Friday, October 11, 2024
Vol. 84, No. 41
$1
SERVING BETHPAGE, OLD BETHPAGE, AND PLAINVIEW
INDIA DAY CELEBRATION
A few weeks ago, New York State Senators Steve Rhoads, along with other local officials, joined the India Day Parade in Hicksville to commemorate India's independence. This annual lively cultural celebration not only commemorates India’s freedom, but also recognizes the substantial contributions of Indian-Americans to the local community. As colorful floats paraded down the streets, the atmosphere was filled with joyful performances that showcased traditional Indian dance, music, and food, creating a lively backdrop that captivated attendees of all ages.
Fall & Halloween Festival
The Town of Oyster Bay will be holding its Family Fall & Halloween Festival on Saturday, October 26, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Marjorie R. Post Community Park, located at 451 Unqua Road in Massapequa. “This festival is a great
opportunity for residents to celebrate Halloween and the fall season with activities that are fun for residents of all ages,” Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “Families are sure to enjoy all that the festival has to offer, including pumpkin picking
and our popular Halloween hayride. Remember, costumes are encouraged!” The Family Fall & Halloween Festival will feature a ‘U-Pick’ pumpkin patch for children to pick their own pumpkins (while See page 10
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
Town puts moratorium on shellfish harvesting The Town of Oyster Bay has approved a temporary 6-month shellfish harvesting moratorium on 1,850 acres of underwater land in Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor. These lands, previously leased and harvested by a commercial shellfish harvesting company, will be studied to understand the impact of decadeslong harvesting on the sea bottom while laying the groundwork for repopulating local waters with baby clams and
oysters. Annually, the Town of Oyster Bay populates these waters with millions of baby shellfish. “Friends of the Bay and local environmental groups have all asked for and helped us in this process. This temporary moratorium will help us strengthen the health of the harbor while not impacting any current shellfish harvesting by local baymen on the more than 4,000 acres they See page 10
HHS nonprofit helps unlock creativity in kids BY GARY SIMEONE The nonprofit organization is called NextGenInspires, and its sole mission is to ignite curiosity and unleash the creative genius in kids. The organization was started last year by four high school students who wanted to help school aged children in the community learn STEM-related courses. Aayush Butala, a senior at Hicksville, and cofounder of NextGenInspires, said that he and three classmates started
free classes at the Hicksville Public Library. “Our main goal was to inspire younger kids in the subjects of mathematics, science, business and Art,” said Butala. “We had noticed that with the after effects of the pandemic and social media’s influence, kids were lacking focus and inspiration in certain areas. We wanted to come up with an idea to help the community and help them refocus their attention on See page 10
Cafe opens at Plainview OB Library PAGE 8 Volunteers needed to plant due grass PAGE 3