Farmingdale Mayor's Round-Up: Solar Energy Company Coming To Town

Farmingdale NY

06 November, 2020

3:54 PM

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FARMINGDALE, NY — Two members of the Farmingdale community were recently recognized, and a solar energy company will soon open, according to Farmingdale Village Mayor Ralph Ekstrand in his latest update. Farmingdale Village trustee Cheryl Parise was recognized among the New York state Senate's "Women of Distinction." State Senator Kevin Thomas presented Parise the award. "We truly appreciate Cheryl's steadfast dedication and wonderful contributions to the Village of Farmingdale," Ekstrand wrote. "Congratulations on behalf of the residents, merchants and your fellow Village Board members!" Joe Fortuna, who owns The Nutty Irishman and 317 Main Street, has been named the Farmingdale Outstanding Businessperson of the Year by the village's chamber of commerce. Fortuna is an active member of the Chamber of Commerce and chairs the Farmingdale Village Merchants Association, according to Ekstrand. "Joe is an exceptional leader in our local community, that plans and partners with local business owners and officials to bring events to the Village of Farmingdale such as the 'Winter Wonderland,' 'Halloween Parade' and 'Music on Main,'" Ekstrand said. Fortuna works with organizations and community members in need and proudly hosts St. Baldrick's events. During the coronavirus pandemic, Fortuna secured a grant for St. Kilian's Church and also raised thousands of dollars for "Feeding Farmingdale," a program created and executed by 317 Main Street to help community members in need. "On behalf of the Farmingdale Village Board of Trustees, we thank Joe and congratulate him on this prestigious award," the mayor said. The winners of the Farmingdale Halloween House Decorating Contest were named: Homes on Woodward Parkway, Plainview Road, Eagle Lane and Conklin Street were deemed by fellow residents to have the spookiest homes. Trustee Walter Priestly organized the event. EmPower Solar, a solar energy company, recently opened at 1000 Fulton Street. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for noon Thursday to celebrate the grand opening. Le Petit Café held its own ribbon-cutting at noon Friday to celebrate its successful re-brand into a café-bakery hybrid. The eatery is owned by Kristina Grimes, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America.