By:
It was September of last year. I had just left the house of Bonnie Giebfried. A year earlier she almost died in the attacks of September 11, 2001. She had told me a little more about her experience, what she went through and what she still experienced day to day. It was one of the most emotional stories I had ever covered as a reporter at the Herald.
That day she had given me an EMS pin, a 9/11 commemorative pin, and two quarters she was carrying on that day. This person had reached out to me, not knowing me until just a couple weeks before, yet she felt comfortable enough to let me in. I went home that day thinking how grateful I was for this person.
Earlier this year I met a teacher in crisis: Brian Murphy, formerly of the Oceanside Middle School. He told me his story, about the district and their failure to tenure him. I met his students, read their letters, and couldn't believe anyone would feel this close to an educator. Eventually, I had pulled myself from covering the story. You see I began believing in the man. His words, his story, his struggle meant a lot to me. The way he faced adversity and decided not to let those that believed in him down.
He let me in his home, let me into his family and embraced me as if I had been a long-time friend. Mr. Murphy opened up to me and in turn I opened up to him. After a few meetings I knew this was the kind of person I could certainly call a friend. He became truly an inspiration to me, and made me believe that when you knew you were right, to stand up for yourself and never give up.
There are many stories like this. People I've become close to in Oceanside and Island Park. It has been a pleasure to cover them, to know them, and to form friendships. It was those relationships that made it hard, when I decided it was time to move on. This will be the last column I write for the Herald, and while I am happy with my decision, I am extremely saddened to be leaving this area.
There are a few people I want to thank that have made my time here enjoyable. First and foremost, Joseph Kellard. I've been an editor for a total of five years and he's by far the best reporter I've had in that time. George Steinbrenner once said that outfielder Paul O'Neill was his warrior and wished he could have nine of him to put out on the field. That's how I feel about Joe, he is a warrior in a journalistic sense. He has taken his bumps and bruises and battled on. He has been a rock and gone to bat for me on everything. I couldn't have had a more loyal person working with me.
The Monday crew: fellow Herald editors Jonann Brady and Jerry Burke. Though we have our differences we could always count on each other for a laugh after a 14-hour workday.
My fellow Italian cumbas. Herald employees Anthony Rifilato, Nick Buglione, Mike Bologna, Nicole Falco and James Montalbano. What can I say besides coming to work everyday was a treat because of the laughs we shared and the friendships that I believe will last even after my last day.
Fellow editors Jeff Lipton and Genie Halperin. My conversations with Jeff on the Islanders-Rangers rivalry will be missed. I'm going to miss watching him pace in his office on production days. I will always remember Genie for the gentile smile and warm words. Thank you both.
Almost two years ago I found myself in Saratoga during the New York Press Awards weekend. A photographer from the Daily News had been showing slides of photos he had taken on Sept. 11. It had still been fresh for me, just over six months, the sights and sounds of ground zero and the friendships I had lost. My emotions got the best of me and I walked out of the room. It was really the first time I had seen it all over again. It had been a while since I cried and I didn't want my co-workers to see me that way. I thought I was alone as I walked out, but when I turned around, publisher Cliff Richner was just steps behind. He showed compassion, something I had never experienced with an employer. It's the way I'll remember him. Thank you, Cliff, for doing what most bosses wouldn't do.
I will truly miss the people of Oceanside and Island Park, even though there were some who didn't agree with my views. Some thought I was unfair in statements I made and some that thought I just didn't like the neighborhood I covered. That couldn't be the further from the truth. The people have been great to me. Just to thank a few: Jeff Toback, Joseph Pontecorvo, George Caracost, JoAnn Barbella, Jeff Mackston and Paul Hamilton.
Thank you for being part of my life. Have a great holiday season and a very happy new year.
