Bethpage-Tribune_2003-10-10

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SERVING BETHPAGE, ISLAND TREES, OLD BETHPAGE, PLAINVIEW, SEAFORD AND PLAINEDGE
VOL 41 NO. 38 October 10-16, 2003 FORTY CENTS
Joan Poppe Legacy:
Join The American
Legion Post 86
Woman's Auxiliary
Joan Poppe, a lifelong Bethpage
resident, married to Robert, raised 7
children, held a full time job and
never once ceased in her dedication
to support our US Troops. She was
President of the Bethpage
American Legion Post, Women's
Auxiliary for many, many years. Even
with the dwindling membership, and
her failing health, she continued the
work of the Auxiliary.
In June, after her passing, the
Auxiliary's remaining few officers
held an emergency meeting to
decide whether it can continue with
the pgms. or disband the Unit.
Without giving it a second thought,
all agreed to continue.
It seems the US always has
troops in far-off lands. Today, more
than ever, the need and the
importance of continuing our
support for troops is imperative. I bet
you have a loved one of your own or
know of someone's family member
that is currently activated in a branch
of the armed forces. Wouldn't you
like to show your support? You can,
by becoming a member of the
Bethpage American Legion Post,
Women's Auxiliary.
We meet 8x's a year at the Post
Hall, Washington Aye., Bethpage,
for about 1 hr. & 30 mins. including
coffee & dessert. Dues are $13
yearly.
Your presence alone will help.
Your participation can be as much or
as little as desired. All ages from 19
& over are welcome. Jr. membership
is open to age 18. You will be
performing a community service for
the good of this great nation.
Continuing membership in the
American Legion will help
strengthen the voice & benefits for
Veterans & their families.
For information call: Mary Jane
Dudley - 433-5981 or Rose Rufrano
- 433-4671.
The next meeting will be held on
Thursday, Oct. 16, 7:30 PM in the
Bethpage American Legion Post,
Washington Ave. (bldg. in Bethpage
LIRR station parking lot).
Blood Drive at Bethpage Library
On October 16
On Thursday, October 16 from
2:30 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. the
Bethpage Public Library is proud to
be participating in the Long Island
Blood Services Community Blood
Drive program - "People Helping
People."
There is a desperate need for
blood on Long Island a fact that can
impact on everyone living on Long
Island. This is your chance to be a
donor!! You can either sign up or
walk in on the donation day. To sign
up either come into the library and
go to the Reference Desk or call the
Reference Desk at 931-3907. To be
a donor you must meet the following
requirements: bring a valid ID and
know your Social Security number;
minimum weight of 110 lbs; be ages
17-76 years; eat well and drink fluids
on day of donation; no tattoos for
the past 12 months. Remember
both sign-ups and walk-ins are
welcome. For any questions, call the
Reference Desk at 931-3907.
The library is located at 47 Powell
Avenue, three blocks west of Exit
#8 on the Seaford-Oyster Bay
Expressway (Route 135), phone
516-931-3907.
Visiting Priest Arrested:
Investigation Continues
On October 7, Rev. John
Johnston, a former teacher at a
New Jersey Catholic School and
visiting priest at St. Martin of
Tours Church, was arrested by
Brooklyn detectives and charged
with aggravated harassment for
allegedly making crude phone
calls to the principal of Bishop
Loughlin Memorial High School
in Fort Greene. He was later
charged with criminal possession
of a gun and for possession of
stolen property. Reports indicate
with masses at St. Martin's for
many years. Both the diocese and
the parish were shocked at the
news and stated that they will
fully cooperate with any police
investigations into Father
Johnston's activities. While
Father Johnston helped out at
St. Martin of Tours on Sundays,
it is important to note that he did
not reside in Bethpage.
Parish and diocesan officials
are opening an internal
investigation to ascertain the
'. . . it is important to note
that he did not reside in Bethpage.'
that he allegedly took funds from
the collection boxes at St. Martin
of Tours Church, where he held
Sunday mass for the past 20
years.
The second charges were filed
after detectives arrived at
Johnston's apartment in Jackson
Heights and found 3 guns, two of
which were legally licensed in
New York but the third handgun
permit had lapsed and a bag of
cash which was sitting on a
table. As the arrest was being
made detectives also found
pornographic videos and
magazines as well as a variety of
Nazi paraphernalia. Johnston
was ordained a priest in 1964
and is 64 years of age.
The diocese of Rockville
Center learned that the New York
City Police had arrested
Johnston, who had been helping
extent of Father Johnston's
involvement with the parish.
They also encourage anyone in
the Bethpage community who
might have any knowledge to
come forward with any
information.
We spoke with Mary
Comerford, longtime resident of
Bethpage, who stated, "I am in
shock. I have been a resident and
member of this parish for over 50
years. Father Johnston helped
out our parish when we were in
need of priests. It is so hard to
believe. Even though these are
very serious allegations it is
important to be mindful of the
wonderful work that takes place
at St. Martin of Tours each and
every day and we are lucky to
have kind and loving priests at
our parish."