Mid Hudson Times Dec. 27 2017 | Page 4

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Mid Hudson Times , Wednesday , December 27 , 2017

Neptune Diner closes after 35 years

The Neptune Diner served its last customer on Christmas Eve .

Continued from page 1 Marines , many of whom became regular supporters of the restaurant . Generations of kids remember enjoying toys from the diner ’ s toy castle , specially made by a local retired carpenter . For Spina , the diner was about “ nurturing the community . I ’ m a giver , and I love it .”

A prospective buyer had been going back and forth over purchasing the property for eight months , but it wasn ’ t until early December that Spina got word that the land and building were being purchased and that Neptune would need to close in a couple of weeks . Facing the reality of the restaurant ’ s end proved to be difficult for her and the staff , many of whom have worked there since its opening 35 years ago .

“ You have to be here to understand : the customers , the hugging , the crying ,” explained Spina . “ We ’ re just grieving .”

The Mid Hudson Times spoke with Spina at the Neptune Diner this past Friday , as a steady stream of regulars

Continued from page 1 Monticello will be acceptable to the commission in support of his candidacy in Newburgh .”

However , Mills said the city would have to wait for an answer from the state Civil Service Commission and the Office of Commission Operations and Municipal Assistance . “ There ’ s nothing for us to do ,” Murphy declared . “ At this point and time , we ’ ve responded .”

Murphy asked Mills how long she thought it might take to receive a response back from the state . “ They could not give me a timeframe ,” she said . Mills noted that she received the letter from Ciaravino only days prior . came in for one last meal , saying goodbyes to Spina and other staff members . It was an emotional time , and Spina admitted it was hard to think about the future . But even then , she remained optimistic . “ I have a lot of passions as a human being . I love my gardening , organizing , volunteering … The whole world is going to be open to me .” Spina mentioned plans for a future vacation with her daughters , who haven ’ t taken a vacation together in 18 years . As always , Spina is dedicated to remaining involved in the community .

“ I live in this community , and I will remain in this community , and help in any way I can ,” said Spina . “ My journey continues .”

To her customers , Spina is grateful for the impact they have had on her life . “ I want to thank them for all the years and all the memories . Watching them grow and all their stories ; watching their kids grow … I just want to thank them , for being a part of my life and allowing me to be a part of their life ,” said Spina .

Police chief job in limbo , again

Solomon worked as a police officer , lieutenant and police chief in the Village of Monticello , where he served for more than 20 years . In March 2012 , he began serving as police chief in the City of Beacon . Ciaravino said Solomon had worked in diverse communities , earning a 2010 achievement award from the NAACP of Sullivan County .

At a Newburgh City Hall on Dec . 11 ., the city manager described Solomon as “ imminently qualified ” and “ eager to establish residency in the City of Newburgh .”

The civil service commission is expected to meet again on Jan . 17 .

In Brief

City council swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Monday

Three , new Newburgh City Council members will be sworn-in at an induction ceremony , held at the City of Newburgh Activity Center on Monday , Jan . 1 . The event begins at 1 p . m .

The three new council members will include Jonathan Jacobson , Ramona Monteverde and Patty Sofokles . The City of Newburgh Activity Center is located at 401 Washington Street .

ShotSpotter , neighbors help nab shooter

A City of Newburgh man was arrested following a shooting that took place in broad day light in the area of South Lander and Carson Avenue last week . There were no reported injuries .

The shooting occurred at approximately 1:20 p . m . on Dec . 19 , according to City of Newburgh police , who received several calls from neighbors and a notification from the city ’ s newly-purchased ShotSpotter gunshot-identification system .

City of Newburgh resident Jawkaan Kenney , 33 , was later arrested and charged with first-degree reckless endangerment and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon . Kenney was located in a backyard area between Overlook Place and Carson Avenue , according to police .

Man charged with possessing loaded gun

A City of Newburgh man was sentenced by Orange County Court Judge Craig Stephen Brown on Friday to 10 years in state prison and five years of post-release supervision for having possessed a loaded . 32 caliber semi-automatic pistol .

Davion Fryar , 19 , pled guilty to criminal possession of a weapon in November for possessing the loaded gun on February 12 in the vicinity of Henry and Liberty streets in the City of Newburgh .

Fryar ’ s arrest was the result of an investigation into a non-fatal shooting that occurred at that location . The investigation was conducted by Newburgh City Police with an Orange County District Attorney ’ s Office criminal investigator hired through a grant from the state Division of Criminal Justice Services .

The grant was designed to place additional resources into the investigation of non-fatal shootings in Newburgh and to research and develop best practices in the investigation of those crimes .

This was the second case where a felony arrest has been made through collaborative investigative efforts by Newburgh Police and the DA ’ s Office .

The weapon had been recovered by New York Parole officers during a home visit to Fryar ’ s residence in March .