Last Chance to Vote: Who Made a Difference in 2012?

Shelly T. December 5, 2012 at 07:37 pm

Danielle at St. Rose of Lima Outreach has helped COUNTLESS people who lost everything. Her tireless work and dedication has changed lives, brought joy to those who are joyless, and provided food, shelter, and love. Yes, she works at the church so you could say it is her job, but she has gone above and beyond during the terrible storm.

arl2667 December 6, 2012 at 12:06 pm

I second Danielle, she has a gift with people, her ability to connect with God and to explore ones own connection is contagious.
Her selfless acts of caring for our community are tireless, she does so much for so many.

thomas smith December 6, 2012 at 07:10 pm

Thomas Scanio for helping kids with special needs at Berner Middle School all last year

Jack Hpatch3109ipp December 7, 2012 at 01:11 am

Town of Oyster Bay Sup[ervisor John Venditto and the Town Employees involved in the quick response and splendid job done during Superstorm Sandy. They all worked tirelessly during this time with dedication and courage to the residents of this Town. And they continue to today. God bless all of you and thank you Mr. Superviso.

mel December 7, 2012 at 03:07 am

I would agree, the town sanitation workers. They made a big difference in our area. They removed the debris as fast as we could get it to the curb.

EdMang December 7, 2012 at 10:05 pm

I would definatley agree that Suprvisor Venditto made a HUGE difference in 2012. Not only was the Town Bond Rating downgraded, with a warning of another downgrade, put Town finances are deep into debt to the tune of almost $1billion, 200 employees need to be let go, he raised taxes 3.8%, took a connected employee who abused his position and moved him to a new position and let him keep his salary, and then foisted his inexperienced, career patronage-employee kid onto the Nassau County Legislature.... no doubt many of the grey-haired Massapequa republicans thought they were voting for Photo-op Johnny, not his son. So there is a guy who made a difference in 2012.

unknownauthor December 8, 2012 at 01:34 am

I agree it was the individual sanitation workers who went above and beyond.

jon ruiss December 20, 2012 at 11:48 am

right on those guys were great!

Joe December 20, 2012 at 02:03 pm

2012; It was your average neighbor, who shared their portable generated electric, offered a warm haven for those cold days, and cooked meal for everyone without looking for anything in return. A heartfelt THANK You to "ALL OF YOU" !

Camille Byrne December 20, 2012 at 03:44 pm

I would like to nominate Jamie Bogenshutz, Executive Director of YES Community Counseling Center for her tireless commitment in providing assistance to the Massapequa, Farmingdale, Plainedge and now Levittown communities in the war against drugs on Long Island, and specifically the areas that they serve. Even with drastic youth board funding cuts and struggling fundraising efforts during a failing economy, somehow YES finds a way to meet and treat all who walk through their doors, whether it is a troubled teen or an entire family, through personal therapy sessions, group meetings, parent university training and through the school district social workers. Jamie Bogenshutz was a pioneer in organizing the heroin symposium whereby representatives from the school districts, law enforcement and legislators came together to educate the communiity on this deadly drug's impact on society focusing efforts on treatment, education and prevention. This program has now become widespread throughout Long Island and helped tremendously in breaking down the stigma associated with opiate addiction and started the dialogue about the problem. Please accept this nomination of Jamie Bogenshutz, Executive Director of YES Community Counseling as a person who has made a difference in our community. Please join me in voting for her! Thank you.
Camille Byrne

Joe December 20, 2012 at 04:50 pm

Please don't include anyone who is paid to do their job in this survey. This is what they are paid to do. I realize that some go far above what is expected of them. There are hundreds of those great people and extremely hard to pick just one. As far as town employees. They were on the clock. Often times on over time pay during the storm for the extra work they did. Beside doing their job, I know we & many other community residents have personally thanked them and taken care of many of those crews very generously.
I think the name of the person to receive this distinction is; "Unsung Hero " Those who are there for us without looking for any recognition. The Massapequas have always been one of the best communities on Long Island to live in. Its our values and unpretentious way we go about taking care of business. I know we have a few 'High Maintenance' neighbors. But they are few and far in between. One day they I hope they will become less self centered and come around to being a true "Massapequan".

Joanne December 20, 2012 at 08:07 pm

YES Community Counseling Center is a tremendous asset to the Massapequa's, Plainedge and Farmingdale communities. The agency offers counseling to many who would otherwise be unable to afford good services. YES, as an agency goes above and beyond the call of duty, whenever they are called upon for help. Every worker, paid or volunteer works tirelessly to bring about positive change in the communities they are charged with helping.
Joanne

Jamie December 21, 2012 at 03:18 pm

I couldnt agree more with Joes comments....each day we meet heroes...the word has taken on new meaning these days...there are countless people who live and work in this community and feel pride and compassion for their neighbors and friends...perhaps we need to acknowledge that every person plays a part in keeping are community and our children and families safe and strong, regardless of what motivates us...it is clear that we are all blessed in many ways...the events of these past months certainly have taught us that!!!! It is not about one person...it is about what we can all accomplish when we put others before ourselves!!! Happy Holidays!