Chamber To Honor Justice Allen S. Mathers With Community Achievement Award

At the eighth annual Pineapple Ball at The Garden City Hotel on Friday evening, April 23, the Garden City Chamber of Commerce will proudly present to the Honorable Allen S. Mathers, village justice, Inc. Village of Garden City, the coveted "Community Achievement Award." 

Established in 1974, this recognition commemorates outstanding professionalism and major contributions to the Village of Garden City and beyond through one's position.

Judge Mathers is serving his 14th year as Garden City's elected village justice. He also serves as chair of the Garden City Board of Ethics. Previously, Judge Mathers served as mayor of the Village of Garden City from 1993-l995. It was in 1993 that he signed the contract for the purchase of St. Paul's School. As Justice Mathers remembers, "It was a year never to be forgotten!"

He created the Environmental Advisory Board; began the first expansion of Community Park; helped to heal the community after the Long Island Rail Road tragedy at Merillon Avenue; and rallied the community in opposition to a drug-alcohol rehabilitation house on Meadow Street.

As village justice, Judge Mathers has gained notoriety with scores of young people for his innovative sentencing and intervention programs.

In addition to his village service, Judge Mathers serves as a director and was formerly president of the Nassau County Magistrates Association, is a member of the Nassau County Bar Association's Committees on Ethics and Professional Conduct as well as the Military Law Committee. He is a Judicial Hearing Officer in several courts on the county and state levels.

Colonel Mathers is a JAG officer "citizen soldier" who coordinates legal/family support operations for all branches of the military serving in the State of New York, including all personnel mobilized since 09-11-01, in the New York Guard, and is presently developing legal assistance programs with the United States Coast Guard.

Among his awards are the New York State Conspicuous Service Metal; the New York Army National Guard Defense of Liberty Medal for WTC 9-11-01 service; The U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Medal; the USCG Commandants Ribbon for Hurricane Katrina support; and the U.S. Marine Corps Commendation. Judge Mathers also holds innumerable certifications. 

He maintains a legal practice in Garden City focusing on real estate and trust and estate matters.

A 35-year resident, Allen Mathers first came to Garden City in 1975, assisting his senior partner representing the Garden City Board of Education in negotiations with the Teacher's Union.

He fondly recalls that sitting across the table was the vivacious Miss Mary Breslin, a teacher-negotiator who stole his heart. But ethical from the start, they only began dating after both sides ratified the contract! 

Married in 1977, and after moving to the village, the Mathers immediately started serving the community; Allen in the Estates Property Owners' Association. Three children later (Matthew, Sarah and Amanda), Allen was a member of the Recreation Commission and Mary had become president of the Garden City Cooperative Nursery School. This rest is history – an extraordinary history! And just recently, Allen and Mary Mathers proudly welcomed their first grandchild, Morgan Mathers, daughter of Matt and Jill.

For reservations to the Ball, sponsorship opportunities, to purchaser an event Journal ad or to donate a silent auction prize, call Tracey Gittere at Legendary Events 516-222-0550 or visit the chamber at www.GardenCityChamber.org.