In the article entitled “Town plans extra safety patrols due to Iran attack”(Friday March 6th edition), Supervisor Saladino assured the residents of Oyster Bay that “Public Safety Officers will intensify patrols around temples, synagogues, churches and government buildings.” All well and good, but shouldn’t this increase in patrols be extended to mosques as well? Islamophobia, a subset of the xenophobia that America has always struggled with, became particularly intense after 9/11 and has never really receded
into the background. The decision of our President to attack Iran and the consequent deaths of those in harm's way, including members of the American military, will only intensify this particular prejudice towards Muslims.
I'm hoping that Supervisor Saladino's omission was just an honest mistake and that, in fact, those patrols are on the lookout for those who might wish to inflict violence against our Muslim sisters and brothers as well as our Jewish sisters and brothers and Christian sisters and brothers.
James Philipps
Town offers Summer Softball League
The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that registration is now open for the Town’s Summer Softball Night League, with games scheduled to begin in May 2026. Games will be held at three parks throughout the Town with a season consisting of 10 weeks of regularly scheduled double headers (20 games total) plus playoffs and championships. Residents and non-residents alike are welcome to sign up for the softball league. Players must be ages 18 and older.
“The Town’s Summer Softball Night League is a fun and competitive league that provides a great opportunity for both residents and non-residents to enjoy their love of the game and appreciate some of our wonderful Town parks and facilities,” said Supervisor Saladino. “So, get your team together and take advantage of one of the Town’s most popular programs!”
Games begin in May and will be held
at 3 different locations:
• John J. Burns Park, 4990 Merrick Road in Massapequa
• Ellsworth Allen Park, 45 Motor Avenue in Farmingdale
• Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park, 175 Washington Avenue in Plainview
Registration is currently available at oysterbaytown.com/sports. The fee is $850 per team, and each team is responsible for liability and accidental insurance as well as umpire fees. Umpire fees are paid in cash to the umpires at the start of each game. Each team will sign up for one of three divisions: A, B, or C, with A being the most advanced.
Teams interested in more information can call the Town of Oyster Bay’s Parks Department, Recreation Division, at (516) 797-7945.
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Syosset Library to host college admissions presentation
Dr. John Durante, principal of Syosset High School and host of “The College Admissions Podcast”
The Syosset Public Library will host a special presentation featuring Dr. John Durante, principal of Syosset High School, host of “The College Admissions Process Podcast”, and author of “Straight from the Admissions Office”. The program will take place at the library on Monday, March 16, at 7:00 p.m.
Through his podcast, Durante has interviewed hundreds of college admissions representatives from colleges and universities across the country. These conversations have provided unique behind-the-scenes insight into how admissions decisions are made and what students can do to stand out in today’s increasingly competitive admissions environment.
During this informative presentation, Durante will share:
• Key insights gained from hundreds of conversations with admissions professionals
• Practical strategies students can use to strengthen their college applications
• Guidance for families on how to best support students throughout the admissions journey
Over the past several years, “The College Admissions Process Podcast” has grown into a trusted resource for students, parents, and educators seeking clear and practical guidance on navigating the admissions process. Through these conversations with admissions leaders, Durante has developed a unique perspective on what colleges value most in applicants and how students can make the most of their high school experience.
The program is designed for teens and parents who want a clearer understanding of the college admissions process and actionable steps students can take during high school to build a strong application. Registration is required for this free event, and it is open to individuals ages 13 and older. Registration will close on March 16 at 6:30 p.m.
For more information or to register, visit the Syosset Public Library website for their calendar of events.
Camaraderie and teamwork on display at Lee Avenue School
BY GARY SIMEONE
Excitement, teamwork and friendly competition were on display at the Lee Avenue School this past February. On February 12, students from the school participated in the “Human Gameboard” assembly, an interactive program designed to engage, motivate and inspire audiences.
Chris Uccellini, principal of Lee Avenue, said the students in different grade levels from K–2 and 3–5 worked together as teams on activities to inspire sportsmanship, camaraderie and engage with one another.
“It was the first time at our school we held this type of event and it was definitely a high energy environment and the kids enjoyed themselves and Had loads of fun,” said Uccellini.
He said that kids from each grade level worked together for a common cause, helping to accomplish tasks such as stacking cups, building blocks, participating in a clothes relay and an overall indoor field day.
“We’ve had other indoor events and assemblies at our
school but this was definitely one of the loudest environments I’ve been a part of.
The game board was made up of three different color coded sides, green, blue and red colors for the students to engage in the activities. The massive sixteen-square board represented a variety of activities that encouraged participation from every student involved.
The students kicked off the games by rolling huge oversized dice onto the square boards revealing challenges where each of the teams competed for points.
Uccellini said the assembly emphasized collaboration, positive competition, sportsmanship, mutual respect and values that extended outside of the classroom environment.
“This team-building assembly had every student actively involved and participating,” said Uccellini. “It was fun to see students supporting one another, showing great sportsmanship and working together with such enthusiasm for a common goal.”
Lee Avenue Elementary students had fun participating in a special school assembly featuring the Ultimate Human Board Game. Photos courtesy of Hicksville Public Schools
