Elmont Health Center Dedicates Bench to Community Member

On Wednesday, April 16, Harmony Healthcare Long Island held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to reveal their new and improved location in Elmont. 

The health center also partnered with the Elmont Chamber of Commerce to honor community member and former editor of the Elmont Herald, Rita Mezzapelle, by dedicating a bench in her honor. 

The event included speeches from Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages, Nassau County Deputy Commissioner of Health Dr. Andrew Knecht, and Town of Hempstead Councilman Thomas Muscarella. 

Sr. Evelyn Lamoureux, who previously served as the Coordinator of Human Services at St. Boniface Church, celebrated Mezzapelle in her speech. 

When the county attempted to close the health center in the 1980s, Mezzapelle fought to keep it open. 

“Rita's determination and advocacy, along with many members of this community, eventually convinced the county to reconsider their decision, resulting in the reopening of the Elmont Health Center at its current location,” said Sr. Evelyn. 

The bench’s dedication reads, “In honor of Rita N. Mezzapelle. Beloved Elmont resident and community activist, whose efforts are seen in this community health center and Elmont Library.” 

“As we dedicate this bench, I see it as a fitting reminder of the role of the Elmont Health Center in this community. A bench is a place of welcome where individuals share and are listened to, are comforted and healed,” said Sr. Evelyn. “That is what happens here.”