Monday, January 31, 2011

Two West Hempstead Franklin Square Girl Scouts to Receive Trustees Award

The Franklin Square Historical Society Board of Trustees announced that the 2011 Trustees Award would be awarded to KIERA GRASSI and HANNAH MUTUM.  Kiera and Hanna are Girl Scouts who begun the 2010 Photographic Survey of Franklin Square.  Kiera and Hannah have dedicated themselves in organizing a book of historic photographs, "Franklin Square, Long Island", to be published later this year. 

Friday, January 21, 2011

Franklin Square Pictures Wanted for Historical Book

Kiera Grassi
Hannah Mutum
280 Fendale Street
Franklin Square, NY 11010
516-486-2985
GrassiAndMutum@gmail.com

Attention: Franklin Square Residents, Businesses and Community Groups

Working with Dr. Paul van Wie of the Franklin Square Historical Society, we are in the process of putting together a book about the Franklin Square community. The book will be published by Arcadia Publishing Company as part of their Images of America Series. Our book will be a pictorial history of Franklin Square, including its’ residents, community groups, architecture, businesses, transportation, etc.

If you have any historical photographs, advertisements, documents, or other historical artifacts, that you would like to have considered for publication in this book, please make arrangements to have the photos to us by February 10th. All photographs will be scanned and returned to you. (The publisher requires specific scanning settings, so if you prefer scanning anything yourself, e-mail us for scanning specifications.) All proceeds from the sale of the book will be going to the Franklin Square Historical Society.

Anyone who submits a photograph will need to sign a release allowing use of the photo in the book, and the proper photo credit will be included in the publication.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Nassau County Fifth Police Precinct Welcomes New Crime Analyst

Putting all the tools together, and with all the analysis and research that we had done, we were able to predict "kind of" where this would happen next and how they would hit, said Nectaria Krokidis a hardworking Nassau County Intelligence Analyst. 

It was 20 year old Adesola Oguntunji and 22 year old Luscon Desir that police say were terrorizing more that a dozen seniors on the South Shore, pushing them, knocking them down and stealing their pocketbooks. A cell phone stolen Friday during a purse snatching provided quick thinking police officers with the evidence they needed to make an arrest.

Police stopped the two suspects and were inspecting their car when one alert officer decided to call the cell phone of a victim who was robbed earlier that day.  The phone on the front passenger seat of the car began buzzing, and the officers made the arrest, said Police Commissioner Mulvey.
Commissioner Mulvey also stated that there has been a double digit decline in crime in Nassau County that is directly related to new police technology and hard working analysts.  Reports compiled by the analysts are sent directly to officers in the field through their patrol car computers.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Free Income Tax Service for Seniors

Town's VITA Program Offers Seniors Free Income Tax Return Preparation


January 19, 2011

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray has announced the town's 2011 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program schedule. Entering its 36th year, the VITA program provides free income tax preparation services for senior residents at locations throughout Hempstead Town during the tax season. VITA volunteer tax preparers have received training sponsored by Hempstead Town's Department of Senior Enrichment under the auspices of the Internal Revenue Service.

"For the past 35 years, the VITA Program has aided senior residents in preparing their federal and state income tax returns and securing the maximum refund which they are entitled to," said Supervisor Murray. "Our dedicated group of VITA volunteers is poised to provide assistance to senior residents during the upcoming tax season."

Participants must bring last year's tax return (2009), all wage and earning statements (W2 and 1099), all interest dividend and pension statements, 2010 property tax receipts, STAR exemption records, New York State IT 214 booklet (if applicable), social security cards and photo identification of all those filing tax returns. Most VITA sites require that an appointment be made in advance.

"The VITA program is a great example of the Town of Hempstead meeting the needs of its citizens. I urge any senior resident who is interested in having his or her tax returns prepared by a VITA volunteer to make an appointment and take advantage of this excellent, free service," concluded Murray.

For a VITA program schedule, senior residents may visit the town's website at www.TOH.LI and follow the "Town Resources" link to "Senior Enrichment" or call the Department of Senior Enrichment at (516) 485-8100.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Town Rescues Animals at Gruesome House of Horrors

Home Littered With Carcasses Of Dead Animals
January 15, 2011

For the second time in three days, Hempstead Town Animal Control Officers rescued profoundly neglected and abused animals from squalid condition. Fifteen animals survived a Rockville Centre house of horrors while the carcasses of 26 less fortunate victims littered the filthy residence. Twelve dogs and two cats were transported to Hempstead's Animal Shelter for examination and treatment by a veterinarian before being groomed and cleaned. One dog was taken directly to an animal hospital for emergency care.

Joining Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray at a briefing on the condition of the surviving animals were Senior Councilman Anthony Santino, Councilwoman Angie Cullin, Town Clerk Mark Bonilla, members of the animal rescue group Rescue Ink, and the heroic rescuers of the town's animal shelter.

"Nothing could prepare our Animal Control Officers for what they found at a filthy house of horrors in Rockville Centre," stated Murray. "They rescued 15 animals from a 'living hell' and braved a stench-filled house strewn with the corpses of 26 animal victims."

The officials called animal shelter staff "unsung heroes" for working late into Friday evening to remove matted hair and clean feces and urine encrusted fur from dogs.

Animals rescued from the house include six chihuahuas, three dachshunds, a Yorkshire terrier, an English Bulldog, a Shih Tzu, a Boxer and two cats. Additionally, a Collie-mix dog was transported to animal hospital for emergency care. Beyond the survivors, Hempstead Animal Control Officers recovered 26 animal corpses, many of which were badly decomposed. The dead animals included five dogs, eight cats, five ferrets and five parrots.

"Kate Murray, Angie Cullin and I want to thank the men and women of the town's animal shelter for rescuing these innocent animals and showing such compassion and caring," said Murray. "They are the true heroes in this tragic incident," added Santino.

Murray indicated that she and her colleagues in town government were working closely with the Rockville Centre Police Department and the District Attorney's Office to pursue justice on behalf of the rescued and deceased animals. The town immediately reported the incident to the district attorney's animal cruelty division upon arriving at the grisly scene on Friday evening.

"These animals need us to demand justice," announced Murray. "They were victims that are voiceless in the face of evil. I will demand that the person(s) responsible for what we have found are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

The animals that were rescued were found to be emaciated and dehydrated upon examination. After medical attention and grooming, the dogs and cats received nourishment and fluids.

"Seeing the condition of these animals is heartbreaking," observed Cullin. "But, now our veterinarian and caring shelter workers will help these cats and dogs return to health."

Murray and the other town board members stated that they will move swiftly to take legal ownership of the animals, work to restore their health and find loving homes for the furry pooches and felines.

"These animals have been through enough," stated Santino. "We're going to work hard to find them the loving homes that they deserve."

Murray concluded the briefing by renewing her call on the public to report instances of suspected animal abuse and cruelty. "I am renewing my plea to neighbors everywhere," said Murray. "If you see something, say something. We can all help prevent tragedies like this from recurring by speaking up when we suspect cruelty, abuse or neglect. We need to speak up for the beautiful voiceless animals that are victims across this nation on a daily basis."

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Winter Storm Watch

A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Nassau County from Tuesday Evening through Wednesday afternoon.


Snow should develop across the county from 8-9pm Tuesday evening. Expect snow to last through the day on Wednesday before finally coming to an end by 1-2am Thursday morning. The heaviest snow should fall from 11pm-12am Tuesday night through 10am Wednesday morning. Expect the activity to taper to scattered light snow showers or flurries for the rest of the day Wednesday and into Wednesday night. Snow accumulations of 5-10 inches are expected right now. There is potential for slightly higher snow totals if the track is just right, but this is a little uncertain at this time. Winds will be relatively light through the night on Tuesday. Winds should pick up Wednesday out of the northwest with gusts to 25-30 mph as it looks right now. As far as tidal departures, the winds should be light on the side of the storm that would pile water up along the coasts of your county. We may get maybe 1-1.5 feet above normal and this should not be enough to produce any coastal flooding.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Upcoming Weekend Events

FRIDAY JANUARY 07, 2011

Disney On Ice Presents: Princess Wishes
Nassau Coliseum
Uniondale, NY
7:00 pm


TNT Wrestling
NYCB Theatre at Westbury
Westbury, NY
7:30 pm


SATURDAY JANUARY 08, 2011

Disney On Ice Presents: Princess Wishes
Nassau Coliseum
Uniondale, NY
11:00 am, 3:00 pm, 7:00 pm

Day on The Bay
Long Island Children Museum – Saltwater Stories, Local Folk Artist
East Garden City, NY
12:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Tomie DePaola’s Nona The Musical (Family)
Tilles Center for the Performing Arts
Brookville, NY
2:00 pm

SUNDAY JANUARY 09, 2011
Disney On Ice Presents: Princess Wishes
Nassau Coliseum
Uniondale, NY
11:00 am & 3:00 pm

Day on The Bay
Long Island Children Museum – Saltwater Stories, Local Folk Artist
East Garden City, NY
12:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Hempstead Town Prepares For Winter Storm

January 6, 2011
Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray has announced that town snow removal personnel and support staff are prepared to respond to an anticipated snowstorm.

"More than 225 pieces of equipment are ready to spread salt and plow roadways," said Murray. "We will continue our proactive practice of having salt spreaders on the road at the first sign of snow."

In preparation for the storm, the Supervisor is urging residents to remove cars from local roadways. Snow plows can perform more effectively and efficiently when cars are not on the roads. Additionally, Murray urged residents to limit use of motor vehicles to necessary travel once the storm commences.

"Roadways can be slippery and heavy snowfall can limit visibility," observed the supervisor. "By minimizing vehicular traffic, roads can be cleared more quickly and residents can minimize the risks associated with driving in storm conditions."

Finally, the Supervisor advised that residents who shovel driveways should place snow to the right of their driveway when facing the road. By doing so, residents can reduce the effect of having their driveways being "plowed-in" with snow after shoveling.

For up to date information, residents can visit the Town of Hempstead website at: www.TOH.LI.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

NYS Boating Safety Course

The Nassau County Police Department is offering a free 8 hour boating safety course.

The New York State Boating Course

A boating safety certificate may be issued to a person who successfully completes the New York Safe Boating Course that is required by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.  The course is designed as a basic comprehensive boating course, teaching the fundamentals of safe boating operation. Approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators, the course requires a minimum of eight hours of classroom instruction, and includes information on the following topics:

  • Accidents and Emergencies
  • Boat Operation
  • Boating and Related Activities
  • Boats and Motors
  • Equipment
  • Fueling and Ventilation
  • Marine Environment
  • Navigation
  • Numbering and Registration
  • Personal Watercraft
  • Rules of the Road
  • Safe Loading and Powering

Legal Requirements - Persons Required to Complete a Safety Course

You must possess a boating safety certificate if:

  • You operate a motorboat and are at least 10 years old and less than 18 years old.
  • You operate a personal watercraft and are at least 14 years of age
  • Note:  If you are at least 10 years old, you may operate motorboat (not a personal watercraft) only if someone 18 years or older, or someone between the ages of 10 and 18 who holds a safety certificate is on board with you. Persons 14 years old and older  may operate a personal watercraft if someone at least 18 years old who possesses a boating safety certificate is aboard and accompanying the operator.

To be held at Nassau Police Academy- 200 Second Avenue, Massepequa Park, N.Y.

Course Instructors
Police N McCloy,
K McQuade and R. Schmidgall

For Further Information Contact:  webmaster@ncpdmarinebureau.com or call 516 573-4450

Upcoming Courses:

2 day classes - MUST attend both days and pass final exam to receive a NYS Boater Safety Certificate

Saturday, January 22, 2011 and Sunday , January 23, 2011 from 9 am to 1 pm

Saturday, February 5, 2011 and Sunday, February 6, 2011 from 9 am to 1 pm

Saturday March 19, 2011 and Sunday March 20, 2011 from 9 am to 1 pm

Saturday April 2, 2011 and Sunday April 3, 2011 from 9 am to 1 pm
Register online only at http://www.ncpdmarinebureau.com/

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Knights of Columbus Twelve Apostle Council Basketball Free Throw Championship

When: Saturday January 29, 2011
Time:  2 pm through 6pm

All boys and girls, 10-14 years of age (as of 12/31/10) are eligible to participate and will compete in their division.  If their performance is exemplary, they will move on to higher levels of competition, and individual winners will receive engraved plaques certifying their achievement.

Contestants must bring proof of age and parental consent. Entry forms will be available on the day of the competition.  For additional information contact Joe Camoli at 516 352-2902.