What Are You Thankful For?

A common question that is asked as Thanksgiving approached is "What are you thankful for?" Many people who contribute to the East Meadow community wanted a venue to make these feelings public, so check below.

Carl Pugliese, Chief

• As I head into the last few months as my term as Chief of the East Meadow Fire Department, I am thankful for being given the opportunity by my peers to lead the best Fire Department on Long Island, and I am thankful for my family for all their support during my time in office.

Carol Nissenbaum, East Meadow Resident

• I am thankful to have found a new job that I really like, and I hope all my friends are soon equally lucky. I am thankful for my family, friends and dog, and can't wait for my son to return safely from his semester in London on Dec. 10.

Patricia Maher, Legislative Candidate for 13th L.D.

• I'm thankful that my immediate family members are with me and I'm thankful to be living in a wonderful caring community like East Meadow.

Steven J. Walerstein, Medical Director at

• I am thankful for the opportunity to work with a staff of professionals whose dedication to their patients and their community makes me want to do my best every day.

Jonathan Laico, East Meadow Resident

• After two tough Thanksgiving seasons in a row, I'm thankful to have two feet on the floor. I'm also thankful to be surrounded by family, friends and loved ones at my Thanksgiving table this year.

Bill Alderman, East Meadow Citizens Patrol

• I am thankful that my son will be graduating college this May to pursue his lifelong goal as an educator and coach and that my wife’s new children’s book has gotten such a positive response, reviews and endorsements. I am also thankful that I am able to have a job that affords me the time and money to help those that may not be as thankful as me this year.

Kevin Regan, East Meadow High School Athletic Director

• I am thankful for a loving and supportive family, especially my beautiful wife and daughter. Also, I am proud and grateful to work with the terrific staff and students at

Eileen Napolitano, East Meadow Resident

• I am thankful for my children, who make me want to do a better job every day.

Matt Fisher, Master Chef at RUB BBQ

• I'm thankful so many of our troops will be coming home for the holidays and I'm thankful for friends and family.

Sharon Sultan, East Meadow High School Graduate

• I'm thankful that we will be enjoying turkey with our brand newborn Emily Cutler and her parents. I wish we were with my grandson James, but the 10-month old is visiting India for his first trip abroad!

Shelley Lotenberg, Director of Public Affairs at NUMC

• I am thankful to my family for their love and support throughout the year and to my co-workers at the NuHealth System for sharing my commitment to provide quality, safe care to our vulnerable populations and to our surrounding communities every day of the year, 24/7.

Allen Levy, East Meadow Resident

• In this year, I have to be thankful for people who are out there making a difference. I am also thankful that I was able to gain employment to support myself and my family. I know many people who have not been so lucky.

Michael Ganci, East Meadow Patch Editor

• I am thankful to have the support of my friends and my family as I undertake new challenges both personally and professionally, and I am also thankful for all of the men and women who spend every waking moment protecting us.