A League Of Their Own

A League of Their Own

By Philly Bubaris

The Challenger Division is a bowling league comprised of individuals with varied disabilities. The young people get together at Smithtown Lanes in Smithtown every Wednesday at 6 pm.  Together they enjoy a couple of games of bowling and some social time with friends.

Teri Mangione founded the league ten years ago because she felt there were no activities for her son who has disabilities. When the program began, there were only five participants and now, there are about 40 participants ranging from the age of five to age twenty-two.

Both parents and bowlers benefit from the program. For parents it’s the opportunity to see their children enjoying themselves.  “I have seen a change in my daughter Amanda since going to this program,” said Cathy Levine, whose daughter has cerebral palsy. “It has made her aware of every body else having problems as well.”

Mangione hopes to continue expanding and to add more activities.  She is considering a dance or a game night.  “The goal for the program is for these kids to have some social events, because everything that they are doing is done with a parent,” Mangione said. “So once they get together here, this gives them the freedom to have somewhat of a normal life.”

The league’s sport will change to baseball for the sunny weather.

For more information about The Challenger Division contact Teri Mangione at avon227@optonline.net

New York State Park Police Investigating Rape at Nissequogue River State Park

By Pat Biancaniello

New York State Park Police are investigating the rape of a 20 year old woman at the Nissequogue River State Park on Monday, April 3.  The incident occurred as the women was walking along the bicycle path by Old Dock Road at 5:30 p.m.

The rapist is described as a white male approximately 6ft tall with a muscular build.  He is described as being thin, having a mustache and wearing black gloves.

New York State Park Police were joined by Suffolk County Police Department in its search for the rapist.  The search included a SCPD helicopter.

John Valentine, Director of Public Safety for the Town of Smithtown has advised SmithtownMatters that, “Town Park Rangers have increased patrols in the area to assist in having a visible presence in the park as we share park land.”    

The public is being asked to contact the State Park Police with any information they may have on the matter.  NYS Park Police may be reached at 631- 321-3700.  All information will be kept confidential. 

Groundbreaking Ceremony For 9/11 Responders Remembered Park

By Pat Biancaniello

Legislator John Kennedy speaking at groundbreaking ceremonyNesconset - Sunday April 3, 2011 was the site of a fundraising event and the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the 911 Responders Remembered Park.  The 911 Responders Remembered Park is being created as a tribute to the memories of the men and women who were the first responders at the devastation of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2011.  The memorial park is recognition for those who sacrificed their health and too often their lives as a result of illnesses they contracted as first responders on 911. 

Over 500 people were in attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony, some to volunteer, some to raise funds, and some came to show support.  Also present were families and children of some of the heroes.  They came to pay tribute to their loved ones.  This Remembrance Park is the first of its kind. It is a living “Wall” with names to be added as people succumb to their illnesses. The committee, in its mission statement states: “Since that dark day in history, hundreds and soon to be thousands have lost their lives to 9/11 related illnesses; giants amongst heroes taken from us too soon. The 9/11 Responder Remembrance Park is being dedicated to those brave souls to show their loved ones and families that their heroic actions will never be forgotten.” The first responders came from all walks of life they are police, firefighters, medical and trades people. They are the people who answered the call for help.  John Feal - Founder of FealGood Foundation

With elected officials looking on, the children of some of the deceased first responders, held the shovels representing the first step in recognizing their relative who died not on September 11th but died from illnesses contracted from their actions on 911. People from the community looked on in solemn remembrance as did people who came from much farther distances some as far as Pennsylvania, Delaware and California.

Errol Toulon, president of the 911 Responders Remembered Park Committee, was a Captain in the NYCPD on September 1, 2011.  On duty at the time his responsibility was to protect the millions of rounds of ammunition and thousands of firearms,  “When the attacks occurred, no one knew what target would be next, so the men and women assigned to the Firearms & Tactics Unit had to remain on the compound to protect the millions of rounds of munitions and thousands of firearms secured at the unit in case anyone tried to take it over.” 

According to its website the goal of the 911 Responders Remembered Park is to recognize the heroes who have died, and continue to die since September 11, 2001.  “While we respect the rectitude of all who proudly ran toward the flames on September 11th, our unique and one-of-a-kind wall will only let the heroes we’ve described herein because we do believe they too need individual recognition.”

Legislator John Kennedy formed the 911 Responders Remembered Park Committee over sixteen months ago.  The plan is for a dedication ceremony to be held on September 11, 2011.  The designer, Joe Yacobellis of Mancini Architecture PLLC, is very optimistic that this will come to fruition as scheduled.  “There has been a lot of support from individuals in the community as well as businesses in and outside of Nesconset.   Volunteers will play a big role in this project as it is being funded solely through donations.  I am very proud to be a part of this project.”

The April 3 fundraiser (the second for the project) raised $21,000 bringing the committee closer to its goal of $150,000.  It is not too late to donate and if you wish to do so donations can be made to 911 Responders Remembered Park, Inc.  PO Box 81, Nesconset, NY 11767 - 0372 or www.respondersremembered.com.9/11 Responder Trustees Vincent Puleo John Feal Anthony Flammia Glen Klein Errol Toulon, Jr. James T. Ryder 9/11 Widow Trustees Greta Helmke Eileen Ryan Rita Brophy Therese Quibell Tracy Zane Judi Simmons Trustees Leg. John M. Kennedy Steven Grossman Peter Hanson Vincent Monaco Architect Mark Mancini Joe Yacobellis Web Designer Bryan Spano (Not all present in photo) 

“The most poignant moment for me during Sunday’s ground breaking ceremony for the 911 Responders Remembered Memorial Park was when the parents, widows and children of the fallen were at the podium. It was terribly sad to see the young families who have been harmed by the continuing effects of the 911 terrorists attacks. But even against that backdrop it was uplifting and heartwarming to see the community and our elected officials working together to not only have this memorial erected but to also make sure that these families continue to have the resources they need. Everyone involved with the 911 Responders Remembered Memorial and with the ground breaking event should be applauded for their hard work and commended for the result.” Ed Maher, Chairperson, Smithtown Democratic Committee

Nesconset Hosts Walk-A-Thon For 9/11 Responder Remembrance Park

This Sunday, April 3, 2011, Nesconset will be hosting a walk-a-thon in recognition of the men and women who bravely attempted to help the victims of September 11, 2001. Many first responders are also victims, suffering debilitating and too often fatal illnesses.  The purpose of the walk-a-thon is to raise funds to build a “living wall” and to recognize the efforts of the first responder “heroes”. 

The public is being asked to walk, donate and show support for the families of the first responders. Please go to http://www.respondersremembered.com/ to read more about this event. Or call us @ (631) 236-6730

A 100% Volunteer, 501(c)(3) Organization whose sole mission is the building of a Park to memorialize and etch the names of the many heroes who ran into the flames on September 11^th and ever since continue to die after breathing in the many deadly toxins they were exposed to.

Our Park, to be built at the corner of Smithtown Boulevard and Gibbs Pond Road, in Nesconset will list the names of every Hero, from places like Canada, England and surely from Long Island. This one of a kind Park will have a living wall that will enable us to remove one of its plates, add another name and continue the recognition of these First Responders.

Tragically, this number is over 1,000 and will surely surpass the amount of heroes lost on September 11^th.

On April 3^rd, this coming Sunday we will be having a Walk-a-Thon / Ground Breaking / BBQ with Senator Gillibrand in attendance as well as Legislator John Kennedy of Suffolk County and other dignitaries. We are looking for volunteers to help us with this huge event. We are looking for healthy young walkers to walk the event and we are looking for Proud Americans who would like to show up with $9.11 to show their support and the support of anyone they can reach before the event.

Please go to http://www.respondersremembered.com/ to read more about us, and this event. Or call us @ (631) 236-6730.

Women's History Month - Geraldine Ferraro

March is Women’s History Month.  The plan for Women’s History Month always included an article on Geraldine Ferraro. Not part of the plan was an obituary for this important person and very important part of women’s history. 

Geraldine Ferraro was born on August 26, 1935 and died Saturday, March 26, 2011, at the age of 75.  Ms. Ferraro died from complications of multiple myeloma. A cancer she battled for over twelve years. 

Geraldine Ferraro is most well known for her role as a vice presidential candidate in 1984.  She was the first female selected for national office by a major political party. 

She debated Vice President George H.W. Bush during the campaign and admonished him during the debate for patronizing her and implying that she needed tutoring in foreign policy.  After losing the election Ms. Ferraro ran two unsuccessful campaigns for senate.

Ms. Ferraro was the daughter of an Italian American immigrant.  She was a daughter, wife, mother, teacher, attorney, Queens District Attorney, congresswoman, vice presidential candidate, senate candidate, political commentator, she served as the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Commission on Human Rights during the Clinton Administration.

She started the Queens Special Victims Bureau, which focused on rape, and domestic violence victims.  She advocated for the elderly and spearheaded the efforts for the Equal Rights Amendment. She was the author of two books, Ferraro: My Story and Geraldine Ferraro: Changing History.

Geraldine Ferraro was a role model for many.  Her legacy is one of action backing up her words and her belief in an America that provides equality and opportunity to everyone, including women.