At the April 11 meeting of the Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club, members heard Mayor Scott Strauss speak of Mineola’s Master Plan, originally spearheaded by the village government and New York State Senator Jack Martins (who will speak to Rotarians on June 13). 
Strauss described current downtown revitalization efforts and a $9 million grant allocated toward capital improvements. Mineola now boasts new high-end apartments, the development of a senior living complex and two new parks constructed on formerly vacant land. Strauss noted that while much emphasis is placed on the revitalization of downtown areas and the need to encourage support of local shops and businesses, also underway is a village-wide plan to address various needs which may also include the re-evaluation of parking regulation throughout the village. While Strauss emphasized the importance of preserving Mineola’s heritage, he also stressed the importance of managing change.
Strauss is a 52-year resident of the Village of Mineola, having served his community in various capacities throughout his lifetime. He is a 31-year member of the Mineola Volunteer Fire Department and a past chief. He was awarded “Firefighter of the Year” by both his company and the Town of Hempstead and is also a long-time member of the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
Also at the April 11 meeting, newly inducted member Maya Bensen was welcomed into the Club. Bensen resides in Garden City with her husband and their three sons. She is active in the community through various charities and volunteer work. Bensen has an MBA in finance from Hofstra University and a Retirement Income Certified Professional designation from American College. Bensen works in Northwestern Mutual, where she advises her clients on how to achieve financial security through holistic approach to their insurance and investment planning.
Town of Hempstead Receiver of Taxes Donald X. Clavin Jr. will speak at the May 9 meeting. At the May 14 meeting, members will take a bus tour through the Village of Garden City followed by a tour of the Cathedral of Incarnation and High Tea at the Garden City Hotel. Jamie Yedowitz-Freeman will speak on Winthrop University Hospital’s Urgent Care Facility at the May 23 meeting. To find out more about the Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club, call 516-877-7500.
Prospective members interested in joining the Club are invited to attend a complimentary introductory luncheon meeting. The Club meets on alternate Mondays, from 12:15-1:30 p.m. at the Garden City Hotel. For more information about the Club and its services, call president Susan MacDonald at 516-643-5286.
—Submitted by the Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club
