This past Friday, Sept. 11, 2020, at 7:30 pm, Williston Park held a ceremony at Kelleher Field to remember our neighbors and friends who perished in the attack on the World Trade Center. This year, the event took place at the stage area of the field.
Due to COVID-19 it was an abbreviated program. However, attendance was good for this somber event. While all who perished on 911 were honored, the event was dedicated to those individuals who resided in or were connected to Williston Park.
This somber event, as always, was organized by a committee consisting of former Deputy Mayor Bill Darmstadt, John Hogan, Kevin Kelly, Mike Tavernite and Chris Paggi.
The evergreen tree at the Gazebo has been covered with gold lights for Pediatric Cancer Awareness month.
This came about as a result of a request from a foundation, which was started after the death of a young 12-year-old young girl, Mary Ruchalski. While her parents live in Garden City, her grandmother lives in Mineola and there are family ties connected to Williston Park. Rockville Center, Garden City and Mineola are participating in this event.
On Monday, Labor Day, the Roger Fay Williston Park pool closed, as scheduled for the 2020 season.
Due to COVID-19, there were lengthy discussions, prior to opening, with me and the Board of Trustees.
Taking all facts into consideration that were available at the time, there was a unanimous decision to open the pool this year.
Plans were put in place with major emphasis on social distancing, wearing of masks and sanitizing the facility on an ongoing basis. The season went well. Although membership was down, those who did sign up were very appreciative that the facility was available, with a number of members contacting the undersigned and board members complimenting the staff for maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment.
Thanks go out to Pool Manager Jack Sommesse, Assistant Manager Ryan Orlano, Head Lifeguard Emily Rogan and all the lifeguards and attendants, who worked extremely hard to ensure a safe pool season.
The Roger Fay Williston Park Pool was once again named Best Pool for 2020. Congrats to the full staff who were responsible to make this happen. And a special thanks to all members for their cooperation with the guidelines put in place.
All residents should be aware of ongoing scams especially being directed towards seniors. I was informed this week that a resident received a call from an individual who wanted to stop by the resident’s home to review work the homeowner had requested in the fall.
The homeowner denied ever making such a request, but the individual was insistent and was looking to come to the homeowner’s house.
After a lengthy discussion, the resident became suspicious and she asked for the caller’s phone number and business name. At this point, the caller hung up the phone. It is important not to allow unknown, uninvited individuals into your home and don’t give out personal information out to unknown callers.
I’d like to remind all that schools have reopened, with various schedules, and it is critical we all drive safely.
Also, continue to lock your car doors at all times, in order to avoid your r vehicle from being entered by unknow individuals who are looking to steal anything of value.
