Anthony Molligo’s Military Service Honored

Editor’s note: The following is an essay submitted by Anthony Molligo about his father, Anthony Molligo. This is part of a series of essays, which were submitted by our readership for the Anton Newspapers Military Heroes Essay Contest with the American Airpower Museum of East Farmingdale and The Collings Foundation. Essay winners recently flew in historic aircraft stationed at the American Airpower Museum.

My dad, Anthony Molligo, like the 1.7 million World War II veterans still alive today, rarely, if ever, speaks of his service during WWII. The few snippets he shares usually occur when we are watching old WWII movies together and he would open up and tell me “how things really were.”   

AAM Holds Blessing Of The Roses Ceremony

Five Pearl Harbor survivors in attendance

This year marked the 71st anniversary of the attacks on Pearl Harbor. The American Airpower Museum in East Farmingdale presented its annual Dropping of the Roses ceremony on Friday, Dec. 7, honoring five Pearl Harbor survivors present for the ceremonial blessing of the roses. Hundreds attended to pay honor and respect to those who perished and those who fought. 

This year, Richard Abeles, USS Dale; Gerard Barbosa, USS Raleigh; Bernard Berner, Schofield Barracks; Seymour Blutt, Hickam Field; and Michael Montelione, Schofield Barracks were the guests of honor. Remaining survivors on Long Island, like Frank Castronovo, of Elmont, were unable to attend, due to health issues. 

District’s Curriculum Associates Provide Updates

Kathleen Auer honored for lifesaving efforts

As 2012 draws to a close, it’s time for an update on what’s being done to ensure that Levittown students are getting the same education and opportunities their peers are elsewhere. To that end, each department sent their curriculum associate to the Board of Education meeting at the Levittown Memorial Education Center on Wednesday, Dec. 12.

The common theme was making sure subject matter measured up to the common core standards established by the state. An associate from math, English, social studies, science, world languages and art/technology each gave a brief presentation on what’s going on in their department.

Highlights include the creation of new student learning objectives (SLOs) in math to align with new APPR requirements and the creation of new baseline exams, which were administered in September. 

Levittown Schools Respond To Connecticut Shootings

Local officials, parents address safety concerns

News of the elementary school massacre in Newtown, CT, struck fear in parents around the world. Although 90 miles away from the tragedy, local schools, including those in the Levittown and Island Trees school districts, checked and rechecked their safety procedures and policies. 

“Over the weekend, I was in contact with our central administration team, principals, psychologists and social workers regarding strategies on how to best deal with this traumatic event,” said Levittown Schools Superintendent Dr. James Grossane in a statement. “Today, Monday, Dec. 17, all building principals reviewed the district safety plan and procedures with staff. This annually updated plan was developed in the aftermath of previous national tragedies with input from staff, community and law enforcement.  

Karen Lechner To Compete In AKC Obedience Invitational

Sit. Stay. Come. Heel. This December, Orlando, Florida will be filled with the most well-behaved, highly trained dogs in the nation, all vying for the top spot at the prestigious American Kennel Club National Obedience Invitational (NOI). Local resident, Karen Lechner and her Labrador retriever, Pepsi, will be among the contenders.  

State Comptroller Releases Hempstead Animal Shelter Audit

Report does not indicate any alleged animal cruelty

Costs, record keeping, overtime pay and administrative blunders are the major issues dominating the recently released audit of the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. After requests by residents, animal activists, former shelter volunteers, and Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice to State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, an investigation was ordered.

The shelter’s operating budget has been under much scrutiny compared to neighboring shelters. It functioned with an $8.8 million budget in 2012 and according to the audit.

DiNapoli’s office examined a fiscal period of Jan. 1, 2010 to Sept. 30, 2011, but later expanded its scope to 2007 through 2009. The audit found that operation costs exceeded other shelters, like Islip and Brookhaven, which are similar in size. Total cost per animal in at the Hempstead location was $1,916; a dollar amount town officials are disputing.

The Knights Of Pythias Fraternal Organization 148th Anniversary

Congressman Peter T. King Presents American Flag

With 40,000 thousand members worldwide, and 18,000 thousand members just in New York alone, the Knights of Pythias is a fraternal organization , that participates in an immeasurable ense amount of charitiescharity, a, as well as raising e money to help organizations, as well as helpingand its members who are in need. This year marks the 148th anniversary of the organization.

The Knights of Pythias was founded in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 19, 1864. Members worldwide are involved in their community. Along with being an international fraternity, it is one based on charity, principle, friendship, and benevolence. The Knights are dedicated to universal peace.

John DiBartolo’s Military Service Honored

Editor’s note: The following is an essay submitted by Josephine Detz about her father, Pfc. John G. DiBartolo. This is part of a series of essays, which were submitted by our readership for the Anton Newspapers Military Heroes Essay Contest with the American Airpower Museum of East Farmingdale and The Collings Foundation. Essay winners recently flew in historic aircraft stationed at the American Airpower Museum.

In My Father’s Footsteps

This journey I have embarked upon started Jan. 29, 2000. My father’s journey began on April 3, 1943, his first day in the U.S. Army.

In his service diary he wrote, “Last day in civilian life, will never forget that day for the rest of my life.” I wonder what he was thinking as he left his family and sweetheart, my mother. His name is John G. DiBartolo and he was only 19 years old.

I was only too happy to make a donation for the building of the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. I wanted to honor my dad by registering his name; I did not want him to be left out. After doing so, I became more and more curious about exactly where he was and what battles he fought in while in Europe. So I decided to try and find out but had no idea at the time all the research I was facing. I don’t think my dad knew exactly what he was in for when he was drafted. So now I began to take the same journey he took some 57 years ago.

Levittown Honors Veterans

Brady, Dell’Aera inducted into Hall of Honor

Veterans Day at Memorial Park was a success, considering the circumstances of the power outages from the hurricane and nor’easter. Town Supervisor Kate Murray was in attendance and Legislator Dennis Dunne gave the commemoration, surrounded by members of the local American Legion and VFW organizations. Many residents, including members of the fire department, were also in attendance, considering the post-storm conditions.

In addition, Assemblyman David McDonough held the 2nd Annual Veterans Hall of Honor at the Merrick Public Library just a couple of weeks before the Veterans Day holiday to honor veterans who go above and beyond the call of duty.

Lady Dragons Dig Pink

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness, the Division Avenue High School Volleyball Program held a “Dig Pink Breast Cancer Fundraiser.” The girls set their sights high with a goal to raise $1,000. With hard work and dedication, the girls reached their goal.

Prior to the games, the Lady Dragons volleyball teams sold baked goods and Hope wristbands. Due to their desire to find a cure for this disease, the girls were motivated to reach their goal and get everyone they knew involved.