Letter: Nassau Got What It Deserved

On Tuesday, Oct. 24, at a press conference outside the newly opened Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York Islanders owner Charles Wang announced that following the end of his lease at the Nassau Coliseum on July 31, 2015, his team, the Islanders, would be moving to the Barclays Center. This came as little surprise to most Islander fans that figured the teams days in Nassau were numbered after the vote failed last year.

A little background for those who may not be familiar with this seemingly never-ending saga that finally ended. Twenty years ago the Islanders made their first attempt at getting a new or refurbished Coliseum, that attempt obviously failed and here it started. 

Letter: AARP: Medicare And Social Security

Earlier this year, AARP launched “You’ve Earned a Say,” a national conversation about the future of Social Security and Medicare, to engage citizens in communities across the country. To date tens of thousands of New Yorkers shared their thoughts through surveys, community conversations, forums, teletown hall sessions and other activities.

Through this conversation, AARP is providing voters with balanced information about the pros and cons of Medicare and Social Security proposals that are being debated in Washington and on the campaign trail — minus the political jargon and spin.

Editorial: Rag-A-Muffin Parade Charms Farmingdale

Each year some of the most adorable, and some of the most spooky ghouls and goblins line the streets of Farmingdale for the annual Rag-A-Muffin parade. This year, the Breakfast Rotary will host the annual parade on Saturday, Oct. 27, assembling at noon at Northside Elementary School, proceeding down Main Street to the Village Green.

Kids of all ages will have the most fun showing off their Halloween costumes and having the chance to earn a prize for the several categories.

—CH

Editorial: Jack O’Lantern Tour Thrills LI Again

This weekend, I chaperoned a Girl Scout Troop to see Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns tour at Old Westbury Gardens where more than 5,000 carved pumpkins returned to Long Island for its annual display; the carving talents are unreal. The girls were most impressed with the commercial character carvings such as Angry Birds and the Disney princesses. The fathers who chaperoned were attracted to the sports team carvings, although everyone was in amazement at the “tribute” pumpkins, carved to honor the greats like Neil Armstrong, Lewis Carroll, Albert Einstein, and Whitney Houston. Others adored the scenic carvings like Coney Island, Statue of Liberty, the Montauk Lighthouse, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Naturally though, we were all amazed to see the historic scenes of Girl Scouting carved in pumpkins set on special pedestals, such as the flag raising, cookie sales, and camping.

Letter: Farm Bureau Thanks McDonough

I am pleased to announce that New York Farm Bureau has recently named Assemblyman David McDonough to our annual “Circle of Friends” list. This legislative award is granted based upon his record of legislative support for New York agriculture and the Farm Bureau. New York Farm Bureau is a non-partisan organization and does not endorse elected officials or political candidates.

Assemblyman McDonough joins a number of other legislators in the Senate and Assembly that have a superior voting record on issues and have shown strong support for New York farming during the 2012 state legislative session. Each member of the Farm Bureau “Circle of Friends” has demonstrated an understanding of the important issues impacting farmers and the considerable impact the industry has on our economy and quality of life.

Letter: Heroin Prevention Task Force

(Police Chief Charles Gennario of the Rockville Centre Police Department, is a member of the Nassau County Heroin Prevention Task Force and submitted this letter on behalf of the Task Force.)

Prescription drug abuse in the nation is at an unparalleled height and it’s having a detrimental impact on our society.  Nassau County is no different than the rest of the country and we are seeing ever-increasing abuse in our communities.  It is affecting people of all ages, but is having the greatest impact on our youth.

Editorial: New Deadlines For Farmingdale Observer

As noted on the second page of this week’s issue, the new deadline going forward for the Farmingdale Observer, as of next week’s issue (Friday, Oct. 12), will be Thursdays at 4 p.m. for the following Friday’s edition. This deadline is for all submissions: articles, photos, announcements, obituaries, calendar items and letters to the editor.

As always, please consider the deadline on Thursday to be a last-minute deadline, as we prefer to receive submissions earlier rather than later.

Editorial: Gold Star Mother’s Day Sept. 30

I recently heard a Gold Star Mother on Long Island speaking to several in attendance at an event for veterans at Eisenhower Park; I was captivated when I heard her say, “Being a Gold Star Mother is a honor, but not a ‘membership’ that any parent wants to be a part of.”

Historically, a service flag with a blue star was hung in the front window, or flown outside of a home when someone in the family was actively serving in World War I. If the soldier died while serving in France or elsewhere during WWI, the blue star was replaced with the gold star to indicate the family’s loss. A gold star on a purple background banner is a symbol of a battlefield death.

Letter: Thanks For Hosting Essay Contest

I want to thank Anton News, and you for running the World War II Heroes contest and for choosing my essay as one of the finalists. Our family really appreciates your recognition of the World War II veterans and all that they sacrificed for our country. It was an honor to actually fly aboard a B-17. This experience was not only awesome, but will remain one of my most memorable. Thank you again.

Rose Wilson

Editorial: Rose Garden Rededication Celebrates Organ Donation

On Saturday, Sept. 22 the Rose Garden at Eisenhower Park will be rededicated, as part of the Long Island Transplant Recipients International Organization’s (LITRIO) annual ceremony to recognize and honor organ donors and donor families. The opening ceremony begins at noon near parking field 6 in the park.

I recently made the effort to check that little box on my driver’s license to indicate that I am a willing participant in the organ donation program. It was simple and could enhance the quality of life for dozens. Thousands of people die each year waiting for vital organs. My gesture could also one day save a life. In addition, something that I have not done yet is also indicating my organ donation intentions in the language of my will.