‘New’ PAL Clubhouse Coming In January 2013

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

‘New’ PAL Clubhouse Coming In January 2013

Friday, 28 December 2012 00:00

Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman and Councilwoman Lee Seeman joined forces with State Senator Jack Martins and Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello recently to break ground on a long-awaited reconstruction project to restore the New Hyde Park Police Athletic League clubhouse to its former glory.

This kickoff of the renovation project, which was also attended by PAL officials, Nassau County Police Officer Kevin Worth, and Sgt. Doug Kenah, heralded the start of a project that had been hampered by a lack of funds and had consequently languished for over seven years.

Supervisor Kaiman worked alongside Officer Worth, the director of the New Hyde Park PAL program, and other PAL officials to get the gym restored. The town, which owns the Denton Avenue property the PAL facility occupies, approved plans for the renovations.

“I am pleased that this facility, a place where tens of hundreds of children—including my own—from throughout the town have come for decades to play basketball and other sports will soon be up and running again,” Supervisor Kaiman said during the gathering.

Problems with the PAL clubhouse were triggered by flooding when a heavy rainstorm in October 2005 caused an overflow from a sump behind the facility. Water was pushed under the eight-inch concrete block supporting the gym floor, cracking the existing floor. The gym floor was restored with $135,000 from an insurance claim. Officials stated however that the repair work wasn’t sufficient to withstand a July 2007 rainstorm, which caused the gym floor to buckle once again.

A $200,000 state grant promised by former state Sen. Craig Johnson to conduct repairs to the clubhouse was withdrawn by the Democratic State Senate leadership after Johnson lost his re-election bid in the 7th Senatorial District to Republican challenger Jack Martins.

The reconstruction plans call for demolishing the concrete slab and installing new drainage and floor, as well as repaving the adjacent parking area. The project is expected to be completed in January 2013 depending on weather, officials said.

“This is a wonderful thing that PAL does, giving kids from all across the town the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports,” said Councilwoman Seeman. “It took a long time and a lot of collaboration, but finally this place will live again. I’m proud of the efforts of all who helped to make this possible.”

News

NY Ravioli Sandy Efforts Recognized

Last Updated (Monday, 29 November 1999 19:00) Saturday, 18 May 2013 00:00

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano commended the owners of New York Ravioli & Pasta Company of New Hyde Park for donating a portion of all proceeds generated throughout May to the Nassau Hurricane Recovery Fund (NHRF). Six months after Superstorm Sandy barreled through local neighborhoods, Nassau residents are still struggling to rebuild their homes and lives.

Village Board At Full Capacity

Last Updated (Monday, 29 November 1999 19:00) Friday, 17 May 2013 00:00

New Hyde Park appoints trustee to fill empty seat

The Village of New Hyde Park swore Donna Squicciarino in as trustee on Tuesday, May 7. She will fill a seat vacated by Robert Lofaro, who won the mayor’s seat in March after Daniel Petruccio decided to not seek re-election.

Squicciarino is the second woman in New Hyde Park’s 86-year history to serve as trustee. Florence Lisanti was the first woman to serve on the board, whose term expired in 2001.

Sports

Spotlight On Herricks HS Sports

Friday, 17 May 2013 00:00

Simply because something has happened or reoccurred several times in the past does not make it a tradition, something to be expected maybe, or something habitual perhaps. Tradition is different. It evokes a feeling of long-standing preplanned positive experiences built in layers upon one another.

So it is, apparently, with the Highlander Wrestling program. Year after year, young men and women graduate from the high school program only to return again as alumni freely lending their expertise, assistance and support . . . giving back to those who have not yet entered the fraternity of Highlander Wrestling Graduates.

Little League News

Friday, 17 May 2013 00:00

NHPLL Girls Snippets

Mathnasium faced off with the tough Valley Stream team on May 4 and ended in an 8-8 tie. Paige Jones lead the pitching crew with four innings, giving up one earned run and five unearned. Claire Mikowski came in to close with bases loaded the score was 6-8 and Valley Stream’s leadoff batter at the plate. Mikowski struck out one and the second batter hit a line drive through the SS Sophia Kasimatis to bringing in the tying run when the umpire called the game due to time limit restrictions.