Dorothy Lee Fracchia (Kines) “Timmie” was born Aug. 29, 1918, in Washington, DC, to John and Margaret Kines. Timmie completed her registered nurses training at Providence Hospital in Washington DC and joined the war effort. Timmie was a US Army Nurse from March 6, 1942, to Feb. 27, 1946, and attained the Rank of First Lieutenant. Initially she was stationed at Lowry Field, Colorado, specializing in medical ward nursing. Subsequently she transferred to Fitzsimons General Hospital in Denver, Colorado for anesthesia training. Timmie served as anesthetist there for 25 months. She was then transferred overseas with the 137th Evacuation Hospital to France and Germany where she was stationed for nine months. Timmie was awarded the American Theatre Ribbon, European Theatre Ribbon and the Victory Medal.

On Feb. 2, 1946 she married Dr. Alfred Fracchia and moved to New York City eventually settling in Plandome. Her family was her life. The couple went on to have seven children, 20 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Her memory lives on in her children, their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: son Dr. John Fracchia and his wife, Mary; son Paul Fracchia and his wife, Joanne; son Robert Fracchia and his wife, Karen; daughter Diane Monte-Bovi and her husband, Paul; her son Alfred Fracchia and his wife, Mary-Jo; her daughter Claudia Brasch and her husband, Arthur; her son Dr. Michael Fracchia and his wife, Tina.

Timmie was an active volunteer at St. Francis Hospital assisting in the ER and participated in numerous fundraising events. She was a devoted member of the St. Mary’s congregation and the Rosary Altar Society.

MWCABC Ladies Night Out Committee Chairwomen

By Debbie Colalillo

The Manhasset Women’s Coalition Against Breast Cancer (MWCABC) hosted its 19th Annual Ladies Night Out on Oct. 21. Over 500 women gathered at Leonard’s Palazzo to support the coalition and celebrate their ongoing work in the fight against breast cancer. Ladies Night Out is the coalition’s principal fundraising event of the year and a legion of volunteers generously gave of their time and talents to make the night a success. Their hard work was evident throughout the warmly elegant room where guests shopped the vendor boutique, bid at the silent auction tables and purchased raffles for prizes big and small.

Cochairs Brenda Donnelly and Jeannie Kim opened the evening’s program with a warm welcome to the capacity crowd who came out to support MWCABC that evening. They thanked their committee for their endless enthusiasm over the weeks and months it took to organize LNO and expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to lead an event that has such a positive impact on the community.

MWCABC President Marybeth Accurso then took the podium to thank all involved with making the evening a success. She acknowledged the supporters, donors, underwriters and honored guests who all make it possible for the coalition to continue the work of battling breast cancer through education, outreach and research.

The highlight of the evening was guest speaker Geralyn Lucas, who was introduced by board member Lynn Minutillo. Diagnosed with breast cancer at age 27, Lucas chronicled her journey in her brash and brazen memoir, Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy. In a presentation that was at times sassy and at times poignant, Lucas took the audience on a journey through her battle with breast cancer and her upbeat attitude infused the room as she spoke of her decision to fight with courage, strength and hope. The conclusion of her talk was met with a rousing standing ovation.

Ladies Night Out 2015 raised over $200,000 for the Manhasset Women’s Coalition Against Breast Cancer. Those funds will be used to continue the coalition’s three-pronged mission of funding research, increasing awareness through education and providing outreach services to those with breast cancer and related diseases.

To date, the MWCABC has raised and donated over $3.3 million to cancer research and community outreach.

For the past nine years, male members of Strathmore Vanderbilt Country Club along with some friends from Manhasset, Plandome and Port Washington have donated their time and money on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. The group meets at King Kullen, split into small groups and, with shopping lists in hand, move up and down the aisles gathering items for families for Thanksgiving dinner. They pull turkeys and all the trimmings, paper goods and breakfast foods and when done deliver directly to several families in Manhasset and Great Neck that the Economic Opportunity Council (EOC) provides.

Many are regulars and have been donating and helping for years. Even if they can’t make the Tuesday date they still send their checks so that they can help out as many families as possible. Some bring their children to share the giving experience so they will know the importance of giving back and helping others less fortunate. When done we share our experiences, some very touching, and toast our efforts at Edisons in Manhasset.

We welcome anyone that would like to participate in the future. We are looking to increase the number of families we can assist. If interested, contact Elliot Fleishhacker at elliotfleishhacker@gmail.com.

“If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.” — W. Clement Stone

Celebrating its 26th year of classical choral performances, the Varsity Choral Society (VCS) will proudly present its 26th Annual Holiday Concert on Sunday, Dec. 20, at 4 p.m. at the Congregational Church of Manhasset.

Led by Director Craig S. Tocher and accompanied by an orchestra comprised of strings, oboes, trumpets, organ and timpani, VCS will perform “Dettingen Te Deum” by George Frideric Handel and Christmas songs arranged by John Rutter. Soloists will be Jason Hendrix (of the Metropolitan Opera), Melissa Maravell (formerly of the New York City Opera), April Lindevald (formerly of the New York City Opera and currently a soloist with the Congregational Church of Manhasset), Molly Davey (a soloist with the Congregational Church of Manhasset), Robert B.G. Horowitz (a soloist with the Congregational Church of Manhasset), Roger Feuss and Joseph d’Angelo, as well as a trio performed by Nancy Morris, Lynne Stebbins and Jan Richardson. The evening will conclude with a traditional audience sing-along of favorite Christmas carols.

VCS’s membership consists of both professional and amateur vocalists from Manhasset, Port Washington and the greater Town of North Hempstead. Every year, the choir embraces performing ambitious programs and has built a faithful audience; its concerts regularly attract more than 300 people.

“Our members have such diverse backgrounds and careers,” says Horowitz, who founded VCS in 1989. “But what’s kept us going strong for 26 years is shared love of fine choral music. Our audience is as devoted as we are, and that makes every concert a real celebration.”

VCS is the specialized choral division within Play Troupe, Inc. It was originally formed to honor Jerald B. Stone, a choral director at Paul D. Schreiber High School in Port Washington, who led a school ensemble named “The Varsity Choir” and later served as VCS’s first director. Stone inspired his students to pursue excellence in music and forge long-lasting collaborations—a legacy now carried forward by Tocher and the current ensemble.

Tickets to the Annual Holiday Concert are $20 and will be available at the door on the day of the performance. The Congregational Church of Manhasset is located at 1845 Northern Blvd. For more information, contact redhorowitz@gmail.com.

Anil Wadhwani

Laura Maurischat

Plandome Heights Mayor Ken Riscica has made two appointments to Village of Plandome Heights Board. Laura Maurischat was appointed to the Architectural Review Board (ARB) to fill the unexpired five-year term of departing member Richard Hirt. Hirt served the village for many years, including being chair of the ARB. He recently moved out of the village. Maurischat has lived in Plandome Heights since 2008. She has renovated and expanded a home on Bournedale and recently completed her new home on Shore Road. With her extensive experience with the village processes and procedures, she will be a valuable asset to the board.

Anil Wadhwani was appointed to the Building and Zoning Board (BZA) as an alternate member. Wadhwani established residence in Plandome Heights in 1995 and built his home on vacant land on Bay Driveway. He is a mechanical engineer by background. The BZA does not have an alternate member so he is being appointed to this new position. The two positions were unanimously approved by Plandome Heights’ Board of Trustees in September.

Thanks to the generosity of Plandome residents, Jackie and Tom Nastos, the Plandome Woman’s Club had the rare opportunity to visit Coterie at the Javits Center. They were able to see firsthand what buyers will be purchasing for the Spring 2016 collection. Some of the lucky attendees were Carol DiAndrea (president), Jackie Nastos, Alice King, Mary Kay Connors (vice president), Betty Craco, Joan Eigo, Francesca Runge, Mary Furlong, Joyce Hein, Marline Nowicki, Sandy Rosseland, Diane Harragan, Stacy Parisi, Carol Keeoh, Catherine Volin and Catherine Gallagher.

Vincent M. Pacienza, M.D.
Vincent M. Pacienza M.D., F.A.C.C. ,61, Cardiologist and Doctor of Internal Medicine died peacefully at his home in Manhasset on Oct. 7, 2015.
Dr. Pacienza was born February 22, 1954 in Greensburg, PA. He was the son of Betty Pacienza and the late Anthony Pacienza  He graduated from Hempfield High School in 1972 in Greensburg and received a B.A. from Washington and Jefferson College in 1976.  He attended Medical School in Mexico at Nuevo Leon University.  Dr. Pacienza was a Cardiologist at St. Francis Hospital before opening his own private practice in Manhasset.    Dr. Pacienza is survived by his loving mother Betty and his two sons Vincent and Nicholas.  A memorial mass will be held at St. Mary’s R.C. Church, Manhasset  on Tuesday Oct. 13 at 11:15 a.m.  He will be missed by his family, patients and friends for his kindness and caring.

The Manhasset Public Library together with its Art Advisory Committee and Exhibitions Coordinator, Amy Finkston, announces a new art exhibit: About One Color. This exhibit is a mixed media presentation providing the viewer with the unique opportunity of seeing the variety of images that can be presented when the artist limits his/her palette to one color mixed with black and white. This is a fascinating exhibit of beauty in one color for your enjoyment. About One Color can be seen in the library’s Community Room Art Gallery.

There is a special exhibit of photographs in memory of Arthur Laxer, the featured artist, who has participated in many Manhasset Public Library exhibits prior to his death. That exhibit can be seen adjacent to the director’s office on the library’s third floor.

The exhibit will run from Sunday, Dec. 6, until noon, Friday, Jan. 29, 2016. An Artists’ Reception will be held this, from 2 to 4 p.m.. For more information about viewing hours in the Community Room Art Gallery call the library at 516-627-2300. Images on exhibit at other locations within the library may be viewed during its normal business hours.

Easy access to prescription drugs continues to top the list of reasons why teens abuse prescription drugs.

By Ivy Jin

The dangers of prescription drugs in households extend far past a teen’s curiosity. In our present age, an increasing number of adolescents are looking to prescription drugs as a coping mechanism for reasons other than to simply get high. Recent reports have shown that teenagers are abusing prescription drugs to aid in curbing anxiety, losing weight and staying focused. These problems suggest that the emotional and physical problems faced by teens may be even graver than previously thought. Thus, parents should be even more cautious and observant of the actions of their teens, especially as newer pressures arise, both from in and out of school. As the decision-making skills of teens are slowly developing, the role of parents becomes incredibly important. This is especially true when the need to fit in slowly begins to cloud the judgments of various adolescents.

Along with these circumstances, one should also keep in mind that much of the reasoning behind the use of prescription drugs by teens is the incorrect and widely misled belief that prescription drugs are safer than street drugs. This supports the idea that the context drugs are placed in play a huge factor in their use. Teens are more likely to view prescription drugs sitting in their parents’ medicine cabinet as “safe” in comparison to something that may be found on the concrete. In order to ensure the healthy and happy growth of a teenager, proper disposal of prescription drugs and enforcement of sound and moral judgment are effective ways for curbing the possibility of teen prescription drug abuse.

A memorial mass will be celebrated in the memory of Isabel on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 9:45am at St. Edward the Confessor Church in Syosset, NY.
Isabel passed away on Sunday, December 6, 2015 after courageous battle with ALS. Isabel’s outlook on life was always optimistic, she never complained and always had a brave and cheerful perspective on life.
Isabel is survived by her husband, Richard (Dick) of 50 years; daughters, Pamela Martocci (Frank), Laura Brininger and son, R. Scott (Michelle). She was the cherished Grandmother of Caroline, Stephen, Andrew, Nicholas, Connor and Shane. She is also survived by many loving relatives and dear friends.
Isabel touched many lives through her volunteering and outreach programs. She will be greatly missed.
Please join the family in a celebration of Isabel’s life.

Munsey Park Elementary

Parents of children who will be 5 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2016 and who live within the boundaries of the Manhasset Public Schools may register their children, by appointment only, on the following dates at both Munsey Park and Shelter Rock Elementary Schools.

Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016, 4 to 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016, 4 to 7 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016, 4 to 6 p.m.

Please call your respective school, Munsey Park at 516-267-7405, or Shelter Rock at 267-7450, in order to make an appointment to register your child on one of these dates.

Additionally, prior to the date of your appointment, please pick up a Manhasset Public Schools Registration Packet at the Main Office of the school that your child will attend.

Please refer to the Manhasset School Board Policies listed below for important information on registration requirements and attendance zone boundaries by visiting the website at www.manhassetschools.org/domain/96

• Manhasset School Board Policy 5151, Admission of Resident Students and Regulation
• School Board Policy 5151R, Admission of Resident Students, Regulation
• Manhasset School Board Policy 5120, Attendance Boundaries

It is very important for placement that all kindergarten registration is processed on the above-mentioned dates so that the school district may get an accurate estimate of the enrollment for the incoming kindergarten classes.

By Jeanette Walowitz

Twenty years, three generations and hundreds of people—that’s the annual Mitzvah Day by the numbers which took place Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore (RSNS). For over 20 years, our children, teens, parents and staff members come together to serve the needy and the elderly of Nassau County. In the words of one congregant, Orly, “it’s great for our children to become community-minded and move out of their comfort zone,” as they realize how they can help people in a world so much in need of repair. Every grade in the synagogue school, directed by Rabbi Jodie Siff, participates in a specially designed service project, either on the grounds of RSNS or in the community.

Orly’s sixth grader was part of the Daylight Run, a program run by Cantor Eric Shulmiller, which enlists volunteers to prepare meals at home and deliver them to the homeless at Hempstead Train Station, in cooperation with “Food Not Bombs.” In the social hall, 35 seniors from the Bristol Residences in Westbury were treated to a luncheon prepared by volunteers. One senior, Mary Castara, exclaimed, “Everywhere I look, I see beauty!” One third grader explained, “I feel happy inside when I make people happy.”

Behind the scenes, 20 volunteers, led by Jillian Weisman, and fifth graders prepared 150 bagged lunches for the homeless who are served by the soup kitchen and shelter, Interfaith Nutrition Network (INN) in Hempstead. Rabbi Lee Friedlander worked alongside the volunteers, bringing his 40 years of experience in the rabbinate to secure and box each bag for delivery. One benefit of the work is that many people in need feel embarrassed to walk into the soup kitchen’s dining room, preferring instead to pick up a meal anonymously. Rabbi Lee recalled some more numbers: RSNS prepares and packs lunches six times a year, plus Mitzvah Day, yielding over 1,000 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. A student in the Bat Mitzvah class reminds us it’s about a lot more than numbers, though: “Feeding the hungry and the poor is always a good thing to do.”

The Roslyn Trinity Cooperative Day School held its annual pancake breakfast, a long-standing school tradition and favorite fall family event.

More than 200 people attended the breakfast with school parents flipping flapjacks, organizing pumpkin-themed craft projects and hosting a raffle to help support the school’s educational initiatives.

The event was a chance for families and staff to honor Lindi Nubel for her 20 years as director of the school. A committee of parents presented Nubel with an originally written poem and beautifully handcrafted scrapbook of pictures and letters from families paying tribute to her two decades of accomplishments.

“Lindi’s incredible leadership and expertise are the solid foundation of the co-op,” one parent said. “Cultivated from that foundation, the teachers bring to life a most wondrous child-centered environment.”

To learn more, call 516-621-3380.

For some, completing the Rubik’s Cube puzzle is a challenge. For others, it’s a race.

On Saturday, Nov. 21, 100 of the nation’s fastest speedcubers came to the Manhasset High School cafeteria to compete in a one day speedcubing competition. The all-day event was organized by Alex Maass, a 10th grader at Manhasset High School, and was officially sanctioned by the World Cube Association. The competition featured five events, including solving the cube one handed, solving the 2×2 cube, the 4×4 cube, the pyraminx puzzle as well as the classic 3×3 Rubik’s cube. Boy Scout volunteers from Manhasset’s Troop 71 were on hand throughout the day to help make the event run smoothly. Proceeds raised from registration fees were donated to Manhasset PASE (Parent Association for Special Education) to help fund special education programs in Manhasset.

What better way to kickoff the wrestling season than winning your own tournament? The Manhasset Wrestling team captured the team title in the third annual Manhasset Wrestling Team Invitational. The tournament featured 10 Nassau County schools and was the first competition of the season for the Manhasset Wrestling team. Three Manhasset wrestlers captured individual crowns for their respective weight classes. Kevin Berger came in first place at 126 lbs., winning by a score of 2 to 1 in a thrilling overtime match in the finals. The next champion was sophomore Jared Gudino at 138 lbs., who defeated his teammate Tyson Morgano by a score 6 to 3. Sophomore William Yang captured the 182 lbs. title by winning his finals match by a score of 9 to 6. Other members of the team that contributed to the team title were second place finishers Robert Lunetta, Tyson Morgano, Peter Boyadjian and Chris Halleran. Third place finishers for the Indians were juniors James Ficano and Chris Meditz. Junior Jack Tortora also had a strong showing, taking fifth place and going 3 to 1 on the day. Dylan Pang and Andrew Torpe both took sixth place.

The neighboring Incorporated Villages of Munsey Park, Plandome and Flower Hill illuminated the streets at dusk on Sunday, Dec. 5, with a blaze of lights dotting the front of properties. The display was incredibly beautiful when all joined together. Santa Claus visited the area on top of his faithful firetruck to the joy of kids of all ages. This beautiful tradition was started by Tara Kirkwood of Munsey Park and has spread to the villages of Manhasset with the help of the women’s clubs. Friends and neighbors gathered to enjoy and bask in the glow of light the night.

The Munsey Park Tigers attended Tigermania for the Shelter Rock District Scouts in November. This event was held at Notre Dame School in New Hyde Park. The Tigers (all first graders) were able to play games, do crafts and see what they would be able to do as they progressed in Scouting.

All members (first through fifth grade) of Pack 3 also helped to rake leaves at Congregational Church in Manhasset the next day.

By Bob Rule

The Manhasset Booster Club celebrated the fourth induction of athletes and coaches to the Manhasset Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday, Nov. 21. Only in Manhasset can an event in a high school gym be catered by a five-star restaurant. Thanks to the Miller family and La Coquille restaurant for their excellent hors d’oeuvres.

The evening honored four outstanding athletes, one coach and the lacrosse teams from the years 1962 to 1965.

Pam McDonough led off the evening by introducing Sandy Hoffman. Hoffman was an outstanding multi-sport athlete at Manhasset High School who later made a career as a Hall of Fame coach of volleyball at Bentley University. She follows her mother, Barbara Hoffman, into the Manhasset Athletic Hall of Fame. They are the first mother-daughter combination to enter the Manhasset Hall of Fame. Sadly, after a courageous battle against cancer, she passed away before the ceremony.

Bob McDonald was introduced by his son. Again, an outstanding multi-sport athlete, McDonald was the quarterback on the football team for two years and was one of the finest baseball players Manhasset has ever produced. He played baseball at Rutgers University and was drafted by a major league team.

Gary Burns was introduced by his lacrosse coach, Bob Rule. A talented multi-sport athlete, Burns started on the football team, the basketball team and the lacrosse team during his tenure at Manhasset High School. He was the second-leading scorer on the basketball team his senior year and haul in eight touchdown passes his senior year in football. In lacrosse, Burns was the first Manhasset player to earn All-American honors in his junior and senior year. Coach Rule commented that on every all-time Manhasset squad he has put together, Burns is always one of the three starting defensemen.

Richie Moran, legendary Manhasset lacrosse coach, introduced Walter “Tiger” Jacobi. Tiger was the mainstay of the 1964 and 1965 Manhasset lacrosse teams that won a Long Island championship in 1964 and was runner up to Huntington in the Long Island championship in 1965. He was also a member of the 1963 team that captured the Long Island title. His combined varsity record was 54-3. His skills were legendary as he captured All Nassau County honors as a midfielder in 1964 and 1965.

In addition, he was named the most valuable player in the 1965 Nassau County championship game. In football, Coach Ed Walsh called Tiger one of the two best backs to play at Manhasset. The other back, of course, was the incomparable Jim Brown.

Finally, two of his stellar players, Garth Weber and Joe Capella, introduced lacrosse Coach Moran. Coach Moran was at Manhasset for only four years, but his teams set the standard for all the teams that followed his era. Starting in 1962 and ending in 1965, his teams participated in three straight Long Island championships from 1963 to 1965. He established a tradition of success that reverberates to this day in Manhasset.

He later coach Cornell University to three national championships and is a member of the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

Finally, the players from the 1962 to 1965 lacrosse teams stand up to be recognized. These were, “Richie’s Boys,” the young men who played for Coach Moran. Many returned to their alma mater for the first time to honor Coach Moran and to revisit the playing fields were they earned so much success. Their legacy is the nationally recognized lacrosse program Manhasset has had since 1965.

Manhasset longtime swimmers Kylie Mulholland and Grace Kenlon with Head Swim Coach Matt McGrane

On Thursday, Nov. 19, Manhasset swimmers Kylie Mulholland, Grace Kenlon, Allegra Sodi, Megan Smith, Madeleine Kang, Claire McNeary and Garrity Kuester traveled with Nassau’s State Team to Ithaca, NY to compete in the New York State Championships, which was being held on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21 and 22 at Ithaca College.

At Friday’s preliminaries, a record number of five swimmers competing in two individual events each and two relays represented the Manhasset High School Indians. Friday’s goal was to improve the seed place and qualify for Saturday’s finals. Historically, many of New York’s state qualifiers achieve their personal best time to qualify for States and have a tough time matching that performance on the biggest stage for high school swimming. With a group of seven returning swimmers, Manhasset swimmers were experienced, poised and had higher expectations.

The Indians had a strong showing on Friday, qualifying both relays (200yd. Medley and 200yd. Free) and six individual swims for Saturday’s State Finals.

At Saturday’s finals, the girls had another strong performance, often improving their seed from Friday’s preliminaries.

The 200 Medley relay team of Kenlon, Sodi, Smith, Kuester finished 26th.

In the 200 IM, McNeary finished fourth place with a new school record time of 2:05.09. Senior Mulholland finished 14th place in a personal best time of 2:08.84.

In the 100 Butterfly, Smith finished 13th place, swimming a season best 58.14 and McNeary finished 21st in a season best time of 59.12.

Mulholland also placed 22nd in the 500 Freestyle and Smith 16th on the 100 Breaststroke.
Manhasset’s 200 Free Relay team of Kenlon, Kang, Kuester, Mulholland did well.

Before the meet was concluded Manhasset six-year varsity swimmers Kenlon and Mulholland were both recognized for individual honors. Kenlon was selected as Nassau County State Team’s Good Sport Award and Mulholland was recognized as a Scholar Athlete.

When the meet was concluded team scores were read off. Over 100 different teams had qualifiers competing at States. The Indians finished 20th as a team out of 83 teams that scored points.
Congratulations on an outstanding season.

Soke Tony Morrison of Top Gun Karate, a martial arts school here in Manhasset, was on Fox 5 News on Tuesday, Dec. 8, with three of his students to demonstrate how to survive in an active shooter situation. The demonstration showed how kids could stop a gunman, but may not have stressed enough that children should stay out of harm’s way as much as possible.

The segment was titled, “Caught in the chaos: How to Teach Your Kids to Fight Back.”With the recent terror attacks in San Bernardino and Paris, parents are concerned for their children’s safety.