Almost 100 Local Residents Attend Community Recognition Awards Night
Post Awards Chairman and Judge Advocate William J. Corbett opened the program by commending the public servants and volunteers for their efforts to keep Floral Park a great place to live. He said their selfless efforts are in the great American tradition and “what we do for ourselves alone dies with us — what we do for others and our community remains and is immortal.”
Award recipients included New York State Senator Craig Johnson for his support of veterans and his opposition to the third track of the Long Island Rail Road, Reliance Engine Company No. 2 of the Floral Park Volunteer Fire Department on their 100th anniversary, former Nassau County Veterans Services Director Edward Aulman, former Floral Park Mayor Phil Guarnieri for his years of community service and Rev. Gainus Sikes, pastor of the United Methodist Church of Floral Park, and a U.S. Army veteran, for his community service.
Also the Methodist Women’s Crocheting Group for their donation of handmade lap robes for the disabled veterans at local hospitals, former Floral Park Dispatch editor Carisa Giardino for her support for local community organizations and Dr. Joseph Massero, a U.S. Navy and U.S. Army veteran and retired dentist, for his involvement in many local veterans, religious and patriotic groups.
Eagle Scout Robert Sarro was recognized for becoming a Nassau County and District Eagle Scout of the Year for his project which involved raising funds for and planting 60 shrubs at Floral Park Memorial High School.
Floral Park American Legion Service Officer Anthony Cipriano was presented with the Legionnaire of the Year Award for his over 100 volunteer hours each month helping hundreds of disabled veterans at the St. Albans Veterans Hospital.
Carla Cohen, editor and publisher of The Floral Park Gateway, was recognized for her years of community involvement and support of many local organizations, including the American Legion.
Attending the ceremonies were Floral Park Deputy Mayor Tom Tweedy and Floral Park Trustees James Rhatigan, Mary-Grace Tomecki and Dominick Longobardi, Nassau County Legislator Vincent Muscarella and Hempstead Town Councilman Ed Amersino.
The awards committee included Past Post Commander and Nassau County Commander Ned Johnson, Adjutant and House Chairman Commander Al Trasolini; Commander Joe Reale, who also serves at Nassau County vice commander, assisted by former Mayor Ann Corbett, who was the past president of the Floral Park American Legion Auxiliary.
