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HHS robots dominate FIRST Tech Challenge By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY awarshavsky@liherald.com
Courtesy Daniel Birkenstock
After mechanical and programming issues were corrected, Hewlett High School’s RoboBoogie robotics team dominated its bracket of competition en route to a first-place finish on Feb. 1.
RoboBoogie and Bionica, two Hewlett High School robotics teams, continued their winning ways on Feb. 1 at Locust Valley High School, forming an alliance at the FIRST Tech Challenge that earned them first- and second-place finishes for the Inspire Award. The Inspire Award recognizes teams that act professionally, and as role models for other students, showcasing cohesion in programming, engineering and community outreach. Daniel Birkenstock, a Hewlett High Continued on pAge 7
World War II Navy veteran Gerald Savarese turns 102 By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Gerald Savarese, a Navy veteran who served in World War II, marked his 102nd birthday on Feb. 4, surrounded by family members, fellow residents and caregivers at a patriotic celebration at Five Towns Premier Rehab and Nursing Center in Woodmere. Born on Feb. 4, 1924, in the Bronx, Savarese enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 and served through the end of the war, in 1945, on the Xanthus-class repair ship, the USS Dionysus. The staff of Five Towns Premier transformed the center’s
third floor into a red, white and blue tribute with patriotic displays, and guests waved small American flags in honor of Savarese’s service. “Today is a special day,” Cathy Byrne, a gerontologist at the center, said. “Gerald Savarese just turned 102 years young. To know Mr. Savarese is to love him.” Balloons marking the occasion floated above the celebration as residents and staff gathered with Savarese; his wife of 76 years, Bernadette; and other family members. “There are so many memories to add to our special book of moments,” Bernadette said.
“We thank God for giving us this wonderful life.” After serving in the war, Gerald worked as an insurance executive for Empire Mutual and American Transit Insurance Company, and retired at age 90. The Savareses raised a daughter and three sons, and have 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. “Mr. Savarese enjoys spending his leisure time with his family at Jones Beach and playing golf,” Byrne said. “He loves Italian food, and his secret to longevity is eating salads.” Savarese was presented with citations recognizing both his military service and his birth-
day by Ralph Esposito, director of Nassau County’s Veterans Service Agency, on behalf of County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County Office for the Aging, U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen and Five Towns Premier Recreation Director Anthony Matese, who announced that Savarese had been named February’s Resident of the Month.
“You’ve reached a milestone of 102 years old,” Matese told the guest of honor. “We are making you Resident of the Month for February for celebrating a life milestone and for being a part of the Five Towns Premier community and family.” “Not only is he a gentleman, but he’s got a sense of humor,” Continued on pAge 19