$1
Friday, November 21, 2025
Vol. 84, No. 47
SERVING BETHPAGE, OLD BETHPAGE, AND PLAINVIEW
Inclusive playground completed at Haypath Park
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino (left) and New York State Senator Steve Rhoads The Town of Oyster Bay has announced the completion of a brand-new, inclusive playground at Haypath Park in Plainview, made possible through a partnership between the Town of Oyster Bay and New York State Senator Steve Rhoads. The $108,000 project was supported by $60,000 in state grant funding secured by Senator Rhoads to help enhance recreational opportunities for chil-
dren of all abilities. The new playground replaces the existing structure with interactive, freestanding panels designed for children with special needs, creating an engaging and welcoming space for children ages 2–5. Among the new features is a communication board, a visual tool displaying pictures and symbols that represent common playground vocabulary, helping
children with communication challenges express their needs and participate fully in play. The communication board was donated by the nonprofit organization, Rocco’s Voice for Autism. Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “Every child deserves the opportunity to play, learn, and grow in an environment that is safe and inclusive. Thanks to Senator See page 8
The Mid-Island Times & Levittown Times is Published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp. Periodical Postage paid at Hicksville, N.Y. 11801 Tel 931-0012. USPS 3467-68 Postmaster: Send Address Changes to: The Mid Island & Levittown Times 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208, Garden City, N.Y. 11530. Meg Norris Publisher
Rotary Club collects pajamas for children in need The Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club in collaboration with the EJ’s PJ sand Ridgewood Savings Bank is holding a new pajama collection for children of all ages. The pajamas in newborn to adult sizes are being collected through December 5, 2025. “I want to thank Ridgewood Savings Bank and one of their Branch Banking Officers for recognizing the usefulness oof this project.” said Robert Mancino, Rotary Club President. “He championed the request to have Ridgewood Savings Bank support the drive in all their branches. This expanded the reach of the drive to over 50 locations throughout Long Island.” EJ’s PJs started with one mission in mind – to give pajamas to children and teens of all ages who need the items the most – and that mission has not changed since 2011 when Patricia Poggi and her sons started the drive. Numerous donation sites have been set up in all the Ridgewood Savings Bank Branches in the metropolitan area and various businesses on Long Island. Below is a list of the locations in Nassau County: • Ridgewood Savings Bank, 220 W. Old Country Road, Hicksville NY, 11801 • Ridgewood Savings Bank, 1125 Old Country Road, Plainview
NY 11803 • Horseability, 223 Store Hill Rd., Old Westbury NY 11568 • AG Steakhouse, 1177 Corporate Dr., Westbury NY 11590 • Junkluggers, 12A Commercial St., Hicksville NY 11801 • Xtraire, 105 Bloomingdale Rd. Hicksville NY 11801 • R & R Dental, 754 South Broadway, Hicksville NY 11801 • Freeport Rec Center, 130 East Merrick Rd., Freeport NY 11520 • Hicksville Chiropractic, 161 Levittown Pkwy Hicksville NY 11801 • Hicksville Water District, 4 Dean St. Hicksville NY 11801 • Metro PT in Jericho, 312 North Broadway, Jericho NY 11753 • Patricia’s of Hicksville, 1040 South Broadway, Hicksville NY 11801 • Independent Order of Oddfellows Lodge #125, 226 East Meadow Ave., East Meadow NY 11554 For more information about the collection, please contact the Hicksville-Jericho Rotary Club at HicksvilleJerichoRotaaryClub@ gmail.com . For more information about EJ’s PJs, visit https://ejspjs.org/ Hicksville-Jericho Rotary is the first Rotary Club in Hicksville founded in 1951. Rotary brings together a global network See page 8
Therapy dog visits Levittown schools PAGE 6 SADD brings wellness to schools PAGE 14