During the evening of Friday, Aug. 12, a category F1 tornado tore through several neighborhoods of our city. Thankfully, none of our neighbors was injured as the tornado caused massive damage to homes, vehicles and property. Immediately following the tornado, we declared a state of emergency.

Early Saturday morning, an emergency command post was set up at the firehouse and the senior center was opened as a cooling center for anyone who needed relief from the incredible heat and humidity that day. Our city's residents are known for their compassion and can-do attitude when facing a crisis. I am sure you've all seen them in action over the last several days.

On behalf of all Glen Cove residents, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the following people for their assistance: Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi; Commissioner Richard Rotanz from the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management and his expert staff; Deputy County Executive Dr. Mary Curtis from Health and Human Services; Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto for supplying much-needed crews and equipment; LIPA chairman Richard Kessel; KeySpan officials; National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Wyllie; the engineering and the emergency services departments of North Shore-LIJ Hospital; the volunteers from CERT, (Community Emergency Response Team); the Red Cross; Joanne Senecal and Bea Galeski who manned the senior center and my appreciation also goes to the Asplundh tree crews.

The city council and I are especially proud of our Emergency Management Director Mike Salentino. We applaud the outstanding effort put forth by our department of public works personnel, our police, firefighters, EMS and special police all of whom worked long hours in oppressive heat to ensure everyone's safety and well-being. A very special thank you from all of us goes to the neighbors who reached out to assist those affected by the tornado's wrath.

Mary Ann Holzkamp

Mayor