Mayor’s Message: Gas Station Hearing, ex-Chief’s Honor and Girl Scout Awards

The following are the opening remarks of Mineola Mayor Scott Strauss made during the public meeting of the Mineola Village Board on October 16, 2013:

Good evening ladies and gentlemen. If you haven’t been to village hall earlier today, it’s great to see Mr. DaVanzo back in the saddle here in the lobby; it was good to see him and talk to him and interact with him again from his time off.

Two weeks ago trustee Walsh and I attended an awards ceremony for the girl scouts of Mineola, Albertson and the Willistons and Roslyn. It was a great night where young women were recognized for achieving their bronze, silver and gold awards. These are very prestigious awards that are not just handed out, they are earned. For each award, these young women had to perform projects that make a lasting impression on the community. All of them were amazing to listen to. I want to congratulate all of the award recipients as well as their leaders for providing them the encouragement and guidance they needed to succeed.

Last week we conducted a public hearing on a proposal for a gas station and convenience store on the vacant property on Jericho Turnpike between Latham Road and White Road. The hearing was long and unfortunately many residents wishing to speak had to leave. In order to allow all of those wishing to speak the chance to do so, we adjourned the hearing and will continue with it on November 13 at 6:30 p.m. Please come down and participate in the hearing, we want to hear from all of those who will be affected. Again, that’s Wednesday, November 13 at 6:30 p.m. right here at village hall.

On Sunday I attended a breakfast at the Portuguese Heritage Club. It was another great event to get together with our neighbors and raise funds for a worthy cause. This past Monday I had the honor of attending a luncheon at the Irish-American Society recognizing our veterans. It was well attended and gave our veterans an opportunity to meet with the organizations who give them support. Mr. Carroll did a tremendous job in organizing that event.

On Friday, October 25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. we’ll be having our annual children’s Halloween party  for our residents here at the community center. There will be rides, music and refreshments. Please bring your children down and enjoy the fun. Concerning Halloween, please be careful driving during that day. There are many more children out than normal and they might not be paying attention as they cross the streets as they go door-to-door trick-or-treating. They also have on costumes or masks that might inhibit their vision. We can all benefit if we drive a little bit slower and be a little bit more cautious.

Lastly, tomorrow evening, ex-Chief of the Mineola Volunteer Fire Department and former deputy mayor Lou Santosus is being honored for his devotion to duty and his service to the community by the Town of Hempstead. The Town of Hempstead Supervisor, Kate Murray, will be presenting him with this prestigious award. Congratulations chief, this award is deserved and has certainly been earned.

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