The Women’s Club of Farmingdale (WCF) was privileged to have Farmingdale School District Superintendent Paul Defindini speak at their May meeting. Defindini relayed “That the past two years have been agonizing for staff and students alike…” as they attempted to navigate the ever-changing regulations of the pandemic. He compared it “To trying to rebuild an airplane while its flying.” As has been prevalent throughout the country, the school has had its share of staff/student mental health issues which has resulted in the hiring of additional social workers and psychologists. These expenditures, in turn, have been incorporated into the 2022-23 proposed school budget while keeping the proposed tax levy increase at a low 1.59 percent.
(Photo courtesy of the Women’s Club of Farmingdale)
Through it all, Defindini had nothing but high praise for all the school staff, which includes administrators, teachers and numerous support staff. Defindini stated that the good news is that “…during the last two to three weeks,” the vibe in the schools “…has started to feel different. There is a heartbeat present which has not been felt since the beginning of the pandemic.”
Defindini also spoke on the several planned capital renovations and plans to bring the district completely off the energy grid in the next three to four years. Some of the capital projects include playground and parking lot restorations for which income held in a reserve account will be extracted. Forthcoming capital projects include solar car ports, saving 60 percent of the school district’s utility bill, while they provide protection from the elements and will have the capacity to charge electric vehicles. Installing LED lighting throughout the district will not only be cost effective, but will reduce time-consuming maintenance. At the Aquatic Center, there will be two pools, one for the community and one for student competition. This is expected to be completed and open for use in June. Defindini said that “…more information on the Aquatic Center will be available to the community soon.” Looking ahead, Defindini expects the school district to be entirely off the energy grid with the use of solar panels throughout the district.
Linda Kreussling, GFWC-NYS President, WCF President Tina Diamond, 2nd VP Vicky Impollonia, GFWC-NYS Board Members Barbara Hoerner and Dolores Cianciabella represented the WCF with attendance at the New York State Convention in Albany. These conventions hold many very informative workshops and lectures, in addition to awarding certificates to various New York State clubs for their outstanding projects over the last two years.
The WCF is very proud to have received 1st Place awards for:
• Legislation and Public Policy: writing a resolution on amending the New York State Bail Reform Law 2020
• Communications & Public Relations: monthly articles and photos electronically submitted to numerous publications and WCF website, Facebook, handbook and newsletter
• GFWC Signature Project: Domestic Violence Prevention: Donations to Dress for Success—donating new and gently used clothes for job interviews
• Leadership Advancement: member presented program on the Who, What, Where, When and Why of GFWC reporting
• Education & Library: donating $4,045 to honor six Farmingdale High School seniors with awards for excellence at graduation
• Membership Advancement: hosting gatherings to collect holiday gift bags for homeless children at Madonna Heights and including associate members and friends helping to forge old and new friendships. Total gifting raised $1,575 in-kind donations
(Photo courtesy of the Women’s Club of Farmingdale)
The club also received 2nd Place and 3rd Place Awards for:
• 2nd Place GFWC President’s Special Project: Raised more than $800 for pancreatic cancer with “Walk for a Cure”
• 2nd Place Civic Engagement & Outreach: Donations and visits throughout the year to Epic House
• 2nd Place Health & Wellness: “Walk for a Cure” $800 donation for pancreatic cancer
• 3rd Place President’s Scrapbook
In addition, several members received certificates for their arts and crafts and photography awards: 1st Place Cheryl Parisi: Quilted Blanket; 1st Place Nancy Carman: Crocheted Blanket & 1st Place Nancy Carman: Hand Sewn Purse/Tote; 3rd Place Vicky Impollonia: Photography
Lorraine Stanton was inducted into the New York State Honor Roll and
Joan Vallarella received a pin and certificate for 50-year membership in WCF.
—Submitted by WCF Publicity Chair Maria Ortolani
