November 2008 : Volume 9 - Issue 2 - Casale's Corner

HICKSVILLE TIDBITS NOVEMBER 2008

Hicksville High School Student Government Honors 9/11

George Gerald Howard

Following the World Trade Center terrorist attack, the Hicksville Newsletter did a special story about George Howard. His heroic act on two separate occasions resulted in the saving of many lives. Tragically, though, his efforts cost him his life.

We go back to 1993 when terrorists attacked the Trade Center the first time and explosions rocked the parking area beneath the Trade Center. George Howard, a Port Authority of New York/New Jersey police officer was off duty. When George heard about the explosions, he raced into the city. He rappelled down an elevator shaft to rescue more than 60 students and teachers. For this heroic act, George received a Medal of Valor.

Another day off and more heroics on 9/11. George, assigned to the JFK Airport Emergency Service Unit, rushed again to the city and was one of the first rescuers on the scene. He was killed inside the World Trade Center by falling debris trying to save the lives of others.

George was a volunteer with the Hicksville Fire Department. Many awards have been given posthumously to Mr. Howard over the years. A most fitting award for George, given recently at a dedication on October 12 at Fire Station 3, is the renaming of West John Street from Newbridge Road to Strong Street. The new name is "P.O. George Howard Way."

Many friends and family attended the dedication ceremony.

Flu & Pneumonia Shots Available To Seniors

Seniors are especially vulnerable to flu and pneumonia and are encouraged to get immunizations past the age of 60.

The Town of Oyster Bay along with the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs and the Nassau Health Care Corporation are offering immunizations. This is at no expense to persons 65 years and older.

Locations and dates for immunizations follows:

• Wednesday, November 5th: Town of Oyster Bay, Syosset Woodbury Park Community Center, 7800 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury from 9am to Noon. Register by calling 797-7940 Monday thru Friday from 9am to 4:45pm.
• Friday, November 7th: Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park, Motor Avenue, Farmingdale from 9am to Noon. Register by calling 797-7940 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com.
• Thursday, November 13th: Hicksville Public Schools; VFW Hall, 320 Broadway, Hicksville from 9am to Noon. Register Monday thru Friday from 9am to 1pm at the VFW Hall; or at the Hicksville Public Library Monday thru Thursday from 9am to 9pm; Friday from 9am to 7pm; Saturday from 9am to 5pm; or, Sunday 1pm to 5pm.

You can also register at the Gregory Museum Tuesday thru Friday from 9:30am to 4:30pm; or Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm.

Monday, November 17th: Glen Head Community Center, 200 Glen Head Road, Glen Head from Noon to 3pm. Call 797-7940 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com.

Wednesday, November 19th: Marjorie R. Post Community Park, Unqua and Merrick Roads, Massapequa from 9am to Noon. Call 797-7940 or visit https://www.oysterbaytown.com.

Thursday, November 20th: Town of Oyster Bay, Shepherd Hill Housing, 115 Central Park Road, Plainview from 2pm to 5pm. Call 797-7940 Monday thru Friday from 9am to 4:45pm.

Tuesday, November 25th: Town of Oyster Bay, Willim P. Bennett Community Center, 28 West Carol Street, Hicksville, from Noon to 3pm. Call 797-7940 Monday thru Friday from 9am to 4:45pm.

Tuesday, December 2nd: Bethpage Public Library, 47 Powell Avenue, Bethpage from 2:30pm to 6:30pm. For more information, call 931-3907 or register in person Monday thru Friday from 9:30am to 9:00pm.

Thursday, December 11th: North Albany Avenue Community Center, 214 North Albany Avenue, North Massapequa from 9am to Noon.

Town of Oyster Bay Hosts September 11 Memorial Service

Tobay Beach was the site of the September 11, 2008 Memorial Service honoring those Oyster Bay residents who lost their lives on 9/11.

The memorial located on the bay side of Tobay Beach is in direct line of sight to where the twin towers once stood, Venditto said. Town supervisor Venditto addressed the audience at the ceremony. Venditto also mentioned the fact that a steel beam, recovered from the trade center, is part of the memorial.

The monument is inscribed with the names of Oyster Bay residents who were killed in the trade center terrorist attack.

Museum To Recognize Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund

The Nassau County Firefighters Museum and Education Center on Museum Row in Uniondale will honor the Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund. The fund established in 2002 is in memory of Terry Farrell and was designed to help support the needs of firefighters and their families across the nation. The needs addressed deal with education, medical and equipment.

The fund has assisted so many families over the past six years. The Farrell family has turned a terrible tragedy into something positive, and we are grateful for all their efforts within the firefighting community.

Demolition of Hicksville Parking Garage is Underway

The aging parking garage on Newbridge Road near the Hicksville train station is being demolished. Awhile back, we printed an article that showed the need to close the facility was created due to stress cracks found in the foundation.

The company that is doing the demolition had to make concessions to the town. This was necessary because the well being of area residents had to be taken into consideration.

One major concern was the hours of operation. The contractor wanted six days a week, ten hours per day. The hours are limited to five days a week for eight hours per day.

The parking garage was boarded and enveloped in construction wrapping before work began to reduce noise and dust.

To limit dust, state of the art misting machines have been placed around the site.

Seismic monitors have been placed around the site to detect excessive vibration. Should this occur, the site would be shut down until vibration issues have been addressed.

There are numerous additional restrictions that were established to assuage the fears of those living in the neighborhood.

Hicksville High School Students Excel

See photos below of students who have distinguished themselves.

HICKSVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT WELCOMES NEW STAFF

Many Thanks to Walter Schmidt for the humor this month!!!

Two women were at a bar.

One looked at the other and said, "You know, 80 percent of all men think the best way to end an argument is to make love."

"Well," said the other woman," that will certainly revolutionize the game of hockey!"

One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex standing in the foyer of the church staring up at a large plaque. It was covered with names and small American flags mounted on either side of it.

The six-year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside the little boy, and said quietly, 'Good morning Alex.' 'Good morning Pastor,' he replied, still focused on the plaque. 'Pastor, what is this?'

The pastor said, 'Well son, it's a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.'\

Soberly, they just stood together, staring at the large plaque.

Finally, little Alex's voice, barely audible and trembling with fear asked, 'Which service, the 8:30 or the 10:45?'

INTERESTING QUESTIONS

(Answers are below - no peeking!!)

1. What do grizzly bears feast on at Yellowstone National Park just prior to their period of hibernation?
   A) Salmon B) Moths C) Tree Bark D) Surrounding Vegetation
2. What prescription drug is currently being used to combat lung disorders in children?
   A) Flomax B) Altace C) Plavix D) Viagra
3. Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of what?
   A) A gun shop B) Their birth place C) Police Station D) A 7/11 Store
4. What is the most requested boat name?
   A) Obsession B) Sea Monkey C) R&R D) Neptune
5. What do 100% of All Lottery Winners do?
   A) Gain Weight B) Quit their jobs C) Go on vacation D) Nothing
6. In a recent survey, Americans revealed that this was their favorite smell?
   A) Chocolate B) Vanilla C) Banana D) New Car Smell E) Burning Rubber
7. Which is the only food that does not spoil?
   A) Honey B) White Chocolate C) Peanuts D) Rice
8. What's unique about the Beatles song "Eleanor Rigby?"
   A) It's about Ringo's mother B) The Beatles did not play a single note in that song C) John played every instrument in that song D) It was recorded in Paul's basement
9. David Bowie decided not to use his real name because
   A) Davy Jones of the Monkees was popular first B) Davy Crockett was a hero who died at the Alamo C) Elton John stole his name D) Bowie was the name of a knife
10. When he's not acting, Dan Aykroyd spends a great deal of time studying what?
    A) Shakespeare B) Paranormal Phenomenon C) Baseball Statistics D) World Politics