During our May 4, 2021 public meeting, the Lindenhurst Village Board unanimously voted to require all members of the public, employees, and patrons of Village-owned facilities, parks, and fields (indoor and outdoor) to wear a mask. This Village policy will keep mask restrictions in place until we have been advised by the CDC and the Governor of the State of New York that the pandemic is fully over, and it is safe to go about our new normal without face coverings.

According to the new CDC guidance, everyone should “mask up” in crowded, outdoor situations, such as live performances, parades, or sporting events, regardless of vaccination status. However, people do not have to wear masks outside when they walk, bike, or run alone or with family members, whether they are fully vaccinated or not.

More and more people are being vaccinated, and things are getting better in our Lindenhurst Community. However, we are not quite there yet. The Village Administration cannot emphasize this enough, especially, as the weather warms. It can be tempting to think we can forget about COVID precautions. We cannot. Many residents remain unvaccinated. The potential for spreading the virus to those not yet protected is still a real possibility. The Village of Lindenhurst urges us all to remain vigilant in our efforts to remain safe, while still enjoying the warm weather fun in our community!

I remain grateful to serve as the Mayor of our Lindenhurst Community.

A little over a year ago, by orders of the Governor of the State of New York, the Village of Lindenhurst COVID-19 shutdown plan took effect.  Everywhere, the pandemic changed things for us all, right down to the details of daily life. Through it all, however, our residents, our community organizations, our municipal partners — specifically Suffolk County Legislator Kevin McCaffrey, Town of Babylon Supervisor Richard Schaffer, and our NYS Representatives — along with our Lindenhurst School District, our Lindenhurst and North Lindenhurst Fire Departments, and our hard-working, dedicated Village employees in the Department of Public Works, Village Hall, and Rainbow Center all pulled together to carry on under unheard of circumstances.  As a community, we have persevered.  As individuals, we all had to figure out what was the newest “normal”,  and held ourselves personally responsible to others, and ourselves, by wearing masks, staying at home in the early days, and then keeping the appropriate social distance.  As the pandemic progressed, we came together to look after our neighbors, especially our vulnerable neighbors, delivering masks and hand sanitizer to those in need, and patronizing local business and restaurants.

At Village Hall, Zoom public meetings became the normal with limited access in Village Hall.  Our family drive-in movie nights and concerts in Village Square Park required all who attended to adhere to social distancing & safety protocols.  These Village-sponsored events replaced traditional entertainment venues, such as live theaters, movie theaters, and concert locations that were forced to close down.

It should be noted that during a year in which businesses everywhere were closing daily, an unprecedented 12 new businesses opened up in the Village of Lindenhurst.

Also, our Superintendent of Schools, Administrators, School Board Members, teachers, and staff of the Lindenhurst School District accomplished the almost impossible on a daily basis in keeping education going, and safely, throughout the past year.  A thank you to Dan Giordano and the Lindenhurst School District – as well as to our students and parents — for overcoming such overwhelming challenges.

With the arrival of vaccines, there is hopeful light at the end of the tunnel; things are gradually changing.  Restaurants and businesses have increased their capacity.  The President spoke about July 4^th as a target date for mandatory re-opening, a much-needed note of hope and optimism.  More and more people are being vaccinated.  Things are getting better in our Lindenhurst Community.  Life is returning to our new normal.

However, we are not quite there yet.  I cannot emphasize this enough.  Especially as the weather warms, it can be tempting to think we can forget about COVID precautions.  We cannot.  Many of our residents remain unvaccinated.  The potential for spreading the virus to those not yet protected is still a real possibility.  Please continue to wear a mask, and maintain a safe distance from others when in public.

So, as we reflect on all we have experienced and accomplished together as the Lindenhurst Community since March 2020, I hold in my heart all those who have passed on due to the virus, and those whose lives have been forever changed by it.

I remain honored to serve as your Mayor.

A MESSAGE FROM LINDENHURST MAYOR MICHAEL LAVORATA

March 2021 marks the First Anniversary of the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Lindenhurst Community.  As the Mayor of the Village of Lindenhurst, I am designating Sunday, April 18, 2021 as a Day of Remembrance – a day to remember and grieve the lives we have lost, the loved ones left behind, and the heartache and uncertainty caused by this deadly virus.  This will also be a day to reflect on the many ways our Lindenhurst Community has come together to look out for each other, to help one another, and reduce the spread of COVID-19.  On the Day of Remembrance, the Village will be holding a 3:00 p.m. service at the Gazebo in Lindenhurst Village Square Park.

 

I ask all Lindenhurst residents to join me, to pause and say a prayer in memory of lives lost to COVID-19.  Special prayers of thanks as well to healthcare workers for their courage in treating patients infected with the virus, and notably, to our Lindenhurst and North Lindenhurst Fire and Rescue Departments, EMTs, and medical technicians for their ongoing, selfless service to our residents.  Let us also lift up in gratitude the many essential workers, such as people working in grocery stores, pharmacies, and take-out food establishments, who have kept services going.  I also want to thank our essential Lindenhurst Village employees, in particular our Department of Public Works staff who have diligently picked up our garbage & recyclables, and kept our roads safe throughout these trying times.  I would also be remiss if I did not ask for special prayers for the soul of Village employee John Kehoe, who lost his life while serving the people of our Village during the pandemic.

Demand for the COVID vaccine continues to outweigh the supply.  The current number of vaccines allocated for New York State is still low, which is somewhat frustrating for all of us, especially as we continue to deal with the uncertainties COVID-19 has brought to our lives over the past year.  However, if we can all be patient for a little longer, we will get to the light at the end of the tunnel.  An April appointment may seem far away, but it is sooner than you think.  Also, if you are not eligible, please do not attempt to make an appointment yet.

Until everyone who wants to be vaccinated is vaccinated, it is vital to the health and wellbeing of us all to continue to adhere to the recommendations mandated by the State of New York.  I know that many of us have pandemic fatigue; growing tired and weary of wearing a mask, social distancing, Zoom meetings, etc.  However, Coronavirus cases are still high in Suffolk County.  As I write this, Newsday reports an average increase of 11 new cases daily over the last week in Lindenhurst Village.  But as the Lindenhurst Community, we are all in this together!  We can all continue to contribute by limiting social gatherings, and being mindful of basic personal hygiene and protection. Washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and limiting unnecessary social contact will help stop the spread of the virus.

As I always say, the most valuable resource of the Lindenhurst Community is our people. When possible, we must lend a helping hand to those in need. Please share any thoughts that you may have to help continue to keep Lindenhurst a great place to live. I continue to keep everyone in my thoughts and prayers. With everyone’s help, we will put an end to this crisis.  I remain grateful to serve as your Mayor.

A MESSAGE FROM  LINDENHURST MAYOR MICHAEL LAVORATA

We are all hoping the mild Winter we’ve been enjoying continues until Springtime.  However, just in case Mother Nature does not cooperate, we wanted to put out some information for our residents of things you should be aware of about Village snow removal.  No matter how great an accumulation of snow Winter brings, we in the Village of Lindenhurst remain prepared.  The Village Department of Public Works takes great pride in keeping our roads clear and safe, quickly and efficiently.

DO YOUR PART!  One of the most helpful things residents can do during a snow emergency is to get cars off the street.  Park in your driveway, if you have one, or ask a neighbor if you can share theirs – they may welcome the request as more cars normally means less shoveling.  This simple act will make it so much easier for the snow plows to get through, which will mean our streets will be cleared sooner and more effectively.

DO NOT SHOVEL SNOW INTO ROADWAY!  Additionally, please be aware that it is against Village Code to shovel/blow snow into the street since it can create a road hazard.  Try not to clear your driveway until plows are finished.  When the street is completed, pile the snow to the right (your right when facing the street/your left when facing the house) of the driveway.  This will avoid the snow being pushed back into your driveway if the plows need to come through again.  Also, please don’t forget to clear sidewalks and fire hydrants adjacent to your property after a storm.

Remember, in a snowstorm the Village’s number one job is safety.  Main roads and emergency snow routes are first priority for the plows; side streets to follow.  Our Department of Public Works plow trucks are out at all hours, in all conditions, to clear the Village roadways so that we are able to go about the business of daily living within a reasonable amount of time.

I remain humble to be the Mayor of the Village of Lindenhurst, and I hope our residents appreciate the hard work of our Village employees, and our commitment to getting the job done.

A YEAR-END MESSAGE FROM  LINDENHURST MAYOR MICHAEL LAVORATA

What a busy year we have had here in the Village of Lindenhurst!  The year 2020 has brought us many challenges and many achievements.  Our Lindenhurst Community has come together whenever called upon to do so.

To all of our residents — please accept my personal thanks for your support and co-operation during this year, even at difficult times.

To our valued first-responders, ambulance company, firefighters, and Chiefs of the Lindenhurst Fire Department, most of whom are at the call throughout the holiday season to ensure our residents get help when needed — you are an asset to our community.

To our Village Administrative Staff & Department of Public Works Employees, who have continued to work hard during the pandemic – thank you.  Extra special thanks to the DPW for keeping our roads safe, our garbage picked up, and our streets plowed.

So, with the good news regarding the vaccine in 2021, I wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS & HAPPY NEW YEAR

 FROM

LINDENHURST MAYOR MICHAEL LAVORATA

I wish everyone in our Lindenhurst Community a very Happy Holiday, and a Healthy New Year!  We have so many things to be grateful for, including our family, friends, and neighbors.  Look at all we have been through this year, and look at how our community has come together to help one another.  We will continue to get through the pandemic, and be even stronger – Lindy Strong!  Now, the hope of the COVID-19 vaccine is upon us, and the New Year looks bright and hopeful.  It is going to take a little while to distribute the vaccine, but the end of the pandemic is in sight.  In 2021, we hope that things will begin to get back to some type of “normal”.

 

I am so very proud to be the Mayor of the great Village of Lindenhurst.  As life continues to have its ups and downs, there is nothing better than sharing the journey with the amazing people of this Village.  Together, our burdens are eased, and our joys and accomplishments are multiplied.  As I always say, Lindenhurst is not just a place, it is home.  I love Lindenhurst!

In recent news, we have been hearing the wonderful reports about effective COVID vaccines that have been developed, tested, and will soon be administered in phases to the public.  This news is like a beautiful sunrise, coming up after a long, dark night.  With COVID case numbers currently high (Newsday reported on 12/1 that Lindenhurst Village has 850 cumulative cases; a 6.14% increase) and hospitals full, we are not out of the darkness yet, but we are seeing the first rays of sunlight.

As has been the case with most holidays this year, Christmas will look different in 2020.  Many activities in December have already been cancelled, and with hospitals and healthcare workers stretched thin, more restrictions are on the horizon.  However, we know that they are temporary.  We are still walking through the dark tunnel and must be careful, but we can see the light at the end of it.

I understand how trying – mentally, emotionally, and physically – this effort is for us all.  Our Lindenhurst Community has already come so far in rising to the challenges of this pandemic.  At the same time, I urge you not to let your guard down.  We must all recommit to taking care of ourselves, and each other, and remain vigilant as ever about wearing a mask, physical distancing, hand washing, and all public health measures.  These measures are critical elements to our success as the Lindenhurst Community, and as your Mayor, I am grateful for all you have done thus far.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Lavorata, Mayor

 

November 20, 2020

 

Dear Village Residents,

The Pandemic is becoming more critical all across the United States; new records are being set daily.  According to Newsday, as of November 18^th, there has been a 5.29 daily increase in Corona Virus cases within the Village of Lindenhurst.

With the Thanksgiving Holiday and extended time off from work this week, everyone should re-think how they will be seeing their families, extended families, and friends.  Consider smaller groups and, if possible, separate tables.  Maybe invite family and friends over to celebrate Thanksgiving on different days so that you maintain a smaller group.  Another suggestion is to use technology to celebrate the holiday with friends and loved ones.

A vaccine is very close for distribution, so I am hopeful the Pandemic of 2020 might be over soon.  However, in the meantime, it is going to be different during our Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.  Kicking the Holiday Season off with a family “super-spreader” get together would be heart breaking.

Again, I urge everyone to use an abundance of caution to provide your family and friends the safety, security, and peace of mind so that everyone can focus on family, friends, and festive holiday fun. May God bless all of you, and I am proud to serve Lindenhurst as your Mayor.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Lavorata, Mayor

September 23, 2020

 

Dear Village Residents:

With all the news of the Coronavirus crisis, it would be easy to forget that experts are calling for an active tropical storm and hurricane season.  Tropical Storm/Hurricane Season began June 1^st and will last until November 30^th, but the peak of the season will be in our area throughout September and October.  That being said, we do not want to be figuring things out as a major storm bears down on us, and, as such, the Village continues to look for ways to improve and fine-tune our emergency preparedness plans, and we encourage our residents to do the same.  We should all prepare for potential severe weather situations like hurricanes, tropical storms, nor’easters, and abnormal high tide flooding events.  Here are some important tips to keep in mind for your planning:

• If a hurricane, or another tropical storm, hits and power is interrupted, and with the current pandemic, residents should be prepared to shelter at home.
• At minimum, everyone should have on hand:
  • 3-days of food
  • 7-days of medication
  • 3-gallons of drinking water per person
  • LED flashlights
  • A battery-powered AM radio.
• Make sure to have extra cash on hand if a storm is approaching, and be sure your fuel tank is full. Bank ATMs and gas pumps may not work if electricity goes out.
• If you have pets, have a kit for them too, with items like a carrier, medicine, and ample food supplies.
• Create a family emergency plan and emergency contact list.

Above, I have listed some of the basics for being prepared for the next storm event.  The Village of Lindenhurst is here to assist our residents in any way we can be of help.  Our community continues to be “Lindy Strong”, helping one another in times of need.  I can never state it enough, I am proud to be your Mayor.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Lavorata, Mayor