Weitzman Redux?

Howard Weitzman decided he wasn’t done being Nassau County comptroller. 

Weitzman, who was county comptroller from 2001 to 2009, is running again for the position, saying that he can bring a much-needed transparency and change to Nassau County’s finances. 

Budget Up, Taxes Down

The proposed budget for the Westbury Public Library includes  a $31,000 increase, but taxpayers need not to worry: they will actually be paying less.

“We did really well this past year in terms of carefully saving money so we ended up with a surplus,” said library director Cathleen Towey. “Our board of trustees decided to take a certain amount of money from the surplus, to supplement the needs of the budget and keep costs low.”  

Local Talent: Kirk Larsen

Kirk Larsen is one to watch. Recently named one of the hottest artists of 2013 by the Creative Arts Studio of Sea Cliff, Larsen has acquired numerous accolades and is continuing to build up an impressive gallery of beautiful plein air paintings that capture the beauty in the world around him. 

Larsen is currently working on a series of paintings for a May exhibit at the Hicksville Public Library. A longtime resident of Hicksville, and graduate of Hicksville High School, Larsen hopes to pay homage to his beloved hometown. 

One scene Larsen is painting is Cantiague Park in Westbury, a place Larsen spent many of his teenage days. His focus is the dome-shaped Ice Skating Rink, and as he unpacks his canvas bag full of art supplies and sets up his French easel on a bright, chilly day in late February, he comments that he’s tired. 

“The body sometimes does that to get ready for a painting,” he says. 

Coming Attractions

Renovated Theater will transform Post Avenue

The Westbury Movie Theater, a landmark on Post Avenue for the past 86 years, is still undergoing massive renovations, as the village of Westbury hopes to transform the space to a cultural center unlike any other in Nassau County. 

The village has formed a Greater Westbury Council for the Arts, which will focus on bringing arts and cultural activities to the downtown area. The group will draw on the interests and talents of people not only from Westbury, but also from neighboring communities to bring varied programs of all types to the new theater.

Patience Please, With Impatiens

A bad season is ahead for the local favorite. But there are alternatives.

When gardeners begin shopping for spring flowers, they may notice a familiar staple missing: the impatiens.

Impatiens walleriana, which are beloved globally for their wide selection of color and low maintenance, have been affected by a fungus called downy mildew. The fungus first causes tiny spots, then yellowness on the leaves. A few weeks later, all that’s left is the flower’s stem and a frustrated gardener. 

The fungus was first spotted in Europe nearly a decade ago, and has spread to much of the U.S. in the past few years. Wind spreads the fungal spores up to three miles and humid weather causes it to spread rapidly. 

Let It Rain

For the past few decades, some Carle Place and Mineola residents have been dealing with flooded streets and damaged property when it rains, though it looks like the clouds may finally be parting for these homeowners. 

The Carle Place Civic Association held a meeting on Wednesday evening, Feb. 27 at Carle Place High School, where Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello, Village of Mineola Mayor Scott Strauss and Town of North Hempstead Councilwoman Viviana Russell updated residents on the ongoing flood relief project on the border of Mineola and Carle Place.  

Legislator Nicolello began his updates by recognizing NY State Senator Jack Martins for securing $2.4 million dollars in funding for the project back in 2011.  

East Meadow’s Selfless Student

W.T. Clarke High School student Stefanie Kaufman was recently named the recipient of the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award. Stefanie initiated “Project LETS” (Lets Erase the Stigma), an educational program designed to spread awareness about mental illness, while addressing suicide prevention. She is currently working with Congress to establish a state-mandated program for teachers who will be trained every year on issues related to both of these societal problems. Stefanie also provides workshops and lectures to regional organizations. 

Youth Movement

In the midst of Westbury’s downtown revitalization, which includes a newly redeveloped performing arts theater, focus is shifting to a vital question – is it enough keep young people here? 

Post Avenue in Westbury has transformed into a desirable downtown for young adults, though several aspects associated with living in Nassau County have many young adults heading west to live and work. 

All They Need Is Love

Local couples renew vows on Valentine’s Day

County Executive Edward P. Mangano and his wife, Linda, hosted a special Valentine’s Day luncheon at the Coral House in Baldwin for Nassau County couples, especially those with significant anniversaries.

At this event, the couples socialized with other couples, enjoyed a free lunch and renewed their wedding vows. Among the happy couples were East Meadow residents, Ed and Anne Paley, and Westbury residents, Arnie and Sherry Scher.

Ed and Anne Paley have been married for 32 years. They first met in March 1980 at a fundraiser dance for special needs children in SoHo. They grew very fond of each other, and three weeks later, they went on their first date.  They got engaged just a few months later in August 1980, and on April 12, 1981, they were married in a temple in Brooklyn.  

Ronnie ‘Good News’ Cameron

The Westbury community is familiar with football star Ronnie Cameron, who attended Holy Trinity High School and is now a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. 

What residents may not know is that between practices, meetings and training, Cameron – an imposing physical specimen at 6 feet, 2 inches and nearly 300 pounds – recently founded Bonfire Impact, a social awareness website that highlights the good deeds of professional athletes and other prominent figures in the public spotlight.  

According to bonfireimpact.com, the website aims to “deliver news and media that promotes charitable organizations, nonprofits, social awareness, human rights, social issues, education advocacy, health and under-covered stories.”