Port Washington’s Stannard’s Brook Park Today and Yesterday

Have you been to Stannard’s Brook Park in Port Washington lately? No? Well, there are some big changes happening right on the corner of Carlton and Charles streets. If you would like to catch the park in the midst of its major renovation, then you need to stop and visit before the end of September 2011. Due to reconstruction, you cannot get into the park but there is more than enough opportunity to view it from its perimeter. According to Claude O’Neill, the spokesman for Nassau County from the Lira group, the transformation should be done by then. At that time you can stroll through and view it in all its finished glory.

Who Was Alvan O. Petrus? Why Was a Park Dedicated to Him?

During the last few weeks, the name Alvan O. Petrus has been in the news here in Port Washington. Much has been written about the acre and a half parcel of land known as Alvan O. Petrus Park. It occurred to me that I knew nothing of the man for whom the park is named and perhaps you don’t either.

Manhasset Bay Sportsmen’s Club Holds Blessing of the Fleet

The Manhasset Bay Sportsmen’s Club (MBSC) held its 62nd Annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony at noon on Saturday, June 18 at the Town Dock. The ceremony memorialized all those who have died upon the water and blessed local vessels at the start of the boating season.

Marriage Equality Act Signed Into New York State Law

Same-Sex Marriages to Become A Legal Reality on July 24

Landmark legislation to make same-sex marriage legal in New York State was signed into law on June 24, making New York the sixth state to legalize same-sex marriage.

On June 15, the New York State Assembly voted in favor of the Marriage Equality Act, 80 to 63, and on June 24, the New York State Senate voted in favor of this bill, 33 to 29. Governor Cuomo signed the Marriage Equality Act into law on Friday evening, June 24 and this legislation will go into effect on Sunday, July 24.

Local Entrepreneur Awarded Honorary Degree by City College

Bert Brodsky Honored at June 3 Commencement

Local Businessman Bert Brodsky has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters by the City College of New York. During an interview in his Port Washington office, Mr. Brodsky said receiving the award, which is given for accomplishments in both business and philanthropy was, “One of the high points in my life. As a kid growing up in the Bronx who could even think of such a thing.”

Congratulations to Schreiber’s Class of 2011!

Over 350 Students Graduate From Paul D. Schreiber High School on Friday, June 24

Cloudy skies and the threat of rain did not stop the Class of 2011 at Paul D. Schreiber High School from graduating on Friday, June 24. In fact, Superintendent Dr. Geoffrey Gordon said the students told him that unless there was a torrential downpour, they would be graduating on Friday. Over 350 enthusiastic students graduated and will now take steps forward towards college and future careers.

Dialogue on Alvan O. Petrus Memorial Park Begins to Move Forward

Community and Elected Officials Meet at Littig House

True to his word, Town Supervisor Jon Kaiman arranged a meeting between the members of the Hands of Change Civic Association, and Sean Rainey, the executive director of the Town of North Hempstead Housing Authority. During a break at the June 14 Town Council meeting, Supervisor Kaiman promised the representatives of the civic association he would arrange the meeting and a little more than a week later on June 23 all interested parties were present at Littig House, the community center at Roberta Nixon Houses at Harbor Hills Homes.

Updates to the Sandminers Monument Depict Port Washington History

Sandminers Monument, Inc. recently began the construction of several updates to the monument, which they plan to have completed by the end of the month. The Sandminers Monument, located on West Shore Road just north of Northern Boulevard, was unveiled on September 25, 2010. The current construction, however, is the final piece of the initial proposal of the foundation. Thus, once the updates are finalized, Sandminers Monument, Inc. will cease to exist and the land granted by the town board in March of 2005 to the foundation will return to the Town of North Hempstead. The Board of Directors of Sandminers Monument, Inc. hopes to hold an additional unveiling of the monument in the upcoming months.

Hands of Change Civic Association Protests at Town Board Meeting

Town Supervisor Kaiman Calls A Break in Proceedings

Protestors from the Hands of Change Civic Association carrying signs protesting the closure of Alvan O. Petrus Memorial Park in Port Washington gathered outside the council chamber prior to the June 14 Town of North Hempstead Council meeting. When the meeting started demonstrators filled an entire section of the council chamber.

Record Numbers Of Attendees at Local Events

Police Department Commended By Commissioners

Port Washington has been a busy place during May and June. The fireworks held on May 28 at the Town of North Hempstead Beach Park drew approximately 30,000 attendees and all went off without incident. Similarly, HarborFest on June 5 drew record crowds. In addition, a television series, Growing Pains, was shooting in and around town. All these special events kept the police department very busy. At the June 8 meeting of the Police District Commissioners, Commissioner James Duncan thanked Deputy Chief Ronald DeMeo for a job well done. DeMeo noted that the department is gearing up for the Gold Coast Triathlon on June 19.