Farmingdale Spring Events; Mayor 'Proud' Of Support For Farmingdale HS Marching Band

FARMINGDALE, NY — Farmingdale Village Mayor Ralph Ekstrand announced springtime events in the village, including the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Easter Egg Hunt, and expressed his gratitude for everyone who supported the Farmingdale School District in the wake of the Sept. 21 bus crash tragedy that killed two teachers.

Gina Pellettiere, the high school band director, and Bea Ferrari, a retired teacher who chaperoned band camp every year, were killed when the bus they were on crashed in Orange County. The bus was transporting the marching band to its annual band camp in Greeley, Pennsylvania.

"The Board of Trustees and myself are proud of our community and all those that supported the Farmingdale School District band members, families, students, and all affected by the tragic bus accident," Ekstrand said in a news release. "Truly amazing efforts — we extend thanks to everyone that contributed with prayers, fundraisers, care packages, food deliveries, healthcare, comfort and more!"

Croxley's Ale House of Farmingdale was one business that hosted a fundraiser following the tragedy, Ekstrand said.

"Due to the overwhelming support and generosity, we were able to raise over $6,000," said Chris Werle of the Croxley's team. "Thank you to our amazing community, vendors and staff for putting together such a successful event. Always Daler Strong."

The village is looking to give back in other ways. It set up an Island Harvest donation collection box in the lobby of Farmingdale Village Hall for non-perishable food donations.

"Please consider donating," Ekstrand said.

People may drop off food donations between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

With winter here, Ekstrand reminded residents to remove their vehicles from the street so the village's department of public works can properly plow the streets during snowstorms. Residents are asked to keep cars out of the roads until 24 hours after the snow has stopped.

"Please remember during snow storms to try to park cars off the streets (even on a lawn) so DPW crews can do their job plowing curb-to-curb, and also clear fire hydrants near homes," Ekstrand said. "Safety and effective snow clearing are priorities. During and after snow storms, our DPW department works diligently clearing our roads and parking lots in order to make roadways passable and to open the business district and enable commuters to get to work in the shortest time possible. We thank all of the DPW staff for their tireless efforts and truly appreciate their hard work and dedication! Thank you for your cooperation."

For issues such as water main breaks, people may call the Farmingdale Fire Department non-emergency line at 516-531-9820.

While Farmingdale is facing the dead of winter, Ekstrand and the village trustees announced upcoming community events for when the weather warms up a bit.

Farmingdale's 10th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade down Main Street is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, March 10. The parade will honor Grand Marshal Patrick J. Ryder, commissioner of the Nassau County Police Department.

The annual Easter Egg Hunt / Meet the Easter Bunny is set for Saturday, March 23, on the Village Green, at 361 Main Street. The egg hunt starts at 11 a.m. sharp for children 11 years old and younger. People were encouraged to arrive early and bring Easter baskets, friends and family, weather permitting. The rain/snow date is slated for Sunday March 24 at 2 p.m. sharp.

"Just a reminder to support the local merchants throughout the village," Esktrand said. "Farmingdale Village is a terrific downtown destination — shop and dine local; explore the many shops, merchants, Culinary Quarter Mile restaurants, bars, clubs, breweries, eateries, with some new spots."