_______ Lynbrook/east rockaway ______
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Vol. 30 No. 39
Annual event for cancer awareness
South Shore drug ring busted
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Schools’ focus is character in and out of class “Those of us that get it also start to perpetuate it,” he said. “So there’s a pride in that recThe unique quality of Lyn- ognition.” “If they understand that, brook schools doesn’t come just from their Blue Ribbon status, they take pride in their commuor the achievements of their nity,” Lynch added. “And they graduates — rather, it is a func- continue those values that their tion of the characparents and their ter of the district’s community have students and educagiven to them. And tors. In his first they’re not afraid year as superintento be that Owl — to dent, Paul Lynch be that generous, has made a point of kind person.” defining the characThe theme “Owl teristics that make Learns” focuses on Lynbrook special, the foundation of so they can be celethe district’s sucbrated, and passed cess, its education. down to g eneraWhen curriculum tions to come. is made accessible, “That’s how we PAul lyNCh students succeed, s t ay Ly n b ro o k , ” Lynch said — and Superintendent Lynch said. “By the responsibility being very intenfor their success tional about who we are.” lies with every teacher, nurse, There are three overarching custodian and aide in a school facets of Owls’ character, building. Lynch said — pride, caring and “Especially after the panlearning. They will be the ongo- demic, kids’ needs are changing themes of the 2023-24 school ing,” Lynch said. “All of us year. have to take ownership for the “Owl Proud” is about mak- kids’ learning. And the learning sure the school community ing needs are different. So understands, and takes pride we’re trying to keep up with in, what Lynch describes as a culture of caring and kindness. Continued on page 18
By NIColE FoRMISANo
nformisano@liherald.com
Bal, Oce, Roc
Jordan Vallone/Herald
Customers who receive water from Liberty utilities are opposing a rate hike that could result in an increase in nassau County bills by a cumulative 34.2 percent. Hearings began last week with the state’s public Service Commission, which has the power to approve or reject the proposal.
Water rate hike on the table
Advocates voice concern over 34% increase By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com
Two virtual hearings took place last week with the state’s Public Service Commission, regarding Liberty Utilities’ proposal to increase water rates in the Long Island communities it serves by a cumulative 34.2 percent. The hearings gave the public an opportunity to voice concerns to the commission about why such an increase is unfeasible for many Liberty customers. Liberty filed a notice with the commission on May 5, seeking a proposed rate increase of 42 percent and 39 percent in the Merrick and Lynbrook service areas, respectively. The company also requested a 13 percent hike in the Sea Cliff service area on the North Shore.
Bal, Oce, Roc
Some 120,000 residents of Nassau County receive water from the privately owned utility company. Liberty purchased the previous water provider, New York American Water, in January 2022, and agreed to a two-year rate freeze. The company is now seeking the rate change to offset the cost of “necessary plant investments, high tax burdens, the installation of advanced metering infrastructure, proposed low-income and arrearage management programs, and a fee-free program for electronic payment of Liberty NYW invoices,” according to the filing. Liberty added that the rate hike would also help cover the cost of 17 new jobs that were created at its Merrick offices, as well as “the implementation of a low-income proContinued on page 17
SEPTEMBER 21, 2023
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hat’s how we stay Lynbrook — by being very intentional about who we are.