Covering All Bases: August 28, 2012

Anton Community Newspapers • 132 East 2nd Street • Mineola, NY 11501 • Phone: 516-747-8282 • FAX: 516-742-5867

Covering All Bases: August 28, 2012

Written by Ronald Scaglia Friday, 31 August 2012 00:00

Stand Tall New York

Recently, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg created quite a stir by proposing a limit on the size of sugary drinks sold within the city’s limits. While those on both sides of the debate will argue the proposal’s pros and cons, what has gotten lost in the debate is that 11 years after that horrible September morning, New York City is getting back to normal. In the days after the attacks then-Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, a huge Yankee fan, was cheered when he went in to Shea Stadium for the first baseball game in the city after the attack. He remarked that things would be back to normal when Mets fans started booing him again. If soda is dominating city news, then things are back to normal, and New Yorkers, which includes Long Islanders, should be proud of that.

Soon after the attacks first occurred, Americans and, in particular New Yorkers, came together to support each other in a manner that was unprecedented. We did so many things to help our nation and our region overcome that day, and we did so without giving them a second thought.

There are the largely noticeable things we did, such as the prayer and memorial services, which were held to honor the victims and let their families know that they weren’t alone. There were the many fundraisers that were held and the courageous stories of New Yorkers of all ages, even children, pitching in to help us overcome. There were so many meaningful gestures made, some as simple as a phone call, a visit, an invitation to dinner or something else to help the grieving cope with the loss.

There were also so many ways in which we stood up to terrorism, even without realizing that we were doing so. In the days after the attacks, I’m sure everyone wondered if we would find the courage to once again board an airplane, yet we do. The first time we went into Manhattan and saw the gaping hole in the skyline and the smoldering ashes, it was frightening, yet we still ventured in. Sure, there may have been a knot in each of our stomachs, and we may have taken an extra deep breath the first time we crossed over a bridge to go into Manhattan or took a ride on a New York City subway, but we found the courage to do so anyway. And we have continued to do so. Maybe going into the city to see a Broadway show may not seem like a big deal, but in September 2001, it was. Yet so many of us have done so. By visiting Times Square, having lunch downtown, and most importantly, not letting our way of life be altered by terrorism, we defeated the terrorists.

I won’t write that New Yorkers won. You cannot claim victory when more than 3,000 innocent lives are lost. But we were not defeated. The ultimate goal of the terrorists was to not only take so many lives but to also cripple New York City and have all of us live a life of fear. And in that attempt, we stood together against terrorism, and overcame its horrid effects.

When the attacks first happened, many wondered if New York would ever recover. Would it be the same? Would we overcome? Eleven years later, the answer is a resounding “yes.”

The lights are still bright on Broadway. The Yankees and Mets have moved into new stadiums. The museums are still open for visitors. People still stroll through Central Park, and the Freedom Tower is almost completed,

The lost are not forgotten. We vowed to never forget and we haven’t. But our country, our city, and our region continue on course.

The last 11 years have been difficult, but they have also been when we were at our best. We showed the world how special we are. Stand tall New York, as high as those majestic Twin Towers once stood, and be proud.

Ron Scaglia is the Special Sections editor of Anton Newspapers.

News

Friendship Circle Luncheon Turns 10

Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00

Kroplick and Kammerer honored

On May 8, more than 500 fashionably dressed women converged on the Garden City Hotel for the Sid Jacobson JCC’s tenth annual Friendship Circle Luncheon. Notable celebrities on hand were Good Day New York co-host Rosanna Scotto, who was also the event’s MC, and singer/actress Megan Hilty from the Broadway play Wicked and NBC’s hit drama Smash, who entertained the ladies with her favorite songs from both shows.

The Friendship Circle Luncheon was started 10 years ago by Denise Silverberg, as a way to raise money for programs providing support for adults in their 30s, 40 s and 50s that are afflicted by Alzheimer’s. Silverberg’s mother has the disease, so she understands firsthand the role of a caregiver and the stresses involved in taking care of someone who has it.

Revised HUB Transportation Study

Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00

Deputy Mayor Nicholas Episcopia attended the HUB Stakeholders Meeting held by Nassau County’s consultants on the Transportation Project. He was joined by EPOA President Judy Courtney, Vice President Chris Mullaney, and Director Leo Stimmler, as well as William Bellmer, a member of the Garden City Planning Commission, Dorothy Episcopia, past EPOA president, and former mayor Robert Rothschild. Bob Schoelle and Brian Ridgeway attended the afternoon session. Garden City is a stakeholder because a large portion of the village lies within the defined HUB area.

As presented, the currently preferred alternative transportation plan appears reasonable and eliminates the construction of a light rail system that would run from the Mineola Station, south behind Arthur Street, and east along the spur adjacent to St. James Street South, as was initially proposed. Nonetheless, as we have consistently done over the years, we will continue to monitor plans for the transportation project and strongly express our opinion if we believe any aspect of this project would be detrimental to the quality of life in Garden City.

Sports

Almost Perfect

Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00

Boys JV lacrosse team goes undefeated

The Garden City JV lacrosse team finished the year with a stellar 14-0-1 record. Led by Head Coach Tom Flatley and Assistant Coach Brett Hepworth, the Trojans overpowered most of their opponents with explosive offensive bursts, tough-nosed gritty defense, and rock-solid goaltending. The offense averaged over 15 goals per game, while the defense allowed just over three goals per game.

The season commenced with a hard fought, triple overtime thriller against Syosset that ended in a 7-7 tie. As the team became more cohesive, most of the next few opponents, including Hewlett, Lynbrook, Carey, Roslyn, Kellenberg, and others, found themselves overmatched against this Trojan team. However, that did not dissuade Ward Melville from putting forth an inspired effort on their home turf for three quarters, before finally falling to Garden City 12-7.

Playing With A Big Stick

Thursday, 16 May 2013 00:00

Defense keys successful lacrosse seasons

The boys and girls high school teams are both rolling and have their sights set on a long run in the playoffs. Both team have faced a number of formidable opponents throughout the season and have successfully navigated their schedules. One thing that has been consistent for both teams has been that their defenses have had to stand tall at key times and shut down very active offenses. Both Coach Finnell and Coach Chapman have made sure that the non-league schedules of their teams will ensure that their teams are prepared for whatever the playoffs can throw at them.

After going the full season last year undefeated, the boys team has three blemishes on their record with losses to powerhouses Ward Melville, Manhasset and LaSalle of PA. With a 9-3 record the Trojans are looking to wrap up the number two seed in the playoffs to force a rematch of the Manhasset game in the County finals. The boys have excelled defensively only allowing 4.25 goals against per game. And if you remove those three tough losses the goals against average drops to 3.1.