No one will ever say Pointlookouter's are not passionate about their issues. The Federal Storm Protection Project, Streetscapes, 15 M.P.H., Dogs, Parking and now discussions have focused on the planting of Trees. In preparation for the forthcoming Baseball Season our Point Lookout Little League had the Town of Hempstead plant 14 trees for the intended purpose of providing shade and continue to improve the overall ambience of our own Field of Dreams.  Concerns were raised that while the planting of trees maybe meritorious some homeowners who's residences border the field felt their unobstructed view of Jones Inlet had been compromised by this 'wall of trees'. The Civic brought the various parties together with the hope a compromise could be ironed out. Two candid working sessions were held with Deputy Commissioner of  Parks, Bruce Hallbert, Commissioner of  Conservation & Waterways Ron Masters, members of the Civic, Village Gardeners , neighboring residents and interested parties to address first hand what course of action was necessary. As a result of these sessions, the TOH proposed the removal of five trees, four from the eastern end and one from the western end of the tree line. The TOH would enlist an Arborist to evaluate that the trees have adequate spacing and to ensure this is the proper location that will successfully support such arbor. The TOH pledged to work in a more enhanced manner with the local parties to ensure these trees don't go grow unbridled.

In a related matter the TOH Dept of Conservation & Waterways indicated they were reviewing plans to ascertain if there is a manner where homeowners may have the ability to participate in a plan to better manage the unfettered growth in the area directly behind the playground area.

No agreement is ever reached without a genuine spirit of compromise and cooperation. The individuals who actively participated with this issue continue to give countless hours of their own time to bring about positive changes for our community. We all have our differences, yet we were able to discuss intelligently with the objective that we all had to bend in allowing this issue to move forward. We learned from these discussions that our best solutions are when we communicate openly and honestly with one another. Let's continue to build on this effort.

15 M.P.H. / ELECTRONIC SIGN

Thanks to the efforts of the Town of Hempstead and the work of the PLCA a new electronic sign which registers motorists speed was installed on the corner of Bellmore and Lido Blvd. The TOH working with the PLCA also rolled out new white SLOW 15 M.P.H. on several areas of Lido Blvd. and Bayside Drive. The PLCA has been distributing and posting their own homegrown 15 M.P.H. signs to heighten the awareness of preserving this regulation for the safe and well being of our residents. We have been meeting with and discussing with the Nassau County Police the importance of being more vigilant with individuals who excessively violate this mandate. We have been informed that more tickets have been issued this summer for speeding than in previous years yet in the past few weeks as a result of these traffic calming measures that number has decreased as a result of greater compliance by motorists.

A great deal of appreciation must be extended to TOH Supervisor's Exec. Assistant Kendall Lampkin and PLCA Board Member Bill Waite for spearheading these traffic calming efforts. Our next goal is for the TOH to secure a grant from N.Y.S. Dept of Transportation so we may begin the next phase of Streetscapes along Lido Blvd.

SALUTE TO SUMMER PARTY

The Civic was proud to host their annual summer cocktail party to thank and welcome all new members and their families. Membership for 2003 reached 431 families and our goal for 2004 is 500 families. Melinda Gillan, Kathy Paz, Alanna Chesney and Joe Erickson organized the event with food, numerous raffle prizes and gifts. Pat Bollo, Trish Mack, Dr. John Lanzone and many others went home as our grand prize winners.

Our Historical Committee under the direction of Rosemary Dowling and ably assisted by Jack McLoone and Nan Newell assembled a marvelous pictorial displaying  the history of our Back Bays and the importance of preserving this essential natural resource.

EARTH DAY II

Under the leadership of Beach Chairman Gerry (CURB YOUR DOG) Ottavino and Vice President Greg Goldberg we sponsored our second clean up of the year at the Ballfield and Cove area. This continuing effort reaffirms our needs to encourage our neighbors to pick up after their animals as well as to take pride in keeping the Point clean and free of debris. Every little bit counts! Thanks for your continued efforts.

CHILDREN'S DAY T-SHIRT - SAVINGS BOND PRIZE

Our Children Day planning is already underway under the great leadership of Rose and Brian Gallagher. We will be celebrating our 72nd year of hosting this marvelous event.
All children in the Point under the age of 12 are asked to participate in designing our Children's Day T-Shirt. Theme should be festive in keeping with the tradition of this historic day but we hope there will be a continued emphasis on our 15 M.P.H. Save Lives Theme.

A $50 Savings Bond will be awarded to the winner on Children's Day.

Keep this date open for a fun filled day of activities culminating with our annual Clam Bake by the Sea.

DATES TO REMEMBER

• CIVIC GENERAL MEETING & ELECTION OF OFFICERS, THURSDAY, AUGUST21- 8:00 P.M. REC HALL
• ART SHOW- SUNDAY, AUGUST 24TH - CIVIC BEACH
• CHILDRENS DAY AND CLAM BAKE- SATURDAY, AUGUST 30

GET INVOLVED!

We have many fine organizations in Point Lookout; the Civic Association, Village Gardeners, Chamber of Commerce , Fishing Club, Over 50 Club, our Point Lookout Little League, our Fire Department, and our two wonderful Churches. If you are an active and participating member of one or many of these fine organizations we thank you. If you are not, why not?  Stop standing on the sidelines and get involved.  You can make a difference!  
  
I look forward to hearing from you. FRYAN19788@aol.com or check out www.mypointlookout.com website.

Sincerely,

Francis X.Ryan
PRESIDENT