Ekstrand Encourages Farmingdale Restaurants To Apply For Grants

FARMINGDALE, NY — In his pre-Thanksgiving Day column, Farmingdale Village Mayor Ralph Ekstrand encouraged residents to remain safe, urged Dalers to help those in need, and pointed out a new avenue for restaurateurs to financially survive the coronavirus this winter.

Ekstrand noted that Nassau County Executive Laura Curran recently announced the Restaurant Recovery Grant Program (RRGP) to provide a boost with approximately 300 grants to restaurants during the difficult winter months ahead. Grants will be valued at either $5,000 or $10,000, depending on their number of full-time employees.

Restaurants are one of the industries hit the hardest by the pandemic. The grants are intended to help merchants navigate the winter months when outdoor dining is limited and they must adjust to the state's coronavirus safety restrictions and new mandates.

Merchants can begin applying for grants on Nov. 30, and the money will be rewarded beginning in January.

Ekstrand asked residents to continue to practice social distancing, washing their hands, wearing masks and following the guidelines from state, county and town officials.

"With the cold weather approaching and the holiday season upon us, it is vital to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and celebrate safely," he wrote. "Please avoid gatherings so we can get through this, hopefully without moving back into business closures and stay-at-home directives. It is important to remain calm, vaccines are forthcoming — and thank you for helping. We are in this together."

Farmingdale Village was recently honored with an Innovation Award Certificate of Recognition by Nassau County Comptroller Jack Schnirman.

"We have been and continue to work with developers, business owners, residents, volunteers, organizations and others to continue to make Farmingdale a true destination village on Long Island, and we salute our local businesses for their creativity and willingness to make adjustments during the COVID-19 pandemic," Ekstrand said.

The mayor thanked Mary of Schneider’s Farm for the 2020 season of the farmer's market on the Village Green.

Candy's Jewelers was congratulated by Ekstrand on four years in the village; the family business has been operating for more than 100 years. Ekstrand also reminded Dalers to continue to shop local.

The mayor also directed Dalers to ways they could help those in need if they'd like.

"As we begin to enjoy the traditions and events of the upcoming Holiday Season; we look forward to celebrations with friends, family and the community," he wrote. "This is the perfect time to reflect upon how fortunate we are. While many enjoy the seasonal festivities, there are others that are in need of assistance, food and support in our community and elsewhere."

He asked people to consider donating new, unwrapped toys to the Marine's "Toys for Tots" program. There is a collection box in Farmingdale Village Hall for toy donations now through Dec. 18. Last year, Farmingdale set a record. This year, the mayor hopes the town can set a new one.

The village is also collecting non-perishable food donations at Village Hall; those can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Several merchants and organizations throughout town will also have collections and ways to help donate to those in need. The Farmingdale rotary clubs are looking to help the Salvation Army in its yearly effort for donations. Both rotary clubs and the Salvation Army are committed to helping the community and are looking for volunteers to man a few key spots on Main Street in Farmingdale, as well as ring the bell and help collect donations for one-hour shifts during late November through mid-December. If you're interested in volunteering, please contact Kevin Bagnasco at avantisempre@aol.com or 516-317-1131 for scheduling.

Ekstrand said he and village officials truly appreciate the generosity of anyone who donates during the holiday season to help others.

"While this has been a year like no other — there is still much to be thankful for," he wrote. "On behalf of the Board of Trustees and myself, we look forward to brighter days and wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation during this crisis, stay safe and healthy – brighter days are ahead!"