Letter: A Letter From Massapequa Park Mayor James Altadonna
Friday, 12 October 2012 00:00
Dear Fellow Residents:Like everyone who got to know Peter Schmitt personally, I have been deeply saddened by his sudden passing. Just last Sunday I was with him at the annual Sons of Italy Italian Feast where we chatted for hours with people both young and old.
As the presiding officer of the Nassau County Legislature, Peter was unequalled as a committed and dedicated government leader. And as a friend – a father and husband – he was as fine a man, as I’ve ever known.
I had the distinct pleasure and honor to work with Peter since I was first elected mayor in 2001. Over the ensuring 11 years, I found in him to be a true mentor, generous with his time and support, an unwavering political ally, and a champion of all that is good in Nassau County.
Peter was an advocate of many great accomplishments in Massapequa Park, from his recent help in our acquisition of land for possible cell tower construction to his support of the re-gentrification and streetscape of Park Boulevard and Merrick Road.
But more than his professional accomplishments, I will remember Peter for the person he was. His compassion for the people in his life, his willingness to give so much of himself to our community, this is what defined his character. His passing is a loss to his family and friends and to the greater community that came to appreciate his integrity and leadership. Peter Schmitt led by example, he lived by his reputation, he earned all of our respect every day.
I ask that you remember him in your prayers today, as well as his wife Lois and his daughter Samantha.
I am proud to have known him and to have called him my friend. I’ll miss you, Peter. Thank you for your friendship.
Sincerely,
Jim (James) Altadonna
Mayor, Massapequa Park
News
Wednesday, 15 May 2013 00:00
Declining enrollment and
reserve funds are key factors
As voters in the Massapequa Union Free School District approach the Tuesday, May 21, budget vote, the proposed spending plan retains popular educational programs while keeping the rise in spending to 1.49 percent.
Despite what district officials call unprecedented increases in state-mandated employer pension contributions, as well as rising health insurance costs, the overall budget is up just over $2.7 million.
Thursday, 16 May 2013 00:00
After Massapequa resident Sol Goldstein and several friends helped finish building a house for a family 20 years ago for Habitat for Humanity, they had a question: “What do we do now?” They were all retired, had enjoyed working together and accomplishing something for a family in need, and wanted to do more.
“I was looking for something [to do] hands-on,” said Joe Botkin, of Williston Park, a retired principal, who had worked with Goldstein in building the home.
Sports
Thursday, 16 May 2013 00:00
Vinny Zanfardino started his coaching career in 1997 when he stepped up to coach his daughter’s Little League team.
What started as a hobby turned into a full-blown obsession for Zanfardino, 48. Coaching became an outlet to do some good for children while staying close to the game he loves: baseball.
Thursday, 16 May 2013 00:00
On Saturday, May 18, the Town of Oyster Bay will conduct a ceremony to officially re-name its golf course in honor of Joseph Colby, a resident of Massapequa Park who served as the Town of Oyster Bay’s 56th supervisor. The Honorable Joseph Colby was appointed supervisor in 1977 and was elected to that office five times in the following ten years. He was then elected as a New York State Supreme Court Justice in 1988, a post he held through his retirement from public service in 1992. The unveiling will take place at the main entrance of the course off South Woods Road in Woodbury.
“When the sign for Honorable Joseph Colby Town of Oyster Bay Golf Course is unveiled, it will celebrate an outstanding career in public service,” Supervisor John Venditto said. “Joseph Colby has always had the needs of the public as his top priority and has been widely respected for his innovation and responsiveness. This golf course will now forever bear his name as a tribute to his outstanding legacy.”
Calendar
Line Dancing
Friday, May 17
Library's Board of Trustees Meeting
Wednesday, May 22
America’s Boating Course
Tuesday, May 28
Columns
Building Better Legislators
Written by Michael A. Miller, Millercolumn@optimum.net
Quietly Vindicated
Written by Mike Barry, MFBarry@optonline.net
Health Insurance Crisis Still Here
Written by Michael A. Miller, Millercolumn@optimum.net
