The 2003 Gambol for the Schreiber High School graduating class held at Hempstead House in the Sands Point Preserve on Friday, June 27 was truly a "Night in Camelot." I witnessed some of the preparation work by the devoted volunteers at the site and I know that much more went on elsewhere for prior weeks. The theme, décor, food and logistics produced an almost unbelievable result. What an expression of parental and community support and cooperation!

I spent several hours at the event watching the early entertainment, the hundreds of parents and friends who awaited the arrival of the hundreds of honored guests (the graduates), and then the arrivals whose names were announced and the welcome for each couple by the two festively costumed trumpeters as their pictures were displayed on two giant TV screens.

There were about 250 cars parked on the grounds, plus untold numbers of limousines and the Sands Point Police Department, assisted by the Port Washington and Nassau County Police, did a superb job in handling the crowds and traffic.

And inside - the hordes of parents and volunteers who physically set things up, who were the food preparers, the "dealers," the waiters and those who did just anything that had to be done were miracle workers.

The dancing to music of modern high decibel levels took place in a large tent behind the "castle" and I am pleased to say that residents nearby, such as on Sterling Lane in Sands Point, could hear nothing in their homes.

Comments from many of those present indicated that Hempstead House was a most desirable site for the Gambol and for other types of events as well. The trustees of the Village of Sands Point were pleased to cooperate with the Gambol Committee and the Department of Parks of Nassau County, which owns the Preserve, to help provide the site at Hempstead House since the school, undergoing construction, was not available. Thus, for the first time a new location was required.

It was an exciting night and all in the Port Washington and Sands Point area should be proud of their accomplishment.

Mayor Leonard Wurzel

Village of Sands Point