Blogs 12 Long Island

Money Management

By Virginia Huie

Reading, writing, 'rithmetic and personal finance?  The three "R's" now include a financial planning course in the Oceanside School District.  The idea is to help students with these tough economic times.  It's the first district in the state to make personal finance courses a requirement for graduation.

Students learn how to make a budget, save, invest, and avoid credit card debt. Oceanside schools aren't alone. Nassau County's Office of Economic Development offers Money 101 courses in Uniondale, Westbury and Hempstead schools. Teachers say giving teens a jump start on money management will help prevent the financial mistakes that led to the current economic meltdown.

The lessons aren't only for students.  Nassau offers Money 101 courses for grownups, too. The four-week course teaches ATM and Debit card tips, debt management and avoiding predatory lending.  To learn how to be smart with your money, contact the Nassau County economic development office at (516) 572-1900.

Role Reversal

By Virginia Huie

As a reporter at News 12 Long Island, I spend a lot of time interviewing people for various news stories. Recently, I experienced a role reversal. A reporter from the New York Daily News wanted to interview me for an upcoming feature about my Emmy nominations and my work. At first, I was like, who me? Then I thought about it and said why not? I have to admit it felt a little weird being in the hot seat and having someone ask me a bunch of questions. The NY Daily News also sent a photographer to the studios to shoot a series of pictures. Also, something I'm not used to. 

  But the experience was fun. It gave me a chance to reflect on my work, my accomplishments and the people who've helped me along the way. People like the talented photographers at News 12 who shoot inspiring video, making it a pleasure for me to write and produce a story. The editors who bring all the pieces together with their creativity and skill. And the producers who taught me to write tight. I'm proud to be a part of the Emmy award winning team at News 12. Cablevision, the parent company of News 12 Long Island, garnered 107 Emmy nominations this year - more than any other news organization in the metro area. That says a lot about the Cablevision's commitment to quality programming.

It's nice being recognized for something I love doing. And I'm glad I had the chance to experience being on the other side of the microphone.  It gave me a whole new appreciation for the news business!

LIVING HISTORY

By Virginia Huie

Recently, I had the pleasure of spending the day with two heroes of the civil rights movement. Joseph McNeil and William Wheeler -- both of Hempstead. They spoke at the Cradle of Aviation about challenging status quo and changing America. Joseph McNeil was one of the "Greensboro Four" -- a group of students from an all-black college in North Carolina who challenged the "whites only" policy of eating at a Woolworth's lunch counter. McNeil described racial segregation as evil and demeaning. "It was one of the worst things in terms of human dignity one could experience," said McNeil. So, he and his fellow dorm mates defied the "whites only" rule and sat down at the lunch counter until closing. The waitresses wouldn't serve them. The cops came to intimidate them. Members of the Ku Klux Klan roughed them up. But the students stood their ground. It was the first sustained sit-in protest of the civil rights movement. Their courage sparked a nationwide movement. Thousands of students conducted their own sit-in protests. Six months after the first sit-in, Woolworths desegregated its lunch counters. McNeil told me their victory was for people of all colors. "When we have respect it's possible that we can have a greater sense of human dignity," said McNeil. William Wheeler soared beyond racial barriers as an original member of the all-black Tuskegee Airman during World War II. Their white counterparts were doubtful of the black aviators combat skills. But the Tuskegee Airmen defied stereotypes. They flew more than 16,000 missions -- and the Germans never shot down a bomber they were protecting. Wheeler said, "We showed that we weren't inferior." As a result, the government decided to desegregate the military. McNeil is now 66. Wheeler is 85. Both are still active in the Long Island community and across the country -- sharing their stories with younger generations. If you ever have the chance to listen in on one of their sessions, seize the opportunity. You'll come away inspired.

Building Hope

By Virginia Huie

An act of terror took their parents away. Now, the children of September 11th are turning sadness into something positive. They belong to a support group called Tuesday's Children. They spent their winter break in New Orleans, LA -- helping Habitat for Humanity build homes for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. One of Tuesday's Children is 16-year-old Chris Quackenbush of Manhasset. Chris was 9 when his dad, Christopher, an investment banker, was killed in Tower Two. Chris says his dad always told him the importance of giving back to the community. That's exactly what Chris did in the Big Easy. He and the other teens started work bright and early in the morning-- pounding nails, caulking wood panels, putting up walls for two new homes in the Upper Ninth Ward. Their hard work added new cottages to a growing neighborhood called Musician's Village. It's a new development to provide housing for displaced musicians and bring back culture to New Orleans. But the project goes beyond helping storm victims. Every one of Tuesday's Children felt empowered by the experience. They were no longer viewed as victims -- but as young people who cared to make a difference. 18-year-old Brielle Saracini lost her father, United Airlines Capt. Victor Saracini, when his hijacked plane struck the South Tower. Brielle said, "It's just cool coming down here and like helping out because these people went through a tragic loss just like we did, and it's really good to help out in some way." 17-year-old Caitlyn Leavey lost her father, FDNY Lt. Joseph Leavey, in the South Tower. Caitlyn said the project was a great way to honor the memory of her dad. "He had a big heart, a great personality and I want to be just like him," said Caitlyn. Chris said the experience made him feel closer to his father. Chris told me, "The more I work, I think about him even more, but it's more the good memories than the bad memories and I think it's really important to think about all the good times I had with him." Tuesday's Children and their mentors are truly an inspiration. They've shown resilience, grace and dignity in the face of an indescribable loss. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to witness their good works and great attitude.

Art of Crime Fighting

By Virginia Huie

Days before Christopher DiMeo of Glen Head was arrested, Long Islanders were able to see the face of the accused jewelry store robber and murderer. They saw his icy eyes, scruffy beard and pointy chin.  But what they actually saw was a composite sketch -- a likeness that brought in a flood of leads and helped end a deadly crime spree.

The DiMeo case is one example of how Nassau Police turn art into clues. I've seen many composite sketches while working as a news reporter, and I always wondered what it took to produce such an uncanny likeness of a suspect. Nassau Detectives Thomas Bischoff and John Fennessy gave me a behind the scenes look at what they do as forensic artists.

Bischoff and Fennessy work in an office called "Rogues Gallery" in Mineola.  Their crime fighting tools -- pencil and paper.  Their work requires artistic skill and more.  They play the roles of interviewer, confidant and investigator to extract the snapshot of a suspect's face from a witness's mind.  All these techniques are needed to tap into the memories of people who have seen a suspect for perhaps just a few seconds and who are, in some cases, afraid for their lives at the time. Fennessy says the process of producing a sketch is often therapeutic for crime victims.

"Especially when you get sexual abuse, you get rape victims, it is therapy. They just want to get this out of their head, and get something on a piece of paper and it does make them feel better," says Fennessy.

Fennessy says detectives are able to identify suspects with the help of composite sketches in about 50 percent of the cases.  Bischoff keeps a scrapbook of all their drawings that helped take criminals off the streets of Long Island.

"It's always nice when the good guys win, I like that a lot," says Bischoff.

I had fun covering this story... and I learned a lot.  I even got a drawing out of the deal.  Fennessy drew it from memory after his first meeting with me. It's a pretty good likeness, don't you think?  But I prefer to call it a portrait -- not a composite sketch :)

Final Salute

By Virginia Huie

A fallen hero was laid to rest today. 29-year-old Specialist Jonathan Keller of Wading River -- remembered as a man of honor, a beloved son, brother and friend to many. Specialist Keller was critically wounded in a fierce firefight with the Taliban in Afghanistan. After nine months at Fort Bragg and multiple surgeries, he died of his injuries -- leaving his comrades at the Fighting 69th with heavy hearts and bittersweet memories. His friend, Specialist Ethan Garren, had tears in his eyes as he remembered Keller's sense of humor. Specialist Garren says, " It could be the worst of times, but he could make me laugh. Just one thing I loved about him, never a bad day with him. It was always fun." Keller's team leader, Specialist Jason Hwang of Bethpage, says Keller was a warrior to the end. Specialist Hwang was with Keller when he was shot. "To do what we do, what he did, takes a lot of courage." Since the war began, I have covered at least a dozen funerals of servicemen. It never gets any easier. The sorrow is palpable in the silent salutes, the wail of the bagpipes, the grief in the faces of family and friends. What I've learned from meeting the family and comrades of the fallen is the depth of their devotion to this country and their families. And I am inspired by the grace and dignity of the families left behind.

Paving The Way

By Virginia Huie

When Barack Obama becomes President Tuesday he will be a living testatment of the generations of African-Americans who paved the way.

People like 85-year-old Lt. Col. William Wheeler of Hempstead, who made history as a Tuskegee Airman -- one of the first African-American fighter pilots in World War II. I had the pleasure of interviewing Wheeler as he prepared for his trip to Washington to witness the historic inauguration. Wheeler told me he didn't think he'd live to see this day. Barack Obama invited Wheeler and the other 329 surviving Tuskegee Airmen to attend as honored guests.

It's Obama's way of thanking these trailblazers who fought for equal rights in the military. Wheeler was 19 when he earned his wings in the first all-black flying unit. Their job was to escort bombers and protect them from enemy fighters. But even in combat, the military was segregated. A white general called the Tuskegee airmen inferior and said they didn't have the guts to do battle. So they also had to fight prejudice from the same white pilots they were protecting. By the end of World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen flew more than 16,000 missions and the Germans never shot down a bomber the Tuskegee Airmen were protecting. The Tuskegee Airmens combat record convinced the government to desegregate the military. Now, more than 60 years later, the military will answer to its first African-American commander-in-chief. Wheeler calls Obama's presidency "a miracle." Tears welled in his eyes as he reflected on the indignities he endured as a black man living in segregated times. He was forced to sit in the backs of buses, excluded from Officers' Clubs in the military, etc... simply because of the color of his skin. Wheeler said he cried again when Obama won the presidential election. This time, however, they were tears of joy. Wheeler says Obama's victory represents tolerance and change. He hopes it brings respect for people of all races. As I write this blog, Wheeler is riding a bus down to our nation's capitol. No doubt he is excited about witnessing history again. His lifetime of sacrifice and accomplishments made it possible.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus

By Virginia Huie

"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus." When my parents named me Virginia they didn't realize I'd hear that famous line a gazillion times every holiday season.(That's me on the right with my mom on a Christmas Day when I was a tyke.) As a little girl, I didn't know what the saying meant. I just thought it was annoying. But as I got older I learned "Yes, Virginia" is from a classic editorial that Francis P. Church wrote more than 110 years ago in answer to a little girl asking whether Old St. Nick existed. 8-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon begs for some Santa Claus truth. She follows her father's advice to consult The Sun of New York, not wanting to believe her little friends that Santa is a fraud. The newspaper's response: "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Clus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life it's highest beauty and joy." As a little girl, I was also skeptical about Santa. Check out the photo below. That's me sitting on Santa's lap with my little brother. We don't look too happy. In fact, I think we were a little scared. My brother and I knew that Santa wasn't real. His beard was phony and he wasn't plump at all. But as The Sun's editorial points out, the spirit of Santa is not about the man in the red suit and white beard. It's about looking beyond the daily grind and appreciating those aspects of life we can neither see nor touch nor measure, but which make life full and meaningful. Things like the love of family, the joy in a child's face, fun times shared with friends, and wisdom gained from life experiences. What's behind the idea of Santa Claus are all the values that Francis P. Church wrote about so beautifully -- love, generosity and faith and one that I would like to add, HOPE.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and all the best in the new year! See you in 2009 :)

Foreclosure Stats

By Virginia Huie

Imagine losing the roof over your head. Thousands of Long Islander are facing foreclosure -- and the latest figures offer small comfort. New national statistics show foreclosure filings fell 7 percent in November from October. Suffolk had 107 new foreclosure cases in November -- down from 410 a year ago. Nassau saw 162 foreclosures -- down from 227. But experts say the numbers don't tell the whole story. The downturn in foreclosures is likely due to a new law that gives people 90-days to re-negotiate a mortgage with their lender. But once the 90-day moratorium expires early next year -- foreclosures will likely skyrocket. As a result, housing experts say a new face of homeless will be emerging on Long Island -- those who lose their homes to foreclosure. And the lack of rentals on the Island makes a tough situation even tougher. If you find yourself on the brink of foreclosure, there is help on the Island. The Long Island Housing Partnership in Hempstead is a good place to start. The mortgage counseling center hotline number is (516) 511-HOME. Community Development Corporation in Centereach is another good resource. The number is (631) 471-1215 ext. 158, (ext.166 for Spanish-speaking clients.)

Do The Most Good

By Virginia Huie

This weekend I went Christmas shopping with my 7-year-old niece Jenna.(That's her on the right with a cake I made for her birthday.)

She noticed a sign above a Salvation Army kettle which said "Do The Most Good." She asked me what that meant. It was the perfect opportunity for me to tell her about the true meaning of the holidays. I explained to her there are many children who aren't has fortunate as she is. They don't have a nice house, food on the table and all the toys they wish for. I told her it's better to give than receive.

A homemade gift or time spent with someone is far more valuable than anything money can buy. In these economic hardtimes every one of us can "Do The Most Good" by giving a little of ourselves. Donate food and clothing. Volunteer to help those in need. Showing a little bit of heart can make a big difference. I think my niece is beginning to understand. When we returned home she created a homemade card to thank me for all the things I did for her this past weekend.

A heartfelt thank you from her. Something I will treasure always.

LUCKY DOG

By Virginia Huie

An ordinary day on the beat turned into a daring rescue for two Nassau Public Safety officers. Officer Chris Gleason was patrolling the lake at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow when he saw a black blob in the water. It was a dog! Chris radioed his partner for help. He and Officer Mike Tesoriere pulled the pup out of the frigid lake. But the rescuing didn't end there. The dog had apparently been abandoned. She didn't have any tags and no one came forward to claim her. She was sent to a dog pound in Hempstead. Chris and Mike followed up on their furry friend. Knowing she would be euthanized within days at the dog pound -- Chris and Mike had her transferred to Little Shelter, a no-kill shelter in Huntington. The dog was suffering from malnutrition and parasites. The caretakers at Little Shelter nursed the dog back to health. They named her Mamie, after former First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, because she was rescued at Eisenhower Park. This is where the story gets even better. One month after the rescue -- Chris adopted Mamie. The abandoned dog who nearly drowned now has a home and a loving family. She's one lucky dog!

UNCOMMON COURAGE

By Virginia Huie

Lance Corporal Jordan Haerter of Sag Harbor was inspired to enlist in the Marines after September 11th.  On the battlefields of Iraq he demonstrated the full measure of devotion to his comrades and his country.  On April 22, Jordan and another Marine were on guard duty in the terrorist hotbed of Ramadi. A truck packed with more than 2,000 pounds of explosives tried to crash the checkpoint.  Jordan opened fire on the suicide bomber, diverting the truck from killing dozens of Marines, Iraqi police officers and civilians in the compound.  Jordan died when the truck exploded.  He was only 19.

Jordan's final act of courage saved 33 U.S. Marines.  His family says he loved his brother Marines. They weren't surprised Jordan gave his life to save theirs.

Jordan was the only child of Christian Haerter and JoAnn Lyles. They say their son was a kind, caring, compassionate young man with a great sense of humor.  Mr. Haerter told me he couldn't have asked for a finer son.

Now, his family and the Sag Harbor community are determined to keep the memory of his service and sacrifice alive for generations to come. Earlier this month, they unveiled a memorial to Jordan. They also renamed the Sag Harbor - North Haven bridge in Jordan's honor.  His parents and brother Marines were the first ones to walk across the Lance Corporal Jordan C. Haerter Bridge.  A moment of pain and pride for Jordan's parents.  His dad says it'll be a permanent reminder of what a wonderful person Jordan was.  His mom says she'll smile every time she crosses the bridge.  A fitting tribute for a young man of uncommon courage.

HEIMLICH HERO

By Virginia Huie

10-year-old Keith Johnson proves you're never too young to be a hero. It happened Halloween Day. Keith and his buddy Bailey Heitmuller were eating lunch in the school cafeteria at Cherokee Street Elementary in Ronkonkoma. Bailey got into an argument with another student, and the stress caused him to choke on his bologna sandwich. Bailey started turning red. He couldn't breathe. That's when Keith sprang into action. Instead of running to get help, Keith performed the Heimlich maneuver. He dislodged the chunk of sandwich from Bailey's throat and saved his life. Where did Keith learn the life-saving technique? In school? Nope. From Boys Scouts? Nope. Keith tells me he was eating at a Dunkin' Donuts when he noticed a first aid poster on the wall. It explained how to save a person from choking by performing the Heimlich maneuver. Keith says he loves to read and he's always studying things like that wherever he goes. Good thing! He remembered all the life saving information when it mattered most. Keith is one of the hometown heroes News 12 has chosen to honor in our special half hour show "Long Island Lifesavers." Tune in at 7:00 p.m. this Thursday, Thanksgiving Day -- and you'll see some amazing stories of courage.

Building Hope

By Virginia Huie

I saw true community spirit at work this weekend in Holbrook. Dozens of volunteers building hope for wounded warrior. In March a roadside explosive took Chris Levi's legs and damaged his right arm. News of his grave injuries spread quickly in his hometown. Family friend Teresa Leonard wrote a letter -- asking the public for financial help to build a wheelchair ramp at the Levi home. Holbrook's bravest answered the call. Now, a simple request for a ramp has turned into a $100,000 renovation. Holbrook's fire chief Rick Gimbl gathered an army of volunteers to convert the ground floor of Chris' home into a handicapped accessible apartment. They've been working 7 days a week since August. Their goal -- to complete the job by Christmas. The community's efforts will enable Chris to live in comfort at his home after he finishes rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Chris' mom, Debbie, gives him daily updates about the renovation. She says it's the best medicine for her son. He can't wait to come home to see his new apartment. And his hometown can't wait to welcome him home. In the meantime, volunteers are holding various fundraisers to help Chris.

Click here to find out how you can help

Click here to learn more about Chris Levi

Witch Wedding

By Virginia Huie

A devil witnessed the wedding of Tara Hughes and Nick Tomeo in Lindenhurst. So did a pirate and an angel and a fairy. The guests came in costume to get into the spirit of the Halloween day ceremony. An unconventional wedding for a nontraditional bride. Tara Hughes of Centereach is a follower of the Wiccan religion. That makes her a witch. Not the wicked, wart-on-the-nose creatures made infamous in storybooks -- but a worshipper of an ancient earth-based religion. Wiccans believe the divine exists in everyone and everything, and they pray to a god and goddess. Wicca has been recognized as a religion by the U.S. since 1986, when the Internal Revenue Service ruled that contributions to it were tax-deductible. Followers estimate there are about 1 million Wiccans in the country. Tara and Nick tied the knot the Wiccan way with a handfasting ceremony. Colored cords bound their hands together to symbolize their union. They exchanged vows and rings. The ceremony ended with the couple jumping over a broomstick to signify their leap into life together. I've seen many nontraditional weddings -- ones held atop skyscrapers, on the ice, under water and in the air. Tara and Nick's wedding was out of the ordinary. But it was touching and romantic -- a true celebration of love. Tara told me she was a rebel as a kid and made her share of mistakes. She never thought she'd find lasting love. But then she met Nick -- and her fear of commitment melted away. She says he takes care of her. Nick is not Wiccan. But he says he embraces Tara for everything that she is. That's true love.

Coming To America

By Virginia Huie

For most people, Halloween means costumes, candy and spirited fun. In my family October 31 is a celebration of coming to America.

It was on October 31, 1954 that my father, Chee, stepped foot on American soil for the first time. He was 14 years old when he immigrated from China. He came with nothing but the clothes on his back... and his little 7 year old sister, Chee Mee, clutching his hand. They flew aboard a DC-4 -- a four-engined propeller-driven airliner, which was once used in World War II as a military plane. When he arrived at the airport he experienced many "firsts" -- seeing people wearing Halloween costumes, eating a meal of sunnyside up eggs, and using a fork and knife instead of chopsticks. Strange things, he thought. But he was happy to be in America. Why? Because he was reunited with his father, who he hadn't seen in 7 years. It took a long time for my dad to get permission from the Communist Chinese government to leave China and to receive the necessary paperwork to come to America legally. When he finally received permission to come to America, he said he was like getting permission to go to heaven. The long wait was worth it.

Back then, Chinese immigrants referred to the U.S. as "the land of the Golden Mountain." They saw it as a chance to pursue dreams and achieve prosperity -- opportunities that weren't possible in their homeland. It wasn't easy for my dad to learn a new language ( English) at age 14 and assimilate to a new culture. But he was always guided by a desire to achieve and do better for the next generation. He worked at my grandparents' laundry mat while going to school. Eventually, he earned a degree in electrical engineering and went to work for Grumman Aerospace. He succeeded in achieving for himself and for the next generation. Giving my brother and I the opportunity to attend the finest schools and allowing us to pursue our dreams without the same hardships. Happy 54 years in America, Dad. And thank you for all you've done and continue to do for our family.

Senseless Death

By Virginia Huie

A makeshift memorial on Stein Drive in Brentwood tells the story of a young life cut short by street violence -- and the pain the murder has caused.  20-year-old Danielle Calabrese of Islip Terrace was killed in a drive-by shooting last Friday. Flowers, balloons, candles and cards now mark the spot where she fell. Homicide detectives told me how sad the crime was because Calabrese was an innocent victim. She just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

As a reporter, it never gets any easier for me to cover stories like this. I see the raw emotion caused by the murder of a loved one. Sometimes I get yelled at. Sometimes I get a door slammed in my face. Their reaction is understandable. 

Then there are times when  a family member or friend wants to share his or her pain.  For this story,  Zoraida Fanduiz wanted people to know what a happy, giving person Calabrese was. Fanduiz is the aunt of Calabrese's boyfriend.  Fanduiz says Calabrese was studying to be a nurse at Suffolk Community College. Her boyfriend, Jose Vazquez, was planning to propose marriage next month.  She was looking forward to the future. But someone with a gun and a grudge took it all away. Fanduiz shared her story because she wants people to know how a senseless shooting robbed Calabrese's loved ones of someone special.

So,  no matter how tough it is to report such stories, I do it with the hope that I will help inform the public about something.  In this case, it's to let people know the neighbors on Stein Drive are angry and want to take back their streets from those bent on violence. It's to let people know Calabrese was more than a victim. As Fanduiz says, she would've have made a difference with her nursing skills. She was loved by many. All you need to do is take one look at the growing memorial on Stein Drive to know that is true.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Virginia Huie

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This week I met an incredible woman who battled the disease. She's 49 year old Elaine Beermann of Floral Park. Two years ago, doctors found a pea-size lump in her breast. It was malignant. Beermann says she was terrified but focused on beating the disease. She says she had too much to live for -- three children and a husband. She was determined to see every milestone in their lives.

In March 2006 Beermann had a lumpectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiation. During this time, Beermann lost her hair and gained a new perspective on life. Beermann told me, "I have a grateful heart. And when you get to be okay, it's all about giving back."

Beermann started a website called "Let's Rock and Roll For A Cure." The name means "let's get the job done."  Money raised from the sale of jewelry and clothing on the website supports clinical trials of breast cancer drugs. People in the community were inspired by Beermann's effort -- and signed up to help the cause. Now there's a wide variety of service providers who are volunteering their skills to help women battling the disease. Those volunteers include hairstylists, yoga instructors and babysitters. Beermann says she's amazed at how "Let's Rock and Roll For A Cure" has grown into a support network to help patients feel stronger, healthier, and more focused while they undergo treatment.

The women who've benefited say Beermann is the amazing one -- for giving those in need a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on,  and the tools to fight the disease.

Click here to learn more about Let's Rock And Roll For A Cure.

Journey of Heroes

By Virginia Huie

Veterans Day came early for a group of World War II vets from Long Island. On September 20 they went on a flight to their past -- an Honor Flight. It's a national organization that provides free one-day trips for veterans to see the World War II Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. 

The memorial wasn't built until 2004 -- 59 years after the war ended. Many veterans now in their 80s and 90s are too frail or don't have the money to afford the airfare to make it to the memorial on their own.  Generous donors and volunteers are making the impossible possible for the aging veterans. Honor Flight picks up the tab for the plane ticket, bus fare and food. Volunteers known as "Honor Flight Guardians" help the veterans on and off the plane, push their wheelchairs and anything else they need to make their trip enjoyable.

Photojournalist Dave Garden and I had the privilege of accompanying 35 veterans from Long Island on an Honor Flight. They arrived at the airport to a hero's welcome. Complete strangers waved flags and cheered for them. When they got to the memorial the veterans marveled at the beauty of it all. The columns representing each of the fifty states, the breathtaking fountain and the inscriptions etched in stone describing their heroism.

That's Navy gunner Mort Roberts of East Northport with me on the left.  He was 17 when he enlisted. Now 82, Roberts says it was a dream come true to see the memorial.

Roberts' war buddies -- Harold Chambers of East Northport and Charles Waldman of Huntington were also there.  Waldman was particularly drawn to the Freedom Wall. It bears gold stars representing the 400,000 war dead. Among the fallen, Waldman's older brother and mentor, George. Waldman said, " I truly loved him. I mean I'm down here in his memory and I'm so happy to be here for him."

The lovely lady in the photo on the left is 91-year-old Marilouise Kelly of Hampton Bays. She was an Army nurse who served in Italy and London. The darkest moment of her service came when her brother was killed in the Battle of the Bulge.  "It's a gift for me, " said Kelly of the opportunity to come to the memorial to honor his memory.

The Long Island chapter of Honor Flight is located in Southampton. Organizer Virginia Bennett says it has more than 100 Long Island veterans on the waiting list to see the memorial. Time is not on their side. About 1,200 World War II veterans a day are dying nationwide. Some have passed away before their turn came for an Honor Flight. It costs about $250 to send one veteran on trip to Washington.  To learn more about how you can help with a donation or as a volunteer, call Honor Flight Long Island at ( 631) 702-2423.

It's a great way to say "Thank you" to the men and women who answered the call and saved the world.

To Honor Flight Long Island and the veterans -- thank you for letting me tag along. It was an unforgettable experience.

Honor Flight

By Virginia Huie

I've taken many plane rides, but the flight I took from MacArthur Airport to Washington D.C. last Saturday was one of the most memorable. The plane was filled with American heroes -- 35 World War II veterans traveling aboard an Honor Flight. The national program provides free flights to members of The Greatest Generation see the World War II Memorial on the Mall in the nation's capitol. The memorial didn't open until 2004 -- 59 years after the war ended. Now in their 80s and 90s, most of the vets are unable to make the trip to see the memorial themselves because of physical or financial constraints. Honor Flight removes these obstacles by taking care of the trip's logistics and paying for airlines tickets, food and busing. I saw many happy faces and tears of joy as the veterans saw their memorial for the first time. I heard amazing stories of service and sacrifice. You can witness their trip aboard Honor Flight on October 1 on News 12 Long Island. I hope you'll join us for a memorable journey.

A Mother's Love

By Virginia Huie

I met a remarkable woman while shooting a "12 Making A Difference" segment. Her name is Maria LeMaire of Shirley. When she married her soul mate Bill, she also became step-mother to Christopher. He's autistic. Maria never looked at Christopher as a problem child. She told me he is her "heart and soul." Over the years, Christopher became her inspiration to create programs to make life easier for children with disabilities. Maria noticed there were few recreational programs for children with autism. So she took action. She founded the "Autism Family Fun Swim and Sail" program. It provides free swim and sail lessons for autistic children at the Sayville Yacht Club in Blue Point. Something about the water, Maria says, calms the children and gives them a sense of focus and peace. For their parents, it's an opportunity to bond with other families dealing with the daily struggles of raising an autistic child. Maria calls Christopher and her adopted daughter Angelina the "lights of her life." I think Maria is one of those "thousand points of light" who is making life brighter for those who need it most. The difference she's making is inspired by a mother's love.

Click here to learn more about "Austism Family Fun Swim and Sail" program

Love on Ice

By Virginia Huie

It's 85 degrees outside. But I found a cool way to beat the heat.  I attended a wedding on ice at the Dix Hills Ice Rink Sunday.  It's the place where ice hockey buffs Dena Pagnotta and Doug Orban met 10 years ago. They're members of Island Ice Hockey League. Friendship turned into love.

Doug popped the question in January. They decided to get  hitched on the ice. Dena told me some people thought their idea was little strange.  But she and Doug wanted their wedding day to be memorable. And it was. She glided to her groom on bridal skates. Doug's eyes filled with tears.  After they exchanged "I dos,"  Dena and Doug took a celebratory skate around the rink in their "Bride" and "Groom" ice hockey jerseys.

You can watch Dena and Doug's magical ice wedding on an upcoming "Long Island Love Stories" segment. Tune in Tuesday, August 26 for the heart-warming story.

Do you have a cool Long Island Love Story to share? Tell me about it at [email protected].

Thanks for reading my blog :)

Gift of Life and Love

By Virginia Huie

Thirty-seven years ago, Charles Cornell of Shirley took Diane's hand in marriage.

This past June she gave him one of her kidneys to save his life.  Charles' kidneys were failing. He faced a 5 to 10 year wait on the transplant list for a donor. He could've died waiting. But his wife wouldn't let that happen. Diane knew in her heart she was a match. She made up her mind to donate.

The procedure took place at Stony Brook Medical Center. The couple sent love notes to each other during recovery.  Diane says it was the easiest and best thing she ever did. As Diane puts it,

"I love him and I want another 100 years with him to be by my side forever."

Now, Charles is getting stronger every day. His love for his wife has deepened. Charles told me,

"The love and devotion she has for me I could never repay her."

Thirty-seven years ago, Diane made a vow to Charles to love him in sickness and in health. She kept her promise by giving him the gift of life. That's true love.

Do you have a special Long Island love story to share? Tell us about it at [email protected].

Waves of Hope

By Virginia Huie

The smell of sea air. The sweet thunder of ocean waves.  I've always loved the beach. Recently, I learned the same waters that give surfers a thrill can also provide peace for children with autism.

A group of dedicated surf instructors known as Surf Pals in Long Beach are bringing the wonders of the ocean to these special kids. The surfers take the children out on tandem surf boards.  At first, the experience can be scary. But as soon as the children ride the waves they smile from ear to ear.  The surfers say the motion of the ocean eases the sensory overload typical in autistic children.

That's 8-year-old Matthew Capobianco of Wantagh catching a wave. Matthew told me he loves it because it makes him feel like a "surfer dude." His mom, Darlene says surfing has a calming effect on Matthew. She says it's also transformed his fear of the ocean into a love for water sports.

The lessons are free.  Surf Pals co-founder Elliot Zuckerman says he does it because he loves children.

That's Zuckerman teaching a girl how to hang ten.

Surf Pals reaches out to these children by giving them a day of friendship and fun. The parents love it because it gives them a chance to see their kids doing something many experts told them their children would never be able to do.

Click here for information about upcoming Surf Pals outings for children with special needs

Click here to learn more about Surf2Live surf school in Long Beach

Holbrook Hero

This past March, Corporal Christopher Levi returned from the battlefields of Iraq -- a wounded warrior.  The 25-year-old soldier from Holbrook lost both legs and the use of his right arm when a roadside bomb hit his humvee. But he hasn't lost his will to fight. His mom, Debbie, told me that he said, "The Army issued me a new pair of legs and it's my job to use it to the best of my ability."

Corporal Levi is now undergoing intensive rehabilitation at Walter Reed Medical Center. He's learning how to walk on prosthetic legs. His long road to recovery is paved with the love and support of many.

They include, first and foremost, his parents. I had the pleasure of meeting Corporal Levi's mother, Debbie.  Talking to her gave me an understanding of where her soldier son gets his fighting spirit. She's upbeat, loving and committed to helping her son with his toughest battle.

The Holbrook Fire Department is also giving Corporal Levi a helping hand. They're raising money to make his Holbrook home wheelchair accessible. They plan to donate their time and labor to make the renovations.

Total strangers like Glenn Diener of Medford are also helping.  Diener, a Vietnam War vet, organized a flower show benefit for Levi. And young girls from Levi's neighborhood held a lemonade sale to pitch in.

Corporal Levi will undergo about a year and half of therapy at Walter Reed Medical Center before coming home to Holbrook. The Iraq war hero has many heroes on the homefront rooting for him.

Click here to see pictures of Corporal Levi at Walter Reed Medical Center and learn how you can help.

Food Price Shock!

By Virginia Huie

Been to the supermarket lately? Then you've probably experienced food price shock. From milk, eggs, pasta, and meat, food prices are expected to jump about 5 % this year. None of this is good news for your wallet. But experts at an Affordable Food Summit say you don't have to fork over extra dough to feed your family. The bottomline -- plan ahead. It helps you concentrate your limited dollars on what you actually need rather than just buying a lot of different things that you may not need.

The Nassau County County Office of the Cornell Cooperative Extension offers these cost-cutting tips:

- Keep a grocery list. It helps you stay organized and minimize extra trips to the grocery store. That'll help save a lot gas money!

- Use coupons only for foods you normally would eat. If possible, shop on double or triple coupon days when a supermarket increases the value of coupons.

- Cut costly convenience foods. Pre-cut veggies and fruits usually cost more and won't keep as long.

- Buy in bulk. For example, buying several packages of meat when it's on sale and freezing it may save big bucks.

- Cut back on take-out. Eating lunch out can add up. If you spend $8 on lunch every day, that's $40 a week, $160 a month. Making your own lunch will likely cut that cost in half.Click here for food pantry information.Click here for cool summer savings tips.

Click here to find out how to save big bucks while food shopping!

Promise Kept, Lessons Learned

By Virginia Huie

When Elmer Driscoll dropped out of West Babylon High School in 1936, his older brother Townsend said, "Elmer, I want you to promise me something... I want you to promise me that you'll go back to school someday."

Elmer kept his promise -- 70 years later.

Soon he'll march up the aisle in a cap and gown along with 620 graduates at Ward Melville High School in East Setauket.  The 87-year-old Port Jefferson Station resident will stand out because of his age and his can-do spirit. As Elmer puts it, "Never too late to go back. Never... I don't care if you're 110 years old. Go back to school."

Elmer went back to school at age 85.  He spent two years studying for his G.E.D. at Middle Country Public Library.  Elmer says he learned a lot. His favorite subject was geography.  His least favorite -- mathematics. But Elmer got a tutor to help him because he was determined to pass his courses. His fellow classmates say he taught them about the power of persistence.  Ward Melville High School student Dan Munoz said, "I learned to never give up because he didn't."

Now, Elmer will enjoy all the pomp and ceremony he missed 70 years ago.  His picture is in the yearbook.  He'll don a tuxedo and dance at the senior prom with his niece. After receiving an honorary diploma from Ward Melville High School, he'll celebrate with a big graduation party hosted by his daughter.

By redefining what it means to be a "senior," Elmer kept a promise, inspired hundreds of students and fulfilled a lifelong dream. Elmer says he's looking forward to graduation day on June 29.

"I'm just thrilled to death about it.  I think it's wonderful."

Congratulations, Elmer!