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Friday, May 12, 2023
Vol. 9, No. 19
PortWashingtonTimes Washington SCHOOLS & EDUCATION
DeSENA, LURVEY SPAR OVER BUDGET
SANTOS INDICTED
PAGES 25-28
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Portfest to return May 21 Arts festival to unite community BY C A M E RY N O A K ES Portfest, an annual springtime arts festival in Port Washington, is returning May 21 to bring the community together through arts and music. The one-day festival is organized by HEARTS of Port Washington, a grant-making, local nonprofit organization that raises money to enrich the arts through programs. The organization funds program that can be found throughout the Port Washington public schools and in the broader community. Eric Gewirtz, president of the organization’s board of directors, said HEARTS helps to bridge the gap for educators who may not have the funding from the district to provide certain arts programs. Portfest is HEARTS’ signature fund-raising event with all proceeds going toward grant programs for the next grant cycle that starts in September. Attendees are able to make donations to HEARTS at the festival to support their grant programs, but it is optional. Portfest, which is free to attend, will be held at Seeber Field at Schreiber High School from noon until 4 p.m. In the case of rain, the festival will take place inside the high school. Continued on Page 43
PHOTO BY CAMERYN OAKES
Funeral attendees mourn the death of Ethan Falkowitz. See related stories on pages 9, 10 and 11.
Community mourns Roslyn teens Outpouring of grief, outrage for two boys, 14, who died in crash BY R OB E RT PE L A E Z Nassau County mourned the deaths of two young Roslyn tennis players after an accused drunk driver cut short their lives last week and snuffed out the dreams their families, school, friends and community had for the talented 14-year-olds. The Roslyn School District, in
a statement, reflected on the passing of Drew Hassenbein and Ethan Falkowitz, both middle school students, and two injured high school friends. “The tragic passing of two of our Roslyn Middle School students is a tremendous loss for their families, friends, and our school community,” the statement said. “The district ex-
tends our deepest condolences and asks that everyone respect the families’ right to grieve privately during this very difficult time…We wish a speedy and complete recovery to our two Roslyn High School students in the hospital. Our hearts are broken.” The district also said it will have psychologists, guidance counselors and other social workers set up at
each school to provide support for students, staff or families. Hassenbein and Falkowitz were killed after being hit by an allegedly drunk driver behind the wheel of a Dodge Ram traveling on the wrong side of the road in Jericho, according to the Nassau County Police Department. Continued on Page 12
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