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Friday, June 26, 2026
Vol. 3, No. 26
THE GATEWAY TO NASSAU COUNTY SERVING FLORAL PARK, BELLEROSE AND STEWART MANOR
Floral Park marks America 250
CELEBRATING FLAG DAY
BY RIKKI MASSAND
John Lewis Childs School students, staff and families joined together to celebrate Flag Day and our nation’s 250th anniversary on June 12.
New administrators named at FPB public schools Floral Park-Bellerose Union Free School District is pleased to announce two new members to the building leadership team. Penelopi Kikis has been appointed as the principal of Floral Park-Bellerose School, effec-
tive July 1. An educator with 20 years of experience, Ms. Kikis said that her personal motto is to “lead with love.” Whether partnering with families, collaborating with colleagues or supporting students, she aims to ensure that
every child receives a high-quality education that both challenges and inspires them while creating meaningful experiences and memories that last a lifetime. She
The Floral Park Villager Published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp. Telephone 516-931-0012 Postmaster: Send Address Change to: The Floral Park Villager, 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208 Garden City, N.Y. 11530 • Meg Norris, Publisher
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On Saturday, June 20, the community enjoyed a spectacular evening at the Recreation Center featuring festivities, food, music and entertainment, capped by a brilliant fireworks display, as Floral Park officially celebrated the United States’ semiquincentennial (250th anniversary). Village Trustee Jennifer Stewart welcomed everyone to the event and spoke about American history and the small New York suburb’s deep sense of patriotism. “As we celebrate 250 years of American history, let us also celebrate the values that unite us — freedom, service, neighborliness and community,” she said. Local veterans from Floral Park’s American Legion Post No. 334 presented the Color Guard, followed by students leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem. Residents contributed canned food items to the OLV Food Pantry at The Dugout food stand, while nearby volunteers from the Floral Park Fire Department were joined by Sparky the Fire Dog, a mascot dressed in firefighter gear. Sparky greeted children while parents stopped to take photographs. Children also enjoyed high-fives, dance moves and interactions with mascots from St. John’s University athletics, including Johnny Thunderbird as well as Thunder the Horse, the “Red Storm” team mascot from the 1990s. Food vendors participating in the 250th celebration included Floral Park’s own Zef’s Pizza Firetruck, Dom’s Chicken Finger Truck, Filthy Pig BBQ, Kona Ice and Sweet Time Desserts, which offered churros, popcorn and cotton candy. Trinity Restaurant & Bar supplied draft beer, including Brooklyn Summer Ale and Miller, along with draft Arnold Palmers and wines such as Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir for purchase. From Our Lady of Victory Church in Floral Park, Rev. Tom Fusco offered the invocation to begin Saturday night’s ceremonies. “Lord God, 250 years ago the founders of our nation acknowledged in the Declaration of Independence that all men are endowed by You, the Creator, with certain inalienSee page 12
Shootout for Soldiers at Pt. Lookout PAGE 8 July at the Floral Park Public Library PAGE 3