Call it what you may, I cannot figure it out. I do not have an axe to grind, but I do have some issues, which must be resolved and I will leave it to you, the viewers of this site, to be the judge.
Background:
     For the past several years, as a community service I have produced this website. Viewers use the site as a local portal to our community: they post a happy birthday wish,  play a trivia game (I know it's lame at times, but I do try my best), look at various historical pictures, see snap shots of their friends or loved ones getting an award, or just read about someone doing something really nice in the community. This site does not promote any indecencies and always attempts to accentuate the positives our wonderful town has to offer (unfortunately, this article is an exception).
      Over the years I have received many kind words regarding this website, including awards and special recognitions from the Kings Park Central School District, the Kings Park Heritage Museum, the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce and the Kings Park Civic Association, just to name a few. For the most part, everyone enjoys visiting, especially when they recognize a neighbor or friend. I do concede, on occasion, I receive some nasty emails, but I usually just shake my head, chuckle and dismiss them. Even though it is a losing proposition, I really enjoy working on this site.
      In the past I had enjoyed a wonderful working relationship with the school district. But this bond changed a few years ago after I reported on a comment from a frustrated resident. At this board meeting Dr. DeRose was pleading with the community to support the budget. She indicated there was nothing more to cut without effecting the quality of education our children receive. After Dr. DeRose's speech the Board continued its regular meeting, the format which includes the reading of its pre-scripted minutes. Sitting beside me at this meeting was a local resident, to her chagrin, included in these minutes was a resolution authorizing an increase in pay for the Superintendent and her various assistants. The increases for each ranged from 10% to approximately 14%. After the meeting I noticed the resident was upset. I asked, what was wrong and she told me she was disturbed and angered about these substantial increases which the board just granted. She said, "How can Dr. DeRose and the board ask us to accept cuts in services and yet allow these double digit increases?" A few days after publishing this person's sentiments on this site I learned Dr. DeRose was peeved with me, so I met and spoke with her. She appeared agitated and told me I was wrong to print such a comment. She claimed since this comment was not made in a public forum it was based on "hearsay." I politely apologized and replied by saying that just because an interview was not done in a public forum does not invalidate the fact the comment was made and nor does it preclude me from reporting it. 
         At another board meeting I questioned the fact, the public does not have the opportunity to hear the debates behind the decisions our board of education makes. To my surprise I was told by each of the board members, for convenience sake they talk and discuss all of the issues amongst themselves, in private before the public meeting. I further questioned, how can a voter determine who to vote for if they do not have the opportunity to hear the dialogue leading to the decisions made? Again, to my surprise I was double talked and told, NYS encourages board members to arrive at consensus. I agree they should arrive AT a consensus, but it is my contention they should not arrive at the meeting WITH a consensus. Simply put, the public has a right to witness how the board arrives at a decision. And so, it was after disagreeing with Dr. DeRose and the board, my relationship with them became tenuous, at best. It was at this point I choose to stop attending these scripted board meetings and only attend meetings when I believed there would be some meaningful dialogue. To sit through someone spewing "Now, be it resolved....aye aye aye aye aye," in no way enlightens me, I just assume read the minutes online at my own leisure. During the course of the past few years I have received a few "cease and desist" letters from the district. Like the letter above,  they were trivial in nature, but I must admit it is still intimidating to receive a registered letter none the less.

Facts of the Issue At Hand:
        Now, you have the basics of where I am coming from, let us look at the events which will lead to me writing this article.
       Just before entering the Wm T. Rogers School Wednesday evening, looking forward to enjoying my daughter's concert, I was approached by a district representative and handed an envelope containing the above order to "cease and desist", a copy of the one I will eventually receive in the mail. Trying to enjoy my daughter's concert I was preoccupied wondering- what it was I did wrong and what pictures were they referencing in their letter. After the concert I called  Mrs. Henninger, the person who placed the ad on this site. I was looking to inquire what it was the district wanted me to remove. Before I could even ask my question Mrs. Henninger said, "Ken, you're not going to believe what just happened."  She went on to explain they she and her family were at her second grader's baseball game and upon returning home found a Kings Park School District Security car waiting for her. Shocked  to see the car and security guard at her home she asked him, What is going on?  The employee replied "Are you Mrs. Linda Henninger?" After replying yes he responded, "Mary DeRose wanted me to give you this." The school district employee then served Mrs. Henninger with a letter similar to the one posted above. It too was signed by the four current board members.
        After listening to her story, I explained, "I too received a letter". It appears the district is extremely concerned over the fact Mrs. Henninger and Mr. Rosato may have used some pictures of our school buildings in their campaign material. HOW ABSURD IS THIS? One would believe our school administration and board have more important issues to focus on.
       As long as they are being petty, let's focus on a few questions which really need to be answered:

  It seems like only yesterday, but two years have passed since Petty Officer Nathan B. Bruckenthal of Northport who was assigned to the Tactical Law Enforcement team in Iraq was mortally wounded in action. Pictured above is Captain Peter Boynton, Long Island Sound Coast Guard Sector Commander arriving for a memorial service honoring P.O. Bruckenthal. The Eatons Neck Coast Boat Station mantains a memorial site in Nathan's honor.

  The US Coast Guard Station at Eaton's Neck took on the Kings Park Classroom Teachers Association for a friendly game of basketball. The two groups have been competing  regularly in various sports. The men and women in blue, taught the teachers a valuable lesson. When it comes to a basketball competition, there is no one better than a US serviceman!  Our Kings Park team vowed to get even this spring when they face each other on the softball field.

Way To Go Coasties...
 

  Kings Park High School had some special visitors, but they were not the ones they were expecting. Scheduled to arrive on Thursday morning via helicopter was US Coast Guard Admiral Thomas Collins, Commandant. Instead, in an ironic twist of events another helicopter, totally unrelated to the USCG visit, crash landed after losing power over the athletic field. On board were two men, Mitchell Steinberg a pilot/instructor and Luis Perez-Davila a student/pilot in training. Fortunately, emergency services were on hand at the site awaiting the arrival of the Admiral and immediately tended to the victims who survived the crash with minor injuries.
  Needless to say the day was quite eventful. After hearing of the accident, the Admiral's chopper was diverted to MacArthur Airport where the Admiral and his group were then transported by motorcade to the high school. At the school the Admiral addressed the excited student assembly with a speech concerning the aftermath and effects of Hurricane Katrina.

Thank Goodness For Happy Endings!

  With the crash of a training helicopter on the Kings Park High School athletic field fresh in everyone's mind, last week Congressman Tim Bishop visited Kings Park to address the concerns of local residents concerning the safety of our community regarding air way traffic.
   For some time now members of the community, led by Kings Park Civic Association director Read Smith have been battling with local official as well as the Federal Aviation Association to put a stop to the dangerous and annoying helicopters which fly over our community. With the summer season fast approaching these flights will become more frequent and much more noticeable especially as the warm weather forces us to open up our windows.
   Attending the meeting were Councilwoman Gray and Councilwoman Biancaniello each of who commented on the dangers these flights create. In his remarks Congressman Bishop indicated he would work with the FAA and officials to help broker an agreement to regulate how these aircrafts operate.

Thank You Rep. Bishop
for taking the time to hear our concerns...

Greg Szurnicki Named Suffolk County Senior Citizen of the Year

Smithtown, NY – Mr. Greg Szurnicki was honored as the 2006 Suffolk County Senior Citizen of the Year at a recent luncheon held at Villa Lombardi in Holbrook.  Suffolk County Legislator Lynne Nowick nominated Mr. Szurnicki in recognition for his lifelong work on behalf of the residents of Kings Park.

“Whenever an issue concerning Kings Park has arisen, Greg Szurnicki has always been a champion for the residents, and I am truly grateful that I was able to nominate such a deserving individual for this award,” stated Legislator Nowick at the ceremony that was attended by over eight hundred guests.

Mr. Szurnicki, after receiving his award from Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy stated, “I am touched deeply by the great honor bestowed upon me.  The realization that being an advocate is a worthwhile cause, pursuit and a service to the people is a worthwhile endeavor that I have treasured at all times.”

The Suffolk County Office for the Aging and the Suffolk County Senior Citizens Advisory Board award this recognition annually to the individual that is ‘an advocate, role model, leader, or volunteer [that has] enhanced the lives of older residents in Suffolk County.  “When the opportunity arose to nominate someone this year, the first name that immediately came to mind was Greg’s in recognition for his efforts as a member of the Kings Park Civic Association, an employee of the Kings Park Psychiatric Center, a veteran and an advocate for the taxpayer,” said Legislator Nowick. 

Congratulations Gregory...

    In keeping to what has become an annual tradition, just before our Memorial Day celebration, the flags flown over our Veteran's Plaza are retired and replaced with bright and vibrant new ones. This year Mr. Kevin Johnston, representing the Kings Park Classroom Teachers Association presented the members of the American Legion, Donald C. Munro Post 944 with new flags to be flown in the square.  

Thank You KPTA For Your Kindness!

  Main Street was lined with spectators young and old as Kings Park remembered their service men and women this Memorial Day. With the thermometer registering in the 80's and the sun shinning bright and strong, May 29th turned out to be a beautiful day for a parade. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICTURES

Thanks To All Our Servicemen...