ELDRED, NY — During his first meeting as Town of Highland supervisor, John Pizzolato held up a portrait of the late Marion O’Neill.

His agenda for the January 2 meeting, which was standing room only, included a name change to honor a great community leader who, with others, started the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Yulan. The Beautification/Renaissance Committee became the Marion O’Neill Beautification, Ceremonies, Heritage, and Culture Club. Its members include Karol Sundholm, Tim Oset, Roswell Hamrick, Darlene Haas, Maryanne Migliorino and Shane Pearson.

Fred Reber wrote a passage about O’Neill that Pizzolato read aloud. It said, in part: “Marion O’Neil was an Irish Bronx bred girl who made a life in Yulan for her and her children and the community was enriched by her presence” (see sidebar for the full passage).

Newly elected officials were also sworn in at the meeting, new committee appointments introduced, and, at the end, refreshment served. There were some changes and additions to the town’s committee roster.

Most notable was the renaming of the reconstituted Energy & Environment Committee to the Energy & Environment Committee and Community Outreach. Its members are Carol Roig and Paula Campbell, with Brandi Merolla, a member of the Tusten Energy Committee, the special community liaison.

A committee was established to work on the town’s comprehensive plan, with members Heather Jacksy, Carol Roig, Scott Hallock, Dawn Payne, Matt Nelson, Sonia Kidney and Laura Silverman.

Frank Monteleone and Bernie Kozykowski joined the planning board as alternates, and Debra Conway took on the role of town historian. 

Gerard Finn was appointed to the Board of Assessment Review.

Newly elected councilperson Laura Burrell gives judge Meagan Galligan a big hug after being sworn in.

Highland residents were in the house at the standing-room-only reorganizational meeting.

Judge Meagan Galligan swears in board newcomer Tom Migliorino.

Councilman Jim Akt was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Chris Tambini, who resigned in December.

Supreme Court Justice Meagan Galligan, center, left, administers the oath of office to Highland Highway Superintendent Joe Barnes.