Restaurants recycle shells to improve marine environment School building named for former super

BY GARY SIMEONE

Former Levittown School Superintendent Dr. Tonie McDonald had a building named in her honor this past month. The Levittown Memorial Education Center renamed its courtyard area to the Dr. Tonie McDonald Outdoor Learning Center. The outdoor learning space provides unique learning opportunities for elementary-aged students in the science related fields.

Dr. McDonald, who attended the renaming ceremony on July 25, said that she was very proud to have a portion of the Education Center named in her honor.

“I went to school in that building when it was formerly Levittown

Memorial High School, and it’s a wonderful feeling to have my name on an area of the building that is utilized by so many students,” said McDonald. “It’s a difficult feeling to describe having your name attached to something, but I think it’s great that the younger students will get to enjoy all the Learning Center has to offer for years to come.”

Dr. Beth Zirogiannis, assistant superintendent for curriculum/ instruction, said that the Learning Center had been open several years prior to the pandemic, and that student field trips started to take place earlier this year.

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The Town of Oyster Bay's shell recycling program, which is completing its inaugural year, has attracted shell donations from over a dozen local restaurants, and is seeking more contributions.

“Through is innovative program, the Town seeks partnerships with local restaurants and other entities to collect oyster and clam shells from dinner plates and kitchen preparation tables,” explained Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Town aqua-culturists regularly pickup shells from local partners and deliver them to an environmental curing facility.

In just our first year, we’ve collected more than 20,000 pounds of oyster and clam shells, diverted that waste from landfills, and saved restaurants in their carting expenses. Once ready for deposit into waterways, the shells are strategically placed at the bottom of local Oyster Bay and Cold Spring harbors, helping to strengthen our local marine environment.”

Shellfish are essential mollusks in the local

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