Reverend Austin H. Armitstead
33-06 92nd Street
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
Dear Reverend Armitstead:

I understand that, this summer, you and your lovely wife Bianca are re-locating to Virginia, to be closer to your children. This sounds like a very fine decision, although I am sure that it was not an altogether easy one.

Over the last three decades, your name has become synonymous with Jackson Heights. During your ministry, the Community United Methodist Church became one of the first houses of worship in the area to accommodate services in multiple languages. Cultural harmony became part and parcel of your creed. You set the tone, and the community as a whole benefited from your compassionate vision.

More recently, we became accustomed to seeing you on the streets of the neighborhood equipped with a camera, pursuing your second career as a roving reporter. Your wonderful column gave us a chance to hear the voices of our multi-ethnic neighbors as they shared their views on a wide range of quality of life issues. What a pleasure it has been to run into you at community functions over the years.

We will miss you terribly, but please know that you have touched the lives of countless Queens residents-including mine. May you and Bianca enjoy many more years together in the beautiful surroundings of Virginia. You will always be in our hearts.
Sincerely,
Helen M. Marshall
President,
Borough of Queens