Nearby: Psych Center Land Eyed for Rec Use

Some of the news from around Long Island this week.

Former Psych Center Land Eyed for Rec Use

The Town of Smithtown would like to see additional space for recreation for local sports groups and is approaching the state to inquire about using land at the former Kings Park Psychiatric Center to fill the need. Councilman Ed Wehrheim said that he and councilman Bob Creighton have been having informal discussions with park officials on the possibility of using 55 acres at the former hospital for recreation and sports field use.

Half Hollow Hills District Considers School Closings

Before a packed house at High School East, Half Hollow Hills school district officials formally discussed various combinations of possible school closures and potential program cuts to close a $6.86 million budget gap for 2013-14 school year. In the coming weeks, the Board of Education will need to cut about $9.5 million from next school years' budget or put a budget with an 8.5 percent tax levy increase to maintain existing programs before voters, said Anne Marie Marrone Caliendo, the district’s assistant superintendent of finances and facilities.  “We know those two numbers are not palatable, so we have to do more,” she said.

Chief Nursing Officer Joins Good Samaritan Hospital

Jeanne K. Dzurenko was recently appointed Senior Vice President of Nursing and Chief Nursing Officer at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center. Dzurenko comes to Good Sam with more than 25 years experience in nursing and healthcare operations. In her new role, she is responsible for the administrative and organizational plan for nursing care and patient outcomes. Previously, Dzurenko served as the senior director of nursing operations, patient care systems at NYU Langone Medical Center.

Retired Police Officer Helps Protect Pupils

Before the tragic December shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Greenport School did not have a person sit and monitor the front entrance of the school. But in the weeks following the shooting, as Greenport School officials revisited their security procedures, a kind-hearted substitute special education teacher stepped up and volunteered to guard the front entrance every day — and to greet students with a sincere smile.

Banned Volunteers Win Animal Shelter Lawsuit

After two years of ongoing litigation, the three banned volunteer animal rescue workers from Hempstead Town Animal Shelter have won their case against the town. The plaintiffs -- Diane Madden of East Meadow, Lucille DeFina of Merrick and Frances Lucivero‐Pelletier of Levittown -- accepted an offer of judgment that their lawyer, Steven Morelli, referred to as a "total victory against the Town of Hempstead, Town Supervisor Kate Murray and various town officials."