Archive - 98th Annual Meeting by Dinny Shaman

The Kew Gardens Civic Association held its 98th Annual Meeting Thursday, May 3, welcoming Paulette Foglio, Principal of P.S. 99, The Kew Gardens School, as the featured speaker. The three Democratic candidates competing in the Primary to be held in June were also invited to speak. The Primary will decide who will be the Democratic candidate in the November election in the newly-drawn 6th Congressional District. The three major candidates are Assemblywoman Grace Meng, Assemblyman Rory Lancman, and Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley.

The evening began with a social hour offering refreshments prepared by the Board's Hospitality Committee, chaired by Betty Francullo with music provided by Bill Wisnewski. An Auditor's report and the election of KGCA's officers and Board of Governors followed.

The highlight of the evening, however, for long-time members of the Association was the unexpected arrival of an old friend and colleague, Sylvia Howard Fuhrman, the President of the Association for many years, who retired in 1970 to become Chairman of the Board and then Chairperson Emerita. At the age of 93 and confined to a wheelchair, she nevertheless made the trip from Manhattan to Kew Gardens to be present at our Annual Meeting. "I am in tears," said Carol Berger, who had served with Sylvia on the Community Board for fifteen years. There were hugs and kisses galore as members reunited with a beloved friend. Mrs. Fuhrman was also known to many Mayors of New York as the official liaison for the Secretary-General of the United Nations to the United Nations School.

In addition to her continued presence in our hearts and minds, the statue of Job, standing at the entrance to the Overlook in Forest Park, was a gift to the community from Mrs. Fuhrman and Dr. Fuhrman, and will always serve as a reminder that a very gracious and inspiring woman once lived in Kew Gardens on Mayfair Road.