Elmont remembers a friend and leader

The March 3 "State of Elmont" event was about more than just planning for the future, it was also about recognizing those who helped Elmont in the past.

The late Frank Ragona, who was president of the Elmont school board until his death late last year, was honored with the dedication of a new chair in the Elmont Library theater and a brief ceremony at the event.

Ragona's friend and colleague Pat Nicolosi said a few words honoring Ragona, a man he remembered as caring deeply for the community at large, and especially for the educational lives of the students he worked with.

The chair dedicated to Ragona will be permanently installed in the library with a plaque denoting its importance, and a brief message about the important role Ragona played in the community at large.

During the event, local representatives, John Ciotti, Vincent Muscarella and Ed Ambrosino announced that there will be a citizenship award, named for Ragona, given out each year in his honor.