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Friday, February 9, 2018
Vol. 78, No. 6
Town to crack down on signage
Chinese New Year, collaborations at Syosset HS BY RIKKI N. MASSAND
Supervisor Joseph Saladino (center), Councilman Tom Hand (left) and Councilman Louis Imbroto (second from right) today joined with civic leaders and the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce in announcing that Code Enforcement officials will begin a town-wide crackdown on the proliferation of illegal business signs. Town of Oyster Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Thomas Hand, and Councilman Louis Imbroto, joined with civic leaders and the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce in announcing that Code Enforcement officials will begin a town-wide crackdown on the proliferation of illegal business signs, including some with flashing and/or neon lights. Supervisor Saladino stated, “The Town of Oyster Bay is working in unison with the Chamber of Commerce and residents to beautify the community and remove illegal signs from polluting our neighborhoods. Through enforcement of our Town Code, we will foster a more attractive suburban community.” The Department of Planning and
Development will mail notices to thousands of business owners this month reminding them of the Town sign permitting requirements (Chapter 246, Section 11.10) and restriction against the use of neon and other such lighting outlining a building or other architectural feature (Chapter 246, Section 7.3). Additionally, sandwich signs (A-frame signs) on sidewalks, scrolling/animated signs, rooftop signs and banners are not permitted by Town Code. Councilman Hand stated, “We seek to preserve our suburban quality of life and ask all businesses respect our Town Code and communities. While we begin here in Hicksville due to the recent resident concerns, we will address this See page 12
The Chinese New Year and Year of the Dog was presented to the Syosset-Woodbury community in grand fashion on Saturday afternoon, February 3, inside Syosset High School’s auditorium, and the community showcase put diversity and partnerships among neighbors in the spotlight. In its second year at SHS, the Chinese American Association of Syosset (CAAS) and the student organization Chinese Culture Society (CCS) teamed up for fun-filled and educational performances, a brilliant array of costumes, decorations, and choreography, and lasting impressions with the school district and local business community leaders. The CCS club’s goal, explained to the crowd last Saturday as “creating an interactive and engaging environment where people learn about Chinese culture while making new friends,” was more than evident and ballasted by the district serving as the host venue for the New Year celebration and performances. Syosset Superintendent of Schools Dr. Thomas Rogers sat front-row and delivered welcoming comments for the audience on Saturday, and CAAS co-President Tim Lau presented him with a traditional, decorative dark red tablecloth setting as a small token of the occasion. He began with a few words in Chinese and then translated to English: “In a language where my accent is better, welcome everyone and Happy New Year. This is an amazing event and I’m so proud to be a part of it. I love the diversity of this community and especially how intentional we in Syosset/Woodbury are about celebrating it -- it’s a real pleasure and treat to be with you today. Thank you very much for having us and enjoy the show!” Dr. Rogers said, standing in front of over 150 members of the schools’ and
local community. Tim Lau thanked the school district for its continued support and hospitality, as joining Dr. Rogers in the audience were Syosset High School Principal Dr. Giovanni Durante; School Board President Dr. Michael Cohen and board trustees Andrew Feldman and Tracey Frankel, who attended with her two children, as well as Trustee Carol Cheng who sat with her husband. In an interview with the Syosset Advance and Jericho-Syosset News Journal, Lau said the event’s turnout was terrific as people in the community were prepared and well-aware of the date and performances. He said the ticket distribution was completely finished in three consecutive days, as registrations piled in although tickets were free. “This year we have students from every school performing and professionals such as magicians, face painting, and the Stian Tai Chi group. We’re very fortunate the SHS Chinese Culture Society students are helping us for a second straight year, volunteering, decorating the hallways and student lounge, plus the MC’s,” Lau said. On stage, Lau spoke about great progress for CAAS in 2017, chief among them, the school district’s first-ever bilingual town hall event 11 months ago at South Woods Middle School auditorium. “Last February we hosted this same Chinese New Year event at the high school for our very first time, and now being here again we’ve seen it as a tremendous success. In August, at Eisenhower Park, CAAS was very honored to receive a citation from the office of the Nassau County Executive, recognizing us for our contributions to the Chinese American community in greater Syosset. See page 12
11 Jericho Regeneron Scholars PAGE 8 Berry Hill School goes bowling PAGE 16