This July has been an exciting and busy one for me. This month I had the distinct privilege to attend two very special "Pops" events. While our very own Village Pops concerts have been going on for more than 20 years, this year's concerts are taking place under our completed gazebo. It is very rewarding for me to see this project come to fruition. The last and final stage of the project will be some additional landscaping to the area. The beautiful gazebo certainly enhances the wonderful music provided by the Pops band. I hope you all can attend one of the final two concerts on Wednesday, Aug. 3 and Aug. 10 at 7:30 p.m.

I also participated in another Pops event over the July Fourth weekend. I had the honor of throwing out the first pitch at Farmingdale Baseball's (FBLI) Pops Park Classic. Named after James "Pop" Sabellico, father of FBLI and the Farmingdale Community Summit President Tom Sabellico, the annual event showcases the AA league 8-year-old All-Stars. As I watched the balls flying around the field, I saw the excitement in the players' eyes; it once again made me very proud to be part of this very special community we call home. I have to thank the dedicated FBLI Board and their league directors (which include Trustee Tom Langon - AA assistant director, and Deputy Mayor Joe Rachiele - rookie league assistant director). They deserve accolades for not only hosting this series but for all the extra events that they put on for our children throughout the year.

On a separate note, our village has also hit a "homerun" with the addition of the now-open Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream on Main Street. Of all the towns and villages in this area, Farmingdale was chosen for this premier company. I hope all of you will visit our village not only for some terrific ice cream, but for all your shopping needs. I look forward to seeing you in town.