To the Editor:

On Friday, April 1, Roscoe Lee suffered a small stroke while surrounded by "The Usual Suspects," who gather most Friday evenings at The Trellis Restaurant.

Upon summoning two officers who happened to be on Main Street (you know who you are), the response was so rapid that my head is still spinning. I would like to mention every individual officer involved by name. However, I was in too much of a panic to pay attention. All I know is that, within seconds, our Public Safety Officers responded to the emergency with an abounding speed. Paramedics arrived in record time, assessed the situation, and we were off to the Queens hospital.

I must add here that they handled me pretty well, too. I, of course, felt that I was succumbing to cardiac arrest, but the wonderful, supportive, Friday-night family of our small Island would have none of it. God bless all of you, especially Sue Cina, without whose support I possibly would have been carted off in another vehicle and would not be in a position to send this, or any other, thank-you note.

I am glad to say that Roscoe is doing fine, thanks to the attention and speed with which the emergency was handled.

Thanks, also, to all who were concerned.

Phyllis Thomas

To the Editor:

We were greatly saddened to hear of the passing of Phil Consolo.

We first met Phil as an active volunteer of the Roosevelt Island Homeless Men's Shelter, which provided food and lodging several evenings a week for a small group of New York's homeless population. For years, Phil was a regular provider of a home-cooked, hearty, and always delicious meal for these men.

Despite his physical disability, he happily carted these wholesome meals from his kitchen to the church basement without ever missing a beat. In fact, as we write this, we are reminded of his contagious ear-to-ear smile, which he always displayed.

In all the years we knew Phil, we looked forward to his nights at the church with anticipation for his wit, charm, and unassuming manner.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family and all of the Roosevelt Island residents who knew and loved him. We will miss him.

Carolyn Yohannes
Monique Trebot
Julie Riley

To the Editor:

I am responding to the letter by Marion Falk in the March 19 issue of The WIRE.

Since Eastwood's owner announced the buy-out of contracts and an end to the Mitchell-Lama program, residents in our building have come to understand that once the deal is done, it will be too late for complaints. We simply cannot trust that our landlord will take care of us, even if the landlord has good intentions. Those in our building who understand what's at stake have worked tirelessly to inform the rest of Eastwood's tenants. They emphasize the need for every Eastwood tenant to be represented by a skilled attorney at the negotiations with our landlord and government agencies as the buyout process unfolds. I am a 29-year resident of Eastwood and fundraising chair of the legal fund in our building.

Our neighbor states that it is her decision and her business whether she makes a donation or not. That is true. But why would anyone, living through these times, elect not to contribute to protecting and preserving the ability to affordably stay in one's home now and in the future? Not having the required financial resources is the likely answer, and is indeed a problem for our residents. Eastwood has a unique community, comprised of middle income, blue- and white-collar workers, families, retired and physically challenged people, the employed and unemployed. We've explained that an attorney's fee for one hour of representation is $300. We're asking that tenants make incremental payments over several months ($75 for a quarter-hour, $150 for a half hour, $300 for a full hour - or anything between), with the aim of contributing to one full hour of legal time as part of our collective group.

Another assumption is that if people haven't donated by now, either they can't afford to donate or they don't wish to donate. Consider these additional scenarios: The residents are of many nationalities with Korean, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Chinese, and other tongues as their first language. At first, tenants didn't know why we need a lawyer. People focused on year-end holidays and those bills. And, some were ill during this winter and are paying unanticipated medical bills. Others need to pay tuition or tax bills first - or get tax refunds before contributing.

As to our slipping notices under doors, taping them on doors, or knocking on doors, please know that our building has 1003 apartments. With a fundraising committee of only six (one who is over age 80), with no computer hook-up, and a starting bank account of under $67, it's taken a monumental effort to achieve even our current success level. We've secured donations not only one by one from our residents, but also from RIRA, the Island's Korean organization, and even Rivercross residents. Even with last week's successful auction, we are only now at the three-quarter mark.

The good news is that things that might divide us like age, language, culture, physical health, economics, or address are bridged by neighbor helping neighbor to understand and to participate. Our goal is that every Eastwood tenant participate at the financial level he or she can afford.

Our small committee thanks everyone who's contributed a single dollar to the fund, those who came to the auction, and, especially, those who contribute monthly. We ask people who read this to contribute, if you haven't already, and share our flyers with neighbors. We also welcome contributions from neighbors across, and up or down the street, and we continue to seek dedicated volunteers.

Please make contributions to Eastwood Building Committee, memo Legal Fund, and mail to Treasurer Harry Devine, 546 Main Street #722, NYC10044.

Ginny Pulos
Fundraising Chair