Friday, December 27, 2024
Vol. 1, No. 15
THE GATEWAY TO NASSAU COUNTY SERVING FLORAL PARK, BELLEROSE AND STEWART MANOR
Tricia's Kids Toy Drive
Incoming Chamber President discusses local business growth PHOTOS AND STORY BY RIKKI MASSAND The Floral Park Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Holiday Party at Nancy’s Restaurant on Jericho Turnpike on Wednesday, December 18. The event featured delicious food, desserts, an Ugly Christmas Sweater contest, and a 50/50 raffle benefiting the local nonprofit Tricia’s Kids. Attendees also donated unwrapped toys and presents to the charity, led by local resident Tom DeMaria. Village Trustees Frank Chiara, Michael Longobardi and Deputy Mayor Dr. Lynn Pombonyo joined the festivities alongside Deputy Village Administrator Darlene Lanza.
Looking ahead to 2025
Hempstead Town Councilman Tom Muscarella (3rd right) and Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll (2nd left) greeted Tom DeMaria, Kat DeMaria, and Joe Juliano during the Tricia’s Kids Toy Drive on December 10, 2024 at Arp’s Tavern in Floral Park.
Venue change in congestion lawsuit The legal battle between the Town of Hempstead and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) over the upcoming congestion pricing plan has been sent back to Nassau County Supreme Court. Town Supervisor Donald X. Clavin Jr. called the move a "win." The U.S. District Court for
the Eastern District of New York ruled that the case, centered on state administrative law, belongs in state court. Hempstead argues the MTA violated the law by skipping a required 45-day public notice period before setting the toll rate and is seeking a temporary restraining order to delay the plan’s January 5 implementation.
Originally filed in Nassau County, the case was moved to federal court at the MTA’s request but has now been remanded. The MTA contends that Manhattan is the proper venue since congestion pricing will occur there, while Hempstead maintains Nassau County is appropriate because of its residents' stake in the toll’s impact.
The Chamber’s 2024 Vice President Shane Parouse, a wealth management advisor and longtime Floral Park community member, will be taking over the chamber presidency during 2025. Parouse lives in the village, and his firm is Shelter Rock Wealth Management. A former youth coach and volunteer, Parouse is deeply connected to the community. Over 60 years ago, Parouse’s grandparents settled in Floral Park. He was born in Brooklyn and moved here after getting married. Shane and his wife, Katya, have two daughters that grew up in the village.
Attracting New Members
Parouse says the goal of growing the chamber’s membership base will continue into the new year. “We know there are businesses here we are missing, and it’s not their fault. It’s not always easy to reach everyone. We will continue working on new ways to reach out to people, communicate the mission of the chamber and have them find out about us. Businesses and professionals in Floral Park will find out how becoming a chamber member can benefit them.” The first Chamber meeting of 2025 will be held at Crabtree’s restaurant, 226 Jericho Turnpike, from 6 to 9 p.m. The cost including dinner is $45 per person. Shane Parouse will be formally sworn-in as the 2025 Floral Park Chamber president in January. “Year’s end/January 1st is membership time. We remind See page 10
Holiday chorale music at Board meeting PAGE 6 JLCS collects items for those in need PAGE 4