New residents, longtime residents, elected officials and representatives from local organizations came together for the Sea Cliff Civic Association’s annual Newcomers’ Welcome Party. Despite the weekend’s nor’easter, more than 50 people attended.
The event, typically held at the home of civic association President Ann DiPietro and husband Dan, was moved indoors at the Stenson Memorial Library. Roughly 40 new residents, adults and children, were welcomed to the village.
“Usually, children don’t come to the event,” Ann said, “but because of the bad weather, I said, ‘If you have childcare problems or anything, feel free to bring them too.’”
The civic association has been hosting the welcome event for nearly 50 years, with the DiPietros getting involved 40 years ago. The DiPietros then began letting local organizations know that they could come to the event and talk about the work that they do.
“There’s a lot going on in Sea Cliff,” Ann said. “And we just want the newcomers to be aware of them.”
This year, representatives from the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor, Friends of the Sea Cliff Library, the Sea Cliff Beautification Committee, the Sea Cliff Fire Department, Friends of the Sea Cliff Museum, the Sea Cliff Arts Council and the Sea Cliff Landmarks Association spoke about their organizations. Deputy Mayor Nick Pinto and Trustee George Williams, along with members of the civic association, attended to welcome new residents.
The civic association also gives out a form at the event for new residents to get library cards mailed to them. Ann is Sea Cliff’s children’s librarian.
She described the party as being a “joyful event” each year.
“People who come to this, I feel, are looking for community,” Ann said. “They’re looking to be involved. Just making that step of coming and out and curious to meet those who are new.”
