Friday, October 13, 2023
Vol. 83, No. 40
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SERVING BETHPAGE, OLD BETHPAGE, AND PLAINVIEW
Diwali Mela celebrated
TOB budget hearings set for October 13th BY RIKKI MASSAND
Senator Rhoads & Supervisor DeSena were honored to help light the lamp at the Diwali Mela Festival which symbolizes the inner light that helps dispel darkness, ignorance, and evil. On Sunday, September 17, Senator Steve Rhoads joined Hicksville’s AsaMai Hindu Temple to celebrate the festival of Diwali Mela. One of the most popular festivals of Hinduism, Diwali is a celebration of the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. During Sunday’s festival, Diwali lights were illuminated, in accordance with the tradition of brightly lit temples, homes,
shops, and office buildings during the observance. It was a joyous occasion filled with vibrant colors, cultural performances, and delicious food. Senator Rhoads was proud to be a part of such a beautiful celebration that brings our community together. Senator Rhoads said, “It was an honor to attend such a joyful and important event for our Long Island community. The 19th Annual Diwali
Mela celebrating the Hindu festival of lights is a wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of India’s culture, history, and rich traditions. Special thank you to the p resident of the Afghan Hindu Association, Sunder Luthra, and two of their past presidents, Sena Lund and Gobind Bathija, and Nanda Sundri, Secretary of the Afghan Hindu Association, for organizing this event."
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The Town of Oyster Bay Town Council will hold two budget sessions on Tuesday, October 17 to review the proposed 2024 budget of $338,434,733, which was unanimously accepted at the board’s October 3rd meeting. The budget includes salary expenses totaling $100,225,285; employee benefits of $72,342,800; contracts of $77,287,119 and debt service of $88,157,029. Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino reflected on how far the Town has come in its financial status since he and other Town officials came onto the board in 2017. Saladino said the town has produced six consecutive budget surpluses in the years of the current Town officials, and the Town has achieved its highest reserve funds ever totaling over $88 million. Supervisor Saladino reported that TOBAY has gone from a $44 million deficit at the time he and fellow officials took office six years ago to now achieving a budget sur-
plus of over $88 million. One of Saladino and Town government’s goals has been set to take the TOBAY credit rating up to a coveted, “perfect” AAA status with a new rating by Moody’s Investor Services. Currently the Town is two levels below that threshold, and has risen from an A+ to AA- as of 2023. “We have reduced the Town’s total capital debt by a net of $187 million while getting one-third of the roads paved in the third largest township in America; resurfacing our fields and protecting our facilities and assets. This will allow Wall Street to review our finances and say we’re doing a great job and they will keep increasing our credit rating. As the Town’s credit rating escalates it reduces the cost of borrowing money for the many projects we have going on and to come. We were at A+ and now we’re on track working towards the AAA bond rating – and we are continuing on the path while cutting taxes,” Saladino said October 3rd. The Town Supervisor offered his See page 9
Driver hits front of 7-11 An 86-year-old driver accidentally collided with the front of the 7-11 store located at 2901 Hempstead Turnpike, Levittown, on Wednesday, October 4, at 12:30 p.m. According to Nassau County Police, the driver was attempting to park when she accidentally hit the gas instead of the brake, caus-
ing the vehicle to collide with the building, and causing the building's front window to break. One person sustained minor injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The operator of the vehicle reported no injuries and remained at scene. No criminality is suspected at this time.
Gardiner's Ave. kids make their marks PAGE 11 Renovated school library unveiled at PAGE 19