The Village of Williston Park holds an essay contest every year for all the students in the 4th grade, in all of the schools in the Williston Park district including: St. Aidan’s, Cross Street School and Center Street School.
Out of all the essays, the best are chosen and then those winners are appointed as mayor and trustees of the Village of Williston Park for the day.
This year the program was held on Saturday to enable the students to enjoy the event with their parents and friends and not to worry about having to get home after an evening meeting to do homework.
The Williston Park Village boardroom was packed with very proud parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles as they heard each “village official” read his or her essay.
The first was the “mayor for the day” Alana Smith from Cross Street, who was backed up by Deputy Mayor Terry Thomann due to the absence of Mayor Paul Ehrbar. Not only was her essay great, but she is a very competent and self-assured young lady who basically led the meeting like a “pro.”
Her essay is as follows:
“When you drive through Williston Park, you wish you lived there. I think that it is the most peaceful village. I like it in Williston Park because there are nice people and amazing stores for kids and adults. There are so many kids and great schools and restaurants. If you go up and down the block you will see beautiful, cozy homes. If I could recommend a nice pretty village, I would recommend Williston Park. When you live there for a few months, you will know what I mean. I couldn’t have wished for a better house. When you visit, it’s not a good enough picture for you. So, if you are looking for a village to live, I suggest Williston Park. P.S. You should stay in Williston Park.”
The deputy mayor, Samantha DiMilia, of St. Aidan’s, was also backed up by Deputy Mayor Terry Thomann and she read her essay, as did trustees Joey Paldino from Cross Street, Zachary Koerber from Cross Street, Emma Collins from St. Aidan’s and village clerk Raffaelia Zaneti from Center Street.
All the trustees were backed up by their elected officials, except trustee Joey Paldino, who was backed up by Building Superintendent Terry Collins due to the absence of trustee William Darmstadt.
As each participant finished reading his/her essay, they received a Certificate of Appreciation from the village and a gift certificate to a local store.
After the reading of the essays, the “mayor and trustees” held a regular village board meeting.
Mayor for the Day Alana Smith
“Mayor’s” Alana Smith asked for a motion of the minutes and a motion to accept the abstracts and they were both approved.
She then went on to read the “mayors” report. “Good morning, welcome to the first Saturday village board meeting since 2005. Congratulations to our elected “officials for the day” and thank you to the schools and the 4th grade teachers who supported our program. We also want to thank our family and friends who have come to share our special day.
“On November 11, I was fortunate to represent our village in ceremonies honoring our veterans. I thank all who were instrumental in putting this program together, especially our Williston Park VFW. Thanks to former mayor Roger Fay for providing a history of this event.”
Sunday, December 5 Tree Lighting at Village of Williston Park
“I also want to invite everyone to our Annual Christmas Tree Lighting which will take place on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. Santa will arrive on a fire truck and we will have cookies and hot chocolate to add to the fun.
“Remember those who are less fortunate and remember our troops here and abroad as you give thanks on Thanksgiving and don’t forget to ‘Kiss the Cook’.”
Deputy Mayor Samanth DiMilia, St. Aidan’s School
Deputy Mayor Samantha DiMilia announced a new Williston Park Fire Department member as Kevin Connors.
She said, “A volunteer police unit has put in 130 hours. The pool committee is looking forward to next year. The Williston Park Little League is busy registering new members. DiMilia added, “I would like to take this opportunity to wish all residents a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving and keep our soldiers in our hearts and prayers.”
Village Clerk for The Day Raffaella Zanetti, Center Street School
Village Clerk report from Raffaella Zanetti, of Center Street School. She said, “Good morning. This year’s village election will be held on March 15 for the term of a trustee to run for one year.
“Senior citizen and veteran’s applications are available at village hall. The Village Assessor will be available at village hall on Dec. 17 and Dec. 21 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. to assist any senior or veteran.
“The next village workshop meeting is scheduled for Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. The next Board of Trustees meeting is on Dec. 20 at 6:30 p.m. for a workshop and at 8 p.m. the regular meeting.”
Trustee for a Day Joey Paldino, Cross Street School
The next report was given by Trustee Joey Paldino, of Cross Street School. He said, “The Parking and Safety Committee continues to meet monthly to go over changes to make the village safer. We are also addressing concerns of neighbors who have contacted us with changes they feel need to be made. The Neighborhood Watch Committee met in October to discuss safety issues. Police officer Nugent has notified the village that people are opening cars that are not locked and stealing what is in the car. So, please lock your car, even if its in your driveway.
“The Williston Park Little League is holding its first Registration.” Trustee for a Day Zachary Koerber, Center Street
Trustee Koerber reported, “The Williston Park Beautification Committee will meet on Dec. 5 at 8 a.m. It will be the final meeting of the year. The Annual Tree Lighting will take place on the village lawn on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. Come by and sing some holiday songs, led by the South Shore Brass Band and have a cup of hot chocolate and cookies and meet Santa. A special thanks to the Kiwanis Club for their help with the Annual Ragamuffin Parade and for the first ever Pumpkin Carving Contest. There were close to 50 pumpkins entered in the contest. All who entered had fun. I would like to also thank the Williston Park Fire Department and the Williston Park Auxiliary for their help in securing the Ragamuffin parade route. That is all for me.”
Trustee for a Day Emma Collins, St. Aidan’s.
“Thank you and I would also like to congratulate all the winners of the essay contest. Reading all the essays, I was pleased to see how much everyone who entered appreciates our village and all it has to offer. I would like to thank all the fourth grade teachers and principals in Center Street, Cross Street and St. Aidans for supporting this event.
“The newly formed committee has been hard at work writing a booklet to be given to all new residents.
“I have the court report for the month of October. The Honorable Kevin Kiley heard 224 cases, collecting fines of $11,000 together with the mandatory New York State charges of $615.”
Back to the Mayor for the Day Smith who then introduced Superintendent of Public Works, Keith Brunnel.
Keith Brunnel said, “I just have a couple of things to mention. We are in the middle of leaf season and our street sweepers are out and we are spending a few extra hours trying to keep up with the leaves. Please remember not to rake the leaves into the gutters because it does have a tendency to clog the storm drains. Plus, if you don’t have landscapers, please bag the leaves and they will be picked up with the garbage collection.
“The road project is underway, as everyone knows, and the milling machine is set and we are getting close to not having nice weather so we are trying to get the paving done prior to the bad weather moving.
“Our well rehab is done and now we have to be tested by the Health Department to make sure everything is perfect and as soon as that happens we will put it back into operation.”
Building Inspector Kerry Collins Report
The report is from Oct. 18 to Nov. 19. Residential Building Applications-10, Residential Plumbing Permits-13, Electrical Licensing-1, Residential Sign Permits-1, Sign Permit-1, Sidewalk Sale-1, Sidewalk Apron and Curb Permits-3. Collecting a total of $15, 915. Two CEO, One notice of violation. Building Applications for 51 Cross Street, 121 Shields, 98 Park Avenue and 27 Williams to reconstruct a house that burned, 108 Shields, 198 Collins Avenue, 320 Houston Avenue and 167 Broad Street.”
Library Report from Trustee Koerber
Trustee Koerber said, “During this holiday season, please support the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. The library will collect new, unwrapped toys until Dec. 15 and the toys will be distributed to needy children.”
The meeting ended and the mayor and trustees for the day went happily home with their parents, grandparents and friends.
As mentioned before, the next Williston Park Village Board meeting will be held on Dec. 20 at 8 p.m.
