Donation ensures ‘music will keep playing’ at Morgan Memorial Park

Former Congressman Tom Suozzi shared a pre-summer surprise on May 30, something that will benefit everyone in Glen Cove, as well as the city’s many visitors who love music. Because of a generous donation and sponsorship of $1 million from Rallye Motor Company and the Terian Family, the nonprofit Morgan Summer Music Festival will continue.  

The free festival, which runs from July until the end of August, traditionally offers all types of professional, family-oriented musical performances, from Broadway to swing to jazz. It’s funded entirely through tax-deductible contributions. 

Morgan Summer Music Festival holds a special place in Suozzi’s heart since his father, Joseph began the festival 64 years ago when he was Glen Cove’s mayor, and his mother, Marguerite, ran it until her death in 2017. Tom and several volunteers have been in charge of the festival ever since, which offers concerts on Sunday evenings. 

The property for Morgan Memorial Park, a 40-acre park overlooking the Long Island Sound, was given to the city by financier J.P. Morgan in 1926 after his wife died. He wanted to build a park in her memory, offering the city a lease for 999 years for $1. 

“The only way the concerts can happen is with the volunteers and raising money from local businesses and residents,” Suozzi said. “When the owner of Rallye approached me — Juliana (Terian) – she offered to do something transformative. When we are long gone these concerts will continue because of this sponsorship.”

The announcement by Rallye, came as it begins to commemorate its 65th anniversary of opening its first dealership in Glen Cove. 

When Terian spoke she began by offering accolades to Glen Cove’s mayor, Pam Panzenbeck. “I love that you have a strong woman leading this city,” she said. “It’s been a longstanding tradition for Rallye to give back. Peter (her husband) opened the first dealership 65 years ago when he was only 19 in Glen Cove on Sea Cliff Avenue. Since then, Glen Cove has continued to be our home.”

Peter Terian established Rallye in 1958 as an imported car service repair garage. Today Rallye holds franchises of Acura, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz. The company is known for their philanthropy, giving back to the communities that have supported them. Terian said the family remains happy and proud to remain in Glen Cove so many years later. 

Panzenbeck said her administration has been committed to the upkeep of the popular park. The sea wall, walkway and bathhouse, which will be getting a new roof soon, are but a few examples of the improvements that have been accomplished as of late. 

Carolyn Willson, who was Tom Suozzi’s deputy mayor when he served as mayor, has lived in Glen Cove since the 1970’s. Willson is one of the volunteers that keeps the Morgan Park Summer Music Festival going each year. 

“The volunteers help raise the money needed to put the concerts on and get the word out about them,” she said. “I’ve always gone to the concerts. The concerts are a part of living here. My children came to them and now my grandchildren go.”

Suozzi said that the Terian’s donation is indicative of who they have always been. “Rallye has steadfastly manifested what it means to be a good corporate citizen and neighbor,” Suozzi said. “The Terian Family and Rallye will ensure that the music will keep playing in the park for generations to come.”

The first concert is on July 2 at 7 p.m. when “Live and Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney” will take the stage. The full schedule can be found at MorganParkMusic.org.