Friday, August 5, 2022
Vol. 82, No. 31
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SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVITTOWN
Town, restaurants launch shell recycling effort
Town officials, including Town Clerk Rich LaMarca, Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, and Councilwoman Laura Maier, join Cooper Bluff owner Russ Lundstrum in demonstrating the process of the new shell recycling program.
The Town of Oyster Bay and local restaurant owners have announced an innovative new shell recycling initiative to strengthen the local marine environment. Under this program, the Town seeks partnerships with local restaurants and other entities to collect oyster and clam shells from dinner plates and kitchen preparation tables. Town aqua-culturists regularly pickup shells from local partners and deliver them to an environmental curing facility. Once ready for deposit into waterways, the shells will be strategically placed at the bottom of local Oyster Bay and Cold Spring harbors. “The shells from your dinner plate provide an excellent source of habitat for young shellfish to grow as they offer protection from predators and weather conditions,” said Supervisor Saladino. “My administration is committed to improving water quality, expanding the shellfish popula-
tion and bettering our environment. This Oyster and Clam Shell Recycling initiative expands upon our ongoing efforts by recruiting local restauranteurs to recycling their shell-waste and better our harbor.” While this Oyster and Clam Shell Recycling initiative helps the environment, it also helps restauranteurs toward achieving compliance requirements with the New York State Food Donation and Scraps Recycling Law while also reducing waste carting expenses. Local businessowners could also potentially receive a tax incentive, currently under review in New York State. Shellfish are essential mollusks in the local marine environment as they filter water through their feeding mechanisms. A single adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of seawater per day, making shellfish Mother Nature’s most valuable marine
Hicksville HS student wins Local business closes after notable art competition 50 years in community BY GARY SIMEONE
Helping each other out during tough times was the inspiration behind Hicksville High School student, Lily Wagner’s, winning artwork. The soon-to-be senior’s art piece, entitled ‘Guiding Light,’ was awarded first place in the Congressional Art Competition (New York 3rd district.) The competition is a national event held on a yearly
basis for high school students across the country. Wagner said she entered the national competition in April at the request of her high school art teacher, Craig Mateyunas. “He thought I would have a good chance of winning the competition so I entered the contest,” said Wagner. “I found out the good See page 11
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
Assemblyman John Mikulin (R,C-Bethpage) honored a local business this week as they closed their doors for the last time. Swan Prime Meats and Italian Specialties was presented with an Assembly Proclamation by the assemblyman for their decades of distinguished service to the Bethpage community and greater Nassau County as they served their last customers the last week of July, having decided to close after 50 years
in business. “Swam Prime Meats has been a community staple throughout my life, and the lives of so many others. But really it is the story of its owner Tony Lagana, who has built the American Dream here in his business that is so inspiring to us all,” said Mikulin. “We deeply appreciate Tony’s service to the community, his hard work See page 11
POB Schools hire asst. superintendent PAGE 4 Volunteers participate in day of service PAGE 6