Members of the North Hempstead community met on Valentine’s Day at the offices of The Americana in Manhasset with many United States Marines and their wives in what they called “A Day of Love.”
The event was sponsored by the doctors of the Long Island Plastic Surgical Group, under the direction of Teresa Barroca and Manhasset Chamber of Commerce President Dr. Harvey Passes, DDS.
Both the Marines and their wives were treated to a daylong spa treatment including facials and spa treatments at the office of the Long Island Plastic Surgical Group located at the Americana.
This was followed by an exquisite luncheon at Cipollini Restaurant at the Americana, along with a luxurious dinner at Sugar Dining Den and Social Club at 246 Voice Road, Carle Place.
Many dignitaries were on hand to greet the group, organized by Todd Shapiro, including Nassau County Legislator Wayne Wink, who provided citations from the county to every participant. North Hempstead Town Councilwoman Kitty Poons was present and she had words of thanks and praise for the Marines. Anton Community Newspaper Publisher Angela Anton came to the podium and thanked the Marines for their dedicated service and for the sacrifice of their families. She said, “I can truly appreciate their sacrifice since my mother was in the Army.”
Sgt. Gomez listed just some of the last names of many of the Marines who were on hand including: Vasquez with his wife Atiyah, Covington with his wife Katrina, Worster, Truscott, Angela and Jonathan Ceballos, Harris and Lashawer.
Representing New York State Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel was her chief-of-staff Emily Frankel and representing Senator Jack Martins was his chief-of-staff Justin Burke, since legislators were both in session in Albany. They also praised the dedication and service of the Marines.
For many of the couples it was the first time they have been together for Valentine’s Day in many years and for some it will be the last time they will spend together before they are deployed to Afghanistan.
The Marines for the most part are stationed at the United States Marine Base in Garden City, under the direction of Lt. Col. William P. Clark, who was with his wife Sandy. He praised those involved in organizing the event especially Sgt. Brian Gomez, who is also in charge of Toys for Tots, taking over for the now retired Marine Major Chuck Kilbride. Kilbride was present at the event and he, too, had many kinds words to say about the event and for the Marines who truly deserve such a day of relaxation and peace.
The Marines and their wives were also given beautiful bouquets of roses and a glass of champagne for a toast, also donated through the generosity of the Manhasset merchants. To top it all off waitresses from Sugar passed delicious appetizers for the group to tide them over from the time of their spa treatment until lunch. Truly a day of love and luxury.
