[2]On Saturday, July 7, I had the privilege of hosting the 1stAnnual First Responders Appreciation Day event at beautiful Camp Kiwi in Carmel, NY in honor of all of our Police Officers, Firefighters, Emergency Medical Service Workers, Correction Officers, Court Officers, Veterans and their families.
I’d like to personally thank VA Hudson Valley Health Care System for merging their Welcome Home Event with the First Responders Appreciation Day and for bringing their Mobile Outreach Mobile for so that onsite evaluations could be offered to the Veterans. They provided comprehensive information about Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and VA Health care services, as well as the supportive services for families and/or significant others; and services of the OEF-OIF-OND program (Returning Veterans Program).
This complimentary day of family fun, delicious food, and exciting activities was a celebration for the heroic men and women that put their lives on the line, day-in and day-out to protect our community’s safety and freedom. This day simply would not have been possible without the dozens of local businesses and organizations, many of whom embraced the chance to honor such a deserving group of brave individuals.
On behalf of this great community in which we live, I would like to personally thank:
Primavera, Route 6 Bistrant, 151 Grill & Bar, Bucci Deli, Village Social Kitchen & Bar, Paola’s Pizzeria and Pasta, Somers 202 Restaurant & Grill, Sweet Delites Pastry Shop, Fiesta Mexicana, Traditions 118, Patterson Deli, Arturo’s Tavern, Aversano’s Restaurant & Pizza, Ariano’s Trattoria, D’Amato’s Italian Deli and Brick Oven Pizza, Seasons An American Bistro & Lounge, Le Fontane Restaurant, Sea Chic, Chloe Madison Creations, Rammi’s Bagels, Dante’s Trattoria, and BBQ- Bob. Thank you for providing all of the amazing food for some of America’s heroes!
Ivan and Karla Bellotto graciously provided the venue, granting full access to Camp Kiwi. Gold Star Mothers who have lost a child in combat, arrived from around the state. Without Karla and Ivan, this event simply would not have happened! Music flowed throughout the day, compliments of Blues Buddha Band and guest musical performers including Debra Bisaccia we thank them wholeheartedly!
All the various components that went into making this special day an absolute success came from our generous event sponsors, each of whom deserve a special thanks. Thank you Pepsico, for the cases and cases of refreshment beverages, Krasdale Foods for contributing the serving supplies, Ace Endico for helping out with the list of food items for the BBQ, A&S Fine Foods for the 50 pounds of sausage, Suburban Carting Company for the 30 yard container that enabled the crew to properly dispose of the debris that was generated, Patterson Tractor Supply for supplying all of the beverage coolers, and to Stew Leonard’s for providing the BBQ toppings and condiments.
God bless everyone who made this a great day for America’s finest and their families. What a great community we live in! (ARTICLE [3])
Greg Ball
State Senator
