Local resident writes about his struggles with debilitating disease
Holiday on Ice
Oyster Bay Town Councilman Joseph G. Pinto (left) and Town Clerk James Altadonna Jr. (right) recently attended the Town of Oyster Bay’s 2016 “Holiday on Ice” Skating Show held at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center in Bethpage. The “Holiday on Ice” Skating Show features skaters who are enrolled in the Ice Skating Center’s “Learn to Skate” ice-skating program and demonstrates the skating skills they have learned before family and friends in a delightful ice-skating show that celebrates the holiday season. Pictured with Councilman Pinto and Town Clerk Altadonna at the “Holiday on Ice” Skating Show are Santa Claus, New York Assemblyman Joseph Saladino and the dozens of skaters who helped to make this year’s “Holiday on Ice” Skating Show spectacular.
Mangano seeks nominations for Senior Citizen of the Year
Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano is seeking nominations for Nassau County’s 2017 Senior Citizen of the Year. This annual award recognizes two individuals who have demonstrated outstanding con-
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Friday, December 30 , 2016
Vol. 76, No. 51
cern and action for human services and community involvement relating to any age group. Nominations are being accepted through Tuesday, February 14. “There are so many seniors who have dedicated themselves
to enriching the lives of others,” said County Executive Mangano. “While this award pays tribute to two residents, I commend all of our senior citizens for the vital role they play in our comContinued on page 4...
Jericho resident, Vincent Spoto, got the call he didn’t want to hear in early 2006 while he was working as Director of Servicing, Surveillance and Loan Repurchasing on the trading floor on Wall Street. The MRI had come back and doctor’s were 99% sure that he had the progressively debilitating disease known as multiple sclerosis. “It was not one of my best days,” said Spoto. “ I ended up taking the train back from the city and went to the neurologist office to hear the results. The guy said to me, Vincent I have some good news and bad news, which do you want to hear first. Naturally being an optimist I wanted to hear the good news so he told me well I didn’t have ALS but it looks pretty clear from the MRI you do have multiple sclerosis.” From that point on he said he had follow up tests including a spinal tap and even sought out opinion’s from multiple doctor’s but it was pretty conclusive what he was dealing with. “I couldn’t believe it. i thought I’m a healthy guy, I’ve lived a healthy life, how could something like this happen to me. Usually people are diagnosed with this in their 20’s and 30’s. I was 47 when I found out I had this disease.” His diagnosis inspired him to write a book entitled, “Multiple
Sclerosis...Why not Me?” which explains his struggles with the disease and appeal to readers who are in similar situations and are looking for someone with whom they can relate. In his book he describes how he has adjusted to a host of daily routines to continue supporting an active lifestyle, all while maintaining a positive attitude and keeping an optimistic outlook for the future. “In the early stages of the disease I did not experience too many physical symptoms except for a clumsy stumble here and there,” said Spoto. “But over the years since my diagnosis I developed an obvious physical limp, had to have a surgical pump installed for my muscle spasticity and now I use a cane and walker to get around. Basically the book takes people through the different stages of the disease.” In the book he talks about how he has had to readjust his lifestyle because of the disease. He describes waking up an extra hour early in the morning to get dressed and get in the shower and going about his daily routine. “It’s gotten to the point where it’s tough for me to get in and out of my car so now I do things like find businesses that offer drive-thru service to make it easier on me.” Continued on page 4...
2016: The Year in Review PAGE 4 Berry Hill Holiday Boutique PAGE 14 Latkes at Jericho Jewish Center PAGE 8