East Atlantic Beach Community Leader Honored by Town

The Town of Hempstead recently honored an East Atlantic Beach resident who established a post-Sandy headquarters at a community beach house so supplies could be distributed.

John Colletti, president of the East Atlantic Beach Taxpayers Association, was among 12 Hempstead residents at the 17th Annual Make a Difference Awards. Several recipients, such as Colletti and Meadowmere Park Fire Chief Kevin Carrero, went above and beyond to help others in the wake of Sandy.

“Every year we gather to honor the unsung heroes who strive to improve their communities and help their fellow citizens,” Town Supervisor Kate Murray said.

Hundreds of nominations were received for this award.

Here’s what the Town of Hempstead had to say about the East Atlantic Beach resident:

“Hard times don’t create heroes. It is during the hard times when the ‘hero’ within us is created.” The man who spoke those eloquent words is Former Alabama Gov. Bob Riley, who knows a thing or two about recovering from devastating storms, namely Hurricane Katrina. Standing before us tonight is a man who embodies that quote, John Colletti, president of the East Atlantic Beach Taxpayers Association.

As soon as Superstorm Sandy struck his beautiful shorefront community, John Colletti went to work to protect his fellow neighbors and restore his beloved hometown. John established post-storm headquarters at a community beach house, offering neighbors a safe haven to gather and pick up supplies. John also assembled a group of volunteers to gather and distribute supplies to neighbors in need. Additionally, he ensured that the community’s elderly residents were checked on and assisted in the aftermath of the storm.

As a staunch advocate for his fellow neighbors, John relentlessly called LIPA to ensure that their neighborhood would not be forgotten regarding the restoration of power.

To ensure safety and wellness of their neighbors, John and his fellow board members went door to door, inspecting homes and marking those that were too damaged for LIPA to restore electricity.

He worked in partnership with town officials throughout the winter to clean up and safeguard the beach in time for the summer season. John also worked with the town to orchestrate a volunteer effort to plant protective dune grass that was donated by the town.

Storm or no storm, John continually seeks out new, up and coming leaders to contribute to the tight-knit community. He generates excitement by organizing free summer concerts, movie nights, youth field days and other fun family activities.

A year-round advocate for his East Atlantic Beach neighbors through good times and bad, John’s heroism shined brightly through Sandy’s dark, cloudy aftermath.

Tonight, we are proud to present John Colletti with the 2013 Town of Hempstead Make a Difference Award.