Letter: Calories in Restaurant Food

I’m like many people in our county who pours over nutrition labels on all the food I buy. I want to know exactly what it is I’m eating, and more importantly, how many calories I’m consuming. As the American Heart Association will tell you, calories “in” should equal calories “out” if you want to maintain your current weight. Our diet should be equivalent to our physical activity. But if we don’t know what we’re eating, how are we to know how many laps to walk around the neighborhood?

When Suffolk County passed the law to allow us to see how many calories we’re consuming at restaurants, I was shocked at what I found out! So many items at these chain restaurants were overflowing with calories – and I had no idea that certain foods I firmly thought of as treats had actually fewer calories than other items I would purchase regularly. In one popular coffee chain, the walnut bran muffin was actually higher in calories than the rainbow cookie with baked-in chocolate candies.

I hope that Nassau County Legislators are listening to us when they vote on this policy in September! Nassau County needs this law – we deserve to know what we’re eating!

Nick Racanelli

Long Island resident

American Heart Associations Founders Board Member

Chair-Elect

Letter: Mayor Meehan Extends Olive Branch

Recently, Trustee John Dileo and I have been engaged in a spirited discussion (some of it is in the letters-to-the-editor in this paper) regarding tree preservation in the Village of Manorhaven. As the “Environment Party” mayor, I remain seriously committed to improving our village environment in every way possible, including saving mature trees whenever and wherever we can. As our Village’s “Tree Commissioner,” Trustee Dileo and I agree on this important issue. I look forward to continuing our work together for the benefit of both our Manorhaven neighbors and our local environment.

Michael T. Meehan

Mayor-Village of Manorhaven

Letter: LWV Supports Major Health Care Reform

While it is encouraging that Senate and House committees are beginning to seriously consider health care reform legislation, it is critical that the U.S. Congress takes action and passes real health care reform in the next few months.

Letter: Here’s to You, Mr. A!

Lee Aschenbrenner was principal of Flower Hill School when it closed in 1979, and I was PTA President. We worked closely that year - with all the turmoil you might expect going on around us - and we got to know the man we affectionately called “Mr. A.”

Letter: Educate Restaurant Consumers

Educate Restaurant Consumers

The American Heart Association’s mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. One of the leading preventable causes of these diseases – the growing waistline of America! Being labeled as overweight or obese has disastrous effects on your cardiovascular health.

Heart disease and stroke remain the counties’, the states’, and unfortunately, the nation’s number one risk of death. Obesity directly results in dangerous conditions for your heart, including high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. By educating the restaurant consumer, Nassau County will empower its citizenry to make better choices and potentially encourage restaurants to reformulate offerings with healthier ingredients and more reasonable portion sizes.

Evidence abounds that menu labeling does not hurt the restaurant industry, but simply encourages consumers to make smarter decisions. Public reaction to the policy in New York City has been extremely positive, with 89 percent considering it a positive move.

On behalf of the American Heart Association, I look forward to this policy being approved by the County in September. We could all be heart-healthier because of it!

Susan Somerville, RN

Chairman, Long Island Board of Directors

American Heart Association

Nassau County Resident

 

Letter: Lee Aschenbrenner Will Be Missed By All

Lee Aschenbrenner Will Be Missed By All

(Ed.’s note: The Port News will be publishing a full obituary on Mr. Aschenbrenner’s passing in an upcoming issue.)

The Executive Committee of the Community Chest of Port Washington, along with so many others in the community was saddened to learn of the passing this week of Lee Aschenbrenner. Lee served as a member of our board of directors for many years and was a long term member of our Budgets and Allocations Committee.

A resident of Port Washington for more than 60 years, Lee was a teacher, supervisor and principal, and volunteer tutor in our community. Lee was also a volunteer in many local religious, historical, and educational organizations. He was dedicated to making Port Washington a wonderful place to live.

In recognition of their many contributions to our community, Lee and his wife “T” and their three children, their grandchildren and their great-grandchildren.

Lee will most certainly be missed by all.

Richard Strautman

President fo the Community Chest

Of Port Washington

 

Letter: Dr. Chuck Rogers Was ‘One of a Kind’

Even here in my suburban Atlanta home, I learned of the death of Dr. Charles “Chuck” Rogers soon after his passing. Shortly after that, I read the tribute to him printed in the Port Washington News, written by his friend Robert Obojski. Mr. Obojski’s insight into the man was revealing, but my only knowledge of Dr. Rogers was professional — if you can call it that!

Letter: Trees Trees Trees in Manorhaven

The Town of North Hempstead has recognized the importance trees have in our communities. As a result they have created a database and are now in the process of cataloging every town-owned tree. The Village of Manorhaven has not yet recognized that same importance, which leads me to tell you of a recent occurrence.

Letter: Sweet Comfort Bakery and Café Says Thanks

On behalf of all of us involved with the Sweet Comfort Bakery and Café, thank you for the wonderful article in your July 30 edition, “Sweet Taste With a Social Mission” by Ann Mathisen.

All people thrive when challenged and feel the thrill of accomplishment when they have mastered a new skill. Most of us remember the flush of excitement when we received our first paycheck.

Letter: Laments Loss of Dr. Charles Rogers

So sorry to learn of the recent passing of Dr. Charles F. Rogers, one of the real pillars of the Port Washington Community for so many decades.

As the Port News for July 16 indicated, Dr. Rogers spent a substantial portion of his outstanding medical career at St. Francis Hospital including the period from 1970-95 when he was director of surgery.