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Friday, May 1, 2026
Vol. 86, No. 18
SERVING BETHPAGE, OLD BETHPAGE, AND PLAINVIEW
Children’s book author visits TOBAY Beach car Old Country Road Elementary School show rescheduled
for May 2
Long Island’s largest and most premier car show experience has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 2nd, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at TOBAY Beach. “Car Show Long Island” features hundreds of automobiles, trucks, military vehicles, and emergency service vehicles. A live concert performed by That 70’s Band will take place during the day, followed by trophy presentations. The event is free for spectators. Supervisor Saladino stated, “Whether you’re a proud classic car owner or you want to see the latest and greatest automobiles in the world, Car Show Long Island is the place to be! With a diverse range of vehicles showcased, car enthusiasts will have the opportunity to admire and interact with some of the most impressive cars around. This free family-fun event is a perfect way to spend the day, all with the beautiful backdrop of TOBAY See page 6
Author Mary Ellen Owens visited Old Country Road School BY GARY SIMEONE It was a special day on Wednesday April 15th as Mary Ellen Owens, a children’s book author, visited the students at the Old Country Road Elementary School. The newly acclaimed author read her new book, “I Am Maleficent,” and answered students questions and queries about the book. Allison Logiudice, a second grade teacher, and Cathy O’Neil,
a teacher’s aide, helped to organize the event at the school. O’Neil is also the sister of Owens. “She really gave the kids a treat by coming to the school and reading her book and answering all of their questions during their assembly time,” said Loguidice. “She read and discussed her book with both the second grade class and the kindergarten students answering all of their questions about the
Owens, who works for Penguin RandomHouse Publishing, said she wrote “I Am Maleficent,” in December 2025 after a request from Disney to focus her writing on the villains side in the book series. “I had initially asked my editor to ask Disney if I could focus my idea on the villains perspective because I felt the villains in the books needed their stories See page 6
The Bethpage Newsgram is published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp. Periodical Postage paid at Hicksville, N.Y. 11801 Telephone 931-0012 - USPS 3467-68. Postmaster: Send Address Change to: The Bethpage Newsgram, 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208, Garden City, N.Y. 11530 • Meg Norris Publisher
Free concerts at libraries during May
The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that its Distinguished Artists Concert Series will conclude in May with the final two free performances at local libraries. “The Distinguished Artists Concert Series provides free musical and dance programs for the enjoyment of our residents,” said Councilman Labriola. “I encourage residents to take advantage of these wonderful performances offered by the Town for free at local libraries.” Scheduled performances for May include: • The Arlington Drive on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the Farmingdale Public Library – Live Music for All Ages: Classic Rock, County & Favorite Hits from the ‘80s and ‘90s! • Gathering Time on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Massapequa Public Library – Performing songs of hope, See page 6
STEAM showcase at board meeting PAGE 15 'Art for the Sky' in Bethpage schools PAGE 9