Am pleased to report that the lap pool and interactive pool at AF Veteran park will be open Tuesday and Wednesday due to the extreme heat. The pool will be open from 4-6 PM. Gerry Byrne, Commissioner of Parks is trying to see if the lifeguards could stay till 6:45 PM. This was very difficult. When we approved the budget in December we anticipated that the pool would close on Labor Day (most pools in the county close on Labor day). It's hard to find lifeguards when school starts and there is a county-wide lifeguard shortage. I first spoke with Gerry Byrne close to 4 PM today -when I was at the pool speaking with pool patrons. He, Deputy Commissioner Joe Lucasey and the pool director, Gregory DuSablon Jr and Sue Lynn Perez worked to find the team so that the pool could be open --on short notice. Today was the official last day of the pool, the pool was extremely crowded due to the heat and many people enjoyed the chance to cool down and enjoy the water. A big thank you to Gerry Byrne, Joe Lucasey, Gregory DuSablon, Sue Lynn Perez and the lifeguards who will be working Tuesday and Wednesday for making this possible. If we are able to keep the pool open till 6:45 PM I will post an update. PAUL FEINER