Ex-Sewanhaka Educator Appointed BSD Superintendent

Richard S. Rozakis starts July 1

When Garden City resident Richard S. Rozakis was recently approved to the appointment of superintendent of schools for the Babylon School District, it was the culmination of a 29-year climb up the ladder in the field of education. After starting out as a social studies teacher in the Sewanhaka Central school district, Rozakis’ career path took him through stops as an assistant principal at New Hyde Park Memorial High School, a principal at Glen Head’s North Shore High School and his current job as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High school district. It’s a journey he felt drawn to dating back to his time growing up in Elmont.

“I think I had wanted to be a teacher back when I was a kid helping my friends do their homework, teaching them how to tell time—doing things that I didn’t even know was teaching at the time,” he recollected. “I taught in my church when I was an older teenager. I was always like that and it always felt like it was a natural thing for me to do. Then I went through the whole ladder of education, [eventually] hitting every rung.”

SPECIAL REPORT: THE FIRST OF A THREE-PART SERIES: Just One Pill

Forget dealers—new generation of addicts goes straight for the medicine cabinets

The 10th-grader selected her favorite color. It was a very simple task that she and most young people have probably done countless times before. However, this time, the stakes were never higher. She was not choosing a color for a blouse, a cell phone case or curtains for her bedroom. Instead, she was selecting a pill from a menagerie of narcotics that her peers had brought to a “pharm party” – an alarming and frightening phenomenon that’s been making a comeback among teenagers throughout Long Island.

Nassau GOP Calls Dem’s ‘Quid Pro Quo’ Illegal

Republicans call on DA to investigate Democrat’s demand of independent redistricting for bond approval

Nassau County Attorney John Ciampoli revealed at a press conference on April 26 that he asked District Attorney Kathleen Rice to investigate if all nine Democratic county legislators engaged in criminal activity. He cited the Democrats threat of refusing to vote on bond approvals if a compromise on redistricting is not reached.

The county attorney read a Dec. 15, 2011 correspondence from Democratic Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams, which was also signed by the other eight minority legislators, advising County Executive Ed Mangano that, “we cannot in good conscience consider any borrowing requests for any purpose until we arrive at a satisfactory resolution of legislative redistricting.” The county is looking to borrow up to $140 million, which requires a super majority (13 of 19) vote from the legislature.

Feisty Felines Served Eviction Notice From Hempstead

Town plans to move Newbridge Road Park cat colony starting May 1

Cats are known as reserved, independent, yet loving creatures. But when it comes to feral cats, special treatment is needed because they are difficult to control. The Town of Hempstead will attempt to handle a hairy situation concerning a group of felines in a town park. Are they up to the task?

Animal activists and cat rescuers berated the Hempstead Town Board on April 24 for its plan to move a feral cat colony from its location at Newbridge Road Park in Bellmore. The relocation process begins May 1, when the town would start to move feeding stations about a quarter-mile away from the current spot.

Martins Gives Keynote Speech At Model UN Conference

More than 300 students participate in debate

The Sewanhaka Central High School District “SIDMUN” Model UN conference was held last weekend from April 20-22. The annual conference is an eagerly awaited forum by students who debate world issues during a daylong conference moderated, developed and chaired by high school students.

Senator Jack Martins visited Model UN committees, listened to debates and helped open the “SIDMUN” Model UN conference at Floral Park Memorial High School (FPMHS). The conference hosts Floral Park Memorial, Sewanhaka, Carey, Elmont Memorial (EMHS) and New Hyde Park High Schools.

TVT Exclusive: Swastikas Found On Car, House In West Hempstead

Police would not confirm nor deny if recent Mineola incidents are linked

Friday the 13th is known for horror movies and bad luck. On Friday, April 13, it took on a new meaning…an unwarranted statement of hate.

Graffiti, specifically swastikas, have been an issue in Nassau County recently. Mineola was hit with a spree in February, with 11 incidents spread across the village and at least one symbol slapped on Chaminade High School. Last Friday, the markings reached West Hempstead.

MADD Holds Annual Law Enforcement Recognition Luncheon

Police officer George Pribyl honored by organization

Annually, the Long Island chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) holds a prestigious luncheon to honor Long Island law enforcement, including officers, attorneys and local citizens, who display an extraordinary commitment against the drunk driving plight. On March 22, for the fifth year, MADD gave several special awards, along with recognition of the outstanding dedication to DWI enforcement, prosecution and education that the law enforcement professionals have shown.

Following a bagpipe presentation by Sergeant Todd Bennett of the Southampton Town Police Department, a brief invocation was given by Bishop Robert W. Harris and  generous welcomes from MADD Victim Advocate and event chairwoman Margaret Rebholz and Senior Development Officer Rori Fleshel.

Storefronts To Make Way For Walgreens In Elmont

Shopping center to be demolished after zoning board approval

Residents, business owners and customers were out in droves against it. More than 600 individual petitions were presented to the powers that be to prevent it…but it wasn’t enough.

Walgreens is coming to town.

Residents Pack Library For 3on3 Planning Session

Volunteers hash out details for annual sports day event

Volunteers from Elmont, Franklin Square, South Floral Park, Bellerose Terrace, New Hyde Park, Floral Park and North Valley Stream jammed the Elmont Library on Saturday, April 7 for a planning session of the Martins Classic 3on3 Basketball Tournament. The tournament is in its ninth year and is being sponsored by State Senator Jack Martins.

Joining him in sponsoring the event is State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos. The tournament is being held at Dutch Broadway School in Elmont on July 14. The raindate is July 15.

Hempstead Animal Shelter Involved in Second Lawsuit

New Hyde Park, Baldwin-based attorneys to challenge actions of town in court

Two years. It’s been two years since the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter (TOHAS) banned three former employees prompting a lawsuit; one year since the shelter director was “reassigned” after a 20-year old YouTube video showcased her cheering the euthanasia of a cat and less than a month since a second suit was filed against the town, citing violations of the municipal law.

When will it all end? You be the judge. The town has been entrenched in one lawsuit and now, two more lawyers are jumping into the fray.