Levittown, IT School Districts Budgets Pass; Incumbents Re-Elected

Neighboring school districts also pass

On Tuesday, May 15, Levittown School District residents took to the polls throughout the district, resulting in an approved 2012-13 school budget with the breakdown being 2,545—yes, and 1,386—no.

This year’s budget offered to voters totaled $189,996,581. The district’s budget-to-budget increase is down 4 percent. The district also offered a 1.85 percent tax levy, less than the state’s allowable cap.

Kiwanis President Delivers Supplies To Jamaican School

Inspired by her time at NYD Kiwanis Mid-Winter Conference, Levittown Kiwanis President Ann Torcivia decided to incorporate her business as a travel agent into her Kiwanis work serving the children of the world. After contacting the Discovery Bay Kiwanis Club in Jamaica regarding their effort to support the island nation’s school children, Torcivia asked clients traveling with her to Jamaica to bring school supplies for the needy.

As Torcivia put out the word that she was looking for school supplies, the Bowling Green K-Kids responded by holding a club school supply collection drive. Torcivia also received items from Kiwanians from several clubs in the Long Island South Central Division.

James Walker Memorial Planned For May 18

“James Michael Walker, a devastating loss; I try to say to myself it’s not what could have been so let’s talk about what he was,” is how Phil Walker describes the death of his 26-year-old son.

Walker was struck by a car while crossing a Bay Shore street on Sunday, Oct. 16. He later passed away at Southside Hospital after remaining in critical condition for five days.

Exclusive: More Veterans’ Names Released For Cremains Burial May 19

(Editor’s Note: This is an extended list of the cremains to be interred on Saturday, May 19 at the Long Island National Cemetery. The original exclusive article appeared in the Friday, April 27 edition of the Farmingdale Observer and online at www.antonnews.com.)

On Saturday, May 19, Long Island veteran organizations and funeral homes are set to give proper military burials to more than 50 unclaimed veterans’ cremated remains.

SPECIAL REPORT: THE FIRST OF A THREE-PART SERIES: Just One Pill

Forget dealers—new generation of addicts goes straight for the medicine cabinets

The 10th-grader selected her favorite color. It was a very simple task that she and most young people have probably done countless times before. However, this time, the stakes were never higher. She was not choosing a color for a blouse, a cell phone case or curtains for her bedroom. Instead, she was selecting a pill from a menagerie of narcotics that her peers had brought to a “pharm party” – an alarming and frightening phenomenon that’s been making a comeback among teenagers throughout Long Island.

Nassau GOP Calls Dem’s ‘Quid Pro Quo’ Illegal

Republicans call on DA to investigate Democrat’s demand of independent redistricting for bond approval

Nassau County Attorney John Ciampoli revealed at a press conference on April 26 that he asked District Attorney Kathleen Rice to investigate if all nine Democratic county legislators engaged in criminal activity. He cited the Democrats threat of refusing to vote on bond approvals if a compromise on redistricting is not reached.

The county attorney read a Dec. 15, 2011 correspondence from Democratic Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams, which was also signed by the other eight minority legislators, advising County Executive Ed Mangano that, “we cannot in good conscience consider any borrowing requests for any purpose until we arrive at a satisfactory resolution of legislative redistricting.” The county is looking to borrow up to $140 million, which requires a super majority (13 of 19) vote from the legislature.

Proper Military Burial For More Than 50 Veterans

Booth: Long Island's largest unclaimed

veteran cremain burial service

On Saturday, May 19, Long Island veteran organizations and funeral homes are set to give proper military burials to more than 50 unclaimed veterans’ cremated remains.

The funeral procession will assemble near exit 49 on the Long Island Expressway at 8 a.m. on Armed Forces Day and travel to Long Island National Cemetery at 2040 Wellwood Avenue in Farmingdale, led by Patriot Guard and Legion Riders for a 9 a.m. military honors burial service.

Environmental Art Contest For Water Wise Land Use

Anton, Fluhr, Gulotta invited as guest judges

Art entries are being sought for a first annual Art Contest and Wine for Water Wise Land Use Party on June 14 at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. The contest and party is being hosted by Nassau County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) as part of the celebration of their 35th year working to protect and improve local natural resources.

Board member Jaime Van Dyke Doran said, “The art contest and party is an innovative way to raise a little money and bring a ton of focus to local environmental activities. The money raised will help us build sustainable gardens and support educational programs. Artists from all parts of the county have been entering their work from photographs of local landscapes to paintings of local wildlife.”

MADD Holds Law Enforcement Recognition Luncheon

Annually, the Long Island chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) holds a prestigious luncheon to honor Long Island law enforcement, including officers, attorneys and local citizens, who display an extraordinary commitment against the drunk driving plight. On March 22, for the fifth year, MADD gave several special awards, along with recognition of the outstanding dedication to DWI enforcement, prosecution and education that the law enforcement professionals have shown.

Following a bagpipe presentation by Sergeant Todd Bennett of the Southampton Town Police Department, a brief invocation was given by Bishop Robert W. Harris and  generous welcomes from MADD Victim Advocate and event chairwoman Margaret Rebholz and Senior Development Officer Rori Fleshel.

Island Trees Holds Town Hall Meeting

Eighth Precinct officers meet with residents about local crime trends, precinct closure

The most recent Island Trees Town Hall meeting, on April 3, was in response to a growing concern from members of the community, business owners, board of education members, school administrators and staff about safety of the community and the well-being of many of the Island Trees youth. More than 65 people were in attendance, with special guest speakers from the Nassau County Police Department’s Eighth Precinct.

Island Trees Superintendent Dr. Charles Murphy opened the meeting by noting the large turnout, considering the generous weather, and it being a Tuesday night. He acknowledged the apparent need for more conversation about drug use that had carried over from the previous town hall meeting on Oct. 11, which was heavily shadowed by the death of a recent 2010 Island Trees High School graduate, from an alleged drug overdose.