Editorial: 9/11, 11 Years Later

We all remember where we were that morning.

Yet the most important memory we as Americans need to preserve is how we felt on Sept. 11, 2001.

I remember thinking that what was on TV couldn’t be happening only 20 miles away; the helplessness was paralyzing.

Editorial: Let There Be Ice

The National Hockey League recently sent out a “save the date” to its 700 or so players.

Sept. 15 won’t be marking a celebration of any kind, as the ides of September represents the date on which the league will lockout its players if the two sides can’t reach a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The lockout would mark the third of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman’s tenure.

Editorial: Summer Staycation

There are few finer words in the English language than “vacation.”

Americans work hard (having a smartphone is almost a full-time job in itself). For those fortunate enough to be working during this recession, finding time off from the office, however difficult that may be, is so vital to keeping a cool head during the summer swelter.

Letter: Precautions Against Fracking

New Yorkers are debating the many serious issues related to the extraction of natural gas from shale deposits that underlie parts of upstate New York. Recent news stories indicate that the state Department of Environmental Conservation may soon begin to permit high-volume hydraulic fracturing in our state on a limited basis.

We need a program that will ensure New Yorkers are protected from harm and cleanup costs are covered if contamination from drilling happens. We simply cannot afford to cross our fingers and hope accidents won’t occur.

Editorial: Cruise To The Show

Long Island Cruizin’ For a Cure will showcase more than 500 classic and antique cars and offer free prostate cancer screenings for men at their Sept. 9 event in Hicksville at the Sears Auto Center on Route 107.

Prostate cancer was diagnosed in 230,000 men in this country last year and there were more reported cases than breast cancer. The disease will affect one in six men in their lifetimes.

Letter: Nassau County Needs Its Soil & Water Conservation District

The Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District has long provided cost-effective, efficient, and valuable services to all of the people of Nassau County. Since the district opened in 1977 it has been serving residents, businesses, nonprofits, agencies, schools and municipalities with environmental expertise and assistance. Like all conservation districts throughout New York State and the nation, it is a proven public-private partnership that leverages local taxpayer dollars by bringing in funding from grants, state matching funds and other sources. Yet, Nassau County may soon become the only county in the state without a Soil and Water Conservation District. The steady decline in funding over the last four years has depleted the district’s small reserves and it is in danger of closing.

Editorial: Ring The Bells

The complimentary wedding for a Nassau County veteran or active duty armed forces member at The Viana Hotel & Spa in Westbury on Veteran’s Day is just one of many ways in which the community is giving back to those who have given their all for the United States.

The Viana is still looking for local organizations that want to contribute their services for the event, as no business has come forward to donate tuxedos, a cake and more. If you or someone you know would like to be a part of this event, please call 572-6560 to get involved.

Editorial: Alarmed And Dangerous

According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly two-thirds of deaths from house fires result from properties without working smoke alarms.

According to the Hicksville Fire Department, an area family almost became part of that two-thirds figure this past week when firefighters discovered that the residence didn’t have any working smoke alarms following a fire.

A Cruise To Address Childhood Cancer

Michael Magro Foundation continues its voyage for fundraising, awareness

Cruising on the Delta Lady from Captree Harbor into the Great South Bay at dusk on July 12, there was dancing to DJ Charles Henry Entertainment’s cool spins while old coworkers from St. Francis Hospital got reacquainted after more than 30 years. Many other guests at the fundraiser savored the food while making new friends on the high seas.

I found myself chatting with Greg Combatti, uncle of the victim of an incurable disease who started it all – my young friend Michael Magro. We stared at the beautiful sunset and talked about Michael and about the immense respect and caring that we had for his parents, Paul and Terrie Magro, our hosts that night for this, one of the many Hicksville-based Michael Magro Foundation fundraisers since his departure.

Editorial: Golf: The Game Of Life

Golf is a funny game.

No matter the foursome on a given day, you’re bound to receive some words of wisdom that you’ll find yourself utilizing long after hanging your scorecard on the fridge (or tearing it to pieces after the fourth hole, depending on your round that particular day).