Vacationing in Jamesport on the North Fork of L.I. has become a family tradition. We "block out" all distractions - sports, work, schedules - and thoroughly enjoy our time together with each other and our six children. This past trip was interrupted by news from a friend that the police had been called to our home in Manhasset to deal with a disturbance. Approximately 40 young teenagers decided to have a party in our backyard in our absence. To make themselves comfortable they removed our lawn furniture from our garage, and then as the party grew in size, they "borrowed" our neighbor's furniture. We have been told that a fight broke out and that a young man was injured. Luckily, the noise level eventually prompted a phone call to the police and the party was "dispersed" by 10 p.m.

On validating this information with the Police Dept., we learned that this is a fairly common occurrence in Manhasset. The kids know who will be away and will spread the news. A party will form quickly. Over 100 beer cans were found on our property. A few cases were left behind. According to the police officer, we were lucky the call came in early. Many times there will be damage to the house, or occasionally the kids will try to enter the residence.

Having three teenagers, we understand that there is a general feeling among the kids that "there is not much to do around here." Though we may not wholly disagree with that statement, we do not believe that this is an acceptable form of entertainment. Trespassing on someone's property, even if you know the family, is illegal and can cause unanticipated problems. (The week before there was apparently a small gathering in our yard that went undetected - the second got out of control as the word spread like a game of telephone.) We are grateful that no one was seriously hurt and that no damage was done. Again, we apologize to our neighbors for the noise and mess.

Our suggestion to all families that will be away - let someone know that the house will be empty and that if they see people on the property, call the police. You can bet we will be doing this each time we are away in the future. And next year when we go off to Jamesport, putting all our "cares" aside will be more of a challenge.

John and Mary Frances Jeffrey