In front of a village hall packed with friends, family and residents, recently elected trustees Jeffrey Pravato and Teresa Spinosa, as well as other village officials and staff, were administered the oath of office at the Incorporated Village of Massapequa Park's Annual Installation-Organization Meeting April 1.

The evening kicked off with welcoming remarks by Mayor James Altadonna, an invocation by Father Lawrence Sheehan of St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church, and presentation of colors and Pledge of Allegiance by VFW Post #7763 of Massapequa Park. Altadonna went on to present honorary plaques to departing trustees Gail Klubnick, who was not present due to illness, and John J. O'Brien.

"We didn't always agree," Altadonna said before presenting O'Brien with his plaque, "but John was always a gentleman. We worked together and we worked together well. I was glad to serve with him." Altadonna also credited O'Brien as the man responsible for spearheading the Fireman's Memorial. "It couldn't have come at a more important time in this village's history," Altadonna said, and the crowd showed their agreement with a burst of applause.

In his speech, O'Brien thanked his running mate Gail Klubnick, former Mayor George Nussbaum, who was in attendance, and former Mayor Camillo Giannattassio. He also gave a nod of appreciation to the employees of the village, "a wonderful group of people who work very hard at a difficult assignment," and Village Administrator Bill Colfer, "the one person who runs this village better than anyone I have ever seen."

New York State Senator Charles Fuschillo administered the oath of office to Spinosa, saying, "There is no greater or more noble profession." He also expressed his admiration for her "taking this next step" from PTA president to village official. "It's all about giving back to the community, making it a better place for your children, and for all who live here," he concluded.

Pravato was administered the oath of office by New York State Assemblyman Steven Labriola. In his speech, Pravato thanked his wife and children, his mother, who passed away several years ago, and the residents of Massapequa Park. "Throughout this campaign, I have truly seen friendship and unity in this village. When I moved here eight years ago I felt a true spirit of community, and standing here now, I know it is a place I will live for many years to come."

Spinosa also thanked family and friends in her speech, and acknowledged the staff of village hall under the direction of Bill Colfer. "There are many challenges we will face in the upcoming years," she said. "I stand behind my commitment to keep the lines of communication open. With a record turnout of voters two years in a row, I am proud of our residents and their commitment to change for the better. I believe we now have a board which truly represents the diverse age groups of all who live here."

Deputy Mayor Harry Jacobson was administered the oath of office by John Venditto, town supervisor of the Town of Oyster Bay. The administrative staff, commission staff, emergency management committee, ethics board, and legal staff were also sworn in.

Altadonna awarded Labriola, Fuschillo and Venditto with honorary plaques saying, "They are always there for us when we need them."