By Eli Ruiz
SOUTH FALLSBURG —August 5, 2005 – For the second year in a row, the National Night Out program came to South Fallsburg.
The program, meant to encourage community awareness and crime prevention, drew a large crowd into downtown to the public park for food and games on Tuesday evening.
The event was put together by Ruby Gold of Woodridge and Edward Scott from Fallsburg.
The Fallsburg Police were on hand as well.
Chief of Police Angel Lamboy said, “We’re just here to show our support to the community.”
The night’s main event was a basketball tournament for 9-13 year-olds.
Players from Fallsburg High School’s varsity squad coached the youngsters for the tournament.
The tournament was a joint effort between the town and the school.
The two squads that made it to the championship round were the Fallsburg PBA team and the Sullivan County PBA.
With Sullivan ahead at the half, the Fallsburg squad came back with strong rebounding in the second half to take the championship by a final score of 40-34.
Valerie Luczyski allowed her two children, ages 9 and 12, to participate in the game.
“This is just great, so many people turned out, and the weather is just gorgeous,” she said.
Kathleen Krieter and Erick Gonzalez from the Conflict Resolution Center in Monticello were on hand to serve the free burgers, hotd ogs and cold drinks to the dozens in attendance.
Also there, with camera in tow, was Larry Schafman, Fallsburg High School PR director who said.
“I’m just thrilled to see such a great turnout and to see the kids really have fun doing positive things tonight,” Schafman said.