Lynbrook Italian-Americans Honored at Village Board Meeting

Honors bestowed upon local Italian-Americans, a donation by the chamber of commerce to help injured military personnel and a report of recent police activity were among the items covered at this week's Lynbrook Village Board meeting.

In honor of Italian-American Heritage Month, the Sons of Italy in America Per Sempre Lodge 2344 and Per Sempre Ladies' Lodge 2344A presented Lynbrook Mayor Bill Hendrick with an award for his contributions to the Italian-American community. In turn, Hendrick presented the two lodges with a special proclamation for their positive work for local residents.

"The lodges have been a positive part of the Lynbrook community each and every year," he said. "They give out awards and scholarships to high school seniors, and have joined and supported the chamber of commerce. Both Per Sempre Lodges have been mainstays for more than 30 years, and work vigorously to maintain current membership and to maintain a positive image of Italian-American heritage and the order of the Sons of Italy."

Before starting his local business report, Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce President William Gaylor first presented a group of Lynbrook fire officials with a check for $1,500 on behalf of the chamber to benefit an important charity: Operation Wounded Warrior.

The Lynbrook Fire Department has been holding to support Operation Wounded Warrior, a program that procures needed gifts for injured military servicemen and women, and Gaylor and his chamber members were more than happy to lend a hand to such an important charity.

Lynbrook fire department ex-captain Steve Grogan was very appreciative of the chamber's gift, and spoke of Operation Wounded Warrior's plans for the holidays, which includes trips both to local hospitals and Fort Bragg in North Carolina to deliver gifts to the needy. Grogan also hoped that the children of Lynbrook would get involved.

"Over the next two months, we hope the kids will write a note, draw a card, whatever they want," he said. "Make some kind of holiday greeting, sign their name and school, and those cards will be presented along with gift packages to our 'Wounded Warriors.'"

Cards, notes and donations for Operation Wounded Warrior can be turned into the Lynbrook Fire Department.

Lynbrook Police Chief Joseph Neve also gave a report on recent local law enforcement activity, including important Halloween tips for youngsters.

“You should make sure your children always wear costumes that are reflective,” he said. “Be with them, always check their candy, watch while they cross the streets and don’t let your kids play in the street.”

“Come down to Halloween Havoc instead,” added mayor Hendrick, referring to Lynbrook’s annual Halloween event, located on Atlantic Avenue on Sunday, Oct. 30, at 12 p.m.

The next meeting of the village board will be revealed on the village’s website once it has been scheduled.