Politics & Government

Eisenhower Fireworks Date Set, Isles Blood Drive

A weekly look-in at the news of Nassau County.

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano announced Tuesday that the county will its annual fireworks show and concert at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park on Saturday, June 29.

The fireworks, presented by the world-famous Grucci family, are part of a night in Eisenhower Park which kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with Dean Karahalis and the Concert Pops, followed by Somethin’s Fresh, the best 80s R&B, Dance and Funk Classic band on Long Island.

The theatre area gates will open at 5p.m. and the fireworks will begin at nightfall (approx. 9:30 p.m.). Tickets are required for admission to the theatre area and are available, free of charge, at any TD Bank on Long Island, while supplies last.  

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There is no formal seating; visitors should bring blankets or chairs. Space is limited and overflow will be directed to other viewing and parking areas.

Islanders Hosting Blood Drive

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The New York Islanders and the American Red Cross are hosting a blood drive on June 30 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. followed by the team’s draft party.  

To schedule an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED CROSS  or visit redcrossblood.org and reference sponsor code 15930.

All presenting donors will receive a voucher for two tickets to a 2013-14 Islanders regular season home game, a voucher for one free entrée from Moe’s Southwest Grill, as well as a chance to win great prizes including:

  • Hockey Getaway Package: An overnight package which includes two Islanders game tickets to a 2013-14 Islanders regular season home game, overnight accommodations and breakfast for two at the Long Island Marriott Hotel.
  • Moe's Catered Luncheon for 20: Two lucky presenting donors will receive lunch for 20 delivered from Moe’s Southwest Grill.
County Names Senior Persons of the Year for 2013

County Executive Mangano honored Joseph Botkin and Betty Ann Pristupa as Nassau County’s Senior Man and Senior Woman of the Year for 2013. Botkin and Pristupa were both presented an award at a special event on May 29 at the Coral House in Baldwin.

Botkin was born in New York City in 1929. He moved to Massapequa in 1955 and later to Williston Park, where he resides with his wife, Rozlyn. He is a retired New York City Public School Principal.

Botkin initially volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and 21 years ago he was the co-founder of Rebuilding Together, Long Island, Inc. He designs and leads a building team of volunteers that builds wheelchair access ramps for low-income elderly disabled homeowners. The organization is non-partisan, non-sectarian and non-profit. 

He recently finished his 200th wheelchair ramp and installed grab bars and railings for a WWII veteran who is a double amputee. 

More recently, Botkin has been helping to raise funds for Hurricane Sandy victims. 

“Life has been good to me and now I am paying back," Botkin said. "I get more rewards than what I am giving. I am busier now than when I was employed.”

Pristupa was born in Richmond, Queens in 1936. She moved to Williston Park in 1953. Her late husband worked at Grumman for more than 30 years as an engineer.

Pristupa has worked 31 years at Winthrop Hospital in Pediatrics. In 1982, she started volunteering two nights a week in the Emergency Room at Winthrop. She has been a part of the Nassau County Auxiliary Police since 1996 and is often seen working at Nassau County events. She is very active in her senior citizen’s club, is a member of St. Aidans and volunteers at the Senior Respite Program.


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