The CCAF organization held its general meeting on Feb. 17 and welcomed Town of Oyster Bay Councilwoman Mary McCaffery. Prior to inviting the councilwoman up to the podium, CCAF President Mike Grello reported that the newly formed school committee has been activated and is looking forward to hosting its first forum.

The CCAF, in conjunction with the Farmingdale Board of Education and administration has invited local and state legislators to take part in a forum titled Úquot;How Do New York State Mandates and State Aid Impact the Quality and Cost of Education in Our Community.Úquot; It is planned that participants will consist of government officials, the board of education and the administration. A date will be announced when responses are received from those invited. CCAF Vice President Lisa Twomey encourages all residents to attend. Among those invited are Assemblyman James Conte (10th Assembly District), Assemblyman Joseph Saladino (12th Assembly District), Assemblyman Robert K. Sweeney (11th Assembly District), Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8th Senate District), Senator Kemp Hannon (6th Senate District), Senator Carl L. Marcellino (5th Senate District). Lisa Twomey noted during the meeting that Nassau County Legislator Dave Mejias has tentatively accepted to be moderator for the forum.

In other meeting matters, Mike Grello passed a motion to waive all reports in lieu of the guest speaker and noted that the annual elections for CCAF will be in June. They will begin to hold interviews for recording secretary next week.

The residents welcomed Councilwoman McCaffery and she thanked all community groups, such as the CCAF for helping her keep up to date with what is going on in the community.

Úquot;You are our eyes and ears and help us help you,Úquot; she remarked.

She spoke about her family and her grass roots in Bethpage, adding that although she is from Boston, Bethpage is where her children grew up and attended school. She discussed items of great importance to her such as affordable housing, employment on Long Island, knowing what the needs are of the communities she serves and the importance of reaching out to and being an advocate for her constituents. She encouraged residents to contact her with any questions they might have.

She acknowledged comments from the audience addressing concerns such as parking commercial trucks on residential streets, a TOB hamlet plan for the community and illegal apartments, which are of great concern to residents. She suggested that those who suspect illegal apartments in their neighborhood should contact Town Hall and the town will conduct an investigation. Nassau County Police Officer Brian Alimena also remarked that if residents notice what appear to be illegal apartments in the community, they can contact the Nassau County Police Department.

As the meeting wrapped up, Mike Grello and Dave Mejias thanked Nassau County police officer Brian Alimena for the outstanding work he has done to keep the community safe.

Úquot;Police Officer Brian Alimena has worked in Farmingdale for 19 years and has kept the CCAF informed and aware and we thank him for his serviceÚquot; said Grello. Mejias remarked, Úquot;Thanks to Police Officer Brian Alimena and others in the NCPD/POP unit, crime is down 14 percent in the 8th Precinct and 12 percent in Farmingdale.Úquot; PO Alimena is looking forward to his next assignment within the NCPD.

It was announced that Town Councilman Anthony Macano will be speaking at the next meeting on March 17.