The-Leader_2006-06-22

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THE REFUGE MASS CHOIR from the Refuge Apostolic Church of Christ performs at the celebration of Freeport revitalization.
COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND CDC OFFICIALS
received certificates for their support of the pro­gram. From left are Pat Murphy, director of Public Relations, Village of Freeport; Tina Baker, choir leader. Refuge Mass Choir; Annette Wright, Community Development, Village of Freeport; Ellen Kelly, Community Development director- for. the Village of Freeport; Eileen Anderson, vice president, CDC of Long Island, and Joanie LaFemina, Home Owner Services educator, CDC of Long Island.
CDC celebrates Freeport
CDC of Long Island, local dignitaries, Citibank employees, and volunteers recently revitalized the property of a low-income Freeport homeowner, dedi­cated a memorial garden, and celebrated the work of revitalization projects throughout the Village of Freeport. In recognition of these accomplishments. Citibank contributed $20,000 to CDC of Long Island.
"Community improvement activities are a vital piece of neighborhood revital­ization," said President and Chief Executive Officer of CDC of Long Island, Wilbur Klatsky. "The appearance of a neighborhood helps to attract new homeowners and allows existing resi­dents to see that progress is taking place in their neighborhood."
"The CDC of Long Island project in Freeport-is a win-win for everyone," said Freeport Mayor Bill Glacken. "It enables homeowners to remairi in their houses protecting their major investment, and helps to revitalize the neighborhood. Today's event, with neighbors volunteer­ing to help neighbors, is a perfect exam­ple of the true spirit of Freeport."
Armed with shovels, rakes, seedlings, mulch, and potting soil, more than 35 volunteers consisting of Freeport resi­dents.
Citibank employees, and CDC staff, assisted Freeport homeowners Sally and Roosevelt Simpson residing at 222 East Dean Street in Freeport with an extreme garden makeover The land­scaping project included a complete gar­den renovation and expansion
In addition to the beautification proj­ect. Mayor Glacken Snd Mr. Klatsky pre­sented the Simpsons with a Japanese maple and memory rock inscribed with the word "Dad" in remembrance of Ellie Carter, the deceased father and father-in-law of the Simpsons.
The Simpsons, an elderly couple, do not have the resources for home mainte­nance. As a result, of CDC's WRAP (Weatherization Rehabilitation Asset Preservation) program, the Simpsons. were able to receive grants and loans to rehabilitate their property with energy conservation improvements.
CDC of Long Island dedicated the landscaping projects in recognition of National NeighborWorks® Week, a weeklong celebration' of the work and accomplishments of the NeighborWorks® Network of more than 240 nonprofit organizations nationwide, who are dedicated to increasing homeowner (continued on page 24)
By Joan Delaney
The June 14 Baldwin Board of Education meeting, which lasted until almost midnight, could be described as a three-act play, albeit one which could have used a firmer hand in editing.
Act One was the portion devoted to honoring retiring staff. (See article elsewhere in this issue). Act Two included the regular business agenda of contract awards, textbook adoptions and policy discussions. Act Three, however, included most of the dia­logue, plot, characters, conflict, and climax, but contrary to audience wish­es and hopes, did not include the final denouement or resolution.
The plot began with middle school English teacher and chairperson Kevin Harrington's announcement to stu-deiUsJn^th^^dishj^t^jT^
tions that he has elected not to apply for the extra-curricular position of musical director. (Such positions are annually posted and appointments are for one year). The complication that has ensued is partially caused by the fact that school boards, by law, cannot disci4ss any personnel issues in public.
In a phone call to Mr. Harrington by The Leader, the 10-year musical direc­tor noted'that he would also prefer to remain silent on the issue and indicat­ed that it was unfortunate that his silence might have been misconstrued or misinterpreted by some people.
The cast of characters is large - over two dozen students and a somewhat smaller number of parents dramatical­ly and emotionally presented their case as to why the board should "make Mr. Harrington stay." Some students read their comments which were, for the most part, polite (continued on page 3)
vniage Board hears complaints
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In This Issue Brillo on sdiool violence
Remembering Ednartin
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