New East Rockaway coalition names officers

The Coalition for Youth in East Rockaway took its first major steps on May 20 by electing its steering committee officers, announcing the appointment of its first task force team leader, adopting its mission statement, and authorizing such basic items as opening a bank account and a post office box. CFYER was officially formed on April 29,

PTA activist and CYO volleyball coach Theresa Barto was elected coordinator at the May 20 meeting.

“I wanted to focus our mission statement on our goals, while making sure we include not only the youth but the entire community of East Rockaway,” said Barto, who worked on the statement along with core group members Cathy Tierney, Paula Cerasoli, Richard Meagher and Kristin Kosloff. “An integral part of the statement was the word ‘respect.’ Teaching the youth respect, I believe, will begin our process of healing within the community.”

Married for sixteen years to her husband, Michael, the Bartos have three children: Kathleen, 15, Melissa, 13 and Christian, 10.

Michael Cilluffo was elected First Vice Coordinator and currently serves in an administrative capacity for the NYC Family Court after having been a court officer. His expertise is in Juvenile Delinquency and Child Protection. Mike and Dineen have three children who currently attend the high school, middle school, and grammar school. Cilluffo currently coaches in the East Rockaway Baseball League and previously coached CYO softball. He wants to “address the needs of our children and assist them in becoming productive young adults.”

Registered Nurse Patty Seifert was elected Second Vice Coordinator. Patty was the first female Captain in the East Rockaway Fire Department, leading the Rescue Squad for three years. She is currently head advisor for the East Rockaway Junior Fire Department. The Seiferts have a daughter at East Rockaway High School and a son who is graduating from Centre Avenue Elementary. Seifert said she has seen firsthand the effects of alcohol and drug use among the youth here, and believes her experience would be an asset to the coalition.