Mayor Harold Hecken declared Friday June 16 as Joan Gallaer Day in the Village of Garden City in honor of the village clerk who is retiring on June 30 after serving the village for 22 years.

Gallaer began working in Garden City in 1978, originally serving as secretary to the village administrator. In 1985 she was appointed as deputy village clerk and then in 1995 she was appointed village clerk. During that time period Gallaer went back to school, attending Nassau Community College and then Adelphi, graduating with a business degree from Adelphi in 1989.

In a recent interview Gallaer spoke about her tenure, noting that she was truly going to miss working in the village. "I really enjoyed working here. I enjoy the people, I love the community," said Gallaer. Although she is not from Garden City, Gallaer said that she feels like she has spent more time here than at her own home. Working with Village Administrator Robert Schoelle, according to Gallaer, was "a wonderful experience." Throughout her time in the village, Gallaer has worked with Schoelle and the various village boards and mayors on many projects such as redoing the village's Master Plan and the purchase of St. Paul's.

Having seen the workings of many other villages through her work as president of the Long Island Clerks' Association, Gallaer feels that Garden City "is the top." Noting the efficiency of Garden City, Gallaer adds, "Nothing comes close to it, in my opinion."

Although she will miss the people and the village, Gallaer is looking forward to visiting the museums and theaters in the city, traveling and visiting her children in New Jersey and Connecticut in her retirement.

At the June 15 village board meeting, members of the village administration took time to honor Gallaer for her many years of dedicated service and to wish her well in her retirement.

Paul Blake, the superintendent of recreation, began by extending, on behalf of the board of commissioners for recreational and cultural affairs and the recreation department, thanks to Gallaer for her, "guidance, advice and support that she has given both the commission and the department." He noted that the commission has been reconstituted twice in recent years and Gallaer was an integral part of that process. "She has been a supporter and a friend and we wish her nothing but the best," said Blake.

James Olivo, village auditor, began working in the village at approximately the same time as Gallaer and said that those in the village are going to miss her counsel as well as her knowledge of where things are. "You contributed so much to this village," he said to Gallaer.

Michael Filippon, superintendent of building, stated that he does not think he has ever come across a harder worker than Joan Gallaer, always making sure that those who worked in the village "get it right."

Director of Public Works Robert Mangan, congratulated Gallaer and thanked her for helping him learn the ins and outs of working for a village and for all the help she has given his department over the years.

Fire Department Captain Eric Schields commented on the many projects that he and Gallaer have worked on together and on behalf of the members of the fire department, wished her well in her retirement.

Brian Ridgeway, who will be replacing Gallaer as village clerk, noted that he, in his previous tenure as village clerk for Mineola, had the opportunity to work with Gallaer as part of the Nassau County Village Officials Association and commented that he knows he will have a hard job to fill because Gallaer "did a tremendous job in this village."

Noting that Gallaer has kept him on his toes during her 22 year tenure, Village Counsel Gerard Fishberg stated, "She knows an awful lot about village government and the intricacies of what's going on and we'll miss her."

Police Commissioner Ernest Cipullo said that Gallaer has been invaluable to the police department and many times was the "calming influence," helping them to look at a situation from a realistic point of view.

Also commenting on Gallaer's dedication, were the members of the village board, who have worked with her for varying lengths of time, in many instances prior to their tenure on the board, in their positions with the different property owners' associations.

Trustee Gerard Lundquist noted that Gallaer was always instrumental in letting him know of meetings and making sure he was where he was supposed to be. Trustee Peter Bee added his words of appreciation, stating, "You have been in a position for a number of years, to make us look good or to make us look foolish and you have consistently made us look good." Trustee Brian Murray thanked Gallaer, not only for her dedication, but also for her patience. Trustee Dr. Barbara Miller noted that she has worked with Gallaer in many positions, and found her to always be helpful, especially when Miller was president of the Joint Conference Committee. "She is so helpful in supplying us with all sorts of material and reminding us when it's time to meet. She helps all of us to look good," said Miller. Trustee Bruce Torino told Gallaer, "Your professionalism is unparalleled ... we will all miss you, your guidance and most importantly your assuredness in making everyone else appreciate their role and living up to the highest standard." Trustee John Mauk commented on Gallaer's efficiency and thanked her for all her years of service and her assistance to him. Deputy Mayor Robert Lewis declared, "Joan is part of the glue that holds the bonds of this village together."

Members of the audience took a few moments to comment on Gallaer's contributions to the village as well. Althea Robinson, executive director of the chamber of commerce, noted that any time she needed any information, Gallaer was always able to provide it. "You really helped the chamber and the business community keep that open line of communication with the village," said Robinson, adding that she knows from speaking to others that Gallaer has been dedicated to every facet of her job, working many long hours. She also noted that it was because of Gallaer's professionalism that the chamber named her community achiever of the year in 1996. Wayne Muscarella, vice president of the Central Property Owners' Association added his thanks for Gallaer's many years of dedicated service.

Also singing the praises of Gallaer was Village Administrator Robert Schoelle, who joked that he has only had the pleasure of working for Joan Gallaer for the last 20 years. "She certainly has kept me on the straight and narrow and made each of us at this table look very, very good. She listens each day, she brings knowledge to her position and in doing so seems to elevate the bar for each of us. It's been a real pleasure and we're going to miss you. You've really made a difference.

In proclaiming the following day "Joan Gallaer Day" in Garden City, Mayor Hecken told those gathered at the village board meeting, that Gallaer, in her 22 years, has attended in excess of 500 public meetings. "She is bright, talented, motivated, highly ethical, caring, considerate, dependable, personable, and a highly active member of her management team. I don't think we've ever had to question any decision or report or comment that you've made. We're grateful that you've favored the village with your many talents during your 22 years with us," concluded Hecken. "Garden City is a better place because Joan Gallaer was here and gave so much of herself to the benefit of others."