Mangano & Friendly's Announce Sponsorship Of County's Successful Summer Recreation Program And Ten Children

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano was joined by Friendly’s franchisee and J&B Restaurant Partners CFO Jerry Snearly, and the Senior Vice President of Operations, Greg Alagna, in East Meadow as they announced Friendly’s sponsorship of Nassau County’s Summer Recreation Program, as well as the sponsorship of ten children. The sponsorship of the ten children and the program itself is part of Friendly’s “Random Acts of Friendlyness” campaign that was initiated in late April of this year to celebrate 40 years of family fun here on Long Island.

“I would like to thank Friendly’s and J&B Restaurant Partners for their support of our successful summer recreation program and the ten lucky children,” said County Executive Mangano. “In harsh economic times, it is encouraging when we see businesses thriving, employing our residents and contributing to the communities in which they serve. Friendly’s and J&B Restaurant Partners are good corporate citizens and I commend them for their commitment to the people of this great county.”

“J&B and Friendly’s are very proud of what we stand for in many communities throughout Nassau County,” said Joe Vitrano, J&B Restaurant Partners President and CEO. “40 years of serving those communities has been a privilege and now to be able to send ten children to Nassau County's summer recreation program is an honor.”

Nassau County’s Summer Recreation Program, which begins on July 5th, is for children ages five to 12, operates in four County parks: Cantiague in Hicksville; Eisenhower in East Meadow; Nickerson Beach in Lido; and Wantagh in Wantagh. Parents can choose between two sessions for their children: either 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We have nearly 800 children signed up for our Summer Recreation Program this year,” said County Executive Mangano. “It is heartening to see such a strong response from our residents to this affordable and convenient summer program. It is a testament to how pleased the public was with the program last summer, which was the rollout year. ”

This year, the program has added swimming at three of the parks (with the exception of Eisenhower). Other activities include arts and crafts, board and recreational games, a range of athletic programs, and special events. Fees for the program range from $600 for one child for the shorter session to $750 for the full-day session, with discounts available for both sessions for additional children from the same family.

Registration at the Wantagh Park Summer Recreation Program is currently full but additional spots remain open at Cantiague in Hicksville; Eisenhower in East Meadow; and Nickerson Beach in Lido.

For more information about the program, call (516) 572-0245 or send an email to: avisconti@nassaucountyny.gov. For more information about the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums, call 516-572-0200 or visit the Parks Website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/parks.