The opening of the newest group of stores at the Americana Manhasset was called an asset to the community by Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi. He said while not everyone was able to shop in some of the high-end stores they were all able to enjoy the space created through the vision of Frank Castagna of Castagna Realty Co. and architect/planner Peter Marino of Peter Marino + Assoc. Architects. "The statues and the plantings make you feel better. We like seeing this semi-urban shopping center. This beautiful work of art makes us all feel better and lets us enjoy life more," he said.

Mr. Suozzi said the Castagna family of Brookville, are a prime example of corporate success on Long Island as well as through their philanthropy, including the sponsorship of the Long Island Golf Classic. "The Castagnas take their success and give it back to us in many ways," he said.

"We know you could invest anywhere, but you've made Nassau County, Long Island your home and made it better, because of it. On behalf of the people of Nassau County, Long Island, I say thank you." After the ribbon cutting ceremony, he presented the Castagnas with a proclamation from the Nassau County Legislature to Frank and Rita Castagna and their children Fred and Catherine.

The Americana Manhasset hosts the Champions for Charity, a fundraiser used by many local groups including the Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club of Locust Valley, Save the Children, Momma's House in Brookville, North Shore Child and Family Guidance Center, Tuesday's Children, Child Abuse Prevention Services, Island Harvest, Junior League, National Center for Disabilities Services/Henry Viscardi School.

"Isn't this the most sophisticated morning ever," asked Laura Savini of WLIW, "and for several reasons. I get the chance to wear this outfit, from Yves St. Laurent, thanks to Karen Loeffler, Americana Manhasset fashion director. If you need an outfit, this is the place to go. And, today, we are inaugurating the newest section of the Americana Manhasset. Madison Avenue look out!"

As she introduced Frank Castagna, of Castagna Realty, she lauded him for his vision in creating the premier shopping destination in the world. He has instilled in staff, a sense of community and philanthropy. He is one of Long Island's treasures."

Mr. Castagna said, "We are here to celebrate a world class collection of stores and the newest concept in design with walks and fountains and sculpture." He greeted friends, colleagues, dignitaries and shoppers. "I always look for the shoppers," he said.

The guests included executives of the retail fashion world, media executives, architects, engineers, landscapers and executives of financial institutions as well as elected officials including North Hempstead Supervisor May Newberger, Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli, Nassau County Comptroller Howard Weitzman and Oyster Bay Cove Mayor Ralph Potente.

He complimented architect Peter Marino, saying, "We couldn't have done it without you." Mr. Castagna complimented his wife repeating a quote from Mr. Marino. He said when Mr. Marino told him, 'I've come to the conclusion Rita is the brains of this outfit,' he said, "I didn't know it was so obvious."

He complimented the members of his staff that brought in the project on schedule including Andrea Sanders, vice president of advertising and marketing. He said her father Steve Santos designed Wheatley Plaza, another Castagna property.

He called Diedre Major, creative director, "A spark plug for all of us." He thanked John Gutleber "for successfully keeping all the pieces together."

Mr. Castagna said 18 years ago he called Peter Marino and asked him to develop a master plan for the Americana Manhasset to see what they could build. While Mr. Marino initially said "I don't do shopping centers" he went on to redefine and develop a master plan for the Americana. "One store at a time we changed the original buildings to limestone and granite with glass facades and filled them with world-class tenants."

Mr. Castagna said, "Mr. Marino had been working with James van Sweden (of Oehme van Sweden) on the landscaping, that completed the vision with meadows of grasses and perennials. At the Americana flowers are a fashion statement," said Mr. Castagna.

Creating the box, they filled it with stores including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, St. John, Brooks Brothers, Bettega Veneta, Coach, Yves St. Laurent and Dior. There are more scheduled: in mid-September they will add the only free-standing Ellen Tracy store, the others sites are located inside stores. Hershleifer's has just opened a Jimmy Cho, J. Mandel boutiques and in 2004 they will enlarge the store. London Jewelers will open free standing boutiques this year with Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and David Yurman. In Feb. 2004, Burberry's will take up a larger store and the renovation of Millie's Restaurant will begin. "It will be the new Millie's, with all the grace and charm but brought into the Americana of today," he said.

"In 2005 we shall rest, but not for too long. Year 2006 is the 50th anniversary of the Americana and that will call for another celebration. In 2007 Castagna Realty will have its 85th anniversary celebration. The evolution of Americana Manhasset and Castagna companies will continue," he said.

Mr. Marino called the Americana Manhasset a "semi-urban shopping street," and said Manhasset's Americana is on a par with Madison Avenue and Avenue Montaigne in Paris. He said when he began his work, the first thing he asked was how long the Waldbaum's lease was for - 18 years, was the answer. It took 18 years to establish the 'bookends' of the center, he said. It is the culmination of the vision.

The ceremony ended on a high note, as Nassau County Executive Suozzi showed gold collar stays he had bought at Brooks Brothers and said, "Let's go shopping."