EW honors soldiers, celebrates runners

Michael Scro

The Village of East Williston held its annual Memorial Day 5K run along the same route – and in the same spirit – it has sustained since the 1970s.

More than 100 people participated, getting a good day’s exercise and also observing a national holiday to remember those who have died in battle.

“The race has been an opportunity for the village to gather our community together to celebrate Memorial Day,” said Village of Williston Park Trustee Caroline DeBenedittis.  “Thank you to the mayor and trustees, along with the fire and police department, and the DPW workers who make this event successful. It does take a village.”

Among those in the running for the first time were Cathy and John Murray, who recently moved to East Williston.

“We saw this as an opportunity to meet people here and celebrate Memorial Day,” said John Murray.  

Both he and his wife are retired from jobs they both held at the County of Saratoga Springs and are now retired. He is also a veteran runner, having competed in races in Vermont.

After living in East Williston for 26 years, Robin Silverberg also decided to participate in the race for the first time this year with her son, Scott. 

“I would see them running by at 9 a.m. over the years, and I’ve been wanting to join in so here’s our chance,” said Scott Silverberg. 

“I’m in good shape, my son is, so we’re happy to do it,” said Robin Silverberg.

Following the race, trophies and prizes were given out to the 1st place male and female finishers.  

Awards were also given based on 10 age groups for males and females, as well as the Richard Halstead awards for families, which is named after the East Williston runner who started the 5K race. 

Tyler Capozzoli, who completed a remarkable comeback running track at Bishop Kellenberg High School this year after a serious illness, finished first among the men at 18:54. Isabella Rios topped the women at 20:30.  

The Tavolacci, DeBenedittis and Koszalka families took top three places in the Richard Halstead awards family competition category, based on aggregate running time.

Peter Infield, who ran in the race, recalled Halstead. 

“I ran with him in the 1980s, I was 39 and he was 40.  He was a good man,” said Infield. “In the Memorial Day of 1982, I won the 30-39 race and he won the 40-49 race.”

Village of East Williston Mayor David Tanner and Deputy Mayor Bonnie Parente attended the race as well as village Trustee Christopher Siciliano.

“Our race and memorial services that follow are a way to bring the community together to celebrate and remember all the servicemen and women who died for us and our country,” said Mayor Tanner.

“It’s an important day to remember those who served,” Parente said. “We do this event every year and it kicks off the spirit early in the morning.”  

Her father, Louie Santosus, and her mother, Patricia, both participated in the Mineola Memorial Day Parade with the Mineola Fire Department. 

Siciliano, former East Williston Fire Department Chief, led the 5K run in the 1990s. 

“It’s just great to see our community come out like this, and remember those who have sacrificed themselves for our freedom,” said Siciliano.

DeBenedittis expressed thanks to everyone who was a part of the race.

“Thank you to Agnes Kirschner who is the backbone of this race, by being in charge of inputting all race info into the computer for the results. Also to note,  recreation members Ann Mageau, Sandi Polinsky, and Lynore Igoe who were on hand,” DeBenedittis said. “Thanks to all the residents of the village, who watched the corners during the race, set up water tables, as well as cheering  the runners on.”

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