Editorial: It Takes Time

I may have no authority to call my task a tall one, considering my predecessor had to comb more than 50 years of documented news for the 50th anniversary edition of the Mineola American. When I started at Anton on April 12, 2010 (I only remember because it was two days before the anniversary of the Titanic sinking), I brushed through about a year’s worth of newspapers so I’d have some sort of head start when I finally took the reins of the official paper of the village.

With 2012 being the 60th anniversary year, I have been assigned the task of documenting from Nov. 21, 2001 until 2012. Most would say ‘It’s only 10 years? Joe Rizza did 50.’ That’s one shadow I’ll never get out of; a shadow I’ll gladly reference back to and carry on my shoulders until my knees buckle.

Around the Town with Lou: July 31, 2012

Editor’s Note: Lou Sanders, who has his journalism degree from NYU, and his wife, Grace, founded the Mineola American in 1952, giving the village its first successful newspaper. Lou and Grace have lived in Mineola for 58 years, and his popular column is a signature feature of this paper.

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Bill Greene, president of the Mineola Chamber of Commerce, announced that Mayor Scott Strauss would be the guest speaker on Sept. 18. The meeting, with all residents invited, will be held at the Village Hall. After the mayor delivers his “State of the Village” speech, those who wish can have dinner at the Piccola Bussola restaurant. Greene said that the speaker for October would be State Senator Jack Martins.

Editorial: Summer Fun At Memorial Park

Get out to the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra Concert on Friday, July 27. It’s the closest thing you’ll get to big band in this day and age of digital downloads and MP3 players. The Nassau Pops performs music favorites from Broadway, television and the movies. Whether it is the beautiful melodies of Rodgers and Hammerstein or the exciting screen music of John Williams, you can always count on the Nassau Pops to present a great mixture of popular and light classical music.

It’s a rare occasion to hear classic movie themes live and if you’re smart, you won’t miss this chance to hear the Nassau Pops.

— RF

From The Desk Of NY State Senator Jack Martins: July 23, 2012

In The Line Of Duty

I’d like to share with you the story of Paul Brady, a Malverne firefighter who was killed in his firehouse in 2006.  Brady, who was 42 at the time, had been working on top of one of the trucks in the firehouse when another firefighter mistakenly drove it out, not realizing he was up there.  Paul was consequently crushed between a beam in the ceiling and the truck.

As heartbreaking as this is, it got worse. Brady’s name was prevented from being placed on the wall of the New York State Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Albany. In fact, it had been declined four times by the committee that oversees it.

Editorial: Flooding Relief On Its Way?

In my time at Anton Community Newspapers I’ve noticed, particularly on days of heavy rainfall, East Second Street looks like the Nile River on a bad day. Torrential downpours make navigating the streets almost impossible. Hopefully this new drainage project being worked on to bring flood relief to the Bruce Terrace area, as well as my office’s block, will do the trick.

Around the Town with Lou: July 16, 2012

Editor’s Note: Lou Sanders, who has his journalism degree from NYU, and his wife, Grace, founded the Mineola American in 1952, giving the village its first successful newspaper. Lou and Grace have lived in Mineola for 58 years, and his popular column is a signature feature of this paper.

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“Ship Tight” is the way Kyle Teemsma, the pool director and the two supervisors, Carl Santelmo and Catherine Lusardi run the facility. The rest of the crew are Peter Abbate, Richie Baierwalter, Annemaria Brusca, Meghan Bulva, Gabby Cantileno, John Conway, Mike Falco, Tony Franzino, Julie Frey, Pat Holliday, Jack McDevitt, Alicia Mercurio, Kevin Mulder, Megan Murphy, Katie and Emma Sienk, Kim and Nicole Sparacino, Emily Spencer, Joe Spollen, Dan, Jackie, Katie and Sean Stagnari, Christine Wengler, Nick Laginestra, Marisa Athan, Ashley Barnett, Chris Brostek, John Curry, Dom Derosa, Nick Fabuano, Teresa Ferreri, Ryan Freehill, Julie Giaimo, Catia Concalves, Keanu Hines, Kimmy Lopes, Sal Massa, Shana Natale, Sarah Pritchard, Allie Steinberg and Billy Sullivan.

From the desk of NY State Senator Jack Martins: July 9, 2012

Independence Day

Regarding this past Fourth of July, I thought I’d go beyond a column wishing you the usual round of safe holidays and hearty barbecues.  Don’t get me wrong. Of course, I hope your holiday will be all of those things and more, but sentiment alone is never enough for a thoughtful column.  Instead, I thought we could reflect on a more particular aspect of the holiday and how it may actually apply to some good news about our home state of New York.

As I was exiting the senate chamber at the end of our legislative session few weeks ago, one of my colleagues wished me a “Happy Independence Day.” His phraseology gave me pause. You simply don’t hear too many people choose “Happy Independence Day” over “Fourth of July” anymore.

Editorial: You Stay Cool Mineola

This heat wave we have been experiencing has seen shirts drenched, hair soaked and skin toasted. My advice? Look no further than the John S. DaVanzo Community Pool just around the corner from Anton Newspapers. It’s worth the trek with a huge, cold pool and its offering of much needed rest and relaxation.

Editorial: Waiting Here Is Better Now

Frequenting Station Plaza North before its makeover, although it was not unpleasant, it left much to be desired. Since its touchup, I find waiting for the train to head into New York City, parking in a spot to go to Nick’s (Station Plaza Diner), enjoying lunch on one of the benches or walking to the Recovery Room a true Mineola delight. Plus, there’s always someone with a guitar serenading the plaza with a tune, which makes for a nice atmosphere.

Around the Town with Lou: July 2, 2012

Editor’s Note: Lou Sanders, who has his journalism degree from NYU, and his wife, Grace, founded the Mineola American in 1952, giving the village its first successful newspaper. Lou and Grace have lived in Mineola for 58 years, and his popular column is a signature feature of this paper.

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Corpus Christi Church was filled as they concelebrated its feast day. This is the church’s 111th year. The readings and the singing were in both English and Portuguese as the two choirs joined together. The Mass was celebrated with the pastor Msgr. Monsignor Robert Coyle, Father Gabriel and Deacon Mannix. Coyle said the “Lords Prayer” in English and Portuguese. He noted that we have Masses in Spanish also. “We serve three cultures,” he said. Among those present were State Senator Jack Martins and his wife Paula, Jack’s father Antonio Martins, John Davanzo and Bob and Pat Hinck. The Mass concluded with a procession around the inside of the church.