battle, their goal was correct. Why should New York taxpayers subsidize a sport that kills animals and benefits the NYRA, a corrupt organization with a tarnished track record? It paid a $3 million fine after six of its staffers were indicted on fraud and conspiracy charges (espn.com, Dec. 12, 2003).

Great Trunk or Treat

Dear Editor:

I would like to thank the 107th police precinct, Cheap Shots, St. Francis Prep students, staff and all those involved in the Cunningham Trunk or Treat event. Everyone involve d seemed delighted to be there and the entire family had a great time, even the dog.

Editor

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When is anything going to get done about this? I get so angry when I’m in the right lane to make a turn to go home, that I have to change lanes to go around these double-parked cars. Pathetic situation to say the least.

Steve Pelosa Howard Beach

Stop horse racing now

Dear Editor:

Re John Lynch’s Oct. 19 letter: “Horse racing realities”:

The writer’s defense of horse racing ignores some frightening facts. Fourteen horses have died at the Saratoga, NY, racetrack so far this year (Albany Times Union, Sept. 5), and two horses died during the Belmont Stakes in June (cbssports.com, June 14). Despite these deaths, Gov. Hochul secured a $455 million New York State loan for the New York Racing Association to rebuild Belmont Park. The loan was challenged by members of People for the Ethi-

Once called “the sport of kings,” horse racing is a sport of carnage and cruelty. Gamblers can risk their money on other sports that don’t inflict pain, suffering and death on helpless animals. Horse racing is a bad bet for any civilized society. It should be banned in our state and nationwide.

Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

Teresa Barbadillo Hollis Hills

New precinct an old idea

Dear Editor: Your article is headlined “New precinct top priority for CB 7” (Oct. 19, multiple editions). Actually the request for a new precinct has been a priority of the Greater Whitestone Taxpayers Civic Association for well over 30 years.