Valley Streamers find relief from heat

Sweltering temperatures – 101 degrees – prompted many Valley Stream residents to head to the local pool, and seniors to the nearby cooling center to find relief.

An estimated crowd of nearly 125 people immersed themselves in cool water at Hendrickson Park pool complex at one point Friday afternoon, while across town two dozen seniors played Bingo in ice-cold air conditioning at the Green Acres Senior Center, one of the Town of Hempstead's cooling centers. Several people said they were taking precautions, and seeking ways to cool off during the continuing heat wave.

“We are surviving,” said resident Terry Mulligan,“and doing the best we can by using the [air conditioner.”] Mulligan visits the pool every day, swimming and taking shade under one of the table umbrellas. He said he thought more people would be there during the week, chalking the lighter than expected crowd up to the comfort of being indoors. “They must be more content staying home under the AC,” he said.

But lifeguard captain Joseph Tagliaferro watched the action and said he felt it was larger crowd than usual taking to the water. “There are a lot more people in the water, and a lot less in the lounge chairs,” he joked. To cope with the heat himself, he was staying hydrated, drinking lots of water, and getting into the water, he said.

Sonny Maxon, another resident, found some solace at the pool for a second time this week, but had a solid plan to dodge the sun afterward. “I am going directly home, putting on my AC,” he said, “and watching tv.”

And resident and Angela Curra praised the village for providing recreation, especially the pool, which she said her two sons love to come to. “It’s one of the best things happening in Valley Stream,” she said.

The senior center felt almost like an icebox, several happy-go-lucky seniors joked. Members of the local “Green Acres Talent Group” were dishing out their ways of staying cool. “At home, you have to stay as undressed as possible, get under the AC, or do a sponge bath,” said RoseMarie Perry, a 74-year-old resident and member of the center’s four-lady singing group.