Tradition Triumphs Over Sandy

Anton Community Newspapers • 132 East 2nd Street • Mineola, NY 11501 • Phone: 516-747-8282 • FAX: 516-742-5867

Tradition Triumphs Over Sandy

Friday, 07 December 2012 00:00

Garden City’s 58th Annual Village Tree Lighting goes off without a hitch

Garden City’s Chamber of Commerce presentation of the annual Village Tree Lighting was certainly the place to be for residents and Garden City supporters this past Sunday. Sponsored by Astoria Federal Savings, its staff was there to give out candy canes and small treats. This was the bank’s 18th year supporting the holiday festival, in cooperation with the Recreation and Parks Department and Garden City Fire Department. As in past years, this village tree lighting allowed friends and families to come together and enjoy the essence of Christmas and togetherness.

The village gazebo came alive with lights, music, and happy spirits awaiting the arrival of Santa and the flick of the switch to illuminate the tree at the holiday festival. Music was provided by The Five Stone band, which played classic rock and alternative Christmas songs. Garden City High School’s Vocal Jazz Ensemble also performed unique renditions of many Xmas classics directed by Stephen Mayo. Enthusiastic residents of all ages who came to enjoy the afternoon with family members and even pets sat in lawn chairs scattered throughout the village green. Mary Spadaro has been a Garden City resident for more than 47 years, and has always attended and looked forward to this holiday celebration.

Members of the Garden City Board of Trustees and Chamber of Commerce. “This event is very family oriented,” said Spadaro. “The Garden City community is very close, and has a celebration for almost every holiday.”

As the day went on, the crowd grew, as legions of eager and excited children and parents waited for Santa Claus to show up on his traditional red fire truck to assist Mayor Brudie with the big moment. Kingsley Bear, Kings Supermarket mascot, was also in attendance, socializing and taking photos with attendees.

Hot chocolate and munchkins were generously given out by the Garden City Volunteer Fire Department to the public, along with holiday cookies from Bagelman, Riesterer’s Bake Shop, Kings Super Markets, Dunkin’ Donuts, My Three Sons Bagel Cafe, and Key Food Marketplace.

Director John Wilton, senior marketing director for Garden City Properties, Inc./GC Commercial, expressed his appreciation over the event being a continued success this year despite damaged areas in and around town. He also stated that the annual tree lighting is an important and traditional part of Garden City history.

Mayor Donald T. Brudie spoke before the tree was lit, thanking all the supporters and residents and expressed the gratefulness he feels that Garden City had the luxury of returning to a post-Hurricane Sandy regularity that not all surrounding towns have. The mayor continued to enjoy the afternoon, mingling among the crowd.

Santa Claus easily took the spotlight, putting a majority of the children in a frenzy of smiles and awe upon his arrival. After addressing the crowd to wish all a Merry Christmas, Santa hung around to talk to his many lively fans to answer questions and listen to children’s claims that they have certainly been good, making for a successful afternoon of holiday joy.

News

Friendship Circle Luncheon Turns 10

Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00

Kroplick and Kammerer honored

On May 8, more than 500 fashionably dressed women converged on the Garden City Hotel for the Sid Jacobson JCC’s tenth annual Friendship Circle Luncheon. Notable celebrities on hand were Good Day New York co-host Rosanna Scotto, who was also the event’s MC, and singer/actress Megan Hilty from the Broadway play Wicked and NBC’s hit drama Smash, who entertained the ladies with her favorite songs from both shows.

The Friendship Circle Luncheon was started 10 years ago by Denise Silverberg, as a way to raise money for programs providing support for adults in their 30s, 40 s and 50s that are afflicted by Alzheimer’s. Silverberg’s mother has the disease, so she understands firsthand the role of a caregiver and the stresses involved in taking care of someone who has it.

Revised HUB Transportation Study

Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00

Deputy Mayor Nicholas Episcopia attended the HUB Stakeholders Meeting held by Nassau County’s consultants on the Transportation Project. He was joined by EPOA President Judy Courtney, Vice President Chris Mullaney, and Director Leo Stimmler, as well as William Bellmer, a member of the Garden City Planning Commission, Dorothy Episcopia, past EPOA president, and former mayor Robert Rothschild. Bob Schoelle and Brian Ridgeway attended the afternoon session. Garden City is a stakeholder because a large portion of the village lies within the defined HUB area.

As presented, the currently preferred alternative transportation plan appears reasonable and eliminates the construction of a light rail system that would run from the Mineola Station, south behind Arthur Street, and east along the spur adjacent to St. James Street South, as was initially proposed. Nonetheless, as we have consistently done over the years, we will continue to monitor plans for the transportation project and strongly express our opinion if we believe any aspect of this project would be detrimental to the quality of life in Garden City.

Sports

Almost Perfect

Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00

Boys JV lacrosse team goes undefeated

The Garden City JV lacrosse team finished the year with a stellar 14-0-1 record. Led by Head Coach Tom Flatley and Assistant Coach Brett Hepworth, the Trojans overpowered most of their opponents with explosive offensive bursts, tough-nosed gritty defense, and rock-solid goaltending. The offense averaged over 15 goals per game, while the defense allowed just over three goals per game.

The season commenced with a hard fought, triple overtime thriller against Syosset that ended in a 7-7 tie. As the team became more cohesive, most of the next few opponents, including Hewlett, Lynbrook, Carey, Roslyn, Kellenberg, and others, found themselves overmatched against this Trojan team. However, that did not dissuade Ward Melville from putting forth an inspired effort on their home turf for three quarters, before finally falling to Garden City 12-7.

Playing With A Big Stick

Thursday, 16 May 2013 00:00

Defense keys successful lacrosse seasons

The boys and girls high school teams are both rolling and have their sights set on a long run in the playoffs. Both team have faced a number of formidable opponents throughout the season and have successfully navigated their schedules. One thing that has been consistent for both teams has been that their defenses have had to stand tall at key times and shut down very active offenses. Both Coach Finnell and Coach Chapman have made sure that the non-league schedules of their teams will ensure that their teams are prepared for whatever the playoffs can throw at them.

After going the full season last year undefeated, the boys team has three blemishes on their record with losses to powerhouses Ward Melville, Manhasset and LaSalle of PA. With a 9-3 record the Trojans are looking to wrap up the number two seed in the playoffs to force a rematch of the Manhasset game in the County finals. The boys have excelled defensively only allowing 4.25 goals against per game. And if you remove those three tough losses the goals against average drops to 3.1.