Syosset Holds Board Meeting

At the Monday, Oct. 19 Syosset Central School District Board of Education meeting, the board celebrated Columbus Day a little late. Third graders from every elementary school in the district performed a short play about the life of Christopher Columbus, complete with two songs. While some of the performers needed a little prompting to remember their lines, the play was a huge success; it was very close to standing-room only in the South Woods Middle School auditorium. There was also plenty of enthusiasm for Board of Education Appreciation Week.

Nassau Red Cross Offers Tips for Caring for Someone With the Flu

With the H1N1 (swine flu) virus spreading and seasonal flu season upon us, the American Red Cross is offering important tips for people who are sick or are taking care of someone with the flu.

“It’s important to know what to do to protect yourself and others when you are taking care of someone who has the flu,” said Sharon Stanley, chief nurse and director, Red Cross Disaster Health and Mental Health Services.

Syosset Holds Board Meeting

On Monday, Sept. 21 at the Syosset Central School Board of Education Meeting, Dr. Herman jokingly reminded everyone that Dancing With the Stars was on at nine o’clock. The joke got plenty of laughs, but considering how fast the board flew through voting on more than 30 resolutions, everyone in attendance probably got home in time for the show. Considering that the meeting itself contained not one but two dance numbers from the Syosset High School dance program, this was an impressive feat.

Farm Stands Offer Local Produce

The Long Island Farm Bureau (LIFB) is promoting locally grown produce and local farm stands that sell it. Local residents have two nearby options with farm stands located in Old Brookville and Woodbury.

Youngs Farmstand is located on Hegeman’s Lane in Old Brookville (626-3955). They offer locally grown products including corn, tomatoes, squash, peaches, strawberries, raspberries, beans, peppers, homemade pies, breads, soups, jams, chicken pot pie and also a country gift shop. They are open from February 14 through December 2 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sundays.

Grand Opening Held at Jericho’s Equestrian Center at Old Mill

40-Acre Property Purchased Through Environmental Bond Act

Earlier this week, Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi announced the formal opening of the 40-acre property, formerly known as the Old Mill Horse Farm and newly named the Equestrian Center at Old Mill, located at 62 Route 106 in Jericho, just north of the Long Island Expressway.

The property, which was acquired by Nassau County in October 2008 for $12 million under the $150 million 2006 Environmental Bond Act, incorporates a comprehensive and affordable equestrian center designed for use by the general public.

Students Named Semifinalists in Merit Scholarship Competition

Syosset Central School District announced the four Syosset High School students who were named 2010 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists: Ross Berger, Ben Lederman, Jennifer Matte and John Sullivan.

More than 1.5 million entrants in over 21,000 U.S. high schools nationwide entered the 2009 Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). The highest scorers in each state were designated semifinalists, in numbers representing less than one percent of each state’s high school graduating class. This year 16,000 were selected as semifinalists. About 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to become Merit finalists, making them eligible to receive college scholarships.

Teachers, Students Dedicate a Habitat for Humanity Home

Tina Springer and her two children, Amber, 14, and Hunter, 4, received the home they longed for in Bay Shore last week. Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk (HFHS) teachers and students from Syosset High School and volunteers who worked on the house, joined the Springer family for the dedication ceremony.

The Syosset Teachers Association decided to sponsor and build the Springer house after they recognized the success of their students in the Habitat Suffolk Student Build program. Construction began on Nov. 3, 2008 with 25 teachers and students. During the construction period, Syosset teachers and students were joined by additional volunteers from Long Island businesses, Henry Schein and Estee Lauder. “The Syosset students have participated in many of Habitat’s Student Build houses,” said Les Scheinfeld, associate director of Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk.

County Executive Suozzi Says No to Property Tax Increase

But Republicans Harp on New Taxes

Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi said it wasn’t easy but he has managed to propose a $2.617 billion budget for the 2010 fiscal year that doesn’t increase property taxes for Nassau County taxpayers. However, his critics say a new tax in the form of an Energy Tax that was imposed earlier this year is unfairly burdening taxpayers who are already paying hefty taxes.

Jericho Students Learning Valuable Lessons Outside of School

‘Erica’s Eradicators’ Fighting Juvenile Diabetes

Erica Leibowitz, a senior at Jericho High School, was diagnosed with diabetes at 7 years old and started her fundraising efforts 9 years ago.

Leibowitz has been a Youth Ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research foundation (JDRF) since she was diagnosed. As a Youth Ambassador, she volunteers her time creating awareness of diabetes by attending diabetes-related conferences and being an advocate for other young people with diabetes. In addition she participates in a variety of ways for fundraising events that JDRF sponsors.

Residents Enjoy Annual Syosset Street Fair

The Syosset Chamber of Commerce held its sixth annual Street Fair on Sunday, under sunny skies in Syosset. There was a great turnout with so many residents coming out to enjoy the festivities, shopping and entertainment on Jackson Avenue.

The kids enjoyed bouncy rides, pony rides, face painting and a train that ran up and down the streets throughout the festival as their parents shopped and ate with their choice of cuisine with so many booths.