MESSAGE FROM MAYOR MICHAEL LAVORATA

June 3, 2020

Dear Village Residents:

I do not generally write about issues that happen in other communities. However, since George Floyd’s tragic death in Minneapolis has impacted all communities, throughout our nation, as your Mayor, I would like to share some of my thoughts. First and foremost, my goal is to maintain the safety and security of everyone. I will continue to work with the Suffolk County Police Department, as well as our County and Town officials to achieve that goal. I do understand that many want to send a message for change. I hope the message is sent without violence. We are “Lindy Strong”! We can come together peacefully, and build up our community, not tear it down.

There are ways to honor the memory of George Floyd and create a more peaceful world without people breaking into buildings, setting police cars on fire, vandalizing stores, and jeopardizing the safety of community residents. It does no good to leave innocent store-owners and their employees without their livelihood, especially in light of the financial hardships brought on by the pandemic. Many store-owners have worked their lifetime to build their businesses, and have lost everything due to the events of the past weeks.

I hope that together, as the Lindenhurst community, we can emerge from the pandemic and the tragedy of George Floyd’s death with increased compassion, understanding, respect, and dignity for one another, and a renewed commitment for decency and equality for all people.

I pray our world can be peacefully united, and our community can get back to some type of normalcy very soon. I am proud to be your Mayor, and proud of all our residents; in light of all the hardships, stress, and suffering, our “Lindy Spirit” remains strong.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Lavorata, Mayor

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE #8 FROM MAYOR MICHAEL LAVORATA

May 27, 2020

Dear Village Residents:

Dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic these last few months has been – and continues to be – very challenging for everyone, especially older adults and people with underlying health conditions, who are the most at-risk against COVID-19. I want you to know that I, as your Mayor, and the Board of Trustees, along with our staff at Village Hall, Department of Public Works, and the Rainbow Senior Center, are working hard every day to be here for you, your families, and our Lindenhurst Community.

As we here on Long Island anticipate transitioning into Phase One of the Governor’s New York State Forward plan, we will follow the State guidelines that apply to both non-essential businesses and essential businesses that were previously permitted to remain open. Phase One includes the following industries: Construction, Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting, Retail (limited to curbside or in-store pickup or drop off), Manufacturing, and Wholesale Trade.

So, with Phase One upon us, now is the time for us to rationally protect ourselves, and others, and not spread the disease. We need everyone to be healthy, and to help work towards getting life back to normal. Please continue to wear a mask, frequently wash and sanitize your hands, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and maintain appropriate social distancing. Now is the time to act responsibly.

On a sad note, the Lindenhurst Fire Department has cancelled their annual Long Island Invitational Parade & Drill. Additionally, the Summer Youth Recreation Program is cancelled. At this point, we are not sure about our Summer Concert Series. However, we will continue to work together with Town, County, and State officials to figure out ways to bring you all some “summer fun”, while securing the health and safety of all our residents. I want you to know that we are all coming together to cooperate and collaborate on behalf of our entire area.

We can beat this virus. Remember, we are “Lindy Strong”! We will move forward and into our new normal together. Stay safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Lavorata, Mayor

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE #7 FROM MAYOR MICHAEL LAVORATA

May 15, 2020

Dear Village Residents:

On a community level, we here in the Village of Lindenhurst continue to closely monitor the ever-changing developments of the COVID-19 virus with New York State, Suffolk County, and Babylon Town officials. We will continue to follow the lead of the Executive Orders of our Governor.

As I write this, Newsday reports that there are now 571 people in Lindenhurst Village with the Coronavirus. I continue to pray for each and every one of them for a speedy recovery, as well as for those mourning loved ones; family and friends who have been taken from us too soon from this virus. The curve continues to flatten, but it is still so important to remain vigilant.

On a sad note, this year’s Lindenhurst Memorial Day Parade, sponsored by the United Veterans Council, has been cancelled. Although we will miss the pomp and pageantry of the parade, there are still many ways that our Lindenhurst Community can show our respect and support for the veterans and fallen heroes of our country. I suggest you hang an American flag, or raise one out on your lawn. You can make signs that say a word of thanks for our veterans, and place them in your window or post them on your lawn.

On another regretful note, based on an abundance of caution, the Village Board has decided to cancel this year’s Summer Youth Recreation Program at Village Park. With recent revelations concerning the Coronavirus showing up in children, I would be heartbroken if any of our Lindenhurst youth got sick while attending the camp.

During this uncertain and stressful time, please remember to slow down and remain positive. We will get back to some sort of normalcy very soon. We have come a long way, but we still have a little more to go. A new day is dawning. In the meantime, not only practice self- care, but please remember to be kind to one another. Small acts of kindness are big acts of love for those in need. Please look out for your neighbors, especially those who are most vulnerable. Many of our neighbors need emotional support and love.

We are blessed to live in our caring, connected Lindenhurst Community. We are Lindenhurst Strong. We will get through this together. Stay safe and be well.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Lavorata, Mayor

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE #6 FROM MAYOR MICHAEL LAVORATA

May 7, 2020

Dear Village Residents:

The Governor’s Executive Order to stay home should be followed to the greatest extent possible. If you do need to go out for work, groceries, other essentials, or even just out for a “mentally essential” walk outdoors, I encourage you to continue to follow the advice of the experts – wear a mask, frequently sanitize your hands, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and maintain appropriate social distancing. As your Mayor, I am personally committed to the health, safety, and well-being of our residents, Village employees, and of all those that come to our community.

Even though our Village buildings are closed to the public, our employees are continuing to work on-site and remotely to ensure that essential services, like Public Safety, Fire Protection, Emergency Medical Response, Garbage and Recycling Pick-Up continue in our Village.

Additionally, the Building Department, Treasurer’s Office, and Administrative Office are continuing to process paperwork and payments, respond to your inquiries and concerns, and are keeping the wheels moving on a variety of programs and projects. I encourage you to conduct business with the Village on-line, by email, or regular mail as much as possible.

Public Safety continues to patrol all areas in the Village on a regular basis. All Village-owned properties, parks, and municipal parking lots are checked both day and night. Boat slips at the Marina, as well as those on Shore Road and others, are also all checked. Though some parking regulations have been eased, any parking matters that are a safety issue will continue to be enforced.

Activities at the Rainbow Senior Center are also still currently on hold, but staff is still there on a daily basis to assist our senior residents with any questions, concerns, or just to talk and offer them a familiar voice. Communication is key to ensure the well-being of everyone. It is a tough time right now, especially for our senior population as they cope with isolation and this drastic change in their daily routine. The Rainbow Senior Center is currently distributing bagged lunches in conjunction with the Suffolk County Office for The Aging Nutrition Program and The Town of Babylon. These lunches are keeping us connected to our seniors who typically have lunch at our center on a daily basis.

In closing, I fully understand that people are anxious to get their lives back, but it is important to stay diligent, and stay strong. I want to extend a big thank you to all who are helping our restaurants and businesses through this difficult time by ordering take-out, delivery, and purchasing gift cards. Thank you to the many Lindenhurst residents who have selflessly served others in countless, unknown ways as our community works together through this challenging time. I love our “Lindy Spirit”, and I am so proud to be your Mayor!

Sincerely,

Michael A. Lavorata, Mayor

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE #5 FROM MAYOR MICHAEL LAVORATA

April 29, 2020

Dear Village Residents:

Thank you for your continued support as the Governor’s stay-at-home order continues in place, and has now been extended to May 15^th. As I write this, there are 447 reported people in Lindenhurst Village with the Coronavirus. I pray for each and every one of them for a speedy recovery. I also pray for those who are mourning their loved ones; family and friends who have been taken from us too soon because of this virus. Thankfully, the curve seems to be flattening, but it is still important to remain vigilant.

In my on-going messages, we at Village Hall are trying to provide our residents with the most up-to-date information on how our Village is coping with this unprecedented situation. Village Hall is currently still closed to the public, but our staff is still working, on-site and remotely, to keep our Village running and provide residents with any assistance. We are prepared and ready to re-open Village Hall, and our Rainbow Senior Citizens Center, as soon as the Governor allows us to do so.

I continue to find myself thankful for the small things we are still able to enjoy, that I confess I previously took for granted. For example, the beautiful, scenic view from our Charles J. Cowan Village Marina of the Great South Bay, Fire Island, Fire Island Lighthouse, the monument at Robert Moses State Park, the Captree Bridge, Ocean Parkway, Cedar and Gilgo Beach Marinas. With renewed awe, I appreciate how majestic this view is from our Lindenhurst community. So on a positive note, our Village Marina on South Wellwood Avenue remains open to the public, but you MUST wear a face mask, and practice safe, social distancing. Go down to the Marina, take a deep breath of fresh air, and enjoy the simple things in life and the beauty of Long Island.

I also miss, and took for granted, going to our local Lindenhurst restaurants and eateries. I am grateful to still be able to enjoy takeout meals, and exchanging a quick, friendly hello with the hardworking owners and staff of these establishments, but that cannot replace sitting down and enjoying the atmosphere and visiting with each other. I so look forward to the day I can enjoy a sumptuous meal in one of our wonderful eateries.

I once again extend a big thank you to the Lindenhurst Fire Department volunteer First Responders, Rescue Company, and EMTs. I am grateful to Chiefs Craig Santoli, Michael DeGregorio, Dave Collins, and Robert Santos for their leadership in overseeing the Fire Department’s response to the pandemic here in Lindenhurst. I also, again, thank our Department of Public Works employees for picking up our garbage and recyclables daily, and I continue to be grateful for our doctors, nurses, and hospital workers who are on the front-line every day trying to save lives.

God bless. Be well. Stay safe. Remain strong. Remember that social distancing will not stop love, peace, our friendship, and Lindy Pride. We are “Lindy Strong” and I am proud to be your Mayor.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Lavorata, Mayor

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE #4 FROM MAYOR MICHAEL LAVORATA

April 14, 2020

Dear Village Residents

As we shelter at home, our lives have changed.  We find ourselves in a time of waiting.  Waiting for answers.  Waiting for this virus to pass.  Waiting to get back to life as normal.  By now, most of us know of someone who has tested positive, or has passed from COVID-19.  As I write this, Newsday lists there are 289 people in Lindenhurst Village with the Coronavirus.  I continue to pray for each and every one of them for a speedy recovery,

We are not used to seeing our friends and neighbors wearing masks and gloves.  Many of our residents are facing financial hardships because of the virus. There is so much to be concerned about.

During these challenging times, I would like to dwell on the positive.  I am so grateful for the things I normally took for granted.  I am grateful that our grocery stores are open and the shelves stocked.  I am grateful to the staff of our local restaurants and eateries for providing takeout and delivery.  I am thankful, and so proud, of our Lindenhurst Fire Department EMTs, and our volunteer Fire Fighters & Rescue Company, for their selfless service during this difficult time.  I am grateful for our Department of Public Works employees for picking up our garbage and recyclables daily.  I am grateful for our doctors, nurses, and hospital workers who are laboring tirelessly trying to save lives.  It is often during difficult times that we see the best of people, and, once again, the people of Lindenhurst have shown us their best.  I am so grateful to be your Mayor.

We will get through this together; we have been through worse.  What has always made us “Lindy Strong” is our sense of community, and it is our shared bond of support and concern that will get us through the next few weeks.  Remember, it is always darkest before the dawn; DO not give up.  We will overcome this virus and get back to normal life, together.  I love Lindenhurst and your Village government is here for you.

Stay calm, carry on, and continue to follow the advice of the medical experts — wash your hands, do not touch your face, keep six-feet apart, stay home, and only go out for essential business.  Please continue to take care of yourself, your families, and each other.  May you all stay healthy and safe.  God bless you.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Lavorata, Mayor