January

Supervisor Guardino Stepped Down

After serving the Town of Hempstead in some capacity for more than two decades, Supervisor Rich Guardino officially announced his intention to resign as town leader during a press conference at Hofstra University Monday, Jan. 13. The supervisor officially stepped down during the Jan. 28 town meeting. He left the political world to become executive dean of the Hofstra University Scott Skodnek Business Development Center.

Kate Murray Took Reins as Hempstead Town Supervisor

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Kate Murray is sworn in as new Hempstead Town supervisor.

Following Rich Guardino's resignation announcement Jan. 13, the Republican Party officially nominated Kate Murray, then Hempstead Town Clerk, to fill the position. As expected, Murray was voted in by the town board Jan. 28, with board members voting 5-1 (there are five Republicans and one Democrat on the board).

February

Colleagues, Friends Mourned Passing of Noted GC English Teacher

Colleagues and friends mourned the passing of Russell Fritz Feb. 1 from pancreatic cancer. Mr. Fritz's 41-year association with Garden City Public Schools has left many milestones that will long endure. In September of 1962, he began his illustrious career as an English teacher at Garden City Junior High School. Mr. Fritz transferred to the senior high in 1986 when the junior high became a middle school. He taught English to ninth through 12th graders and assisted Inez Spiers with the senior high theater productions before his retirement in June of 1994.

Segerdahl Won Primary Election in the East

Out of 819 votes, Jon Segerdahl, a current village board trustee, received 557 votes in the Feb. 4 primary election in the East. Opponent T. Roger Eltringham received 262 votes.

Marine Wed Fiancée Days Prior to His Ordered Departure

Alicia Ying of Miami, Florida was putting the finishing touches on her July 2003 wedding when her fiancé, Kevin Chin of Huntington, received orders to report to Camp Lejeune Feb. 8. Knowing they'd have to put their post-Fourth of July wedding on hold until Chin's return from active duty in the Marines, the two went ahead and said "I do" during a somewhat informal ceremony at Garden City Village Hall just days before his ordered departure.

Village Entered Into Contract for 116 Eleventh Street

Seven village trustees voted in favor of authorizing former mayor Robert Lewis to enter into a contract of sale with Garden City Center Associates to acquire 116 Eleventh Street, subject to the authorization of a bond resolution and the expiration of the estoppel period. In accordance with the former mayor's request, the board received a proposed contract of sale for the property, which provided for a $650,000 purchase price - $50,000 less than the appraisal the village obtained in March 2001.

'Information Hub' Opened at Middle School

The newly designed Garden City Middle School Library Media Center held a grand opening Feb. 10. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stephen Leitman, Assistant Superintendent Timothy Rehm, teachers and students had an opportunity to view the new space, which acts as the information hub of the school. The center is open to students and teachers from 8:05 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on school days.

Fliers for Segerdahl's Re-election Bid Angered Merchants

Claiming that campaign fliers and advertisements urging residents to re-elect Jon Segerdahl to the village board depicted village merchants and several members of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce as "evil," Jerry Unger, president of Printing X-Press located on Franklin Avenue, emotionally defended himself during the Feb. 18 trustees meeting. "The next time you are ready to spread misstatements and innuendoes, why not try something that, to the best of my knowledge, you've never done - have a dialogue with us 'evil-doers,'" Unger told Segerdahl.

March

Board Adopted Bond Resolution for Parking Projects

During a March village board meeting, trustees moved forward with the village's parking issue when they adopted a bond resolution for projects at 115 Tenth Street, also known as the Kanner property, and 116 Eleventh Street, a vacant lot the Albanese Organization then owned, to create more parking spots.

PRIDE Survey Revealed GC Students Consume Alcohol at Alarming Rate

Students, parents and Garden City Schools personnel in grades 4-12 were surveyed to learn the extent of drug and alcohol use and violence in the village. PRIDE, Inc., a national drug prevention organization, developed the questionnaire used in the survey. Results revealed that alcohol was the drug of choice among students. Cynthia Knowles, a nationally recognized expert in substance abuse prevention, reviewed the survey's findings with more than 150 concerned residents during a presentation at the high school.

With regard to alcohol use, Knowles, a parent herself, said, "These are the scariest numbers we've ever seen. This community is a time bomb." She, however, applauded the village for its willingness to share these distressing results with the community.

Village Bid Farewell to Robert Lewis

Village board members, department heads and residents bid a fond farewell to former mayor Robert Lewis in March as he presided over his last trustees' meeting. Community members commended Lewis' 11 years of board participation, his last two as mayor of Garden City.

Village Election Results in GC, Stewart Manor

In Garden City, Barbara Miller received 107 votes for mayor, Gerard Lundquist received 94 votes for trustee, Jon Segerdahl received 98 votes for trustee, Robert Rothschild received 91 votes for trustee and Peter Negri received 99 votes for trustee. In Stewart Manor's race for two open village trustee positions, James Kelly received 272 votes, Sal Manfre received 254 votes, Gerry Tangredi received 154 votes and Thaddeus Dulka received 122 votes. Because they received the most votes, Kelly and Manfre are now serving.

Lewis Passed Mayoral Torch to Barbara Miller

When the Central Property Owners Association's (CPOA) Nominating Committee unanimously selected Barbara Miller for the position of mayor, it was the first committee to ever bring forth a woman candidate for the position. Miller earned 107 votes during the March 18 election.

Albanese Organization, Castagna Realty Acquired 1055 Franklin Avenue

Albanese Organization, Inc. acquired 1055 Franklin Avenue in Garden City in a joint venture with Castagna Realty. The purchase from Prism Realty closed March 17. Albanese and Castagna heavily invested in a complete building renovation to attract additional office tenants.

U.S.-led Invasion of Iraq Began

President George Bush ordered the start of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, dubbed "Operation Iraqi Freedom," March 19 to depose the country's dictator, Saddam Hussein, and to rid the country of weapons of mass destruction.

April

Experiment Went Awry at St. Joseph's Science Fair

An aerial rocket being exhibited during a science fair in the east auditorium of St. Joseph's School in Garden City ignited and flew out of control, causing first- and second-degree burns to the upper leg and thigh area of two 13-year-old female students. Both were transported to Nassau University Medical Center where they were treated and released. According to the Garden City Fire Department, a youth launched his "Astrocam" model rocket in the building, causing flame damage to the table the propellant was resting on, the ceiling, a nearby smoke detector and the floor in the northeast area of the auditorium. The explosion set off smoke detectors and evacuated the school for less than an hour.

Joe Kearney Left Town Councilman Post

The Town of Hempstead board appointed Ed Ambrosino to succeed Joseph Kearney of Garden City, former councilman of the 2nd District who immediately retired March 25 after serving for 14 years. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Marano swore in the lawyer from North Valley Stream during a special meeting. Kearney was re-elected a member of the board in the newly constituted 2nd District in the November 2000 general election.

Suozzi Proposed County's Consolidation Plan

During a brief work session with the Garden City Board of Trustees, County Executive Tom Suozzi presented his proposed real estate consolidation project, which greatly affects Garden City and includes two proposals, Option A and Option B.

Residents Fought to Preserve Seventh Street's Small Town Feel

When Sandra Miniero got wind of a rumor that Duane Reade was replacing IGA Food Basket on Seventh Street, she immediately drew up a petition, which thousands of residents signed, to stop the large chain drug store from moving in. "In spite of the fact that we are surrounded by large shopping malls and strip mall towns, Garden City has held on to its open, one-stop shopping street where storekeepers know your name as well as your children's names," she said.

'Tie a Yellow Ribbon'

In April, the Garden City Community Fund (GCCF) encouraged residents to tie a yellow ribbon around their tree or front door to express hope for the safe return of U.S. troops serving the country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Numerous volunteers distributed instructions and thousands of six-foot yellow ribbons to homes in the village. Mayor Barbara Miller praised the GCCF, saying the organization "once again stepped up to the plate."

Cathedral, Developer Petitioned Board of Trustees

The Cathedral of the Incarnation and Sunrise Development, Inc., an assisted living developer, petitioned the Garden City board of trustees to amend the village zoning code to allow for the construction, operation and maintenance of an assisted living facility where the Cathedral House currently stands (at least three acres in the R-20 District).

Annual Vintage Car Parade Rolled Into Garden City

On Easter Sunday, the Garden City Chamber of Commerce's 48th annual Easter Vintage Car Parade rolled into town, stepping off on Franklin Avenue at Tenth Street. Sponsored by Roslyn Savings Bank and directed by George Nigohosian (Bonaventure Bridal & Tuxedo) and Joseph Battaglia, CFP, the gala event attracted hundreds of antique, classic and special interest cars from all over the metropolitan area. Interested spectators previewed the cars at the staging area in Parking Field 9E before the parade.

Garden City School Board Adopted 2003-04 Budget

At the April 29 board of education meeting, trustees adopted the proposed 2003-04 school budget, which accommodated growth, supported and extended instructional programs, continued the implementation of capital improvement projects and continued with the implementation of recent curriculum and instructional initiatives.

May

IGA Food Basket Stayed Put on Seventh Street

IGA Food Basket remained on Seventh Street. Supermarket owner Charles Reichert, his employees and local residents alike were thrilled to hear in May that the store, which has been in Garden City's downtown for the past 19 years, would continue doing business on Seventh Street. "We're thrilled about all of this," Reichert said. "We're thrilled about the support this village gave us to try and have us stay here. It's amazing how the people really stood by us through all of this. Sometimes you think people take a supermarket for granted ... I hope these residents realize how much they mean to us too."

Reichert, the Garden City Chamber of Commerce's "2002 Business Person of the Year," met with Josh Goldberg and Stone Crest Management, his landlord, and struck a deal to run out the five-year lease, which began in 2003 and will expire in July 2008.

Construction Began at Historical Society's Apostle House

Residents driving along Eleventh Street may have wondered about the road and site work taking place in front of the Garden City Historical Society's Apostle House during May. The road construction crew was hooking up the main water line for the fire sprinkler system completed at the house this spring. The Society has moved forward with the installation of the fire sprinkler system and fire and smoke alarms in preparation for future restoration of the Apostle House and completion of a Garden City Historical Society Museum.

Tree Planting Honored Jonathan Cappello

On May 9, a tree planting ceremony was held at Garden City High School in memory of Jonathan Cappello, a member of the class of 1996 who was a victim of the World Trade Center tragedy. Cappello's parents, grandparents and family attended the ceremony. John Okulski, high school principal, Doug Sheer, social studies department chairperson and Jonathan's father, Bob Cappello, remembered Jonathan with words of love for his kindness and ability to touch all those who shared in his life. The tree selected for planting was a Kashmiri Cedar. It remains green throughout the year and will continue to grow to a full size evergreen.

On Steps of Town Hall, Democrat Announced Run for Town Supervisor

"Hempstead residents deserve a government that is concerned about its citizens' quality of life - not how many Republican cronies it can put on the payroll," Barbara Patton, a Democrat hailing from Malverne said as she officially announced her candidacy for Hempstead Town Supervisor on the steps of town hall May 13.

2003 Varsity Girls Golf Captured County Title

The Garden City girls' golf team won the county team championship, held May 19 at the Bethpage Park Yellow course. Garden City had six girls qualify for the tournament and all six earned All-County honors. No other team had more than three All-County golfers. The team championship was very exciting as Garden City edged out Syosset with an eight-stroke victory, 270 - 278. The depth of the team was evident during the regular season as 12 players (six play in a match) contributed to an 11 - 1 conference championship.

Doctors Rallied for Tort Reform

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Tired of lawsuits filed against their profession, doctors demanded immediate change during a rally at Eisenhower Park May 20.

"We need tort reform and we need it now," Nassau County Medical Society President Dr. Vincent Geraci shouted from a microphone during a rally at Eisenhower Park May 20. "For too long, medicine has been burdened with the specter of malpractice. For too long, society has been deceived by this broken system. For too long has a small segment of the legal profession lined their pockets at the expense of those who suffer unfortunate outcomes."

His colleagues, all of whom practice medicine throughout the county, cancelled their afternoon appointments to tote signs that warned of threatened patient care and ever-increasing liability costs.

June

Echo Newspaper Had Banner Year

The Garden City High School newspaper, Echo, had a banner year. The staff consists of five editors and 80 contributing reporters, illustrators and photographers. In 2003, the club received 21 awards in various local and national journalism competitions.

Consultants Suggested Altering Village's P-Zone District

Responding to the county's proposed building consolidation plan, which includes possibly selling properties located within Garden City's Public Use "P-Zone" District, planning consultants Buckhurst Fish & Jacquemart, Inc. (BFJ) made recommendations to the mayor-appointed P-Zone Committee (Trustee and Chair Peter Bee and Trustees Gerard Lundquist and Peter Negri) during a public forum May 29. Suozzi requested the village's cooperation in rezoning the county properties to allow for non-governmental uses.

Fire Engulfed Nassau Boulevard Tudor

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A fire ripped through a Nassau Boulevard Tudor June 5, originating in the basement area, under the kitchen in the vicinity of an upright freezer. Firefighters reported smoke damage throughout the dwelling, with fire and water damage to the basement and first and second floors and a partial first floor collapse in the kitchen.

Court Halted Enforcement of Nassau's Smoking Ban

US District Court Judge Denis Hurley issued a preliminary injunction on Nassau County's three-month-old smoking ban, halting its enforcement to allow for additional review of the ordinance. Hurley, in his decision, said the county's law was in direct conflict with other sections of the existing law passed back in 1998. "A statute is unconstitutionally vague if persons of common intelligence must necessarily guess at its meaning and differ as to its application, or if it fails to give a person of ordinary intelligence fair notice of the conduct proscribed," Judge Hurley wrote.

School Budget Passed by Wide Margin

Dorothy Lawson and Brianne and Tom Bermel were among the 2,555 residents who voted June 3 on Garden City's $71,121,389 school budget - 1,588 residents voted yes while 967 residents voted no. Nancy Fredericks received 1,598 votes while Lawrence Quinn received 1,436 votes. The budget carried a 6.95 percent increase over the current budget and will require a levy-to-levy tax increase of 5.82 percent.

Board Sought to Remove 'Parkland' Designation

During a special meeting June 12, trustees voted 5 to 3 in favor of seeking legislation to remove the "parkland" designation from a westerly 50 by 250 foot piece of village-owned property known as 113 Tenth Street. This first had to be accomplished before the house at 115 Tenth Street, more commonly known as the Kanner house, could be moved to that location. The project will result in additional parking spots in Field 10W.

Senate, Assembly Approved Home-Rule

Mayor Barbara Miller noted that the Senate and Assembly, on June 19, passed the home-rule legislation the board of trustees had been seeking in order to move forward with the Kanner house project. The legislation removed the "parkland" designation from 113 Tenth Street, the property to which the Kanner house will eventually be moved. The sliding of the home will make way for additional parking in Field 10W.

Garden City's Class of 2003 Graduated

On June 27, under sunny skies and sizzling temperatures, 272 students graduated from Garden City High School. Russell Krupen served as valedictorian while John Adamo served as salutatorian.

July

GCMS Parents, Students Banded Together to Save Music Teacher

Parents and students upset about the transfer of Michael Guido from middle school band teacher to primary school singing teacher attended the July 10 school board meeting to voice their concerns.

High School Music Department Performed in Florida

The Garden City High School Music Department was selected to perform for the world on a trip to Orlando, Florida, May 29-June 3. The performance tour included a series of concerts by the various music ensembles in several locations throughout the Walt Disney World resorts. Thousands of tourists from around the world had the opportunity to hear over 240 Garden City students displaying their incredible musical talents.

Jerry Unger Named New Chamber President

On July 1, Garden City Chamber of Commerce board of directors elected Jerry Unger, owner of Printing X-Press, to serve a two-year term as president.

Mayor Miller Met With Secretary Tom Ridge

At Hofstra University July 25, Garden City Mayor Barbara Miller and other members of the United States Conference of Mayors, under the leadership of its new president, Hempstead Mayor James Garner, met with Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Tom Ridge to discuss home security and homeland security funding for the municipalities. They then held a press conference.

August

Garden City-Based Marines Returned From Iraq

Marine Reservists based in Garden City with the 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment (2/25) returned home Aug. 3 after duty in Iraq. Family and friends welcomed them as they arrived at the base at 605 Stewart Avenue by bus with police escort from Camp Lejeune, NC.

Garden City School District Set Tax Levy

The Garden City School Board set the district tax levy at $65,306,161 during an August school board meeting. The district previously approved a $71,121,389 budget. The tax rate was $100.12 per $100 assessed property value for Class I residents, $314.13 per $100 assessed property value for Class II residents, $341.62 per $100 assessed property value for Class III residents and $328.97 per $100 assessed property value for Class IV residents.

'Spirit of America' Quilt Unveiled at Town Hall

When Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray hosted the town's "Support Our Troops" rally at Newbridge Road Park, attending residents brought patriotic swatches of red, white or blue for a quilt project the town was publicizing. The response was overwhelming as the town received nearly 300 patches, making the tribute very personal. Soon after, senior citizens from local centers across the county volunteered hours to piece together the "Spirit of America" quilt, "diverse pieces of fabric woven into a united symbol of strength and resolve."

After Largest Blackout in History, Citizens Urged to Conserve

The Long Island Power Authority's 1.1 million electric customers became part of the largest blackout in history when 50 million people lost electric service in the Northeast, portions of Canada and the mid-west Aug. 14 at 4:14 p.m.

Patton Withdrew From Town Supervisor Race

Barbara Patton withdrew from the Hempstead Town supervisor race, citing, among other reasons, lack of financial support on the part of the Democratic Party, who endorsed her. Patton's name, however, remained on the Sept. 9 primary ballot because the deadline for removing it expired prior to her decision to pull out.

September

Additional Parking Spots Made Available in Lot 10W

After persistent urging from various Franklin Avenue businesses and village organizations, like the Western Property Owners Association and the Garden City Chamber of Commerce, the village acquired 116 Eleventh Street and expanded Lot 10W to provide supplemental parking in the area.

Village Unveiled 9/11 Memorial Monument

On Sept. 11, 2003, the second anniversary of the largest terrorist attack in United States history, Garden City Mayor Barbara Miller reminded residents that there is no wrong way to grieve. The Garden City Clergy Fellowship offered comforting words to a village still mourning the loss of 23 of its own. The Garden City High School Chamber Choir and Women's Chorus provided moving renditions of the National Anthem and An American Trilogy, arranged by Mark Hayes.

9/11 Mural Unveiled in Roosevelt Field Mall

Like many Americans, artist Jorge Botero Lujan of South Florida was deeply affected by the event of September 11, 2001. Lujan, originally from Colombia, was painting in his Miami studio on the day tragedy struck. Three days later, he began work on a giant mural, which, he said, represents a prayer for all those who disappeared on that dark day. The mural, which depicts the fallen towers in the background with citizens coping with the pain of the tragedy in the foreground, took three months to complete. It hung in Roosevelt Field Mall, in front of Macy's, where Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi unveiled it during a press conference Sept. 8.

'Fridays on Seventh Street' Became a Growing Problem

Police Commissioner Ernest Cipullo made the parents of Garden City Middle School students aware of a growing problem after school dismissal on Fridays; an event created and locally referred to by middle school students as Fridays on Seventh Street. Initially, the business community welcomed the children. But the children soon become bored and looked for ways to entertain themselves. In many instances, they placed area pedestrians, as well as themselves, in danger as some activities included chasing each other between parked cars into the street without looking, conducting shopping cart races on the sidewalks, harassing patrons on the sidewalks and more.

St. Paul's Athletic Fields Reopened

The athletic fields at St. Paul's reopened Saturday, Sept. 13 after being closed for improvements. Over 30 acres of newly renovated athletic fields were finely cultivated to produce excellent playing conditions for thousands of village residents. The installation of a state-of-the-art irrigation system is keeping the fields playable during the spring, summer and fall seasons.

18-Year-Old Lost Battle With Aplastic Anemia

On Saturday, Sept. 20 at 2:14 p.m. the world lost an angel named Peter Mirabile. He was 18 years young. At 7 years old, Peter was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia. For 12 years, he fought gallantly for his life. But rather than be defeated by his illness, Peter developed a zest for living unparalleled by any other. It became necessary for Peter to undergo a bone marrow transplant. Peter hung on valiantly for 64 days, then passed peacefully away due to complications from the transplant.

Nassau Community College Exhibit Outraged Veterans

An exhibit on display during September at Nassau Community College's (NCC) Firehouse Gallery got not so rave reviews. Even NCC President Sean Fanelli thought it was objectionable and distasteful. "What is the Proper Way to Display the US Flag?" by an artist who went by the name of Dread Scott outraged local veterans as well as Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray. They protested the exhibit Sept. 15, carrying signs that read, "Don't Tread On Me" and "It May Be Legal, But It's Not Right."

Board Issued RFI on Private Development Options at St. Paul's

Mayor Barbara Miller announced in September that in an effort to move toward a decision on the future of the Main Building at St. Paul's, the village board of trustees issued a Request For Information (RFI) from private developers. Mayor Miller stressed that any private use of the property requires that the village first obtain home rule legislation from the New York State legislature.

Cathedral Nursery School Celebrated 35th Birthday

On Sept. 26, Cathedral Nursery School (CNS) celebrated its 35th birthday with a cake and blessing. The Very Reverend James J. Cardone, dean of the Cathedral of the Incarnation, was on hand to bless the new school and children. After working through the summer, CNS completed renovations on five cottages at St. Paul's and opened its doors for the new school year at 110 Rockaway Avenue. The new facility includes seven classrooms, a new playground and tricycle track.

October

Police Nabbed Golf Course Fire Starters

The Garden City Police Department arrested six Franklin Square residents for felony criminal mischief, arson and criminal trespass at the Garden City Country Club. After a joint investigation by Garden City Bureau of Special Operations detectives, the Nassau County Police Department Arson/Bomb Squad, K9 Unit and the Nassau County Fire Marshal's Office, four 16-year-olds, one 17-year-old and one 15-year-old juvenile were observed climbing over a fence and entering the golf course. Detectives staking out the golf course using night vision equipment observed the subjects setting a fire in a heavy brush area. The subjects were apprehended and were found in possession of two Molotov cocktails and what appeared to be a quantity of gasoline. A further investigation revealed that these subjects were responsible for setting previous fires, exploding trashcans and burning pentagrams on the greens of the golf course, causing approximately $30,000 in damage. They were also responsible for recently setting a building on fire at Carey High School.

Fire Prevention Day, Open House in Garden City

The Garden City Fire Department held its annual Fire Prevention and Open House Oct. 5 at Fire Headquarters on Stewart Avenue in the village hall complex. The event kicked off at noon. Garden City firefighters worked hard all year long to ensure an exciting, as well as educational, day for residents of all ages.

GC Buffalo's Helped Defray Cost of Village's Memorial Monument

During the Oct. 16 board of trustees meeting, Gerard Loughran, Garden City Community Fund president, informed trustees that the Garden City Buffalo's authorized the Fund to donate, on its behalf, $10,000 toward the cost of the September 11, 2001 memorial monument now standing at the Village Green. Tim Paisley, Garden City Buffalo's president, was on hand for the presentation, along with members of the organization.

Residents Demanded District Rehire Coach Dell'Olio

Residents, boasting of all that John Dell'Olio has done for a community in which he resides and a school district in which he's worked for more than 20 years, demanded that school district administrators rehire the Garden City High School girls basketball coach. Parents, even Dell'Olio's wife and son, spoke out at the Oct. 20 board of education meeting, defending the coach's credentials, which many feel have distinguished Dell'Olio as a reputable mentor.

GC School Board Attempted to Clear the Air

Garden City Board of Education President Kenneth Monaghan read a statement regarding Michael Guido, a music teacher transferred from the Garden City Middle School's Band Department to teach in the district's primary schools. In part, the statement read, "The debate regarding the transfer of one of our music teachers from the middle school to the primary schools continues to rage both in the press and on the street. While the board appreciates that not all agree with the decision the administration made, which the board supports, we are nonetheless disturbed by the inaccuracy of some of the information. We would therefore like to clear the air..."

Board Took Another Look at Public Use Zone

To obtain further public input regarding County Executive Tom Suozzi's plan to sell off surplus properties located within the commonly referred to Mineola Complex, the mayor-appointed Public Use (P) Zone Committee hosted a forum Oct. 23 at the high school. Committee members include Trustees Peter Bee (chair), Peter Negri and Gerard Lundquist.

November

Some Residents Disappointed With Village Facts

Disappointed with the Village Facts mailed to residents about St. Paul's, both the Estates and Eastern Property Owners' Associations (Estate POA, EPOA) condensed a presentation Trustee John Mauk made on the issue. From that presentation, both POAs created a detailed newsletter about St. Paul's and mailed it to their respective residents.

Most Republicans Held On in 2003

Incumbent Republican Vincent Muscarella, who received 8,449 votes, proved victorious this year. In a very close race for chairman of the Nassau County Board of Assessors, Democratic challenger Harvey Levinson of Garden City bested Republican incumbent Charles O'Shea. Levinson received 107,338 while O'Shea received 106,102. In one of the most highly publicized races of the year, Republican Kate Murray, appointed Hempstead Town supervisor when Rich Guardino stepped down, bested Democratic challenger Dorothy Goosby, currently a Town councilwoman, to maintain her post as Hempstead Town's chief executive officer. Murray received 69,552 votes while Goosby received 43,457 votes. Republican Mark Bonilla, appointed Hempstead Town Clerk earlier in the year, bested Democratic challenger Kevin Gorman. Bonilla received 59,395 votes while Gorman received 49,472. Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes, Republican Don Clavin, Jr., bested Democratic challenger Gerald Lamonica. Clavin received 64,649 while Lamonica received 45,604. In the town's 2nd Council District, Republican Councilman Ed Ambrosino, appointed to the position in March 2003 when Joseph Kearney resigned, bested Democratic challenger George Bassias. Ambrosino received 11,025 while Bassias received 6,522.

Four-Hour Forum Exhausted Topic and Residents

Garden City residents offered mixed emotions about the fate of St. Paul's during a public forum Nov. 13 at the middle school. Residents who spoke appeared split between demolishing the former school to permanently eradicate a problem that's plagued the village for 10 years and preserving the historic gem at all costs, even if it means increased taxes.

December

GC Chamber of Commerce Launched New Website

The Garden City Chamber of Commerce launched its official website, www.gardencitychamber.org. The site was created as part of the Chamber's ongoing efforts to promote Garden City's businesses and provide an interactive resource for businesses and residents alike. Jerry Unger, owner of Printing X-Press on Franklin Avenue and elected Chamber president, was a driving force behind the Chamber's numerous new initiatives, including the creation of the website.

Former St. Paul's School Made 'Seven to Save' List

With phrases like "Save St. Paul's" and "Preserve Garden City's Historic Gem" muttered by many village residents, village officials now have a chance to apply for grants to do just that. The Preservation League of New York, which pledges to work with local partners to provide legal assistance, technical services and funding to eliminate threats to statewide historic properties in danger of disappearing, recently released its 2003 "Seven to Save" list. St. Paul's made the list.

Public Pondered Private Uses for St. Paul's

As promised, the village board held a public forum regarding St. Paul's Dec. 5 to discuss possible private uses for the vacant building. Three responders to an RFI (Request For Information) the village sent out were among those seated on the panel: Steve Krieger, principal, Engel Burman; Michael Daly, president, Forest Daly Housing; and Russell Matthews, executive vice president, Albanese Organization. Other panelists included Frank Fish, principal, Buckhurst, Fish & Jacquemart, Inc.; Marie Ennis, engineer, Einhorn Yaffee Prescott (EYP), Garden City Building Superintendent Mike Filippon, Village Counsel Gary Fishberg, Garden City Mayor Barbara Miller and Village Administrator Robert Schoelle, Jr.

Albanese Organization, John Miller Donate 'Horse of a Different Color' to Garden City

As part of their ongoing effort to contribute to the quality of life in Garden City, the Albanese Organization, a Garden-City based real estate development company, and John Miller, a village resident and community activist, made an important new contribution to Garden City's streetscape. The Village Green at the corner of Stewart Avenue and Hilton Avenue, just west of village hall, is now the permanent home of the life-size, fiberglass horse - painted by Garden City High School students as part of Nassau County's "Horse of a Different Color" program. The Garden City Hotel sponsored the horse, which was sold at auction to the new partners, who have donated it to the Village of Garden City. Albanese Organization and Miller purchased the horse from the Nassau County Sports, Entertainment and Tourism Committee (SET), which created the "Horse of a Different Color" program.

Garden City Mourned Tragic Loss

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Flowers, teddy bears and pictures of past times with friends adorn a pole on Rockaway Avenue to remember 15-year-old Garden City High School sophomore Michelle Thompson, struck by a car Dec. 19 as she crossed the street with a friend.

Flowers, teddy bears and pictures of past times with friends still adorn a pole on Rockaway Avenue to remember 15-year-old Garden City High School sophomore Michelle Thompson. A 1999 Hyundai driven by a New Hyde Park woman struck Thompson and her friend Alyssa Parizek, also a 15-year-old sophomore, as they crossed the street at 9:16 p.m. Dec. 19.

Board of Trustees Approved 'Watras Resolution'

During the Dec. 18 village board meeting, trustees forged ahead with the St. Paul's saga when they approved a resolution put forth by Trustee John Watras. "Be it resolved (1) that the board of trustees has determined to utilize the St. Paul's Historic Main Building as a library and community center," the resolution read, and "(2) that the board shall direct bond counsel to prepare an appropriate bond resolution for the issuance of serial bonds of the village for a 15-year period, in an amount to finance the estimated maximum total cost of the project, which bond resolution shall take effect upon the approval of a bond referendum by the qualified voters of the village at a special election."