A request for a special use permit to erect a public utility structure in Locust Valley is the subject of a Tuesday, May 19 public hearing by the Oyster Bay Town Board.

The applicants, Joseph Gallo and Maria Gallo and SMSA Limited Partnership, are seeking a special use permit to erect a public utility structure consisting of a 11 by 23-foot equipment building and a 104-foot high monopole antenna. The property is located in an ̉HÓ Light Industrial District on the south side of Elm Street approximately 236 feet west of Fourth Street in Locust Valley.

The meeting May 19 will be held in the hearing room of Town Hall East, Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Following regular town business, the town board will be available to listen to public comment on any subject.

Throughout the week of March 9-13, Locust Valley Middle and High School celebrated National Foreign Language Week. According to Maureen Appiarius, foreign language chairperson, the building was decorated with flags in both lobbies, "rendering the building a veritable United Nations Plaza." Posters espousing this year's theme of "Foreign Languages Expand Career Choices" made by students were seen throughout the building. Music by French, Spanish, Italian and other artists was piped through the school during passing time. Other highlights included two display cases, a French language train, student-generated French videos, a French poetry scavenger hunt, and a lively rendition of Volare performed by sixth-grade students over the morning announcements.

Each hallway was transformed into a Place de la Concord, or Via Veneto and every teacher dubbed senor, mademoiselle, or signorina via name plates affixed to their classroom doors. Miss Appiarius noted that overall, the week was a tremendous success. "We hoped to enlighten both students and staff to multiculturalism and our global environment," she said. "The value of second languages goes beyond that of college acceptance."

According to Miss Appiarius, the department realized its goal during the week, and will continue to champion the belief that languages are an integral part of education and careers.

Navy Seaman Andrew S. Hodyl, a 1990 graduate of Locust Valley High School recently received the Battle Efficiency Ribbon (Battle "E") while on a six-month deployment to the Arabian Gulf aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington.

The ribbon recognizes Hodyl's contribution in the selection of his ship as the recipient of the US Atlantic Fleet Battle Excellence Award. The Battle "E" award is given annually by the Commander of the US Atlantic Fleet to each class of naval ship that sustains or improves its combat readiness.

Hodyl's ship earned the award for exhibiting excellence in all areas of shipboard operation, including navigation, strategic and tactical mission, engineering, medical readiness, supply and communications.

Aircraft carriers, like USS George Washington, are forward deployed around the world to maintain a US presence and provide rapid response in times of crisis. They serve as a highly visible deterrent to would-be aggressors, and if deterrence fails, offer the most versatile and powerful weapons available.

He joined the Navy in October 1996. Hodyl is a graduate of the University of Florida, Gainesville FL, with a BA degree.

Four schools from across Long Island recently participated in the 9th annual Moot Court Competition, held at Locust Valley High School. Students argued many civil cases concerning torts such as search and seizure, separation of church and state, due process, book banning and freedom of speech.

Eight attorneys from the area rated each team in 10 categories, including creativity, credibility of the witness, strategy and tactics, and legal vocabulary usage. Participating high schools that visited Locust Valley were Great Neck South, Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK and W. Tresper Clarke. Prior to the competition two other schools withdrew from the tournament leaving Locust Valley to create two additional "B" teams to participate. According to David Ethe, Locust Valley social studies department leader, the "B" teams did an excellent job with little time to prepare for their cases. In each case, students had 15 minutes to prepare for their opening statement, direct examination, cross examination and closing statement.

The Locust Valley team comprised of Richard Arcati, Ryan Bathie, Kristen Buffa, Amanda Francis, Nicki Japra, Ruchita Japra, Andrea Kasparov, Bryan Markowski, Nick Melillo, Tipper Reilly, Marisa Sotomayer and Eric Willenbacher was awarded a 1st place plaque for the triumph. Anthony Perrone, Locust Valley High School Moot Court Club Advisor, assisted the club in training for the competition.

The Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club Juniormints and Peppermints held a discussion group on the changing role of women in comtemporary society on Thursday, March 5. This forum was held in honor of Myra Sadker Day; Myra Sadker was a pioneer in researching the differences between men and women.

Frequently, the female club members ask about the organization's name: Boys & Girls Club. They feel we should be referred to as the Girls & Boys Club. When they learned that this club was once known only as the Boys Club, they were shocked. Their surprise is evidence of a changing society, one where females find themselves having the same opportunities as males.

When the girls were polled on their career aspirations they gave answers like lawyer, doctor, pilot and even president of the United States. Years ago, these goals would have been almost impossible to attain; it is refreshing to see female youth setting their goals high and knowing that determination and hard work will make their dreams a reality.

The Juniormints is a club for female members ages seven and eight; and the Peppermints is for female members ages 9-12. Both groups meet weekly to participate in activities like field trips, cooking classes and discussion groups. For information on upcoming Juniormint and Peppermint activities, call Suzy Barclay at 676-1460.