The weather could not have been better at Cantiague Park for the Northwest Civic Association of Hicksville annual summer BBQ! Great food and great conversation with friends and neighbors who shared their thoughts on issues important to them.

Assemblymember Lavine spent some time with NWCAH President Jeff Negron, thanking him and the entire board for all they do for the community.

Every year this wonderful event truly brings the community together.

Assemblymember Lavine joined Glen Cove Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck and other city officials to announce a $500,000 grant, which was used to revitalize Morgan Memorial Park. The funding covered the cost of the complete rehabilitation of the full length of the seawall, the restoration of the large granite ‘tea house’ at the north end, and renovation of the brick pavilions adjacent to the seawall. Lavine noted how incredibly pleased he was to be able to work with the city on this project to provide upgrades to a place that is so meaningful to the community. He added that the seawall, which had been crumbling, is vitally important as it prevents saltwater infiltration of the aquifer.
(l-r) Ann Fangmann, Glen Cove Community Development Agency Executive Director; Donna McNaughton, Glen Cove Deputy Mayor; Danielle Fugazy Scagliola, Glen Cove City Councilmember; Pamela Panzenbeck, Glen Cove Mayor; Assemblymember Charles Lavine; John Perrone, Glen Cove City Councilmember; John Zozzaro, Glen Cove City Councilmember

The highly anticipated opening of the historic East Bathhouse at Jones Beach State Park was an incredible event, and Assemblymember Lavine and other officials joined Governor Kathy Hochul for the big event.Jones Beach was always meant to be a place where families of all economic backgrounds could enjoy a summer day, and the fulfillment of this project brings that vision back to life. Lavine expressed his appreciation to Governor Hochul for helping to restore one of Long Island’s treasured landmarks to its original beauty. He noted that its connection to the NY SWIMS initiative means every child will have the skills they need to stay safe in the water.

Westbury Water District’s new state-of-the-art water treatment plan is up and running and Assemblymember Lavine was honored to attend the ribbon-cutting celebration!

Lavine presented a citation in recognition of this significant event.
(l-r) Kelby Then, Westbury Water District Board of Water Commissioners Secretary; Barry Green, Westbury Water District Board of Water Commissioners Treasurer; Rodney Caines, Westbury Water District Board of Water Commissioners Chairman

Lavine and Westbury Water District Board of Water Commissioners Treasurer Kelby Then share a toast of clean water to celebrate this momentous occasion.

Colleagues and residents of Silvana Gullo celebrated her retirement as HR Coordinator of The Regency Senior Living in Glen Cove. Assemblymember Lavine was there and presented Silvana with a citation in recognition of her more than 50 years in the service of others, including lengthy stays at the Life Enrichment Center at Oyster Bay and the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island.

Already a well-established presence in Queens, India Home Senior Care is now bringing its wide array of services to Nassau County. At the grand opening of its new Senior Care Center in Hicksville, Assemblymember Lavine presented a citation to (l-r) Mukund Mehta, India Home Board of Directors President, and Dr. Vasundhara Kalasapudi, India Home Executive Director. At the event, Lavine noted the tremendous pride he feels in representing this community in the Assembly. He also mentioned the appreciation he has for the great work being done by 'Dr. K' and the entire India Home team. Lavine believes the facility will be a magnificent addition to this area, providing the growing Indian and South Asian senior population with social, educational, and wellness opportunities they would not otherwise have convenient access to.

Assemblymember Lavine is honored to present a citation to Jerry Farrell, owner and founder of Rising Tide Natural Market, in recognition of 50 years of providing Glen Cove and the surrounding communities with naturally healthy food options. Lavine wished Jerry and the dedicated team at ‘RT’ many more years of success at the ribbon-cutting event.

As the school year wraps up, Assemblymember Lavine takes the opportunity to highlight Glen Cove High School's growth by offering stimulating and ecologically friendly course opportunities for students, thanks to state funding he secured. Lavine joined Superintendent Dr. Alexa Doeschner for a tour of its amazing Horticulture and Hydroponics Lab. The lab, first conceived by teacher Zachary Bilder, gives students hands-on learning experience, helping them to solve real-world problems related to food production and environmental conservation.

Assemblymember Lavine hosts a very informative seminar at Farmingdale State College for small business owners to prepare for unannounced visits by immigration enforcement officials (ICE). Lavine gave a special shout-out to the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association, along with the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul, the New York State Office for New Americans, and Fundacion Hispanoamericana, Inc., for working together to coordinate this important event.

Assemblymember Lavine has the honor to present a citation to Andres Santiago who is celebrating 20 years of devoted service to The Regency of Glen Cove Assisted Living! As medical transport coordinator, Andres has a crucial job, ensuring that residents get to and from all their doctor appointments safely. Thanks to the dedication of Andres and the entire Regency team, the facility is such a wonderful home for so many beloved seniors.

In Sea Cliff, North Shore High School student athletes, along with outgoing North Shore Central School District Superintendent Chris Zublionis, join Assemblymember Lavine to check out the new athletic field press box. Funded with a grant secured by Lavine, the new structure is a significant upgrade and will enable students and staff to do audio-visual work and livestream.

Assemblymember Lavine is honored to participate in the Memorial Day ceremony in Glen Cove, where he presented a citation to the brother of Glen Cove native John "Jack" Niles McCarthy, who was killed in Vietnam.

Lavine was also privileged to present a citation to this year’s Memorial Day parade Grand Marshall, Marine Corps Veteran Fred Nielsen, who has devoted his post-service life to helping veterans.

Lavine and Nielsen have been working closely with Suicide Awareness and Remembrance (SAR) flag creator Air Force Veteran, Kevin W. Hertell (next to Lavine), who was also on hand, on a bill A07657 designating it the official state flag for the raising of awareness of veteran suicide.

…and with the weather finally easing up, it was a great day for the parade. Assemblymember Lavine not only marched but found time to make a new four-legged friend!

Ahead of Memorial Day, Assemblymember Lavine participates in a special ceremony at Morgan Memorial Park in Glen Cove, presenting a citation to the Glen Cove Salutes Military Tribute Banner Program essay contest winner, Michael Renga. The event also featured the unveiling of personalized banners of local veterans and active-duty service members, which will be on display all summer long.

Assemblymember Lavine had so much fun at the Glen Cove Senior Center Memorial Day luncheon.

Lavine thanked Executive Director Christine Rice, Activities Coordinator Eric Shuman, and the entire staff for their dedication to providing our seniors stimulating events and activities….

In addition to catching up with many of the attendees, Lavine announced a $30,000 grant he secured to support the center’s operating costs.

Assemblymember Lavine has the privilege of presenting Nikolaos Stavrianos of Troop 43 in Sea Cliff with a citation in recognition of reaching scouting's highest rank at his Eagle Scout Court of Honor.

Assemblymember Lavine speaks at the annual National Association of Jewish Legislators Breakfast in Albany organized by his office along with Assemblymember David Weprin. This year’s special guest of honor, Hank Greenberg, spokesperson for the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, led an informative discussion about the alarming surge in antisemitism we are now witnessing.

Time and again it’s made clear that given the opportunity, people want to help, and Assemblymember Lavine’s peanut butter and jelly drive was no exception. Lavine thanked all who generously donated, with a special shout out to Connolly Elementary School in Glen Cove…

…and Sea Cliff Elementary School for participating as collection sites.

Lavine said it felt great to be able to hand over dozens of jars to NOSH Delivers! food pantry so it could provide for those in need.

Assemblymember Lavine was honored to present a citation to outgoing North Shore Central School District Superintendent Dr. Christopher Zublionis in recognition of all he has done for the community over these past few years. Lavine said it was his privilege to work closely with Chris and his dedicated administrative team to help this wonderful school system reach new levels of excellence in and out of the classroom. He also wished him the very best as he begins a new chapter in his life as the new superintendent of the Plainedge Unified School District.

Assemblymember Lavine had a very nice meeting with students from Yeshiva Darchei Torah in Far Rockaway, Queens. Lavine thanked Shmulie Hartstein of Kol Yisroel for organizing this event. Shmulie continues to be a strong advocate for better safety around houses of worship in the state of New York.

Assemblymember Lavine is proud to wear a purple ribbon on his lapel to show solidarity with survivors of domestic violence. It was all part of an advocacy day organized by the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence aimed at getting survivors access to the life-saving services they need.

Assemblymember Lavine is honored to present a citation to the owner of La Placita in Glen Cove, Salvador ‘Sal’ Diaz, in recognition of his efforts to help North Shore families who continue to struggle with food insecurity.

On this day, La Placita worked with Nosh Delivers! food pantry, La Fuerza Unita, Inc. and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, the lead organization for the Long Island Clean Energy Hub, to collect food for those in need.

Assemblymember Lavine presents a citation to artist Nabil Azamy in recognition of his exhibit at Glen Cove Library entitled "The Art of Genomics." Lavine wished Nabil the very best as he continues to pursue his art career, which he describes as a “labor of love.”

As a steadfast supporter of the arts, it was an honor for Assemblymember Lavine to present a citation to the Jericho High School Jazz Band at the Capitol in Albany. Lavine truly enjoyed their performance which was part of the annual Music in Our Schools Month sponsored by New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA).