By Francis X. Murray
This winter has placed extraordinary demands on our community, testing our resilience and our sense of shared responsibility. With frigid temperatures and significant snowfalls, this season has required patience, perseverance and above all, cooperation.
Through each storm, one constant has been the extraordinary dedication of our Department of Public Works. While we watch the snow from the warmth of our homes, the men and women of the DPW are at work, often through the night, ensuring that the village remains safe and accessible.
They plow 53 miles of roads and 30 parking fields, and clear all village-owned sidewalks. That’s an immense responsibility. Dozens of pieces of equipment are deployed in every storm, including plows, dump trucks and pay loaders. Crews also utilize small plows and snowblowers for sidewalks and accessible ramps. Their coordinated effort ensures that our roadways are cleared efficiently and that pedestrians can move about safely.
Preparation plays a critical role in this work. Our recently constructed salt storage facility, at DPW headquarters on Sunrise Highway, supports roughly 1,600 tons of rock salt, helping the Highway Department maintain our roads, parking fields and sidewalks throughout the winter months. This important infrastructure project was partially funded by American Rescue Plan Act funds, reflecting a thoughtful investment in the long-term needs of our community.
On behalf of the entire village, I extend sincere appreciation to the dedicated professionals of the DPW. Their long hours in difficult conditions do not go unnoticed. They rise to the occasion with professionalism and commitment every time. Winter operations, however, are a shared responsibility.
Each of us plays a part in ensuring that snow-removal efforts are safe and effective. I ask all residents to be good neighbors during and after winter storms. Please don’t park on the street during snow events. Vehicles left on roadways interfere with plowing and snow removal operations, delay progress and create hazardous conditions. Basketball hoops must be removed from the curb strip or laid flat. Residents are reminded not to shovel or blow snow into the roadway.
Property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from fire hydrants, and maintaining adequate clearance to ensure access for firefighters in an emergency. Sidewalks in front of and adjacent to your property must be cleared of snow and ice, including street corners and crosswalk aprons. These actions protect pedestrians, assist first responders — and reflect the pride we share in our village.
As we anticipate the arrival of spring and warmer weather, we are reminded that this season also brings one of our most cherished traditions, the annual Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Parade.
Now in its 29th year, the “Parade that Cares and Shares” will step off at noon on March 21, beginning at Maple Avenue and Long Beach Road and proceeding to the reviewing stand in front of St. Agnes Cathedral. What began as a celebration of Irish heritage has grown into one of the most successful and well-attended Saint Patrick’s Day parades in New York state.
The parade is much more than a festive afternoon. It is an incorporated nonprofit organization, and each year it supports three deserving charities with national, Irish and local missions. Since its inception in 1997, the parade has distributed more than $1.8 million to 78 charities. That remarkable achievement speaks to the generosity and civic spirit of our residents and sponsors.
I congratulate the 2026 grand marshal, Bill Hogan. A respected technology executive and community leader, Bill and his wife, Kate, have raised five children in Rockville Centre. He has been deeply involved in youth sports, parish life and numerous charitable initiatives. His philanthropic leadership includes more than two decades with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, early support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and board service with several educational and faith-based organizations. He embodies the spirit of service and generosity that this parade represents.
This year’s parade will raise funds for Rescuing Families, Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior, and Run for Mary. These worthy causes reflect the parade’s continued commitment to compassion and community.
As the snowbanks disappear and we prepare to welcome spring, we are reminded that brighter days are ahead.
Soon our streets will be filled not with snowplows, but with families, friends and familiar faces celebrating side by side. I look forward to seeing everyone in two weeks for a day that truly captures the heart of our village.
Francis X. Murray is the mayor of Rockville Centre.
