Friday, June 25, 2021
Vol. 81, No. 26
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SERVING BETHPAGE, OLD BETHPAGE, AND PLAINVIEW
Hicksville HS Robotics team places Town: Grants available first in national competition for back rent, utilities
The Town of Oyster Bay has announced the availability of $16 million in Federal funds for those facing housing insecurity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although this rental assistance program is being administered by the Long Island Housing Partnership (LIHP), qualifying residents can now register at www.oysterbaytown.com/ rentalassistance. After registration, the LIHP will contact applicants to obtain documentation and information necessary to secure these funds. Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “These Federal funds were granted to the Town of Oyster Bay to help residents recover from economic hardships created by the pandemic and government shutdowns. This rental assistance program provides critical funding to prevent homelessness and ensure those experiencing financial hardship are able to recover and rebuild their lives while having a stable place to call home.” The program is designed to assist residents with current and prospective rent, arrears for utilities and home energy costs, and other expenses related to housing such as rental security deposits. Assistance under this program could be provided for up to 12 months of payments, with an additional three months if necessary to ensure See page 12
The J Birds (left to right): Ekam Singh, Jason Jiang , Jesse Kohli, Catherine Temps BY GARY SIMEONE They are known as the J Birds, and they are flying high after winning first place in a prestigious national robotics competition. Ten members of the Hicksville High School Robotics team earned top billing in the “Business Model” portion of the Altice USA’s Future Innovator awards, and first runner up in the “Community Impact” portion. As
a result of their placing, the team received a $2,500 grant from Altice USA Inc that will be used in next year’s competition fees. Hicksville juniors Jesse Kohli Ekam Singh and Jason Jiang were the main creators of an idea to invent a device similar to a VR (virtual reality) headset to monitor the physical activity levels of senior citizens. “Instead of an in-person
competition this year, our team was presented with an innovation challenge that would benefit the community,” said Kohli. “We came up with this idea to create a VR communication platform which we named Aureum, that would allow teenagers and senior citizens to stay fit.” He said the idea was that teenagers who were looking to See page 12
The Bethpage Newsgram is published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp. Periodical Postage paid at Hicksville, N.Y. 11801 Telephone 931-0012 - USPS 3467-68. Postmaster: Send Address Change to: The Bethpage Newsgram, 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208, Garden City, N.Y. 11530 • Meg Norris Publisher
“Cruise Thru Food Drop” collection drive June 26 The Town of Oyster Bay has announced that it will partner with Island Harvest Food Bank and Car Show Long Island to host a special food drive called the “Cruise Thru Food Drop” on Saturday, June 26 (rain date of June 27), at Marjorie Post Park in Massapequa. The food drive will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and benefit our neighbors in need during this public health crisis, with the donations going to help and restock local food banks throughout Long Island. “As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to impact our fellow Long Island residents, many people are facing a great hardship at this time. The fine work of organizations like Island Harvest touch the lives of so many Long Islanders who are less fortunate, and their work has become more crucial than ever during these uncertain See page 12
HHS seniors celebrate with car parade PAGE 6 Eighth graders ready for challenges PAGE 23