Senior Center Happenings

Recently, the Westbury Senior Center had reasons to celebrate and was busting with pride as Maureen Droge, executive director, presented members who have been with the center for 20 years or more with framed certificates.  

Vickie Laura was recognized for her service and commitment to the center for 27 years. Vickie, who wears many hats at the center, remains its dedicated crafts instructor. The staff and members of the center wished farewell to Chris Voelpel, the center’s cook. Chris who was the cook for more than 20 years retired to care for her new granddaughter. Congratulations and best wishes to all from the center!

The Westbury Senior Center, located at 360 Post Ave., offers a variety of recreational, social and educational opportunities that promote a healthy mind and body. Stop by or call at 334-5886 for further information.

Letter: Calling Tom Suozzi

The upcoming election for Nassau County Executive is extremely important for the future of Nassau County.  The election is especially crucial for young residents who hope to stay and raise their families in Nassau.  

Under Ed Mangano’s control, Nassau County has reached an all time low.  Mangano’s mismanagement over the past three years has resulted in disastrous outcomes for our residents.

Letter: Gratitude For Old Westbury Residents

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.

Letter: A United State In America

As a high school teacher of social studies with a background in law, I suppose that I get way too excited over historical events. One of my former students recently reminded me how “out of control” (OOC) I was during the course of the 2000 Presidential Election fiasco. I will admit that on top of being a history aficionado, I am truly amazed at history as it is happening! A very recent historical event (far too tragic, I might add) is the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

In the wake of this act, there are many who are attempting to remedy the situation. As a nation, we want to do something, ANYTHING to prevent a reoccurrence of this carnage. There are a few who are putting forth their very best efforts to make this a hysterical rather than historical event. The irony of the situation is that there are people whose views are diametrically opposed on the issue of gun control utilizing precisely identical tactics to further entrench arguments which we have heard repeatedly over the years. The real dangerous ones here are those who have the power to change our laws. Short of amending the constitution, we must rely on our elected officials to do something.

Letter: Well Done, Mayor Cavallaro

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Mayor of Westbury Village, Mr. Peter Cavallaro. He has done an excellent job and we wish him well now and in the future.

The village trustees are also doing excellent work. After Hurricane Sandy had passed, we drove around the neighborhood and witnessed Trustee Jefferson actively helping and directing the residents in the area. He is a very loyal and conscientious trustee. It makes us proud to see our elected officials, who we put our trust in, actively carrying out their duties so effectively.

Please keep up the good work and we will continue to be watchful and give thanks for your efforts. May God bless you and Happy New Year to the mayor and his entire staff.

Mr. and Mrs. Hinkson

Westbury residents

FEMA Disaster Assistance Deadline Extended

Residents of thirteen declared counties may apply for FEMA disaster assistance through Jan, 28, 2013

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced that the deadline for residents living in one of the 13 disaster-declared counties to register for FEMA assistance has been extended to Jan. 28, 2013. The previous deadline was Dec. 31, 2012. 

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. Residents in the following counties are eligible for assistance: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Richmond, Rockland, Westchester, Suffolk, Queens, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan and Ulster.

Letter: Victory Through Vigilance

Over the past several weeks, the acronym PILOT has caught the attention of community residents, and caused them to band together in solidarity of resistance once it was learned what the motive was all about.

Embroiled in this controversy are The Bristal Assisted Living Facility located in Westbury and the Nassau County IDA (Industrial Development Agency); the former sought an extension of its PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) privileges from the latter, the quasi-governmental agency that has the authority to grant it.

Letter: Mayor’s Holiday Season Message

I want to take this opportunity to wish each Westbury resident a very happy and holy holiday season, and a healthy 2013. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or are of any other faith or tradition, the holidays are a time to reflect on the many blessings that we enjoy, both personally and collectively as a community. Let us all take some time to be thankful for these many blessings.

As we celebrate our holy days, let us also remember the servicemen and women who remain in harm’s way and away from their families this holiday season. Let us pray that they may soon be rejoined with their families and loved ones and that 2013 will be a year of peace.

Letter: CP Arts And Education Aids Freeport School

On Friday, Nov. 16, the Carle Place Arts & Education Booster Club held our annual fundraising concert, BLAST!

Every year Carle Place students, teachers, alumni and community members join together for a night of music and fun to raise funds for the arts programs in Carle Place. This year, our students were so moved by the tragedy that hit us all and Freeport in specific, that the students lobbied to share part of our fundraising efforts with the students at Giblyn Elementary School.

The Mayor’s Corner Village of Westbury

Mayor’s Holiday Season Message

I want to take this opportunity to wish each Westbury resident a very happy and holy holiday season, and a healthy 2013. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or are of any other faith or tradition, the holidays are a time to reflect on the many blessings that we enjoy, both personally and collectively as a community. Let us all take some time to be thankful for these many blessings.