From The Desk Of NY State Senator Jack Martins: January 4, 2013

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From The Desk Of NY State Senator Jack Martins: January 4, 2013

Written by Senator Jack Martins Friday, 04 January 2013 00:00

Happy Holidays

I received an email from Afghanistan in late October; actually from one of our local guys from New Hyde Park who is currently stationed there.

He serves in what is uniquely known as one of the Navy’s “Force Reintegration Cells.” It’s not what you might think, though. His unit actually distributes small grants and community funding for local projects, most of the time using the former insurgent fighters as laborers on the projects. Each leaves the fight “honorably” and each represents one less fighter or suicide bomber for the Taliban. As he notes in his message:

“As a native New Yorker, I was very skeptical at first, but I have to admit, that the program is working. We’ve peacefully removed 5,000 insurgent fighters from the battle space…

He goes on to quietly describe his wife’s busy schedule without him and how he can’t wait to come home to Long Island for the holidays.

I saved his email for you because I was struck by his sense of purpose, hope and his very noble desire to peacefully effect change. He represents us – America – to the world and I’m glad he does. And as immense as his work is, he most appreciates the opportunity to be home with loved ones for the holidays.

So that’s my, or maybe I should say our, message this holiday season. We are still very blessed to be with people we love this holiday season, and that alone is a wonderful gift. Even with all the heartache we’ve seen lately, there are still good and hope-filled things happening. God willing, we won’t lose sight of that.

I wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday, whatever you celebrate, and may the new year be a better one, a safe one, with much peace and good health.

News

Audit Is Imminent

Last Updated (Monday, 29 November 1999 19:00) Wednesday, 22 May 2013 07:36

North Hempstead is cooperating with park-district audit

The Town of North Hempstead will submit to a Nassau County financial and operational audit of the Clinton G. Martin Park District in New Hyde Park after the Court of Appeals dismissed the town’s appeal, according to court documents.

The court dismissed North Hempstead’s appeal on April 30, Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos revealed. A letter was sent to the town on May 9 asking for financial documents spanning three years.

NY Ravioli Sandy Efforts Recognized

Last Updated (Monday, 29 November 1999 19:00) Saturday, 18 May 2013 00:00

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano commended the owners of New York Ravioli & Pasta Company of New Hyde Park for donating a portion of all proceeds generated throughout May to the Nassau Hurricane Recovery Fund (NHRF). Six months after Superstorm Sandy barreled through local neighborhoods, Nassau residents are still struggling to rebuild their homes and lives.

Sports

Spotlight On Herricks HS Sports

Friday, 17 May 2013 00:00

Simply because something has happened or reoccurred several times in the past does not make it a tradition, something to be expected maybe, or something habitual perhaps. Tradition is different. It evokes a feeling of long-standing preplanned positive experiences built in layers upon one another.

So it is, apparently, with the Highlander Wrestling program. Year after year, young men and women graduate from the high school program only to return again as alumni freely lending their expertise, assistance and support . . . giving back to those who have not yet entered the fraternity of Highlander Wrestling Graduates.

Little League News

Friday, 17 May 2013 00:00

NHPLL Girls Snippets

Mathnasium faced off with the tough Valley Stream team on May 4 and ended in an 8-8 tie. Paige Jones lead the pitching crew with four innings, giving up one earned run and five unearned. Claire Mikowski came in to close with bases loaded the score was 6-8 and Valley Stream’s leadoff batter at the plate. Mikowski struck out one and the second batter hit a line drive through the SS Sophia Kasimatis to bringing in the tying run when the umpire called the game due to time limit restrictions.