$1
Friday, February 16, 2018
Vol. 78, No. 7
LI BLUES WINTER CLASSIC
Hicksville schools chief set to retire in June BY GARY SIMEONE
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino (second from left) and Town Councilman Thomas P. Hand (left) recently attended the 8th Annual Town of Oyster Bay Long Island Blues Winter Classic, a special event that showcases hockey players with special needs, held at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center in Bethpage. The Long Island Blues Special Hockey gives children and young adults with special needs the opportunity to play ice hockey in an accommodating setting.
Hicksville Superintendent Dr. Carl Bonuso will retire at the end of the school year after spending four years in the district. He made his formal announcement at a school board meeting in January. Dr. Bonuso said that he felt the timing was right to retire from his position, after spending a total of twenty-six years working in school districts across Long Island in an administrative capacity. “I worked in the Wantagh school district, serving as school superintendent, and Sag Harbor as an interim superintendent, before coming to Hicksville in 2013,” said Dr. Bonuso. “I served as interim superintendent for one year and agreed to sign a three year contract with the district.” During his time as school superintendent, Dr. Bonuso has been instrumental in creating a strong partnership between the schools, parents and community and has helped jump-start community
approved plans for renovation of district facilities. “Hicksville has been like a second family to me and this community will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Dr. Bonuso. He said that his plans for retirement include spending more time with his wife, Cristina, and two daughters, Cristy and Cara. He also plans to spend a lot of his free time traveling to destinations unknown. “I’d like to see all of Long Island, go upstate a little and take trips out of the country with my family. I’m 73 years old and there is a lot I haven’t seen yet.” Asked if he’d be open to returning to another school district as superintendent, Dr. Bonuso said it is not out of the realm of possibility. “I’d never say never about another stint as a superintendent, because to me age is not really a number, just a state of mind. The heart and the passion for something doesn’t get old.”
Plan your February “Staycation” in the Town of Oyster Bay
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Joseph Muscarella offer children and families funfilled activities for the February winter recess from school. Beginning Saturday, February 17th through Sunday, February 25th, the Town of Oyster Bay has fun-filled activities and events for residents of all ages. “During Presidents’ Week when most schools are closed, the Town’s Ice Rinks will have a special schedule with several public sessions to accommodate our residents,” Supervisor Saladino said. “Additionally, the Children’s Magical Music & More program, as well as the Distinguished Artists Concert Series, will host
special performances, all of which are offered free of charge to our residents.” Town rinks are located at Bethpage Community Park (the indoor Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center), Marjorie Post Park (outdoor) and Syosset-Woodbury Park (outdoor). The outdoor rink season ends on February 25th. Ice skating schedules are available at www.oysterbaytown.com or residents may call (516) 797-4128. Available times range from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. to accommodate all residents. Programs run by The Rinx Skating School will be affected during the recess; participants should call (516) 797-4126 for information regarding skating programs.
Youngsters can enjoy two free Children’s Magical Music & More performances. On Sunday February 18th, Jester Jim will appear at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library at 3 p.m. On Wednesday, February 21st, Rolie Polie Guacamole will perform at the Bethpage Public Library at 2 p.m. Additional details are available at www.oysterbaytown.com or by calling (516) 797-7900. The Town is also offering two Distinguished Artists concerts during the recess as part of its February series. Sunday, February 18th, the Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company of Long Island will perform at the Bethpage Public Library at 2 p.m. On Sunday, Feb-
ruary 25th, the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library welcomes the Ronny Whyte Trio for an afternoon of Classic American Popular Songs played by an outstanding jazz trio, beginning at 3 p.m. Distinguished Artists programs are available throughout the year free of charge to Town residents. Please check individual libraries for ticket requirements. To contact Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library, call (516) 938-0077. To contact Bethpage Public Library, call (516) 931-3907. For more information on this program and others, visit www. oysterbaytown.com or call (516) 797-7900.
Salk students are young archaeologists PAGE 10 Kindergartners discover weather wonder PAGE 5