Padavan Party A Night to Remember



What pairs together Mayor Mike Bloomberg with bagpipes?

It sounds like a riddle or a joke, but in fact, a cocktail party thrown on Long Island Wednesday was a bittersweet affair.

Bayside-area State Senator of 38 years, Frank Padavan, R-Bellerose, was thrown a send-off at Leonard's of Great Neck that drew a procession of elected officials accompanied by the NYPD Pipe and Drum Corps.

"Frank is loved by the community, there's no denying it," said Bloomberg of the guest of honor.

Padavan lost an election to hold his seat this past November to former City Councilman Tony Avella, and is serving his last few days in office.

Padavan was serenaded by Alexandria Dunne of the Bayside Historical Society, who sung the Nat King Cole tune "Unforgettable."

Guests of the party thrown by photo-journalist and political gossip columnist Dee Richard, were treated to music and comedy.

"Frank's been around since George Clinton, the first Governor of New York," roasted Sen. Martin Golden, R-Brooklyn. The crowd, which erupted into laughter, was not offended.

Messages of thanks came in from all over Queens as all three Queens Republican Council Members, Dan Halloran, R-Whitestone, Eric Ulrich, R-Ozone Park, and Peter Koo, R-Flushing, presented Padavan with a council proclamation in "Recognition of Service" to the community.

 "I'm not going anywhere, anytime," said Padavan at the conclusion of the evening. "You need me, and I'll be there." The crowd gave a standing ovation.