Good Kids?!

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to Mr. Mohen's letter in which he defends the "Good Kids" of Garden City. I don't care how many years you have lived here; you must be walking around town with blinders on. As a "co-resident" about the same age as you, I am not proud of the behavior of our youth.

A few greetings' from your children's friends around town and at sporting events does not justify your insulting those who wrote in with legitimate incidents of vandalism and illegal acts. Do you read the police reports published in this very paper? Are you proud of the teenagers who stole those poor little girls' pumpkins from their front yard? What about the teenagers FROM GARDEN CITY who tore the holes up in the golf course a few weeks before. This very week the police report showed four youths FROM GARDEN CITY were caught climbing a fire escape at a Seventh Street Apartment and were ticketed for possession of beer. Every holiday, my neighbor lights up the block festively...only to find a group of teenagers destroyed his art the next morning. God bless him for not being discouraged. Drive around the streets of Garden City in the wee hours of the evening and you will find many drunken teenagers littering our parks, lawns and streets with beer cans and bottles for our young children to find the very next morning. Some of us find them sleeping on our lawn furniture or urinating in our gardens. Are you an advocate for the GARDEN CITY woman who was caught buying beer for her 15 year old son and his friends? That was also published in this very paper as well. Almost two years ago two girls were hit by a car, one died, as a result of a GARDEN CITY teenager who decided to throw a beer party while the parents were out. Are your eyes opened yet?

Yes, Mr. Mohen, I too have children in the high school who tell me tales of students coming into school high or drunk. Did you ever drop your kids off at the high school or pick them up? Well, let me invite you to enter the parking lot from Merillon Avenue and be greeted by a group of teens who stand at the corner of the entrance smoking their cigarettes. A few feet away are small children and their parents waiting for the school bus to pick them up. What a nice impression! The smell of pot reeks throughout the locker rooms, especially in the girls since the school does not have someone come in and do random checks. Do you know why the school has a lock down for the homecoming assembly? In previous years students have used the event to inebriate themselves prior to the celebration. It's obvious your "good children" do not share this information with you. I wonder why?

Mr. Mohen, why don't you speak to the police department or the faculty who have a difficult time controlling these "good kids" because the parents of this town get more insulted at the fact their children are being reprimanded by someone other then themselves rather than hold the child responsible for their acts of disrespect. I don't doubt that you say your children are good. Guess what? Every child behaves differently at school and with their friends than they do at home. EVERY child lies to their parents. Some lies are worse than others. Every kid will test the waters. The temperature differs for each kid. You straighten your back when your parents walk in; you even do it for your boss. This generation is a different breed. They are not afraid because they know their parents will have their back no matter what they do wrong. My teeth grit when I hear parents say things like "they're just kids". Once they engage in adult behavior they lost the title of "KID".

If you're going to make excuses that these kids have it harder now days then we had it, I'm not going to buy that. Every generation of children have their struggles. Stop making excuses to reward them for bad behavior. My parents grew up during the depression. They had to quit school to go to work. Imagine, my nine year old quitting school to help support the family? Children are inundated with "media messages" because parents allow it. We didn't have cell phones, cable, video games, I-pods, computers and other gadgets to poison our minds with promiscuity and violence. Sure it was around, but things that were private stayed private. I did not grow up in Garden City; however, I grew up playing games like hopscotch, stickball and handball, watching shows like the Brady Bunch and Happy Days. We went (and still go) to church every Sunday, and till this day we eat dinner together as a family. W.A.B.C. (A.M. radio) was the pop station at the time and Dan Ingram was the DJ. I had a curfew and a dime in my pocket at all times. We were not allowed to hang out on the streets and if we did, it was on our own front stoop. Adults kept giving kids an inch and all the things they never had and now things are getting out of control.

The kids in Garden City who are good and respectable are constantly getting their light taken away from them because no one is willing to take the light away from those who do not deserve it. We are too afraid. I refuse to have my name published on this letter in fear of retaliation to my own children. The "good kids" can't be protected because the bad kids have more rights. It doesn't make any sense. The parents of good kids don't want to be here because their kids don't stand a chance. Many of the students in this year's 8th grade class will be taking the co-ops in hopes of going to private schools. My own child does not want to go to the high school. It's already starting. Talk about a change in your neighborhood.

So, Mr. Mr. Mohen, I myself would love to see a curfew established for our teenagers. They shouldn't be walking around or hanging out on the streets. When they hang out, they have nothing better to do but ruin our neighborhood. Maybe they (and I hope they don't) haven't gotten to your house yet.

Name Signed, But Withheld Upon Request

Food Pantry Empty

To The Editor:

I am writing as a representative of two agencies. I am Vice-President of the Garden City Kiwanis Club and I am the Committee Chairperson of Cub Scout Pack 7. Through my involvement in these two agencies I have been working with a wonderful organization in Garden City, of which I don’t think many residents are aware. mercyFirst, located at 233 7 th St. (next to the AAA building and across from the Chamber of Commerce Toll Booth), is a child welfare agency that was formed by the union of two of New York’s leading agencies: St. Mary’s Children’s and Family Services and Angel Guardian Services. Both agencies were formed by the Sisters of Mercy and share an unwavering commitment to servicing underprivileged and neglected children. Cub Scout Pack 7 has been holding monthly food drives, at our pack night, where we collect non-perishable food items for delivery to mercyFirst. The Kiwanis Club has been sending a whole slew of children, many selected by mercyFirst. to a week of expense paid camp each year. Both the Kiwanis and the Scouts have been sponsoring families for Thanksgiving and Christmas. But even with this aid, mercyFirst is still struggling to meet its promised mission. On a recent visit to them I had occasion to look in their food pantry - I was shocked to discover it was all but empty! There was a lone Hunts Tomato Sauce can with a soiled label left in a corner. However, I remembered how much my 11 year old son eats in one day, let alone one week, and it became obvious that their non-perishable food needs are immense as well as continual. While mercyFirst isn’t a soup kitchen or anything like that, they do supply food to needy families on a daily basis. So, what can you do? Bring them non perishable food items, including toiletries, diapers, baby formula, etc. Set up a regular food drive to be held at your organization’s meetings and designate someone each month to drop off the items ( you don’t have to be a community service organization to help your community). Have your children, who are working on community service requirements, go door to door and collect items. When you’re shopping, pack an extra bag and drop it off (they are open Monday through Friday but not on Saturday or Sunday). You can simply walk in (first door to the right) and leave the items there. It doesn’t have to be a lot. Believe me when I say any little bit counts.

Often, mercyFirst will need other items such as house wares, pots and pans, silverware, furniture, baby items, etc. These items are needed by families who are moving from shelters into homes. Though mercyFirst can not store larger items due to limited space, please do consider calling them to see if they could use any items before you throw them out. While it may be easier to put that old set of dishes at the curb, you will feel better if your drive it into town and give it to them!

Currently they could also use some school supplies: binders, crayons, marble notebooks, pencil boxes and glue. They also have a constant need for new mattresses as they are unable to take used ones under state law. If you have any connections to purchase some cheap, let them know.

This Thanksgiving and Christmas, teach your child about the true meaning of holiday spirit. Sponsor a family for the holidays. You will feel good all year long!

Here’s who to contact: Kelly Lone or Kim Ospina at 873-9191, or stop by and talk to them about how you can help.

Tara Christie Miner

Information On Candidate

To the Editor:

In early November we will be going to the polls once again to cast our ballots for those we wish to represent us in Nassau County.

For many years Dennis Dillon has received the plaudits of Democrats, Republicans and Independents.

In the honorable conduct of insuring justice for all in our most important court system, a challenger in the person of Kathleen Rice has announced that it is time for a change in the office of District Attorney announcing her candidacy in the coming election.

In the interest of understanding her position on urgent life issues, I called her office asking her position on abortion. The response I received from her representative was Kathleen Rice is pro abortion. Hopefully, this information will be evaluated in your consideration at the voting polls.

Elizabeth McPartland

Questions On Candidate

To the Editor:

A while back, I saw an interesting ad, asking me to vote for Kathleen Rice for Nassau County District Attorney. I went to her website. Intriguing. Local Garden City gal, born and educated here in the village; earned her law degree at Touro Law School back in the early 90's; landed her first law gig in Brooklyn, and then moved to Philadelphia.

After a long absence from Long Island, Ms. Rice moved north and reappeared this past April here in Nassau; seemingly, hand-picked by Democratic County Executive Tom Suozzi and Nassau Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs. She promptly opened a temporary campaign office, hoping to claim the top law position in our county by unseating long-time area resident, Nassau County District Attorney Denis Dillon.

So, I was wondering, if Ms. Rice wants my vote, what are her qualifications to take over the law enforcement reins of one the largest (and safest) counties in the nation? Can she ensure me that Nassau County will remain a safe place for my family?

Then I read on page one of the September 27, 2005 issue of the New York Law Journal that Ms. Rice was being investigated and was going to be "forced before Election Day to answer questions under oath stemming from allegations that she suborned perjury in 1997 while working as a Brooklyn assistant District Attorney." The article went on to state that Ms. Rice was named "a defendant in Butts v. City of New York."

The story continues, "The complaint alleges that Ms. Rice and others involved in the murder investigation three years earlier pressured a material witness to identify Mr. A. Butts (the defendent) as the gunman wanted in a double homicide after witnesses had already told prosecutors that Mr. Butts was the wrong man."

The New York Law Journal's story reported that Ms. Rice and other prosecutors allegedly intimidated a witness to falsely identify Mr. Butts in a police line-up. As a result of that witness's false testimony, Mr. Butts spent 18 months on death row, vehemently proclaiming his innocence. His case was later reheard, and he was immediately acquitted of all charges. Mr. Butts has since been offered, but has turned down a "six figure" cash settlement from New York City.

To date, there has been no follow-up article in the New York Law Journal on Ms. Rice and the alleged charges against her.

I did learn, however, that she has obtained a postponement of her testimony until after next week's election. That's curious. Why after and not before the election? In fairness to Ms. Rice, being charged with suborning perjury does not prove guilt, but I just wish she had either testified under oath before the election, or removed herself from the ballot. The public has a right to know the truth about a candidate seeking office. In my opinion, Ms. Rice's postponing her testimony casts a shadow over her candidacy.

Until this matter is resolved - finding Ms. Rice either innocent or guilty as charged - I can not in good conscience vote for Ms. Rice.

For thirty years, the Nassau DA's office - under the direction of Denis Dillon - has been praised and admired from all political fronts for its crime-stopping effectiveness and its non-political code of conduct. No cronyism. Catch and punish the bad guys. And I don't recall Mr. Dillon ever being named a defendant in a case where he was accused of suborning perjury.

Art O'Brien

Not Alone

To the Editor:

I am writing with regard to the article as reported by your newspaper on the front page of the 10/07/05 edition of The Garden City News entitled Board of Trustees Meeting News.

Within the article my name was associated with a complaint made at the most recent Board of Trustee meeting held on 10/06/05. I am very concerned with the approach taken in this article. I read The Garden City News regularly and have always found the news to be presented fairly and accurately – except for this occasion.

Allow me to explain. I was present at said meeting and did voice my concerns with regard to a letter I received from the Village instructing me to remove the rocks that border my property as they are on Village property and apparently present an obstruction. Let me make it clear – I am not writing to discuss this issue. What I strongly object to is the fact that the article made it appear that I was alone in this regard. Actually, I spoke in support of dozens of property owners who received this letter. Many of those people were present at the same meeting. In addition, I was not the only person who addressed the Board on this subject at this particular meeting, as the article would make it seem.

When your newspaper reports events that it is covering, and in this case the actions were recorded on a tape transcript, isn’t it fair journalism to present the picture in its entirety in order to give readers the proper scope and dimension the situation warrants? I did not appreciate seeing my name standing on the front page of the newspaper appearing to be alone in appealing this issue when, in fact, that was far from the case.

Please know I do not tolerate “cranks,” nor do I wish to be perceived as one, either as a concerned property owner appealing an issue or, as in this case, writing you about what I perceived as an injustice. Fair is fair! I welcome your response to the above.

Patricia A. Cunningham

Editor’s note: When reporting on meetings focus on the issue in question. If several people speak on the same point, we don’t necessarily quote from each of them. In this case a second person did speak on the same points during the meeting, but was not quoted in the article.

Help Needed

To The Editor:

On Thursday, November 24 th, Thanksgiving Day, we will be preparing and delivering hot meals to homebound senior citizens, coordinating this program from our home.

We are in need of donations of desserts, individual non-carbonated beverages, mini loaves of bread or dinner rolls, turkeys, or cash in order to complete the meal. These items can be dropped off at our home at 35 Maxwell Road, Garden City. Please call us as soon as possible to coordinate a convenient drop off time.

All deliveries will begin at 12 noon on Thanksgiving Day. Each delivery is accompanied by a visit, if so welcomed by the recipient. Please call us if you are able to help with the delivery of the meals.

This project has become a special part of our family tradition for the past ten years, and we invite you to make it part of yours, as well. Your generous donations of food, money, and time have made the deliveries a tremendous success each year. With your help, we can continue to bring a meal and a smile to those who are alone on the holiday.

Feel free to contact us at 746-8331 regarding any part of this program.

Thank you for your continued support.

Melinda and John Alford

Thank You

To the Editor,

I would like to thank the Village of Garden City, especially the Recreation Department and Mr. Kevin Ocker, for helping me organize Wheelchair Madness. On Saturday and Sunday, October 22 and 23, in the Falenga Fieldhouse, my friends and I, working with the Greater Long Island Wheelchair Athletic Club, invited 10 student-athlete Wheelchair Basketball Teams for a friendly basketball tournament over the two days. Everyone had a great time and we accomplished what we set out to do - break down barriers between ourselves and the physically-challenged student-athlete. The camaraderie between all of the student-athletes working together helped make the Tournament a success. Thank you to all of the volunteers and Garden City Staff who helped make the weekend memorable - by working together we can accomplish anything and everything.

Matthew Colantonio

Chaminade HS 2007

People, Not Politics

To the Editor:

It’s not about politics, it’s about people. I am writing to introduce a well-qualified person who is running for Nassau County District Attorney. I have personally known Kathleen Rice since she was eight years old. She is an extremely motivated, smart, hard-working young woman. She wants to be elected because she wants all of us, especially our children, to be safe.

Nassau County has changed dramatically since we were children. As parents, we are facing problems our parents never dreamed of facing. Identity theft, corruption in the school systems and child abuse within the Catholic Church are just a few problems we have to deal with on a daily basis. Kathleen Rice is ready to tackle these problems and prosecute people who break them.

I urge each and every one of you who are registered voters to please use your voice to vote for a person who will get the job done right. Kathleen Rice is eager to move Nassau County’s legal system into the future. She, as well as many of us, wants Nassau County to be a safe, wonderful environment where we can raise our children and grandchildren. Politics should not be a factor in this race. It’s about people you know and trust will get the job done. Kathleen Rice is the person to vote for. Please come out to vote on November 8. Thank you!

Beth K. Spencer