Message from the Mayor

It’s a New Year in Williston Park

By Mayor Paul Ehrbar

Let’s Watch Out for our Neighbors

I want you to be concerned about your next-door neighbor. Do you know your neighbor? ---Mother Teresa

           Christmas, Hanukkah, and the Holiday season are now behind us. Hopefully the cheerful, friendly feelings continue, as we move into the winter months. During the next few months, due to colder and inclement weather, many residents limit going out, especially the seniors. Please stay in touch with your neighbors to make sure they are safe and not in need of necessities. Williston Park is a great place to live, because there is always a general concern for our neighbors. and especially during the trying winter months. 

Williston Park is Blessed with a Great Library!

“The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.”
― Albert Einstein

            In past columns, I’ve used this avenue to highlight the Village Staff members who “makes it all happen” for our great Village of Williston Park. This month I will be highlighting the Williston Park Carl Del Vecchio Memorial Library and its employees. The Library, although funded by the Village, is overseen by an independent Library Board. The current Board consists of President Mary Ann Griffin, Trustees Beth Flood, Amy Gilhooly, Patricia Mars and Maryann McDermott. The Library is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm and on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.

            Our fantastic Library provides an oasis for residents, and I encourage all residents to take advantage of the amazing menu of services the it offers. There are programs in place for residents of all ages. The Library Board and staff are constantly reviewing programs and looking to improve them whenever possible.  Please review the ongoing offering by visiting their web site at www.willistonparklibrary.org.

            The Staff is welcoming and anxious to ensure that those utilizing the Library have a rewarding experience. All members of the staff have specific assigned responsibilities yet all can fill in for other staff members when needed. Donna McKenna, Library Director has been with the Village since 2007.  Her role at the Library is all-encompassing. As Director she oversees all aspects of the Library functions. Elizabeth Paul, began employment with the Library in December 2021, as a Librarian l. Her main responsibility is to work hand in hand with MS. McKenna, helping to oversee the daily needs of the Library. Ms. Paul is designated as the person in-charge, in the absence of the Library Director. Michael Jasinski has worked for the Library since 2016 as a full time Account Clerk. His main responsibilities revolve around the financial aspects of the Library, but his overall duties are numerous, covering many of the daily Library needs. The part time staffing, includes Clerks Kathy Kane (2005), Marion Levins (2006), Anita Masucci (2015), Chrisoula Versace (2017),) Mary Willis (2006) part time Page Margaret Sullivan (1999), and part time Librarian Stephanie Stanton (2014). These individuals cover many of the activities needed to ensure a smooth overall operation. They are friendly and welcoming to residents who utilize the library services. For residents who have not been to the library for a while, should stop in, say hello, and see what is offered that may help to make your life a little more comforting.

Eagle Scouts are Honored

“Be Prepared… the meaning of the motto is that a scout must prepare himself by previous thinking out and practicing how to act on any accident or emergency so that he is never taken by surprise.” – Lord Robert Baden-Powell

          As Mayor, I have the honor of representing the Village at various functions throughout the community. On January 7th I was invited to attend Boy Scout Troop 201 Eagle Court of Honor and on January 8th I was invited to attend Boy Scout Troop 45 Eagle Court of Honor. While these are not specific Village events, but rather community events that cover more than Williston Park. These are enjoyable affairs that allow me to participate in the celebration of young men who have completed the long and arduous task of becoming an Eagle Scout.  Eagle Scout service projects can be seen throughout our Village, and neighboring Villages.

            As I sat and listened, it became obvious that this is not just honoring these Eagle Scouts but also the families and Troop Leaders that work extremely hard to make this happen. The interaction with other Scouts, utilizing leadership traits and dedication required to become an Eagle scout is awe inspiring. In this day and age of social media, cell phones, iPad, etc. it’s amazing that these young men and the Eagles before them were able to reach this goal. The values instilled during this process will help these young man as they move on in life. I could write extensively about this quest but space prevents me from doing so. In closing I would like to congratulate the following young men and their Families from BSA Troop 201 who became Eagle Scouts: Michael Baranello, Aidan Joneleit, Ryan Trai Doan and Constantine E. Koutsoftas. And Congratulations as well to the young men and their families from BS Troop 45: Aeden Amatulli, Gianluca Berganza, Aidan Cooke, Jack Franz and Cameron Mahmood.

A Friendly Reminder

Please remember--if it snows, you must remove all your vehicles from Village streets! This allows for more efficient plowing, which leads to safer roads and driving conditions. By doing so, you will avoid receiving a ticket, you will help our DPW Crew in their hard work, and play an important part in returning our Village streets to safe and passable condition.

What happens when a snowman throws a tantrum?

He has a meltdown.

A Final Thought:

Be sure to remember your loved ones on St. Valentine’s Day, February 14th