Congratulations to the Massapequan Observer's account executive Thomas McGee for recently being elected to serve on the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors. People in the Massapequas know Tom to be a reasonable, honest and pleasant person to work with, and it shows in the work that he does. We're certain that as a member of the board of directors, Thomas McGee will be a true asset to the community.

There are two stories in the news this week that are destined to be incorporated in the future, or should be.

First are the plans for the Massapequa Preserve which call for the complete renovation of Massapequa's most beautiful natural resource. As a part of the $10 million project that, if approved, would be undertaken by Nassau County, the entire preserve will be cleaned out, restored, and re-created. As a part of this, the county intends to install new water pumps to improve the stream flow of Massapequa Creek. This proposal, which is still open to public suggestions, may have more projects added to it before the final plans are drafted.

Second, the Kiwanis Club of Massapequa has undertaken a tremendous effort to re-create the beauty of a 50 year old sign that once greeted travelers on Sunrise Highway and Park Blvd. in Massapequa Park. When completed, the letters spelling out "Massapequa Park" will stand out to drivers on Sunrise Highway once again, with a flag pole behind and a flower box atop of it.

The Kiwanis Club of Massapequa deserves the upmost congratulations and respect for undertaking such an effort and giving to the people of Massapequa such a beautiful improvement to the aesthetic quality of the community. Also, Legislator Peter Schmitt should also be commended in his attempt to have the county legislature allocate more money for our area.

But since there is still room for a suggestion, we urge that Legislator Schmitt include funds in the final proposal for an irrigation system for the Massapequa Park sign. The sign is just a few feet from the creek and it would be very simple for the county to install a pump and water lines to irrigate it.

For all the hard work that the volunteer members of the Kiwanis Club have, and will have put into the completed sign, the county could do worse than to supply the sign with a little water to keep the grass green and the flowers healthy.

- Eric Usinger