Syosset Week in Review: April 8-14

He was a "teacher's teacher," exuded warmth and kindness, and was always good for an iPod charger, remembered loved ones of Jeff Rozran at his memorial service. Gutterman's Funeral Home overflowed with family, friends, colleagues, and students of the beloved teacher and Syosset Teachers' Association president, Jeff Rozran.

While some downtown businesses like Owen Photography simply moved to a new home, others have quietly gone out of business and locked their doors for good. All those open store fronts, including the former Cell Phones for You, New England Kitchen & Design, and Owen Photography, have yet to see new tenants.

"Even though downtown Syosset has some empty stores, we have been doing a lot better," said Syosset Chamber of Commerce President Lisa Predmore, putting Syosset's economic state into perspective.

With the spring weather a spate of graffiti attacks have been reported in the Syosset and Plainview area. There have also been reports of major thefts, but only one burglary report, this one in Oyster Bay.

The Jackson Avenue Community Garden, across from St. Edward's Church, was severely damaged during the construction to the avenue during the past year. Rob Schultz of the RESIDENTS for a More Beautiful Syosset will be updating in his blog.

Hundreds flooded Syosset-Woodbury Community Park Saturday afternoon for the very first Annual Spring Festival hosted by the Town of Oyster Bay Department of Community & Youth Services. Kids and parents enjoyed bouncy castles, cotton candy and petting zoos in the heat of the Saturday afternoon.

This week in Syosset government:

Rep. Steve Israel said the original idea for preserving Long Island Sound came from a famous Oyster Bay resident:

"The guy who started this was Teddy Roosevelt," said Israel at the Sagamore Yacht Club Friday, with Oyster Bay as his picturesque backdrop. "And he was a Republican."

"We think of him as a 'progressive' Republican," added Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY, who with Israel, D-Dix Hills, was in Oyster Bay to promote renewed federal money for the preservation of Long Island Sound.

A $30 million reconstruction of West Shore Road, which runs along the coastline of Oyster Bay Harbor in Mill Neck, is expected to begin within the next 12 months, county executive Edward Mangano announced today in a press release.