Where has the summer gone? We were hoping for a quiet summer, but unfortunately several issues kept us busy. But, before I report on these issues, I'd like to thank Ray and Sue Kurz from Century 21 Benjamin Birch Tree Realty for distributing American flags on July 4. It was nice to see every house displaying the flag. I'd like to welcome all of our new neighbors who have moved into the community during the summer. Our welcome committee, including Marleen Cacciola and Marissa Lorintz, were very busy making and delivering welcome baskets. More than five homes were sold in Oakwood Princeton Park recently.

Our annual picnic will be held on Saturday, Sept. 18 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, Sept. 19. We will not be barbecuing this year, so please make sure that you bring a picnic basket. Soda, water and home-baked cakes and cookies will be sold. We will have a DJ and, hopefully, a moon bounce and games for the kids. A prize raffle will be conducted. Don't miss this opportunity to socialize with your neighbors and meet several elected officials who will be attending the picnic. We also need volunteers to help us get ready, so please contact Marissa Lorintz at 935-4159 and pitch in.

There have been several developments concerning the preservation efforts for the Underhill property. The OPPCA, as well as many other civic associations, have joined together to support The Society to Preserve Underhill. This not-for-profit corporation was formed to fight to preserve this environmentally-critical, 81-acre parcel. In the few months since it was established, The Society to Preserve Underhill organized a public rally attended by over 500 citizens, sent a delegation to Albany twice, convinced the Town of Oyster Bay to withdraw its appeal of the citizens lawsuit and most importantly, formed a tremendous coalition of civic and environmental groups.

Now, most of the members of our town council as well as Supervisor Venditto are publicly supporting the preservation of Underhill. The legal proceedings are progressing as well. Oral argument of Tilles' appeal is scheduled to take place on Sept. 7. We are hopeful for a successful outcome. The Society is continuing to lobby our elected officials to ensure that they continue their efforts to purchase the land and permanently preserve it. All of these efforts are important and can only be successful with the full support of the community. Remember, Jericho and the surrounding areas will be impacted drastically should this ill-planned and over-intensified development be constructed.

As a result of construction at the high school, the Seaman fields were used by summer softball leagues more this summer, on Sundays, than they had been in prior years. Several complaints were made to the civic association by residents, including a complaint that games were starting earlier than the required 10 a.m. start time. These complaints were relayed to Robert Noonan, who is in charge of buildings and grounds for the school district. I wish to thank Mr. Noonan for responding immediately to our concerns and alleviating them with his prompt action.

A new issues arose in August with regard to the development of 163 acres of land within the SUNY Old Westbury campus. Several members of the OPPCA board attended an emergency meeting of the United Civic Associations of North Oyster Bay to find out what the development was about. Many issues were raised at that meeting and at a subsequent meeting held at the college. There is great concern regarding the development, especially since the property is in the same Special Groundwater Protection Area (SPGA) that the Underhill property is located. The OPPCA will be monitoring this situation.

Lastly, and certainly most important, we remind everyone that school is starting for our youngsters. Therefore, please keep in mind the kids who walk to school, and be extra careful and obey all stop signs.