TOBAY Notebook: April 'Distinguished Artists' Programs

Three free performances of the series are on tap for April at area public libraries.

town officials announced the schedule last week. The programs include a New Orleans Jazz Band, an afternoon of chamber music and an afternoon of “big band” swing and jazz music.

April 21; 8 p.m.: Plainview Library: The Bob Cantwell New Orleans Jazz Band, featuring some of the jazz greats from the swing era.

April 22; 2 p.m.: Bethpage Public Library: Three members of the Princeton Chamber Players  present "An Unlikely Pairing" featuring bassoonist Seth Baer and violinist Kiri Murakami in collaboration with pianist Karen Faust Baer in a program featuring the Paganini Duets with the music of Saint Saens and Faure.

April 29, 2. p.m.: Hicksville Library: The Something Special Big Band, under the baton of Plainview conductor Phil Costa, presents an afternoon of big band swing and jazz music. The group plays a varied assortment of works, from nostalgia to contemporary swing.

Seating is limited to the free performances.

Grass Recycling Brochure Available:

The town is offering a free brochure which describes how residents can recycle their lawns by not bagging grass.

Any resident or organization interested in obtaining a free brochure can pick up one at the Town Halls North (Oyster Bay) and South (Massapequa), the Department of Public Works (Syosset) and at major park facilities, or call or write to the Town of Oyster Bay Public Information Office, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, N.Y. 11771 (624-6380). A copy can also be downloaded from the Town’s Web site, www.oysterbaytown.com.

Tax Exemptions for Cold War Vets

Since 2008, New York State allows local municipalities to extend property tax benefits to veterans who served during the cold war period between 1945 and 1991, said . Oyster Bay has such an exemption for its Cold War veterans, and a brochure explaining how to apply for the benefits.

Anyone interested in the brochure can pick one up at Town Halls and facilities or download it from the Town’s Web site, www.oysterbaytown.com.

“Many of our veterans served during the Cold War period and are not covered by other veterans property tax exemptions,” Muscarella said. “If you are one of them and have not already applied for the exemption, this brochure will help get you started as it answers many questions regarding eligibility, benefits and application procedures."