Many of this site's readers are scattered about the planet -- the Islanders diaspora, if you will -- but for locals or for your friends back home, the creators of the Lighthouse at Long Island proposal are asking: Will you be attending the Aug. 4 rally?
I'd stop short of calling it the biggest day in Islanders history -- that's reserved for the ice. But I would venture it's the biggest day for the Islanders' future, which is why Islesblogger, 7th Woman and Point Blank were among the online avenues spreading the word about the rally before the public hearings that day.
It is of course a political issue, a development issue and an issue affecting the direction of Long Island. Nick at Let There Be Light(house) has often stressed this and thus discouraged people from wearing Islanders gear to this and other events, to avoid narrowing its scope in the minds of people on the fence.
But for this site's purpose, you bet it's an Islanders issue. No building, no team. No team, no outlet for our vicarious highs and lows. (And egad, no more Cups.) I'm not one who could see myself rooting on the Islanders in another region, under another name -- much less continuing this site in such circumstances -- so this is huge. To that end, the prospects for the Lighthouse project have finally been looking up in recent months. So while I won't be there -- can't be there -- I'll be rooting it on in spirit, on my birthday, hoping for movement that's best for all concerned. [Full day details after the jump.]
8 a.m., Tuesday, August 4, 2009, Nassau Coliseum, Lot 8
Leaders from the surrounding communities, labor, as well as fans and supporters of the project will rally and march to the Lighthouse project public hearing at the Adams Playhouse on the campus of Hofstra University.
Islanders TV announcer Howie Rose will emcee the rally. Guest speakers include Islanders owner Charles Wang, Islanders Alumni players and local elected officials. Islanders forwards Josh Bailey and Joel Rechlicz will be on site meeting fans and offering support.
8:45: March of the Islanders
The rally will conclude and everyone will march from Lot 8 to the Adams Playhouse for the 9:30 a.m. start of the public hearing.
"Just Build It!" T-shirts will be available for the first 2,000 people in attendance. Parking at the Coliseum will be free of charge.
That's an early and long day. But it is history. And hey, free parking.