Friday, June 4, 2021
Vol. 81, No. 23
$1
SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVITTOWN
Town of Oyster Bay dedicates park to fallen firefighter
Hicksville Chamber celebrates return to in-person events BY RIKKI N. MASSAND
Members of the Oyster Bay Town Board and local firefighters gathered at the dedication of a Bethpage park in honor of falled NYFD Firefighter William N. Tolley. Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and members of the Town Board dedicated a Bethpage park on Crestline Avenue in honor of fallen FDNY Firefighter William N. Tolley and all first responders. Firefighter Tolley died in the line of duty on April 20, 2017 from injuries he sustained while fighting a second-alarm fire in Ridgewood, Queens. “Firefighter Tolley was
loved and respected by his family, our residents and his brothers and sisters in the fire service,” said Supervisor Saladino. “He had a unique ability to connect with people and felt a tremendous sense of duty as a firefighter to stand up for those in need. He excelled as a firefighter, a husband and father and as a musician as well. There were many facets to William and his remarkable legacy will be
forever remembered. Together, we are proud to rename this park in his memory while also paying respect to all first responders for the job they do protecting our communities and lives.” With the support of the Fire and Drums Foundation, a not-for-profit organization founded by William Tolley’s brother, Robert, the Town of Oyster Bay refurbished the See page 4
The Mid-Island Times & Levittown Times is Published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp. Periodical Postage paid at Hicksville, N.Y. 11801 Tel 931-0012. USPS 3467-68 Postmaster: Send Address Changes to: The Mid Island & Levittown Times 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208, Garden City, N.Y. 11530. Meg Norris Publisher
On Wednesday May 19, the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce held a mixer for members and non-members at the Broadway Commons Mall. Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino was the guest speaker. The organizers created a festive event in the corridor of Broadway Commons, and complete with food and beverages from the new Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood restaurant and bar, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Burger Village at the mall. Hicksville Chamber of Commerce President Amaka Muir is the senior marketing and business development director of Broadway Commons. Amaka was enthused to welcome distinguished guests including Town Supervisor Saladino, Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh, Town Clerk Richard LaMarca, and Town Deputy Commissioner Economic Development James McCaffrey. Also in attendance to support the Hicksville chamber and local business community was the president of the Syosset Woodbury Chamber of Commerce, 21-year Syosset resident Russell P. Green of RPG Wealth Management. The immediate past president of the Hicksville Chamber, Syosset resident Mike Ruvolo, chief impression officer of the Hicksville Minuteman Press, attended as well and greeted other small business owners and professionals during the evening event. When Town Clerk LaMarca arrived, Muir was particularly excited to see him as he presided over her wedding ceremony in 2020. After welcoming the officials, she was able to reflect on the literal and metaphorical “coming together” of the business community, new and longtime Chamber members, and the Town of Oyster Bay elected leadership. “Being the marketing director at Broadway Commons and now taking on the role as president of the Hicksville Chamber is the perfect marriage since both organizations essentially have the same goals – to grow our community, and to promote and advocate for businesses to succeed,” Muir told the Mid-Island Times. Supervisor Saladino strongly commended the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce for their leadership, innovation, and “tireless support” throughout the challenges brought to them by COVID-19. “In our town government, we feel a strong obligation to provide See page 4
Town unveils Hometown Heroes banners PAGE 6 Former resident publishes 17th book PAGE 14