Letters to the Rockville Centre Herald Aug. 30, 2012

Protect our liberty — vote

To the Editor:

Why is it that young people don’t vote in the numbers that they should? Is it because of ineffective civic education? Is it the mistaken belief that community service can replace political reform? Or is it the power of money in politics? Any one of those reasons is enough to discourage young people from the ballot box.

Isn’t it time that we, as adults, do something about this situation? These young people will one day be (or should be) the leaders of our country. What kind of a world do we live in if we can let this happen?

Parents should stress the precious right to vote. We can’t let our children take this for granted and abuse our liberty. Let them make the decision for whom they want to vote — but vote they must! Patrick Henry said, “Give me liberty or give me death.” We must protect our liberty and vote!

Olive Ellner

Rockville Centre

‘Histories’ series brought up memories

To the Editor:

I loved your article about landmarks in the Herald (“Hidden histories and mysteries, Part 3,” Aug. 16-22). I also happen to know Bill and Mary McCaffrey, who endowed the bike pump you wrote about — they are my parents!

My parents have lived part-time in Long Beach for over 20 years. After my dad’s retirement in ‘94 they moved out full-time. They loved the energy of the boardwalk and of Long Beach. We often rode our bikes along the boardwalk. Unfortunately, after my father was diagnosed with ALS, he could no longer enjoy the freedom of riding a bicycle. Still, he wanted to put the pump up so other people would always be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery that he loved. This was just one small token of the many generous things he did for Long Beach as well as for many other places and people. He passed away in June of 2009.

My mother still lives in their apartment on the boardwalk and enjoys seeing people use the pump. We sit on the bench that the family donated in his name on the boardwalk. She is still involved with St. Ignatius Church and helps by tending to the gardens at the church as well as the rectory.

Thanks again. I’m sorry if I went on too much, but these are two very special people and it was nice to see them recognized.

Christine Lodato

Merrick