The increase in menacing groups of teenagers was the prime topic of discussion at the June 15 meeting of Concerned Citizens Association of Farmingdale. Due to the important nature of this topic, CCAF attendance was more than double. The CCAF board believes this speaks volumes to the concerns of families living in Farmingdale, Incorporated Village of Farmingdale, Massapequa Park and North Massapequa.

The most recent incident occurred on Monday, June 12 on Woodward Parkway, in the vicinity of Woodward Parkway Elementary School, where a group of teenagers openly displayed a handgun to two fifth-grade boys. The teenagers then proceeded to the high school and entered through the pool entrance. At that point, they were asked to leave the property since they were trespassing. After they left the building the police arrived and the group of teens dispersed. No handgun was recovered and no arrests were made.

Residents, including the mothers of the two fifth-graders, came to the Allen Park Community Center, where CCAF meetings are held each month to voice their opinions, concerns and personal experiences.

The major concern of all who attended the meeting was that this was the third incident in less than one year. Recently, in the fall of 2005 at the Farmingdale High School homecoming, a group of teens fired shots and a Farmingdale security vehicle was struck. Again, no gun was recovered and no arrests were made. The third incident was in July of 2005 where a 13-year-old was robbed of his bicycle in daylight.

The victims of these roaming groups of teenage predators are innocent Farmingdale residents being preyed upon at random. Whether or not these groups have any connection to each other has yet been determined, as is their residential origin.

Since these groups have been successful, there is no reason to believe that they are going to abruptly discontinue the harassment of our children. Worse yet, there is no guarantee that these groups will stop at intimidation.

Families came to the CCAF meeting for answers and an open forum discussion. There were many ideas and suggestions shared.

One idea discussed is having high school students wear their school issued photo identification cards where it is visible to all school personnel, security and bus drivers. Many families believe that badges showing identification will limit the possibility of rogue teenagers entering schools where they do not attend.

Another idea is to extend these identification cards and rules to the Howitt Middle School, which can only further help with security and safety.

Also, a police presence at dismissal will not only act as a deterrent to these teenage groups, but quite possibly lead to an arrest.

Further suggestions include a no tolerance policy regarding students who break school safety and security rules.

Keeping our children safe in school is the responsibility of the school district. Therefore, we recommend a better line of communication between the schools and the community. Regarding this line of communication, CCAF reminds community members to assist the police department and the schools by reporting anything that appears illegal or improper. The residents are the eyes and ears of their community.

CCAF recommends that residents call 911 operators immediately and the police department will prioritize the calls. We ask that you are specific in the nature of your call.

The CCAF Board wishes to acknowledge with gratitude, the attendance of the following: Gina Silletti of Legislator Dave Mejias' office, Mayor George Graf of the Village of Farmingdale and Deputy Mayor Joe Rachiele of the Village of Farmingdale. Farmingdale Board of Education members Tina Diamond and Kathy Lively and Village Trustee Butch Starkie were also in attendance. Butch Starkie briefly attended the meeting and requested that a written statement be read in regard to the Woodward Parkway incident. All attendees are members of CCAF and were there to hear the concerns of the community.

The absence of any representative from the Nassau County 8th Precinct was noted. CCAF President Mike Grello explained that he had spoken with the Police Inspector and the P.O.P. Unit. Both parties had prior police commitments and could not attend. The inspector and Mike Grello agreed that it would be unproductive to send someone unfamiliar with this incident as it would be of no help to the people looking for answers.

The CCAF board requests that those in attendance at this meeting, also attend the next board of education meeting at the Howitt Middle School on Wednesday, July 12 at 8 p.m.

CCAF is pleased that they were able to present this venue to the community and to the mothers of the two young boys who were accosted by this group carrying the weapon. The continued support of CCAF, by its membership, makes these venues possible and we openly invite residents to join CCAF.

As membership grows so does the magnitude of the community's voice with our municipalities including the Towns of Oyster Bay, Babylon, Nassau and Suffolk Counties and our politicians in Albany that serve in Congress.

If you would like to become a member of Concerned Citizens of Farmingdale please use the following link http://www.ccaf-civic.org/index.html or you may call President Mike Grello at 249-2106.

Concerned Citizens Association of Farmingdale Executive Board