State Announces Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program

Great Appliance Swap Out Ends This Weekend

Last year, residents were able to trade in their clunker and get a credit toward a new car in the government’s cash for clunkers program.

This time, the clunker program is focusing on appliances. As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is eligible to receive $18.7 million to provide cash rebates to New York residents who purchase high-efficiency appliances.

TOB Welcomes New Councilwoman

Rebecca Alesia Appointed to Town Board

Rebecca Alesia joined the Oyster Bay Town Board on Feb. 9.

Alesia, an attorney, is a strong fiscal conservative with a background in planning, zoning and land use, both through her educational studies and job experience. She has a bachelor of arts in urban studies, which is the study of how planning, economics and sociology can build a better community.

Michael Montesano Wins 15th A.D. Special Election

A special election was held in the 15th New York State Assembly District (A.D.) Feb. 9. Over 5,400 residents turned out to vote with Republican Michael Montesano of Glen Head defeating Democrat Matt Meng of East Norwich. Montesano, who also ran on the Conservative and Independence Party lines, received 3,868 votes; Meng received 1,539 votes.

Legislator Peter J. Schmitt Advises Nassau County Legislature to Rescind Raises

Yatauro Accuses him of Stalling, Criticizes His Plan for Repeal   

After facing a hail of criticism and a possible legal action, Presiding Officer Peter J. Schmitt decided to ask that the pay raises for the Nassau County Legislature’s three top legislative leaders be rescinded. Schmitt had proposed the raises originally.

Board, Teachers Agree on New Contract

After working since July 1, 2009 without a contract, the Plainview Old Bethpage Board of Education voted 5-2 on Monday, Jan. 25 to approve new contracts for the Plainview Old Bethpage Congress of Teachers. This decision came after much debate.

Democrats Blast Pay Stipend Increase Approved by Republican Legislators

Overall Salary Increase for Top County Leaders

On Monday, Jan. 25, at the first meeting of the Nassau County Legislature, that body voted to give pay raises to its three legislative leaders: Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt, Deputy Presiding Officer John Ciotti and Minority Leader Diane Yatauro. The pay raise vote went along party lines, with 11 Republicans voting for the raise, and eight Democrats in opposition.

Superintendent Gerard Dempsey Honored as One of Nassau BOCES Influential Individuals

One of Only 13 Chosen

The Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District is proud to announce that Superintendent Gerard W. Dempsey, Jr. has been honored with the Nassau BOCES Education Partner Award.

Nassau County Looks to Provide Earthquake Relief

County Executive Announces Way to Send Aid

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano announced that the county plans on sending aid to Haiti, which was devastated by an earthquake. Mangano set up a phone number for people to call to ways in which to help the people of Haiti, many of which have ties to residents of Nassau County.

Three POBJFKHS Students Announced as Intel Semifinalists

Three students at Plainview Old Bethpage JFK High School were recently named Intel semifinalists. The students are all part of the independent research program at POBJFKHS and they all worked with mentors at SUNY Stony Brook.

Stories That Made Headlines in 2009

Continuing with tradition, here are the Plainview-Old Bethpage Herald’s top stories of 2009, as selected by the editor. They are listed here in no particular order. Due to space constraints, not all information can be included in this list. We encourage residents to write or e-mail in their top stories of the year. E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or send comments to the Plainview-Old Bethpage Herald at 132 East Second Street, Mineola, NY 11501.