Mayor's MessageDear Neighbors:
Fall is officially here. It was off to a great start with the Halloween Parade followed by the Fire Haunted House. Thanks to all who worked so hard to make these events such a success. Our leaf season started off without a hitch. We are right on target with our removal of the leaves. Just a reminder that leaf removal season will end the last weekend of Novermber the 25th and 26th. I would like to thank those who helped tidy up after our last storm. Every little bit helps.
It's time for the start of our tree plantings. During November we plan to start the implementation of the Beautification/Master Plan with the planting of certain species in designated spots throughout the Village. Along with these plantings we will continue our maintenance program of pruning and caring for needy trees in the Village.
Some other exciting events planned for November include Ladies Night sponsored by the Junior Women's Club of Bellerose. It's November 16th, at 7:30 p.m., at the Village Hall. There will be vendors and a wine tasting. Drop by for some fun.
On Saturday, November l8, 2006, Bellerose Village will sponsor our Holiday Food Drive. As the holiday season begins, let us remember our less fortunate neighbors. Please leave food items near your front door by 10 a.m. in the morning. Food can also be dropped off at Village Hall between 10 a.m. and 12 noon.
The Village Tree lighting ceremony will be held on December 1st at the Village Hall. Breakfast with Santa is Saturday December 2nd at the Village Hall. To make a reservation drop off a check payable to the Junior Women's Club of Bellerose, $10 per child, by November 27th. A donation of a small gift for a boy or girl is appreciated. Please mark your donation boy or girl. Donations are made to the Queens Children Center.
Some residents have asked where they might dispose of old air conditioners or refrigerators. Two places that come to mind are: the Department of Public Works, 1600 Merrick Road east off the Meadowbrook Parkway. Also Gershaw on Denton Avenue off Jericho Turnpike.
The Village is in the process of updating our Emergency Preparedness package. We have been working with Tom Mylod, our Emergency Management Preparedness Chairman. Tom has attended many meetings on this topic and brings back to the Village all the current information, as well as, the latest in radio equipment. Attached please find a questionnaire that I would like all residents to fill out and return to the Village Hall. In keeping with the 21st Century, the Village is looking into an emergency response system Village wide. If an emergency situation should present itself each resident will automatically be called with the alert. This system can be used for various other alerts as well. We need all residents to complete this form and return it to Village Hall to make sure that we have accurate and complete records. Just think, in case of an emergency the Village needs the correct phone number to contact. At this time our records are not up to date.
On November 21, 2006 George Braun, Highway and Public Works Commissioner, has set up a meeting with Eileen Keenan, NY Sea Grant NEMO Program Manager, to discuss what the Village of Bellerose needs to do to comply with the required storm water regulations. A big part of this program is educating the public. George and I have been discussing the implementation of such programs and with Eileen Keenan's help the process should proceed on a much smoother path.
On October 27, 2006 I attended along with JoEllen Cortapasso the Grassroots Environmental Education seminar held at Adelphi University. The topic of discussion was Our Children At Risk: Are Schools Making Our Children Sick? Brian Lehrer, was the host of the event which included a distinguished panel of consultants from all avenues of expertise. The topics discussed were children's unique vulnerability to environmental toxins, pesticides on playing fields, New York State legislation on cleaning products in schools and no idling policies for diesel school buses. One of my reasons for attending, besides the fact that we all need to be concerned about our children's welfare, was the correlation between toxins, pesticides, diesel omissions and our schools regarding the Third Track project. Interestingly enough, New York State Assemblyman, Tom DiNapoli, was present and spoke on the topic and what our State's plans were to protect and improve the health and safety of our children. Well after the seminar was over, a statement was made that Attorney General Elliot Spitzer is a big fan and supporter of Grassroots and such programs. I couldn't resist the opportunity to introduce myself to Assemblyman DiNapoli and explain that there are two schools on the North and South side of the tracks (the third rail project) that would be adversely affected. Pesticides on playing fields would be a drop in the bucket compared to the devasting affects the construction of a third track would impact on our children. I suggested he speak to Attorney General Spitzer on the subject.
The Long Island Rail Road is still a topic on all our minds. Right now we are awaiting the results of the Public Hearing Scoping Documents. Members of the Citizens Against Rail Expansion have been meeting and strategically planning our counter attack. Election time is November 7th, I hope we will remember the politicians who have kept this project at bay. Unfortunately, the fate of every cause seems to lie in the hands of politicians. The following politicians support our cause, and we need to support them.
They are Senator Balboni, Town Supervisor Kate Murray, Thomas Souzzi, County Executive Thomas Souzzi, Councilman Edward Ambrosino, Richard Nicolello, Thomas Alfano, Peter King and Dean Skelos.
In closing, I look forward to seeing you at our next Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, November 27, 2006.
Attached PDFsEmergency Prepardness Survey
