The Supreme Court’s 2024 Purdue decision1 held that the Bankruptcy Code does not authorize a release and injunction under a Chapter 11 plan of claims against a non-debtor even if they relate to claims against or by the debtor continue to see the merits of a collective resolution of such issues because non-debtor third parties may have an incentive for a comprehensive resolution of overlapping claims against them by the debtor and third parties than they would in a piecemeal process The recent Chapter 11 case of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre illustrates how sophisticated parties may maximize the benefits of a collective resolution of claims when a completely collective approach to claims against non-debtors cannot be forced on holdouts the distinction between the debtor’s claims against such third partes which can be settled in the bankruptcy case over holdouts’ objections and true non-debtor claims against such parties On December 4, 2024, Chief Bankruptcy Judge Martin Glenn of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York confirmed the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York’s (Diocese) innovative Chapter 11 plan (Plan).2 The Plan broadly resolves and discharges all childhood sexual abuse claims against the Diocese and its affiliate parishes which filed separate Chapter 11 cases shortly before confirmation of the Plan as well as resolves competing claims to insurance by channeling those claims to a trust that will make approximately $323 million available to abuse claimants which is the eighth largest in the United States and affiliated with 136 parishes in Suffolk and Nassau counties on Long Island seeking to achieve a comprehensive settlement with hundreds of abuse survivors were responsible for abuse claims along with the Diocese and also claimed coverage under the Diocese’s insurance policies the parishes did not originally file for bankruptcy relief but they were prepared to negotiate and contribute to the settlement in exchange for obtaining a release through a Chapter 11 plan as well as to release their claims to insurance in return for a settlement payment by the insurers to the tort claimants Although the insurers raised defenses under their policies they also were open to a collective resolution of coverage issues under a plan but were reluctant to agree to a non-comprehensive settlement protracted and further delayed pending the Purdue appellate process so much so that the Diocese eventually raised the prospect of dismissing its case directing the parties to a “last chance” mediation while noting the very personal effects of further delay on the survivors That mediation resulted in an economic settlement among the Diocese it did so with two post-Purdue concepts that fostered a collective resolution not only the Diocese but also the parishes received a Chapter 11 discharge of the abuse claims again as part of the mediated comprehensive settlement parishes and abuse claimants negotiated and implemented the following resolution of their claims against the insurers under which the insurers bought back their insurance policies for approximately $88 million with that amount to be contributed to the abuse claimant trust under the Plan The Plan at that point was confirmed without objection The combination of the insurance buyback and “abbreviated Chapter 11” bankruptcy process for the affiliate parishes achieved in Rockville Centre provides a possible framework for resolving other mass tort cases after Purdue 1 Harrington v 2 In re The Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre 3 These “rapid prepacks” are defined as cases where the debtor seeks confirmation of a plan in less than 14 days. See General Order M-634 (Bankr 4 See Mot of Additional Debtors for Entry of an Order Directing Joint Administration of Related Chapter 11 Cases and Granting Related Relief consistent with section 1126(b) of the Bankruptcy Code contemplate conditional approval of a disclosure statement and voting on a prepackaged Chapter 11 plan before the bankruptcy filing date and thus the parishes filed for Chapter 11 relief knowing the outcome of the balloting on the joint Plan which had taken place within the time contemplated by the Bankruptcy Rules for voting 6 The revised trust agreement provides for a graduated release of funds from the reserve depending on the number of claimants that execute the consensual release $18 million of the reserve funds will be released for distribution to claimants once a threshold amount of 450 abuse claimants execute the consensual release and additional amounts will be released at 500 and 550 claimants executing up to the full amount once 616 claimants have executed the consensual release Executive Circle Awards Sign up for your daily digest of Long Island Business News Listen to this article Long Island Business News has announced that it has chosen this year’s winn[...] The financial landscape of Long Island continues to evolve 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news notifications Subscribe for access to the latest digital and special editions The new restaurant is expected to open later this month on North Village Avenue (where Wild Feast Cafe was) as a bookend to the Baldwin location In between opening the restaurants eight years apart Erickson found another way to get his menu to customers— food trucks There are currently operating five No Good Burger trucks: One is in Massapequa while the others move about from Long Island We were just down in North Carolina for a big music festival," Erickson told Patch After providing a focus on steakhouse-style burgers in Baldwin in the truck and sitting down in Rockville Centre Erickson is confident in his product and how it's prepared "All of our meat's fresh ground in house daily That individual touch is not lost on Erickson who cites their "hospitality" as another reason customers will keep coming down for the juicy burger That welcoming feeling comes from No Good Burger Joint being a family outfit Erickson is co-partner with his brother Anthony and their mother works the front of the house in Baldwin "Learning to separate the business from the family is most important," Erickson said And there would be plenty to chat about with No Good Burger Joint's expansion Erickson is not worried about spreading it too thin "We're still able to hold on to our core values and not sending out a 'BS' product giving it our all every single time," he said Erickson said they have been named a Best Burger on multiple occasions as he readies for the Rockville Centre restaurant Customers will find such sumptuous items like their classic single bread and butter pickles and a house-made smash sauce on a potato bun including a "Burger of the Month," to fill out the menu I went a little over the top on the build out," Erickson said It's definitely going to be probably one of the nicest restaurants in Rockville Centre." Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. 2025 at 10:31 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Construction is expected to get underway under the train station in Rockville Centre NY — Construction is expected to begin for a downtown revitalization project on Front Street at South Station Plaza with work expected to start under the train station Construction between North Village Avenue and Centre Avenue includes putting in concrete sidewalks Anyone with questions can contact the Engineering Department at 516-678-9271 The Rockville Centre Little League honored its 2025 Hall of Fame class on Saturday in Rockville Centre The Rockville Centre Little League honored its 2025 Hall of Fame class Saturday morning with a parade and induction ceremony at Hickey Field celebrating the achievements of standout players and administrators who shaped the league’s 74-year history The third annual class included coaches Jon Kaufman who led multiple championship teams and held various administrative roles who coached the 1981 state Babe Ruth Championship team was recognized as RVCLL’s all-time leader in district titles as a coach “It is an honor and a privilege to be a member of the class of 2025,” said Keating who also serves as the chair of the Hall of Fame committee We brought back the history that everybody was looking for.” and the second RVCLL alumnus to sign a professional baseball contract Catal played minor league baseball for the Atlanta Braves after a successful high school career at St where he went 12-0 and struck out 137 batters in 70 innings as a senior “I have a soft spot here and I always have,” said Catal who holds the top rank in All-Star appearances (eight) including a term as RVCLL Vice President from 2010 to 2014 “I know how much the Little League meant to my dad and what great memories he had here,” said Jack Cameron Legendary administrator Jack Byrne was recognized for his service as Treasurer from 1978 to 1995 and Board Member from 1976 to 1995 who also managed and coached during his tenure and Steve Murphy were all key contributors to the 1981 state championship team “It’s every Little Leaguer’s dream to go to the World Series and four of these members went there,” Keating said “It shows all of these current players that their dream is possible.” The Newsday app makes it easier to access content without having to log in Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months 2025 at 1:02 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}An Earth Day cleanup is scheduled for Saturday in Rockville Centre the Village of Rockville Centre is inviting residents to participate in a park cleanup this weekend The event is being organized by Freeport-based Operation Splash which patrols the south shore waters to remove debris monitoring and identifying pollutants as well as their sources April 26 at Smith Pond in Rockville Centre Gloves and garbage cans will be handed out You are encouraged to wear long pants and bring water bottles The pond cleanup is schedule from noon-2 p.m Anyone with questions can contact Assemblywoman Judy Griffin's (D-Rockville Centre) office at 516-561-8216 1970 to demonstration environmental awareness 2025 at 3:28 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Rockville Centre will host the annual St Patrick's Day celebration this weekend in Rockville Centre The annual parade kicks off at the municipal parking lot on Sunrise Highway at noon Saturday Marchers will proceed on North Long Beach Road The parade will turn right on North Park Avenue It will also pass the reviewing stand on Quealy Place and St The parade will conclude on Washington Street Watch for road closures between North Long Beach Road and North Village Avenue from Sunrise Highway to Lakeview Avenue starting at 11:30 a.m Jefferson Avenue and North Long Beach Road will close from Sunrise Highway to Water Street beginning at 10:30 a.m Patrick's Day Parade will take place rain or shine Rockville Centre is now building a name for something new: legal weed done right one brand keeps showing up at the top of the recommendation list—Silly Nice Founded in Harlem and Black- and Veteran-owned Silly Nice is gaining popularity across Long Island for high-potency small-batch cannabis that’s actually worth the price Whether you’re grabbing something to relax after the LIRR ride or stocking up before a beach weekend Rockville Centre smokers know Silly Nice always delivers clean Rockville Centre consumers who take their weed seriously are all about Silly Nice Diamond Powder These pure THC crystals deliver an intense high whether you’re dabbing it’s one of the most potent concentrates available in New York—perfect for high-tolerance smokers who want full control over their buzz Whether you’re headed to a house party or just setting the tone for the weekend Silly Nice’s Frosted Hash Ball hits every time this handcrafted 1g hash delivers a full-spectrum high with deep flavor and a smooth burn it’s a Rockville Centre favorite for those who like their weed to actually work If you’re the type who smokes for effect and flavor and packs a tropical fruit punch with every hit Silly Nice’s Bubble Hash delivers 52.10% THC and 61.93% total cannabinoids—without any solvents or additives Rockville Centre smokers who want something clean and effective are reaching for this to enhance joints or dab solo for a mellow body high with true depth Silly Nice’s 1G 510 vape carts are made with 100% cannabis-derived terpenes and filled with strain-specific oil that packs both flavor and strength or laid-back evenings at home—Rockville Centre vape fans are ditching the weak carts and choosing potency that’s actually clean For those who don’t want to deal with charging docks or separate batteries Silly Nice offers a sleek solution: the 2G All-In-One rechargeable vape these vapes are perfect for Rockville Centre’s active lifestyle and casual seshes on the go There are plenty of weed brands popping up but Silly Nice stands out in Rockville Centre for one major reason—it actually delivers Lab-Tested Potency – What’s on the label is what’s in the jar Small Batch Production – Every drop is done with care Top 5 Concentrate Brand in NY (HeadSet Data) – Consumers trust it Silly Nice is the name to know in Rockville Centre Ready to try the strongest, cleanest cannabis on Long Island? Use the Silly Nice Dispensary Locator Map to find licensed New York dispensaries near Rockville Centre: sillynice.com/locations so check the menu or call ahead before you roll out Budtenders do more than bag your bud—they help you find what actually works Input your search keywords and press Enter “This settlement with the Diocese of Rockville Centre is a watershed moment. It represents the largest diocesan settlement in New York State and largest settlement involving a diocese in bankruptcy nationwide. Notably, it’s also the first such settlement following the Supreme Court's Purdue Pharma decision on non-consensual third-party releases. Most critically, it brings long-awaited justice to 600 survivors, 100 of whom my firm was proud to represent.” Residents are invited to partake in popular restaurants and boutiques The Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce annual event takes place on the first full day of summer Vendors can join the exciting afternoon by signing up here on Park Avenue between Sunrise Highway and Lincoln Avenue 2024 at 6:12 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}The Rockville Centre Diocese agrees to $320 million bankruptcy to settling hundreds of sex abuse cases NY — The Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre (DRVC) and its parishes have announced a proposed global settlement with hundreds of sex abuse survivors who allege they were abused as children at the DRVC’s parishes lawyers for survivors announced on Thursday The settlement is based on DRVC's parishes filing for a $320 million bankruptcy and it will halt a number of jury trials against the Diocese and its parishes "The timing of this settlement speaks volumes With less than two weeks to go before the first jury trial and its insurance companies have come to the table and we have a global deal the Diocese filed for bankruptcy in order to avoid jury trials but then spent the last four years asserting our clients’ claims had little or no value," said Jason Amala a partner and sexual abuse attorney with Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala PLLC who represents more than a dozen survivors who filed claims in the DRVC bankruptcy Patch attempted to reach the Diocese for comment the DRVC’s bankruptcy is one of the longest pending Catholic bankruptcies in the country and has also been one of the most contentious Law firm Slater Slater Schulman served as a mediation party in the historic settlement under which a trust will receive approximately $320.5 million for the benefit of survivors who served as a mediating attorney said: "Importantly this is the largest Diocese settlement in the history of New York State and the first Diocese settlement to be reached nationwide following the Supreme Court’s recent Purdue Pharma decision relating to non-consensual third-party releases Slater Slater Schulman represents 100 of the approximately 600 survivor-claimants in this matter The bankruptcy was originally filed after hundreds of child sex abuse lawsuits made possible by the Child Victims Act The CVA opened a “lookback” window that temporarily suspended the statute of limitations and bestowed survivors with the unprecedented opportunity to seek restitution for decades-old child sex abuse crimes During a two-year period that ended in August 2021 PCVA and The Marsh Law Firm filed nearly 700 cases in state court "The Diocese claimed $200 million was its 'best and final' offer and threatened to dismiss its own bankruptcy if survivors did not accept its low ball offer and their insurance companies to get ready to face New York juries for their wrongdoing On the proverbial courthouse steps at the first jury trial and its insurance carriers have finally agreed to settle for more than $120 million over their last offer," said James Marsh a partner and sexual abuse attorney with Marsh Law Firm PLLC Click here for Greater Long Island newsletters. Click here to download the iPhone app Suffolk County Police charged a Rockville Centre Police detective with a hate crime early Wednesday for harassing and intentionally damaging a contractor’s truck in Manorville was arrested and charged with two counts of fourth-degree criminal mischief as a hate crime Marine also faces a second-degree aggravated harassment charge a Black man working for a cellular company at the corner of Sylvan Court and Weeks Avenue when Murphy approached him Murphy allegedly asked what the subcontractor was doing in the area while identifying himself as a law enforcement officer Despite the worker’s attempt to present his credentials Murphy is accused of then kicking the subcontractor’s vehicle and forcibly removed a light attached to the top of the GMC He then allegedly threw the light at the subcontractor while using a racial slur “The victim here was just trying to do his job when the defendant allegedly harassed him and damaged his vehicle,” Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said the defendant is a sworn law enforcement officer,responsible for protecting the rights of citizens “I thank the Suffolk County Police Department’s Hate Crimes Unit for taking this crime seriously and following the evidence no matter where it led,” he continued “Such conduct will not be tolerated in Suffolk County.” A spokesperson for the Village of Rockville Centre said the village “does not comment on personnel matters.” According to a post on the village’s Facebook page received special honors from the Town of Hempstead for his hard work with the police department Murphy’s LinkedIn page notes that he served in the U.S and that he was deployed to Iraq in 2005 and 2007 and to Afghanistan in 2009 He is scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday at First District Court in Central Islip Rockville Centre Police Detective John Murphy was recognized by the department for his “dilligent” work to prevent crime in the village The village posted a photo of Murphy on its Facebook page (Source: Facebook/Village of Rockville Centre) Tap here to see what’s happening Members of the Dorothy Day Catholic Workers group hold a prayer vigil for peace in Iraq in Lafayette Square across from the White House on March 28 The Catholic Church on Long Island once was a recognized leader in social justice work running scores of advocacy groups at the parish level that dealt with everything from nuclear weapons to the wars in Central America and local housing for poor people the Diocese of Rockville Centre even backed a controversial proposal to create a Farmingville hiring site for immigrant day laborers without documentation according to advocates who say the diocese has pulled back on following Catholic social justice teachings despite Pope Francis making social justice a hallmark of his papacy on issues including immigration and income inequality "They mention his name in every Mass because they have to pray for him but it’s like he’s not there," said Richard Koubek a former director of the diocese's Public Policy Education Network Leaders of the diocese said the church on Long Island is still doing substantial social justice work while also addressing the critical issue of abortion and the pro-life movement But advocates say social justice issues have taken a back seat possibly due to a change in leadership or because the clergy sex abuse scandal has hobbled the diocese From breaking news to special features and documentaries the NewsdayTV team is covering the issues that matter to you By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy The apparent decline of social justice work in the diocese mirrors what is happening in other parts of the United States They contend that much of the church is focused on other matters "The pope is very much about social justice It’s the Catholic bishops that aren’t," said Sandy Thomas a parishioner at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Wyandanch who long has been involved in social justice work who led one of the diocese’s main social justice initiatives the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and really I think the church cares more about that than anything else." Francis sent shock waves through the church when he stated it had become "obsessed" with the issues of abortion He said the church needed to focus more on serving the poor and marginalized Rockville Centre officials contend the church is doing some of that work "works very closely with Catholic Charities an essential part of the Church’s ministry throughout Long Island that serves the poor and many other communities in need," said the Rev He added that "each parish has its own profile of engagement with social outreach and social justice Parish outreach services are still heavily engaged and much needed these days." Catholic Health the diocese’s network of hospitals and clinics "serves Christ’s mandate to care for the sick especially those in need," Fasano added and "does tremendous outreach work." said there is a fundamental difference between "charity" work such as feeding the hungry which seeks to change the structures and laws that leave people hungry or poor "Everybody can feel good about handing out food to families and stuff like that but when you’re funding organizations that picket the mayor’s office or agitate and work with other people for fair housing or whatever it is and lobbying people to enforce the laws that there are then people get upset and they start complaining and they start calling them Marxists and things like that," Reese said How much support social justice work gets "can vary by the bishop," he said generally "their priority for the past 20 years or more has been abortion A lot of them have been focusing on that as their justice issue and not on some of the other justice issues." He noted that one of Barack Obama’s first jobs after graduating from Columbia University was as a community organizer in mainly poor Catholic parishes in Chicago where he helped set up a job training program a college preparatory tutoring program and a tenants' rights organization Koubek said that "there is no question the charity work of the Diocese of Rockville Centre is outstanding in directly serving the needs of the poor What has stopped is the advocacy against the injustices that cause those needs." Pope Francis himself spotlighted one of the icons of the Catholic social justice movement Day in 1933 cofounded the Catholic Worker movement which established houses in New York City and elsewhere that offered impoverished people food who lived in one of the houses on the Lower East Side She was arrested several times for civil disobedience Pope Francis addresses a joint meeting of Congress on Sept making history as the first pontiff to do so her passion for justice and for the cause of the oppressed her faith and the example of the saints," Francis told Congress Advocates contend that social justice work flourished in the Diocese of Rockville Centre under Bishop John McGann from the 1980s to the early 2000s Known for taking strong stands on social issues military aid to El Salvador in the 1980s and criticized U.S support for the "Contras" fighting Nicaragua’s leftist Sandinista government he urged parishioners to offer sanctuary to Salvadoran refugees fleeing "death squads" in their homeland even though they were here without legal papers brought in laypeople to help lead the fight He created a diocesan-wide Justice and Peace Commission that worked on issues such as military spending and homelessness and hunger on Long Island The commission oversaw scores of similar groups in local parishes where parishioners would circulate petitions hold educational seminars and meet with politicians to push their causes "There was a very strong presence for peace and justice in the parishes," Melkonian said Margaret Melkonian at her home in Uniondale earlier this month And most of the parish groups have vanished "We don’t hear or see those voices now," Melkonian said a Catholic from Bayport and a Suffolk County legislator in the 1980s A diocesan priest once gave him the idea of giving immigrants without documentation access to county health clinics without fear of getting deported Three Catholic priests spoke at public hearings in support "I don’t see the Roman Catholic clergy as activists as they once were." McGann had the diocese set up a public policy education network which helped create groups in scores of parishes that focused on local and state issues such as affordable housing Koubek headed the network from 1996 to 2008 "Today there is almost none of that taking place" in the diocese "We were respected all over the country" in Catholic circles the Diocese of Rockville Centre endorsed a hiring site for day laborers in Farmingville which had become a national flashpoint in the debate over immigration Catholic Charities was ready to help fund and run the site The proposal was passed by the Suffolk County Legislature but vetoed by then-Suffolk County Executive Robert Gaffney Some parishes imbued with social justice activism had major impacts on their communities the Catholic Church helped found a library affordable housing and a shelter for homeless people One of the main priests behind the efforts met Day as a teenager and remained a lifelong friend His work in Wyandanch went beyond the local community: He used to bring parishioners to protests against the Shoreham nuclear power plant He later worked for 17 years in the diocese’s mission in the Dominican Republic "That was Catholic social teaching at its best," Thomas said There are various theories as to why social justice work has diminished in the diocese a former editor of The Long Island Catholic said part of the reason dates to the clergy sex abuse scandal that broke in the early 2000s "I think part of what you are seeing now is such a scale back on everything because of the financial downturn given the scandal," with decreased donations and eventually — in 2020 — bankruptcy The church’s position as a moral voice also has suffered "A major part of the fallout from the scandal was that the church is not really listened to much anymore on public policy issues It’s a different time and the church’s voice is much more muted now," Hinshaw said The church’s decreased activism extends not just to progressive issues but to more conservative ones such as the pro-life movement In the 1970s and 80s "Long Island was the epicenter of the pro-life movement here in New York State and then after Roe v Wade really one of the national epicenters of pro-life advocacy," Hinshaw said "I don’t see that anymore either." "I have no doubt that Bishop Barres is a strong pro-life supporter but you are just not seeing any kind of resources being put into that anymore I don’t think," he said There is "a growing appreciation for the fact that issues surrounding the sanctity of human life and our ability to live in accordance with those truths are very much matters of social justice," he said He added that the New York State Catholic Conference and the U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops — two umbrella groups for bishops — do significant public policy education and advocacy work about which the diocese keeps parishes informed Catholic social justice work has not entirely disappeared on Long Island Some orders of nuns including the Sisters of St Dominic of Amityville and the Sisters of St Joseph of Brentwood are addressing global issues such as the environment though membership is down and efforts to get the diocese more involved have failed Pax Christi has asked the diocese to revive its Justice and Peace Commission and to hold an annual "Peace Mass" at St Fasano said he had no information on the request Trump's influence on NY's future .. Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories Rockville Centre diocese in New York settles with more than 530 victims after proposed deal comes close to failure A Roman Catholic diocese in Long Island, New York, announced a new bankruptcy settlement on Thursday that would pay more than $323m to about 530 sex abuse survivors who alleged they were abused by priests when they were children. The diocese of Rockville Centre, which serves about 1.2 million Catholics in Nassau and Suffolk counties, said earlier this year that it did not think a bankruptcy settlement would be possible after abuse survivors rejected the diocese’s previous $200m settlement offer. US bankruptcy judge Martin Glenn in Manhattan, who is overseeing the case, said the deal represented “enormous progress” after the bankruptcy came “within a hair’s breadth” of failure. Read moreRockville Centre will contribute $234.8m to a settlement fund The settlement will also receive funding from another insurer that is being liquidated in a separate insolvency proceeding and from attorneys representing abuse survivors Diocese spokesperson Eric Fasano said the settlement would ensure “the equitable compensation of survivors of abuse while allowing the church to continue her essential mission” A mediating attorney who worked on the settlement agreement, Adam Slater, added in a statement to the Guardian: “Importantly, this is the largest Diocese settlement in the history of New York State and also the largest Catholic bankruptcy settlement ever.” The diocese filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in New York in October 2020 citing the cost of lawsuits filed by childhood victims of clergy sexual abuse More than two dozen Catholic dioceses have filed for bankruptcy in recent years after New York and other states enacted laws that temporarily enabled victims of child sexual abuse to file lawsuits over decades-old crimes Thursday’s settlement could provide a new path forward for dozens of Catholic dioceses that have filed for bankruptcy to address sex abuse claims For instance, the archdiocese of New Orleans recently proposed that it and its affiliates settle the bankruptcy it filed in May 2020 for just $62.5m About 500 abuse claimants in that case have counter-proposed that the church and its affiliates settle for about $217m with insurers then contributing roughly another $800m Dioceses had previously relied on bankruptcy courts’ ability to grant sweeping legal protections to non-bankrupt entities that contributed to settlement funds a practice that the US supreme court shot down this year That ruling, in the bankruptcy of OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma forced the bankrupt dioceses to come up with new ways to incentivize settlement contributions from insurers and parishes which in previous Catholic bankruptcies had contributed funds to dioceses’ settlement plans to end their exposure to sex abuse lawsuits Rockville Centre solved that problem by first agreeing to have all of its parishes file for bankruptcy where they could gain legal protections in exchange for subjecting their assets and liabilities to court oversight the diocese’s attorney Corinne Ball said in court The insurers then agreed to buy back their policies from the diocese and parishes which ends their responsibility for covering the sex abuse claims 2025 at 4:24 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A Far Rockaway man was indicted on charges stemming from a deadly 2023 crash in Rockville Centre NY — A man was indicted on charges stemming from a drunken high-speed crash in Rockville Centre that killed his 23-year-old passenger was arraigned on Wednesday on charges that include second-degree manslaughter driving while intoxicated and driving while ability impaired by combined use of alcohol and drugs The defendant was remanded and is due back in court on April 21 “The death of Larry Josue Orozco Torrez was completely preventable,” Donnelly said “Due to the alleged poor decisions by this defendant Gutierrez Orozco is represented by attorney Robert Schalk Gutierrez Orozco was driving southbound on Peninsula Boulevard in Rockville Centre at a high rate of speed when he crossed over the roadway’s grassy median and into the northbound lanes and crashed into a tree A Nassau County Police medic who was driving along Peninsula Boulevard shortly after the crash was flagged down by another motorist and responded to the crash A search warrant for Gutierrez Orozco's blood revealed his blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was approximately .12% about one hour after the crash The sample also contained marijuana and cocaine An inclusive playground in the bucolic South Shore village of Rockville Centre has opened and welcomes families and children of all abilities The space aims to create a safe and engaging environment where every child can play and explore together and run in this massive outdoor play space B’s All-Inclusive Playground is sure to be a hit with kids A large sensory dome anchors the playground areas with spider-webbed rope climbers Ramps also allow wheelchair access to the various activities. The bouncy rubber floor surface caters to both wheelchair and stroller use.  There are also inclusive and adaptive swings There's an arched tightrope walk feature we've never seen at another playground. In addition to the fenced-in play areas there is a splash pad for summertime use.  RELATED: Inclusive Playgrounds for Long Island Kids with Special Needs Pack a picnic or some snacks and recharge under the shaded pavilion area There are plenty of benches to rest tired feet as well Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker 2025 at 2:46 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A PSEG Long Island volunteer loads a tree into a customer’s car during the 2024 Energy-Saving Trees giveaway in Nassau County PSEG Long Island will provide 230 customers a free tree It's part of the Energy Saving Trees program in a partnership with the PSEG Foundation and the Arbor Day Foundation The program showcases how planting the right trees in the right location can reduce utility bills and promote ongoing system reliability “Strategically planting trees helps save up to 20 percent on a home’s summer energy bills once the trees are fully grown while also improving air quality and reducing storm water runoff for all residents across Long Island,” said David Lyons PSEG Long Island’s interim president and COO The free energy-saving trees can be reserved online by county residents, starting on Thursday until all trees are claimed The types of trees offered include red maple Reserved trees will be available for pick-up on April 26 until noon at the PSEG Long Island Customer Service Center at 175 East Old Country Road in Hicksville PSEG Long Island will distribute reusable shopping bags and free LED lightbulbs to save customers money and energy TGI Fridays has abruptly closed its Westbury and Rockville Centre restaurants leaving just four locations standing on Long Island as the troubled restaurant chain reportedly heads toward bankruptcy The Nassau County closures are part of a nationwide shutdown that has eliminated nearly 50 TGI Fridays locations in the past week The chain’s remaining Long Island presence includes three Suffolk County restaurants — in Riverhead Farmingville and Central Islip — and one Nassau location in Valley Stream Nationwide, TGI Fridays’ restaurant count has plummeted from 213 to 164 locations in just one week, according to CNN Business and other reports The sudden closures have hit multiple states and the state of Connecticut losing all their locations This marks the second major round of closures for TGI Fridays this year, following the shutdown of 36 “underperforming” locations in January Hauppauge and Massapequa were on the chopping block that time around Recent reports from Bloomberg indicated that the embattled chain is in discussions with lenders to secure financing that would allow it to continue operations during an anticipated Chapter 11 bankruptcy process The company has not yet officially commented on the recent closures or released a comprehensive list of affected locations It additionally has not replied to a request for comment about the near future of the existing TGI Fridays on Long Island For Long Island residents seeking the familiar TGI Fridays experience the four surviving locations represent the last vestiges of a brand that has been a fixture in American dining for decades The dramatic reduction in locations suggests significant challenges ahead for the restaurant chain as it navigates its financial difficulties Top photo: Riverhead TGI Fridays (Google Maps) Scenes from the Rockville Centre Little League Opening Day Parade and Hall of Fame Class of 2025 induction on Saturday The Rockville Centre Little League Opening Day parade on Saturday Tom Catal poses with his Hall of Fame plaque at the Rockville Centre Little League Hall of Fame induction on Saturday Tom Catal throws out the first pitch at the Rockville Centre Little League Hall of Fame induction on Saturday The Rockville Centre Little League honored its 2025 Hall of Fame class on Saturday 2024 at 9:59 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Find out who is on the ballot before casting your vote on Nov and Patch has what you need to know before heading to the polls Here are the races that Rockville Centre area residents will see on their ballot: Griffin (Democratic) Brian Curran (Republican Polls on Election Day are slated to be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.Early voting begins on Saturday, Oct. 26. Find your early voting spots, polling places, and absentee ballot information here For questions regarding voter registration and other New York State Board of Elections issues, click here