Seaford Harbor Elementary celebrates 50th, Vets’ groups gets $17G

LONG ISLAND
$17G given to groups that help veterans
Two organizations that aim to assist veterans recently received financial boosts.

Woodbury-based Overseas Military Sales Corp., marketer of automobiles for the U.S. military, diplomatic, foreign service, and international business communities, donated $12,000 to Northport VA Medical Center’s Hero Hunger Help Project. The Touro Law School’s Veterans and Service Members’ Rights Clinic got $5,000.

Touro Law will use the grant to fund a summer fellowship to assure that the clinic will continue to address the critical needs of local veterans, service members and their families during the break between academic years, according to officials.

The VA received its donation in the form of food store gift certificates. The Hero Hunger Help Project was established in 2006 and relies entirely on donations to aid veterans who are receiving case management services at the medical center.

Joe Sledge, spokesman for the medical center, said because of war- or service-related illness or injury, unemployment or underemployment, many veterans are forced to decide between paying utility bills, rent, or other recurring critical expenses and purchasing food.

“We’re extremely grateful for the folks over at Overseas Military Sales Corp . . . and for the donation because it will make a positive difference in the lives of veterans and their families,” Sledge said.

John Cooney, a Marine veteran, graduate of Touro Law, and an officer of Northport American Legion, Post 694, served as a facilitator for the donations.

“It was fantastic to help bring together these organizations,” Cooney said. “A truly gracious donation.”
— DEBORAH S. MORRIS

SEAFORD
Harbor School celebrates 50th anniversary
The Seaford Harbor Elementary School plans to have its 50th anniversary celebration on Saturday.

The family event for alumni, staff and community members is to be held at the elementary school, at 3500 Bayview St. in Seaford, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The event was organized by members of the 50th Anniversary Committee, which included school administrators, teachers and parents.

The event will feature a carnival theme with games, food and collectible cars from the 1960s. There will also be exhibits filled with 50 years of history and artwork compiled by Seaford students. Tours of the building and grounds will be provided by Student Council members.

The dedication of the school and the laying of the cornerstone took place on Nov. 10, 1963. The building is 69,500 square feet and sits on more than 14 acres. The school has 591 students and 32 classrooms.
— AISHA AL-MUSLIM