Local Cyclists Raise Funds for Cancer Cure Research

The relatively good life many of us on Long Island lead can often be taken for granted. Raising funds for charitable causes is one great way to keep life’s priorities in perspective. So it was for a group of cyclists, both present and past Long Island residents, who set out this past summer for a European “Ride of a Lifetime.”

Led and inspired by Manhasset resident Carl Pate, a dedicated local rider and ever present volunteer in the community, the good fortune of having the means for such a trip was not to be lost on this group. Long in the making, particularly when considering all the years of simply “talking it up,” detailed route planning and other travel logistics eventually took hold in early Spring of 2011 and a 16 stage cycling adventure through France, Spain and Portugal, covering nearly 1,000 miles finally came to life. Realizing that a little extra motivation might serve well for getting up and over the mighty Pyrenees, Mr. Pate initiated a fundraising effort aptly named “Cycle4Life” to benefit St. Baldrick’s Foundation, an organization that provides funding for the research of cures for childhood cancers.

Timing Is Right to Give the Gift of Clean Water

Comment period extended to January 11, 2012 to request Cuomo protect water supply and ban fracking

Governor Cuomo’s proposal to open New York to hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has come under fire for failing to protect the state’s residents from a method of gas drilling that pollutes the environment, explained a host of speakers at a rally to ban fracking held Dec. 15 at Mary Jane Davis Green in Manhasset.

In this challenging economy the buzzword is job creation and Cuomo has also been criticized for claiming fracking will create jobs, but, as speaker Patti Katz, Reach Out America (ROA), said, “You can’t drink money.” The complaint period against fracking has been extended to Jan. 11, 2012 and rally speakers encouraged everyone to visit amillionfrackingletters. com and to send Governor Cuomo one of their own letters.

Governor Signs Tax and Jobs Bill In Nassau County

Cuomo calls tax break lowest in 58 years, bill calls for MTA payroll tax repeal

Six months ago, Governor Andrew Cuomo traveled to Lynbrook to sign the 2 percent tax cap legislation, a bill he called a decade-long battle for that legislation in New York State. On Monday, Dec. 12, Cuomo visited West Hempstead’s Cornwell Avenue School to sign the Middle Class Tax Cut and Job Creation bill, which has been touted by the governor and supporting senators as bringing real tax relief to businesses and the middle class in New York State.

The state legislature passed the bill on Dec. 7.

Christmas Memories During World War II

The year was 1944. Although he had no sons, my dad proudly displayed a Service flag with three blue stars in our front window. I was in the Navy, my sister Mary was in the Army and Eileen was in the Cadet Nurse program. Another sister, Pat, was a civilian. She was 11. We were a very close family–given to lots of love and laughter–so the separation caused by our military service was indeed a hardship. That Christmas we were to learn just how hard, when it appeared that none of us would get leave. The family decided to postpone the Yule festivities until we could all be together.

Then, an unexpected transfer to the Admiral’s office changed my status and I was granted leave. I arrived home on Christmas Eve. Mamma, Daddy and Pat were delighted. Now there were four of us. We celebrated at the kitchen table with cinnamon toast, generously margarined (butter had gone off to war), and a pot of tea made with one rationed teabag.

Plandome Road Merchant’s Association Meeting

The parking subcommittee, formed at the last meeting of the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce Plandome Road Merchants’ Association, met twice and is pursuing potential solutions for what is a serious problem for both shop owners and the community. “People go to Staples because there’s parking,” Les Forrai, Minuteman Press, said, “but I’m cheaper.”

The use of some form of coupon was discussed at the 8 a.m. gathering on Dec. 5 at Coral Reef Travel, in order to spur sales, that, if sent by mail, a printing of about 5,012 copies would reach “occupants” of the town. Discussion followed as to how each business could promote its own and its neighbor’s business. Memories of yesteryear’s Welcome Wagon surfaced when those new to Manhasset received coupons to local stores. Diane Harragan, Coach Realty, announced her office provides new homeowners with a subscription to the Manhasset Press. Next year late shopping could tie in to the popular Christmas tree lighting ceremony held annually on the first Friday in December, was another suggestion. Various discussions led to a proposal that a mission statement be formulated by the group; possibly a logo too.

Flight Patterns and Noise Concerns

 Schaier continuesto chart incoming flight levels

Port Washington resident Len Schaier has been a hawk when it comes to possible noise increases from new flight patterns over Long Island. Recently, Schaier, who is the chief organizer behind Citizens for Quiet Skies Over North Hempstead, predicted that any new noise problems would come, at first, from landing patterns. And now, he claims that is just exactly what is happening.

In an email that Schaier sent to the Federal Aeronautics Aviation (FAA) earlier this month, he claimed that there has been a “dramatic increase in commercial aircraft noise since Oct. 20 here in the Town of North Hempstead.”

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Poster Contest Winners

Manhasset’s annual tree lighting ceremony took place on Friday evening, Dec. 2, at the Mary Jane Davies Park. Excitement was in the air as people gathered to see old friends, meet parents and spouses getting off trains returning from the city, and youngsters eagerly awaited the results of the 2011 Poster Contest and the arrival of Santa Claus to Manhasset. The evening was beautifully clear, but because it was also chilly, everyone was grateful for the hot chocolate provided free of charge by the Manhasset Park District.

The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, under the direction of Commander Falcone, Manhasset Post 304, led the audience in saying The Pledge of Allegiance, and old and young respectfully joined in, facing the flag.

Manhasset Park District Commissioner Election

Incumbent Commissioner Ann Marie Curd is being challenged by John J. Regan for the one open position in the Manhasset Park District. The election will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 13, from 3-9 p.m. at the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire House on Bayview Avenue.

Greater Council Inducts New Officers for 2011-12

Supervisor Jon Kaiman and developer Michael Puntillo attend meeting

At the Nov. 9 meeting of the Greater Council of Manhasset Civic Associations Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman was present to swear in officers elected for the 2011-12 term. Prior to officiating, Kaiman accepted congratulations on his reelection to town supervisor just the day before and made some comments. Running for election is an extraordinary opportunity, Kaiman said, but makes you susceptible to the ups and downs of people’s concerns—it was a learning experience, and frustrating too, in that he believes they have made great strides representing the community yet others, he said, trash and minimize those accomplishments. Newspapers, he continued, print the bad, they don’t focus on the good, so community leaders are needed to point out the good.

Manhasset-Lakeville Water and Fire District Candidates

Three challengers, John Nash, Joseph Renta and Daniel Ross have entered the race for the position of Manhasset-Lakeville Fire and Water District against incumbent Andrew DeMartin. The election will be held on Dec. 13.