Serving New Hyde Park, Floral Park, Garden City Park, North Hills, Manhasset Hills and North New Hyde Park
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Friday, December 17, 2021
Vol. 70, No. 51
N E W H Y D E PA R K
GUIDE TO THE HOLIDAYS PAGES 29-44
J. Lewis evacuated after threat
CELANO ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM HERRICKS
SUOZZI FACES UNCERTAIN DEM FIELD
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LOOKIN’ A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS
Bomb warning was in bathroom: cops BY B R A N D ON DUFFY Two threats against John Lewis Childs School in Floral Park were made on Sunday and Monday, with one resulting in a full evacuation, officials said. Floral Park Police Commissioner Stephen McCallister said during Monday’s Floral-Park Bellerose Board of Education meeting the first threat on Sunday was a text message being passed around by students. McCallister told the over 100 attendees, mainly on Zoom, that authorities identified the potential author of the text message, went to the child’s house and were able to determine the child was not a behavioral problem and that no weapons were available in the home. McAllister advised district Superintendent Kathleen Sottile that the threat was not credible and classes were held the following day. Criminal charges have not been filed due to the age of the potential author, McAllister said. In the second incident, Continued on Page 58
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VILLAGE OF NEW HYDE PARK
The Village of New Hyde Park held a tree lighting ceremony in late November in front of Village Hall.
Abukoush wins fire district election Commish-elect served as treasurer, lieutenant in Estates Engine Co. 3 BY B R A N D ON DUFFY
The 31-year-old business owner will take the seat vacated by Mike Stein, who did not seek Joseph Abukoush won the re-election after one term. Abukoush served for about New Hyde Park Fire District commissioner election on Tues- six years in Estates Engine Co. day with 167 votes. He ran un- 3, where he was treasurer and lieutenant. In 2016 he moved to opposed. Active Hook and Ladder Co. 1, where he currently serves as secretary and lieutenant. Abukoush said he considered his youth an advantage when thinking about
running. With a business degree from St. John’s University, he said he believes he could add a valuable perspective to the board. “I understand what the needs the department itself wants and the commissioner’s responsibility on top of that,” Abukoush said in a previous interview with Blank Slate Media. “I am heavily involved in all aspects of budget and spending, with my background of being in
the Fire Department for the last 13 years, I feel going into this position that I can help this community greatly.” Considering his priorities if elected, he said the department is in a good spot and he is focused on providing help where he can. Despite his age, he said he feels very comfortable with the current board and officers throughout the department. “If elected, I’m probably goContinued on Page 58
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