Residents have asked about the recent tree plantings on the Jericho Turnpike median in Bellerose. The trees were planted by the City of New York on city property. Unlike municipalities in Nassau County, the City of New York was not required to get New York State Department of Transportation approval for their urban forestry project. Within the past few years, the village has been in contact with the NYS DOT regarding tree plantings on the median within Floral Park. To date, the state has not approved this concept in Nassau County.

As part of the Operation Downtown funding program, several improvements will be made in the North End/Jericho Tpke. area. Because roadwork is planned for the future at the intersection of Jericho Turnpike and Tulip Ave., the last phase of Operation Downtown will address the median and its beautification. For now, the possibilities for the median include pavers, low bushes and flowering plants. Watering and maintenance are important factors in long range planning.

The board will present a dog named Sinatra a dog tag inscribed with the words "Mankind's Best Friend - Floral Park's No. 1 Volunteer 2001." Sinatra's owners, George and Cecilia Hohenberger, will also be recognized for their efforts on behalf of their pet and the advancement of science and health.

When Sinatra was diagnosed with malignant melanoma, his owners were heartbroken. It happened that an opportunity arose for the dog to be treated with an experimental human DNA drug. It meant a commitment for the owners to keep to a schedule of treatments at Sloane Kettering's Animal Medical facility. After chemotherapy was ruled out as an option, radiation was performed followed by experimental drug injections.

In time, Sinatra was declared cancer free. The results demonstrated such promise for the treatment of humans that the FDA has approved the drug for scientific fast tracking. Each year thousands of people die of melanoma, a form of cancer.

Congratulations to the Floral Park Memorial 7-12 grade teens as they end another outstanding year of service to the community as members of the finest Builder's Club and Key Club in the state. After spending just a few hours with these poised, energetic, and enthusiastic young men and women at their recent awards ceremony, I was very impressed with their accomplishments. Ronald McDonald House, Pediatric Lyme Disease, and Harvest House are just three of a host of recipients of their good works.

Parents, these teens are looking for more students with time on their hands to give others a helping hand. I hope "Each One" will "Reach One" more son, daughter or friend to join one of these groups. Good luck to the new officers and members graduating this year.

My first televised Mayor's Message with Larry Davidson was recently taped and will air in June. It was my first appearance on our local studio's Channel 70 and like everyone I had some jitters. Trustees Gerry Bambrick and Tom Tweedy appeared in an additional segment.

The studio is celebrating its third year but the idea was a vision of former Mayor Al Coppola in 1994. Floral Park along with the villages of South Floral Park, Bellerose and Stewart Manor can be proud of the studio's progress. Over 50 volunteers under the supervision of Operations Director Jim Green have made it a success with awards and recognitions attesting to its technical growth and programming standards. It has proven to be a fabulous learning opportunity for anyone involved, particularly those interested in a career in the media.

The studio, housed in Floral Park's Village Hall, is supported through an agreement with Cablevision.

Several local artists were presented with awards for their works of art displayed at the recent Art Show in Memorial Park. In addition to announcing the winners, I had the privilege of selecting a painting for the Village Hall. Daisies by Arlene Fiorillo will be received officially at the next board meeting.

The Annual Art Show is sponsored by the Floral Park Council for Cultural Affairs in cooperation with the F.P. Art League.