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DECEMBER 28, 2023 - JANUARY 3, 2024
Vol. 89 No. 1
HERALD PERSON oF THE YEAR JAcques Butler
A champion for the community What’s INSIDE
Freeport School Board celebrates end of year Page 21
NJROTC excels in their annual inspection Page 3
A lookback at Freeport's greatest hits of 2023 Page x
Butler, epitomizes community impact. His dedicated service weaves a tapestry of civic leadership through Freeport. By Mohamed Farghaly
Freeport resident Jacques Butler is a testament to the power of community involvement. A commissioner of the village Housing Authority, a past member of the Freeport Community Development Agency and the president of Freeport PAL Soccer, Butler has had a wide-ranging impact on the village that has grown out of his dedicated service to it. “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Jacques Butler for over 10 years,” Mayor Robert Kennedy said. “He has proven to be an asset to the entire community. Jacques has volunteered his time and professional experience to several non-profit organizations in Freeport, and continues to work with the acques Freeport Little League every summer. Butler I look forward to a continued relationship with him for the future.” certainly has For his service to the village, the a big heart for Herald is proud to name Butler its 2023 Person of the Year. the Freeport Butler moved to Freeport with his community. family in 1999. The spark that ignited his commitment to the community’s John hrvatin welfare came from an unexpected executive director, source — the Freeport Recreation Freeport Housing Center Kiddie Club, a soccer program Authority for 3 and 4 year olds. “My daughter started to interact with other people,” Butler recalled. “We got into soccer, Freeport PAL soccer. I would bring my daughter to participate, and the main coach at that time suggested, ‘Why don’t you become a coach?’ I said, ‘Well, I don’t know about soccer, but all right for my kid. I’ll be here anyway.’ Little did I know, I ended up as the president of the U18 travel team soccer club and intramural program.” Under Butler’s leadership, Freeport PAL Soccer has flourished for 14 years, giving hundreds of children the chance to engage in sports and recreation, irrespective of their backgrounds or skill levels. Beyond the soccer field, Butler’s commitment to the village extended into broader community-development initiatives. A stint with the Freeport Community Development Agency exposed him to the intricacies of leveraging grants and block funds from the federal Department of Housing and Urban De-
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For BrEAKING NEWS go to liherald.com
velopment and Nassau County to address issues like blighted housing. “I like to serve people, and try to help people who would have no other avenue to turn to,” Butler said. “That’s always a great feeling for me.” As a Housing Authority commissioner, he is committed to enhancing residents’ quality of life. He played a pivotal role in the unveiling of a new administration building, contributing insights on running internet wires underground for a more efficient setup. “Butler is a valuable member of the team, and he brings a sense of community leadership to the Housing Authority,” its executive director, John Hrvatin, said. “His business acumen is phenomenal. Jacques Butler certainly has a big heart for the Freeport community.” Butler’s multifaceted experience makes him something of a Continued on page 2 Courtesy Jacques Butler
Jacques Butler, a dedicated community leader in Freeport, exemplifies the transformative power of community involvement and selfless service. Butler and head trainer Victor Avwontom with the village U9 boys travel soccer team. Butler is the Herald’s 2023 Person of the Year.