From everyone’s perspective, the first annual West Islip Community Summit was a terrific success. Hundreds of residents, business people and politicians attended the combined business expo-school district showcase-community organizations’ exhibit area in an effortto learn more about the hamlet in which they live, work and play. On stage in the high school auditorium were elected representatives who pledged to work with the coalition, including New York State Senator Owen Johnson and Assemblymen Phil Boyle and Andrew Raia, Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, Treasurer Angie Carpenter and Legislator Thomas Barraga, Islip Town Supervisor Phil Nolan, Councilmen Steve Flotteron and Chris Bodkin, representatives from SuffolkCounty Police, and Mary Ann Pfeiffer of YES (Youth Enrichment Services). All praised the efforts of the coalition, and in particular, summit host and hostess Steve Gellar and Annmarie LaRosa, who are also the president and vice president of the West Islip Board of Education, respectively. Said Supervisor Nolan, “ West Islip is a very active community and we want to do everything we can to help.” Thecoalition has formed sub-committees that are holding regular meetings to identify problems and needs within the hamlet. Action groups are created to work towards the completion of committee objectives. An annual summit will be held, featuring the accomplishments of the past year, introducing new organizations and politicians, and providing informal networking opportunities. This team approach to addressing issues within the community, from high property taxes, to litter and vacant buildings, to the many good organizations that would be better served by speaking with one voice, drew applause. All stakeholders will findways to collaborate and accomplish goals. Among the projects discussed during the summit were beautifying the community, preserving history, cleaning up Willet’s Creek, redeveloping the business area, attracting new businesses securing grants, revitalizing Montauk Highway, increasing recreation facilities, improving senior citizen programs, ensuring code enforcement, improving road conditions, maintaining the marina, promoting youth programs, and creating a community pavilion for celebrations, concerts and art exhibits. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Beth Virginia Blau commented after the summit, “Despite competition with the World Series, not to mention the rain, the turnout for the first summit was fantastic. Attendees expressed their pride in being West Islip residents and many were excited to learn things about their community and schools that they never knew. Plans are already being discussed for next year’s event, which is destined to be even bigger and better.” Coalition Co-Chair Steve Gellar said, “We’re very pleased that the first West Islip Summit Celebration drew a distinguished panel of elected officials, nearly fifty expo tables, and approximately 500 attendees. Although work toward improving the quality of life throughout the hamlet has just begun, in less than one year, the coalition tackled meaningful projects that included restocking food bins at local churches, cleaning up the West Islip Marina, renovating the Weeks Memorial Library, and beginning work on the Community Pavilion at Summit Park. We will continue to work on developing a community help line that will put residents in need of assistance in touch with their neighbors, and raising funds for the Community Pavilion so that we can see that exciting project to completion.” The evening concluded with performances by the West Islip Marching Lions Band and Vocal Motion. The coalition, formed in 2008, seeks to improve the quality of life, economic well-being and educational opportunities for all by fostering greater community awareness and unity. For more information, and to view the names of those chairing sub-committees, visit www.westislipsummit.com. Meetings are held year-round, the culmination of which will be addressed annually at a community summit celebration.