At the Floral Park Village Reorganization Meeting held April 7, Village Justice Douglas Hayden swore in Thomas Tweedy and James Rhatigan as trustees. Mayor Phil Guarnieri swore in appointed committee members.

Also, Trustee Mary-Grace Tomecki was presented the 2008 Women Trailblazers in the New Millennium Award by Legislator Richard Nicolello, who nominated her for the award, and Legislator Vincent Muscarella. The award was made in celebration of National Women History Month and in recognition of her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Since her election as trustee in March 2007, Mary-Grace has been an unwavering advocate for homeowners living under the flight paths of airplanes and helicopters, in both her position as village noise abatement officer and liaison to the New York/New Jersey Port Authority.

"As a lifelong resident of Floral Park, I am determined to preserve the quality of life that has made this village such a great place to live and raise a family for over 100 years. When noise from air traffic disrupts the lives of residents, then it is my responsibility as a trustee, to appeal to our federal representatives, while advocating for practical solutions that can effectively mitigate noise," Trustee Tomecki said.

Over the past year, Mary-Grace has also served as liaison to the Citizens with Disabilities Committee, working to ensure all residents enjoy equal access to public buildings, retail stores, restaurants, cultural and recreational events and parks in the village. She also serves in the capacity of library commissioner and as the liaison to the Covert Avenue Chamber of Commerce.

In addition, Mary-Grace is an eighth grade special education teacher in the South Bronx, where her class has been recognized as a model classroom in past years.

"I firmly believe that education represents one of the most important tools in effecting change in an economically depressed area," Mary-Grace revealed. "Empowering the individual with knowledge is the first line of defense against the war on poverty and crime inasmuch as it creates a powerful alternative to the challenges confronting young people residing in the inner city."