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Who Were the 10 Most Influential People in 2012

We've been through a lot; now it's time to recognize those who made a difference.

As an eventful year draws to a close, Patch again is seeking nominations for the most influential people of the Plainview-Old Bethpage community for 2012.

We need your selections and a short message about why your candidate is deserving. Please see the comment below; they offer great ideas for our nominations. We'll be adding more, but deadline is approaching.

We've been through a lot this year; our community has grieved the loss of children, suffered through a hurricane and endured a national election.

We ask for you to reflect on your choices, whether they be public figures or private people, and tell us your choices in the comment thread below. We would prefer to keep the process open, so please avoid emails. Deadline for nominations is Dec. 25.

Like last year, we'll compile a list of the top 10 people who made a difference in Plainview, and choose a winner. See that story here.

Thanks in advance; jd

Mike Polansky December 5, 2012 at 12:17 pm
GRETCHEN BROWNE, Director of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library. She has realized and then maintained POBPL's status as a 5 Star Library, one of the few on Long Island, and has led the march of our Library into the 21st Century, with an uncanny grasp of how to best utilize the new technology that allows libraries to enhance theor service to the community, while at the same time preserving the traditions and services that keep "old school" patrons at home in the Libarary.
Thank's to Mrs. Browne's leadership, the Library continues to be a true center of community life in POB, no more so than when local residents made themselves at home in the Library in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.
Gary Talkofsky December 5, 2012 at 07:30 pm
Andrew Bader. he has really done a good job monitoring Plainview's Water. Many water plants were rebuilt and opened, Plainivew has the best tasting water in the New York Downstate region.
Joe Dowd (Editor) December 5, 2012 at 08:45 pm
Two excellent candidates. Let's keep them coming. Thank you. jd
Joe Dowd (Editor) December 6, 2012 at 05:07 pm
I'll offer a few thoughts of my own: Rabbis Senter, Churgel, and Conn; Pastor Olsen, Dr. Lorna Lewis, Gretchen Browne, the entire Plainview Fire Department for its work after Sandy, Coach Rogler, Gary Epstein and the the Chamber of Commerce for a very big year promoting Plainview. All sorts of local kids who made a difference, especially one who isn't with us any more except in our hearts: Spencer Reis. The list could go on and on. Please help me nominate as many people as possible. jd
Marilyn December 9, 2012 at 02:58 am
Joe, I agree with you. I think it would be a great idea to nominate a few of our local children who made a difference! You mentioned Spencer Reis & although he is no longer with us, he is definitely a wise choice! I second the nomination....
Joan M. December 11, 2012 at 01:41 am
LOUIS IMBROTO, the young man who ran for assembly this year. after sandy, in the middle of the campaign, he spent his time trying to get the neighborhood cleaned up, volunteering at food and clothing drives, and going door to door personally to see if there was anything he could do for us
Marilyn December 19, 2012 at 12:13 pm
Mr. James Murray who is the principal of POBJFK High School. I just read his speech that he delivered yesterday during opening announcements. He has been a very hardworking administrator & leader since he joined our district...
Joel December 24, 2012 at 01:06 pm
Town of Oyster Bay Highway Dept for their work after storms Sandy & Athena. TOB's work for our neighborhoods was better than in any other Town. Clearing downed trees & roads and the continuing clearing of debris was exemplary.
Wendi Gross December 24, 2012 at 03:21 pm
Dr. Lorna Lewis & Mr. James Murray...both of these administrators in our district have been extremely sympathetic & professional in the way they have handled a lot of difficult issues over the past year...deaths of teachers & students, Hurricane Sandy, Sandy Hook, etc. They are both extremely dedicated to our community and approachable at any time. We are very luck to have them both!
Eileen December 24, 2012 at 04:00 pm
I agree with Gretchen Browne, the POB Library went over and above during the storm, and the staff always had a smile, even though many of them also had no power.
JOE December 25, 2012 at 10:29 pm
Judy Jacobs should be recognized for her efforts during Sandy. She was one of the only elected officials to not only be accessible but had to true desire to help people by putting her personal cell phone number on her office answering machine. I called Venditto, schumer, Gilibrandt , Israel,and a few others . The only person to personally call me back several times was Judy . For that she deserves to be recognized for making a difference in a time when we have so many useless politicians that do not make a difference .
Joe Dowd (Editor) December 26, 2012 at 07:40 am
Friends: the poll on the finalists will be up Wednesday at 5 am. Please vote and tell your friends. Thanks. jd

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Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
George June 7, 2013 at 07:50 am
yes, found out the hard way at one of these traps in Hicksville.
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