Town celebrates Indian independence Day

From page 1 ical approach to government and community in this wonderful Town. As we celebrate Indian Independence Day we asked Giani Amarjit Singh from the Guru Gobind Singh Sikh Center (1065 Old Country Road in Plainview) and Head Granthi Giani Kuldeep Singh, from Guru Nanak Darbar in Hicksville,” he said.

The Town Board welcomed the two Sikh religious leaders as they recited an Ardas; all the Town officials stood, folded their hands and bowed their heads for participation in the prayer. Special thanks and wishes were offered during the Ardas, asking for Waheguru Ji’s blessing for the Council members, Supervisor Saladino and the public present at Town Hall.

The Town Board continued the meeting after thanking the members of the local Sikh gurudwaras who attended and shared the morning prayer. Supervisor Saladino reached out and told the residents, “May God bless you, and may God bless us all.”

The Pledge of Allegiance followed, led by military veterans from AMVETS Post 21 in Oyster Bay. Supervisor Saladino said the Town greatly appreciates the veterans’ service to the country and to all of the residents, “and your continued service to veterans and the community.”

The Pledge was followed by a moment of silence, to pray for the safety of active duty military and members of law enforcement and public safety divisions on Long Island and the region’s healthcare heroes, “who continue to protect us in healthcare settings throughout the Town and Nassau County.”

Syosset Students win Poster Contest

Town Supervisor Saladino spoke about the poster contest for bicycle and traffic safety that was open to 5th grade students. Dozens of local kids took part in the competition to raise awareness of bicycle safety.

The winners of the poster contest announced at Tuesday’s meeting were two Robbins Lane Elementary School students (who completed 5th grade last school year): Janice Jiang of Jericho and Brendan Lin of Syosset. They posed for pictures with Town officials, as Councilwoman Vicki Walsh, who represents Syosset, as well as Councilwoman Laura Maier were thanked for their efforts in making the Town’s bicycle safety poster program a great success.

“One only has to turn on TV or the internet to learn of horrific accidents on our roads and sometimes they end in the perishing of residents and others. Safety on our roads is critically important and we take our role very seriously in promoting traffic and bicycle safety,” Supervisor Saladino said.

Special Olympics’ Spring Games

Another recognition ceremony at the August 15 Town Board meeting saw members of Special Olympics New York and the organization’s partners who helped in making the Special Olympics Spring Games, held at the Farmingdale School District’s Howitt Middle School on May 6, a great success. Many TOBAY officials were present at the May Special Olympics Spring Games, which included competitive track and field events for over 500 athletes, supported by over 300 coaches.

“Over the years the Special Olympics has offered our children and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in a true Olympic-style event. Like all athletes they train, they compete and they focus on the goal – not only physically but with their mindset. The competitors really strived to do their best. The athletes read an oath, which states ‘Let me Win, But if I can not win let me be Brave in the attempt,’” Supervisor Saladino explained.

He then added his sentiments to that, reflecting on the great experience the event provides.

“Every student who competes, wins. They WIN the feeling of accomplishment, and they WIN the feeling of selfworth. To those volunteers, they get to spend time with the athletes and in many cases people who do not have as much as they have, who are very thrilled just for that opportunity to compete. What a fabulous lesson and growth opportunity for students in our community, and the students specifically in Farmingdale – we are very proud of them!”

“The school district hosted the games for the second straight year. They did a phenomenal job, and it is so appreciated, and we have so many organizations that donated from their hearts in many, many ways to the Games. The 7 Eleven corporation bought a generous sponsorship and provided over 600 meals for the staff and athletes,” Supervisor Saladino said, before he recognized leadership and employees from the 7 Eleven corporation and other Special Olympics Spring Games’ sponsors and staff at the meeting.