Friday, December 8, 2023
Vol. 83, No. 48
40,000 Toys for Tots
$1
New inclusive features added to town parks
The Town of Oyster Bay will be partnering with Rocco’s Voice for Autism to unveil inclusive play communication boards in various town parks. These communication boards are designed to empower children with autism in their play experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and community while also helping children with autism develop their communication and social interaction skills. “Rocco’s Voice for Autism is a truly inspiring organization working to ensure every child feels welcomed and included. The Town Board and I share this mission,
Members of the Oyster Bay Town Board with Marines and donors at the Cruise Thru Toys for Tots Drive. The Town of Oyster Bay joined the United States Marines Corps and Optimum in hosting the largest ‘Cruise-Thru’ Toys for Tots Drive at John Burns Park
in Massapequa on December 2nd which collected over 40,000 toys for the less fortunate. Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “The thou-
sands of toys collected at this Cruise-Thru Holiday Toy Drive will bring giant smiles to the faces of children this holiday season. I thank resSee page 12
Santa’s Mailboxes at town offices
Children in the Town of Oyster Bay can send their ‘holiday wish list’ directly to Old St. Nick at the North Pole through a special network of Santa’s Mailboxes which arrived in Town facilities from the North Pole. Mail-
boxes will accept letters now through Friday, December 15. The Town of Oyster Bay will forward letters to Santa at the North Pole. Letters received by Friday, December 15, with a legible name
and return address will be answered by Santa before the holiday. No postage is necessary. Colorful red mailboxes will be accessible during regular business hours at the See page 12
The Syosset Advance Published every Friday by Litmor Publishing Corp. Periodical Postage paid at Hicksville, N.Y. 11801 Telephone 931-0012 - USPS 3467-68 Postmaster: Send Address Change to: The Syosset Advance, 821 Franklin Ave., Suite 208 Garden City, N.Y. 11530 • Meg Norris, Publisher
which is why we’re working to install play communication boards in our town parks,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Communication boards create a universal language for all children to play together — regardless of ability – and we welcome this opportunity to foster an understanding and compassionate environment.” The communication boards feature symbols and images that facilitate non-verbal communication, enabling children with autism to express themselves more easily. This initiative aligns with RocSee page 12
Woodbury man charged in rape of 14-year-old After a situation in which a suspect barricaded himself in his home, Nassau County Police arrested a Woodbury man for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl. According to detectives, police were dispatched to a Roseanne Drive residence for a house alarm and discovered a juvenile female victim who had fled from the house. Police say that upon their arrival, Adrees Omar, 25, barricaded himself inside the home and refused to allow officers inside the house. The Nassau County Hostage Negotiations Team was requested
and they were able to communicate with Omar, however he refused to exit the residence. Police from the Bureau of Special Operations eventually entered the home and placed Adrees Omar into custody without incident. He was transported to a local area hospital for evaluation. According to police, a joint investigation between the Special Victims Squad and the 2nd Squad found that Omar was having ongoing sexual relations with a 14-yearold female victim. Omar was charged with CrimSee page 12
Library celebration to feature author PAGE 8 Jackson named Blue Ribbon School PAGE 4