By Liz McBreen
During the organization's annual meeting in the auditorium of West Hempstead High School, the new members of the Civic Board were sworn in by Town of Hempstead Supervisor Rich Guardino. The new Executive Board includes President Bob Rabey, Vice President Eugene Fields, Secretary Stephanie Acosta and Treasurer Larry Boord. Returning board members include Tom Scheel, Heather Senti, Michael Uhl and Sharon Koller.
Bykofsky, who has served as President since 1995, was given a citation of gratitude by the town for his service and dedication to the community and shaping the future of West Hempstead. He also wanted to introduce the newly appointed head of the civic, Rabey.
"Bob is a hard hitting, no nonsense, shoot from the hip kind of guy," said Bykofsky. "He's a natural leader, someone who knows that the status quo is never good enough, and a man who will not sit still for those who choose to simply sit still."
Rabey said that his goal is to continue building a commitment to West Hempstead. "I joined the WHCA last year realizing that the 'problems' that face my street stretch into the community as well," said Rabey. "I want better conditions within my community, better conditions for all."
"Seth (Bykofsky) has led the WHCA for many years, and as we all know, has done a fine job," Rabey said of his predecessor. "I certainly understand his point about wanting to step aside and inject new blood into the civic association in its efforts to revitalize. I will do my best to carry on where Seth left off. With the support of the Board, and the community at large, I feel we can make a difference."
DeAngelis honored
The meeting also marked the presentation of the 2001 West Hempsteader of the Year Award. Last year winner, former town councilman Scott Banks, presented the award to Denise DeAngelis, the widow of this year's honoree Robert DeAngelis. Denise accepted the plaque posthumously awarded to her husband.
Robert DeAngelis died on the morning of Sept. 11, and was given the award for his bravery, service to his family, community, parish and the Lakeview Fire Department.
DeAngelis had escaped the burning tower with co-workers that morning, but decided to go back in to help others out. "He gave his life to save others," said Banks. "I was proud to be on the selection committee that chose Robert, without question, to be the recipient of this award."
While accepting the award on husband's behalf, Denise explained that she and her husband had been making plans to improve Hall's Pond. "Robert's dream was to make it into a Central Park for Nassau County," said DeAngelis.
The morning of Sept. 11, DeAngelis had told his wife as he left the house that he had much to discuss with her concerning the park. "He spent the last hours of his life thinking about the community that he loved so much and how to make it better." Denise urged residents of to get involved and make their community a better place to live, and encouraged young people to seek a life of service and honor as a volunteer firefighter.
Fred Senti, a member of the West Hempstead Fire Department spoke of his fellow firefighter and a lifelong friend. "Bobby lived as he died--helping people. He is gone, but will never be forgotten."
Four West Hempstead High School students were also honored at the meeting. Class of 2002 Valedictorian Christina Hawley, Salutatorian Rory Placa, Heather Senti and Kerry Connolly received citations for their exemplary community involvement and academic excellence. Each senior received a $500.00 award for their dedication and service to West Hempstead.
O'Shea speaks
The evening's guest speaker was Charles O'Shea, Chairman of the County's Board of Assessors. O'Shea visited with the Civic Association to explain to residents the tax re-assessment project that is beginning in Nassau County. "The property values in Nassau have not been re-assessed in over 60 years. This is a long time coming," said O'Shea.
According to O'Shea, tax rates are based on assessed values, so it is crucial that the values are up-to-date and accurate or residents will pay more in taxes than they should.
He went on to explain that a leading reason for Nassau County's fiscal problems were a result of inaccurate assessments. Residents who feel they are paying too much in taxes have the right to challenge their assessment; the majority of those who did challenge the county in recent years won their case because the property values in Nassau were so outdated. This resulted in the county losing significant revenue over several years.
This summer, according to O'Shea, every Nassau County residents will receive an envelope with their new proposed market value enclosed. O'Shea encourages those who are doubtful of or unhappy with their assessment to contact the Board of Assessors to inquire about their re-assessment.
From now on, O'Shea and County Executive Tom Suozzi want to make annual or bi-annual updates on value assessments in order to avoid another fiscal crisis in Nassau County.
Bob York and Michael Uhl of the West Hempstead Water District was also at the annual meeting to inform residents about the replacement of a seventy-five year old elevated street tank on Seventh Street, and increased security being put into effect by the Water District.
In closing the meeting, Bykofsky thanked the people of West Hempstead for his time as president and urged residents of West Hempstead to become more involved and encourage friends and neighbors to do the same.
