Letter:A Message From MADD

“Tis the Season” has an entirely different meaning for victims/survivors of drunk-driving crashes.

Traditionally a time of celebration, the holidays may be exceptionally hard for families who have endured the devastating effect of a drunk-driving crash. Their coping skills may be tested and the need for additional support is crucial.

During times of crisis such as a drunk-driving crash, individuals often do not know where to turn for additional support and guidance. Mothers Against Drunk Driving Long Island (MADD LI) has many services available.

If you or someone you know is a victim of a drunk-driving crash, please contact MADD LI so that we can of assistance.

The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.

MADD LI offers a variety of services at no charge to victims of drunk-driving crashes, including literature, guidance through the legal system, peer support, court accompaniment, victim support groups, assistance with the crime victim’s compensation process and referrals to support services.

Please contact MADD LI at (631) 547-6233 or for more information visit our website at www.LongIslandMADD.org.

We wish you a safe holiday season.

Mary Scala
Victim Advocate, MADD LI

Letter: Our Community Should Be Proud

Our community should be very proud of all that has been accomplished in the Glen Cove School District over the past five years. Our students, parents, teachers and administrators have worked very hard to improve achievement and develop fine institutions of learning.

I would like to clarify some key points that could be misinterpreted from the latest Coalition for Glen Cove meeting, which was reported on in last week’s Record Pilot.

We do not teach to the test. As all good school districts do, we teach test taking strategies and practice for New York State assessments.

New York State does administer science tests. These are done in grades four and eight and are program assessments meant to assess the program, not each individual student. In grade four we have a passing rate of 96 percent, and in grade eight Earth Science, our passing rate is 100 percent.

We revamped our social studies curriculum as of this school year and as has been announced publicly at board meetings, we will be working on science next.

In the past six months, this school system has received two national honors: the Sylvia Charp Award for District Innovation in Technology and the Blue Ribbon Award for Academic Achievement. These two honors were awarded by outside agencies recognizing the distinguished merits of our school system. Both of these awards are well deserved and something for our community to be proud of.

Our teachers and administrators have worked very hard to successfully implement research-based teaching methodologies that nurture intellect, and a culture of learning. I, for one, am very proud of the work that has been done. Our teachers have put forward a great effort to improve instruction. There is no down side. Our kids benefit. Our families benefit. Our school system benefits. Our community benefits.

Thank you to all who have been involved in this effort and a happy holiday to all!

Dr. Shari Camhi,
Assistant Superintendent for
Curriculum, Instruction and Technology

 

Letter: Thanks from the Glenwood-Glen Head Jr. Baseball League

During this holiday season, the Board of Directors of the Glenwood-Glen Head Jr. Baseball League would like to thank all players, managers, coaches and parents that have given numerous hours to ensure a safe, entertaining, and successful baseball program.

In 2010, we will be celebrating our 55th year. The success of the league over past years could not have been possible without the support of volunteers and sponsors such as ours, some of which have been sponsors since the first season:

Glen Head Hardware—Tutor Time

Mario Fischetti Nursery

Rotary Club—Halm Industries

Ralph D’Alessandro Cont.—Glen Head Pharmacy

Sea Cliff Water—Glenwood Fire Co

Papiro Landscaping—Palmieri & Castiglione

Brookville Deli & Caterers—Caggiano’s Gourmet Market

The First National Bank of L.I.—Valley Sports

JNL Electric,Inc—American Legion Post 336

Dutch Girl Cleaners—Island Photography

D&R Automotive—P & J Meilinger

Neighborhood Pediatrics—Badge Agency, Inc

Triple Maxx Commercial Mgt.—Thomas J. Manzione,DDS

Power Fitness-DeHann Busse

Gold Coast Laser

We would like to express a special thank you to: Carol Belloffato, Lisa Tarulli, Bill Mozer, Brookville Deli & Catering, North Shore School Band, Don Lang, The Town of Oyster Bay, American Legion Post 336, Glenwood Fire Company, Glen Cove Record Pilot, North Shore Gazette and Island Photography.

 

Letter: Thanks to Our Local Businesses

I remember when I was a teenager growing up in Glen Cove I would go downtown and walk from store to store with my friends. Anyone who grew up here knows how things have changed. We don’t have the businesses that we once had, but those that we have are needed.

I was in a pinch two weeks ago for a nice outfit to wear and was so grateful for our Annie Sez. I had something to wear without having to leave town. This past weekend, a little behind in my holiday decorating, I needed to buy new outside lights. My first efforts were to purchase through the larger stores, but they were all sold out. It then dawned on me to try Charles of Glen Cove. Not only did they have boxes of lights, they had all kinds of hooks and a helpful friendly staff that were eager to assist. I was again, so grateful. These are only two recent events that bring to mind our need as a community to support our local businesses. They may need our support, but we need them too!

 

Letter: Request to Help Those in Need This Holiday Season

The Social Service Volunteers of Nassau Inc. is a not-for-profit, charitable organization as defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The volunteers work in partnership with the Nassau County Department of Social Services to provide assistance for families and children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Letter: Thank You From Mutual Concerns

The Mutual Concerns Committee would like to extend its gratitude to all those who contributed to their Annual Holiday House Tour this year. The tour was a great success in spite of the rain. We would like to thank the homeowners who have allowed us to share their beautifully decorated homes; the 70 volunteers who manned the houses and helped in the kitchen; the Tour Committee, who worked tirelessly for months arranging this event; the Sea Cliff Village Museum for sharing their exhibit; Sherlock Homes Realty for tickets and information; St. Luke’s Church for the use of their Parish Hall; Boy Scout Troop #43 for helping with the luncheon; food from: Atria of Glen Cove; Arata’s; Caggiano’s; Entenmann’s; Gallagher’s; North Shore Farms; Stop & Shop; King Kullen; North Shore Deli; Once Upon a Moose; Roslyn Claremont Hotel; Sea Cliff Bagel Café; Sea Cliff Market; Starbucks; Thyme Square and Waldbaum’s; floral arrangements from: Country Club Florist;, Greenleaf and Bloom; and Jill Chaffin; publicity: Glen Cove Record Pilot.

Letter: A Fire-Roasted Thanksgiving

In the midst of what was about to become an eventful Thanksgiving Day, it chaotically turned into a whirlwind of excitement on Guilfoy Street. A little after one o’clock in the afternoon the alarming phone call came in.  My mother shouted there was a fire in Grandma Rose’s kitchen rushing out of the house in a frenzy all to run to Grandma’s to see the Glen Cove Fire Department was there to rescue our turkey dinner. Our precious turkey that lay roasting in Grandma’s oven was slowly catching fire unbeknownst to my family and me, until flames and roaring smoke were too black to see each other.

Letter: Breaking the Law or Revenue Generating?

On Dec. 1, I started my day. I left my home in Glen Cove, where I have lived for over 34 years. I drove through our beautiful town to Starbucks. I ordered my coffee. I had to wait while they brewed a fresh pot. I looked around while waiting. School Street was decorated for the holidays - Rita’s new Italian ice store, Gold Coast Realty, the new jewelry store. I felt good. School Street was breathing again. Starbucks gave me my coffee free because of the wait. I was happy to be in my town.

Editorial: Tom Suozzi

Not speaking from any political bent, it was simply an interesting run as journalists to follow Tom Suozzi’s terms as county executive. He was working to helm a county through an urgent financial crisis and complex social evolution and he acted as such - bringing brave ideas to the table on issues ranging from debt, to crime, to shrinking industry, to growing poverty to the exodus of young people and the loss of natural open spaces.

Letter: Thanks for Passing Legislation

The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association is deeply appreciative that the Nassau County Executive and the Legislature have approved the legislation that requires certain chain restaurants to post calorie information on menus and menu boards. The policy will directly empower consumers to make healthier choices for themselves and their families.

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 allowing consumers to know the calorie count of the items they purchase at chain restaurants, we are assisting individuals in the knowledge that certain foods will be less likely to make them overweight or obese.

According to a July 2009 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Americans are heavier than ever, with more than 26 percent of our country’s population now confirmed as fully obese. Through menu labeling, consumers are motivated to make smarter decisions and live healthier lives. By approving this measure, the County Executive and the County Legislature have provided a welcome tool in our battle against the obesity epidemic.

On behalf of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, I applaud you for approving this policy.

Susan Somerville, RN
Chairman, Long Island Board of Directors

American Heart Association
Nassau County Resident