Bethpage-Tribune_2008-08-29

              •
\
Volume 46 Number 33 329 Broadway., Bethpage,NY II714 AugUSt 29 - September4, 2008 (516)681-0440 ext. 21 FAX (516)681-9354 Email: Nuz2u@aol.com 50
IT'S BACK TO THE BOOKS:| A Party For A Great Cause
SCHOOL'S OPEN
As a new school year approaches, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John.
Venditto issued his annual reminder to drivers to be extra cautious. "The
slogan 'School is Open - Drive Safely' has been around for a while, but it
bears repeating as we embark upon to the start of a new school year,"
Supervisor Venditto stated. "Despite parental lectures on safety, children
sometimes demonstrate youthful misjudgment such as walking or riding
against traffic lights and signs or in undesignated areas, zig-zagging on bicy­cles
or skateboards, and walking or riding out from between parked cars, so
we, as drivers, must be constantly on the alert. As someone who spends a lot
of time on the road, I am especially cautious on neighborhood streets. I am
inclined to decrease my speed below the posted limit and give extra wide
clearance to children walking, riding or playing in the street.
"Another thing motorists should be alert to is signs. Many school crossing
signs that were removed or turned up for the summer are in place again, so
drivers will find themselves having to stop at unaccustomed locations. Signs
or traffic lights may also have been installed at new locations, so we must all
be particularly watchful."
The Supervisor noted that an important aspect for drivers is to be aware of
laws regarding school buses.
"Every day in New York State, thousands of vehicles illegally pass school
buses," Supervisor Venditto stated. "The New York State Vehicle and Traffic
Law, Section 1174, requires that all drivers stop their vehicle, in either direc­tion,
on any public or private roadway when approaching a stopped school bus
that has its flashing signals and stop arm in operation. The law pertains to ALL
roadways, including the divided highways, driveways located on the grounds of
a school and even the center turning lane of undivided highways or streets. A
driver should not proceed until the school bus resumes motion or until the bus
driver or a police officer gives the go-ahead to proceed.
"Children expect vehicles to stop for them at the school bus stop," the
Supervisor said. "It is incumbent upon us, as motorists, to obey the law. Next
time you see a stopped school bus, please, stop your vehicle. Not doing so is not
only illegal, but is a mistake children can't afford for you to make."
Supervisor Venditto went on to say that parents should also remind children
of their role in travel safety. "While crossing guards are posted at the busiest
intersections, youngsters should be taught to look both ways before crossing
any intersection and to cross only at the corner, unless there is a designated
crossing elsewhere on the block. Those who ride bikes should be instructed to
ride with the flow of traffic and to use hand signals when turning. Reflective
clothing is a good idea for children who walk or ride home late in the day, par­ticularly
when daylight hours are shorter. All children should be admonished
not to walk or ride home alone...there is safety in numbers."
The Supervisor noted that parents whose children walk to school might con­sider
accompanying their younger children along the route they take to school
before school opens. By doing this, parents can point out potential danger spots
to the youngsters and give them instructions on how to handle or navigate these
areas.
"No one likes to think about a child being hurt," Supervisor Venditto stated.
"Let's make this school year one of the safest by being especially vigilant about
our responsibilities as drivers and by teaching our youngsters the important les­sons
that will help ensure their safety en route to school and at home."
0\
e>-b^-
On Saturday, July 26 three very special young ladies decided to join
forces to celebrate all three of their birthdays. But rather than impose on
their 15 guests they decided to turn their birthday celebration into a
fundraiser for breast cancer research. Their party, which was themed,
"THINK PINK" turned into a huge event in their neighborhood.
In order to buy all the supplies for their party the girls donated clothing,
collected cans and bottles for money and even made "Believe" charm
bracelets and pink ribbon lollipops for the cause. These big hearted sixth
graders decorated with pink balloons and hosted a party that they will no
doubt remember forever. They held games at all three of the birthday girls'
homes and had activities and themed desserts as well
In fact, these three wonderful little ladies, Taryn Finnell, Alyssa Straber
and Danielle Dimino, caused quite excitement in their neighborhood and
their selfless act of kindness resulted in raising over $700.00 to help fight
breast cancer.
In a time when we read so much about what is bad with teenagers today,
it is heartwarming > 3 able to report a story such as this. These L Is are
not only setting a wonderful example for their peers but are leading by
example and proving that three birthday girls can and have made ° differ­ence
in the lives of others. WAY TO GO GIRLS AND HAPPY Bi.JTHDAY
TO ALL THREE OF YOU!!!