Multiple FD’s Extinguish Large House Fire

The Plainview Fire Department received a call for a house fire on Brook Path on Tuesday, March 20 at 11:07 p.m. After activating the department, the dispatcher received multiple calls reporting a house fire and notified the responding chiefs. Upon arrival, Engine 9503 found heavy fire in the rear and the corner of a single story 100-by-60 private dwelling.

Firefighters encountered two main problems. First, siding on the neighboring house was melting and burning due to the radiant heat. Second, the primary electrical line to the house was beginning to detach itself from the house, creating a very hazardous condition.

Town of Oyster Bay Joins the County’s Natural Gas Contract

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano on March 20 announced that the latest municipality to benefit from Nassau County’s low-cost natural gas contract is the Town of Oyster Bay, which expects to generate significant savings on the natural gas it uses to heat several of its facilities and, soon, to power its sanitation fleet.

“This is another home run for county-wide taxpayer savings,” Mangano said. “We’re working hard on collaborative initiatives like this one which helps residents of other municipalities, because in the end it benefits all county residents.”

SPECIAL REPORT: ATTACK OF THE PINK SLIME

Dangerous beef filler might be in our kids’ school cafeterias

An Anton Newspapers investigation into a national story that impacts our local schools

Have you ever wondered what’s in that hamburger patty they are serving up in your child’s school? You may be surprised to learn that it might not be pure beef, but meat with filler known as “pink slime.”

Consumer food activists and high-profile chefs have been campaigning against the use of this product often found in fast food, and McDonalds, Taco Bell and Burger King have now all discontinued using pink slime. However, this year the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has plans to purchase millions of pounds of the “Lean Finely Textured Beef” (aka pink slime) for the National School Lunch Program. This cost-cutting measure once used for prisoners is now being used for school lunches around the country.

Bethpage Time Travels To the 1800s

Residents enjoy horse-pulled wagons, Irish step dance music in re-imagined 19th century town

The First Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration was held at Old Bethpage Village Restoration on Saturday, March 10.  Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano hosted the event, which featured Donny Golden Irish Step Dancers, music by the Celtic rock band Finn’s Fury, horse wagon rides around the restoration and a variety of Irish themed goods, food and entertainment.

Mangano was joined by his wife Lisa Mangano, and Commissioner of the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums, Carnell T. Foskey.

Casino Royale Night at Temple Beth Elohim

Casino Royale gained literary notoriety in 1953 when the novel introduced the world to James Bond.  On Saturday evening, March 31 at 7 p.m. at 926 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage, Temple Beth Elohim is creating a modern day Casino Royale fundraiser that will include casino tables, blackjack, roulette, craps, slot machines and Texas Hold’em. In addition to the colorful casino ambience there will be a silent auction including wonderful vacation packages, sports tickets and goods and services from around the community and beyond.

County Legislature Approves New Police Precinct Plan

First, Fifth, Sixth and Eighth Precincts to be downsized as negotiations continue

Valley Stream resident Milagros Vincente clutched her daughter as the Nassau County Legislature voted 10-9 to realign four of its eight police precincts on Monday, March 5. She echoed sentiments of dozens of residents, business owners and police in attendance that opposed the plan from its inception.

The plan will alter the First, Fifth, Sixth and Eighth Precincts. The county has been trying to erase a $310 million deficit in 2012 and touted this plan as a step in the direction of eliminating it. In 2011, the deficit totaled $145 million.

Plainview School Board Discusses Technological Initiatives

Details on department-by-department budget numbers combed

After being presented with an overview of the first draft of the 2012-2013 school budget on Feb. 27, members of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Board of Education began going through the numbers, department-by-department, at the latest meeting on Monday, March 5. In general, while most departments covered thus far are projected to see only small increases or reductions from last year, the intention to provide students with access to new technologies accounts for modest increases in some areas.

During the usual slate of announcements, Assistant Superintendent Ryan Ruf acknowledged that Kim Parahus, director of School Facilities and Operations (Buildings and Grounds) was recently named a VIP Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW). Parahus later provided information on the Buildings and Grounds budget for next year, as well as planned capital projects, in great detail.

POB Presents First Draft of 2012-2013 Budget

First look shows no cut in instructional programs

On Monday, Feb. 27, members of the Plainview-Old Bethpage (POB) Board of Education got their first look at the proposed 2012-2013 school budget. With a total figure of $137,018,011, the proposal calls for a 2.1 percent increase over last year’s budget, while maintaining all instructional programs. While the board expressed approval with the budget so far, members discussed several concerns with the purchasing of certain instructional materials—concerns that may end up affecting the final budget that residents will vote on this May.

NCPD Precinct Closure Plan Vote Postponed

Negotiations to close four station houses continue between County Executive and PBA

No vote was taken on Monday, Feb. 27, on the plan to close four Nassau County police precincts and convert them into Community Policing Centers.

The Nassau County Legislature’s Republican majority had hoped for such a vote, one that would close the First and Fifth and Sixth and Eighth precincts. However, according to a spokeswoman for Presiding Officer Peter J. Schmitt (R-Massapequa), County Executive Edward P. Mangano asked the legislature to delay the vote for at least a week, while his office remains in negotiations over unspecified issues with the Police Benevolent Association (PBA).

Breathing Easy: The Gary Klausner Story

Plainview resident going strong 13 years after double lung transplant

 On the surface, Gary Klausner lives the typical life of a Plainview resident. A wife, two kids. Works in sales. It is what’s beneath the surface, however, that truly tells his story.

Gary is 47 years old, and has only had his lungs for 13. He is a double lung transplant recipient, the result of his battle with cystic fibrosis. When he was first diagnosed, life expectancy for those afflicted was 16 years. Now it is 35.

Gary almost became a statistic. Now, he is a survivor.