Letter: Gratitude For Old Westbury Residents

Anton Community Newspapers • 132 East 2nd Street • Mineola, NY 11501 • Phone: 516-747-8282 • FAX: 516-742-5867

Letter: Gratitude For Old Westbury Residents

Friday, 01 February 2013 00:00

I wanted to write to thank fellow Old Westbury area residents that generously gave of their time and means to help impact thousands of hurting kids this Christmas. Together, we were able to pack 15,255 shoeboxes—filled with toys, school supplies and basic necessities—for Operation Christmas Child. Our packed shoebox gifts, joined by millions of others, were shipped to needy children in 100 countries. During the 2012 collection season, Operation Christmas Child reached a milestone—more than 100 million children have been impacted by the power of a simple gift since 1993.

I would like to thank the volunteers at our local collection sites and all those who packed an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift. For many of the children who receive these gifts, this shoebox will be the first gift they have ever received.

Although our local drop-off locations in the Old Westbury-area are closed, gifts are received year-round at Samaritan’s Purse by mailing them to 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, N.C., 28607.

There are also year-round volunteer opportunities available to serve with Operation Christmas Child. Find out how you can use your gifts and talents to make a difference in children’s lives around the world by visiting www.samaritanspurse.org or by calling the Northeast regional office at (518) 437-0690.

Thank you again to everyone who participated in this project. A simple gift, packed with love, can communicate hope and transform the lives of children worldwide.

Gaye Newlun

Northeast Regional Director

Operation Christmas Child

News

BOE Nixes Contract With Search Firm

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?

Avanti Granted Permit

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

Frogs Eat Falcons

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.

Okinawan Karate Celebrates 10 Years

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.