On Tuesday, March 31, the Farmingdale community came out to support the Farmingdale Community Summit Council at the 13th annual expo and health fair. Held in the Farmingdale High School gym, the event featured a variety of local eateries and businesses for locals to get to know, and for students to enjoy on their spring recess.
“It’s nice when you walk into a restaurant and the owner knows your name,” said Elizabeth Mignone, Chamber of Commerce president and owner of Mignone Masonry. “An event like this brings the community and local businesses together.”
Mignone exhibited at the Chamber of Commerce table as well as a table for her own business since she believes that events like this give the community a small-town feel.
“This expo allows residents to learn more about who is in their neighborhood and even though they may not need a service now, it allows them to get to know you and learn about you for the future,” she noted.
Ken Ulric, president of the Summit Council, said that he has been organizing the event since its inception and although it may be challenging at times, he couldn’t be more proud of the community support he receives.
“This event is so important,” Ulric said. “I appreciate that everyone comes together. It really shows off the best of the community. Not only that, but it allows us to help members of the community that really need it.”
Ulric told the Farmingdale Observer that the idea behind the expo and health fair is to showcase as many different businesses as possible and to expose residents to different points-of-view, all while raising money for the organization.
“I think it allows people to stop and realize that we are all in this together,” Ulrich said.
Steve Gazzo, owner of Total Physical Therapy of Massapequa, said he was excited to be able to show off his business at the expo. “It is so nice to meet new people and really get to know the community that our business is part of,” he said. “Events like this allow residents to know that we are there for them, not just as a business but as people too, and we care for the community as much as they do.”
Ellen Melo, who attended the expo with her three children, said that it was a wonderful event for the community and one the family looks forward to every year.
“It’s spring, so it’s a great time since people are starting to come out of their homes again and explore the area,” she said. “It lets you see what’s new in the town and to meet business owners. It is really just a nice night out. The kids get to see their friends, the parents get to see their friends and everyone gets to eat and enjoy,” she smiled.
