MANHASSET PRESS: Second Annual Kids Safety Day Draws Healthy Crowd

New York Jets Safety, Kerry Rhodes, Apropos Celebrity Guest

Written by Pat Grace

In spite of threatening rain, the second annual Kids Safety Day attracted a large crowd, larger even than last year, and as participants moved leisurely from booth to booth they learned about bike, pool, beach, fire, Internet and pedestrian safety, how to deal with bullies, and what to do when a stranger approaches, among other important information.

Senator Craig M. Johnson (D-Nassau), was on hand July 28 for his second Safety Day and commented attendance was exceeding expectations and that he was pleased so many turned out to learn about children’s safety. His staff and that of the Town of North Hempstead, under Supervisor Jon Kaiman, coordinated the very informative program. “The kids are getting it,” Johnson beamed, “look, over there, they’re talking to the police, and over there they’re learning about Internet safety.”

Celebrity guest Kerry Rhodes, New York Jets safety, agreed “it’s always a good idea to teach kids what will keep them safe.” Rhodes was kept busy signing autographs as well as answering questions for both the children and their parents.

Safety Day was held again at the Mary Jane Davies Park and was geared for children of all ages and admission was free. However, only after visiting various stations were they rewarded with Italian ices. Also available was chowder from the Legal Seafood truck parked at the site.

Senator Johnson explained the “give-aways” were all donated and he was grateful to all participants including Ralph’s Italian Ices, Legal Seafood, and the Manhasset Lakeville Fire Department for manning the smoke house and distributing fire hats.

It wasn’t just informative—music, face painting, cartoon characters (including Sponge Bob Square Pants and Darth Vader) and other fun activities were provided for the children.