As Residents Seek Respite from Weather, Village Revenues Heat Up
As the mercury rose and temperatures neared record highs across Long Island earlier this week, the spirit of Stewart Manor residents and proprietors remained equally high. Customers waiting on line at the Manor Delicatessen on Covert Avenue couldn’t help but smile and hum along to Christmas carols, which were piped into the deli’s sound system. A resident on Chester Avenue set a snowman on his front porch. But perhaps the best way residents opted to beat the heat was to engage in a friendly water war along the route of the Stewart Manor Fire Department’s 12th Annual Fourth of July parade.
Spectators of all ages claimed a spot along the village’s tree-lined streets to celebrate the birth of our nation. Political dignitaries, including State Senator Craig Johnson, Hempstead Town Councilman Ed Ambrosino, New York State Supreme Court Justice Edward McCarty and the Stewart Manor Village Board marched in the parade. Even Uncle Sam made an appearance, riding atop the Elmont Fire Department’s Engine Company 3 truck.
The Nassau County Fire Riders were out in full force, followed by 17 fire and rescue departments, hailing from as far west as Bellerose, Queens and as far east as Syosset. Whether they adorned their trucks with American flags or built military-style barracks from which they launched their water balloons, all participants exuded a strong sense of patriotism. Perhaps the most notable was a float built by the Garden City Park Fire Department Juniors, which modeled the New York City skyline, complete with the Twin Towers and “Forever in Our Hearts” boldly painted along the side.
Following the parade, participants and spectators retreated to a barbecue, hosted by the SMFD, on Covert Avenue. Awards given to participating fire departments included “Best Decorated Department” to Garden City, “Most Patriotic Department” to Bellerose Terrace, “Best Appearing Department” to Manhasset-Lakeville, “Best Musical Unit” to Floral Park and “Best Overall Appearing Department” to Garden City Park.
As the heat wave ensued, residents sought respite at the Stewart Manor Pool, which is in full swing. Swim lessons began on June 28, and the pool staff already has the first ice cream sundae night under its belt. With events ranging from Wednesday afternoon arts and crafts to Thursday morning “senior citizen tea,” the pool offers something for everyone. Membership remains strong and is still open for those who wish to join for the season. According to a report prepared by Rosemarie A. Biehayn, Stewart Manor administrator/clerk treasurer, revenue from pool memberships stands at $125,000 — nearing projected revenue of $130,000 for the 2010 season, based on memberships, guest admissions and special events — as of the village meeting held on Tuesday, July 6.
In other news reported by the village board, it appears revenue from the new parking meters placed along the east side of Covert Avenue and in the municipal parking lot on the corner of Covert and Chester avenues could yield an increase year over year. As previously reported, as of May 25 the meter fee changed from 25 cents for one hour to 25 cents for 30 minutes. Stewart Manor Trustee John R. Egan noted that the new meters have to be emptied two times per week, as opposed to one time per week for the old meters. Projected meter revenue for 2009 was $45,000 and actual revenue for that time period was $49,000.
As the village prepares for other events throughout the summer, such as family nights at the pool on alternating Fridays, residents are happy to deal with the excessive heat. Village resident Miriam Velsor summed it up: “I’ll take this heat over a blizzard any day.”
