Residents from East Rockaway, Oceanside and Island Park team with elected officials to provide meals to front-line workers

A host of business owners and elected officials teamed with a filmmaker on May 2 to deliver 300 meals to front-line workers who are treating those battling Covid-19.

EGP Land and Sea of Island Park and filmmaker and East Rockaway native John J. Budion joined with Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and Town Councilman Anthony D'Esposito to donate the meals, while Oceanside- and East Rockaway-based Flowers by Mike provided flower arrangements and Pop This NY gave them free popcorn. Budion directed the film “Rockaway,” which was based on his experiences growing up in East Rockaway.

“EGP Land and Sea is proud offer our gratitude to the medical professionals, restaurant staff, supermarket employees and all the other dedicated workers,” owner Tim O’Hagan said, according to a news release. “We couldn’t get through this crisis without all of their hard work and dedication.”

The free meals are being provided as part of EGP Land and Sea’s online “Dinner & Movie Night,” as participants are encouraged to head home with their meals and check out Budion’s movie, “Rockaway,” by clicking here.

“Our brave medical professionals, teachers, restaurant staff, grocery store employees and other front-line workers have been there for us day after day during this difficult time,” Clavin said. “Providing them with 300 free meals on this beautiful spring day is one small way that we can say thank you to all of the men and women who are helping our community remain safe and healthy.”

D'Esposito said that as an Island Park resident, he wasn't surprised to see EGP Land and Sea give back to the community.

“Supervisor Clavin and I are proud to partner with this great business and ‘Rockaway’ director John Budion to express our gratitude to all of those on the front line of the fight against Covid-19,” he said.

Courtesy Town of Hempstead; compiled by Mike Smollins.