Thursday, October 1, 2026
As the final seconds of 2025 ticked away and the clock struck midnight, we were reminded that the new year is more than a change of the calendar. It is a moment of renewal, a collective breath and an invitation to begin again. January has always carried with it a quiet magic, one that whispers of revitalization and renaissance, not only here in Island Park, but throughout the world.
Looking back on the year behind us, there was much to celebrate. Our village came together time and again, proving that community isn’t just something we talk about, but something we live. From the joy-filled lights and laughter of Winter Wonderland to the excitement of the Easter Egg Hunt, the music-filled evenings of our summer concerts and the pride and tradition of our Memorial Day Parade, and then our Labor Day Weekend annual fireworks show, 2025 was a year that reminded us who we are. These moments, simple yet powerful, are the threads that bind us together.
Now, as we step into 2026, Island Park stands at a truly historic crossroads. This year marks the 100th anniversary of our village’s founding. A century ago, those who came before us dared to imagine something special here. Our first mayor, my predecessor Charles Talbot, shared a vision of Island Park that was rooted in progress while never losing sight of the values that mattered most — community, pride and belonging. That vision continues to guide us today, adapting with the times while remaining firmly anchored in our shared love for this village.
I am deeply honored to serve as mayor during such a pivotal moment in Island Park’s history. It is a responsibility I do not take lightly. I often look to yesterday — to the hopes, dreams and determination of those who built the village — and I strive to build on their foundation. Progress doesn’t mean forgetting where we came from; it means honoring it by carrying their vision forward.
That lesson was instilled in me long before I took office. My father, Deputy Mayor Frank McGinty, dedicated much of his life to Island Park. His love for this community shaped my own. From him I learned that public service isn’t about titles or terms, but about making the village a place where people are proud to live, work and raise a family. I am grateful to continue enhancing the ideas and aspirations he believed in, and to serve alongside so many who share that same commitment.
As we begin our second century, my hope is that we remain a village that values connection as much as progress. A place where neighbors are friends, friends are family, and community is our greatest strength. One hundred years from now, when future generations look back on this moment, I pray they will say that we did our best — that we cared deeply, led thoughtfully and preserved the spirit that makes Island Park a destination not just on a map, but in the heart.
May the new year bring health, happiness and continued unity to all who call Island Park home. Together, let’s make 2026 a year worthy of our past and full of promise for our future.
Michael McGinty is the mayor of Island Park.
