Amanda Stoehr of Lynbrook was arrested for continuing to collect worker's compensation benefits as the result of a knee injury, then returned to work using her married name, Schilling. Emmons said she collected $5,800 to which she was not entitled.
Budgets take a hike up
The incorporated Village of Lynbrook approved their 2004-05 budget of $27,448,640, which reflects a 6.78 increase over last year's budget, while the Village of East Rockaway approved a budget of $7,599,851 which is an increase of 8.34 percent.
Nabbed in
insurance sting
Matthew Averko, 38, of Lynbrook a claims arbitration adjuster was among 43 people arrested in connection with an automobile insurance fraud case. Averko, who works for the Robert Plan Insurance Company of Bethpage, was charged with receiving cash payments of up to $60,000 in 2002 and 2003 in exchange for approving claims his employer had previously denied.
Real estate rip-off
Maria Leyna Albertina, 39, and her husband Raymond Albertina, 41, of East Rockaway were charged with raking in millions in a clever real estate scam. The couple reportedly found 32 buildings online at a foreclosure Website and according to police officials, they forged new deeds to the properties, used fake signatures and sold them to unsuspecting buyers.
Maria Leyna, the purported ringleader, was charged with first-degree grand larceny and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted. Her husband and three accomplices were charged with second-degree grand larceny and face up to 15 years in prison, according to District Attorney Charles J. Hynes.
The results are in
The East Rockaway School District's $24,411,425 school budget squeaked by with 10 votes. The approved budget reflects an 8.9 percent increase over last year's financial plan. Many blamed voter apathy.
In direct contrast, the Lynbrook School District budget sailed through by an almost 2-1 margin, with one of the lowest increases in the county, of 4.89 percent.
Meet the candidates
The Nassau District PTA hosted a candidates forum for the Lynbrook School District providing an opportunity for the community to meet those running for the open Board of Education seats. Incumbent Ron Nash ran unopposed, while incumbent David Hermann's quest for a second term was challenged by Larry Lombardo. Both Nash and Hermann scored easy victories in May.
In the East Rockaway School Board election incumbents Marie Girace and Vicki Alspector ran unopposed and will serve another term.
Open for business
Main Street in East Rockaway was officially reopened after a devastating fire ripped through the downtown avenue the previous year. The block boasted new, vintage street lamps, new sidewalks and comfortable benches. Two new businesses, La Favorita Bakery and Nice Nails joined the already strong block of established shops.
JUNE
Chamber honors
The Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce bestowed its top honors to Lynbrook Police Detective William Straub, Lynbrook Fire Chief John Crowley, Jr,. and Dr. Adrienne Garver, the head of pupil special services for the Lynbrook School District at their Annual Awards Dinner.
Move over Rover
The dog run in East Rockaway's Bay Park had residents barking about the offensive smell and overall sub-standard conditions of the popular puppy meeting place. Complaining of foul smells, and general disregard for the property, making it impossible to enjoy their own property, residents sought to have the dog run relocated. With the help of Hempstead Town Councilman Anthony Santino (R-East Rockaway), their concerns were taken to Assemblyman Jeff Toback (D-Oceanside). The dog run was effectively moved to the east side of the park, far away from homeowners.
Farewell to Metkiff and hello to Cicero
The Lynbrook School District bade farewell to Superintendent William Metkiff, who decided to retire after a long and illustrious career. A 1966 graduate of Lynbrook High School, Metkiff taught business at his alma mater, and was appointed superintendent in 1991.
After an extensive search, Dr. Philip S. Cicero was selected as the new superintendent of schools for the Lynbrook School District. Cicero comes to the district after having served as superintendent of the Island Trees and Center Moriches districts.
Fire!
A quick-moving fire ravaged the Herald Community Newspaper's building in Lawrence, forcing 120 employees to safely evacuate to the street. The blaze gutted most of the historic building, which was home to Richner Communications, publishers of 16 weekly newspapers and PrimeTime Guide. The Herald, founded in 1924 was the oldest business in continuous operation in the Village of Lawrence. Twelve firefighters suffered minor injuries, mainly from heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation. The fire started in the rear of the company's printing press room and quickly spread through the rest of the building. By the next morning, the staff and operation of the newspaper were relocated to a warehouse in West Hempstead. The Herald has planned a move to Garden City sometime next year.
All aboard for an extreme make-over
The Lynbrook station of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) got an extreme make-over, including the installation of a new escalator and staircases. The special project also included the installation of brick pavers and concrete in the downstairs plaza area, improvements to portions of the viaduct drainage system, installation of bicycle racks, decorative signage and landscaping and painting of the exterior station building.
The work is included in the Metropolitan Transit Authority's (MTA) Long Island Rail Road Capital Improvement Program, with a budget of about $2.2 million.
JULY
A hale and hearty
welcome
The Nathan Hale Senior Village was rededicated on June 24, after a debilitating blaze swept through the housing complex in April 2002. The fire displaced residents and the ceremony was an opportunity to welcome back returning residents and for Robert Becker, president of the board of directors of the facility, and his associates to thank the community for their support.
The outdoor dining area, where the ceremony was held, was dedicated to current resident and former Nathan Hale President Jack Gordon.
Earthly awards
The Science Department at East Rockaway Junior/Senior High School announced a new Science Research Award to be presented annually at the Science Fair. The Award will be given in honor of the late James Spelman, beloved science teacher who died in 2003. This year the award was presented to Zofia Jackiewicz whose project won first place at the science fair.
Twice burned
Lynbrook's Cross Island Fruits suffered a second fire on July 17, causing extensive damage to the old-world neighborhood grocery store. The store was closed when the fire broke out at 11 p.m., and stock, meats, produce canned goods and dairy items were all lost in the fire. The community mainstay has been in business for over 20 years and was also devastated by a fire in Sept. 2002.
Falling through
the cracks
Claiming that the case of the man who killed his mother had fallen through the cracks of the mental health system, John Tosner, 44 of Wellington, Florida, filed suit against Nassau County and the Nassau University Medical Center earlier this year. Despite arguments from both defendants to drop the case, State Supreme Court Justice William LaMarca ruled that the civil suit may proceed.
The wrongful death suit alleges that Peter Troy was not given adequate psychiatric treatment for his diagnosed schizophrenia by the Nassau County Department of Mental Health and the medical center in the months before his murder of Tosner's mother, Eileen. Troy opened fire at Our Lady of Peace Church in Lynbrook during morning Mass, killing Eileen and the parish's pastor Father Larry Penzes.
Troy is serving time in the Clinton Correctional Facility in Danemora, N.Y. having been convicted of two counts of first-degree murder in a May 2003 trial. According to Jacqueliine James of the Manhattan law firm Kreindler and Kreindler, who represents Tosner, the purpose of the lawsuit is to force changes within the mental health care system.
AUGUST
Happy 125th
The Lynbrook Rescue Hook and Ladder and Bucket Company celebrated its 125th anniversary.
King of an empire
East Rockaway resident and coach Tim O'Hagan inspired his elite girls' basketball team to victory at the Empire State Games. O'Hagan coached a squad made up of 10 of the most prolific players in Nassau and Suffolk counties, who brought the gold medal home to Long Island for the first time in almost 10 years.
Bond upgrade
The village of East Rockaway received an upgrade in their bond rating from A3 to A2 by Moody's Investor's Services. The factors cited by Moody's in upgrading the bond rating were "the village's satisfactory and improving financial position and low direct debt burden.
East Rockaway's proposed check store prompted concern
More than 250 residents crowded the East Rockaway Village Hall to protest the opening of a check cashing store proposed for the corner of Atlantic and Centre avenues. A petition was presented to Mayor Joseph Carrigan and his board of trustees, bearing 769 signatures of residents in opposition to the opening of the establishment. The check cashing store would operate across the street from St. Raymond's parochial elementary school and church and a block away from Centre Avenue Elementary School. Residents cited insufficient parking and their overall concern for safety, which they said would be compromised with the opening of the check cashing business. Residents implored the board to have the Zoning Board of Appeals, who issued a permit to Ballas SIS Equities, to schedule a rehearing. Residents claimed they were never properly informed of the original hearing, held in May.
The East Rockaway Building Department had denied a permit in February, based on potential parking problems, but the principles Charles Guttilla and Paul Gunder, who own 10 other check cashing stores, filed an appeal and the BZA granted the permit. Although Guttilla and Gunder vowed to be good neighbors, their words fell on the resident's deaf ears. Before the month was over, the BZA issued a stop work order for the proposed check cashing business. The board suspended the business' building permit pending a review of requests for a rehearing.
In October the BZA reheard arguments for and against the proposed check cashing business. Residents packed the village hall to again voice their opposition.
Representing the landlord Lamdros Ballas and the principles of the store, attorney Anthony Sabino argued that there was more than sufficient parking for the establishment. He also made the case that more than $45,000 has already been spent on the store with another $45,000 likewise contracted.
At the conclusion of the three hour meeting, Sabino was granted two weeks time to produce cancelled checks for the money invested in the building.
At the next BZA meeting on Nov. 17, the board resolved to postpone their decision regarding the fate of the check cashing store until after the new year. Board President Murray Eskenazi explained to the packed audience that the landlord's attorney had just presented reports which the board did not have time to read prior to the meeting. To the resident's consternation, the meeting was adjourned and the decision postponed until early 2005.
JULY
A hale and hearty
welcome
The Nathan Hale Senior Village was rededicated on June 24, after a debilitating blaze swept through the housing complex in April 2002. The fire displaced residents and the ceremony was an opportunity to welcome back returning residents and for Robert Becker, president of the board of directors of the facility, and his associates to thank the community for their support.
The outdoor dining area, where the ceremony was held, was dedicated to current resident and former Nathan Hale President Jack Gordon.
Earthly awards
The Science Department at East Rockaway Junior/Senior High School announced a new Science Research Award to be presented annually at the Science Fair. The Award will be given in honor of the late James Spelman, beloved science teacher who died in 2003. This year the award was presented to Zofia Jackiewicz whose project won first place at the science fair.
Twice burned
Lynbrook's Cross Island Fruits suffered a second fire on July 17, causing extensive damage to the old-world neighborhood grocery store. The store was closed when the fire broke out at 11 p.m., and stock, meats, produce canned goods and dairy items were all lost in the fire. The community mainstay has been in business for over 20 years and was also devastated by a fire in Sept. 2002.
Falling through
the cracks
Claiming that the case of the man who killed his mother had fallen through the cracks of the mental health system, John Tosner, 44 of Wellington, Florida, filed suit against Nassau County and the Nassau University Medical Center earlier this year. Despite arguments from both defendants to drop the case, State Supreme Court Justice William LaMarca ruled that the civil suit may proceed.
The wrongful death suit alleges that Peter Troy was not given adequate psychiatric treatment for his diagnosed schizophrenia by the Nassau County Department of Mental Health and the medical center in the months before his murder of Tosner's mother, Eileen. Troy opened fire at Our Lady of Peace Church in Lynbrook during morning Mass, killing Eileen and the parish's pastor Father Larry Penzes.
Troy is serving time in the Clinton Correctional Facility in Danemora, N.Y. having been convicted of two counts of first-degree murder in a May 2003 trial. According to Jacqueliine James of the Manhattan law firm Kreindler and Kreindler, who represents Tosner, the purpose of the lawsuit is to force changes within the mental health care system.
AUGUST
Happy 125th
The Lynbrook Rescue Hook and Ladder and Bucket Company celebrated its 125th anniversary.
King of an empire
East Rockaway resident and coach Tim O'Hagan inspired his elite girls' basketball team to victory at the Empire State Games. O'Hagan coached a squad made up of 10 of the most prolific players in Nassau and Suffolk counties, who brought the gold medal home to Long Island for the first time in almost 10 years.
Bond upgrade
The village of East Rockaway received an upgrade in their bond rating from A3 to A2 by Moody's Investor's Services. The factors cited by Moody's in upgrading the bond rating were "the village's satisfactory and improving financial position and low direct debt burden.
