Bethpage-Tribune_1992-09-25

              / ^
%
4 COPIES
Bethpaqe Lib
47 powel 1 Ave
Bethpage Nt 11714
^
^A
^ ^
' % '^4';'
YOUR OFFICIAL HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER
Serving Bethpage, Island Trees, Plainedge, Seaford, Old Bethpage and Plainview
VOL. 25 NO. 42 September 25-October 1, 1992 25 CENTS
BETHPAGE OUTRAGED BY
COMMENTS BY BRESLIN
IN NEWSDAY
Many Bethpage residents were
thumbing through their
Newsday's on Thursday,
September 17 but were appalled
when coming to an article written
by Jimmy Breslin which pointed
an accusing and derogatory finger
at Bethpage. In an article written
about the New York City Police
Officer's protest at City Hall
Breslin spoke of his disgust at
what he felt was quite a disgraceful
and unruly demonstration. He felt
that there was too much
disrespect for our Mayor. Whether
one agrees with him or not is up
to the individual, however about
half way through his article he
commented that the unruly police
officers should go back to where
they came from and where they
belong ., .Bethpage, New York.
This comment has prompted
scores of calls and letters from
angry residents who fee! as
though their town was unjustly
singled out and mentioned. Many
feel as though the mention of
Bethpage was totally unnecessary
and that Breslin's article would
have had the same message had
he left out that paragraph entirely.
I spoke with Newsday Public
Relations spokesman Ms. Colletti
who was very helpful. She told me
that as in most publications the
views of featured columnists do
not necessarily reflect those of the
Newspaper and that their
columnists are given a large
amount of freedom. She also told
me that she questioned Mr. Breslin
as to why he chose to mention the
town of Bethpage In his article and
Mr. Breslin simply said that he was
not targetting a specific town, just
a town typical of Long Island,
where many New York City police
officers do live. I told her that this
seemed a bit irresponsible as
Breslin should be aware of the
consequences such comments
could have. I also told her that
presently the community of
Bethpage is on an upswing and is
experiencing a tremendous
amount of community pride and
spirit. I also brought to her
attention that this community has
a multitude of accomplishments to
be proud of and that it is things
such as that that shou!<;l be
reported.
In concluding our conversation
Ms. Colletti said that the
Newspaper welcomes all letters to
the paper and hopes that
disgruntled readers will voice their
opinions. I have received quite a
few already and they appear on
page five along with mine which
is printed below.
A message to the residents of
Bethpage who took offense to this
comment as did !, I can simply say
that we ail know how special and
how wonderful the town of
Bethpage is and also its residents.
We as a town have a right to be
proud of all our acomplishments
and we do not need nor should
we condone anyone mocking or
taking a pot shot at our community
when it is misstated or simply
unjust or untrue. I don't think
anyone in this town would stand
for it as evidenced by the following
letters and comments. Bethpage is
far too dedicated and loyal a
community be scuffed by anyone!
I wrote this article in response to the above. !t will probably
never be published in Newsday but it was worth writing. More
letters appear on page 5.
Dear Mr. Marro,
After reading Mr. Breslin's article entitled "What the Cops
Accomplished at City Hall", which appeared In your Thursday
September 17 edition, I was so appaued and upset I just had
to write in and defend a community Newsday frequently
overlooks and obviously Mr. Breslin knows nothing
about...Bethpage.
When calling your Long Island office I was told that there
had been over two hundred calls regarding Mr. Breslin's
(Conikiued from Page 5)
B.F.D. vs. Islanders Softball Game
The Bethpage Fire. Department Softball team recently played a charity
game against the N.V. Islanders, defeating them 1S-10. The two teams
played for the Nassau County Fireman's Burn Center. They raised
over $13,00.00 for the center. The B.F.D. Softball team would like to
thank the fans and all those who donated to this cause.
COME CELEBRATE BETHPAGE DAY
On Sat. Oct. 3, ~ Community |
Park, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, join your i
Bethpage neighbors for a day of |
fun and friendship.
Over 30 local organizations and ;
clubs will have displays and ;
booths.
Free balloons and pins for kids
- Castle Bounce - Food - Drink -
Showmobile with D.J. and local
talent.
Day long Merchants Raffle.
Grand Prize $1000 Savings Bond
Donated by Grumman and many
other prizes.
If there are merchants who wish
to participate in the merchant's
raffle and they have not been
contacted, please call 931-8345.
Merchants' Grand Raffles
Grumman Corporation,
Bethpage Tool & Hardware, Page
Liquors, Roma Bakery, Bethpage
Quality Cleaners, Bethpage
Bouquet. Central Park Inn,
Bethpage Wine & Liquor, Martin's
(Continued on Page 6)
LIBRARY EXPANSION PROJECT
VOTE RECEIVES 2-1 VICTORY
In a 2-1 vote the Bethpage
Public Library vote was accepted
which means that the Library has
received a green light to begin
their expansion project. What this
actually means is that the
Bethpage Public Library will
almost double in size and will be
host to a huge variety of programs
for young, old and just about
everyone. The vote which was
tallied at 874 - Yes, 433 - No was
held at the Bethpage Public
Library on Monday, September 21.
And when will all these plans
take place. Well the entire library
staff Is being quite optimistic
about the length of time the entire
process will take. If things go
according to schedule all the
documentation will be completed
by January. This would mean that
construction would begin as early
as February or March, although we
are reminded that this time frame
is merely estimated.
Nonethless, Bethpage soon will
be home to a 21st century library
sure to be the envy of many other
towns.