Bethpage-Tribune_2006-01-20

              Volume 44 Number 3 January 20 - January 27,2006 FIFTY CENTS
A Soldier and a Teacher
Returns to Bethpage High School
Robert Verdi is greeted by Social Studies Director Jody Smith
A picture of Mr. Verdi and members of the 306th The halls were decorated
Military Battalion in Iraq. with 'mages of
Patriotism in honor of
Mr. Verdi
Bethpage High School was thrilled to welcome home social studies
teacher Robert Verdi following a one-year tour of duty in Iraq. As he walked
the hallways, the Army Sergeant was greeted with a steady stream of con­gratulatory
hugs, kisses, and pats on the back.
A large banner, designed by the school art department and students,
spread above the school's golden eagle and read "Welcome Back Mr. Verdi"
in silver letters. In addition to the new welcoming banner, a framed poster
hangs on the opposite wall bearing his name along with the names of 14
recent Bethpage alumni who are now serving in the military. Many of the
alumni, including three ol his former students, are serving in Iraq and
Afghanistan.
Mr. Verdi enlisted with the Reserves immediately following September 11,
2001, and was called to active duty three years later, less than three months
alter he was married to wife Laura. Enlisted as a member of the 306th Military
Police Battalion, based in Uniondale, he left for Iraq on December 27, 2004,
returning nearly a yeai later. The humble hero has certainly had a life-altering
year. In addition to serving in the war, Mr. Verdi also became a lather. Jake
Robert Vercii was born on December 15, 2005. The proud daddy made it
home just in time for the delivery.
SHUTDOWN!
Downed Utility Poles Paralize Downtown Bethpage
The combination of wicked winds
and drenching rains proved to be too
much for several utility poles, which
fell down in Bethpage on
Wednesday, January 18, leaving
many businesses and residents
without power for many hours.
The havoc began at about 7:20 in
the morning, when a strong gust of
wind snapped a utility pole on
Washington Street in half and forced
the connecting pole on the corner of
Broadway and Washington to come
crashing down. Residents who were
busy trying to get their early morning
coffee were quite startled to hear the
loud noise that these poles made,
as well as the explosion-like flash
the transformer made when it burst
moments later.
"It was a huge noise and an
unbelievably bright flash," said Fred
Stenle u: ;'.iiw MQOIB Printing who
was on his way into town when the
situation began. "It was like nothing
id ever seen before." Customers at
Two C's Italian Deli couldn't agree
more. John Catalano of Abble
Awning was shocked at the way the
two poles came tumbling down but
all too eager to tell us about three
quick thinkers who just happen to
work behind the counter at the local
deli and another at Bob and Fred's
Auto Body
It seems that quick thinking and
experience proved to be quite instru­mental
in saving Dun-Rite
Upholstery from being burned to the
ground and also helped to evacuate
the three residents who lived
upstairs from the local upholstery
store. Eyewitnesses told us that as
the utility poles came down the
wires connected to the building
across from Who-Ville Bar and Grille
ignited and that Scott Wright and
Jim Cassaro, both Bethpage
Volunteer Firefighters who were
working behind the counter at the
deli noticed flames coming from the
inside of the upholstery store. They
immediately left the deli, met up with
Fred Schoppmann of Bob and Fred's
Auto Body and broke the windows in
the front of the store. Using a fire
extinguisher they put out the blaze
and quickly informed the three resi­dents
living above the store to
immediately leave the building. Their
actions were heroic to say the least
and each should be commended for
their efforts.
The downed poles and transform­ers
left many businesses in the down­town
area without power, as too, were
residents of Central Park Estates.
Broadway and se vera! side streets
adjacent to it nad to be closed down
for the entire day and into the
evening, as the Nassau County Police
Department secured the area and
made sure that no one came in con­tact
with live wires. Many stores
closed for the day, while others
toughed it out - hoping that power
would be restored quickly.
Thanks to a quick response, LIRA
crews were on hand minutes after
the occurrence. Working diligently
LI PA was able to restore power to
many businesses and residents by
mid afternoon while others regained
power during the evening hours. Two •
new poles were erected and new
wires were installed along Broadway
and Washington Street. LI PA
Chairman, Richard Kessel was at
Continued on page 10
LIPA crews worked diligently to repair downed utility poles.