On behalf of myself, co-chairperson Fran Nardi and The Rockland County Columbus Association, we would like to thank everyone who came out to show their support at our first Italian Festival in West Haverstraw June 21-22. This festival was put together in a very limited amount of time with the help of our President Sal Greco, Vice President Frank Russo, and our committee, Joe Bertolino, Richard Cefola, Mike Dolan (who couldn't do enough for us), Mary Minerick, Rosemarie Brisolari, Antonio Reda, Carlo Greco and Sal Greco Jr. Except for the inclement weather, which was out of our control, I think we did a good job on our first attempt. Next year will be even better.

Thanks to our financial supporters: the Town of Haverstraw, Village of West Haverstraw, The Rockland County Columbian Lawyers Association, Scaffidi Brothers, MCM Paving & Excavation, A&J Real Estate, Lucrezia Nursery & Gardens, The Linguanti Lodge, and Hood, Hood & Hood. Thanks also to Phil DeGaetano for donating T-shirts and to Hush Electrical Contracting for being there every time we needed help. We are also grateful for help from the town, West Haverstraw, Rockland County Fire & Emergency Services, West Haverstraw Fire Department, Haverstraw Ambulance and EMS, and Haverstraw Police Department. The fireworks show was put on by July 4 Ever Fireworks, and it was magnificent. Also thanks to The Neighborhood Cruisers who brought some of their classic cars, the many vendors who supported us and the patrons. We hope that you'll come back next year and support us once again.

Rosemarie Caramanno

Stony Point

The writer is committee chairperson of the Italian Festival Committee and recording secretary of the Rockland County Columbus Association.

THIELLS - People crowded around the classic cars on display at North Rockland High School yesterday as Bob DuBois, president of the Neighborhood Cruisers, registered vehicles for the annual benefit show.

The Neighborhood Cruisers Cruisin' for Kids Benefit, which was launched in 2002, raises funds for children facing serious mental and physical challenges. This year the club chose three families that are enduring financial and medical hardships to receive the proceeds from yesterday's event, said DuBois.

"What an incredible gift," Pam Loughran said of the benefit for her niece and goddaughter, Lanie Pearce, who has cerebral palsy.

"Lanie is 15, and she's awesome. She's totally a 15-year-old, she thinks like a 15-year-old, her body just doesn't work like one," Loughran explained. "We do everything we can to get her to have everyday experiences that might be a little harder for someone with CP to have."

Lanie's mother, Karole Pearce, said she would use the funds to purchase a device for her home that will make it easier for her to lift and transport Lanie.

"They're expensive, so we didn't really have the means before," Pearce said.

Two-year-old Gary Odell Jr. also has cerebral palsy. The money raised at yesterday's event will buy expensive leg braces for Gary, his mother Lee-Ann Odell said.

Also honored was Jaden Rodriguez, 6, of Haverstraw who was diagnosed with Pallister Killian Mosaic Syndrome. Jaden cannot walk or talk, and his mother, Crystal Diaz, said she hopes to buy him a stroller that can accommodate his needs and will be easier than a wheelchair to maneuver.

"It's amazing the amount of generosity out there," said Larry Tremblay of New Windsor, who entered his Marine Tribute Bike in the show.

Tremblay engages in his own charity by traveling around the country and displaying the bike he built at car and motorcycle shows.

"I lost my son in Iraq in 2005. We used to watch biker build-offs, and when he passed away I had the opportunity and the means to build a bike to pay honor to all these guys," Tremblay said. "This is also therapy for me. I get a really good response, and I meet a ton of great people."

Admiring Tremblay's motorcycle was 29-year-old Rudy Altman, who said he returned from Iraq two months ago.

"I'm just enjoying looking at the motorcycle and paying my respects," Altman said. "I love car shows, and it's a great way to stay out of trouble."

In addition to the car show, several vendors sold goods ranging from snacks to handbags to jewelry. But a highlight of the day was a dunk tank, where visitors tried to drop Stony Point Supervisor Phil Marino and Town Board member Steve Cole-Hatchard into a tank of water.

"It's fun for a few people to have a little revenge on taxes while supporting a good cause," DuBois said.