January 2022 brings the beginning of a New Year.  It is important to recognize all of the Village’s accomplishments from this past year.  Despite a global pandemic that significantly limited our ability to be out and about in the community, I am still amazed at what our Village forces accomplished.  None of the Village services we provide, or the progress we continue to make, would be possible without our dedicated Village Board – Deputy Mayor Maryann Weckerle, and Trustees Joan M. Masterson, RJ Renna, and Patrick M. Pichichero – and committed Village staff, led by Administrator Clerk Douglas Madlon and Deputy Administrator Clerk Joe Barone, our Department of Public Works employees, led by Superintendent Rick Sorrentino, and our Lindenhurst Fire Department, led by Chief Michael DeGregorio, 1^st Assistant Chief David Collins, 2^nd Assistant Chief Robert Santos, and 3^rd Assistant Chief Jonathan Cutolo.  I cannot say enough how proud I am of our entire Village team.

The following projects were accomplished during 2021:

• The ongoing revitalization of our historic Village Downtown Business District.  The Village welcomed 13 new businesses in our downtown last year during the height of the pandemic.
• The ongoing upgrades to the Lindenhurst Fire Department equipment, including purchasing a new aerial truck, a fire rescue boat, and two ambulances.
• The completion of the New York Rising federally funded Shore Road Waterfront Park Natural Systems Resiliency Improvements project, bulkhead replacements on South 4^th Street and Fall Street, and Albany Avenue drainage and roadway improvements.
• The ongoing improvements to the Rainbow Senior Center, including the installation of solar panels, the installation of a generator, and the renovation of an under-used, neglected part of the building that can now be utilized by the seniors and the community.
• The implementation of a sustainable, green, energy-efficient initiative to reduce the carbon footprint of the Village.  The Village-wide initiative encompasses 10 buildings, two parks, Village parking lots, and the marina.
• The completed renovation of our Old Village Hall Museum at Irmisch Historical Park on South Broadway, and to the Village Historical House Museum on South Wellwood.

In addition to the on-going projects the Village team continues to provide high-quality constituent services, while processing record numbers of applications, permits, and renewals from members of the Lindenhurst Community.  The Village staff is hard at work throughout the year putting in extra effort and hours to get the job done.  They are dedicated to listening to our residents and finding ways to meet the needs of our community.  They are passionate about what they do, and enjoy helping those we serve.

As your Mayor, I am committed to working with the Village Board to continue our efforts in the New Year.  Together, we are excited to keep the momentum going with many projects and community events in the works.

I am also very committed to working with residents, our business community, Chamber of Commerce, Business Improvement District, Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, and many of our service clubs to bring the best the Lindenhurst Community has to offer.  Working in conjunction with our residents and community organizations is a major priority for me and the Village Board as we move into this New Year.  Lindenhurst is a wonderful community because of the contributions of everyone who lives and works here.  I am very proud to be the Mayor of Lindenhurst.

As I look ahead, it is my hope for all our residents that this exciting New Year of 2022 is ultimately filled with opportunity and joy, and that we celebrate another year together in our beautiful Village.

The Village of Lindenhurst wishes all our residents a safe, healthy, and Happy New Year. With COVID-19 Omicron variant again on the rise, residents are advised to exercise caution when gathering with friends and family, or being around people in public places such as stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The COVID-19 Omicron variant is very contagious, and can be spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small, liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing, or breathe.

I know the “Pandemic burn-out” so many of us are feeling, but let me once again suggest:

• Follow the Governor’s mandate to wear a mask.
• Wash/Sanitize your hands as often as you can.
• Consider getting vaccinated and vaccine boosters.

Let’s look forward to a more prosperous, joyous, and healthier 2022 for us all. We remain “Lindy Strong” and we will get through this!

A mask mandate for shops and other indoor spaces in New York State took effect on Monday, December 13^th to confront a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.  Governor Hochul’s mandate requires masks to be worn in all indoor public buildings, unless the businesses or venues implement a vaccine requirement.  The mask mandate will be in effect until January 15, 2022.

At this stage, Lindenhurst residents have no other choice but to comply with the Governor’s mask mandate.  I am in favor everyone doing everything possible to keep ourselves and each other healthy.  I am very impressed that many of our Lindenhurst residents have already gotten vaccinated and have taken common-sense steps to deal with this never-ending pandemic. Our local businesses, who have already suffered so much already, are also working to keep the public safe. We are all feeling the effects of “pandemic fatigue”, but with the Delta and Omicron variants still very strong, we must be vigilant.  As your Mayor, I appreciate your patience and cooperation through this next phase. We are “Lindenhurst Strong”, and we will see it through and endure.