By Anne Marie Allocca
Ambrosino opened the meeting with a few remarks. He apologized profusely to the merchants who suffered lost revenue during the construction of a new parking lot in town. On a more positive note, he announced that the third phase of the beautification of Franklin Square would start in late December. Ambrosino stressed that he intends to be more visible and active in the town. "I want to be a permanent visitor and part of your group," he told the Chamber of Congress members.
President Joseph Celano missed the meeting because he recently broke his kneecap in a fall, so Frank Cutolo and Bruno M. Caracciolo ably filled in. The officers nominated for 2004 include Joseph Celano, for president; Bruno M. Caracciolo, for 1st vice president; Glen A. Rogers, for 2nd vice president; Carla Cohen, for 3rd vice president; and Linda Sucari, for 4th vice president. Mary E. Russo was nominated for treasurer, while Dr. Stuart B. Shapiro took on the position of secretary.
The new board of directors comprises Bruce S. Beaver, Bruno V. Caracciolo, Ronnie Cione, Frank J. Cutolo III, Anthony V. Errera, John M. Gricco, Bennett Palmieri, Joseph Ruscillo and Joan Damato Russo.
After the slate was presented to the members, the election was held. The new officers will be installed in January.
Jennifer and Ned Miller, owners of Ray's Formal Wear on New Hyde Park Road, were presented with a certificate for their unselfish donation last spring to the seniors of West Hempstead High School. When a blackout forced the cancellation of their senior prom, Ray's graciously donated tuxedos to the class on the night of their rescheduled prom.
Schoen told the group of her long-time residency in Franklin Square as well as her alumni status as a graduate of H. Frank Carey High School. She will welcome 2000 East Franklin Square families on January 2, 2004, to the Elmont Library. A newsletter will be sent out in December soliciting new members and informing them of the various programs.
Schoen has big plans for the library. On Jan. 21, voters will be asked to approve a bond referendum for the sale of 3.745 acres of the 21-acre Alva T. Stanforth Junior High School site so that a bigger and more state-of-the-art library can be built. The building, on Hempstead Turnpike next to the Home Depot, will have an expanded children's room and a craft room. Schoen sees this opportunity as a win-win situation for the district. "Everyone will be affected by this," she said. "Libraries are the only organizations that take you from cradle to grave. This is going to be like Tilles Center South."
