Vol. 85, No. 44
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Friday, October 31, 2025
SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVITTOWN
Diwali celebrated in Hicksville Hicksville music
educator receives achievement award
Senator Steve Rhoads joined the Asamai Hindu Temple & Community Center’s 21st Annual Diwali Mela in Hicksville to celebrate the Festival of Lights and recognize the triumph of good over evil. He presented Youth Leadership Awards to Aarti, Akshay, and Rakhi Bhasin, along with Arvin Mehra, for their five years of dedicated service to the Temple’s Sunday School Program. Senator Rhoads was joined by Legislator Rose Marie Walker and Supervisor Jennifer DeSena in celebrating this vibrant community event honoring faith, service, and togetherness.
Town drive to support veterans
The Town of Oyster Bay, in partnership with VFW Post #6394 in Syosset, encourage residents to support local veterans by donating to a Collection
Drive. Throughout the month of November, residents are invited to donate toiletries that will be distributed through the notfor-profit organization Help for
Homeless Long Island Veterans. “From hosting veteran appreciation events to recognizing their service with Hometown See page 6
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
Hicksville Public Schools is proud to announce that Kerri Kamping has been named the recipient of the 2025 New York State School Music Association Early Career Achievement Award. This prestigious award recognizes a pre-K–12 music educator who, within the first five to 15 years of their career, has demonstrated excellence in teaching and a deep commitment to the advancement of music education in New York State. "We are incredibly proud to celebrate Ms. Kamping’s achievement," said Chad Wyman, supervisor of fine arts for Hicksville Public Schools. "Her dedication to fostering musical growth and enthusiasm among her students and within our school community is truly commendable. This award is a testament to the high quality of our music program and the passionate educators who lead it." “Ms. Kamping’s passion for music education and her ability to inspire students through creativity and connection are what make Hicksville proud,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ted Fulton. “Her recognition by NYSSMA reflects
Kerri Kamping
Photo courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools
not only her exceptional talent and dedication, but also the collective excellence of our fine arts program and the commitment of our educators to enriching the lives of our students through the arts.” NYSSMA is a state unit of the National Association for Music Education. It is a professional organization dedicated to music education across New York State.
Hometown Heroes Honored PAGE 3 Record-breaking fundraiser PAGE 7