Pictured: L-R: Christopher Dalton (Chief of Staff Sen. Steven Rhoads’ Office); Leg. Rose Marie Walker; WCF Pres. Barbara Hoerner; Leg. John R. Ferretti, Jr.; Village of Farmingdale Mayor Ralph Ekstrand; Village of Farmingdale Trustee Cheryl Parisi
In 1912, a math teacher from Woodstock, Vermont, who also taught English at Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn, moved to the Village of Farmingdale to “retire” and ended up leaving a monumental legacy. At the age of 60, Abigail E. Leonard built a home on Hallock Street and called it “Aftermath.” Ms. Leonard was the guiding force that led to dozens of improvements and innovative accomplishments. To name a few, she encouraged local citizens to join her in the fight for the adoption of home mail delivery, street signs, milk delivery and garbage collection. She sponsored the first school nurse, high school business courses, Youth Council and Adult Education. She was the first woman to serve on the Farmingdale Board of Education and while serving helped form the local PTA. In 1913, together with the wives of some of the prominent men in the village, they formed the Women’s Club of Farmingdale (WCF). In 1915 she became their president and served in that office for ten years. Then in 1923 she co-founded the existing Farmingdale Public Library (together with Jesse Merritt) which this year is celebrating 100 years. In 1920, a scholarship award was established in her name and has been presented to a deserving Farmingdale High School senior every year since.
L-R: Cathy Sewell, WCF Treasurer; TOB Supervisor Joseph Saladino; WCF Pres. Barbara Hoerner, WCF Auditor Ann Lomonte
On April 6, the Women’s Club of Farmingdale celebrated this momentous occasion at Palmer’s American Grille, Farmingdale. President Barbara Hoerner welcomed Christopher Dalton, Chief of Staff for NYS Sen. Steven Rhoads, TOB Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Leg. Rose Marie Walker, Leg. John R. Ferretti, Jr., Village of Farmingdale Mayor Ralph Ekstrand and Village of Farmingdale Trustee Cheryl Parisi (also a WCF member). Each one presented the club with a beautiful proclamation extolling the club’s numerous accomplishments and contributions both locally and internationally. Past President Maria Ortolani and her committee and advisors, Ann Lomonte, Fran Rotondo, Tina Diamond and Barbara Hoerner, arranged a memorable commemoration which included a lovely lunch, birthday cake and keepsake souvenir which guests and legislators received. Kudos to the wonderful staff at Palmer’s for a delicious lunch and impeccable service.
Group Photo of Members of the WCF (many others not shown)
The Women’s Club of Farmingdale, a local philanthropic organization, is always interested in welcoming new members. A famous quote, attributed to Mohammed Ali, says it all: “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” For more information, please email: lodaromanelli@gmail.com.
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