Some of the news from around Long Island this week.
Nassau Democrats Back Suozzi's Return
Tom Suozzi is back. That was the rallying cry issued by Nassau Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs on the steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court building Wednesday, signaling the party's backing of the former county executive in his bid to reclaim the seat he lost to Ed Mangano in 2009. Jacobs said for months he had encouraged Suozzi, who served as county executive from 2002-2010, to seek the rematch already dubbed the "Thrilla in Mineola" by the Democratic leader.
A choral group of fifth grade students from Bellerose Avenue Elementary School visited with veterans at the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center on Tuesday. The group performed three songs for the elderly veterans and handed out homemade Valentines cards. "It's nice to give to the veterans that have given so much to us," said fifth grader Isabella Debrino. Her friend Nicole Gardener added that "it feels good giving to people." U.S. Rep. Steve Israel, D-Huntington, also attended the event.
Mineola Pastor Elevated to Bishop
The pastor of Corpus Christi in Mineola will be serving both God and country after being elevated to the position of bishop of the Archdiocese of the Military. Pope Benedict XVI elevated Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Coyle to the position on Feb. 11, with the announcement being made in Washington, D.C.
Malverne School District Banks on Pension Reforms
Malverne school officials presented a plan for the district's 2013-2014 budget Tuesday night that cuts less than three full-time faculty positions, keeps its academic and extracurricular programs intact, and even returns money to taxpayers. However, the proposal is contingent upon the governor's pension reforms being approved next month.
Bellmore Man Named VP of NFL Officiating
Dean Blandino, a resident of Bellmore, a member of the NFL’s Officiating Department for 15 years and the director of the league’s instant replay program, has been named NFL vice president of officiating. Blandino will take over for Carl Johnson, who announced in December that he had accepted a new role and would become the NFL’s first full-time game official after Super Bowl XLVII.
Bowling Alley Collapsed by Snow to Rebuild
The blizzard may have taken out the roof at AMF Smithtown Lanes on Saturday, but it didn't do enough damage for the alley to be closed for good. Henry Streich, general manager at Commack Lanes, confirmed Wednesday evening in a phone interview that the Smithtown bowling alley would be "completely rebuilt."
