The Lakeville Civic Association of New Hyde Park is gaining traction with its second annual barbecue drawing officials from as far away as the town of North Hempstead.
The association’s Facebook page says, “ Lakeville Estates and North Lakeville Civic Association have combined to form a joint civic association with over 2,000 member households. Our boundaries cover Stewart Avenue east to New Hyde Park Road; Kamda Boulevard north to Union Turnpike.”
Bill Cutrone, president of the association, said in an interview that the organization represents areas in New Hyde Park not represented by a village.
“When you live in a village, you have direct access,” he said, noting that in areas the association represents, there is no one to call about a problem. But Cutrone also said, “It was nobody’s fault” since different jurisdictions have different priorities.
Cutrone became president three years ago on the condition that the Lakeville and North Lakeville associations merge since separately the membership numbers and funds were low. He was inspired to run for president, he said, after seeing how “neglected” his area was and noting that “sidewalks in other areas were so nice you could eat off them.”
The association addresses grievances in the area, such as long delays in local projects. All members are volunteers. Cutrone said nobody gets paid and that he and the association always try to be accountable.
June 8 marked the association’s second annual barbecue and third overall scholarship ceremony. It was held at the Manhasset Lakeville Firehouse #5 in New Hyde Park.
North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Council Members Peter Zuckerman, and Lee Seeman along with Town Clerk Wayne Wink and Receiver of Taxes Charles Berman were in attendance.
High schooler Samantha Coope was this year’s recipient of a $2,000 scholarship from the association. Cutrone values acknowledging youths who volunteer and give back to their community. Samantha was commended as a volunteer ambassador at her school, volunteer at the Ronald McDonald house and participant in sports programs. She also served as an officer through the Best Buddies program at her school in which she ensures special need students have a place in after-school programs
Bosworth presented a proclamation of recognition to Samantha.
Cutrone said the association is “laying low” for the summer, but plans on scheduling meet- and-greets with New Hyde Park political candidates in September and hosting a paper shredding event where any resident can come and have paperwork with sensitive information shredded.
