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Editorial: Pigskin Pride

Last weekend was the kickoff of the 2012-13 NFL season. While the Giants fell to the NFC rival Dallas Cowboys 24-17 on Wednesday, September 5, the New York Jets laid a 48-28 smackdown on AFC East opponent Buffalo Bills. And while local Big Blue fans remain confident of Eli Manning regaining his footing, Gang Green fans harbor hopes this opening salvo promises more of the same for incumbent QB Mark Sanchez. It’s all well and good but there is a whole other fan base for which the NFL is a sidelight to the main event—those who live and die with the Garden City High School Trojans football team. Always a source of pride for the local community, last year’s squad gave residents more to swell their chests over. They won their third consecutive County Championship as the only undefeated team in Nassau while possessing the best defensive record. Coach Tom Flatley is returning for his 28th season after recovering from hip replacement surgery and there are lofty expectations for the team as the Trojans have been seeded first going into this season. A 28-12 victory over the New Hyde Park Gladiators at Warren King Field on Saturday, September 8, is an encouraging start for what promises to be another successful Trojans season.

– Dave Gil de Rubio

News

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.

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

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.

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.


Calendar

Color Your World

Thursday, May 23

Summer Entertaining Workshop

Tuesday, May 28

Bugs Bower Lecture

Thursday, May 30


Columns

Moving Pictures
Written by Mike Barry, MFBarry@optonline.net

Private Power Isn’t Our Only Option
Written by Michael A. Miller, Millercolumn@optimum.net

Building Better Legislators
Written by Michael A. Miller, Millercolumn@optimum.net