Pictured ( left to right) are: Scott Bochner, Operation SPLASH; NYS Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg; East Rockaway Mayor Francis Lenahan; County Executive Mangano: Jimmy Ruocco, Operation SPLASH; Adrienne Esposito from Citizens Campaign for the Environment; Tom Asher, Operation SPLASH; Nassau County Legislator Denise Ford; Rob Weltner, Operation SPLASH; and Island Park Trustee Joe Annarella.

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano was today joined by local elected officials, environmental groups Citizens Campaign for the Environment and Operation SPLASH, as well as residents of the Bay Park and Island Park communities as he outlined a $1.2 billion Post-Hurricane Sandy Recovery Plan for the Bay Park Wastewater Treatment Plant. Last week the plant suffered a power outage and it continues to run on generator power due to extensive damage caused by Hurricane Sandy.

County Executive Mangano stated, “Hurricane Sandy deposited 9 feet of seawater into the Bay Park Wastewater Treatment Plant which resulted in extensive damage to the facility, its collection system and ultimately hundreds of homes in East Rockaway and Baldwin. Thanks to a Federal-State-County Critical Response Team, the plant was up and fully processing sewage by mid-November and meeting all DEC guidelines by December. That being said, the facility remains in a fragile state as it requires critical repairs.”

Many problems remain at the Bay Park Wastewater Treatment Plant, including unpleasant odors and problems with the electrical system. The latest incident occurred last week at the plant when an electrical failure, caused by salt water corrosion in the electrical system, shutdown the plant. Engineers expect issues such as this to continue until major repairs are undertaken.

Mangano added, “To truly recover and ensure our neighborhoods and local waterways are protected, significant work must occur. Last week, I met with officials from the State Environmental Facilities Corporation and Federal government to discuss the dollars needed to advance our Post-Hurricane Sandy Recovery Plan. I thank Governor Cuomo, as well as our Senate and Congressional representatives, for pledging their support in expediting funds to get improvements underway.”

County Executive Mangano is seeking Federal and State assistance to fund:

• $740 million in construction costs related to items such as odor control systems, the electrical power supply and distribution system, effluent screening and raw sewage pumping, and sludge thickening and dewatering facilities.
• $500 million dollars for construction of a new Outfall Pipe that delivers treated sewage into the Ocean rather than local bays and waterways.

County Executive Mangano, along with County Legislators Denise Ford and Howard Kopel, today also announced a new Clean and Seed Program for sewage-stricken homes. Residents interested in the program can email nassauclean@gmail.com or call (516) 535-5730. This program continues to assist homeowners impacted by the sewage breaches in Baldwin and East Rockaway. In 2012, the County implemented an interior home cleaning program that assisted over 400 homes in these neighborhoods.

About the Bay Park Wastewater Treatment Plant

For a decade, the Bay Park Wastewater Treatment Plant was a bad neighbor to the surrounding communities and waterways. The plant racked up violations and fines due to poor maintenance, all of which culminated in October 2010 when partially treated sewage spilled into local channels.

Upon taking office, County Executive Mangano invested over $70 million in emergency plant repairs. Additional funds were also dedicated to Nassau’s wastewater plants thanks to the leadership of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, Congressman King and Governor Cuomo. As a result of the County, State and Federal investments, the facility’s performance improved and no violations occurred in more than 18 months. This progress was reversed when Hurricane Sandy hit Nassau County’s shores.

County Executive Mangano stated, “My administration’s drug-prevention efforts focus primarily on Education, Awareness and Enforcement. Together with schools, community groups, treatment facilities and the public, we are waging a war on drugs. With Narcan training programs successfully operating in at least 16 states across the nation, Nassau County is the first county in New York State to teach residents who have no medical training to administer this lifesaving antidote to those suffering from a prescription drug or heroin overdose. With too many young people falling victim to drug addiction, we must do all that we can to save their lives and put them on the road to recovery so that they can lead normal and productive lives.”

Statistics indicate that the number of heroin and prescription drug-related deaths in Nassau County decreased from 2011 to 2012, while heroin deaths increased year-to-year in Suffolk County. Medical experts praise Nassau County’s Narcan training, along with the Mangano administration’s Education, Awareness and Enforcement efforts, as a reason for the decline. In 2012, Nassau County trained over 430 residents on how to administer Narcan and disseminated free kits.

Legislator Gonsalves added, “Kids are dying from abuse of prescription painkillers far too often and we are stepping up our efforts to warn them of the dangers of misusing drugs, even those given to them by a doctor.”

The next Nassau County Drug Overdose Prevention Seminar will be held on May 15th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Morrelly Homeland Security Center, located at 510 Grumman Road West in Bethpage. Residents must pre-register by contacting Eden Laikin at elaikin@nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 571-6105. In 2006, the State of New York removed liability from a person who administers Narcan in an attempt to save a life.

In the face of cancelled air shows and the downgrading of NYC’s Fleet Week, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today announced that the American G.I. will be forever honored on Long Island through the creation of the Museum of American Armor to be built at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage thanks, in part, to a million dollar gift from Lawrence Kadish.

“We are watching powerful tributes to our American military reduced or eliminated across the nation and its just plain wrong,” stated County Executive Mangano. “Fortunately, the Memorial Day weekend air show at Jones Beach will be held regardless of the loss of the Thunderbirds, but Fleet Week in New York City will be greatly diminished and across the country air shows are being cancelled weekly. Nassau County is moving in another direction. An armor museum that honors every American G.I. will be created on county property this year which will not only pay tribute to those who have defended our nation but will also strengthen the county’s tourism and destination industry and provide a new source of revenue to help us continue to hold the line on property taxes.”

Joined by veterans, elected officials, living historians, representatives from the nearby American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport and the Cradle of Aviation Museum, County Executive Mangano stated, “The ability to create an armored column that replicates the sights and sounds of American forces during World War II is one of the most compelling educational tools we have to recount the story of our GIs’ courage, valor and sacrifice. Place it in this setting of vintage farmhouses and country roads so reminiscent of the WWII era Normandy countryside, and you have created a virtual time machine that ensures indelible memories for families.

“This announcement is also an unprecedented opportunity to expand the scope of Old Bethpage Village Restoration while preserving the integrity of this setting. Doing so will recharge public awareness, attendance and revenue for a county park system that has been hurt by the recession,” continued County Executive Mangano.

“Congratulations on the anticipated grand-opening of The Museum of American Armor. Long Island is home to an extraordinary number of World War II vets and has always highlighted the importance of educating the next generation about its history during WW II. This museum will be a terrific addition to the array of military museums on Long Island including the Cradle of Aviation and American Airpower Museum. I have been a strong supporter of opening the Museum of American Armor and look forward to its future success,” said U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer.

A Million Dollar Gift and Heritage Tourism

The Museum of American Armor began with a modest display of military vehicles at the American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport in 2009 and quickly grew to become one of the most important armor collections on public display in the Northeast. It will continue to play an integral role at the American Airpower Museum, but will now have a dedicated location in which to display and operate all of its tanks, armored cars, jeeps and support equipment.

Lawrence Kadish, founding Chairman of the Museum of American Armor, is providing a gift of $1,000,000 towards the creation of the museum. He stated, “Our appreciation of history can be fickle in in an age of Iphones, Instagrams, virtual realities and Wikis. Our appreciation of our nation’s battles is often ignored. Seeing these vehicles rumbling across an open field recreates a moment in time that allows us to fully honor our military and understand what was required of an entire generation whose sacrifices ensured the defeat of brutal enemies seeking world domination. Our goal is to bring the sights and sounds of American history to a new generation, and thereby pay tribute to those who have heroically defended our freedoms over the many decades.”

Tourism plays a significant role on Long Island. Our tourism generated $301,617,171 in local taxes while employing 71,500 directly and indirectly generating $2.562 billion in labor income.

In addition, heritage tourism has become a significant sector across the country, and Nassau County has an opportunity to grow its share of the market through this effort without cost to the taxpayer. A national survey found that heritage travelers who seek to connect with America’s past spend an average of $994 per trip compared to only $611 for other leisure travelers. The study also found heritage travelers are more frequent travelers, reporting an average of 5.01 leisure trips over a 12 month period versus 3.98 trips by non-heritage travelers. They prefer their leisure travel to be educational and they spend more on cultural and heritage activities. Finally, these individuals will travel farther to get the experiences they seek.

History Channel Historian Applauds Expansion of History Tourism

Chief Historian for the History Channel, Dr. Libby O’Connell, stated, “This announcement marks a unique commitment by public and private sectors to preserve and present a seminal chapter in the history of our nation… and our world. It also reflects a commitment to apply a variety of innovative resources to the task of funding the preservation of our history.

By allowing complementary presentations of history within the same space, Nassau County has strategically enhanced the ability of Old Bethpage Village Restoration to be a stronger destination for local residents, tourists and those who live within the tri-state area and beyond.

The arrival of the Museum of American Armor at Old Bethpage Village Restoration will enable a joint marketing program with the nearby American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport and Nassau County’s Cradle of Aviation Museum at Mitchel Field, Garden City.

Joint effort with Airpower Museum and Cradle of Aviation

Jeff Clyman, president of the American Airpower Museum, stated, “Over the last several years we have clearly demonstrated the enormous synergy of air and armor, as tanks and armored cars have created a literal “parade of combat vehicles” down the flight line. Now the whole becomes far greater than the sum of the parts in our presentation of American military history. The ability to base an entire collection of World War II armor in this setting, literally “down the road” from Airpower, will allow for joint programs, national and international marketing and educational efforts unique to the Northeast.”

Plans call for the construction of a 25,000 square foot facility on the grounds of the Village. Operational vehicles that will be on public display include the iconic Sherman tank, a Stuart light tank used extensively by the Marines during their Pacific campaigns, a potent 155 mm howitzer, reconnaissance vehicles that acted as armored scouts for American forces, anti-aircraft guns and similar weapons that broke the back of the Axis powers during World War II. Other vehicles range from a classic LaSalle staff car in the markings of a Fleet Admiral to jeeps, weapons carriers and half-tracks.

In addition to World War II programs, tributes will be created to the American service men and women who have served in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf, Afghanistan and the War on Terror so that the museum is able to fulfill its mission of honoring America’s defense of freedom throughout the decades

Taking to the field of history on May 18th and 19th with a special Veterans opportunity

Special operational weekends are already planned during which World War II living historians will mount joint operations with the armor and take to the fields of Old Bethpage Village Restoration to demonstrate how these weapons were deployed. Entitled, “WW II Encampment,” visitors are invited to attend one such event on May 18th and 19th at the Village.

In addition, the Veterans Health Alliance will be conducting a Family Event during the WW II Encampment on Saturday, May 18th which provides county veterans an opportunity to network and learn more about unique programs available to them.

The Veterans Health Alliance will pay the $10 park admission fee (Children under 5 are FREE) for veterans, their family members and children but FREE ADMISSION IS LIMITED, AND YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER BY the end of the day, May 9. Pre-register by emailing Lauren Hagemann at: lhagemann@mhanc.org. Please include the names of the veterans, family members, and any child 5+ years of age. The Alliance also asks that you leave a cell phone number.

“Working with Governor Cuomo and his staff, we are pleased to offer registration assistance to residents who are applying for vital recovery programs,” said County Executive Mangano. “I encourage all of the residents and business owners eligible for Sandy recovery programs to visit the website and to stop by one of the Disaster Recovery Centers this Saturday to complete the application process if they have not done so already.”

All residents are encouraged to visit www.NYSANDYHELP.NY.gov to begin the application process. New York State and Nassau County will be manning Disaster Recovery Centers to assist applicants from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 11th at the following locations:

Long Beach Recreation Center and Ice arena, 700 Magnolia Blvd, Long Beach
Island Park Village Hall, 127 Long Beach Road, Island Park
Cedar Creek Park, Merrick Road, Seaford

West East Bistro and Wine Bar, located at 758 South Broadway in Hicksville, which features a mix of western and eastern flavors in its lunch and dinner menus, is donating 20 percent of its proceeds from dine-in or take-out every Tuesday through September to the Nassau County Hurricane Recovery Fund.

“The generosity of West East Bistro is appreciated by all those working to make the victims of Hurricane Sandy whole again. It is another example of the outpouring of support that the communities have received from their neighbors,” said County Executive Mangano. “Through the kindness of this local business we will continue to be able to provide some measure of assistance to those still making their way back.”

In addition to the regular menu on Tuesdays, patrons can enjoy a Sushi, Sashimi and Saki night at West East Bistro featuring all natural poultry and pork that is hormone and antibiotic free and beef that is grass fed, hormone and antibiotic free. The new wine bar provides an option for monthly wine dinners.

The NHRF was created by Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano in November 2012 to collect and organize donations and distribute them to victims of Sandy. Priority is given to those applicants who are not entitled to reimbursement from FEMA, do not have homeowners or flood insurance and are not receiving assistance from other government relief programs.

County Executive Mangano said that he is hopeful that the funds collected through the fund will provide some peace of mind to those in need. Nassau residents lost not only home and property but also income as destruction from the storm closed roads and businesses for days afterward.

The NHRF is run by an all-volunteer Committee, which is chaired by the Rev. Kevin Smith, Chaplain for Nassau County’s Volunteer Fire Department. The Committee includes Chaplains from the Nassau County Police Department including Rev. Gerard Gordon; Rev. Joseph D’Angelo; Rabbi Barry Dov Schwartz; Rabbi Abraham Lefkowitz; and Bishop Robert Harris. Contributions can be made to the NHRC, c/o Nassau County Police Department, Room 216, 1490 Franklin Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501.

NYSACHO is a membership association representing all 58 local health departments in New York State. It is a not-for-profit organization whose mission supports and empowers local health departments in their work to promote health and wellness and prevent disease, disability and injury throughout New York State.

“I am proud to announce the election of Dr. Eisenstein to the position of President of New York State Association of County Health Officials,” said County Executive Mangano. “Dr. Eisenstein brings to this position his experience, leadership and dedication – all important attributes in his new role as President of this distinguished organization.”

County Executive Mangano appointed Dr. Eisenstein as Commissioner of Health in 2011. Before serving as Health Commissioner, Dr. Eisenstein served as Deputy Commissioner from 2009 until his appointment as Commissioner. “In addition to serving as Health Commissioner, the residents of Nassau County will have a great voice in Albany to advocate, promote and protect their public health concerns,” added County Executive Mangano.

Pictured (left to right) are: Mark Stein, Sales Manager; Joanne Gazzara, Bookkeeper; Dave Creo, Owner; County Executive Mangano; Paul Moncada, Owner; Sue Vesecky, Store Manager; Alonzo Monroy, Production Manager; and Joseph Zinerco, General Manager.

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today commended the owners of New York Ravioli & Pasta Company of New Hyde Park for donating a portion of all proceeds generated throughout May to the Nassau Hurricane Recovery Fund (NHRF). Six months after Superstorm Sandy barreled through local neighborhoods, Nassau residents are still struggling to rebuild their homes and lives.

“I am so grateful to New York Ravioli & Pasta Company for their generous offer to provide a percentage of their sales to Nassau’s Hurricane Recovery Fund,” said County Executive Mangano. “Thanks to local businesses, the Nassau Hurricane Recovery Fund has been able to provide some form of support to those who have been unable to overcome the financial hurdles associated with the storm and the recovery.”

Coordinating efforts with their 20th Anniversary, the owners of New York Ravioli & Pasta Company in New Hyde Park will donate 20% of their retail store sales every Monday through Thursday, throughout May, to benefit Hurricane victims. In addition to the 20% every Monday through Thursday, New York Ravioli & Pasta Company will reward the 20th store customer each Friday in May with a $25.00 gift certificate. Customers will also be offered 20 deals for 20 days through discount offers on the company’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

“Dave and I are Long Island natives and we understand the tremendous impact that Hurricane Sandy continues to still have on Long Island,” said Moncada, National Sales Manager of New York Ravioli & Pasta Company. “The people of Long Island have been very supportive of us for the past 20 years and this is a way for us to support them.”

The NHRF was created by Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano in November 2012 to collect and organize donations and distribute them to victims of Sandy. Priority is given to those applicants who are not entitled to reimbursement from FEMA, do not have homeowners or flood insurance and are not receiving assistance from other government relief programs.

The NHRF is operated by an all-volunteer Committee, which is chaired by the Rev. Kevin Smith, Chaplain for Nassau County’s Volunteer Fire Department. The Committee includes Chaplains from the Nassau County Police Department including Rev. Gerard Gordon; Rev. Joseph D’Angelo; Rabbi Barry Dov Schwartz; Rabbi Abraham Lefkowitz; and Bishop Robert Harris. Contributions can be made to the NHRC, c/o Nassau County Police Department, Room 216, 1490 Franklin Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501.

To make a donation to the Nassau Hurricane Recovery Fund, visit the website at www.nassaurecovery.com.

Background on New York Ravioli.

Twenty years ago, New York Ravioli & Pasta Company was born in an attic of an old Italian restaurant, where both Dave and Paul would make fresh pasta during the day and wait tables at night. Soon they were on their own, manufacturing ravioli’s for local restaurants and, eventually, customers across the United States. Today, New York Ravioli & Pasta Company offers retailers, foodservice operators and private label customers a line of 35 different specialty filled ravioli.

County Executive Mangano, Male Marathon Winner Derek Rammelkamp of Centereach; and Scott Rechler.

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Scott Rechler, Chairman and CEO of Long Island Marathon title sponsor RXR Realty, led marathon runners in tributes to the victims and survivors of the Boston Marathon bombings as part of the opening ceremonies of the 2013 RXR Long Island Marathon this past weekend. Over 8,000 men and women participated in this year’s marathon. There was an estimated 25,000 spectators along the route and in Eisenhower Park cheering on participants.

Leading up to the marathon festivities, there had been significant security concerns after what transpired in Boston.

“The Long Island Marathon was a success and I thank the men and women of the Nassau County Police Department, the Office of Emergency Management, Volunteer Fire Service and EMS, Department of Parks and Recreation, Department of Public Works, Department of Health and the countless volunteers for their efforts keeping our runners and spectators safe,” said County Executive Mangano. “I am also very thankful to Governor Cuomo and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg for providing additional law enforcement personnel and resources. An event of this magnitude is a large undertaking but it is important that we continue to enjoy the freedoms so many have fought so hard to protect.”

Mangano and Rechler were joined at the starting line by Long Island runners who were in Boston for the race when the attacks took place. They all signed messages of hope and support on a 70 square foot banner, which is being shipped to the Boston Athletic Association – the group that orchestrates the Boston Marathon.

As part of the formal opening ceremonies, Mangano and Rechler led in the observance of 26 seconds of silence – one for each mile of a marathon – in honor of the victims and survivors of the Boston bombings.

County Executive Mangano; Female Marathon Winner Kelly Gillen of New York; and Legislator Rose Walker.

County Executive Mangano and Scott Rechler signing Wall of Support.

Annually, National Nurses Week begins on May 6 and ends on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of Nursing as a modern profession. This week is set aside each year to highlight the diverse ways in which nurses, who compromise the largest health care profession, work to improve health care.

“In celebration of National Nurses Week, I would like to recognize and thank all the dedicated professional nurses throughout Nassau County who provide compassionate services every day to protect the health and safety of our residents,” said County Executive Edward Mangano.

“I thank and congratulate all the nurses in Nassau County,” said Commissioner of Health Lawrence Eisenstein, M.D. “During this special week I would like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment to public health that the nurses at the Nassau County Department of Health provide in protecting and promoting the health of the residents of Nassau County.”

“Please join me during this special week in recognizing nurses everywhere for the care and compassion that they provide all year to make a difference in our lives,” said Mangano.