As a participant of Hicksville's National Night Out on Aug. 7, I would personally like to thank the generous merchants in our community who donated food and refreshments. Many thanks to: Papa John's Pizza, Dunkin' Donuts, Happy Farms, Newbridge Deli, Pasta-eria, Raimo's Pizza, 7-Eleven, Bagel Boss and Calda Pizza.

The kindness shown was testimony to the many wonderful business establishments we have here in Hicksville. I would also like to thank Kathy Harvey and Subodh Batra for their tireless efforts in contacting the many merchants who contributed to this special event.

Last, but certainly not least, thank you to Assemblyman Rob Walker for contributing the coffee service, Hicksville Water District for supplying bottled water and Citizens for an Informed Hicksville (CIH) for supplying the soda.

Thanks also to the CIH volunteers who coordinated the after-reception at the community center: Bob Hanson, Pat Kenny, Linda and Dave Quackenbush, Bill and Joan Thomas, Jeannette Murphy, Greg and Betty Yatzyshyn, Dan Rodgers, Ed Passarella and Adam Kounas. Much gratitude goes to Terry Tietjen whose inspiration and motivation encourages community service and involvement.

The event was well attended and reflects the spirit of our community, the dedicated efforts of our police officers in the 2nd and 8th Precincts who keep our community safe round the clock, the P.O.P. officers who go out of their way to be present at so many community meetings and Inspector Skrynecki for choosing Hicksville to host this year's National Night Out.

RoseMarie Ehrich

(Editor's Note: RoseMarie Ehrich is a member of Citizens for an Informed Hcksville)