Events of these past few weeks have demonstrated what makes our community a very special place to live.
On September 11th the Williston Park Little League honored the both those Williston Park residents who perished in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and their families. Former deputy Mayor Bill Darmstadt and John Hogan were instrumental , once again for putting this honored tradition together. The somber event is a reminded that we must never forget those who perished that day.
The Chamber of Commerce of the Willistons once again sponsored the Williston Park Street Fair. As usual, this spectacular event attracted thousands. The weather was fantastic, the food selections were many and the numerous venders were quite varied with the items being sold. While many of the Chamber members were involved in putting the event together, kudos go out to Lucille Walters who was the instrumental player in ensuring a successful day. This fair has grown over the years and this year’s event exceeded expectations.
The Williston Park Rotary held a tree dedication ceremony at the Gazebo honoring the late Nicholas “Bud Haller”. While I was unable to attend, (celebrating my grandchild Darby’s 6th Birthday in Texas), the event drew a huge crowd. Bud, was an active member of the Williston Park community for a number of years, including a term as Village Trustee. His wife June, sons Ray, Marc, Thomas and the Haller family as a whole had to be moved by the response to this tree dedication.
The Village Recreation Committee held its Annual Family Fun day. Another well attended successful event. Kids of all ages were there to enjoy a fun filled day. Tara Bridges, Tim Casey, Deputy Mayor Kevin Rynne and Trustee Billy Carr put this event together.
The annual American Legion Post 144 Installation Dinner was held. Outgoing Commander Frank Busa was honored for his dedication to the post. Frank Oliveri was sworn in as the new commander. This special event, once again, was well attended. As I noted that night, Post 144 combined with the Ladies Auxiliary proves a tremendous service to the community. This group is a cornerstone of the community. Legionnaire Don Sasson was again excellent as emcee of this affair.
This past Friday the Girl Scouts involved with WARM held their awards night at Mineola Village Hall for those Girl Scouts earning Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards. The girls achievements were recognized by an overflowing audience of proud families and friends.
Sunday morning, the first of what is expected to be an annual event, the Holy Name Society organized a Blue Mass at St. Aidans. At the nine o’clock mass first responders were recognized for their dedication to the safety and protection of all residents. Fire fighters, police officers, auxiliary police officers, nurses and others were honored for their service. The Williston Park Fire Department turned out in force with firefighters in their dress blues, along with members of various other Volunteer fire departments and NYFD members.
Later in the day the Friends of the Library held their Annual Tea at Village Hall. The event was “sold out” with over 80 ladies of the community in attendance. This fine affair helps to provide support for the Williston Park Library
This coming Friday the first Annual Recreation Committee Golf Outing is scheduled. This event has had an overwhelming response. Weather is expected to be good for the event and many local resident will be participating in the golf game and/or dinner.
These types of village wide events is what helps make “Williston Park a great place to visit but yet a better place to live”.
The road project is in full swing. A number of activities are attached to the project and extensive activity is visible throughout the Village. National Grid is changing out gas lines prior to the repaving as opposed to after. They agreed to the village’s request to move this work up so as to not dig into the streets after being their being paved.
A number of water valves are being replaced prior to the paving in hopes of avoiding future problems. Village workers are removing and trimming trees in the paving areas where required. The contractor is well on his way of replacing needed concrete in various areas in preparation of the paving. The extensive work will cause inconvenience, however it can’t be avoided if roads are to be paved.
