TNH Planting Seeds For Greener Lifestyle
Written by Cory Twibell Friday, 12 October 2012 00:00
New Community Center showcases sustainable energy resources
“Going green” is a commonly overheard phrase in this economy, but the Town of North Hempstead and its newly opened “Yes We Can” Community Center in New Cassel can claim it has already gone green – and won’t be looking back anytime soon.On Oct. 4, members of the Long Island Green Homes Consortium were treated to a tour of the platinum LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design standards set through the U.S. Green Building Council) building, which celebrated its grand opening in September and features myriad state-of-the-art features that will likely be utilized in local buildings and homes in the near future.
The “Yes We Can” Community Center features water-efficient practices that reduce the amount of water used within the building by more than 64 percent. Solar panels, efficient lighting, ground-source heating and air conditioning and a solar carport combine to reduce the overall energy cost by at least 30 percent, according to the town.
North Hempstead recently teamed with the New York State Energy Research and Development Agency (NYSERDA), Green Jobs Green New York and Home Performance with ENERGY STAR so residents can retrofit homes to reduce energy costs and improve energy efficiency, as seen in the 60,000-square-foot Community Center.
“The goal of the Consortium is to reduce energy costs and usage for Long Island homeowners by helping them get comprehensive home energy audits and make cost effective energy upgrades to their home. As energy prices rise, this investment makes even more sense,” according to Long Island Green Homes’ website, which cited a 2008 Long Island Index study that stated more than 75 percent of Long Islanders have already invested in more insulation for their homes.
Long Island Green Homes Consortium, which consists of the Town of North Hempstead and six other municipalities on Long Island, noted that participating residents in one town saved approximately $1,084 on average in one year. The Consortium added that programs are open to all Long Islanders, regardless of what town, city or village in which they live.
“Improve the value of your home and save money, while you help bolster Long Island’s economy and create green jobs. The more we all save on energy bills, the more money stays on Long Island, boosting our local economy,” according to the Consortium.
For more information, visit www.longislandgreenhomes.org or call the town’s 311 hotline.
News
Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00
In what is hoped to be a step forward for the Westbury School District’s ongoing search for a superintendent, the board of education voted to terminate its contract with search firm Hazard, Young, Attea. However, questions still remain. Will the board continue the search with another firm? Will the board conduct the search themselves? Will it consider current Interim Superintendent Mary Lagnado for the position? And of course, how long will the process take before a permanent superintendent is named?
Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00
The Westbury Board of Trustees has decided to grant Avanti a special use cabaret permit for a probationary six months.
The club had its permit rescinded six weeks ago after being in violation of several conditions, including noise and not reporting police activity. It now is required to operate under stricter conditions, including revised operating hours (they can be open until1 a.m. Sunday to
Wednesday and until 2 am. Thursday to Saturday) and having to keep a log book of any police activity. Much of the debate over Avanti had to do with an advertisement that promoted an event of a sexual nature. Club owner Barry Ceriano insisted that nothing of such a nature happened at Avanti and he was unaware of the ads, however the mayor said that the advertisement itself was in violation of the club’s permit and that the owner was responsible for all events that went on in his club. In that strain, the new permit includes a condition that says “applicant shall be responsible for any and all activities or events occurring at the premises. In the event that the applicant uses or engages the service of a booking agent, event planner, promoter…applicant shall use a written contract…and shall remain responsible and liable for any and all violations of the permit.” The following condition also says “any advertisement…of any event at the Premises, that advertises or promotes an event that would be a violation of this Permit and conditions, is itself a violation.”
Sports
Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00
Carle Place softball avenges semi-final loss to Locust Valley
Avenging the previous day’s loss and moving themselves one step closer to a possible county title, the Carle Place Frogs Softball team beat out the Locust Valley Falcons Wednesday, May 15 in a game two rematch for the Nassau County Class B Semi-Final, 12-3.
Friday, 17 May 2013 00:00
Westbury Okinawan Karate recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary of coming to the Westbury Recreation Center. Since then, the dojo has trained 250 students, ages six and up, in the art of karate with the style of traditional Okinawan ShorinRyu Shidokan.
Founded by sensei John Power, the classes seek to instill the confidence and strength needed to obtain success in everyday life.
“A lot of kids are lacking confidence,” said Power. “We let them practice leadership in the class and this contributes to their confidence.
Calendar
Kevin James At NYCB - May 30
Car Show And Wash - June 1
The Price Is Right - June 2
Columns
Building Better Legislators
Written by Michael A. Miller, Millercolumn@optimum.net
Quietly Vindicated
Written by Mike Barry, MFBarry@optonline.net
Health Insurance Crisis Still Here
Written by Michael A. Miller, Millercolumn@optimum.net
