The following is a list of top stories, compiled by the editor, which occurred throughout 2005. Full stories can be obtained by logging onto www.antonnews.com and clicking on the Farmingdale Observer archives. Nassau County District Attorney Denis Dillon announced on Wednesday, Jan. 12 that the DA's Special Investigations Bureau has arrested the former Village of Farmingdale Mayor Joseph Trudden, 55, of Farmingdale. Trudden is accused of preparing and submitting false records to the New York State comptroller's office during an audit conducted for June 2001 through May of 2003.

News of former Mayor Joseph Trudden's arrest spread quickly throughout the Farmingdale community.

Trudden turned himself in to the Nassau County District Attorney's office on Wednesday, Jan. 12 and pleaded not guilty in Nassau County District Court to felony charges of tampering with public records, offering a false instrument for filing, grand larceny, falsifying business records.

The Long Island Fund for Women and Girls is a nonprofit organization in Bethpage that funds organizations run by women serves women on Long Island. The organization was established in 1991. It began with a small group of women from Nassau and Suffolk County meeting over brown-bag lunches to discuss pressing issues affecting women and girls on Long Island. A major issue discussed was the cutting of women's programs due to lack of funding. On the LIFWG website it states, "78 percent of the nation's poor are women and their children, but less than 6 cents of every dollar donated by organized philanthropy goes to programs that specifically address the needs of women and girls." This fact ultimately led to the establishment of the LIFWG, which this year provided $150,000 in grant money toward women's programs. At a press conference on Jan. 18, Nassau County District Attorney (DA) Denis Dillon and Harvey Levinson, chairman of the Nassau County Board of Assessors, announced plans to utilize the prosecutorial and investigative resources of the DA's office to assist Nassau County's town and city governments in the prosecution of illegal housing. Dillon, in meeting with Levinson on several occasions regarding the seriousness of illegal housing within Nassau County, said he will be offering his assistance and has agreed on a plan to supplement the efforts of town attorneys engaged in detecting and prosecuting illegal housing cases. On Dec. 15, 2004, the East Farmingdale Fire Company responded to a general alarm at Creative Finishing on Allen Boulevard. When the first chief arrived he advised that it was a working fire. Units from all three stations responded to the call. Chief Kevin Devito was in charge of the call. Units from Farmingdale and North Amityville Fire Departments were called in to assist East Farmingdale. The Town of Babylon Fire Marshal was called to the scene by Chief Devito. All units were given a signal five by Chief Devito to their respective stations after fighting the fire for about two-and-a-half hours. On Jan. 20, the Farmingdale Fire Department held its monthly meeting. Hook, Ladder and Hose Company #1 member and TSGT of the 106 Rescue Group on Long Island William MacKay presented the Chief's Office of the Farmingdale Fire Department with a flag that was flown over Iraq. Along with the flag, a plaque was presented that read: given and it stated "Let it be known this American flag bears witness to the destruction of the terrorist forces threatening the freedom of the United States of America. The 335th Fighter Squadron Chiefs have flown this flag in an F-15E strike eagle 89-0484, Call Sign Ruble 66 through the enemy skies of Iraqi Freedom, flown for the Farmingdale Fire Department, Long Island, NY." At the regular meeting of the Farmingdale Board of Education held on Feb. 2 in Howitt's Middle School's east cafeteria, parents of local students let their voices be heard when it came to the issue of changing student busing standards. More welcome were changes in the school budget preparation procedure, which should see more community interaction and better contingency planning. After 25 years of devoted service to children with severe disabilities, Farmingdale residents Joe and Rae Amorosa are ready for 25 more. The happily married couple volunteers at the Nassau BOCES Carman Road School, and while technically their role is escorting students to and from therapy sessions, they are also there to provide smiles. The Farmingdale Community Summit Council presented the third annual Farmingdale Jumps basketball game on Feb. 15. The event featured the Harlem Wizards versus a team consisting of teachers and administrators from the Farmingdale School District. The event was sponsored by the Farmingdale Community Summit Council, the Farmingdale Council of PTAs and Winning Beyond Winning. Proceeds from the event will be utilized by all three organizations to continue their programs to benefit our community. The Farmingdale Community Summit's Fourth Annual Farmingdale Reads project, a community-wide literacy project culminated with a guest appearance by The New York Times best-selling author Mitch Albom lecturing at the Farmingdale Public Library on Jan. 29. In a one-hour morning meeting, the Farmingdale Breakfast Rotary members donated more than $200 to Operation Phone Home sponsored by the Farmingdale Post Office. Operation Phone Home provides international calling cards to servicemen and women. The Farmingdale High School wrestling team competed in the Nassau County Wrestling Championships held on February 21-22. Congratulations to Coach Ken Garcia and the wrestlers who earned All-County status: 1st place Nakyle Bethay, 160 lbs., 4th place Shane Weber, 145 lbs. and 5th place Charles Ross 140 lbs. Nakyle Bethay will continue to compete in the New York State Wrestling Championships on March 4-5 in Albany. Theodore Dorfmeister Sr. was elected village trustee in the Farmingdale Village election held March 15. Dorfmeister edged out village resident Terri Morrison by a margin of 35 votes; the official tally being 344-309. He will serve a one-year term. Christina Salavec, honor student at Howitt Middle School, competed at the 2005 Level 9 Junior Olympics New York State Championships held on March 19. 2005 at Stony Brook University's Sports Complex, in Stony Brook. Salavec captured the All-Around title for a second year scoring an impressive 37.75. Salavec placed first on floor exercise wowing the crowd with her near perfect routine and scoring a 9.80. She also placed first on balance beam (9.525), first on uneven bars (9.40) and fourth on vault (9.025). Salavec qualified to represent New York State in the upcoming Northeast Regional Championships. After receiving a request from Senator Fuschillo and the East Farmingdale Civic Association to investigate the safety conditions at the intersection of Route 109 and East Carmans Road, the DOT studied the area and determined that a right turn lane should be installed on the westbound side of Route 109 to enhance safety. Construction for this new turning lane is slated to begin this summer. The DOT is also installing new speed zones along Route 109, from the Nassau/Suffolk County line to a point just west of Little East Neck Road. This will improve safety conditions for residents who live in close proximity to Route 109. Firefighters and EMTs from Roslyn to Montauk gathered outside the East Farmingdale firehouse on March 31 to hear Senator Charles Schumer's tax credit proposal. Anthony Nichols, the 1st assistant chief for the East Farmingdale Fire Department introduced Senator Schumer. Schumer's effort, the Supporting Emergency Responders Volunteer Efforts, or SERVE Act, would offer active members of volunteer firefighting and EMS organizations a $1,000 tax credit. Senator Kemp Hannon announced that the 2005-2006 Legislative Budget agreement provides $24.6 billion, reflecting an increase of $848 million in formula-driven and other educational assistance to schools across New York State. As a result, the Farmingdale School District will receive school aid in the amount of $20,566,371 - - an increase of more than $1 million above the proposed Executive Budget. This state aid to Farmingdale is also a 9.25 percent increase from 2004-05 aid. Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto recently announced the winners of the seventh annual Town of Oyster Bay Women of Distinction Awards, recognizing the outstanding achievements of eight women who either live or work in the town. Diane Annette Mormino, a longtime Farmingdale resident, was recognized as a Woman of Distinction in Education. Nassau County District Attorney Denis Dillon recently announced that the former Farmingdale Mayor Joseph Trudden, 55, pled guilty to two Class E Felonies, including Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree and Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree. Trudden is scheduled to be sentenced by Nassau County Court Judge Victor Ort May 31. At the April 26 meeting of the Farmingdale Village Board of Trustees, Village Clerk John Giordano announced to residents that he will be leaving his position after 18 years as village clerk. He introduced Barbara Canonico who will be performing as acting village clerk until a replacement is found. Elections for board of education trustee positions in the Farmingdale School District were held on Tuesday, May 17 from 6 a.m.-9 p.m. at Howitt Middle School. Incumbent Charles J. Russo was challenged by Joseph Stufano, while Terrence McPartland and Steve Wilson challenged incumbent Jane Schriro Rubinstein. Voters chose candidates to serve a three-year term on the Farmingdale Board of Education. Incumbent Charles J. Russo defeated challenger Joseph A. Stufano by a margin of more than 600 votes. Terry McPartland and Steve Wilson ran against incumbent Jane Schriro Rubinstein. Wilson won Rubinstein's seat by a large margin. The Farmingdale budget and proposition votes and trustee elections were held on May 17 at Howitt Middle School. The proposed budget adopted by the Farmingdale Board of Education was $121,919,726 for the 2005-2006 school year, which represents a 6.36 percent increase over the previous year's budget of $114,625,481. The proposed tax levy increase over 2004-2005 is 5.92 percent. Local residents voted the budget down in a 2,211 (yes) to 2,710 (no) vote. Nearly $200,000 has been raised on Long Island so far this year by American Cancer Society's Relay for Life events. This past weekend, the Farmingdale community came together for its third annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life event at Farmingdale State University and raised more than $160,000. No amount of rain could keep these participants away. The outdoor event was held indoors due to the inclement weather. More than 1,000 participants - did more than just walk in circles all night around the indoor track at Nold Hall; they joined a national movement celebrating its 20th year - that has raised more than $1.3 billion in the fight against cancer. The time has come for John Giordano to step down. At the end of May, Giordano will turn his duties over to Acting Village Clerk Barbara Canonico. Giordano began his career with the village in October 1987, when he was appointed by then Mayor Bill Carman. His career achievements are numerous. He earned Clerk of the Year award in 2000 by the New York State Association of City and Village Clerks, of which he was former president. Giordano also secured the prestigious first place 2003 Main Street Award from the New York State Conference of Mayors for Farmingdale's Main Street. He has also been credited for authoring the statewide Registered Municipal Clerk certification program. Elora Dannon Rosch, an eighth-grader at Howitt Middle School and Farmingdale resident, was one of six winners. This past summer, Rosch, unfortunately, became ill and was diagnosed with celiac disease, an illness which attacks the inside lining of the small intestine. Knowing little about the disease, she tried to educate herself and found that there was little information available. Hoping to make others aware of celiac disease, even after she was free of it, Rosch decided to help educate others as part of her work toward earning her Silver Medal Award with the Hardscrabble Girl Scout Cadette Troop. She designed a pamphlet about the effects celiac disease has on children, helping to spread the word about the illness to others. The Republic Airport Commission is scheduled to vote on a resolution to widen the distance between Taxiway B and Runway 1/19 from 200 to 400 feet in order to more safely accommodate aircraft wingspans on the ground. This $7 million project was recommended by the Federal Aviation Administration. Originally addressed in 2000, Republic spokesperson Gary Lewi said the FAA recently sent Republic Airport Commission a memorandum stating "you need to make this a first priority in your safety program." Community members came out on Wednesday, June 1, to the first regular Farmingdale Board of Education meeting since the failed May 17 budget vote. It was decided at the meeting that the budget will be put up for a revote on June 22 using the same budget plan with the addition of 100 percent of the state aid. In Ken Ulric's 37-year teaching career at Farmingdale High School, he has seen his fair share of challenging students and situations. The students are what Ulric is going to miss most when he retires after the school year ends. He said that watching these high school students blossom is one of his most incredible experiences in life. A group of concerned residents gathered in the woods behind Farmingdale High School on Sunday, June 12 to discuss the deterioration and recent adolescent activity that has been concerning parents. Organized by Farmingdale's Project Cope Committee, the walk through the woods brought together parents, government officials, concerned residents and environmentalists. On its second attempt, the 2005/2006 school budget originally proposed in May of $122,028,214 passed by a vote of 2,200 - 2,164. The budget reflects a 6.46 percent increase in spending. By applying the full amount of the anticipated extra state aid, the tax levy is now down to 5 percent, which is a reduction of one percent. All of the programs that were proposed originally will be in place next school year. The St. Kilian's Girls Softball team became Nassau/Suffolk CYO champions on June 18 by defeating defending champs St. Rocco's 3-1 in the final game of the season. Their coaches will always remember Lauren LoGuidice hitting line drives, Melanie Raso beating out a bunt, Nicola DeVine sliding into home, Melissa Gelbach throwing out runners, Isabella Corrao's amazing fastball, Christine Pica's clutch hitting, Jen Jacob's grand slam, Kathryn Roberto's homeruns, Amanda Manolt blocking the plate, Molly Geary's flawless first base, Nicole Hayden coming around to score, Lauren Rumpf sliding into third, Stephanie Ringbauer coming in to save two big games on a Sunday in the middle of the season, Cynthia Kramer's doubles to leftfield and the versatility of Marianne VanMeter. In addition they will also think of Nicola, Stephanie and Marianne throwing hundreds of pitches against the wall at Howitt every Saturday under the watchful eye of Pitching Coach Michelle Eifu. Three Bethpage families, say they have had problems with Pathmark Supermarket, located at 3901 Hempstead Tpke. in Bethpage, on the border of Levittown, since its opening on Jan. 23, 2003. According to a community update letter from Hudes in February 2005, he stated that Pergament Properties, which owns the property Pathmark sits on, has invested $6,000 in light shields to reduce the lights reflecting into neighbor's yards. Hudes said the business, in hopes of bettering the neighborhood, has spent over $300,000 to address the issues that are not even required by government jurisdiction. Seventy thousand dollars was spent on the purchase and installation of sound barriers, while $40,000 was spent on white vinyl fencing lining the neighbors' property, according to the community update. Sounds of music were welcomed back to the village of Farmingdale last week when the Village Pops concert series kicked off its 23rd summer on the green. Also for the 23rd summer Brad DeMilo, former Farmingdale High School band director, can again be found conducting the show. The concert series was DeMilo's idea some 23 summers ago and has since grown into a Farmingdale tradition residents look forward to each summer. Farmingdale Board of Education Trustee, Anthony Vitale, has announced his decision to resign from the board of education. Vitale has been a long-standing president of the board and has worked tirelessly to support the students and families of Farmingdale and, as such, has set a very high standard for participation. While walking his dog along the west side of the Bethpage State Parkway, also known as the right of way, a local resident spotted something in an opening of the woods. As he walked deeper into the woods, the man observed a canopy set up in the woods equipped with couches, roofing shingles for a floor and other furniture and debris scattered about. Upon further inspection, the man, who does not want his name mentioned, saw a swastika spray-painted on a piece of furniture, the word "Jews" spelled out with duct tape and expletives written around the area, which is at the rear of Hemlock Drive between Lawrence Street and Yale Place. The Farmingdale Unit of the Nassau County Police Activity League (PAL) recently dedicated its clubhouse building at 31 North Front Street in Farmingdale in the memory of Retired Police Officer Frank McDonald. The building was renamed the Frank McDonald Clubhouse at the ceremony held on June 25. Officer McDonald was a 30-year veteran of the Nassau County Police Department, serving as a Police Officer Director in the PAL unit for nine years. He was the Director of the Farmingdale Unit for six years. After retiring he still volunteered his time assisting the Farmingdale Unit with its programs. The opening of the new 40,000 square foot Talon Air hangar at Republic Airport has left some community activists irritated. The hangar represents another expansion project at the airport that the community members do not welcome. The hangar is part of the Talon Air charter company that was started in August of 2001 by owner and pilot Adam Katz, a recreational pilot for many years. Katz says that his company is only helping the community. A week before his 13th birthday in July, a Howitt Middle School student received a brand new bicycle from his parents as a gift. A few days later it was stolen by a group of teenagers while he was riding it to Allen Park. According to the boy's mother, the boy, whose name will not be included here due to his age, was riding along on Sunset Avenue and used Cedar Place as a cut through to get to Spielman Avenue when he was approached by five or six boys. The mother described the boys as in their teens and African-American. Last year it was Broadway on Main. This year the Farmingdale Community Summit's successful summer fundraiser Main Street USA featured memorable Disney melodies. Representatives of the organizations that make up the Farmingdale Community Summit enjoyed a full dinner at Terry G's Restaurant on Main St. while Disney tunes were sung by Gina Sabellico and Brian Kroll. The 8th Squad of the Nassau County Police Department recently reported details of an assault that occurred at approximately 1:50 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 17. At McDonald's Restaurant, located at 665 Fulton Ave. in Farmingdale, two males became embroiled in a verbal altercation that escalated into a shoving match. According to police, the victim, a 45-year-old male whose name was not released by police, retreated to his automobile that contained his 3-year-old daughter. Police went on to state that the subject, John Kent, 71, of Farmingdale, produced a pocketknife, followed the victim to his vehicle, reached into the vehicle and stabbed him once in the left bicep and once in the left chest. Police state he then returned to his car and left the scene. The victim drove home, called the police and was transported to the hospital to be treated for his injuries. The injuries are considered not life-threatening. Farmingdale Village Mayor George Graf then skipped down the agenda to the last item. Over the years, the village has traditionally donated money to the YES Community Counseling Center based in Massapequa. This year, the board of trustees decided to double the allocation to $4,000. YES is currently involved in a gang prevention grant with Farmingdale Public Schools and runs a recreation program twice a month at Howitt Middle School. On hand to accept the check was YES Assistant Director Mark Wenzel. A 9/11 Memorial Garden was opened to the public on Friday, Aug. 26 with the benefactor and sculptor in attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony. The garden is a welcome addition to a campus already known for its beautiful gardens, but it also demonstrates the commitment to the college of a generous alumna. After pleading guilty in April to two Class E Felonies, including Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree and Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, the former Village of Farmingdale Mayor Joseph Trudden, 55, of Farmingdale received his sentence. Announced by Nassau County District Attorney Denis Dillon and imposed by Nassau County Judge Victor Ort the sentence was as follows: five years probation on each count (with sentences to run concurrently), a $2,500 fine, therapy as directed by probation, and restitution in the amount of $2,123.02 to the Village of Farmingdale. In addition, Trudden has made restitution to the Village of Farmingdale in the amount of $20,000 as part of a civil settlement. The Suffolk County Police Department Homicide Squad, along with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the New York State Department of Labor are currently investigating two deaths that occurred in as many days at Adventureland. The first involved an employee and occurred Tuesday, Aug. 30. The second involved a patron of the amusement park and occurred on Thursday, Sept. 1. Back in June NHL Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine introduced the inaugural Main Street Mile in Farmingdale. The Sept. 3 one-mile race to which both elite and recreational runners were invited drew significant participation from the local community. The race was a huge success, attracting 242 total registrants, including 198 for the one-mile race, 44 for the Kids Fun Run. A new school year has brought a new face to the Farmingdale Board of Education. On Sept. 14, Shari Bardash-Eivers, a 16-year resident of Farmingdale, was sworn in as a trustee at the regular board meeting. On Saturday Sept. 10, the Farmingdale Fire Department held a lemonade sale and collected donations to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The fire department took over Main Street soliciting donations from motorists and pedestrians. Following a public meeting with officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), various civic leaders State Senator Charles Fuschillo, Frank Nocerino, chairman of the Republic Airport Commission believe the airport is now in a position to negotiate with the FAA regarding their insistence that the airport's Taxiway Bravo be relocated to ensure better ground safety. At the Farmingdale Board of Education's special meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 27 the board unanimously adopted a resolution establishing Dec. 6 as the date for an energy bond referendum of $26,925,000. The energy bond provides for replacement of original boilers, energy and air quality upgrades in classrooms, replacement of 50-year-old original windows and masonry and brick repair. The role of Republic Airport as an economic engine in the bi-county region was strengthened today as ground was broken on two premier hotels worth $32 million that will be built at Republic along Route 110 by Long Island Hotels, LLC, with the support of Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone, the Babylon Town Board and the Babylon Town Industrial Development Agency. The 8th Squad of the Nassau County Police Department reported details of a "reckless endangerment" incident that occurred in Farmingdale on Friday, Oct. 28. According to police, at approximately 7:45 p.m., just after a pep rally at Farmingdale High School, a security guard on his routine patrol observed a verbal altercation between some students and a group of unidentified male subjects. Police state that as the guard drove toward the group of male subjects, they entered three vehicles and drove off the school property. The guard then followed in his vehicle in an attempt to obtain license plate numbers. The three vehicles stopped at the intersection of Lincoln Street and Intervale Avenue where all the subjects in the three vehicles exited and ran toward the security guard's car, according to police. The security guard reported hearing what he believed sounded like gunshots and drove back to the school where he called the police. When Ken and Adrianne Johnston moved into their home on Sherman Road in 1973 there were 4.5 acres of undeveloped land behind it dubbed the Hueppe Property. It has, for the most part, remained that way until a few months ago. That's when the construction of eight $1 million homes commenced just beyond their backyard. The cul-de-sac behind and above the Johnstons is located northwest of Melville Road and southeast of Jefferson Road, with a driveway entrance on Fairview Road. "We are fully conforming with every requirement of the AAA zone in the Village of Farmingdale, which is the most restrictive zone in the village," said Anthony Bartone, a partner of Bartone Holdings, LLC, the developer of Lenox Hill Estates. "We are doing anything that anybody else would have a right to do." Democrat Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi was re-elected to his second four-year term, defeating Republican and Independence Party candidate Greg Peterson and Conservative Party candidate Robert Bruno. Denis Dillon, Nassau County District Attorney since 1974, lost his seat to prosecutor Kathleen Rice. Rice ran on the Democratic, Independence and Working Families Party lines. In the race for Nassau County Clerk, current New York State Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell defeated Tricia Ferrell for the seat being vacated by Karen Murphy. O'Connell ran on the Republican, Independence and Conservative Party lines. Democrat Howard Weitzman was re-elected to a second four-year term as Nassau County Comptroller, defeating current Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin. The Democrats held on to their 10-9 majority in the Nassau County Legislature. In the 14th Legislative District, Democratic Incumbent David Mejias was re-elected to his second term as legislator defeating Republican and Conservative candidate Thomas Sabellico in a close race. Mejias, who also ran on the Independence and Working Families Party lines, received 7,587 votes to Sabellico's 7,184. In the race for Oyster Bay Supervisor, residents returned incumbent Supervisor John Venditto to a fourth term in office. Venditto, who ran on the Republican, Conservative, Independence and Working Families Party lines, defeated his challenger, Democrat Gary Burke. Residents of Oyster Bay Town also voted for three of six candidates for town board. The two Republican incumbents, Angelo Delligatti and Chris Coschignano were re-elected while political newcomer Elizabeth Faughnan, a Republican, defeated Mary McCaffery, the Democratic incumbent. In the race for Oyster Bay Town Clerk, incumbent Steve Labriola, who ran on the Republican, Independence and Conservative Party lines, defeated Democratic and Working Families Party candidate Bill Funk. Village Department of Public Works Superintendent Fred Zamparelle and his staff have been diligently preparing the leaf collecting and other equipment that will be needed for the fall and winter seasons. The leaf removal program kicked off in October. His department has also been continuing the extensive cleanup and repairs at the Eastern Parkway facility. He has reclaimed the overgrown areas and turned them into clean well-organized storage areas. The village's equipment and supplies are now neatly inventoried and maintenance schedules set and followed. Zamparelle is continuously seeking new ways to improve the department's efficiency, provide more services while reducing or maintaining the village's operating costs. Patrick Allgier is a teen who is looking to take the coat off your back and donate it to a good cause, the 2005 Coats for Kids Campaign sponsored by the Neighborhood Cleaners Association (NCA), according to Oyster Bay Town Councilman Anthony D. Macagnone. "For the second consecutive year, this ambitious young Farmingdale High School student has coordinated a collection for Coats for Kids in his neighborhood as his community service project for the Farmingdale Chapter of the National Honor Society," Councilman Macagnone said. The Village of Farmingdale held its Annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. The event takes place each year at the Village Green, where the lighting of the tricentennial tree takes place. The event is sponsored by the village and the Farmingdale Bethpage Historical Society, in cooperation with the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club of Farmingdale. Each year a choral group from the Farmingdale School District performs a selection of holiday songs accompanied by the South Shore Jazz Ensemble. This year the Howitt sixth-grade chorus performed. Village Historian William Johnston once again served as the event's emcee. The Kiwanis Club provided hot drinks and cookies after the event.