TH Celebrates African-American History Month

Keynote Speaker Harold Ford Jr. Speaks About Promise for Country

The Town of Hempstead held its annual African American History Month celebration on Tuesday, honoring those of African-American heritage who continue to make important contributions to the community while paying homage to those who paved the way for the progress of the American culture.

Haiti Relief Efforts Still Ongoing

Haitian community leader David Duchatelier said that, from the reports he has been getting of the people in Haiti, it is a difficult situation as people are still not sure if some of the buildings are safe and have taken to living on the street and in parks. Back here, in Elmont, efforts are still ongoing to help the people of Haiti.

Nassau County Declares War on Heroin

At Least Four Die a Month to Use, Officials Say

The last words from a 20-year-old resident came from a text message sent to his dealer. It read, “i’m diggin’ this —— my dude, best I had in a while. 4 real. Save my number, peace.” That was sent before he was found by his mother dead in the bathtub.

Assembly Approves Legislation to Protect Individuals With Disabilities

Assemblyman Tom Alfano recently announced the passage of legislation that would create new class D and E felonies for paid or court-ordered caregivers who endanger the welfare of incompetent or disabled individuals (A.9534). Alfano called the measure “long overdue and an issue of social justice.”

Town Supervisor Plans to Seek Development of Coliseum Property

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray, joined by Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, has announced that she will propose a measure at the February 9 Town of Hempstead Board meeting that would “jump start” the development plan for 77 acres of land surrounding the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Murray’s vision for the site doesn’t quite call for a plan as extravagant as the “Lighthouse Project,” proposed by New York Islanders’ owner Charles Wang, but the supervisor feels it’s important to develop the site.

Rally to Roll Back the Raises

Organization Questions Town Procedure in Granting Raises

The Roll Back the Raises Campaign held a rally in front of Town of Hempstead Hall to lobby town officials to roll back the raises the town board granted themselves and Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray.

Sporting signs in protest of the raises, members of the campaign protested the way in which the raises were granted and the fact that they were granted during a difficult economic climate. One sign said, “7 to 10 Percent Raises in This Economy – Are You Serious?”

“People can’t take it anymore. They have had enough,” said Bob Young, one of the organizers of the Roll Back the Raises Campaign.

Astronaut Visits His Alma Mater

Dr. Massimino Returns Home To Carey High School

Since Dr. Michael J. Massimino graduated from H. Frank Carey High School in 1980, he has traveled far, about as far as you possibly can. Dr. Massimino is now a NASA astronaut who has traveled through space but he will always feels at home in Franklin Square.

On Friday, Jan. 29, Dr. Massimino was the guest speaker at two special assembly programs at Carey High School. Prior to the assembly program, Carey Principal Valerie Angelillo hosted a luncheon for Dr. Massimino. The luncheon was attended by Sewanhaka Central High School District Superintendent Warren A. Meierdiercks, assistant superintendent Dr. Linda Opyr, Sewanhaka Central High School District Board of Education President Jean Fichtl, board of education vice-president David T. Fowler, Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, NASA GSFCaGISS Educational Program Specialist Frank Scalzo and Valerie and Anthony Ribaudo.

Dr. Massimino’s favorite restaurant, Carmela’s Risotrante, provided the delicious luncheon in honor of Dr. Massimino and in memory of Anthony Calia.

Organization Aims to ‘Roll Back’ TOH Raises

Seeks to Put Raises on Election Ballot for Public Referendum

An organization plans on lobbying the Town of Hempstead Board to roll back raises that were granted recently by the board to Supervisor Kate Murray, Town Clerk Mark Bonilla and Town Board members.

Governor’s Budget Calls for Cuts in School Aid

Local School Districts to See Reductions

Governor David Paterson unveiled his executive state budget for 2010-2011 last week and it includes cuts in state aid to schools that may be felt in next year’s school budgets.

Elmont to Celebrate Black History Month

The Elmont community will be coming together on Saturday, Feb. 6 in the Elmont Memorial Library for the 7th Annual Elmont Online Black History Month Celebration. The event is a celebration in song and word of the great accomplishments and contributions that have been made for the betterment of society and this country.