Letters to the Editor: Lynbrook and East Rockaway

Week of Dec. 1 — 7

Posted

Proud of Lady Rocks

To the Editor:

Our community should be very proud of the East Rockaway High School Lady Rocks varsity volleyball team for capturing the Nassau County Class C crown this month. It was a turnaround story after last year, and a tremendous season — one to be remembered by all the graduating seniors on the team.

Nothing could make students, parents, community members or scholar-athletes more proud. Teamwork, preparation and solid coaching helped the players excel to win this season. Head coach Knesia Brito led the way for the team to reach such great heights. 

It’s not only the fine education the players have received in East Rockaway schools, but also their performance on the court that speaks volumes about not only the players’ athleticism and dedication to improving and perfecting their skills. All of the players performed as wonderfully on the court as they do in the classroom, and the support they received from their parents and fellow students was tremendous.

Kudos on a taking home the gold and for making our community proud!

 

ANTHONY J. SANTINO

Town of Hempstead supervisor

. . .

 

New York,

a state for all

To the Editor:

After the harsh and ugly rhetoric of the presidential election, many are concerned about what might happen next. Let me be clear: This is the State of New York, not a state of fear. We will not tolerate hate or racism.

We have been and always will be a place where people of many backgrounds have come to seek freedom and opportunity. Almost all who live here can trace their roots to someplace else.

We cherish our diversity. We find strength in our differences. Whether you are gay or straight, Muslim or Christian, Jewish or Buddhist, rich or poor, black or white, Latino or Asian, man or woman, cisgender or transgender, we respect all people in New York.

The Statue of Liberty is a proud symbol of American values, and she stands in our harbor. We feel a special responsibility to make her offer of refuge and hope a reality every day. As long as you are here, you are New Yorkers. You are members of our community, and we will stand up for you.

New York has strict laws against hate crimes and discrimination, and we fully and firmly enforce them. It is illegal to target, harass or discriminate against a person because of his or her race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation. We are a tolerant people, and cannot and will not let our freedoms be undermined.

New York state has a toll-free hotline through which people can report incidents of bias and discrimination. Our responsibility is to protect all who are here, native-born or immigrant, documented or not. The hotline strengthens our efforts. Contacting us will not affect your immigration status.

New Yorkers who have experienced bias or discrimination should call the toll-free hotline at (888) 392-3644 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo

. . .

O’Connell reminds us why life is good

To the Editor:

John O’Connell’s column in last week’s Herald, “Checking off a list of reasons why life is good,” struck emotional chords deep within me. O’Connell’s reminders echo my own — I live a full and active life, with three children, a home, three jobs and lots of volunteering — and Thanksgiving is an excellent time to reflect and appreciate. I wish John a happy and healthy “step away.” It takes a great writer to move a busy person enough to take the time to respond, and that is what he accomplished with me today. Keep on writing, John!

Lesley McAvoy

West Hempstead