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Franklin Square/Elmont Herald 04-20-2023

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HERALD Long Island Choice Awards Winners Guide

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VoL. 25 No. 17

Pushing for SALT cap relief

Historic seizure of pure fentanyl

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APRIL 20 - 26, 2023

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VFW Post 2718 to undergo renovations By ANA BoRRUTo aborruto@liherald.com

Courtesy Lisa DelliPizzi

Home of the brave The Franklin Square Civic Association hung up banners of veterans and first responders for the organization’s special Hometown Heroes program. Story, more photos, Page 11.

The Frank P. Curry Jr. VFW Post 2718 in Franklin Square is getting a much-needed facelift, thanks to the generosity of the local nonprofit Rescuing Families Inc. When Gina and Vincent Centauro launched their charity in 2016, they didn’t have many places to host their fundraising events. Post 2718 opened its doors to the couple from the very beginning, and Gina said now they want to pay that generosity forward. “They were just so incredibly gracious to us,” Gina said. “Over the years, we’ve been doing all of

our functions there, and we continue to do them there because we feel that it’s very important to support the VFW — in most areas all across the country, that’s like the heart of the community.” Post 2718, at 68 Lincoln Road, was founded in 1932. It was named after a Franklin Square resident who served in World War I and died only a few days before the war’s end. Since its inception, the building has become a popular community gathering space for family parties, special ceremonies, Memorial Day parades, donation collections and more. Most importantly, the VFW Continued on page 20

Elmont Memorial H.S. parents denounce school board

Principal’s departure is the last straw, they say, complaining that trustees ignore their feelings By ANA BoRRUTo aborruto@liherald.com

Parents expressed anger with some Board of Education members following the sudden announcement by Elmont Memorial High School Principal Kevin Dougherty that he will step down at the end of the school year, saying that they have lost trust in the board. The school’s Parent Teacher Student Association held an emergency town hall meeting on April 11 to discuss measures the community could take following Dougherty’s decision. One sug-

gestion included possibly voting against the Sewanhaka Central High School District’s proposed $244 million budget for 2023-24 on May 16 as a way to send a message to the school board. “We are here to help advocate for what is best for our children,” Lynette Battle, the PTSA president, wrote in an email. “The PTSA cannot tell you how to vote, however, we can tell you to show your strength in numbers, encourage you to have your voices be heard by voting and support your efforts to advocate for our scholars.” Dougherty sent an email to

parents, students and staff on April 5 announcing that he will be leaving, effective June 30. The announcement precipitated an emotional and disappointing day for both students and Dougherty, who reportedly broke down when telling them the news. With Dougherty leaving and Sewanhaka Superintendent James Grossane retiring this summer, many members of the Elmont school community said they are fed up with feeling ignored by board trustees. Community members said the board has caused them to

reach a boiling point — with the most significant move being Dougherty’s unexplained leave of absence right before the start of the 2022-23 school year, in what administration officials described as a “sabbatical.” The move sparked protests among parents and students,

who demanded answers about his sudden removal. Dougherty was reinstated to his position on Oct. 11. However, the reason why Dougherty was removed in the first place has never been addressed, according to those Continued on page 4


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