Waiting For The Union’s Call; TOB Still Willing To Negotiate

With layoffs on the table, Supervisor Venditto leaves the door open for union negotiations

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto is still struggling to solve the town’s cash flow problems. To solve the TOB budget problems he needs union concessions or the town workers will experience layoffs.

Finding a solution began with a retirement offer which included $1,000 for each year of service which was accepted by 89 employees whose last day with the town was Aug. 30. They will receive the funds in a single payment at the end of October. It will be paid with a $7.5 million 10-year bond. The payment included any unused or sick days owed. The workers are guaranteed health care for life and for a surviving spouse, for five years (this is not a reduction or increase, but the same as the current contract).

POB CSD Congratulates National Merit Semifinalists

The Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District has announced that four John F. Kennedy High School (POBJFK) students have been named National Merit Semi-Finalists for the 2012-2013 school year.

Redistricting Commission Announces Hearing Dates

Commissioners attempt to move forward in a bipartisan way; League of Women Voters advocates nonpartisan process

While the previous meeting of the Nassau County Temporary Redistricting Advisory Commission on Thursday, June 28 was somewhat contentious, the mood at the latest meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 5 was very different, with both Democratic and Republican commissioners largely agreeing on most points raised. The commission announced the times and locations of the first round of public hearings on the 2013 redistricting, intended to solicit feedback from residents before the drawing of the new district map, then discussed the logistics of future hearings.

The four public hearings scheduled so far will take place Thursday, Sept. 20 at Long Beach City Hall at 6 p.m.; Monday, Sept. 24 at Elmont Public Library at 7 p.m.; Thursday, Sept. 27 at Glen Cove Landing School at 6 p.m.; and Wednesday, Oct. 3 at the Nassau County Legislative Chambers in Mineola at 6 p.m.

Superintendent Sets Agenda For 2012-13

Dr. Lewis outlines priorities at back-to-school board of education meeting

The first school board meeting of the academic year for the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School district opened with song: POB JFK High School students sang accomplished renditions of the both the national anthem and “God Bless America,” to the appreciation of many parents and other residents in attendance.

Before getting down to business, board member Gary Bettan was pleased to report that in the first game of the season, the POB Hawks football team pulled off a stunning upset victory against Freeport, which earned the team a lot of recognition not only locally, but all over the Island. Bettan also announced that homecoming weekend will be Oct. 13.

Blast From The Past: Islanders Open Team Store At Cantiague

Championship teams from 1980-83 practiced at Nassau County’s Cantiague Park

During the four years that the New York Islanders practiced at Nassau County’s Cantiague Park in the early 1980s, the organization took home four Stanley Cups.

The team, following its last Stanley Cup title in 1983, relocated to several different practice rinks throughout Long Island but hasn’t been able to recapture the magic of those Cantiague teams since.

Plainview Water District Participates In NYS’s Best Tasting Water Competition

District participates after being awarded title of “Best Tasting Water” in NY regional competitions

The Plainview Water District recently participated in the New York State Finals of the Best Tasting Water Competition. After being honored with the prestigious title of “Best Tasting Drinking Water” in Nassau County and the Downstate New York region, the district competed against the finest regional water service providers from all across the state.

“Throughout the summer, it was an honor to be recognized by the residents of our community and region for our dedication and commitment to excellence,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Andrew Bader. “This was a fantastic experience because we were able to use this opportunity as a platform to educate our consumers on what it takes to provide the cleanest and best tasting drinking water.”

Court Declares MTA Payroll Tax Unconstitutional

Transportation authority to appeal decision

The Metropolitan Transit Authority stands to lose about $1.5 billion in revenue per year after a New York State Supreme Court judge ruled on Wednesday, Aug. 22 that the MTA payroll tax is unconstitutional. The MTA plans to appeal the decision made by Judge R. Bruce Cozzens Jr., according to a statement released last week.

This didn’t stop local officials from calling the ruling a “win for taxpayers” during a press conference last Thursday. Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, along with numerous members of local and state government, were out in full force to applaud the decision, and plead to the powers that be to not grant a successful MTA appeal.

Local Performers Start Teens 4 Theater

Four students introduce the joy of musical theater to small children through song, dance and games

Talking with Jenna, Rachel, Alexa and Jennifer— the four girls who make up the new nonprofit performance group Teens 4 Theater— it’s hard to believe that this is a group of one 14-year-old and three 13-year-olds, respectively. These young ladies present themselves with the self-assurance and poise of older teens, yet somehow remain perfectly warm and genuine, without an ounce of pretension. They could just be unusually mature for their age, but according to the girls, it’s their shared interest in theater that gives them confidence, something they are working to share with younger children.

The group, who met performing together at Cultural Arts Playhouse (CAP) in Plainview, just performed their first two routines for preschoolers at two Imagine Early Learning Center locations, Islip and Holtsville. The group got its start when Jenna and Rachel’s mother, Dale Goerke (also an employee of Imagine Learning Center) suggested that the girls perform for the preschoolers in August, which is National Music Month for preschools.

Residents Criticize Proposed Charter School

Speakers at Jericho School District’s forum on proposed Doshi STEM Charter School largely disapprove of the project

Most of the residents who attended the Jericho School District public forum on a proposed STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) charter school on the SUNY Old Westbury Campus on Tuesday, Aug. 14 voiced strong opposition to the proposed school. They were on the same page as the Jericho Board of Education, which had voted unanimously at the regular meeting before the forum to oppose the creation of the school.

Superintendent Henry Grishman noted that his main concern with what is being called the Doshi STEM Charter School, and charter schools in general, is how the schools are funded under state law.

Retired Plainview Teacher Continues To Support His Students

Joel Rauch to donate percentage of tutoring earnings to P.S. 19 in Corona, Queens

Joel Rauch of Plainview may have retired from teaching elementary school in Corona, Queens this past June, but he’s not quite done looking out for the kids of Corona. In addition to seeing to it that many of the programs started at the school during his tenure are continued, he also plans to donate 18 percent (or the lucky number chai in Hebrew) of the money he makes from private tutoring to the school. The money will go to special education programs and a Children of Corona scholarship fund.

“I have this emotional attachment to this school, and that’s not going to leave, so I’m desperately trying to find ways to support the community and the kids— especially the special ed kids,” said Rauch.