Friday, October 6, 2017
Vol. 77, No. 40
HAPPY 70TH ANNIVERSARY
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Local couple shares harrowing experience in Puerto Rico BY GARY SIMEONE
Hempstead Town Supervisor Anthony J. Santino (3rd left) and Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr. (2nd right) attend the unveiling of Levittown’s 70th Anniversary signs held on Division Avenue and Hempstead Turnpike. Pictured left to right are Michael Levy, Mauro Cassano, Supervisor Santino, Louise Cassano, Don Patane, Councilman Dunne, Sr. and Tom Kohlman of Wantagh.
Hicksville Schools host fall senior citizen luncheon The Hicksville Public School District will be hosting its 26th annual fall senior citizen luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m., at Hicksville High School. The festivities will begin with an opening reception for guests, and include a luncheon with a choice of three entrees: chicken
cordon bleu, Swedish meatballs, or baked ziti. Entertainment during the luncheon will be provided by talented Hicksville High School music and theater students who will present musical numbers and acting skits prepared especially for guests. Tickets are available for pur-
chase to Hicksville senior citizens at $6.00 each during the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Hicksville Administration Building Reception Desk located at 200 Division Ave. For additional information, residents can contact the Office of Community Services at 516-733-2190.
Twenty four year old Joseph Roman of Levittown arrived home with his fiancé, Jenny Delpin, last week after spending their vacation in storm ravaged Puerto Rico. The couple had a tale to tell of the unimaginable devastation they witnessed after arriving on a flight from the capital city of San Juan. “It was complete chaos down there, an utter disaster,” said Roman, who proposed to the 21 year old Delpin, just as Hurricane Maria was crashing into the Island. “It was like a scene from a bombing with the power out on the island, trees down and debris flying everywhere.” Maria crashed into the island on September 20th, as a strong Category 4 hurricane with powerful 155 mph winds that knocked out 100% of power on the island and left utter devastation in its wake. The storm had caused multiple casualties and left the majority of people without houses to go home to and potable drinking water. Roman said that the couple encountered a feeling of helplessness while being stranded on the island. “There was no police, no military, no security, nobody was there regulating what was going on,” said Roman. “There was no electricity or cell service anywhere. We were truly left to our own devices.” He said that the trip to Puerto Rico had been planned well in advance of the hurricane and that they were unprepared for the events that unfolded. “My parents were celebrating a 26th wedding anniversary and I was planning the surprise proposal. Thankfully my parents were able to fly back to New York before the hurricane came but our flight got cancelled and we took shelter in our hotel.” “The wind was insane and trees were falling everywhere,” said Delpin. “It was absolute chaos, a nightmare, a living hell.” The couple said that when they tried to check back into their rooms they were told that their rooms had been reserved for military personnel only. They ended up having to sleep on the curb right outside of the hotel door. “I was at my end. We had no food or water. We could barely stand,” said Roman. After days of being stuck in the hurricane ravaged country, the couple was finally able to secure a flight out of San Juan and arrived at Kennedy airport on Monday, September 25th. “I never wanted a shower so badly in my life,” said Delpin.
Stop, drop and learn at Lee Ave. PAGE 4 Alumni inducted into Hall of Fame PAGE 8