Last week, Trustees Mary-Grace Tomecki and Tom Tweedy along with Linda Dersch and Kathleen Donnelly, members of our Noise Abatement Committee, had the extraordinarily rare opportunity to meet with representatives of New York TRACON. By way of background, New York TRACON is the headquarters for air traffic controllers who are responsible for arrivals, departures and en route air traffic for Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Newark Liberty Airport and several smaller local airports.

Since TRACON determines the approaches of airplanes, it also has a say in runway configurations. Through Trustee Tomecki's efforts, the senior management at TRACON invited the Village of Floral Park for a tour of its facilities with a view toward addressing the questions and concerns of our residents living under these flight paths.

Key among our concerns is why Kennedy Airport preponderantly depends on Runways 22L and R which places flights directly over the Village of Floral Park. Upon learning that any runway configuration is possible when wind is measured at less than 10 knots or if there are variable winds, meaning less than 3 knots, Trustee Tomecki asked why can't Runways 4L and 4R be used under favorable weather conditions since the use of these runways will have the least impact on the surrounding communities.

TRACON sought to explain this away by indicating that use of the 4L & R create what they called "operational inefficiencies" on the ground and more importantly, this flight pattern encroached upon LaGuardia airspace. Not to be deterred, Trustee Tomecki pointed out that LaGuardia is closed from midnight to 7 a.m. during the months of April through November. Surely, when wind patterns permit, the 4s can be used instead of the 22s thereby diminishing air traffic over our village during these times and months. TRACON admitted that this was a valid assertion and, consequently, discussions are proceeding apace to make the assertion a reality.

When it comes to air traffic it may seem that we are banging our heads against the proverbial wall. The fact is, however, that unexpected progress has clearly been made this summer on helicopter traffic only because we have implemented the same strategy we are now exercising with airplane traffic patterns which is to painstakingly and meticulously gather the facts and at every opportunity tirelessly apply them to the question at hand. TRACON has learned what the MTA/LIRR and the Eastern Regional Helicopter Association has discovered which is we not only do our homework, but also that the only difference between a bulldog and the Floral Park Village Board is that the bulldog lets go.

That knowledge is power was never more evident with Trustee Tomecki's fact-finding analysis that advanced our cause by not powerlessly accepting the company line, but advancing solutions she herself plumbed from the depths of constant and dogged research. I publicly commend her for her commitment to this important and timely issue.

As the summer season, as it must, comes to a close, I want to congratulate all those who participated and worked on our summer programs. Commitment for the Pirates Swim Team meant practice at 8 a.m. under expert coaching four days a week. On Aug. 7, these swim team members were awarded for their hard work and dedication at both practices and meets. With Michael Phelps' unparalleled performance at this year's Olympiad, I am certain that interest in becoming a member of our swim team will grow in the coming years. Special thanks to coaches Jenna Naab, Matthew Brzoza, Carolyn Dreyer, Melanie Whitley, Sandy, Elisa and Anthony Passarella for their hard work and enthusiasm. A final thank you to John Parks of D&J Refreshments who provided food and drink to the participants and their families.

At our Awards Night on Aug. 21, 281 trophies, medals and plaques were awarded, which is compelling testimony to the popularity of our Summer Camp Programs. Special awards presented at the ceremony included: Second Annual Jim Krug Award - Sarah McGovern; Employees of the Summer - Theresa Foley and Eric Andreuzzi; Service Awards - John Michon/Wendy Bilka for 25 years, Greg Mayerhofer and Gerry Dunbar for 20 years, and Tom Dillon/Dick Wenthen for 15 years; Campers of the Summer - Jocelyn Penteck and David Morris; Centennial Camper of the Summer - Will Wichart. Finally, I want to thank our Superintendent of Parks and Recreation Kurt Meyfort for his outstanding efforts throughout the year.

Since 1952 when he first came to work for our Public Works & Building Department of which he later became superintendent, he had been a cherished fixture in our village family. For Joe Johnsen, Floral Park was a place that sparkled in the sun. Three years later, in 1955, that love was consummated when he made the village his home. He would never leave. His son Stan, a beloved assistant principal at Floral Park Memorial, said his father could never stop talking about how much he loved the village. That love was reflected in the many years of loyalty and labor he dedicated to our community.

Joe Johnsen's commitments ran deep. He was enormously proud of his family as he was of his service in the United States Navy during World War II. A flag from the mast of a WWII naval warship flew over his front lawn on Hawthorne Avenue. One could say he wore his heart on his sleeve. The community he so delighted in mourns his death, salutes his long and fruitful life and pays tribute to a good man, a valued friend and an ornament to our village. Requiescat in pace.