Farmingdale: Water, Memorial Day Tribute, And More

FARMINGDALE, NY — As the new 500,000-gallon Farmingdale water tower nears completion — it is expected to be finished by the end of the year — village residents can expect a bump in the water rate.

The village water rate is being increased by 4 percent, which will result in the average user paying $4 more per quarter effective with the next billing cycle, according to Mayor Ralph Ekstrand.

Farmingdale Village received a grant of $124,727.36 from Nassau County for the purchase of a new emergency generator for the Farmingdale Village water department, Ekstrand announced. Residents and businesses would still have water available even during major power outages because of the grant. The mayor thanked County Comptroller Elaine Phillips and County Legislator Rose Walker.

"This is truly putting taxpayer funds to important public benefit," Ekstrand said.

The Farmingdale community came together for a parade and ceremony on Memorial Day to remember, honor and salute our heroes, those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

"It was a wonderful tribute with sunny skies, and hundreds marching, participating and attending," Ekstrand said.

Several fighter jets flew over just as the parade was stepping off at Northside Elementary School.

"Special Thanks to ALL Heroes, Veterans, participants, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 516, VFW Auxiliary Post 516, VFW posts, American Legion, all troops, groups, Chamber, local officials, all from the schools - all involved and to ALL at the Farmingdale Fire Department for planning/sponsoring the parade!" Ekstrand wrote.

Ekstrand congratulated all school graduates as summer arrived.

The village is set to host a series of free movie nights and Village Pops concerts on the Village Green. Other options for children's summer activities in Farmingdale Village include: Goldfish Swim School, Step By Step Dance Studio, Karate/Martial Arts studios, Camps'R'Us at St. Kilian's School, acting classes for children grades 2 through 5 at Hardscrabble Theater/St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

St. Luke's Lutheran Church offers summer camp for ages 3 through 8, as well as toddler and Pre-K classes in the fall.

Ekstrand also suggested residents check out Farmingdale Music & Arts, St. Kilian's Youth (SKY) & CYO, Farmingdale Youth Council, Farmingdale PAL, Town of Oyster Bay, the School District, the Library, Nassau County, Munchkinland Child Care, Precious Times Day Care, and others for specific programs; some may be open year-round.

The Farmingdale School District announced the aquatic center at Howitt will be opening soon. In the fall, Farmingdale United Methodist Church offers a day nursery school and its Tiny Tots Together program.

There are many upcoming community events planned downtown; residents can visit the Village website and Village Facebook event page.

"Just a reminder to shop & dine local! Thank you to all event sponsors!" Ekstrand wrote.