By:Jason Scheer
With the playoffs underway, the Police Athletic League is making good use of the rink's newly-installed surface. Last year, the league had to cancel its playoff tournament, taking a one-year hiatus, because the rink was in a state of disrepair. The new white plastic surface, whose installation was completed months ago, is designed to withstand the wintry conditions that the old concrete rink couldn't.
Cold winters caused the old surface of the rink to crack and the roller-hockey league to suspend playoff games and its instructional program. The Town of Hempstead provided incremental improvements and small repairs, such as paving and filling in cracks.
But those weren't enough, according to PAL volunteers. They were hoping for a major renovation project and began collecting signatures for a petition which eventually comprised more than 400 names.
The Town of Hempstead eventually contracted Mateflex, a company used by other towns and townships in the area, to install modular flooring. A spokesperson for Hempstead Town Councilman Anthony Santino said that particular type of surface was chosen because there were similar type rinks in other townships that had almost identical problems and those problems were successfully eliminated with this type of surface.
PAL president Ron Trimboli expressed his satisfaction with the renovated rink. "[The differences] are day and night over what the rink used to be. It's such a pleasure. Now, if the weather cooperates, it would be a godsend," he said.
Though the issue of the rink is finally settled, the administrators of the league are looking to strengthen the roller hockey program.
The deplorable condition of the rink not only led to the cancellation of playoff games, but led to long-standing relationships being severed. Children who had been participants in the Baldwin PAL league moved to other leagues in neighboring towns, like Oceanside, to fulfill their thirst for the sport.
With the new rink ready for action, PAL members are looking to create a resurgence, reaching out to old members and amassing new ones.
"We are focusing on building our program back up," Trimboli said.
In the mean time, the PAL is expanding in other ways. A new double-dutch jump rope program has been formed. Trimboli said many local kids will have the opportunity to enjoy this popular rope-jumping activity.
The PAL has also been raising funds for Danny Markert, a Baldwin resident, recently diagnosed with leukemia and in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant.
Baldwin children have been participating in a basketball shoot-out where their parents donate money. For every foul shot taken, parents donate a dollar. If the shot misses, parents donate fifty cents. Trimboli encourages the kids' efforts, relaying the importance to do good for a person in need and to teach kids the significance of community.
"We want the children to get involved in a community-minded project," he said. "It's important that they [learn] how to give back."
Be a PAL
The Baldwin PAL schedule is in full swing. This weekend, the Hockey Playoffs will be coming to a close. However, the PAL offers a wide range of springtime fun.
Registration for spring activities, which include baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, cheer leading and other sports will take place Feb. 4-6 at Hastings Street School.
For more information, contact the PAL by phone at 623-3111. In addition, information and registration forms can be found on-line at www.baldwinpal.org.
In addition to sporting events, the PAL participates in community service initiatives and provides scholarships for students. They host awards dinners twice a year and sponsor holiday parties, like the Halloween bash. The PAL is always looking for adult volunteers to help enrich the lives of Baldwin youth. Information on becoming a volunteer is also available on the Web site.
