Over the years, I've learned that Manhasset is different. Manhasset has everything "big towns" have, yet retains a "small town" feel. The difference is Manhasset's incredible community involvement. Generous programs by the American Legion, Kiwanis Club, Chamber of Commerce (just to name a few) always bring out the best in Manhasset, and there's never a lack of community support.

Saturday, Oct. 28, is Homecoming. There will be a Homecoming Parade on Manhasset Avenue, where ecstatic parents will watch their children participate in this grand tradition.

But some Manhasset parents will be working that day. Your neighbors who make up the Coalition for a Safer Manhasset will be at "Safety Day," a community event at the Manhasset Park District parking lot on Manhasset Avenue behind the Mary Jane Davies Park. They'll be welcoming your children, in Halloween costumes or football jerseys, and educating Manhasset about traffic safety and common courtesy to pedestrians (especially schoolchildren!) The Safety Day event will have music, games, face painting, a moon bounce, raffles and a special Halloween Parade and Halloween costume contest.

The coalition has put together Safety Day for your children. Show your support and get involved. Manhasset residents must be able to walk our streets without being in danger from drivers who ignore traffic laws, who speed, who use cell phones, who make U-turns - who do not use common sense and put Manhasset's future at risk. This is a "Manhasset Event," planned and paid for by Manhasset residents and generous Manhasset businesses. Demonstrate the difference - take part in Manhasset's "Safety Day" and make it another Manhasset tradition.

Stephen C. Pinzino