On Tuesday, Oct. 18, residents, officials and guests of the Incorporated Village of Plandome Heights gathered to honor the memory of former Mayor George Ferman.

A memorial stone inscribed with the dates of Mayor Ferman's service to the village was placed in the newly refurbished and planted island in Grandview Circle. It is flanked by two low bushes of vibrant yellow miniature mums and is visible to anyone who walks or drives past it.

George Ferman served the village for 11 years from 1992 to 2003 first as a trustee and then as mayor. As an architect educated at the University of Toronto, his work ranged from designing centers for the Young Men's Christian Association on the eastern seaboard to the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, his most recent project.

Proud of his Armenian heritage, George Ferman was a member of the Building Advisory Board of the New York Armenian Home in Flushing. In addition, he was involved in the building of the St. Vartian's Armenian Cathedral in New York City as well as in the early phases of development of the Armenian Church of Holy Martyrs in Bayside. Always a busy man, Mayor Ferman nevertheless took time to introduce children to the business world by sponsoring field trips. He also served as president of the Kiwanis Club of Great Neck.

At the dedication ceremony, current Mayor Sandi Gabriele praised Ferman's service to the village. She stated, "We are here to celebrate Mayor Ferman's commitment since the early 90s to Plandome Heights, the village he lived in and loved...Mayor Ferman never took his mayorship for granted. He saw it as his role to maintain the quality of life and beauty of this village ... I first met him in 2001 when, as a resident, I was able to bring a committee of residents together with some of the Board of Trustees to seek a green space in our village for all our residents to enjoy. I was most impressed with his commitment and genuine interest in any project to better the village. He guided us through the process of village government and allocation of funding. He always insisted on fair and even public meetings. He taught us about patience and demeanor." Mayor Gabriele also stated that "He personified honor, integrity and dignity...In a time where every inch of our village land is spoken for, we are here to put aside some for George."

According to former trustee Marion Endrizzi, Ferman was "a gentle, caring man who truly loved and was dedicated to our village...I look back in fond remembrance to our daily phone conversations discussing village issues and brainstorming various strategies to enhance the life of the community. George loved his family and was especially proud of his daughter, Dr. Debra Ferman."

At the dedication, Dr. Debra Ferman thanked everyone present for "bestowing this great honor in my father's memory. My father loved living in this village. He cared about its issues and problems, and even in his last days, dedicated himself to the village. He always recognized and appreciated the hard work of others who helped make the village a wonderful place to live. My mother and I are honored and grateful for this dedication. Thank you."

Mrs. Aida Ferman continues her husband's legacy by serving as a trustee of the village.