Psychiatric residents bilked in Oceanside

A former employee of the New York State Department of Mental Health is accused of stealing more than $50,000from 15 residents of a psychiatric home at 3531 South Oceanside Road. Deborah Smith of Amityville managed the state-operated community residence in 1997 and '98. The program, which helps people reintegrate themselves into the community, requires residents to pay rent. A state employee for 28 years, Ms. Smith put $55,334 in her own personal account. The matter came to light in December 1998 when Ms. Smith was on medical leave and a new program director took over.

Island Park Mariners end flawless season

The Island Park eighth-grade girls volleyball team was on fire Jan. 12, defeating Valley Stream Memorial, four games to one. The Mariners ended their season with a perfect 9-0 mark. Cathy Gerbino, who has coached the team for the last six years, said her girls worked very hard to get where they are right now and she's now proud of them. "We beat Valley Stream in four games," she said. "We won the first three, lost the fourth and came back to win the fifth."

February

John Barrett died in a car crash en route to his son's basketball game.

Fatal car crash kills Oceanside dad

A 35-year-old Oceanside man died Feb. 1 when he lost control of his car and slammed into a gymnasium locker room at Holy Trinity High School in Hicksville. He was driving to his 8-year-old son's league basketball game. Eighth Squad detectives reported that John Barrett of Bayside Avenue was traveling eastbound on Stewart Avenue at about 7:40 P.M. when he approached the T-intersection at Newbridge Road. Instead of turning left or right onto Newbridge Road, however, police said Mr. Barrett drove his 1986 Dodge Colt straight through the parking lot of Holy Trinity and into the girls' locker room. No students were in the locker room at the time and there were no other reported injuries, detectives said.

Island Park district wins top state award

The Island Park School District was honored for a community project aimed at relocating and expanding the village's library, as well as updating its services technologically. The Empire Spotlight Award, given by the state's School Public Relations Association, recognized the extensive public information campaign that was spearheaded by the collaborative efforts of the school district board of trustees, library and village.

Snow-plow accident kills woman

A 75-year-old woman, who was walking to a friend's house down the street from her snow-covered block in East Meadow, was fatally injured when a snow plow backed over her, police said. The victim, identified by police as Sylvia Roberts, who lived in The Meadows retirement community, suffered fractures to both her legs, a fractured pelvis and internal bleeding as a result of the accident, said Detective Lieutenant Andrew Fal of the First Squad. The company that owned the snow plow is from Lynbrook. Equipment for the business is stored on Notre Dame Drive in Oceanside.

Oceanside track team captures fourth straight county title

The Oceanside High School boys winter track team claimed its fourth consecutive Nassau County championship, defeating Farmingdale by 40 points. Running wild for Oceanside was Bryan Kudlek, who won the 600- and 300-meter races and then led the 4 X 200 relay to the bronze medal. Bryan Sheehan also contributed to the victory by placing second in the 1,000 meters and third at 1,600 meters.

March

Shots fired

Police called for the halt of Long Island Rail Road trains after an Oceanside man allegedly fired a gun in his home during a five-hour ordeal. At approximately 3:40 A.M., the man barricaded himself inside his Albern Avenue home after apparently having a heated argument with his girlfriend, according to Fourth Precinct Commanding Officer Frank E. Matzen. Although no one was held hostage inside the house, Inspector Matzen said the man had a hand gun and rifle in his possession. The Fourth Precinct's Bureau of Special Operations and Hostage Negotiating Team were both on the scene, along with several police officials.

Oceanside makes 'Best High School' list

Oceanside High School was recently placed among the highest in the country in the Newsweek Web-site article on the "Top Ranked High Schools." Oceanside was ranked 344 out of 25,000 schools that were studied. The poll ranks public schools according to the following ratio: the number of Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) tests students took in 1999 divided by the number of gradating seniors.

Oceanside above national average on standardized test

Although Oceanside school administrators were pleased with students' scores during their first stab at the TerraNova exam, the need for continued improvement was recognized at a school-board meeting. The district's scores were much higher than the national average.The TerraNova was one of several tests Linda Bruno, assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and research for Oceanside schools, reviewed as part of the district's public-school performance report. Considered a precursor for the fourth-grade English Language Arts (ELA) test, the TerraNova was administered to elementary-school children in first, second, third, fifth and sixth grades last June.

Jay Fiedler of Oceanside has his sights set on a playoff berth with the Miami Dolphins in his first season as the team's signal-caller.

Jay Fiedler signs with Miami Dolphins

Jay Fiedler was poised to begin his fifth NFL season as the Dolphins' starting quarterback, a position vacated by future Hall of Famer Dan Marino. While sportscasters discussed his possible success, Fiedler told the Herald, "the future will bring what it will." (Editor's note: At press time for the Herald's year in review, Fiedler had his Dolphins poised to make the playoffs, needing a win over New England in the regular-season finale.)

April

Union rallies at South Nassau Hospital

More than 100 Local 30 union members rallied in front of South Nassau Communities Hospital on Merrick Road in Oceanside on April 14. They had gathered under a big blow-up rat to support the hospital's Engineering Department, workers who are currently without contracts. Local 30 members were upset by what they said was the hospital's refusal to recognize workers' rights to join the union. According to Local 30 representatives, engineers and power-plant workers from South Nassau voted in December to join the union.

Cancer concerns

Maps identifying "hot spots" for breast cancer in local neighborhoods were released in April. It showed some communities with dramatically higher rates than the state average. But the maps stopped short of identifying possible causes, including environmental factors, for the high rate of breast cancer, frustrating activists who have been thirsting for more information. Peter Matthews/Herald

Edward Langdon, Island Park Fire Department captain, receives the Bronze Medal of Valor from County Executive Thomas Gulotta, County Fire Commissioner William Coffin, Assistant Fire Marshall Peter Meade and Island Park Mayor Jacqueline Papatsos.

Island Park firefighters honored

During the Nassau County Fire Commission Awards ceremony April 12 at Uniondale High School, two Island Park firefighters were among numerous men and women honored for life-risking bravery. Ex-Captain John Bettineschi received the Gold Medal of Valor in the Class I Extraordinary Personal Risk category for his selfless actions last March. Captain Edward E. Langdon received the Bronze Medal of Valor in the Class III Meritorious Personal Risk category for his selfless firefighting instincts while en route to work back in August 1999.

Nostalgia in Oceanside

The late Dr. Walter S. Boardman's description of Oceanside's past, from geologic birth on Long Island to 1960, is now available to residents for $10. In an attempt to raise additional funds for an environmental project dubbed Schoolhouse Green, "The Story of Oceanside" chronicles the town's journey and brings its past to the forefront. "Oceanside's journey, from its beginnings as a colonial settlement to the striving community it is today, has been one of enormous progress," Dr. Herb Brown, superintendent of schools, said. "Dr. Walter S. Boardman's account of Oceanside's history allows us to experience the past and take pride in our community."

May

Shuffling begins at 4th Precinct

The Fourth Precinct has made a number of personnel moves to reduce overtime costs and shift police officers from desk jobs to patrol. Several officers assigned to desk jobs at the Fourth, and seven other county precincts, have been asked to patrol neighborhoods in an effort to make the department more cost-effective and potentially protect officers from layoffs.

Districts pass school, library budgets

Both the Island Park and Oceanside school districts approved 2000-01 school and library budgets. Allenby Lyson and Kim Garrity were reelected to the Oceanside Board of Education, while newcomer Elen Levitt was elected to the Island Park board.In Oceanside, Mr. Lyson received 1,721 votes; Ms. Garrity, 2,034 votes. Challenger Ellen Culter-Igoe lost, getting 1,071. The Oceanside school budget passed, 1,626-1,153, and the library budget passed, 1,738-881.

Districts to receive more aid

The Oceanside and Island Park school districts are expected to receive more state aid than local administrators originally thought. The 2000-01 state budget contains a school- year formula of $1.08 billion, the largest in New York State history.With increased demands in education, administrators across the Island have relied on increased aid to further benefit their students and keep up with the latest round of rigid educational standards.

Dock builder ignores violations

G&T Dock Builders, on Bartz Street in Oceanside for 15 years, has received a summons for failing to respond to several violations that the Town of Hempstead issued last month. Owner Guy Lemke was issued the violations for operating his business without the proper permits. According to Town Councilman Anthony Santino, there were no permits on file with the town allowing Mr. Lemke to store the floating docks, use the marina or have several structures on the property.

June

Sailors are state champs!

The Oceanside Sailors are the New York State Class A baseball champions. In a season of many firsts, the Sailors added the final chapter to their storied 2000 season. With a 5-4 victory over Lancaster and a 6-5 triumph over Valley Central, the baseball team makes history, becoming the school's first-ever state champion in any sport.

Oceanside district looks at goals

Questions about the future of the Oceanside School District's special education were raised during a review of the administration's 1999-2000 goals and objectives in June. Dr. Brown assured the board and members of the community at the June 12 meeting that it was being closely studied. During a discussion of the administration's eight goals, Trustee Sue Graham questioned a specific objective of the first goal as it applies to special-education students. This goal urges the support and enrichment of varied K-12 models, including an appropriate life-skills program in grades 7-12.

Scholars honored at high school

More than 150 awards were handed out to Oceanside High School students at Honor Night 2000. After years of striving for excellence, Oceanside's best and brightest were honored throughout the evening for their hard work and talents. Garnering the sought-after Gold Scholarship Key was Sean Liu, who as class of 2000 valedictorian, maintains the highest grade-point average. Sean received eight awards, including the Elliot Howard Folz Valedictorian, Presiding Supervisor Award, Gary Schwartz Memorial Leadership Award and Middle Bay Country Club Math Award.

July

Debbie Rosen/Herald

KeySpan crew members repair a gas-main break July 5 on Lincoln Avenue in Oceanside.

Ruptured main leaks havoc

Unexpected excitement flooded the Fourth of July holiday for Oceanside residents living along Lincoln Avenue and neighboring blocks, when a water main burst. Efforts to calm the waters took a turn for the worse when caving blacktop caused a gas-main leak. No residents were evacuated or harmed as workers from both Long Island Water and KeySpan fixed the leak.

'An accident waiting to happen'

Eleven-year-old Michelle Mauceri can't cross the street in front of her own home on Lawrence Avenue, and neither can her older sister Gina. They walk or ride their bikes several houses down in order to cross over. The girls' mother, Rosemarie Mauceri, said the curved portion of roadway on Lawrence Avenue in front of her home is dangerous, so she instructed her girls to cross farther south on Lawrence Avenue. Ms. Mauceri echoed the sentiments of many in the Oceanside community, who feel the Lawrence Avenue roadway between Henrietta and Concord avenues poses a danger to both pedestrians and drivers alike. Residents said cars parked on both sides of the street narrow the road and add to the blind spots, which already exist due to the curvature of the road.

Suspended students get no vacation

In the past, students suspended from either the Oceanside Middle or High School stayed at home. If their suspension time reached five days, those same students received homebound instruction provided by the school district. But come this fall, that may all change and students suspended will not be sleeping late or watching television. At the July 10 meeting of the Board of Education, trustees and administrators discussed the possibility of implementing a program designed to take suspended students from home and place them right back into the academic atmosphere. The effort to make a "BOCES In-House Suspension Facility," was initiated by the Oceanside district and continues to be a work in progress. Tom Jordan/Herald

Jerry Glass, appointed interim postmaster in Oceanside and Rockville Centre. He planned to institute changes to routes that would allow mail to be delivered more quickly and efficiently.

New postmaster for Oceanside, RVC

Also in July, Jerry Glass, former postmaster of the U.S. Post Office in Westbury, was assigned interim postmaster in Oceanside and Rockville Centre, where his goal is to improve overall efficiency.Mr. Glass, who has worked for the post office for 28 years, was transferred in May from Westbury, where he served as postmaster for more than three years. Quicker delivery time and eight-hour work days for mail carriers are his top priorities.

Downtown Oceanside gets a cleanup

Following an outcry from the public asking for the Town of Hempstead to help clean up the downtown areas of Oceanside, code-enforcement officers swept through the business district and served some 37 neighborhood businesses violation notices for not complying with town codes. The push of the broom that swept through Oceanside was an effort spearheaded by Councilman Anthony Santino. The councilman said he responded to the people's request for the cleanup, which came when he met Oceansiders at a meeting at the Knights of Columbus in June.

August

The end of Edwards

The Edwards Super Food Store sang its final swan song in August, after its parent company, Ahold USA, announced its decision to shut down the chain. While the majority of Edwards stores were transformed into Stop & Shop supermarkets, two local Edwards closed for good. The smaller Oceanside Edwards, next to the Oceanside Twin movie theater, as well as the Hewlett store, were scheduled to close on Aug. 26. According to a Stop & Shop spokesperson, these were small stores on short-term leases that were not economically viable.

Principal Donald Maresca retires from the Florence A. Smith School in Oceanside this summer after 33 years. The retiring principal is seen in a past Memorial Day parade.

Maresca retires after 33 years in Oceanside schools

For several years, rumors surfaced that Donald Maresca, Oceanside School 2 principal, was to retire, but they were just that - rumors. Now, what was once a rumor has become a reality. The Oceanside community rallied, paying tribute to the man who gave his heart to his hometown."I am very sad you're leaving." Brain Bezalel, a fifth grader at School 2, wrote in a construction-paper card to his departing principal. "You were always there for us. Mr. Maresca, you were like the best principal ever and we'll never forget you."

Chapter begins for Island Park library

A new chapter in the story of the Island Park library began in August, when construction crews gutted the inside of the old A & P on Long Beach Road to make room for a new, two-story library. Representatives from the library, village and school-district communities came together for a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction. Expected to help anchor the downtown, the new library will be 13,500 square feet. "It's wonderful," Island Park Mayor Jacqueline Papatsos said after the ceremony. "This is very much needed in the community, and one thing it has done is brought us together as a community."

September

New sanitation commissioner

The announcement in September that Thomas Dapolito was set to replace the departing Thomas Cesiro as a commissioner for the Oceanside Sanitation Department caught the attention of many Oceansiders. Mr. Cesiro was reelected to the board during the summer and shocked fellow members with the announcement of his leaving. What had some residents upset was that instead of appointing Monte Leeper, who ran against Mr. Cesiro for the position, the board appointed somebody else.

Cat-astrophic problems in Island Park

Hundreds of stray cats. otherwise known as feral felines, have taken to the streets of Island Park. At night, the cats come out of their places, make noise and create hazardous conditions for drivers. In order to keep the population at bay, women with a will, not only to save but control the cat population, were asked the community to rally in an effort to keep matters from getting worse.

Roosevelt's woes worry Oceanside

Residents from Oceanside to Bellmore have plagued their school administrators with questions about the possible transfer of Roosevelt students to their districts. And, while the fate of the Roosevelt district remains uncertain, the answers are few. These questions were sparked when Richard Mills, state Education Commissioner, issued an ultimatum to Roosevelt school officials this summer to meet his requirements by the end of the 2000-01 school year or he would send secondary students to eight surrounding districts. Angela Marshall/Herald

Louise Ilse celebrates her 100th birthday this year. Starting in the 1920's, Ms. Ilse began to spend summers in Island Park and made it her permanent residence after she retired.

A century older and wiser

They say everyone has a story to tell; Louise Ilse has hundreds. In September, a month before her 100th birthday, this Island Park resident had a sharp mind and a long memory. Although Ms. Ilse didn't move to Island Park until she was an adult, the village was still in its infancy. From her front stoop, all she could see was sand and water, with no homes blocking her view. "It was sand all the way to the water and we used to walk across and go swimming there," she said.

October

Change of use sparks debate over tower

A second hearing by the Town of Hempstead Zoning Board of Appeals on a 225-foot tower in Oceanside ended without a decision when it was revealed that the owners, and purpose of the tower, had changed since a height variance was first granted in 1995. In postponing its decision, the board cited a need for more information after residents showed photographs indicating several cellular antennae hanging on the structure. The original variance for the tower at the south end of Oceanside Road was granted to MMR Trucking, which used the structure as a radio tower, and paperwork provided to the board still listed its primary use as "in conjunction with [a] trucking business."

Seth Steinberg of Oceanside holds the Ithaca College record for consecutive extra points converted by a kicker

He's 'the bomb'

If the Ithaca College football team is called the Bombers, then it's only fitting that their star kicker, Seth Steinberg, be deemed "the bomb."Seth holds the college's all-time record for consecutive extra points converted by a kicker at 73 and still counting. The kicker here was the comeback he made to achieve his success. For one summer's eve, Seth found himself undergoing brain surgery following an untimely accident in camp. He returned to Ithaca in his sophomore year, but couldn't play football. They were tough times, but one that never kept the determined young athlete from attaining his goal-to kick again. "When I went down to practice not in uniform, with the season missed, I realized how important the team was to me and I was to them," said Seth. "I've always been an athlete and had to overcome adversity to achieve what I wanted. I knew I was good at what I did and could benefit the team and if I could go through brain surgery, I could make a comeback."

Tax hike supported in Oceanside

The idea of raising taxes did not raise eyebrows at the town meeting held by Oceanside's legislators to get residents' feedback about Nassau County's problems and discuss its future. "I think all of us would be willing to accept a reasonable tax increase with the understanding that we are moving in the right direction," said one of about 50 residents who attended the meeting, almost all of whom agreed that a tax rise would be preferable to losing more services. Legislators Michael Zapson, Jeff Toback and Joseph Scannell, all Democrats, said the meeting was just one step in the fulfillment of a promise to open up government. "None of us are up for election," Mr. Zapson said. "We're doing this because we think it's the right thing to do."

OCS raises more than $3,500 at dinner

"It feels good to give," Diane O'Connor told the more than 200 in attendance at the Oceanside Community Service Organization's (OCS) dinner Oct. 13. While this community service organization raised more than $3,500 at its annual fund-raiser, more help is always needed, Ms. O'Connor said.For more than 50 years, OCS members have opened their arms to the needy in the town, currently helping more than 60 families throughout the year, and providing food baskets during the Thanksgiving holiday and the Hanukah/Christmas season.

November

Jonathan Kane of Oceanside was shot and killed during a robbery last year.

Gunman gets 20 years to life

A 22-year-old Rockville Centre man was sentenced to a prison term of 20 years to life in the July 1999 shooting death of an Oceanside man, whose body was found in his car, parked on a quiet, tree-lined street in Hewlett. John Aufiero of Rockville Centre and Joseph Duncan, 23, of East Rockaway were sentenced for the crime. The body of Jonathan Kane, 23, of Silver Lane in Oceanside was discovered on July 13, 1999 in his red Mitsubishi Eclipse. The body was found by a resident of Willard Drive in Hewlett, where the car was parked, near Warwick Road.

Oceanside Road traffic alarms residents

In the blink of an eye, or in this case, a yellow light, the residents of Oceanside Road have found themselves just around the bend from disaster. At the first meeting of the Oceanside Road Homeowners Association, residents described dozens of accidents just past the curved area north of Temple Avodah. Residents said they believe the yellow blinking light at the bend does no good, and that either stepped-up policing or a traditional traffic light is needed. Many of the 17 residents crowded in Jane Magno-D'Anna's living room on Sunday told horror stories of accidents witnessed on Oceanside Road. Highlights included tales of cars flipped over, lumber scattering across the road and fences lost almost as soon as they are replaced.

Island Park Library gutted, extension ready to roll

The next chapter for the Island Park Library came when library board president Tom McCreight spoke at a board of education meeting. Mr. McCreight assured board trustees the story of library would have a happy ending. "I am proud to report that the project is moving along well and progressing on schedule, despite the small loss of time due to separation of the roof from the building," said Mr. McCreight as he updated trustees on the construction progress. The 20-year $3.5 million bond referendum, passed by voters, is held in the hands of the school district. Although an exact date for completion couldn't be given, the library president said the contract, if not completed on time, would incur a penalty fee, providing an incentive for the contractor to finish by Sept. 2001.

English Regents near-perfect

Even though the majority of local students made the grade when it came to Regents exam results that were released, local school administrators remain cautious because of graduation requirements that are becoming increasingly demanding. Phase one of the state Board of Regents' plan, to eventually make all students pass five Regents exams in order to graduate, kicked in last school year with English. Math has been added this school year, and by 2004, Regents will have to be passed in English, math, science, Global history and U.S. history. By 2005, a score of at least 65 will be needed to pass each exam, up from the current minimum of 55. The latest results show that high school students in Oceanside and West Hempstead, which includes Island Park students, are up to speed when it comes to English. Every Oceanside student who took the exam in 2000, and 98 percent of those from West Hempstead, passed.

Council okays 'No Parking' on part of Lawrence Avenue

Responding to the recommendations of the Town of Hempstead Traffic Committee, the town council has unanimously voted to place "No Stopping Anytime" signs on a portion of Lawrence Avenue that has caused safety concerns. On Nov. 14, the seven-member council created a no-parking zone on the west side of Lawrence Avenue, beginning at the north curbline of Concord Avenue and extending 190 feet north. A twisting, blind curve on that portion of Lawrence Avenue has concerned residents for years. Four warning signs recently posted along the avenue between Concord and Henrietta avenues did not slow traffic around the curve, but some residents have expressed hope that this latest decision will have a positive effect.

Number of tests steam officials

Oceanside school officials complained at the Nov. 20 board meeting that the state Education Department has gone too far with its most recent set of requirements. Beginning this school year, eighth graders have to take from five to seven assessment tests over six weeks. "we are all extremely concerned," said Dr. Herb Brown superintendent of schools. "Has the pendulum swung too far? Given what could possibly be for some students, up to [seven] state tests in a six-week period is wrong."

December

'Cibro' buyer discusses cleanup

A new owner of contaminated land in the Harbor Isle section of Island Park has been meeting with members of the community in an effort to quell any fears neighbors have about its future. "We are looking to improve the property by cleaning it up and developing the land into condominiums," said Michael Posillico, a partner in the Blue Island Development Corporation, which last month purchased for $2.3 million the 11 acres once owned by Cibro South Shore Oil Terminal. "We intend to clean the land up properly, taking no shortcuts and the lines of communication open between ourselves and the people of Harbor Isle, who deserve to know all the facts."

Buckle up for safety

On a pitch-black night on Long Beach Road in Oceanside, four Fourth Precinct Police cars with red lights blaring through the darkness lined up. Police stood in the roadway, funneled cars into a single lane, and shined flashlights at both drivers and passengers, issuing tickets to those not wearing seat belts. Police beefed up patrols across the precinct during the week of Nov. 21-28, issuing some 300 tickets to drivers whose passengers did not buckle up for safety. Under a new state law, anyone under the age of 16 must be harnessed with a seat belt or the driver of the vehicle is served with a ticket, carrying a fine up to $75 dollars. Originally, only children under 11 had to be buckled up in the rear seat. As police in Oceanside on that cold, dark night Monday, Nov. 27 pulled car after car into the TJ Maxx Shopping Center, many wondered why such a crackdown and why so many police officers in one spot. "People should come to an accident scene and see what happens when seat belts are not worn," said Police Officer Carl Triolo. "We have a group of officers out here tonight because you could say there is safety in numbers." Angela Marshall/Herald

Susan Haley, Nassau County police officer, talks about the dangers of drugs with Heather Remsen.

Girl Scouts hold anti-drug forum

She was nervous and a little more than queasy over the thought, but also excited. Karen Gierak was about to tell her daughters - and a few hundred of their closest friends - about the dangers of drugs. As a parent, straight talk about drugs is never easy. That's why Ms. Gierak and other Girl Scout leaders from Oceanside decided to hold a forum so that they could all do it together.The "Just Say No to Drugs" forum Dec. 1 at the Oceanside Middle School was packed with families taking the first step to keeping their children clean and sober. In addition to literature provided by Nassau County, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), the U.S. Department of Education and numerous corporations, each troop had to provide its own booth to explain a problem or way to avoid drugs.

She's on the right track

Don't let her long blonde hair, blue eyes and sweet disposition fool you. With a clear sense of determination, this 16-year-old Oceanside High School junior is a top competitor. Cross country runner, Kathryn Murnane was chosen to join the varsity team in the eighth-grade. This athlete continues to excel, with All-County awards to her acclaim and her name in the record books. This fall long-legged Katie took a fourth-place ranking in Nassau County to qualify for the state meet. Her coach Claire Meeker said Katie's one of the best she's ever seen. "We were out in Bethpage for the county meet, the week before the state championships, and I knew she was sick. But Coach Meeker said Katie didn't let the illness hamper her performance. "I told her she'd have to run the best race of her life. I told her she could do it, but didn't have to. But anyone who knows her, knows nothing stops katie from running. She is determined, focused and one of the best cross country track runners I have ever seen."