On New Year's Eve, Monday, Dec. 31, the third annual Floral Park Freedom Mile Run and Walk will be held rain or shine for the last morning run of the year. At 10:45 a.m., the children's Fun Run of approximately 100 yards for ages 6 and under will start in front of Village Hall to Carnation Avenue and back. Those interested in rollerblading or skateboarding on Floral Blvd. to Walnut Avenue and back can also join in the midday activities.

After the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of America the Beautiful near Heritage Park at 11 a.m., participants can run or walk in the Freedom Mile that begins and ends directly in front of Village Hall. The Police, Fire, Public Works and Recreation Departments of the village will all be involved to make the day a safe and fun experience. Best costume awards will be given out and a special salute made for oldest male and female participants. Everyone should wear red, white and blue in a show of their community spirit. After the events are completed, participants will gather at the Floral Park Youth Council Home, located at the United Methodist Church (across from Village Hall) for some refreshments and the awards ceremony.

The Freedom Mile Run and Walk is in tribute to community members and friends who have been impacted by the attacks of Sept. 11. The Floral Park Conservation Society, in conjunction with the Floral Park Youth Council and the Floral Park Recreation Department, are raising contributions for the Garden of Reflection, a living tribute planned for Centennial Gardens near the center path entrance on Carnation Avenue by Raff Avenue. The designing of the Garden of Reflection is underway, which will provide a special place to quietly reflect on the heroes and victims of the attacks as well as other important events in our lives.

Residents who wish to help build this garden can pre-register at the Shelter House at the Recreation Center during regular park hours. You can help us even if you are not a runner or cannot make the event by purchasing a commemorative T-shirt at the Shelter House this coming Saturday for $11. Runners and walkers can send applications to the FPCS, 140 Verbena Avenue, Floral Park, New York 11001. There is also a day of race registration between 9:30-10:30 a.m.

The fee should be made payable to the Floral Park Conservation Society for $11 per participant, with two or more runners in the same family $10 each, and any Fun Run children $7 each. The colorful patriotic shirts will be available up to the day of the run. Those interested in just purchasing the shirt can do so on the morning of the run as well. For further information or to volunteer, please contact Steve Corbett at 352-5383.