The Clinton Martin Park Recreational Center in New Hyde Park was packed and abuzz on Jan. 2 as hundreds of people filed in to witness the swearing-in of Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman, Town Clerk Michelle Schimel and Councilmembers Angelo Ferrara, Robert Trioiano and Lee Seeman.

The festivities began with a gesture of forgiveness and unity as Father Nicholas Zientarski, of St. Mary's Church, delivered the invocation, followed by a hug and handshake from Supervisor Kaiman hopefully putting to rest the recent controversy.

Nassau County Police Commissioner James H. Lawrence then swore in Jon Kaiman for his second term as town supervisor. Lawrence said that he was pleased to have been asked to do the honors by Kaiman, especially since Kaiman had been so supportive of him when he was first appointed police commissioner.

Kaiman thanked his wife, family and all those involved with his re-election. He went on to say that he is proud of the success the town has accomplished in the last two years. He said, "I welcome the conclusion of my first term and sometimes our mistakes, although very public, lead to our successes."

He went on to list the many things he, with the support of his councilmembers, have accomplished. He mentioned the ongoing $80 million redevelopment of Prospect Avenue in New Cassel which will eventually result in a new main street surrounded by a supermarket and other stores.

He mentioned the ongoing visioning plan that is basically community based beginning with the future of the Port Washington Peninsula and the installation of a 311 hotline. Kaiman said North Hempstead is the first suburban area to install such a line to make it possible for residents throughout the town to reach someone without having to wait for a return call.

Kaiman said the town has also introduced hybrid cars and buses; started an annual Beach Festival Day; reinstituted the fireworks on Memorial Day weekend; held its first North Hempstead Re-enactment Day; instituted the Office of Tourism and Development; continued the Spooky Walk, this year for 10,000 and a Not So Spooky Walk; renovated Broadway Park, Tully Park and the Herricks Ballpark; worked in conjunction with Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi to complete road work, install a new light and sidewalk on Marcus and Denton Avenues to create safer crossing; proposed a new club house at Harbor Links; created a kayak launch at Bar Beach and proposed the plans for building a new community center in New Cassel.

He commented, "The town's affiliation with New York State Senator Michael Balboni and Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli brought millions of dollars back to North Hempstead and I thank them both for their help."

He ended his speech by saying, "We are moving full steam ahead and I truly believe that we will make a difference."

Nassau County Court Judge Scott Fairgrieve installed North Hempstead Town Clerk Michelle Schimel with her husband, her father and her two sons at her side.

Schimel gave a very brief speech thanking all those who helped to re-elect her to what will now be a four-year term voted on at the last election. The program ended with a benediction by Rabbi Howard Stecker of Temple Israel in Great Neck, and by the singing of America the Beautiful by Vishal K. and Riti Sunshine Bhalla.