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New recreation director for East Rockaway

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The Village of East Rockaway has hired Wantagh resident Daniel Galante as its new recreation director — a position that has been vacant for several months. Galante replaces Rick Kappel.

“As winter’s cold temperatures and icy storms come to an end, we welcome [Galante] to the village family,” said Mayor Francis Lenahan. “Dan’s educational background and previous experience in organizing and running a recreation department with a variety of popular and diverse offerings will ensure that our village will continue to provide our residents with the very best programs and courses.”

Before taking this position, Galante was a recreation supervisor in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream since 2009, where he helped develop and oversee the department’s daily offerings to the approximately 37,500 Valley Stream village residents.

“I am excited about taking up the reins of the East Rockaway Recreation Department,” said Galante. “Mayor Lenahan and the village board have made it clear that they are firmly committed to provide the department’s recreation programs with the resources needed to offer our children and adults popular programs each season of the year.  I’m truly looking forward to expanding the fantastic programs and offerings that East Rockaway Recreation offers its residents and children.”

Galante’s experience working with different age groups and staff members have reflected in the popularity of previous programming from seasonal favorites such as pumpkin painting, holiday tree design and egg hunts to more traditional recreational staples like arts and crafts, concerts, athletics, adult fitness, movie nights and band shell concerts, in addition to many others.

“From adult programs to activities for children and young adults, East Rockaway Recreation will continue its wide offering of programs under Daniel Galante’s leadership,” said Lenahan.

“The John Street Complex is a wonderful home-away-from-home for every neighbor, and I invite each of you to come down and say hello,” added Galante. “It will be a pleasure to meet you.”