The Levittown community endured an eventful 2017, with moments that ranged from joyous to disheartening in nature.
To cap a school year that saw students demonstrate all-around excellence in academics, athletics and community activism, the Levittown and Island Trees school districts bid farewell to the Class of 2017 this past June. Seniors from MacArthur High School, Division Avenue High School and Island Trees High School all enjoyed their respective ceremonies, relishing the opportunity to face their futures in college and beyond.
The month of July saw residents join together for a special event organized by the Levittown Community Council, the Lazy Days of Summer. The fun-filled day was the result of several months of careful planning from council members, and was part of Levittown’s yearlong 70th anniversary celebration. Activities included tug of war, a petting zoo, a bouncy castle and more.
The summer leisure was quickly offset in mid-September when 73-year-old Lorraine Pizzichemi was found dead at her home on North Newbridge Road, following what police described as a revenge homicide. The two perpetrators had been involved in a series of drug-deals-gone-wrong with the victim’s grandson, who was injured in the incident. Police followed the killers and apprehended them on Blackbird Lane.
After a much-anticipated buildup, Levittown celebrated its 70th anniversary in style with a dinner and dance party in October. The meticulously planned event came on the heels of what was essentially a year-long show of appreciation towards the town, as residents found themselves in the unique position of both celebrating Levittown’s past and looking forward to its future.
The month of November was marred by senseless tragedy when 18-year-old Taranjit K. Parmar was killed in a hit and run on Hempstead Turnpike. The teen exited her car following a minor collision, but the driver of the other vehicle ran her over and left the scene. Parmar’s classmates and family members gathered the following weekend for mass at St. Bernard’s Church, demonstrating the healing power of a community built on strong, close-knit bonds.
Cheers to 2017 and here’s to more local success stories in 2018.
