July 7, 2014

Legislator Jacobs Attends Dedication Ceremony for Sandy Hook Victim

The dedication of Maddie’s Playground on the grounds of the United Methodist Church of Woodbury honored the memory of Madeline (known as Maddie) Feng Hsu, a victim of the horrific tragedy which occurred one and one half years ago in December of 2012, at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Connecticut.

Maddie’s immediate family still resides in Newtown, but her Great Aunt Dorothy McGough and her family reside in Woodbury. Maddie always played on the playground whenever she came to visit Long Island. Therefore Dorothy’s son Mat thought this would be so very meaningful to bring smiles to children’s faces out of an unspeakable tragedy. The family reached out to Legislator Judy Jacobs for assistance and for the last four months they have all worked tirelessly to bring this dream to reality.

From County Executive Ed Mangano, to theDepartment of Public Works, to numerous garden centers such as Meyers Farm, Hicks Nurseries, Dodds and Eder, Martin Viette, the Nassau County Police Department, the Connecticut State Trooper who stayed with the family, the therapy dog and trainers who helped the families, the Police Bagpiper Leo O’Hara, family and friends, the Nassau County 2nd Precinct, there were few dry eyes and deep emotions.

Legislator Judy Jacobs and Legislator Rose Marie Walker unveiling the Maddie’s Playground sign on the grounds of the United Methodist Church of Woodbury	Pictured left to right is a Connecticut State Trooper, Dorothy McGough, Mat McGough, Legislator Judy Jacobs, Legislator Rose Marie Walker, Nassau County Police Officer of the 2nd Precinct. In the center are a few of the children who attended the ceremony, including Mat McGough’s children and Legislator Jacobs’ grandchildren