Remembering Caroline Previdi three years later

Three years ago two tragedies occurred that affected Island Park in an amazing way. Hurricane Sandy devastated the community on Oct. 29, while miles away in Newtown, Connecticut on Dec. 14; Adam Lanza fatally shot 20 school children and six adult staff members at the Sandy Hook elementary school.

The Where Angels Play foundation was born of that tragedy, it’s mission: “To create joyful places to play. To provide hope, recovery, and a return to family values in the wake of senseless violence and tragedy.” To that end the foundation, with lots of local support, erected playgrounds at 26 sites affected by Sandy.

Island Park is home to a playground at Masone Beach, honoring Caroline Previdi, one of those children. The first year the playground was erected the community got together and decorated a Christmas tree in her honor at the playground, in pink, her favorite color, with solar lights so it would glow all night long.

This year Cathi Hall of Island Park put out the call and for the third year the community responded. A tree was donated by the Fire Department and members of the community brought decorations, hot chocolate, donuts and good cheer.