International Overdose Awareness Day marked its 21^st anniversary on August 31^st.  Its purpose is to raise awareness of overdoses, reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths, acknowledge the grief felt by families and friends and spread the message that the tragedy of overdose death is preventable.  Over the last year, the COVID-19 pandemic and opioid crisis have converged, and overdose fatalities, that had fallen in recent years, seem to be heading back to an all-time high.

Community Cares groups from Lindenhurst, Town of Babylon, and Copiague, in conjunction with the Suffolk County Police Department, held a “Drive-Up & Drop-Off” event for unused, unwanted, expired medicine, followed by a Candlelight Vigil.  The safe disposal of medicines helps to prevent the drugs from falling into the hands of people who might abuse them.

Mayor Michael Lavorata said, “The Lindenhurst Community Cares Coalition event and Candlelight Vigil sends a strong message to current and former substance users that they are loved, valued, and that overdose death is preventable. The vigil was also a time to remember, without stigma, those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of those who have lost loved ones due to substance abuse.”

Pictured here (left to right) are: Legislative Aide Anne Parmely from NYS Senator Phil Boyle’s Office, Mayor Michael Lavorata, Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Copiague Community Cares’ Sharon Fattoruso, Lindenhurst Community Cares’ Lori-Ann Novello, and TJ Hatter from the NYS Attorney General’s Office.

The Lindenhurst Rotary Club, in conjunction with the Village of Lindenhurst, had a very successful 2021 Snapper Derby at the Charles J. Cowan Marina.  Kids, age 5-12, enjoyed hours of fishing, fun, refreshments, and prizes!

Pictured here (left to right) serving refreshments to the participants are: Suffolk County Legislator Kevin McCaffrey, Administrator Clerk Douglas Madlon, and Trustee Joan M. Masterson.

The North Lindenhurst Fire Department “Piston Knockers” Drill Team recently took First Place at the New York State Drill Team Championship Tournament.  Their hard-won victory over the Islip Wolves marks the second year in a row the Piston Knockers have clinched the State Championship.

Mayor Michael Lavorata said, “I am so proud of Chief Chris Connell and the North Lindenhurst Drill Team on winning the NYS Tournament.  On behalf of the Lindenhurst Community, congratulations on bringing home the trophy once again!”

The Village of Lindenhurst joined members of the Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church on August 24^th to celebrate the 30^th Anniversary of Ukraine’s declaration of independence from the Soviet Union.  Members of the church, dressed in traditional Ukrainian clothing, gathered in front of Village Hall to sing songs and raise the Ukraine national flag alongside the U.S. flag.  Trustee Joan M. Masterson presented Reverend Olvian N. Popovici with a proclamation affirming Lindenhurst’s commitment to Ukraine’s rightful role in the world community for free nations.

Pictured here with children from the Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church are (left to right), Administrator Clerk Douglas Madlon, Trustee Joan M. Masterson, Deputy Administrator Joe Barone, and Rev. Olvian N. Popovici.

The Village of Lindenhurst Summer Camp recently concluded with its annual Awards Day presentations.  Camp Supervisor Mike Canobbio thanked the campers and their families for their outstanding cooperation this summer.  He praised his dedicated staff, and thanked Mayor Michael Lavorata, Deputy Mayor Maryann Weckerle, and Trustees Joan M. Masterson, RJ Renna, and Patrick Pichichero for their support of the camp.  Mr. Canobbio also gave special thanks to Administrator Clerk Douglas Madlon and Deputy Administrator Joe Barone for all their guidance and help.  Special kudos were given to DPW Superintendent Rick Sorrentino, Parks Department employees Dan Murphy and Joe Gambino, and Village Hall personnel Katie McCaffrey, Louise Schrader, Gay Bodenschatz, Katie Schrader, and Anna Genao.

PICTURE #1 (left to right), Back Row:  Counselor Rachel Panzarella, Trustee Joan M. Masterson, Deputy Administrator Joe Barone, and Counselor Nicole Stango.  Front Row:  Super Campers Alex Schutt, Chloe Lawler, Peyton Ferriso, and Katelyn Abreu. Congratulations!

PICTURE #2 (left to right), Back Row:  Counselor Joe Meyer, Trustee Joan M. Masterson, Deputy Administrator Joe Barone, and Counselor Sal Leto.  Front Row:  Super Campers Ryan Cook, Owen Mills, Dylan DeMarco, Logan Messineo, Thomas Kozikowski, and Robert Webel.  Congratulations!

Mayor Michael Lavorata, along with Deputy Mayor Maryann Weckerle, Trustee Joan M. Masterson, and numerous Suffolk County and Town of Babylon officials, recently honored Lindenhurst Fire Department’s Lieutenant John Tighe, Jr. and Firefighter Mark Miller for their brave, selfless, and extraordinary actions that earned them the 2021 Firefighters of the Year Award from the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York.

Both men answered the call of duty when, on October 19, 2020, a vehicle traveling eastbound on Montauk Highway was struck by another vehicle, sending it into a canal, with an elderly woman trapped inside.  With the car submerged under 8-10 feet of water, Lieutenant Tighe & Firefighter Miller led the successful effort to rescue the woman, having to make several attempts to break the car windows and clear obstructions to get her out.

Mayor Michael Lavorata said, “Thank God that we in Lindenhurst have a Volunteer Fire Department with men and women, who at a moment’s notice are quick to respond to uncertain situations, to mitigate danger, and combat the threat of destruction, in order to protect individuals, families, and property!”

Pictured here (left to right) are 2^nd Assistant Chief Robert Santos, 1^st Assistant Chief David Collins, Chief Michael DeGregorio, Firefighter Mark Miller, Lieutenant John Tighe, Jr., and Mayor Michael Lavorata.

The annual Village Summer Recreation Camp recently concluded at Village Park.  The Village extends a big thank you to Summer Youth Director Michael Canobbio and the staff of counselors who made this year’s Summer Youth Recreation Program a huge success.  Despite the challenges of COVID-19, hundreds of children safely enjoyed a summer of fun, recreation, and fellowship at Village Park.

Mayor Michael Lavorata said, “Thank you to the Village staff for making this a summer to remember for the children of our Lindenhurst Community.”

Pictured here with the camp counselors are Mayor Michael Lavorata and Trustee Joan M. Masterson.

In March 2021, New York State legalized the recreational use of marijuana for adults 21 or older. The State is giving municipalities until December 31, 2021 to opt out of allowing marijuana retail sales and/or public use in their municipality. Therefore, there are two parts the Village of Lindenhurst must consider to draft a local law for our municipality:  (1) Do we allow or opt out of allowing marijuana dispensaries to open within the Village, and (2) Do we allow or opt out of allowing marijuana use in public spaces (i.e., restaurants, bars, parks)? If the Village does decide to opt out at the end of 2021, it can opt in the following year. However, if the Village opts in at the end of 2021, we can no longer optout at any time.

As the Village Board works toward a decision on these matters regarding recreational marijuana within our borders, we feel it is important to hear from our residents, as there are strong, valid arguments on both sides of the debate.

CLICK HERE  to take the Survey

After weeks of construction, Lindenhurst residents and local elected officials welcomed the Lindenhurst McDonald’s back to the neighborhood with a Grand Re-Opening Ribbon Cutting.  The franchise, located at 334 East Montauk Highway, underwent a total renovation, including the addition of a second drive-thru lane.

Mayor Michael Lavorata is pictured here, along with Trustee Joan M. Masterson, presenting McDonald’s Owner and Operators, Liedtke Management, with a proclamation officially congratulating them on their re-opening, and acknowledging McDonald’s as a member of the Lindenhurst business community.

Mayor Lavorata said, “It was a great morning at the Lindenhurst McDonald’s.  This re-opening will create more jobs, and a great atmosphere here in the Village of Lindenhurst.”