Letter to Editor: Denenberg Opposes Mangano Precinct Plan

Legislator explains opposition to county executive's proposal to turn four precincts into community policing centers.

Based on information to date or, rather, a lack thereof, I oppose County Executive Edward Mangano's police precinct closure plan, which he labels an “enhanced” approach to policing.  Last year, Mr. Mangano proposed closing two police precincts.  Now, he wants double that number, cutting half our county’s precincts.  To close four precincts – two of which are among the three busiest in the county – is irresponsible, fiscally and logically.  It is also troubling that the County Executive is using public funds and/or phone lists for robo-calls to tout his plan and provide misinformation regarding alleged savings. It is difficult to back a plan that eliminates our precincts, and replaces them with community centers, staffed by only two police …

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You Review: Nitro

Tell us what you think about this ice cream place.

Living Green & Healthy in Merrick

Let Nature Cure those Winter Blues

An easy way to bring more green into your home.

Winter may officially be here but doesn't mean you can't enjoy the beauty of nature. Surround yourself with plants and create an indoor garden display. Not only will it bring a smile to your face, but it will help you kick those winter blues and brighten up any room in the house. First off, pick a sunny spot by a window so it's guaranteed your living lovelies will get enough light. Once you do that, decide on what you're going to use and what kind of plants you want. Take a step back and try to imagine what will look cool in the space. Get creative and have fun! While deciding on what plants to choose, pick ones that match your lifestyle. If you're busy and not home much of the day, I would suggest succulents. Cacti are great as well. They…

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The Merrick Cook

The Merrick Cook Takes On...Super Bowl

A big dish packed with big flavor for the big game.

Looking for something to serve your guests at your Super Bowl party? This dish is the perfect dish to serve on Super Bowl Sunday where bar food, beer and calorific side dishes reign. This combines all three of those things. Kielbasa is a type of Polish sausage that is usually paired with sauerkraut and served warm. In this case it is accompanied by sauerkraut, bacon and beer in a perfect marriage. The bacon can be left out if you don't want it, but who would ever turn down bacon? Enjoy! Ingredients 6 slices of cut up bacon 1 pound kielbasa, sliced 1 cup beer 2 tsp. sugar 1/8 tsp. pepper 1 package sauerkraut 1/4 cup hot water Directions 1. Cut cooked bacon in pieces. Set aside. 2. Place sliced kielbasa, beer, water, pepper, sugar and …

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McCarthy: USDA Unveils School Lunch Reforms I Originally Championed

New child nutrition reforms for school meals unveiled this week.

The United States Department of Agriculture unveiled new child nutrition reforms for school meals this week that include many reforms pushed through Congress last year by Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, D-Mineola. “A healthy student is a successful student – kids can’t do well in school when they’re hungry and tired,” said McCarthy. “I’m so glad and proud that the USDA is going to be implementing many of the reforms that I championed in my committee recently; hopefully we can reduce childhood obesity and improve grades across the nation thanks to these reforms.” According to the USDA, the reforms include:  As chairwoman of the Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee, McCarthy worked to implement child nutrition reform, including efforts to …

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Vegan Living

WWMBSD?

A simple approach to New Year resolution confusion.

With each new year brings a clean slate and a list of resolutions – a list of aspirations for ourselves to hopefully accomplish in the new year. Perhaps you already have your list of aspirations for 2012, folded and tucked into your wallet to look at each day. Or possibly you haven't had a moment to write them down let alone take the time to think about writing them down! If you have been organizing yourself and your home and your life this month along with the Vegan Living column, then you have a pretty grand jumpstart to 2012. I have a solution to resolution confusion. Rather than thinking and writing at length all the things you want to change, take a positive approach to the brand new slate before you and have one resolution to live by…

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Thick and Thin of It

Joining a Gym

Tips for finding a gym that is right for you.

In my last article, I spoke about making our resolution successful this year by finally realizing we can’t do it on our own — we need help. We are finally going to join that gym. But there are so many gyms out there, which one is going to fit all our needs? Let’s make a list and do some homework. The most important question is what can we afford? We need to figure out what will fit into our budgets. But we also have to see what the gyms offer us for our money. We might find that few dollars more will get us a lot more in the long run. Sometimes if we are torn between this decision, it helps if we divide the monthly fee by the four or five weeks in the month. Then we can see if we think we are worth the $15, maybe $16 dollars a week it …

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Why You're the World's Biggest Giants Fan

Did you name your son Eli, get a helmet tattoo on your neck or paint your RV Big Blue? Tell us your stories of ultimate New York Giants fandom.

Sports is about much more than games. It’s about how we celebrate our teams, obsess over athletes, recite statistics and even party. It can dictate what we wear, where we vacation and even who we marry.  The New York Giants face the San Francisco 49ers Sunday at 6:30 p.m. EST (Fox-TV) for the right to play in the Super Bowl. So as we count the days to the NFC Championship Game and recount the improbable, plucky run by the Giants, it’s also time to celebrate our fandom. Everyone has that fan-tastic story: Did you name your son Eli (or Tiki), get a helmet tattoo on your neck or paint your RV Big Blue? Maybe you’re a fourth-generation season ticket holder or proposed to your girlfriend at halftime.  Tell us your stories of ultimate New York …

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Vegan Living

Starting Fresh: Body

Quick tips for soothing and caring for your mind and body.

With the new year comes the mad rush for the elliptical machines. As we drive down our main street, we see the lights in the gym ablaze, shining on the brand new gym clothes of locals working off their holiday temptations. While yes, engaging in physical activity is a must, here are some additional ways to get your mind and body back to basics this new year. Massage: Most insurance carriers will now allow copays for a massage, so check your health plans immediately. Massage is one of the most amazing ways to release toxins and stress, increase circulation and keep your muscles and tendons lubricated. I absolutely adore Relaxation Retreat near the Merrick train station. Call (516) 623-8116 and schedule an appointment. Eyebrow threading: …

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