This past June, a former library employee, Carol Krohn, was arrested and charged with grand larceny in connection with the theft of monies from the library video account and donated funds from the memorial account. I am pleased to report that the case recently came before the Honorable Judge Donald DiRiggi. This week the village accepted a check for $89,363.11 in restitution. Last June, Mrs. Krohn returned to the village $13,000 taken from the memorial fund. The village is satisfied that money taken by Mrs. Krohn has been returned.

Since June recommendations made by the village auditor have been put into place to safeguard against future problems. Now all library accounts with donated funds will be audited along with the village's annual audit. A CPA performs the audit during the summer, immediately after the end of the fiscal year, which runs June 1-May 31.

The public hearing held Nov. 18 was adjourned. The record was kept open for the board to accept additional submissions, comments and information.

The hearing was slated to reconvene Jan. 20, 2004 or possibly later. However, the village has received a letter from the attorney for University Sports Publications stating that their application to construct a three-tiered parking garage has been withdrawn.

Every snowflake is different but all have six points. One flake may be pretty under the microscope but accumulations that reached 12 to 20 inches over the weekend ruined my hopes for a mild winter. Floral Park's Public Works crews, under the direction of Superintendent Ken Tymecki, Highway Supervisor Rich Albertson and Deputy Highway Supervisor Matt Naylor readied for the challenge. Salt, sand and shovels were in ample supply. Trucks were lined up for action. Our experienced workers knew the forecast so they prepared for not one, but two winter storms and long hours of contending with snow, ice and wind - blizzard conditions.

Please take note: If you have had cement work done within the last year, avoid spreading salt or salt containing products on it. It could damage the sidewalk, walkway or patio. Free sand is available at the Public Works facility. Only take it from the pile clearly posted as sand.

The newly elected chairman of the Nassau County Board of Assessors, Harvey Levinson, was in Floral Park at the Recreation/Pool Building this past Wednesday afternoon to hear concerns related to the Nassau County reassessment. [Please see story in next week's issue]. It was the first in a series of meetings to be held on a listening tour taking him to several communities in the county. Residential and business property owners were encouraged to bring a copy of their '02, '03 and '04 school tax bill and a copy of their tax impact disclosure notice to the meeting.

Levinson recently visited with the executive committee of the Nassau County Village Officials Association (NCVOA), of which Floral Park is a member. He told the group that he wants to work closely with the village officials who understand their communities. He believes properties should be valued accurately and fairly. Upon his suggestion, a NCVOA Assessment Committee has been formed.

Canceled due to snow, the Floral Park tree lighting ceremony, sponsored by the Junior Woman's Club, is rescheduled for this Friday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. at Memorial Park. Several other events have been rescheduled. Check the newspaper or 4VS/Channel 18 for further information.

Snow and more snow predicted didn't keep Titans away from their season-end dinner last Saturday. Despite the weather, Titan coaches and leaders recognized hundreds of Titan football players and cheerleaders, ages 6 to 11. Al Cappelli is the Titans' director and served as the MC at the dinner. Trustee and Recreation Commissioner Tom Tweedy and I welcomed the opportunity to recognize the Titans organization for running a wholesome sports program and to congratulate the youngsters for their successful season and sportsmanship.

I had a chance to chat with some of the youngsters about their teams. They all said they want to sign up for another year. Titans' football coaches, managers, officers and parents work together to make the program a positive and safe experience for the boys and girls.

There are 81 Titan cheerleaders. I learned that Floral Park Memorial's Lisa Puma has contributed significantly toward making the cheerleading activity a huge success. Cheerleading practice for the girls takes place at the Floral Park Recreation/Pool Building.

The Titans football teams play home and away games. Massapequa's teams appear to be the Titans' toughest rivals. Home games are played at the Floral Park Playground and at Floral Park Memorial High School's playing field.

The Titans are affiliated with the Floral Park Youth Council. The village contributes approximately $1,500 in funds to support Youth Council activities every year. The Titans raise funds annually to offset the cost of uniforms, including protective gear, for the players.