Despite the big ice storm, the annual Republican Inaugural Ball went ahead as planned Friday night at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury with a significant turnout, according to people who attended.
The Nassau GOP committee honored John Duer, head of the Nassau Sheriff’s Officers Association; Angelo Catalano, chairman of the firefighters' museum in Mitchel Field; and developer Scott Rechler, who returned from Australia in time to attend the party. Former U.S. Sen. Alfonse D’Amato appeared on a humorous video shown at the party about Rechler possibly being stuck across the world.
Mondello also had a birthday cake for Nassau Independence Party Chairman Bobby Kumar, and led the singing of happy birthday, urging the patrons to join in.
Celeste Hadrick
The Republican’s honoring of Reckler makes some observers wonder whether his proposed Nassau Coliseum redevelopment project, with partner Charles Wang, will sail through the zoning and building approval process in Republican-controlled Hempstead Town.
Meanwhile, Duer’s honor led the Nassau Police Benevolent Association, which is at odds with the sheriffs association, to boycott the event.