|
CIVIC TO CELEBRATE 75TH
ANNIVERSARY- ELECTS NEW PRESIDENT
2006 will be a historic year for the Point Lookout Civic
Association, as we will celebrate our 75th Anniversary
next June. In preparation for this auspicious occasion, the PLCA
Membership elected a new President Herb Abbe. Herb’s team will
consist of some long community activists with an additional
infusion of the new breed of youthful energetic homeowners. The
Civic Board has increased it’s roster from 20 to 30 members.
Newly elected Board Members Sue
Marcotte, Don Kelly (Treasurer), Dr. Gerry Galvin have long been
intrinsically involved in Civic matters will be joined by Kevin
Haff, (Vice- President) Brendan Cahill, , Michael Towers, Richie
Tighe and Tom Galucci who will surely bring to the Board a fresh
approach and new ideas.
Our new President,
was strong and firm in addressing the issue of vandalism and the
need for heightened law enforcement. He asked that, parents and
civic members be proactive when they witness or see something out
of the ordinary and to call 911 to report these incidents. Herb
was particularly referencing a recent occurrence when some
individuals fired rock hard paint ball balls in the direction of
passing cyclists narrowly missing them but striking and defacing
area homes with their errant shots. President Abbe called upon the
Civic to join with our neighbors from the Lido Civic Association
and to partner up with other community groups to channel our
resources and energies on issues of mutual concern. Particular
issues highlighted were our beach and the need to dredge Jones
Inlet, Traffic Calming, Property Tax abatement and greater Police
presence.
One of our new
President’s greatest gifts is his wife Sandy who continues to be
a presence and leader in her own right with many key community
events. Lastly, he made a call for all community organizations to
be active partners with the PLCA and for former Officers and Board
Members to bring their expertise as problem solvers in assisting
with resolutions to
our key goals and objectives.
Lastly, he extended a word of thanks to our outgoing
President, Vice -President Greg Goldberg, Recording Secretary Nan
Newell and Treasurer Marty Rowland for a job well done.
CHILDREN'S DAY/ BAR- QUE- SATURDAY
SEPTEMBER 3RD
No
event epitomizes Point Lookout as this annual gathering of old and
young alike. 2005 Children’s Day was a red letter event. Under
perfect “10” weather conditions Rose & Brian Gallagher,
Val Reidy and Rob DeVerna once again led a group of countless
volunteers in providing our children with activities to remember.
Everyone was a winner whether they competed
in swimming, running, sand castle building or the ever popular
family egg toss.
Special mention must be given to young Amanda
Gleeson who received a Savings Bond as the award winning designer
for our tee- shirts.
Event activities culminated with a wonderful
barbeque and dancing to a DJ under the stars.
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
As many of you know, proceeds from our memorial bench
replacement program is directed to a young individual who has
demonstrated selfless qualities and continues to give back to our
community. This year’s recipient was Katie Heneghan who through
her church and community activities has continually demonstrated
the needs of others as her first priority. Thanks Katie for a job
well done!
ART SHOW
Tom Bauer did his usual outstanding job in organizing this
effort for all to enjoy. The PLCA Historical Committee provided a
wonderful exhibition highlighting our local celebrities past and
present. Thanks should be extended to Rosemary Dowling and Jack
McCloone for providing this marvelous display.
This year’s show was dedicated to the
memory of the late John Simonelli an outstanding photographer whose
countless photos grace many of our homes and the lovely Loretta
Nestor who was one of the founding members of this Art Show.
Loretta and John’s memory will live on always through their
wonderful work.
JONES INLET DREDGING/ FEDERAL STORM
PROJECTION PROJECT
The PLCA through the efforts
of Gerry Ottavino continue to pressure local officials to move
forward on these two vital projects. We recently sent a
correspondence and informational package to our U.S. Senator
Hillary Clinton asking her assistance in providing approximately
$4.5. Million dollars so the dredging of Jones Inlet may commence.
The interesting point is we did not find out until recently that
there was No funding currently available for this project. We
found it more puzzling that some local officials it was reported
asked the Civic to write to our Senator because they felt they
couldn’t because they were not of the same political party as
out Junior Senator. If this unconfirmed report is true it is
indeed troubling.
We also continue to full court press the Army Corps to move
forward with the commencement of the Federal Storm Protection
Project which would provide much needed groin/ jetty replacement
and dune rebuilding from Point Lookout to
East
Atlantic
Beach
.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, one need not be
reminded of how essential it is to have our major navigational
waterways dredged and clear for safe passage as well as a much
needed groin and dune protection program in place for our home and
community protection.
As our County and Town elections scheduled
for this November it is all important to ask our elected officials
what have they done to move these projects forward!!
TRAFFIC CALMING/ ELECTRONIC SIGN
We have been given assurances from our County
Legislator Denise Ford that Point Lookout will be receiving a new
electronic speed sign as motorists pass through our community in a
westerly direction. We will be working with County and Town
Officials to bring more traffic calming measures to
Lido Blvd.
and surrounding streets. Cross walks, additional stop signs, more
handicapped parking are all measures we will discuss with
officials this fall.
MOVING ON...
This will be my last column as President of
the Association. I want to take this opportunity to thank our
Board, members of the association and all residents for the
privilege of having served you the past four years.
Tip O’Neill once said “All politics is local”. As
President, I was continually reminded of that fact. The reality is
the PLCA can’t be all things to all people. We can’t please
everyone but I believe that most of our community believes in much
the same principals. Provide for our families, continue to improve
our community for generations to come and trust in God to guide us
correctly.
Any jackass can knock down a barn but it
takes a good woman or a man to build one, let’s give new
President Herb Abbe all the assistance and resources he needs as
we commence our 75th year. Let’s put our differences
aside and work toward objectives that are definite, positive and
doable for everyone’s betterment.
May God bless and thank you all.
Sincerely,
Francis X.Ryan
FRyan19788@aol.com
|
