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One hundred years ago, just outside what is now Farmingdale Village Hall, trolleys passed by carrying residents on a dirt road that is now Main Street. 
 “The Cross Island Trolley line ran between Huntington and <a href="/topics/Amityville%2C_NY">Amityville</a>,” said Farmingdale historian William Johnston, 79, who has lived in the village for the past 50 years. “Just as the highways today are mainly east and west, public transportation, at that time, was mainly east and west.” 
 In 1695 Thomas Powell settled in the area that would later be named Farmingdale. He purchased 15 square miles of land, known as the <a href="/topics/Bethpage_State_Park%2C_NY">Bethpage</a> Purchase, from three Native American tribes; the Massapequas, the Matinecocks and the Secatogues. 
 For the next 150 years, his descendants were the only ones to inhabit Farmingdale, and nearby communities. 
 “Farmingdale’s growth has been slow, but steady over the years, changing to the needs of the larger community,” Johnston said. “This community was basically a somewhat isolated farming community, up until the beginning of the small industries.” 
 Until the completion of the <a href="/topics/Long_Island_Rail_Road">Long Island Rail Road</a> in 1841, families were isolated while making a living by harvesting and selling produce. At this time, the Farmingdale station was merely a wooden platform. 
 “Over the years, with increasing train service, they found that having trains stop across Main Street didn’t help the traffic flow, even if it was just horses and wagons, back then,” Johnston said. 
 So, in 1896, the train station was moved 1,000 feet to its present location off Secatague Avenue, on Front Street and Atlantic Avenue, just north of Conklin Street. 
 Soon after the station was relocated, additional homes were built, more shops opened, a church and post office sprung up, and fire companies serviced the community for the first time. Later, the first higher learning institution on <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a>, <a href="/topics/Farmingdale_State_College">Farmingdale State College</a>, formed in 1912. The formation of small industries included bottle-making and picture-framing companies, a half-dozen pickle factories, a silk dye company and a number of florists. 
 After <a href="/topics/World_War_II">World War II</a>, an influx of former soldiers, many coming from New York City, moved to the area to raise their families. Many of them moved to Farmingdale Village, which was incorporated in 1904. 
 “There was a great eastward migration on <a href="/topics/Long_Island%2C_NY">Long Island</a>,” said Johnston. “That kicked off a surge of housing development in this area.” 
 In 1953, the Farmingdale School District had one building, for K-12. About eight years later, the school system had nine buildings -- six elementary schools, two junior high schools and one high school. Today, the district has six schools in total. 
 “I think this reflects the tremendous growth of the community over a very short period of time,” Johnston said. “The population spiked, of course, along with the growth of Main Street, in terms of shopping and services. This was, of course, before there were suburban shopping malls, big box stores and online retail.” 
 The area was also home to a major aircraft industry after <a href="/topics/World_War_I">World War I</a>. Grumman, Republic and Fairchild were just some of the firms that began manufacturing parts to build planes. 
 Republic closed their buildings in Airport Plaza in Farmingdale and at the Republic Airport in 1987. Grumman was purchased by Northrop Aviation and merged to become Northrop-Grumman Aviation. Its headquarters moved to California. Fairchild sold its portion of Republic Airport in 1969, but kept manufacturing for other aviation companies until 1987 and then closed down completely. 
 “Losing the aircraft industry significantly impacted the community,” Johnston said. “During <a href="/topics/World_War_II">World War II</a>, each company was employing about 25,000 people.” 
 In the ’50s and ’60s, there was a more diversified retail scene on Main Street. There were clothing shops, shoe and hardware stores, along with stationery and electrical appliance stores. 
 “With the increasing number of shopping centers, big box stores and growth of online shopping the number of variety of stores has diminished since then,” Johnston said. 
 Two hardware stores on Main Street, Schmidt’s and Wolly’s, along with Farmingdale Shoes, closed in the early '60s. 
 “They sort of gradually disappeared one by one,” Johnston said. “Many of them were gone before anyone really took great notice. Of course, the people in a sense decided themselves that they were patronizing the shopping centers and the big box store because of the lower prices.” 
 With many empty stores, “Closed” signs and graffiti sprayed on windows, the success of Main Street in the ’50s and ’60s may seem like a distant memory. 
 Not to Johnston. He still remains optimistic that Main Street will thrive like it once did. 
 “It’s a place that is going to make progress. It will have to adapt to the times,” Johnston said. “I think we’re on the right track and I just wish I could be around to see the final result. I’m hoping for the best for a great little community.”

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Farmingdale history: Village slowly evolves and perseveres

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Brianna Capel stood beside her fourth grade teacher, Carolyn Gangi, watching “Professor Will” pull cords attached to cups and buckets to make noises. 
 Each cord, attached to different-sized plastic cups, a white bucket and a metal garbage can, made the sounds of a chicken, tiger and dinosaur, along with the “Happy Birthday” tune. 
 It was all part of Mad Science, an enrichment franchise delivering hands-on science experiments to students who came to Stanley D. Saltzman East Memorial Elementary School in East Farmingdale on Friday. 
 “Listening isn’t about using your ears, it’s about using your imagination,” said Will Hill, 28, a representative from Mad Science, which caters to grades K-5. 
 Each cup amplifies a sound, and the handmade grooves on each string create the unique tunes. 
 “They learn the concepts in the classroom, and this makes it all come alive for them,” said Gangi, 34, of Massapequa. “The best part of it is that he [Hill] puts it in a language they understand. It’s hilarious and it captures their attention. He has a way of bringing it back around and making it all relatable.” 
 Assistant principal Jeff Galluzzo said the school, which is in the Farmingdale Public Schools district, has had Mad Science demonstrate science experiments for students for the past three years. 
 “The New York State science assessments for the fourth graders are in two weeks,” Galluzzo said. “They’ve been studying and doing experiments in the classroom to prepare for that. This assembly could reinforce some of those science concepts in a fun and exciting way.” 
 Assemblies were held throughout the day to expose everyone to this special lesson. 
 “Honestly, it’s the kids’ favorite assembly of the year,” Galluzzo said. “They hear about abstract science concepts in school, but now they can actually see it and play with it.” 
 Above: From left, Aidan Steinheimer, 7, John Lauritsen, 8, Anjali Pahavnai, 9, and Skylar Sindicic, 9, learn about sound vibrations from “Professor Will” Hill during the "Mad Science" assembly at Saltzman East Memorial Elementary School in East Farmingdale. (May 11, 2012)

'Mad Science' visits E. Farmingdale school

'Mad Science' visits East Farmingdale school 

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Editor's note: All week long, Brittany Wait is profiling people around Farmingdale, from community leaders to residents she bumps into around town. 
 Glen Zakian, 46, of Jericho 
 Principal of Farmingdale Senior High School 
 How long have you been principal? 
 I’m just finishing up my fifth year at the high school. I used to be a teacher for 18 years before coming here. I taught out east at two Suffolk County schools; Longwood [High School] and Harborfields [High School]. I was also an assistant principal at Plainview-Old Bethpage High School for two years. The principal retired from here and then I applied for this job. 
 Why did you come to work in Farmingdale? 
 I love the district and community. It’s a small-town feeling for a big town. The size of the school alone dictates the intimacy that you get from being near the village and having that small-town feeling. I like the area. It’s neat to have a Main Street nearby. Where I live, there’s only Route 106 and 107 that get you from one place to another. It’s really a tribute to the people in the community that they can maintain that Main Street feeling, keeping some of those mom-and-pop shops. 
 What were some of your first impressions of the school? 
 The tight, close-knit [feeling] and support people offer you. It makes you feel welcomed and a part of the community. 
 What would you describe as unique about the high school? 
 Everything, seriously. They don’t hang their hat on any one thing. We have top students scoring high in our AP classes. We’re known for our high-quality athletic program. It’s very unique the way students do everything pretty well, but don’t take one thing too seriously. There is really something for everyone. We don’t send students to BOCES, we have everything in-house. There’s a section of the high school that’s like a Hess station with a two-car garage. 
 How many students attend the high school? Can you describe the school spirit you see? 
 We have about 2,000 students. We say, ‘Once a Daler, always a Daler.’ School spirit is unbelievable. People wear their hearts on their sleeves. Our high school was voted most school spirited [in a local weekly newspaper poll]. It’s called Daler pride and it’s something we live by. If people ask what a Daler is, students respond with “your worst nightmare.” 
 How would you define the character of your community? 
 There’s a deep-rooted pride in the school that goes way back. You can come here on a Friday night and there’s a football game with over 3,000 people attending, over 200 kids marching and 40 cheerleaders. We’re a real small microcosm of this community. If something happens, everyone rallies around us. The community is incredibly supportive of everything that we want to do here.

Farmingdale people: High school principal Glen Zakian

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After a week of getting to know locals, taking advantage of the beautiful weather (finally) and tasting the diverse entrees on Main Street, my journey has come to an end. 
 Although I won’t be in Farmingdale for five days straight in the near future, I will still be around, so contact me if anything comes up. 
 On my last day, I’m going to Saltzman East Memorial Elementary to see second- and fourth-grade students tackle a hands-on science program. 
 The “Mad Science Group” helps students learn and review science concepts, preparing them for state tests in a fun way. The program continues all day and involves students at all grade levels. 
 In the afternoon, I’m meeting with Farmingdale Senior High School principal Glen Zakian to discuss the atmosphere at the high school and his background. 
 That will just about wrap it up for this month’s edition of Town Focus. Look out, we might end up covering your community next. 
 And to all those who tweeted or emailed me, thank you for helping me maneuver Main Street and find the best places to eat this week. 
 Between the Library Café, Dominican Restaurant 4, Frankie’s Eastside Pizza and Cascarino’s Brick Oven Pizzeria &amp; Ristorante, I think I’ve had my fair share of variety and deliciousness. 
 Have any suggestions or comments? You can reach out to me by <a href="mailto:brittany.wait@newsday.com">email</a> or <a href="http://twitter.com/brittanywait">Twitter</a>, and also follow me on <a href="http://www.foursquare.com/brittanywait">Foursquare</a>. 
 Pictured: Downtown Farmingdale

Town Focus: Day 5 in Farmingdale

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Editor's note: All week long, Brittany Wait is profiling people around Farmingdale, from community leaders to residents she bumps into around town. 
 Michele Langis, 39, of Farmingdale, was at the Long Island Rail Road station Thursday just before a westbound train passed by. Her son, William, covered his ears and watched in awe as it went by. 
 How long have you lived in Farmingdale? 
 I’ve lived here for eight years, but my husband Robert has lived here all his life. I’m a pharmacist and my husband works for Verizon. 
 Who are these little guys? 
 My sons William and Ryan. William is 5, and Ryan is just over 11 months old. 
 So, what brought you to Farmingdale and what has kept you here? 
 Well, my husband has always lived here. I’m from Queens. This is much different than Queens. It’s less busy and there’s more open space. After we got married we started looking for a neighborhood to live in and we moved to a nice neighborhood right near the village. 
 What do you like most about the area? 
 At least on my block, everyone keeps an eye on everyone. They look out for my kids. 
 What’s unique about the area? 
 It’s a big town, but it still has a small-town feel. When we first moved here there were more businesses. Hopefully, it’ll pick up and more will move in. Another draw to the area is that we can walk everywhere. Today, we walked to the bank and then back around to wait for the train. My son loves trains, so this is a ritual almost every day. We wait for the train to go by. Someday, he’ll memorize the train schedule, I’m sure. 
 What is there to do around here? 
 Well, me and my husband can’t enjoy too much of the nightlife, but I always see a lot of people at Croxley [Ales]. There’s also a few parks you can go to. We take the kids to Allen [Ellsworth Park]. 
 Is there anything else you would like to say about the area? 
 It’s a really nice place to live. The original plan was to live two minutes away from my husband’s childhood home in East Farmingdale, and it worked out that way.

Farmingdale people: Michele Langis

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Editor's note: All week long, Brittany Wait is profiling people around Farmingdale, from community leaders to residents she bumps into around town. 
 Joe Tonelli, 55, of Massapequa, has owned Bollinger’s Family Restaurant since 2010. The Main Street restaurant closed Feb. 19, and opened its doors again on April 28. 
 Community associations: Farmingdale Breakfast Rotary Club; Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce. 
 Tell me some of the history behind your business. 
 I was the sole owner from 2010, until it closed its doors Feb. 19, 2012. It reopened April 28. The restaurant used to be a dessert and coffee shop until two women took it over in the late '80s, expanding it to what you see now. I purchased the restaurant from Fred Bollinger on October 2010 and kept the name. I know that the village considers this a historic point in Farmingdale. They were sad to see that we closed. 
 Why did it close? 
 We were trying to sell the business because it wasn’t busy, it was hard to make rent. We ended up scaling back the menu. We used to have 30 different ice cream flavors, now we’re down to 15. Our old menu was diner size, which kind of ate me alive. The closing was due to the combination of a bad economy and the high rent. I put everything I had into that restaurant. Now, I have a partner, Mary Bulone, and we cut management and renegotiated the rent, which, thankfully, was frozen for the next two years. 
 How did you get in touch with new co-owner, Mary Bulone? 
 She was a customer of mine. I made her a frittata, topped with le cordon bleu, that she fell in love with. She calls the restaurant and says she’ll be over in 20 minutes, and I have it ready for her. 
 Tell me what’s unique about your business. 
 We make things from scratch. I’m an old chef. With the chain restaurants, food comes in bags and there’s no real personal touch to the foods. It’s all about the delivery of the food and where it’s going to be at its peak freshness. We have a retro ’50s-style-diner. Our old menu had liver and bratwurst on it, but in order to please the demographic, we had to get rid of stuff. 
 How did you get into the business of cooking? 
 My grandmother started me in the kitchen, sealing raviolis. Now, my expertise is in Italian and Mediterranean food like lasagna, spaghetti and linguine. This restaurant doesn’t call for all that, but it’s what I like most. 
 Can you bring yourself to go out to eat for dinner? 
 Not really. I’ll start critiquing a restaurant from the parking lot. I’m so obsessive that I’m better off not going out to eat. I know what’s in each dish and how it should be treated. 
 Owning a business on Main Street allows you to see businesses come and go. What have you noticed? 
 Main Street is really flat. There’s not a lot of movement to revitalize the area. I see over 35 percent of vacancy. It’s something that elected officials need to be concerned with.

Farmingdale people: Restaurateur Joe Tonelli

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To start Day 4, my second-to-last day in Farmingdale, I’ll be shooting video around the area for a project on Farmingdale’s history that you’ll see soon. 
 After that, I’ll head over to the public library at around noon to see artist Paul A. Gatto perform with his band. I’ll be bringing my camera, so wave if you see me. 
 Throughout the day, I’ll be near the Village Green, and walking up and down Main Street. If you see me, stop me and we’ll chat. 
 On Wednesday, I finally got the chance to have lunch at Library Café on Main Street, and ordered a marinated sliced steak sandwich with a side salad. It was delicious. 
 Thanks, Jessica, for emailing me your favorite dish at the Library Café. Even though the North Fork Grilled Cheese looked delicious, I don’t like goat cheese, so I decided to get a steak sandwich. Keep those suggestions coming! 
 Any more recommendations of places to eat on Thursday? 
 Friday I’m going to Saltzman East Memorial Elementary to see a hands-on science program for students. The “Mad Science Group” will help students learn and review science concepts, helping them to prepare for state tests in a fun way. Also, I will be meeting with Farmingdale Senior High School principal Glen Zakian on Friday. 
 Have any suggestions or comments? You can reach out to me by <a href="mailto:brittany.wait@newsday.com">email</a> or <a href="http://www.twitter.com">Twitter</a>, and also follow me throughout my week in Farmingdale on <a href="http://www.foursquare.com/brittanywait">Foursquare</a>.

Town Focus: Day 4 in Farmingdale

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All week long, Brittany Wait is profiling people around Farmingdale, from community leaders to residents she bumps into around town. 
 The Paul Gatto Gallery, established in 1967, is on Main Street in Farmingdale. The art gallery is home to Paul Gatto’s original art and copies, along with custom picture framing. Upstairs, Gatto opens his studio to the community, holding art classes on Wednesdays. 
 Paul A. Gatto, 82, of Massapequa 
 How long has your studio been open? 
 We’ve been here for about 45 years, but we’re closing soon. We have an opportunity to expand the gallery [elsewhere]. The studio upstairs will still be open though. People are going to be unhappy, we’re sort of a landmark here in Farmingdale. I had one lady come in who threatened me after she heard we were closing. 
 What did the studio look like in the past and how has it changed? 
 It was a gallery where we showed all paintings from all different artists, phasing them in and out, but now mine are only displayed. The originals hang from the walls. The copies, which are very faithful to the originals, are displayed in the center of the studio. I show all different types of paintings. I’ve painted everything you can imagine. 
 When did you start painting? 
 I’ve been painting since I was a kid, but when I turned 30 I started selling my art. You can learn the craft of painting, but the artistic part is what you’re born with. 
 Your business has been here for decades. Can you tell me how Main Street has changed throughout the years? 
 Years ago, I talked the merchants into putting out orange umbrellas in front of their stores to attract business. You would see a flood of orange up and down Main Street. As things got better, they got rid of their umbrellas. I wish they hadn’t. I liked it. Now, there’s a lot of Internet buying and less retail. At the light here [at Conklin Street and Main Street], you used to see 10 to 12 people standing there, waiting to cross, but you don’t see that anymore. The traffic is gone [for retail] and now there’s mostly restaurants. There has been tremendous change. There used to be a lot more camaraderie among merchants, but it’s not that way anymore. A lot of people have businesses here, but live somewhere else. Of course, the recession didn’t help. 
 How has your business been doing? 
 The expression I hear is, ‘We love passing by your gallery,’ but that’s the trouble. People feel it’s like going into a funeral home, they just don’t feel right about going in. But over the years, the people that come by come with so many stories and it has been quite the adventure. 
 What are some of your influences? 
 Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. Their work is just as good as the work done today. It’s really good to understand all art, no matter what period it’s in. 
 For your information: Paul A. Gatto performs with his band on Thursdays at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Farmingdale Public Library.

Farmingdale people: Gallery owner Paul A. Gatto

Paul A. Gatto 

Editor's note: All week long, Brittany Wait is profiling people around Farmingdale, from community leaders to residents she bumps into around town. 
 She walked Main Street while chatting with new Mayor Ralph Ekstrand, 57, on Tuesday. 
 Community Associations: Past president and board member of the Farmingdale Breakfast Rotary Club and the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce; current chairman of the finance committee for the Farmingdale United Methodist Church. 
 How long have you lived here? 
 I’ve lived here in Farmingdale since 1980, but, believe it or not, I’m not considered a 'Daler. I grew up in Staten Island and Brooklyn. The nickname of all these sports teams are Dalers. You have two choices with Farmingdale. When you’re here 50 years, you can be a Daler, or if you’re born here. 
 What initially brought you to Farmingdale? 
 My business. My partner and I took over Moby Drugs in 1980 and we loved Farmingdale so much that we moved here. It’s really a great place to raise a family. My three kids all went through the Farmingdale school system. 
 When you first moved here, what was most notable about the community? 
 I always called it the “Leave it to Beaver” community. When we moved in, our neighbors came over to talk to us. One of them even gave us a welcoming cake. 
 What else does the community offer residents? 
 Farmingdale doesn’t have a waterfront. However, we have a train station that’s designated as a historic landmark. Believe it or not, when the train first came out here from Brooklyn and Queens, Farmingdale was the last stop for decades. Farmingdale became a hub at the turn of the last century, the late 1800s. There were six hotels right around the train station and they would cater to the people who would stay overnight. We decided the best thing to do to develop the area is to look at our train station. We have three trains that go directly to Penn Station nonstop in the morning for commuters. It starts at Ronkonkoma and picks people up at Farmingdale and in 45-50 minutes, you’re directly in Manhattan. That’s a very salable commodity. We’re going to use our train station as our mainstay for the development in the area. 
 What challenges do you think the community faces? 
 We need to solve the parking problems. One thing you’ll learn about Long Island is the biggest, No.1 concern of villages and towns is parking. Long Island tends to be the worst with the high cost of living. Also, we’re hoping that merchants can hang on until this development comes in. I firmly believe that by bringing in new development, new people and new money, will turn around our little village. 
 How would you define the character of this community? 
 It’s very diverse. If you look at the restaurants here, we have Croxley Ales, which is an English pub, then right across the street you have the Wild Wild West Saloon, which obviously is American Western cuisine. You go up the block a little bit, you have the Republic Pub and you go on this side of the street you have the Library Café. You also have a Dominican restaurant. We have all different types of restaurants that cater to all sorts of people. Did I mention that we show family-oriented movies on a 30-foot screen over the summer at the Village Green? 
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Farmingdale people: Mayor Ralph Ekstrand

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To jump-start Day 3, I’ll be meeting Farmingdale historian William Johnston at Village Hall on Main Street first thing in the morning. After, I’ll head over to the public library to look through its historical pictures archive to include in a video I’m putting together on the history of Farmingdale. 
 I will be walking outside mostly, taking pictures and shooting video. Try and spot me! 
 On Tuesday, I didn’t get a chance to stop in at the Library Café on Main Street, but did grab a late lunch at Cascarino’s down the street. Great pizza, by the way. 
 Today I’ll get to Library Café and grab some food. What’s your favorite on the menu? And, can anyone suggest a place for dinner? 
 Later this week, I’m planning to go to Saltzman East Memorial Elementary to witness a hands-on science program for students. The “Mad Science Group” helps students learn and review science concepts, as they prepare for state tests in a fun way. 
 Have any suggestions or comments? You can reach out to me by <a href="mailto:brittany.wait@newsday.com">email</a> or <a href="http://www.twitter.com/brittanywait">Twitter</a>, and also follow me throughout my week in Farmingdale on <a href="https://foursquare.com/brittanywait">Foursquare</a>. 
 Above: A view of downtown Farmingdale. (July 5, 2011)

Town Focus: Day 3 in Farmingdale

A year ago, Nina Pesce’s mother had an obstruction in her upper intestine, and following surgery developed a swallowing problem. The doctors wanted to hook her up to a feeding tube. 
 Instead, she took her mother, Lena Murania, 95, who has dementia, home with her. 
 “My husband said, ‘You realize you’re taking your mother home to die with dignity.’ And I said, ‘No, I’m taking her home to live,’” said Pesce, 64, of Wantagh. “When I brought her home, I was looking for a center that dealt with people with dementia.” 
 Once she nursed her back to health, Pesce found the Farmingdale Adult Day Care Center (FADC) a perfect place to leave her mother during the day. 
 The FADC was founded as an nonprofit interfaith initiative in 1995 and is located in the basement of the United Methodist Church on Main Street. People 60 and above who can no longer function on their own can socialize, eat and play games with people their own age, giving their caregivers a break during the week. 
 The center’s director, Brandi Fromm, said the atmosphere is meant to mirror the comfort of being in a living room and is the ideal alternative to a nursing home. 
 “It gives family members a break and people with some type of dementia a purpose to get out of bed in the morning,” said Fromm, 55, of Levittown. “It helps with their cognitive abilities and socialization.” 
 Program assistant Renee Hartmann said the center also gives caregivers the break they need. 
 “Farmingdale, being such a working-class community, you have both husband and wife out there trying to pay the bills,” said Hartmann, 43, of Farmingdale. “It’s those six hours that they [caregivers] need to get out and do what they need to do.” 
 Like Pesce, Maureen Mendolia came to pick up her mother on Monday from the adult day care. 
 Josephine Atwater, 89, moved in with Mendolia two years ago because of her progressing Alzheimer’s disease, resulting in forgetting to eat right and becoming paranoid of phone calls. 
 “When you have Alzheimer's or dementia it becomes a repetitive day,” said Mendolia, 55, of Bethpage. “The illness is strange. It robs them of their memories. It robs them of their ability to take care of themselves.” 
 About two years ago, Atwater had to leave her friends in Florida so she could move in with her daughter’s family. 
 “It could be a really long day when she doesn’t have people her own age to speak to and I have things to do,” Mendolia said. “I knew I had to recharge my batteries, and I started looking for a day care.” 
 Atwater used to get upset if they drove by a nursing home, Mendolia said. Now, she brings her mother to the adult day care almost every day to spend time with people her own age, play Bingo and be entertained by the volunteers. 
 “She’s very happy here. They asked her where she lived and for the first time she gave them my address, which was shocking,” Mendolia said. “I brought her here to socialize and to give me a break. This is my saving grace. This gets you through.”

Farmingdale adult day care helps community

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Editor's note: All week long, Brittany Wait is profiling people around Farmingdale, from community leaders to residents she bumps into around town. 
 Ten women, ages 64 to 88, have discussed short stories at the Farmingdale Public Library each Monday for the past decade. 
 Barbara Torrance, 88, of Farmingdale, is one of them. She worked at the library from 1964 to 1994 as a part-time clerk and head of its processing department. Now she gets out of the house to meet with the other women and to read for at least two hours a week. 
 How long have you lived in Farmingdale? 
 I’ve lived in Farmingdale since 1952. My three children have gone completely through the school system. My eldest daughter attended six different schools in Farmingdale. I have three girls. I did want a boy, but I told my husband, who’s a big baseball fan, three strikes and you’re out. 
 When you moved here, what was it like? 
 It was like country. We had no mail delivery. I walked into town every day to pick up the mail at the post office. The first block of Main Street had houses. They built my block [Sunset Avenue], but across the street were all woods and a few houses down the road. It was really nice. 
 What made you want to stay all these years? 
 My husband, Thomas, who passed away last June, never really wanted to live in Farmingdale. He wanted to move somewhere else, but he worked in Farmingdale, so we stayed. 
 What did your husband do for a living? 
 He worked for City of Glass [a commercial greenhouse and retail store] on Melville Road for many years and then worked for Republic Aviation Corporation. 
 How have you seen the community change throughout the years? 
 Well, we built a lot of schools in the district, so that was a big change for the area. The Main Street school they closed down and they built Woodward Parkway, which was close to us. And then after that, they built Parkway Oaks, East Memorial and Northside. They built a lot of schools in Farmingdale, year by year, as the population grew. The taxes went up, absolutely. Our mortgage payment when we bought our house was $64 a month and that included our property taxes. 
 What do you remember of the public library? 
 Significantly, the library changed a lot. When I came to Farmingdale the library was in a small storefront down on North Main Street in the village and it moved from there into the Main Street school for about two or three years, while they were building [out] South Farmingdale. The Library Café was the old library on Main Street. 
 What challenges does this community face now? 
 They face the challenge of the tax situation. The schools have a lot to deal with. We have a lot of immigrants that have come into the Main Street area. That’s a challenge for the schools and educationally they’re trying to do the best they can for their kids and the money is becoming shorter and shorter. The state mandates so many things that have to be taken care of and the schools have to pay for them. That’s a problem. My taxes run about $7,000 a year right now and I have a tiny Cape Cod. 
 Define the character of the community. 
 It is pretty middle class ... but the population has really changed. I love Farmingdale. I’ve been here a long time; It’s home to me. It’s near all the colleges, including Farmingdale State [College], the railroad station, Bethpage State Park and shopping.

Farmingdale people: Barbara Torrance

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Day 2 in Farmingdale kicks off with a stop at Paul Gatto’s art gallery on Main Street to see his latest work and to learn more about Farmingdale from the perspective of a local artist and longtime resident. 
 Did you know that the painting hanging from the wall at the side entrance of the Farmingdale Public Library is one of his works? 
 The painting depicts a colorful tree, which Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce president Debbie Podolski said is supposed to mirror the phrase “to grow is to know and to know is to grow.” 
 For lunch, I think I’ll try out the Library Café on Main Street. I’ve heard only good things. Can anyone suggest a scrumptious place to eat on Wednesday? 
 If it’s nice out, I’ll stop by The Village Green, which is across from Village Hall, and a popular place where many residents bring their lawn chairs to relax and read. 
 On Wednesday, I’ll be meeting with Farmingdale historian William Johnston at Village Hall and then head back to the library to look through its historical pictures archive. 
 On Thursday, I’ll sit down with Farmingdale school Superintendent John Lorentz, discussing the school system and his background. 
 Have any suggestions or comments? You can reach out to me by <a href="mailto:brittany.wait@newsday.com">email</a> or <a href="http://www.twitter.com/brittanywait">Twitter</a>, and also follow me throughout my week in Farmingdale on <a href="https://foursquare.com/brittanywait">Foursquare</a>.

Town Focus: Day 2 in Farmingdale

Editor's note: All week long, Brittany Wait is profiling people around Farmingdale, from community leaders to residents she bumps into around town. 
 Debbie Podolski, 57, of North Massapequa 
 Community associations: Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce president; on the Farmingdale Breakfast Rotary Club; director of the Farmingdale Public Library; on village’s Downtown Revitalization Committee. 
 Do you have your own business in the area? 
 No, I’m not a businessperson, so me being a chamber president is very interesting, but great because I don’t have an agenda. I just carry over what I do here at the library as being a resource for the community and to the chamber. When I talk to business people I’m not after business, I’m not there to get an account, I’m really there to serve them, which is the way I feel as director of the library. I serve the community. 
 How long have you been the chamber president? 
 Five years. 
 How long have you lived in Farmingdale? 
 Well, I live in North Massapequa, which is in the Farmingdale school District. I’ve lived here since 2003. 
 Tell me about your family. Are you married and do you have any children? 
 I was recently widowed. Last year, my husband died. Fred Podolski. I was married before that and I have a son, Erik Jaszcar, who is 33 and lives in Manhasset, which is where I used to live before coming to North Massapequa with Fred. 
 How did he die? 
 He had prostate cancer. He worked for Nassau BOCES and he died October 1, 2010. It was a second marriage for me and that’s a book [long story] -- that romance story and to have it cut short like that was devastating. 
 How long were you married? 
 Seven years. He is what brought me to this area. He actually encouraged me to accept a position here and I’ve been here [Farmingdale Public Library] for 10 years and it’s been great. When you come from different locations on Long Island you don’t really know about Farmingdale. It’s like the best-kept secret. 
 What made you join the chamber? 
 Honestly, somebody dragged me in. It’s very interesting. With all the organizations that I belong to, I think they thought because I was a librarian I could take good minutes, so in every organization I was picked secretary and I said I could do more than be secretary. I think people in those groups saw what I was capable of and they elected me president. 
 How many members are part of the chamber? 
 Now, we’re up to 200 members, which is phenomenal. Back in the heyday there were a lot of chamber members, and then as the economy waned it went down. When I first became president, we had about 160 and then it dropped to 140. Now, we’re back to 200 because we just did a great promotion of MapToons and we’re having a big event on Thursday night at 6 p.m. at the Bethpage Federal Credit Union to unveil the MapToons map. It’s a cartoony kind of map of Farmingdale. 
 Where are you going to put those maps? 
 There’s going to be a laminated map here at the library for people to see. We’re putting them in the schools and we’re distributing them around the community. 
 And what is that going to look like? 
 People pay to put their ads or their logos on the map and it’s a way for people to know where businesses are located and a way to promote them. 
 When you first moved here, what was notable about the community? 
 Oh, the library stands out. It’s such a resource in their community and it’s a credit to the people that helped get it built. It’s just such a beautiful building. The community is very large. There’s 41,000 people that belong to the Farmingdale School District and it’s still a great place for young families to move to. It’s still affordable, it’s convenient to transportation and the Bethpage State Park and the train station. 
 What is it that you love so much about the community? 
 The people here are really down-to-earth. They’re really house proud. They take care of their properties and anytime there’s a change in holiday the lights and decorations go up. It’s cute to see. There’s also something here for everybody. There’s so many sports and leagues for kids. 
 Tell me about the plan to revitalize Main Street. 
 The idea is to connect the train station area to Main Street because that’s the jewel in the crown. If you have proximity to the train station, that’s golden. The problem in Farmingdale was that once you got off the train station you didn’t know where you were. There was no retail, there was no commercial. There was an old warehouse, but it didn’t connect to Main Street and to all the businesses that are there. 
 What challenges do you think the community faces? 
 A lot of people don’t like change. They’re afraid that there’s going to be urbanization. People are afraid of who’s going to move in. Change is difficult, especially when you’ve lived here for 40 or 50 years and you’ve enjoyed the kind of lifestyle that was the reason you came out here, but you have to weigh change and your fears versus a downtown that’s deteriorating. A shot in the arm with new people coming in might be a good thing. 
 How would you define the character of the community? 
 The people here are very hardworking. They care about their community, they’re loyal to their community and they want the best for Farmingdale. I think they grew up here, they want to stay here, they want their children to stay here and they want the best for the community as a whole.

Farmingdale people: Civic leader Debbie Podolski

HlCHAMBER07

Monday, I start this month’s Town Focus series in Farmingdale, a village whose history dates back to 1687. 
 I’m beginning my week at the Farmingdale Public Library, where I will meet Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce President Debbie Podolski. 
 After that, I’ll be at the Farmingdale Adult Day Care Center, where I will meet its director, Brandi Fromm. The center, located at the United Methodist Church, provides a program for people 60 and over. 
 Later in the week, I’ll meet with representatives from the Farmingdale-Bethpage Historical Society, the school district and other groups that help define the community. 
 You can find me working from and roaming about town. Feel free to say hello or pass on a suggestion for someone to meet or something to cover in Farmingdale. 
 You can reach me on <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/brittanywait">Twitter</a>, send me an <a href="mailto:brittany.wait@newsday.com">email</a>, or comment on this post.

Town Focus: Day 1 in Farmingdale

Town Focus: Farmingdale 

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