Morahan honored at beach rededication

Greenwood Lake - No one could fault state Sen. Thomas P. Morahan for missing a dedication ceremony on Friday evening, June 23. After all, Albany lawmakers were in late session that same night and many of them had to excuse themselves from various public events being held in their home districts. There was one big difference, however. This ceremony, held on the shores of Greenwood Lake, was the rededication and renaming of the Warwick Town Beach as the “Thomas P. Morahan Waterfront Park” and Warwick Town Superintendent Michael Sweeton promised the senator, who represents this area, a rain check. On Saturday, July 8, local officials gathered again to repeat the dedication ceremony for their guest of honor. The abbreviated ceremony opened with the National Anthem sung by Sophie Nusinov, the Pledge of Allegiance led by members of Boy Scout Troop 121 and an invocation by the Rev. Robert Sweeney, pastor of Holy Rosary Church. “This is take two of the dedication,” quipped Sweeton. On behalf of the Warwick Town Board, he again thanked the public for supporting the Town’s PDR (Purchase Development Rights) program. He praised Greenwood Lake officials, the Waterfront Park Visioning Committee and the many local volunteers who gave freely of their time and talents. He also mentioned the individuals and companies that had donated materials and services. Sweeton then welcomed Morahan along with Assemblywoman Annie Rabbit, County legislators Michael Pillmeier and Ben Winstanley and other Town and Village officials, including the Mayors of Florida and Greenwood Lake. He explained that the new park at Warwick’s Town Beach in the village of Greenwood Lake had been renamed after Morahan in recognition of his 40 years of public service and steadfast support of Warwick. “I’m honored,” said Morahan. “Whatever I’m credited with, however, has been the result of a partnership with the local officials and the good citizens in my district.” In a light moment, members of the Warwick Town Board presented Councilman Leonard De Buck, who serves as liaison for the physical development and upkeep of parks, with an orange DPW (Department of Public Works) shirt for championing the beach development. The ceremony concluded with a repeat unveiling of the new sign that reads: “Thomas P. Morahan Waterfront Park.”