A regular meeting of the board of trustees was held on Oct. 19, at 8 p.m.
Prior to the regular meeting, Mayor Greene announced that NYCOM Public Service Recognition Certificates were being presented to two employees who have reached milestones in their careers.
“Robert Early began working in our library in October 1970 as a part-time clerk and is currently an adult page. His many responsibilities include distributing all incoming mail, shelving books, magazines and periodicals. He also receives and distributes all deliveries of equipment and supplies necessary for the smooth operation of the library. Robert has lived in Floral Park for over 60 years and you can usually see him walking on Tulip Avenue frequenting local businesses. He enjoys listening to music and watching all types of sports including baseball, basketball, football and tennis. He also loves watching old videos. When we contacted library director Tracey Simon for suggestions on what to engrave on a watch for Robert, the consensus of the library staff was that if they were to write everything they would like to, Robert would have to carry around a grandfather clock to hold all of their kind words of appreciation. Mayor Greene thanked Robert for his many years of service and dedication to the library and our village and proudly presented him with a watch in appreciation of his 40 years of service.”
NYCOM Public Service Recognition Certificate recipient John Marrinan, a police officer for 25 years, was unable to attend the board meeting.
Police Department
Trustee Rhatigan thanked the Floral Park Police Department for the fine work they did in apprehending a Suffolk County resident who was witnessed defacing a number of trucks parked at the Creedmoor Spur. Such acts of vandalism not only mar the community but also are a financial burden on those who must restore the vehicle to its previous condition. Additional information implicated two additional “taggers” as they are known.
Covert Avenue Street Fair
Trustee Longobardi reported that the Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce held its annual street fair on Saturday, Oct. 16. Even though the wind created havoc at the beginning of the day, the fair was a great success. The day was filled with wonderful food from local food merchants, music, rides for the children, fire prevention demonstrations, local and invited merchants and even a politician or two running for office this election season. Trustee Longobardi offered his congratulations to Chamber president Cathy Grassman, officers Anna McCarthy, Anne Musso, Dr. Jay Piskin and Jeanine Ventimiglia and all the chamber members for a job well done. Trustee Longobardi also thanked members of the village family for their hard work including Superintendent Steve Siwinski, Richard Albertson, Mike Naylor, Russell Mazzolla and Kevin Ginnane and all of the staff at Public Works who set up early in the morning and cleaned up late at night. The safety of those attending the fair is always a concern. Trustee Longobardi thanked Police Commissioner Steve McAllister for his efforts in coordinating not only our police department but also the Nassau County 3rd Precinct. He thanked Sergeant Ron Gagliano, police officers Bob Pedley, Mike Hearne, Martin Fennessey, Matt Viscusi and superb biker Kenny Kratochvil for all their efforts and for ensuring that nothing interfered with the enjoyment of those working jointly with the Stewart Manor Fire Department and to the Nassau County Police Department, especially 3rd Precinct Commander Kevin Canavan and police officers Nick and Frank who rode bicycles throughout the day patrolling the avenue.
Floral Park Community Day at Belmont Park
Trustee Longobardi reported that on Sunday, Oct. 10, the village celebrated its Second Annual Community Day at Belmont Park. The event was hosted by the Floral Park and Covert Avenue Chambers of Commerce. The day began with Floral Park’s own, 13-year-old Therese Azzara singing the National Anthem from the Winner’s Circle. The Floral Park Little League held its award ceremony in the marquee tent and trustee Longobardi thanked Carl DiNaro and the Little League Board for choosing to enjoy the day at Belmont Park. Local merchants sponsored the races, with the first race dedicated to our New York State 13-14 year old Little League champions who watched the race from the Winner’s Circle. In addition to the Cradle of Aviation events taking place inside the grandstand, the Floral Park Art League displayed many works of art by our local artists. Trustee Longobardi thanked Bob Rouge, president of the art league and all the artists who participated. Sethi from Floral Station Deli, Paul from LaBottega, Shane from Tulip Bakery and NYRA’s Centerplate Caterers provided a wonderful array of food for anyone who wanted to partake. Trustee Longobardi said that this day would not have happened without the generosity and hospitality of the New York Racing Association. NYRA’s donation of the marquee tent, parking, advertising, picture frames and many other incidentals helped to make it very easy to plan the event. Charles Hayward, president of NYRA and recently named Business Person of the Year by the Elmont Chamber of Commerce continues to be a good friend to Floral Park. In addition, Joanne Adams and Steven Travers, two special people, deserved big thanks because without them, this day would never have happened. Trustee Longobardi also thanked the committee who planned the event and worked on all the details; Anna McCarthy of the Gateway, Cathy Grassman of Jo-Mar Pet Grooming, Sal Bonagura, Esq. and Jason DiCarlo of Fallon’s. Trustee Longobardi thanked Carla Cohen from the Gateway and Melissa Argueta and Marilou Giammona from the Dispatch for helping get the word out and for their continued coverage of not only these events but for all of the happenings in our village.
Trustee Longobardi specifically left one person to thank for last because when it comes to putting all the pieces together for these events, it does not get any better than our Village Administrator Virginia Appel. Trustee Longobardi thanked Ginny for all of her hard work and congratulated both she and her new husband, John, because somewhere in the middle of running these events and all the other issues in the village, she managed to plan and get married at the same time. Trustee Longobardi wished Ginny and John all the love and happiness life can give them.
Nassau County Council of Chambers Business Person Of the Year
Trustee Longobardi said he had the privilege of attending the Nassau County Council of Chambers Annual Awards Breakfast on Friday, Oct. 15. Trustee Longobardi shared in recognizing Floral Park Chamber and Covert Avenue Chamber Business Person of the Year, Kathleen Duggan from Jack Duggan’s Pub & Restaurant and Rene Galietti from Body Works Day Spa. This is a great honor for Kathleen and Rene to receive from their peers.
On motion by Trustee Rhatigan, seconded by Trustee Longobardi, and carried unanimously, Mayor Greene recessed the meeting at 8:10 p.m.
