Bethpage-Tribune_2002-08-23

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3 COPIES
BETHPAGE LIB
47 POWELL AVE
BETHPAGE, NY 11714-3114
AUGUST 23-30, 2002
VOL. 40 NO. 34 SERVING BETHPAGE, ISLAND TREES, OLD BETHPAGE, PLAINVIEW, SEAFORD AND PLAINEDGE FORTY CENTS
Celebrate
Meaning of
"Labor Day differs in every
essential way from other holidays of
the year in any country. All other
holidays are in a more or less degree
connected with conflicts and battles
of man's prowess over man, of strife
and discord for greed and power, of
glories achieved by one nation over
another. Labor Day ... is devoted to
no man, living or dead, to no sect,
race or nation."
"Samuel Gompers, founder of
the American Federation of Labor,
sums up the essence of Labor Day in
that statement," Oyster Bay Town
Supervisor John Venditto said.
"Unfortunately, the true meaning of
Labor Day, which is to pay tribute to
the contributions workers have made
to the prosperity, wellbeing and
power of our nation, has all but given
way to the day being one last
celebration of summer. Town
Councilman Anthony D. Macagnone
and I remind residents that we would
not be enjoying the outstanding
quality of life we have today were it
not for the hard work and sacrifices
of the American worker."
According to Councilman
Macagnone, the first Labor Day
parade was held in New York City in
September 1882. There are two
views regarding who first proposed
the holiday. Some records show that
it was the brainchild of carpenter
Peter McGuire, general secretary of
the United Federation of Carpenters
and Joiners and co-founder of the
American Federation of Labor, while
there are also records that support
machinist Matthew Maguire,
secretary of the Central Labor Union
in New York, as the originator.
"Regardless of whose idea it was, it
caught on," the Councilman stated.
"By 1894, 31 states had created the
holiday by legislative enactment, and
on June 28, 1894, Congress made it
a legal holiday in the District of
Columbia and the territories. This
establishment of a special day to
honor labor made a statement to the
world about how America reveres
working men and women and their
roles in society."
"The dynamic and vital force of
American labor has contributed
tremendously to the highest
standard of living and the greatest
production of quality goods and
services the world has ever known,"
Supervisor Venditto said.
"Collectively, the men and women of
our labor force are one of the hardest
the True
Labor Day
working and highest producing
groups to be found anywhere. Their
products and services are an
essential part of our everyday lives.
"In the Town of Oyster Bay, we
have always recognized the
importance of our labor force," the
Supervisor continued. "I have often
stated publicly that Oyster Bay
Town government has a workforce
that is second to none. From office
personnel to sanitation, parks and
highway crews, the level of
competence and dedication is
outstanding."
"The Town of Oyster Bay has
shown its concern for workers on
many levels," Councilman
Macagnone stated. "I am proud to
say that Oyster Bay, in August of
last year, became the first Town on
Long Island to adopt the Living
Wage Law, which I proposed. The
Town also has a comprehensive
program to help displaced workers
through the Town's Department of
Intergovernmental Affairs,
Employment and Training Division."
The Councilman went on to say
that Oyster Bay serves as the
administrative agency for the federal
Workforce Investment Act program
in the Towns of Oyster Bay and
North Hempstead and the City of
Glen Cove. Displaced or
unemployed workers who meet
certain eligibility guidelines can
receive everything from help
preparing resumes and honing job
seeking skills to on-the-job or
classroom training. There is no
charge for participants. If you think
you might benefit from one of the
programs, contact the Employment
and Training Division at 797-4560.
"For some people, Labor Day
simply signals the unofficial end of
the summer months," Supervisor
Venditto commented. "But, for the
American workforce, the holiday is
an opportunity to honor whose who
have labored for our country since
its founding. On Labor Day, I urge
everyone to join in saluting the
dedicated working men and women
who helped make our Town the
outstanding community it is and
those who continue to make major
contributions, on a daily basis, to our
high standard of living and to the
wellbeing of all our residents."
"And," added Councilman
Macagnone, "let's show our support
by using products and services
produced in America by American
workers."
Bethpage First Annual Boys
Basketball Camp
The Bethpage Dad's Club and the High School Coaching Staff had
its 1st annual Bethpage Boys Basketball Camp during the week of July
22-26. The boys, ranging from 5th to 9th grade, were instructed on the
finer points of the game. They learned new skills to aid them in
shooting, passing, and dribbling. The coaching staff would like to thank
its volunteers and all of the boys and their parents for participating. We
hope to see them and many new faces next year.
Bobby Weaver Gold Medalist At
Competitive Edge Wrestling Camp
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Bethpage, NY residents at the Competitive Edge Wrestling Camp
(Pomfret, CT). Olympic gold medalist Bobby Weaver - first row/first
person.