Rockville Centre Herald 06-17-2021

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Grillo, Conlon elected to RVC village board

By MIKE SMOLLINS msmollins@liherald.com

Tom Carrozza/Herald

NICK AND FABIANA Pellicani celebrated the opening of Gabi’s Garden, which memorializes their daughter, who died of brain cancer at age 5.

Gabi’s garden grows unity

Memorial dedicated to late St. Mark’s student

By TOM CARROZZA tcarrozza@liherald.com

On Oct. 16, 2018, Rockville Centre lost a very special girl.

Gabriella Pellicani, known to her friends and family as Gabi, died of brain cancer at age 5.

On June 6, St. Mark’s Cooperative Nursery School unveiled a tribute to her, Gabi’s Garden, to ensure that her brave battle with the disease and its impact on the community will not be

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forgotten.

Gabi and her parents, Fabiana and Nick Pellicani, were relatively new to the village when she died, having moved from the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn in June 2017.

But in just over a year in the village, Gabi earned the admiration of her peers and teachers with her love of life, despite enduring harrowing radiation treatments.

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GABRIELLA PELLICANI

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When polls closed in Rockville Centre on Tuesday night, incumbent Katie Conlon Emilio Grillo and newcomer Katie Conlon were elected to the village board for four-year terms over challenger Mark Albarano.

Grillo and Conlon both ran on the RVC Family Party line, while Albarano ran as an independent.

Grillo received 1,157 votes, while Conlon garnered 1,136 and Albarano netted 915. Kevin McDonough received 1,222 votes in an uncontested race for a fouryear term as village justice.

Grillo said he was “humbled and honored” to be re-elected to a third term after also winning voters’ support in 2013 and 2017.

“As I pledged in my campaign, I look forward to finishing what I started,” he said, “and remain committed to continued collaboration with our mayor and village board, and a civil, honest and transparent government.”

Grillo has been a resident of the village since 1999. He was the village prosecutor from 2004 to 2013, and first ran for trustee in 2006. He is now a partner at the

law firm Goldberg Segalla.

Conlon was born and raised i n Ro c k v i l l e Centre, and is now raising her three children Emilio Grillo in the village.

When she moved back to the area 12 years ago, she left her job as a nurse practitioner at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Since then she has immersed herself in local organizations.

“I look forward to bringing my vast experience, unique perspective and dedication to the board,” Conlon said, “and I am humbled that the community has placed trust in me.” She also expressed her gratitude to those who helped her and to the community for its support and encouragement.

Albarano, a lifelong village resident, was embarking on his first campaign for local office. He spent 26 years at the New York City Police Department, and has been the commissioner of public safety for the Town of North Hempstead since last August.

Tom Carrozza contributed to this story.

SSHS Centre Stage hosts premiere

By TOM CARROZZA tcarrozza@liherald.com

As with many things during the coronavirus pandemic, South Side High School’s Centre Stage production looked a little bit different this year. The usual live stage play of skits turned into a movie premiere, where the stars got a red carpet entrance in front of a crowd many on the John A. Anderson Recreation Centre lawn on June 10.

Dozens of the cast members’ friends and family in the special education program filled Veterans’ Park for the inaugural screening of the annual production, which started in 2008. Each performer got to have their walk down the red carpet before sitting together to watch the video on the big screen.

The students’ reactions nearly stole their own show, as they replicated their on-screen dancing and riffed at their performances.

Lila Naccari, a senior at South Side and the co-president of Centre Stage, said she was thrilled with the show’s format and the large turnout. Naccari has been involved with the program since she was 10-years-old because of her connection with director Ellen White. She debuted in the 2013 iteration: “Neverland: A South Side Story.”

Throughout her time at both the middle school and high school, Naccari has been a constant in the program.

This year, though, was significantly different with some Covid-19 regulations still in effect. The production got off and running via Zoom in March and eventually migrated to the stage with masks and social distancing over the past two months.

“I’m just so grateful that we got to do it in-person,” Naccari said. “So, the fact that we could even have this audience here means so much to me.” Last year’s edition

Courtesy of the Naccaris

STUDENTS AND THEIR families and friends took in Centre Stage’s 2021 production premiere at Veterans’ Park. was completely virtual with students filming themselves introducing others to their homes.

Director Ellen White has been involved in the program since 2008. “It’s the highlight of the year for me,” she said.

“To me it’s more about building community by showing up on the first day of rehearsal with nothing and working together for a final product like they had tonight.”

The show was Dr. Noreen Leahy’s final one before her retirement at the end of the school year. Leahy, the district’s assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services and special education, was instrumental in the growth of the program from its inception.

“This has always been the most heartwarming, important thing I ever did in the district,” Leahy said. “I could become an astronaut and go to the moon and I don’t think

I would ever feel as accomplished as I do just seeing the legacy of Centre Stage, and that it’s been able to grow and thrive and been a source of such joy for students and their families.” Leahy praised the creative staff, saying that she was the “left-brain administrator” for the program.

Bryan Nesdill, who wrote and performed in the first edition of the program, titled “The Voyage Home” in 2008 when he was a 10th-grader at the school, returned to thank Leahy for her tireless work.

Centre Stage is still going strong even after all the obstacles put in its path over the last year. And while fixtures like Leahy and Naccari are leaving, the program continues to be strongly supported and embraced by the community.

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June 17, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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Dozens gather for Gabi’s Garden unveiling “She always lived life to the fullest,” said Katie Preston, the mother of Gabi’s classmate Charlie Preston. “Any day was always the best day to her. She always had such a bright spirit.”

Gabi died 10 months after being diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer.

Despite her illness, she attended St. Mark’s Nursery School and kindergarten at Watson Elementary School.

Fabiana said that she and Nick wanted to create the garden by the time their son, Antonio, graduated from St. Mark’s this year.

By its opening, the garden, next to Temple B’Nai Sholom on Hempstead Avenue, had become a full playground, with a stage and small stools in the corner. Children played on the playground, danced on the stage and painted stones to commemorate Gabi throughout the playground. The Pellicanis said they were excited to see students who knew Gabi, but also relished having younger students there showing the same carefree excitement that characterized their daughter.

The garden pays tribute to different parts of Gabi’s personality. The chalkboard enables children to express themselves through art, which Gabi loved to do, her teachers said. Paintings that Gabi made in class line the halls to this day.

In addition to their efforts to complete the garden, the Pellicanis started an annual Golfing for Gabi outing, the third of

which is to be held Sept. 23. Last October, the golf outing raised nearly $60,000 to support brain cancer research at Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where Gabi underwent a clinical trial. And fixtures of the community, including the Recreation Center, Fire Department, St. Agnes CYO basketball and Watson School PTA, among others, supported the Gabi’s Garden Committee.

The Pellicanis and their supporters also organized bake sales throughout the village, including a few at the Recreation Center. As their fundraisers continued, the plans for the garden grew.

“I had very small ambitions,” Nick said.

“These were small bake sales that made like $20 or $30 at a time, and I didn’t think this was going to be the result.” Nick said that he and his wife were blown away by the support they received having only lived in the village for a short time.A total of $20,000 was raised, evenly split between the bake sales and private donations.

For more information on the golf outing, go to golfingforgabi.com. Donations in support of pediatric brain cancer research can also be made in Gabi’s memory at danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/gabistrong.

The garden is expected to grow as the community continues to show interest in making it a place to remember one of the village’s bravest children. “I’m always nervous about fundraising fatigue, but it’s been the complete opposite,” Nick said.

“People are more supportive and more excited, and that’s not what I expected.”

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — June 17, 2021

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

Courtesy St. Mark’s Cooperative Nursery School

DOZENS OF STUDENTS, administrators and friends of Gabi’s gathered for the garden’s unveiling on June 6.

RVC schools clear up mask-wearing questions

By MIKE SMOLLINS msmollins@liherald.com

With many parents offering mixed reviews about students having to wear masks in schools and county and state officials mandating that facial coverings remain in place until things are re-evaluated in September, Rockville Centre school officials recently sought to clear up any confusion.

In a letter to the community last week, Superintendent June Chang said that effective June 8, students and staff members were not required to wear masks outdoors on school grounds, but they must continue to wear face coverings while inside school buildings and during schoolsponsored indoor events. He noted that each school will provide separate information regarding events held off school grounds.

“We are excited about the celebrations and end-of-year activities right around the corner,” Chang wrote, “and we are looking forward to finishing out the school year strong . . . As always, we will keep you informed. Thank you for your continued support, and please stay safe and well.”

Confusion began earlier this month when Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that a mask mandate would be lifted in schools, before state officials decided on June 7 that students should wear them inside for the rest of the school year, however, districts could choose to opt out of masking requirements.

Cuomo said that state officials spoke to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on June 8, and the federal agency was “comfortable with the outside mask requirement” being lifted, but “they were not comfortable with the inside mask requirement” being dropped.

“They make a good case with the inside and the poten-

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Courtesy Odette Peralta/RVC Schools

ROCKVILLE CENTRE SUPERINTENDENT of Schools June Chang sent a letter to the community to clarify the questions about mask wearing for students in schools. tial hazards on the inside, and there’s only a couple of weeks [of school] left,” Cuomo said at the time. “So we don’t want to make any mistakes.”

State Education Department officials told school districts on June 7 that state Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker’s letter to the CDC was to obtain a response from the federal agency on lifting the school mask mandate, but that no changes to the regulations were official.

So schools should continue to operate “under their existing procedures,” giving the CDC time to respond to the governor’s plan.

On June 4, state officials announced that they intended

to lift the mandate in school as long as the CDC approved it, even though it would go against federal guidelines. The SED said Zucker’s letter sought to address the differences in federal guidance for camps and schools.

Though Zucker had pushed to lift mask mandates, the state still encouraged students, teachers and staff who had not been fully vaccinated to wear masks indoors, even if they are not required to. Fully vaccinated people would not need to wear masks, but “schools and camps may choose to implement stricter standards,” his letter read.

Over the past few weeks, there have been rallies to end mandatory mask wearing at schools and camps across the state and Nassau County.

On May 26, parents, school board members and legislators hosted a rally at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola, urging officials to unmask children in schools and camps. The group demanded that Cuomo and County Executive Laura Curran lift mask restrictions for children.

The state Department of Health announced last month that only children between ages 2 and 5 were no longer required to wear masks for child care programs, but many parents have pushed for the age limit to be raised, even if older children are not yet eligible for a vaccine.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for those ages 12 to 15 on May 10, and the CDC approved it May 12. Hours later, Cuomo gave it the OK. Those younger than 12, however, are still not eligible for inoculations.

While elected officials and hospitals across Long Island hosted news events when children began receiving the vaccines, many parents have expressed concerns about inoculating their children, and now more have been vocal about not wanting them to wear masks.

Police nab a ‘heinous’ man

W.H. gang member charged with sex trafficking on Long Island

By NAKEEM GRANT ngrant@liherald.com

A West Hempstead gang member was indicted in federal court in Central Islip on June 10, on numerous charges of sex trafficking, including in Rockville Centre.

The defendant, Joshua LampleyRe i d , 2 6 , a n alleged member of the Makk Balla set of the Bloods street gang, was arrested June 9.

“As alle ged, through violence, coercion and manipulation, the defendant PETER exploited and demeaned both FITZHUGH underage and Homeland Security adult female vicInvestigations tims by forcing them to engage in commercial sex acts and posting sexually explicit photographs of them on the internet,” Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Lesko stated in a news release. “This office will use every

T

he deplorable actions of this one man will affect the lives of these young girls for years to come.

tool in its law enforcement arsenal to combat the sexual exploitation of women, especially young girls, and ensure that predators like the defendant are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

According to the U.S. attorney’s office, from December 2019 until his arrest, Lampley-Reid allegedly trafficked victims on Long Island, including at the Coliseum Motel in East Meadow, the Freeport Inn and the Best Western Rockville Centre, as well as out of state, in places such as Maryland, North Carolina and Florida.

His alleged trafficking began shortly after he was released from state prison, where he served more than a year for robbery.

Lampley-Reid also allegedly used violence, and the threat of violence, to compel commercial sex acts by numerous women for his financial benefit, including minors as young as 15, authorities said.

He used social media and other internet applications to establish relationships with potential victims, groomed them by feigning a romantic interest in them, manipulated them into working for him as prostitutes, and then effectively enslaved them through acts of force and coercion, the officials said.

Lampley-Reid demanded that the proceeds of prostitution be turned over to him, and any resistance from the victims

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was met with violence or threats.

Homeland Security Investig ations teamed with the U.S. Marshals Service a n d t h e S u f fo l k County sherif f ’s office in April to conduct the investigation.

“The deplorable actions of this one man will affect the lives of these young girls for years to come,” said HSI Special Agent-inCharge Peter Fitzhugh. “HSI works closely with its law enforcement partners in a victim-centered approach to rescue the victims and keep them safe.

Today we are sending a unified message to anyone perpetrating crimes against children: No matter who you are, we will bring every resource available to hold you accountable for your crimes.”

Lampley-Reid’s attor ney, T racey Gaffey, of the FederInstagram al Defenders, declined to com- JOSHUA LAMPLEY-REID, 26, of West Hempstead, was charged ment on the accusa- on June 10 with sex trafficking. tions. work closely with both our local and fed“Sex trafficking is a particularly heinous crime that tar- eral partners to help eliminate this gets some of the most vulnerable in our scourge from our communities.”

If convicted of sex trafficking of a communities,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon. “Individuals who perpe- minor, Lampley-Reid faces a mandatory trate this crime use drugs, intimidation minimum sentence of 15 years and a and, ultimately, violence to lure in their maximum of life in prison. If convicted victims for financial gain while slowly of producing child pornography, he faces destroying their lives. I applaud this a 15- to 30-year sentence. arrest, and will continue to support and

nd! la Is g n o L , s o b b a h S Good Friday June 18 Candle lighting 8:10 Torah reading: Chukas Shabbos ends 9:19

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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — June 17, 2021

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Before retiring, Hofstra president reflects

By ANDREW GARCIA agarcia@liherald.com

The sun shone down on Hofstra University’s campus late last month as flowers were blooming in all their chromatic splendor. Dozens of graduates meandered about the campus in full cap and gown, stopping for photos at several iconic locations — the campus was alive, and the spirit of graduation was in the air.

Stuart Rabinowitz, the university’s president for the past 20 years, was reaching something of a graduation himself.

As he, too, walked through the campus, he was thoughtfully reflective on his tenure, under which Hofstra was transformed from regional school to the internationally renowned university that it is today.

While he will not completely depart from what he now calls “home,” Rabinowitz, 75, is set to retire from his position as president at the end of August. He assumed the post in 2001.

Before his official departure — and after avoiding some bees on the hunt for those colorful flowers — Rabinowitz sat with the Herald at Hofstra to reflect on his career.

“I really have always felt this is a special place,” Rabinowitz said. “I came here to teach law in 1972, and I thought I would only stay a year or so and move on — but I just fell in love with the place and the people.”

“So, it took me 50 years to leave,” he added with a laugh.

Rabinowitz did join Hofstra’s Law School faculty in 1972, then went on to become the dean of the School of Law

stuart Rabinowitz from September 1989 to June 2001, when he became president. He was chosen by the university’s board of trustees in December 2000.

The school went through myriad changes under his leadership. Among the new schools opened are the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine and the School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, run in partnership with Northwell Health. The Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the Peter S. Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy and International Affairs, and the School of Health Professions and Human Services are also additions.

The list goes on: Rabinowitz also

founded Hofstra’s National Center for Suburban Studies and the Center for Entrepreneurship.

“I think I had some ideas of what Hofstra needed to move on to the next level. I am a good imaginer of things,” Rabinowitz said. “And apparently, I have a talent of hiring really good people to implement those tasks. . . I never worried about hiring people that are smarter than me, or who might disagree with me — I encourage disagreement.”

Rabinowitz credited the university’s board of trustees with supporting his endeavors, no matter how far reaching they may have been. Sometimes it seemed to be “daydreaming,” he recalled, such as when they applied to host a presidential debate at the university.

“Well, three debates, they came to the conclusion that we were debate central,” Rabinowitz said.

Not every decision was an easy one, though. Ending Hofstra’s football team and, more recently, moving a statue of Thomas Jefferson, which originally sat in front of the heavily trafficked student center and received backlash from students who highlighted Jefferson’s history as a slave owner, were among them. The statue was moved to a less visible part of campus.

“There were difficult decisions and difficult times,” Rabinowitz said. “The thing I feel best about is that even on the decisions that are controversial, I never made a decision that I didn’t think was in the best interest of the university. I tried so hard every time not to let my personal views affect anything — and I really think

I was able to do that.”

Most important, students come first at Hofstra. “They are the reason we exist,” Rabinowitz explained. “That means you listen to students, treat them well, treat them with respect and give them a voice.”

“It’s like all the students and members of the community are my responsibility, even though they’re not,” Rabinowitz said, “which is why it’s really hard to be president. You feel every pain, injury and sadness — and you also are happy when they’re happy.”

Rabinowitz has also focused on the Nassau Hub, the commerce zone surrounding the university. As co-chair of the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council, he has influence over the project, but it has yet to come to full fruition.

The area around the Nassau Coliseum is still set to have residential and commercial spaces as part of the Hub. As co-chair of the council, Rabinowitz helped bring $727 million to 885 projects on Long Island since 2011. He also stays active as a member of the board of directors for Accelerate Long Island, and he has also served as a trustee of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities and on the board of directors of the Long Island Technology Network.

Rabinowitz could not find it in himself to completely say goodbye to Hofstra, however. In the fall of 2022, he will teach an undergraduate honors college course, Introduction to Constitutional Law. “I can’t completely leave — I would get the bends if I completely detached from the university,” Rabinowitz joked.

Open Nassau carries on amid the pandemic

By CRIstINA ARRoyo RoDRIGuEz carroyo@liherald.com

When Nassau County Comptroller Jack Schnirman took office in 2018, he partnered with Nassau County Executive Laura Curran to open and modernize county finances. Investing nearly $1.3 million since 2019, his office launched a userfriendly data platform, Open Nassau, in which the public can access county records, report financial issues, and keep updated on smart audits and equity reports. The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Herald: What are the goals and motivations behind Open Nassau?

Jack schnirman: Culture change is what

we are looking to achieve. It’s not just about technology, it’s about bringing everyone on an equal playing field because everyone has access to the exact same information. Then we can have a conversation that is evidence-based and data-driven without anyone hoarding the information like how it used to be.

Before we did this program, county had a D+ in transparency by the Press Club on Long Island. It was all paper-based, it was a challenge to get numbers, you had to do all these foils, and there were conflicting num-

bers and conflicting views on the numbers.

Open Nassau became an organizing principle to get everybody to deal from a simple set of numbers.

Herald: When you were trying to implement Open Nassau initially, did you get a lot pushback from the current establishment?

schnirman: Not as much as you would

think. There was pushback based on that old-timey culture of holding information so close to the vest and using access to it as a way of safeguarding power. Culture starts from the top, so that culture change started directly from the top where you have the comptroller and the county executive on the same page.

Herald: Was the focus on equity issues a

purposeful and directed decision?

schnirman: Absolutely. One of the earliest

choices we made was in investing in a qualitative research unit. We started by tackling our demographics: who we are as the county population, how quickly we are diversifying, getting older, getting more diverse, and use that as an opening point for a conversation on equity.

Then, we asked the question: What’s the deal of living in Nassau County? We started highlighting the different affordability

challenges that folks face. Our formula was about identifying gaps, looking at best practices from around the country, and highlighting options on the policy side so we can remain competitive and be a place where people want to and can afford to live.

tions and frustration about how and why they could undo that kind of advancement.

Herald: So how do get from transparency

things faster, more transparent, more efficient, so that resources go where they need to go. The pandemic was an unforeseen, once-in-a-generation level crisis, and we saw the measure of our work. We made sure we were prioritizing getting the resources needed to the non-profits because if something suddenly dried up, the service would stop in that moment when it was needed more than ever.

to accountability?

schnirman: The honest answer is that we can’t do everything ourselves since that’s beyond the role of our office. We try to find folks to partner with, whether it be within government, and/or expert and advocacy organizations. Our worst fear is that we write these reports, make these recommendations, we make them graphically appealing, we put them on social media, and we push, we push, we push, and nobody pays attention and nobody does anything.

Herald: How are you ensuring the continuation of Open Nassau for the new comptroller?

schnirman: We are working around the

clock to make sure the work is sustainable and to make it as difficult or impossible to pull back from this kind of transparency.

If the next comptroller removes Open Nassau, for example, I would like to believe that they would face an awful lot of ques-

Herald: How does Open Nassau impact county residents?

schnirman: We do this work, we make

Herald: Did the pandemic help accelerate the implementation of Open Nassau?

We could’ve talked for years about making things more tech-based, but instead the crisis of the pandemic created the necessity to do them overnight. It was a sink-orswim moment, and success is not guaranteed when you have a county government that has not historically invested enough in technology infrastructure. It’s a testament to the workforce, to the innovation of our teams, and to the understanding that you can’t afford to fail. Those shifts were shockingly smooth.

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EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

COMMUNITY UPDATE Monday, June 21

Yoga with Joe Certified yoga instructor Joe Cilmi leads the class designed to accommodate the needs of people who may have difficulty with more traditional approaches. Registration required. At the Rockville Centre Library, 2:45 p.m.

Summer Kickoff: Stuffed Animal Adoption Help kick off the summer reading program at the RVC Public Library by adopting a stuffed animal friend to be your reading buddy. Adoptions are by appointment. Register at rvclibrary.org.

Pickups go from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday this week.

Live Author Event with Peter Swanson Peter Swanson, bestselling author of seven novels including an NPR Book of the Year for Her Every Fear, discusses his new book: Every Vow You Break.

Registration required for this Zoom event through the RVC Library site.

Starts at 7 p.m.

Tiny Tots!

Come down to the Center for Science Teaching & Learning to create memories as your child does everything from crafting to finger painting ro petting one of the many live animals on site.

9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Young at Heart Book Club Join in discussing The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Register with the RVC Public Library to be emailed the Zoom link one hour prior to the program.

Starts at 7 p.m.

Meditation with MaryClare MaryClare Chiofalo leads this meditation class designed to help you destress, relax, and focus. Zoom registration available through the RVC Library. Starts at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, June 22 Chi Gong with Marianna Farina Farina’s exercise class returns for a session of ten classes. Registration required through the RVC Library on Zoom. Starts 10:30 a.m.

Yoga with Joe Certified yoga instructor Joe Cilmi leads the class designed to accommodate the needs of people who may have difficulty with more traditional approaches. Registration required.

At the Rockville Centre Library, 12:15 p.m.

Dungeons & Dragons Adventurers’ Club Series With a roll of the dice, you’ll traverse mysterious lands, fight terrifying monsters, and discover treasures. Register at the RVC Public Library website. Program starts at 4 p.m.

The Life of Julie Andrews with Marc Courtade Marc Courtade outlines the beloved perfomer’s life and work. Registration

l l l l l

Video Game Meetup (Live on Zoom) Sue Grieco/Herald

RVC Farmers Market returns!

Teens and tweens can join their friends through the RVC Library to play Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Among Us. Event starts at 7 p.m.

Come to parking lot 12 along Long Beach Road and Sunrise Highway on June 20 from 7 a.m. to noon. required for Zoom via the RVC Public Library. Starts at 7 p.m.

What to Watch?

Join moderator Michael Matuszewski and library staff member Rob Siegel in a discussion about what everyone is currently watching on television, through the Rockville Centre Public Library. The discussion will take place over Zoom and registration is required. The link will be emailed one hour prior to the 7:30 p.m. start time.

Wednesday, June 23 Simply Stronger Enhance strength and flexibility in this popular exercise led by highly motivational, certified instructor Marilyn Bunger through the Rockville

Centre Library, 9:30 a.m.

Current Events discussion Stay up-to-date with current affairs and discuss what’s on your mind with facilitator Richard Skolnik, through the Rockville Centre Public Library. The discussion will take place over Zoom and registration is required. The link will be emailed one hour prior to the 10:30 a.m. start time.

Meditation with MaryClare Registration MaryClare Chiofalo leads this meditation class designed to help you destress, relax, and focus. Zoom registration available through the RVC Library. Starts at 7 p.m.

Thursday, June 24 Chef Rob: Sausage, peppers, & onion in a crusty bread bowl Chef Rob prepares sausage, peppers, and onion in a crusty bread bowl..

Recipe and video link will be provided through the RVC Library. Registration required, 10 a.m.

Short Story Discussion with Mindy Margot Mindy Margot leads discussions of Crazy They Call Me by Zadie Smith and A Small Sacrifice for an Enormous Happiness by Jai Chakrabarti. This program takes place using Zoom (link on the RVC Library site). Registration required, 1 p.m.

HAVING AN EVENT? Items on the Community Update pages are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest.

All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to rvceditor@liherald.com

The Rockville Centre Farmers Market returns to railroad parking lot 12 from 7 a.m. to noon on June 20.

South Side High School’s prom takes place on June 22 at 5 p.m. at The Carltun in Eisenhower Park.

South Side Middle School’s eighth grade awards assembly takes place virtually at 7 p.m. on June 22.

June 24 is the last day of in-person instruction for the RVC UFSD. South Side High School’s graduation occurs at Hofstra University at 9 a.m. on June 25.

9

Courtesy State Sen. Todd Kaminsky

THE SOUTH SIDE High School girls’ soccer team was recently honored for winning the Nassau Class A title by State Sen. Todd Kaminsky and Assemblywoman Judy Griffin.

Cyclones honored for title win The South Side High School girls’ soccer team was recently recognized for winning the Nassau Class A championship.

The Cyclones won the title on April 28. after Mia Delmond helped deliver South Side its first county crown in six seasons.

The junior striker fired a shot into the left corner of the MacArthur net with 2:27 remaining in the first overtime to break a scoreless tie in what was the eventual game-winner in a 2-0 triumph against top-

Rockville Centre resident Meral Eviner was one of the students who was recently awarded with a scholarship from Teachers Federal Credit Union.

She will attend Vanderbilt University in Nashville in the fall.

TFCU is one of the largest credit unions in the U.S. with $8.5 billion in assets and more than 355,000 members.

It awarded $37,500 scholarships to 15 high school students throughout the state. It has awarded annual scholarships for more than 30 years.

A committee reviews scholarship applications and evaluates academic achievements, extracurricular activities, community engagement and a written essay about how the students ambitions and creer plans are smart for them and the community.

“Education is at the heart of who we are at Teachers and we are proud to rec-

ognize this year’s scholarship recipients,” President and CEO Brad Calhoun said, according to a news release. “As a way to support our student members and their educational pursuits, these academic scholarships serve as part of our mission to ensure that everyone and anyone has a chance to meet their aspirations. With the rising cost of higher education, we are proud to contribute to these students’ education on their path to success and continuous learning.”

The scholarship funds were open to high school seniors who are members of the credit union in good standing, will graduate from high school this spring with a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 and are attending an accredited, U.S.based college as a full-time student this fall.

Courtesy TFCU; compiled by Mike Smollins

seeded McArthur. She then added a key insurance tally with 4:07 remaining in the second extra session.

In recognition of their success on and off the pitch, State Sen. Todd Kaminsky and Assemblywoman Judy Griffin recently honored the team and presented the Cyclones with citations for their hard work and accomplishments.

Andrew Coen contributed to this report.

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We’re Here To Stay

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — June 17, 2021

NEIGHBORS IN THE NEWS RVC native earns scholarship

Curran launches package for Covid-19 recovery ■ Boost Nassau Resource Center Staffing, Supplies, Ad buy - $500,000

■ Expansion of Office of the Aging Programs - $2,100,000

As part of her initiative to restore financial health, jobs and opportunities lost due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran was joined on Friday by elected officials, members of her Economic Advisory Council, and community stakeholders to announce her proposal to use $62,900,000 from the American Rescue Plan to fund an economic recovery and community investment package. County Executive Curran has submitted legislation to the County Legislature that delivers relief for small businesses, residential and commercial renters, revitalizes main streets and downtowns, and rebuilds Nassau’s water infrastructure while supporting workforce development, senior citizens, veterans, youth programs, and more.

The County has launched a new online portal at www.nassaucountyny. gov/BoostNassau that helps determine eligibility for federal, state, and County programs and includes applications and more in-depth information. For those needing additional information and support, Nassau County staff will be available by appointment (phone or in-person) at the new Boost Nassau Resource Center, a County facility at Eisenhower Park.

The plan includes the following:

■ Boost Nassau Tourism Program $500,000

■ Funding non-profit contractors serving Seniors in health, counseling, legal services, homecare, transportation, nutrition, and recreation.

Economic recovery ($32,5000)

■ Provides additional funding to Social Services non-profit contractors to support programs addressing food insecurity, employment services, child care, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, PINS education and diversion services, and those in the criminal justice system who have substance abuse and mental health disorders with wraparound services.

By MALLORY WILSON mwilson@liherald.com

■ Boost Nassau Main Street Small Business Grant Program - $10,000,000 ■ The program proposes to utilize $10,000 per eligible business (under 50 employees and other criteria).

■ Boost Nassau Small Business Loan Program - $10,000,000 ■ Workforce Development - $10,000,000 ■ Funds for apprenticeship programs for various key skilled workers needed in construction and building trades.

May include stipends to qualified individuals to promote the return to work by addressing barriers to workforce entry such as unmet costs for childcare, transportation, or other living expenses.

■ Boost Nassau Resource Center Technical Assistance Partner - $1,000,000

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■ Technical Assistance Grants to Chamber of Commerce and Business Improvement Districts - $500,000

Water infrastructure ($9M) ■ Groundwater Conservation Program - $3,000,000 ■ The County currently has a program to reimburse property and small business owners who replace their aging or failing onsite cesspools/septic system with upgraded nitrogen removing septic system. These funds would increase the total award to $20,000 per property owner, up from the current grant capped at $10,000.

■ Multi-Year Regional Groundwater Conservation Program - $6,000,000 ■ This multi-pronged, five-year phased plan is to address policy and practices that will lower regional water demand, help change the water use culture, and advance technology and infrastructure to conserve groundwater.

Community investment ($17.9M) ■ Health and Services Grant Programs - $10,000,000

■ B e h av i o r a l H e a l t h S u p p o r t $3,400,000 ■ Funding all agencies within the Mental Health, Chemical Dependency, and Developmentally Disabled division within $60,000 to deliver prescribed deliverables consistent with their missions. The contractors provide services that enable those with mental illness, chemical addiction, and/or developmental disability to recover from addictions, function, and live safely and successfully.

■ Expansion of Youth Services $1,400,000 ■ Funding increase of 20% in contracts with non-profit agencies that provide educational and academic support, afterschool programs, counseling, youth employment, and recreational programs.

■ Ve t e r a n s S u p p o r t P r o g r a m s $1,000,000 ■ Funding for Veterans case management, access to healthcare, mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, emergency and transitional housing, home improvements for service-disabled Veterans, financial litera-

cy/planning, guidance to education benefits, home improvements for serviceconnected disabilities, employment training counseling, food pantry, transportation support, and clothing.

Educational technology ($3.5M) ■ Assistance to School Districts $2,500,000 ■ Funding to expand digital literacy support, like improving students’ ability to find, evaluate, and clearly communicate information through media on various digital platforms. Additional outreach for low-cost and subsidized broadband service to students in need and to expand essential access to the internet. There will be a focus on coordinating with funding that schools are eligible to receive in order to support district efforts.

■ Consulting Assistance - $1,000,000

CRIME WATCH Leaving the scene

Property damage

■ On June 8 at 5:44 p.m., a motorist reported that his vehicle was struck by a car that left the scene while he was driving on Merrick Road.

■ On June 8 at 3:24 p.m., a Wallace Street resident reported damage to her vehicle while it was parked in front of her house.

■ At 2:39 a.m. on June 9, a motorist reported that her vehicle was struck by a car that left the scene while she was driving on Merrick Road.

■ At 5:04 p.m. on June 10, a motorist reported damage to her vehicle’s rear window while it was parked on Merrick Road.

Burglary

Arrests

■ On June 13 at 3:58 a.m., the owner of Voodoo Crab, at 208 Sunrise Highway, reported that someone stole a laptop and money from the cash register.

■ Fernando Cazares, 38, of Hempstead, was arrested on June 7 at 2 p.m. and charged with second-degree burglary of a Merrick Road residence.

■ At 11:30 a.m. on June 13, the owner of Habanero Mexican Grill, at 65 N. Village Ave., reported that someone stole a laptop and money from the cash register.

■ On June 10 at 8:53 p.m., Chanelle Galloway, 21, of Uniondale, was arrested and charged with third-degree assault after an investigation into a disturbance on North Forest Avenue.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

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June 17, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — June 17, 2021

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Dunn now a global ambassador for Mastercard Rockville Centre native and soccer star Crystal Dunn has joined an All-Star roster of soccer players to serve as global brand ambassadors for Mastercard, the company revealed last week while announcing an official partnership with the National Women’s Soccer League.

“I’m thrilled to be a global ambassador for Mastercard,” Dunn said, according to a news release. “Our values are aligned in connection, diversity and inclusion. I am confident that together we will build priceless opportunities for women’s soccer fans and players across the country.”

Dunn garnered notoriety nationwide in July 2019 when she and Team USA won the 2019 FIFA World Cup against the Netherlands, defeating them 2-0 in Lyon, France.

The South Side High School alumna helped lead the Lady Cyclones to state championships in 2006, 2007 and 2009. She also played on Rockville Centre Power, and Albertson Soccer Club in her early years.

Dunn returned to the tri-state area on May 30 with the Portland Thorns FC and scored the lone goal to help lead the team over the NJ/NY Gotham FC in a 1-0 victory at the Red Bull Arena.

The NWSL sponsorship is part of Mastercard’s commitment to diversity and promote inclusion on and off the pitch.

As part of this partnership, the company will create a soccer-themed curriculum for its signature science, technology, engi-

Courtesy Marco Rosa

CRYSTAL DUNN WILL serve as a global brand ambassador in a new partnership with Mastercard. neering and mathematics (STEM) program, Girls4Tec. It will also dedicate time and resources to educating players on their own financial wellness, better

enabling them to pursue opportunities that will bring more ubiquity to sports across gender.

Over the past decade, the company has

developed relationship with women’s sports globally. That includes partnerships across tennis, golf, football and rugby, as well as sponsoring players, teams and events, now including the NWSL. “We are excited to welcome Mastercard as one of our top tier partners, a brand with a storied history of creating priceless fan experiences,” NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird said, according to a news release. “We have the best fans out there. Their commitment to the sport is unrivaled. They deserve to have an experience on par with any major sports league, and that time has arrived. The planned Mastercard activations have the power to unite and energize not only our current fan base, but to bring even more fans in, truly benefitting our players and women’s soccer overall.”

The NWSL is a 10-team Division-I women’s professional soccer league featuring national team players from around the world. The clubs are the Chicago Red Stars, Houston Dash, North Carolina Courage, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns FC, OL Reign, Sky Blue FC, Kansas City, Washington Spirit, and Racing Louisville FC. Based in Chicago, the NWSL is partners with the Canadian Soccer Association and the United States Soccer Federation.

Courtesy Mastercard; compiled by Mike Smollins

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June 17, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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nassaueditor@liherald.com

Being a lifeguard, a staple of summer employment, has been upended by the coronavirus pandemic, as there is a shortage of lifeguards across the nation and on Long Island.

The Lynbrook Municipal Pool in Greis Park, where many RVC residents go, is short staffed for the summer but expects to operate with business as usual. “Luckily we did have many people return for staff this year but we’ve been facing a shortage ... so we have been struggling a little bit with our scheduling,” Lifeguard supervisor Carolyn Berghorn said. “... We are underCourtesy Lifeguard Training NY staffed right now by at least 10 guards but hope- LIFEGUARD TRAINEES LEARN how to administer cardio pulfully those numbers will monary resuscitation at Lifeguard Training NY. fill out about halfway as a lifeguard to work at their facility.” through the summer.”

Sandy Hollow Day Camp in South Some facilities will be unable to open or Hampton typically hires three lifeguards will have to reduce hours. The YMCA of Long Island fears they may not be able to for the summer. The camp is offering $30 run their regular summer programming. an hour and is paying for additional water “We have hired about 100 lifeguards thus safety certification necessary for their far and still need a minimum of 30 more to Aquatics Director. Beth Hughes Barrie, the run our summer day camp programs and owner and director, says they have never swim lessons,” Tamar Simpson, a spokes- had such a hard time filling the positions, person for the YMCA of Long Island, said. though they expect to have them all filled “… We hope to fill these positions or we this summer.

“It’s never easy to fill all the positions ... will need to limit our program offerings to but this year it’s been exceptionally diffikids and families as a last resort.”

The Covid-19 pandemic caused the shut- cult,” Barrie said.

Public beaches on Long Island face down of many businesses last year and fewer problems hiring staff. Atlantic few lifeguard-training centers were able to remain open as essential businesses. This Beach has filled all their village beach lifeleft many unable to meet the certification guard positions and Long Beach expects requirements necessary to be a lifeguard no problems hiring for the season. Jones Beach had a large hiring last summer and this season.

Many lifeguards also found themselves possibly will not need to hire at all this out of shape and unable to pass the physi- year, lifeguard supervisor Cary Epstein cal recertification tests, said Motti Eliya- said.

Eliyahu says it is expected that beaches hu, owner of the Valley Stream-based Lifehave an easier time hiring. “Usually to guard Training NY. The American Red Cross began offer- become a beach lifeguard, the first step is ing certification extensions and online pro- becoming a pool lifeguard. People are visional certification courses last year, upgrading, last year and this year, from Training services manager Nichole Stef- pool lifeguard to beach lifeguard,” he said. fens said, but a physical session would still “Not a lot of people are taking the first step of becoming a pool lifeguard as much be necessary at a later date.

Businesses hiring lifeguards have as they used to.”

Epstein hopes that more people take begun to eclipse the minimum wage of $14 an hour. Some places are also offering a lifeguard-training courses in the next few finder’s fee, payment for training courses weeks now that Covid restrictions are lifted and more pools are opening. “The good and even housing for the summer.

“What we’re seeing is companies and news is, there are pools that are opening facilities – beach clubs, yacht clubs, mari- now and there are lifeguard training classnas, day camps, sleepaway camps on Long es that are starting now,” Epstein said.

Island – they all start now at about $17 an “While Memorial Day has passed – the hour all the way up to $30 an hour for our unofficial start to summer – hopefully in 15 and 16 year old lifeguards,” Eliyahu the next several weeks leading into the said. “... There’s a lot of different incen- July 4th weekend, maybe we won't catch tives out there right now that companies up completely, but hopefully people are are hiring and fighting over to hire people going take some of these classes.”

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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — June 17, 2021

Beaches and pools need more lifeguards

13

NEWS BRIEF

Don’t forget to practice water safety this summer With temperatures rising, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and Police Commissioner Patrick J. Ryder are reminding county residents that water safety is something that all parents should be aware of.

Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury related death among children ages 1 to 14. It can happen very quickly and in less than 1 inch of water, so filled bathtubs, swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs and even buckets of water and sinks can be dangerous.

Tips on reducing children’s risk of drowning Pools ■ Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment.

■ Practice “touch supervision” with children younger than 5 years, meaning that the adult is within an arm’s length of the child at all times.

■ If planning a pool party, consider hiring a certified lifeguard to supervise those who will be in the pool.

■ Put up a fence to separate the house from the pool.

Most young children who drown in pools wander out of the house and fall into the pool. Install a fence at least 4 feet high around the pool. This fence will completely separate the pool from the house and play area of the yard.

Use gates that self-close and self-latch, with latches higher than the child’s reach.

■ Alarm the doors so that one can be alerted if a child attempts to leave the house to enter the yard. Also consider a pool alarm that alerts if someone enters the water.

■ Keep rescue equipment (such as a shepherd’s hook or life preserver) and a telephone by the pool.

entrapment safety set by the Consumer Product and Safety Commission.

■ Do not use air-filled “swimming aids” as a substitute for approved life vests.

■ Warn children about the dangers of drain entrapment and teach them never to play near a pool drain, with or without a cover.

■ Remove all toys from the pool after use so children aren’t tempted to reach for them.

■ After the children are done swimming, secure the pool so they can’t get back into it.

■ Place a safety cover on pool or hot tub when not in use and remove any ladders or steps used for access.

■ A power safety cover that meets the standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials may add to the protection of your children but should not be used in place of the fence between the house and the pool. Even fencing around your pool and using a power safety cover will not prevent all drowning.

Preventing drain entrapment Drain entrapment occurs when part of a child’s body becomes attached to drain because of the powerful suction of a pool or hot tub filtration system.

The powerful suction can trap a child underwater or cause internal injuries. It can also occur when a child’s hair, swimsuit or jewelry becomes entangled in the drain.

In 2007, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act made it illegal to manufacture, distribute to sell drain covers that do not adhere to the standards for anti-

■ Pin up long hair when in the water and remove loose parts of swimsuits and loose jewelry that can get ensnared.

■ Equip pools and hot tubs with an anti-entrapment drain cover and an approved safety vacuum release system and regularly check that drain covers are secure and have no cracks. Flat drain covers can be replaced with dome-shaped ones.

■ Be aware of public wading pools with missing or broken drain covers. Small children have direct access to the bottom drain in wading pools and sitting on open drains can cause serious internal organ damage.

■ From Memorial Day through Labor Day 2019, at least 150 children under the age of 15 drowned in pools.

Parents should remember that teaching their children how to swim does not mean that their child is safe in water. Most young children who drown in swimming pools were last seen in the home, had only been missing from sight for a matter of minutes and were in the care of one or both parents at the time.

There is no substitute for active adult supervision to prevent drowning.

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June 17, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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GUEST COLUMNS

By LINDA SAPADIN Ten-year-old Robby entered fourth grade believing the following three things were true.

■ Some people, like his sister, were born smart. Others, like him, had the rotten luck to be born stupid.

■ If you don’t know the answer to a question or you don’t know how to do something, it just proves how stupid you are.

■ If you try to do a task and fail, admit you’re no good at it. Since you’re no good at it, don’t even try to do anything to improve.

Robby has internalized a “no-can-do” attitude. If a task is difficult, instead of staying with it, he quickly gives up, feeling frustrated and embarrassed. If told to “try harder,” he becomes belligerent, yelling “leave me alone.” He’s convinced that those who have to work hard in school are dummies. The smart kids, like his sister, don’t need to study. Everything comes easy to them. They just know the answer.

Robby is a child at risk – not only for academic success but also for depression. His style of negative thinking is termed “learned helplessness.” He is passive and self-critical, approaching tough tasks with pessimistic thoughts, such as, “I’m terrible at this,” “I’m a total failure,” “I’ll never learn anything.”

In contrast to Robbie, Eric, despite having some serious learning issues, has a more optimistic viewpoint about himself.

Eric believes that to get smarter or to do better athletically, you need to work at it.

Though he jokingly calls himself a natural born klutz, that doesn’t stop him from wanting to play softball or soccer every chance he gets. Though he knows he’ll never be a star player, he takes pride in how much his skills have improved this year. In school, his toughest subjects are reading and spelling.

“I’m a slow reader,” he admits, “so it takes me longer to do my work. But when I’m motivated to get a good grade, I put in the time and ask my mom to quiz me.”

Eric is what’s called a “mastery student.”

NOMINATE

He believes that success is based on how much you study or practice. When he does poorly on a test, it’s a signal to him that he has to study harder next time. He staves off pessimistic thoughts by reminding himself what he does well. “It’s only a spelling test,” Eric told his mom. “You know, that’s my weakest subject. And my other grades are pretty good.”

If your child is more like Robby than Eric, here are a few ways to help him or her become more confident.

■ Teach your child what “learned helplessness” is. He may think calling himself stupid just states the obvious. Or it could be a protective device-calling himself stupid before anyone else does.

■ Instead of sitting him down and “making” him work, work with him playfully.

Teach him to become a detective who searches for evidence of his strengths and successes – even if they’re small.

■ Read him optimistic stories about people who have overcome incredible difficulties with hard work. Teach him that success builds on itself so that small successes eventually become big successes.

■ Help him set realistic goals. Then celebrate the achievement of each of those goals. If his goals have not been met, give him more time or alter the goal a bit.

■ Think of something you’d like to get better at. Talk to your child about your frustration and your progress. When either of you feels frustrated, share your feelings. Take a break, stretch. Say something motivating to each other, then get back on track.

■ Celebrate your child’s successes! And yours as well! ©2021 Linda Sapadin, Ph.D. is a psychologist, coach and author in private practice who specializes in helping people become the best they can be. You can reach her at LSapadin@DrSapadin.com. Visit her website at www.PsychWisdom.com.

Throughout the pandemic, healthcare workers, first responders, grocery and pharmacy personnel, and so many others, have been dedicated to supporting and assisting our community. They are true heroes who deserve our respect, praise and recognition.

As many remain on the front lines in 2021, we invite you to nominate a Hometown Hero to be featured in Herald newspaper editions throughout the year.

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a

New York proposes tax on gas and heating products

To nominate, go to LIHerald.com/NominateAHero today!

Recently, I learned that a bill has been introduced in the state Assembly and Senate that will dramatically increase the tax on gasoline and ton products used to heat homes. The proposed law, called the Climate and Community Investment Act, will do the following: ■ Increase the gasoline tax by 55 cents per gallon. The new total tax on gasoline in New York will be 98 cents, which will be the highest the nation — 57 percent higher than the next highest state.

Bill G

■ Increase the taxes on natural gas, fuel oil and electricity. The New York Business Council estimates that the tax will raise the price of natural gas by 2 percent.

These regressive taxes are expected to generate $15 billion for state coffers.

These taxes will also indirectly raise the costs of items like groceries, clothing, home repair products and other necessary items, as businesses pass along their increased costs to consumers.

The new taxes will hit middle class and working families particularly hard and

will place an additional burden on the poor and seniors on a fixed income, some of whom will have to choose between paying for increased heating costs and putting enough food on the table. The taxes will hurt small downtown businesses that support our communities. Coming on the heels of the loss of jobs and business due to the pandemic, these increased taxes are the worst idea yet coming out of Albany.

I have created a petition aylor in opposition to the new tax on gasoline and heating products. Anyone interested in signing it can find it on my website, nassaucountyny.gov/ld6. Those opposed are also encouraged to contact their state legislators and tell them to vote no n the bill.

To learn more, visit bit.ly/3gdqRHq or bit.ly/3xdpRbL. Gaylor is a county legislator for Legislative District 6, which comprises Malverne, Lynbrook, North Lynbrook, Valley Stream and portions of Rockville Centre, Hewlett, Franklin Square and Woodmere.

Public Notices

LROC1 0617

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that an Order granted by the Supreme Court, Nassau County, on the 28th day of May, 2021 bearing the index number 605642/2021, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Nassau County Clerk located at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York, the grants the minor child the right to assume the name of SASHA GRACE MURATOV.The minor child’s present address is 87 Delisle Ave., Roosevelt, NY 11575.

The minor child’s date of birth is January 2, 2016. the minor’s place of birth is in the Town of Hempstead, New York; the minor’s present name is SASHA GRACE MURATOVA 126344 LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Public Meeting Nassau County, New York Meeting Date: June 22, 2021 Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 330 Rockville Centre Village Code NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Board of the Village of Rockville Centre will hold a Public Hearing via videoconferencing and will be recorded

LEGAL NOTICE June 22, 2021 at 7:00 PM Case No.: 01-2021 Mercy Hospital continued from May 25th, 2021 To construct a two-story medical building - known as The Family Care Center.

Premises known as: 1000 North Village Avenue Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre Nassau County, New York Case No.: 03-2021 Public Storage Replace signage on the existing building.

Premises known as: 36 Merrick Road Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre Nassau County, New York Case No.: 04-2021 Public Storage Replace signage on the existing building.

Premises known as: 484 Sunrise Highway Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre Nassau County, New York PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on this specific date, the Rockville Centre Planning Board will conduct a public hearing to conduct a Site Plan and Exterior Design review for these subject properties.

Anyone interested shall have an opportunity to be heard on the application.

Dated: June 8, 2021

PLANNING BOARD OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NEW YORK Donna Joyce, Chairperson Thomas Wassel, Esq, Board Counsel Patrick D. O’Brien, Corresponding Secretary Information and records for Planning Board Cases are available at 110 Maple Ave, RVC 126371

LEGAL NOTICE FAMILY COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU In the Matter of DSS o/b/o Unknown Unknown (DOB: 4/15/2021) A Child under Eighteen Years Of Age alleged to be Destitute Unknown Unknown, mother Unknown Unknown, father File #:618591 Docket #:K-02778-21 SUMMONS (Publication) IN THE NAME OF THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK: To:Unknown Unknown, Mother Unknown Unknown, Father A petition under Article SSL (Social Service Law) of the Family Court Act having been filed with this Court requesting the following relief: Destitute Child;

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to appear before this Court on Date/Time:July 14, 2021 at 9:00 AM Purposes:For All Purposes and In Person Appearance Permitted Part:2 Floor/Room:Floor To Be Determined/Room To Be Determined Presiding:Hon. Robin M. Kent Location:Courthouse 1200 Old Country Rd. Westbury, NY 11590 to answer the petition and to be dealt with in accordance with Article SSL (Social Service Law) of the Family Court Act. On your failure to appear as herein directed, a warrant may be issued for your arrest.

Dated: May 27, 2021 Jeffrey Carpenter, Acting Chief Clerk TO THE ABOVE-NAMED RESPONDENT: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Robin M. Kent of the Family Court, Nassau County, dated and filed with the petition and other papers in the Office of the Clerk of the Family Court, Nassau County.

126294

Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — June 17, 2021

How to help pessimistic kids

HERALD

Employment

CLASSIFIED

To pLACE your AD CALL 516-569-4000 - press 5

Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460 E-mail you ad to: ereynolds@liherald.com E-mail Finds Under $100 to: sales@liherald.com DEADLINE: Monday, 11:00 am for all classified ads.

Every effort is made to insure the accuracy of your ad. Please check your ad at the first insertion. Credit will be made only for the first insertion. Credit given for errors in ads is limited to the printed space involved. Publisher reserves right to reject, cancel or correctly classify and ad.

THURSDAY JUNE 24th, 2021 10am-2pm & 4pm-7pm 1025 OLD COUNTRY ROAD, SUITE 325, WESTBURY, NY 11590

Is Seeking Applicants For A

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS MEDICAL COUNSELORS RESIDENCE MANAGER ASSISTANT RESIDENCE MANAGERS DAY HABILITATION WORkERS

REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL NURSE VACANCY

F/T P/T - PER DIEM FOR

Massapeua, Kings Point, Port Washington, Merrick, Westbury, Malverne, Glen Cove, East Meadow, and Dix Hills locations

(We said it was simple. We didn’t say it was easy.)

NO LATER THAN JUNE 25, 2021

1135244

1134926

We Will Be Serving Refreshments and The First 10 People To Attend Each Session Will Be Awarded An Amazon Gift Card!

Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools

ISLAND PARK UFSD Island Park, New York

Civil Service Positions

Registered Professional School Nurses for Summer Recreation Programs *

Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools, one of the leading school districts on Long Island, is seeking talented and dedicated professionals to be part of our team. We have immediate openings for:

Registered Nurse

For the Summer Playschool Program at Ogden Elementary School Program runs June 28 – August 6, 2021 salary is $5,969.00

Summer Recreation Program Hours: 8:30 am to 2:00 pm July 6th through August 6th or Beach Program Hours: 8:30 am to 2:00 pm July 6th through August 6th

Certified Lifeguards

Equal Opportunity Employer

516-432-7732

Equal Opportunity Employer A Service of Nassau BOCES

One phone call, one order, one heck of a good price to run your ad in any state, or across the country.

Call the USA Classified Network today!

1-800-231-6152

salary, commission, bonuses and benefits. must have own vehicle and valid driver’s license.

HERALD Community Newspapers liherald.com

real local, real news

$18.50 NYC, $17 L.I., up to $13.50 Upstate NY!

If you need care from your relative, friend/ neighbor and you have Medicaid, they may be eligible to start taking care of you as a personal assistant under NYS Medicaid CDPA Program. No Certificates needed.

Phone: 347-713-3552

Early Childhood Center Staff

Interested candidates must apply online at www.hewlett-woodmere.net click on career opportunities

*Applicants must be approved by Civil Service and obtain fingerprint clearance from New York State Education Department.

Mr. Keith Manginelli

to join our outside sales team, contact Rhonda glickman. send your resume today. rglickman@liherald.com, 516-569-4000 x250.

Full/Part-Time

Salary: $35.00 per hour

Fax letter of interest and resume by June 28, 2021 to:

RecRuiting a great sales team is Really simple.

We hire the smartest people who can solve the hardest marketing objectives with an arsenal of solutions and a smile through the journey.

Interested Applicants should email letter of interest and resume to Ms. Regina Agrusa, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel and Special Education at: ragrusa@sewanhakaschools.org

COMMUNITY MAINSTREAMING is A Non Profit Human Service Agency Seeking Dedicated Staff To Work With Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Individuals.

Any Further Questions Contact HR Recruiter Esther Seidman 516-683-0710, Ext 256.

THE SEWANHAKA CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

1128591

COMMUNITY MAINSTREAMING

1134911

HIRING EVENT

EMPLOYMENT 1135150

June 17, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

16

Help Wanted $18.50 NYC, $17 L.I. up to $13.50 Upstate NY! If you need care from your relative, friend/ neighbor and you have Medicaid, they may be eligible to start taking care of you as personal assistant under NYS Medicaid CDPA Program. No Certificates needed. 347-713-3553

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT BOOKKEEPER for a wholesale distributor company Full-time, Monday-Friday, 40 hours a week in Woodmere. Forward resume to: LJKTRAD@AOL.COM

1135155

Business Development Specialist – Westbury, NY. Seeking MS in Business Admin., or related. Mail CV to Attn: HR/Job #0407, TelLogicInc (dba) CentralEd, 400 Post Ave, #410, Westbury, NY 11590.

Early Childhood Center SUMMER CAMP Staff Needed In Lawrence The Gural JCC Early Childhood Center Camp Is Seeking Summer Staff Including Counselors, Assistant Counselors And Lifeguards.

Qualified And Interested Staff Please Call 516-239-1354 Or E-mail Camp@GuralJCC.org.

Needed In Lawrence For Fall, 2021 The Gural JCC Early Childhood Center Is Hiring Head Teachers And Assistant Teachers For The 2021-2022 School Year.

Interested And Qualified Applicants Should Please E-mail Resumes And References Directly To

JCC.Nursery@guraljcc.org Or Call 516-239-1354.

FACTORY WORKER PT/FT Needed For Awning Factory. Flexible Hours. Various Duties. 516-239-8090; tgawnings@aol.com

MACHINE OPERATOR FT

Will Train. Precision Air Chuck Manufacturer. Northfield Precision Instrument.

4400 Austin Blvd. Island Park, NY 11558. Email resume to: sales@northfield.com 516-431-1112

OFFICE PERSON FT

Monday- Friday. Receive Calls, Input Orders, Fast-paced Environment. Computer Skills Necessar y. Paper Goods Wholesaler. Island Park.

Email Resume: appcoem@gmail.com 516-608-9200 Contact Eric

Part-Time Bus Driver (CDL)

In Cedarhurst The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC Is Seeking A Part-Time Bus Driver For Approximately 12-18 Hours Per Week, Monday-Friday.

Qualified Candidates Must Have A Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) With A Passenger Endorsement No Less Than 18 Passengers. Clean License A Must.

Background Check Required.

Please Call Irina At 516-569-6733 The Gural JCC is an EEO Employer.

PART-TIME HELP NEEDED For Garden and Odd Jobs In Lawrence. Call 516-239-2161

17

HERALD

Help Wanted PRIVATE DRIVER NEEDED

Weekly Hours Vary. Occasional Overnight Stay. Use Of Company Car. Background Check And DMV Check.

Call For Details. Barbara 516-705-4804

Health Care/Opportunities

WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED!!!

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

HOME OF THE WEEK

HHA's, LPN's, Nurse's Aides Childcare. Housekeeping Day Workers No Fee To Employers

Lido Beach

Gorgeous Oceanfront Condo

L

ovely very large 2 bedroom, 2 full bath condo with terrace and ocean views! This unit features hardwood floors, raised ceiling with custom molding, granite kitchen, closets and HUGE direct oceanfront terrace. The property is situated on 12 acres with beach access and incredible amenities: private beach, 24/7 concierge, brand new outdoor in-ground heated pool, 2 tennis courts, brand new BBQ area, beach and bike storage, lounge and game rooms, new gym, laundry rooms, 1 parking spot plus guest parking!

Come live on the ocean!

Evon's Svces: 516-505-5510

HERALD

Homes Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299

1135269

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 e s t. 1 9 1 1

OPEN HOUSES SUNday, 6/20/21

ROCKVILLE CENTRE OFFICES FOR RENT

Tom Tripodi Tripodi/Shemtov Team Douglas Elliman Real Estate Long Beach 516.902.3497

“Going Above & Beyond to find your Dream Home” Hampton lifE 7LindaLane.C21.com

Rhonda Healy

luxury living 385BWestBroadway.C21.com

M: (516) 236-7269

Summer Beach rentalS 3 bEdroom summEr rEsort, pool

1135149

OPEN HOUSES HEWLETT 1720 Union Ave, 2-3:30, NEW EXCLUSIVE! 3 BR, 2 Bth Ranch, Updtd Gran/Wood EIK, LR, DR, Den. Full Unfin Bsmt w/Hi Ceiling. 2 Car Att Gar. SD#14 ................................................ $699,000 1602 Hereford Rd, BA, NEW! Move Right Into This Renovated 3 BR, 3 Bth Ranch with Full FBsmt. Open Layout, Att Garage. LOW TAXES! SD#14 .................................................. $799,000 1714 Huntley Pl, BA, NEW! Beautiful, Spacious 5 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch, Open Layout. Parklike 1/4 Acre in Cul De Sac. Full Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Att Gar. SD#14 ........................................... $999,000 1610 Hilary Ct, BA, Beautifully Gut Renovated 4600 Sq Ft Colonial in Cul de Sac.5 BR, 3.5 Bth with Full FFsmt, 2 Car Att Gar. SD#20. Tax Grievance Filed ....................REDUCED! $1,279,999 1593 Lakeview Dr, BA, 4 BR 2 Bth Exp Ranch on OVERSIZED Prop, SD#14. Full Dry Bsmt with Hi Ceiling. Att Gar. Beautiful Treelined St .................................................... REDUCED! $799,000 1390 Broadway #102, BA, 2 BR, 2 Bth Coop in Luxurious Hewlett Townhouse. LR/DR, Updtd Kit & Office/Den. Elevator, 24 Hr Drman, Valet Pkg, Pool. Priv Storage Area. Great Location Near Shops & Trans......................................................................................REDUCED! $349,000 NEW EXCLUSIVE! 4 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch w/ Full Fin Bsmt. Att Gar. Beautiful St in SD#14 ........................................................................................................................... $779,000 HEWLETT HaRBOR 7 Lake Dr, BA, NEW! Beautifully Renovated 4 BR, 3.5 Bth Col with Open Layout. Mstr Ste Boasts New Bth, HUGE WIC & Deck Overlooking Golf Course. Full Bsmt. 2 Car Gar. SD#14 ....$1,395,000 105 Lake Dr, BA, Spectaular Waterfront Prop With Golf Course Views. 4 BR, 4.5 Bth 4500 sq Ft Contemporary w/ Open Layout & Soaring Ceilings, 2 Car Gar, New Bulkhead, SD#14 ........................................................................................................REDUCED! $1,850,000 236 Richards Lane, BA, 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary Home on an Acre Of Resortlike Prop with IG Pool. Open Floor Plan. Full Fin Bsmt. Main Flr Master. SD14..............REDUCED! $1,499,000 339 Pepperidge Rd, BA, 5 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch on 1/2 Acre Resortlike Prop with IG Pool & Golf Course View! SD#20 ............................................................................REDUCED! $999,000 267 Channon Rd, BA, 7 BR, 4 Bth Exp Ranch w/ Full Fin Bsmt on Quiet St in SD#20. 2 Car Att Gar. Won’t Last! ........................................................................................ REDUCED! $1,149,000 HEWLETT Bay PaRK 40 Heron Dr,BA, 10,000 Sq Ft Waterfront Property on an Acre of Parklike Grounds Tucked away in Cul de Sac. 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary. Soaring Ceilings. IG Pool, Hot Tub. 285' Vinyl Bulkhead Raised & Redone Dock. 3 Car Garage .................................... REDUCED!! $3,999,000 WOOdSBURGH 185 Bay Dr, BA, 5/6 BR, 4.5 Bth Exp Ranch on Parklike 1/2 Acre Prop. Guest Quarters, Full Bsmt, 2 Car Gar. SD#14 ............................................................................REDUCED! $1,420,000 WOOdMERE 4 Clubside Dr, BA, Renovated 3 BR,3.5 Bth Townhouse in Cedar Glen. Updtd Gran/Wood EIK & Bths. HW Flrs. Fin Lower Level. Att Gar. Community Pool & Tennis. Near All. SD#14 .. $725,000 EaST ROCKaWay 54 Rose Lane, 12-1:30, NEW EXCLUSIVE! PROPERTY LOVERS DELIGHT! 3 BR, 2.5 Bth Split on Over 1/2 Acre Parklike Property in Waverly Park. Updtd EIK, Den/Fpl/Vaulted Ceiling, FDR & Mstr Ste/Updtd Bth & Sitting Rm. 2 Car Gar. SD#20 .................................................. $1,199,000

3 bEdroom townHousE ocEan viEws

For Additional Info Contact Listing Agent: Helen Esposito Cell: 516-884-2662

43 N. Park Ave. Rockville Centre • 516-764-2601

Where Dreams Come Home

PRIME LOCATION!!!

CALL US TOdAy!

516-405-3918

… a place to call your own.

Suburb or country, house, condo, townhouse or apartment, our Classifieds can help you find a HOME that fits your style, your budget and Real Estate needs... it’s a MUST SEE!

Michele Librett-Lawlor, CBR, SFR NYS Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

BestLiHomes.com • 516-418-3333 REAL ESTATE

Open Houses

Open Houses

HEWLETT 6/20, 2-3:30,1720 UNION Ave, NEW EXCLUSIVE! 3 BR, 2 Bth Ranch w/ Updtd Gran/Wood EIK, LR,DR & Den. Full Unfin Bsmt w/Hi Ceiling. 2 Car Att Gar. SD#14...$699,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

EAST ROCKAWAY 6/20, 12-1:30, 54 Rose Lane, NEW! PROPERTY LOVERS DELIGHT! 3 BR, 2.5 Bth Split on Over 1/2 Acre Parklike Property in Waverly Park Area.Updtd EIK, Den/Fpl/Vaulted Ceiling, FDR & Mstr Ste/Updtd Bth & Sitting Rm. 2 Car Gar. SD#20...$1,199,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299 HEWLETT 1602 HEREFORD Rd,OPEN HOUSE BY APPT,NEW EXCLUSIVE! Move Right Into This Renovated 3 BR, 3 Bth Ranch with Full Fin Bsmt. Open Layo u t , A t t G a r a g e . L O W TA X E S !

SD#14...$799,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4

Your Hometown Newspaper

To Place an Ad Call: 516-569-4000 • Press 5

1133031

NYS Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

Helping you find a HOME or sell a HOME

Call us today!

55 Merrick Avenue, Merrick NY 11566

John Lawlor, CBR, SFR 1134767

AMENITIES INCLUDE: • Shared Kitchen • Conference Room • Reception Area • Municipal Parking

• To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

HEWLETT 1714 HUNTLEY Pl, BA, NEW! Beautiful, Spacious 5 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch w/ Open Layout. Parklike 1/4 Acre Prop in Cul De Sac. Full Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Att Gar. SD#14....$999,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT HARBOR BA 7 Lake Dr, ,NEW! Beautifully Renovated 4 BR, 3.5 Bth Col with Open Layout. Mstr Ste Boasts New Bth, HUGE WIC & Deck Overlooking Golf Course. Full Bsmt. 2 Car Gar. SD#14...$1,395,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Apartments For Rent CEDARHURST NO FEE Pr ivate Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For O n e B e d r o o m W h e n Ava i l a bl e.

(516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

Real Estate Salesperson, abR, SRS E: Rhonda.Healy.VW@gmail.com Verdeschi & Walsh Realty 1025 W. Beech St. | Long Beach, NY

OneKey Multiple Listing Service

One phone call, one order, one heck of a good price to run your ad in any state, or across the country.

Call the USA Classified Network today!

1-800-231-6152

1131448

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — June 17, 2021

Employment HERALDHomes

HERALD

Market Place • •

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

If Your Plumbing STINKS

Call The WeNKS! 516-889-3200

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FREE ESTIMATES 4 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE

wenkpipingandheating.com

W eNK

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OFF

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Sunday, August 02, 2020 11:07:23 AM

tree service • free estimate Spring has sprung and so will your trees.

Contact us now for all your pruning needs.

Specializing in: • Tree removal • STump grinding • land Clearing • pruning • STorm prevenTion

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suff.

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aboveallgutters.com

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Dave marlOWe Plumbing, inC.

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Lic# H206773000

Office: 516-546-4971 Cell: 516-852-5415

ALL CLEAR DRAIN & SEWER SERVICE

Residential and Commercial - All Surfaces Call Anthony Romeo “The Local Guy” “Anthony & J Home Improvement, Inc.” Also specializes in ★ Deck Renovation ★ Driveways ★ Siding ★ Masonry ★ Fences ★ Roofing ★ Interior/Exterior Painting.

(516) 678-6641 - Licensed & Insured

(516)409-9696 • (631)422-9696

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Chimney King, Ent. Inc.

CLUTTER

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on labor only

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Free estimates...Best Price For High Quality service

CRAZY? driving you

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home improvement speciaList no JoB too BiG or smaLL

raf industries corp. home improvement

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sales@liherald.com to run a FREE "Finds Under $100"

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To Place Your Card in the

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we Care More Than The REST For LESS

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June 17, 2021 — HERALD

18

Market Place •

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To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

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tel: 631-cut-tree 631-288-8733

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fully licensed & insured

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M

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Page 2 is 4C constructed in InDesign. This page is a PDF exported from page 2 and converted to grayscale. Use 600 dpi for exporting.

HANDYMAN SERVICE

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JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, It’s in the Herald Classifieds...

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To Advertise Call 516-569-4000 JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... press 5

A. You can choose your neighbors and you can choose your friends, but you don’t get to choose your family, right? Every once in a while, I get a call from a representative of a group of concerned citizens who want some use to just disappear, but you have to consider what the use is, and whether that use has been previously approved with permits onte eeper and certificates of completion at that location. If the use has previously been approved, with zoning variances or straight permits, then your recourse is limited.

It’s not uncommon to see people show up — or lately, log in — to a zoning hearing to voice their opposition to an established use such as a restaurant that wants more seating, or a new use that was formerly retail, and many other combinations or changes. As to whether you can do anything, I can only say that the specifics of the proposed use would need to be understood. For example, if the restaurant that has closed was previously approved for a specific number of seats, and the proposed restaurant goes in with the same status — under normal circumstances, the conditions remain the same and, except for any minor improvements, such as kitchen equipment, removing a wall or changing the seating configuration — then the only approvals needed are permits that do not require any contestable review, as would be the case in a zoning hearing.

Noxious fumes and fire safety are another matter, and you can make a complaint that may be addressed to some extent by examining the use of equipment to minimize the fumes, but consider that fumes from a restaurant are part of the mechanism of cooking and ventilation. Also consider that you, apparently, chose to live next to a commercial establishment. It did not choose to locate next to you; you chose where to live.

I have witnessed, in public hearings over the years, seemingly reasonable people step up to the microphone and blurt out the most unreasonable statements about how, for example, their neighbor’s renovation will cause noise and dust, so shouldn’t they be told they have to turn their homestead into a small park for everyone else to enjoy? My favorite one was the couple who were hell-bent on getting the railroad to either stop running by their house or change the train schedule so they could listen to the birds without interruption. I don’t think the board of the railroad changed the schedule, but I’m sure they had a good laugh. With relatives like that, I’ll stick with my friends. Good luck!

Ask The Architect

FREE

Nassau & suffolk

Q. We live behind a shopping center, and want to know if there’s anything we can do to stop a restaurant from opening there. The last one went out of business because of the pandemic, and this one will probably be pumping out the same smelly fumes. We complained about the last one, but we think the owner knows people, since nothing was done about it.

Do you have any suggestions?

L

© 2021 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

HERALD — June 17, 2021

HERALD

A new restaurant in the neighborhood

19

HERALD

Stuff

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 ANNOUNCEMENTS

MERCHANDISE MART

• To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 Tree Services

Antiques/Collectibles

FAMILY-ORIENTED SINGLE WOMAN looking to welcome a child into her life. Any ethnicity welcome, expenses paid. Please call (347) 470-5228 or my attor ney: (800)582-3678 for information.

Announcements A nonprofit organization in Cedarhurst, NY is seeking sealed bids for sales and installation of security related enhancements.

The project includes: entryway door replacements, installation of access control and ID systems, installation of security window film, installation of Closed Circuit Television equipment.

Selection criteria will be based on knowledge of surveillance and security, adherence to work schedule, prior experience, references, and cost. Specifications and bid requirements can be obtained by contacting us at secbid516@gmail.com All interested firms will be required to sign for the proposal documents and provide primary contact, telephone, fax and email address.

Bids will be accepted until June 25, 2021 and work is to commence by: July 1 and completed

by August 20, 2021.

AND LANDSCAPING: Tree Removal, Stumps, Fertilization, Planting, Land Clearing, Topping. Free Estimates. Lic# H206773000. Office 516-546-4971, Cell 516-852-5415

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 40 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid..

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1129117

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21

OPINIONS

n wildness is the preservation of the world.”

—Henry David Thoreau

Last Nov. 8, I was kayaking in Emory Creek in Freeport, just north of the Narrows, when I spotted what I thought was a chunk of garbage floating in the waterway and paddled over to collect it. I was headed north, back to the Albany Avenue boat ramp, after two hours on the water. Suddenly the garbage jerked, as if it were alive.

“What the…?” I blurted out. Were SCOTT my eyes deceiving me?

BRINTON As I approached, I realized it wasn’t garbage, but a river otter, the first one I’d ever seen in the wild — or anywhere. I slowed my paddling, hoping to sneak up close enough for a quick photo. I stroked all of three times when the otter lifted its head slightly and dived headlong underwater, its back forming a perfect U as it plunged, like some mythical sea serpent of yore. I waited a few minutes to see if it might resurface, but it vanished.

I came away feeling grateful to have seen this beautiful creature, if only momentarily.

River otters are indeed rare on Long Island.

They once numbered in the hundreds of

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thousands on the East Coast, but were hunted mercilessly from the 1600s through the early 1900s for their sleek fur, the densest of any mammal in the animal kingdom. When Europeans first settled in North America, otters inhabited every waterway on the continent, according to Mike Bottini, a wildlife biologist with the nonprofit, Islip-based Seatuck Environmental Association. By the 20th century, their numbers had dwindled to a few thousand, scattered in small, out-ofsight colonies.

Seatuck teamed up with the nonprofit Peconic Land Trust on May 20 to present a webinar on “The Re-wilding of Long Island,” about how any number of creatures — including river otters — are making a comeback thanks to conservation programs, so I had to tune in. In addition to Bottini, it featured Emily Hall, Seatuck’s conservation policy advocate; Kelly Hamilton, a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation wildlife biologist; and Enrico Nardone, Seatuck’s executive director. Arielle Santos, its wildlife conservation policy program coordinator, moderated.

River otters disappeared from Long Island in the early 1800s. They were protected by the International Fur Seal Treaty of 1911, however, and further safeguarded in the U.S. by the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973. No longer hunted, they are

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rebounding. It’s not clear when, precisely, river otters returned to Long Island, but a 2008 study by Bottini confirmed their presence here, and a subsequent study 10 years later found that their range was expanding.

Bottini identified 150 potential sites where otters might live on the Island, and narrowed their presence to three confirmed locations: Mill Neck/ Oyster Bay, the Nissequogue River and Peconic Bay. By 2018, they were found in 10 spots.

River otters are amazing creatures. They can hold their breath underwater for up to eight minutes, which might explain why I didn’t see the otter resurface — I had waited two or three minutes before I continued paddling on my way last November. They are also among only 10 or so animals besides humans that employ tools: They use rocks to smash open crustaceans’ shells to get to the meat inside.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that not only are otters returning to Long Island, but bald eagles are as well — there are now 21 nesting pairs here, Hamilton said. They had nearly gone extinct during the 1960s because of the ubiquitous use of DDT, a now-banned pesticide that caused their offspring’s shells to thin and crack open before the chicks were fully developed. The mother bird would crush the eggs when she sat on them to warm them. From the 1940s to the

’ve glimpsed a river otter, and the silvery aquatic carpet of a school of river herring.

’60s, 675,000 tons of DDT were sprayed across America, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The increase in river herring on Long Island is promising as well, Hall said. The river herring is a silvery fish that was once so plentiful that when schools of it made their way upriver, they turned the water silver. We haven’t reached that point yet. One night in the fall of 2019, however, my son, Andrew, and I returned to the Albany Avenue boat ramp after kayaking Emory Creek. The sun had set only a short while earlier. The moon was full, causing an abnormally high tide that inundated part of the boat ramp parking lot. Andrew waded into the water to the edge of the bulkhead, and for no particular reason, shined his headlamp into the creek.

There it was, a giant mass of silvery fish streaming northward. “Whoa!” I exclaimed.

It was an extraordinary sight. I’m now convinced the fish were river herring.

The re-wilding of Long Island, to me, demonstrates the necessity of federal and state environmental regulations — and local conservation efforts undertaken by vital groups like Seatuck (seatuck.org) and the Peconic Land Trust (peconiclandtrust. org). They need and deserve our support.

Scott Brinton is the Herald Community Newspapers’ executive editor and an adjunct professor at the Hofstra University Herbert School of Communication. Comments about this column? SBrinton@liherald.com.

On the road with a priest, a knight and a monk

fter 15 months, hundreds of miles, 800 pages and 40 hours of audio, I listened to the closing words of my book this week, and it was good.

Early in the pandemic, I experienced the kind of deadening boredom and restlessness that can unravel the human spirit.

So I pushed myself outdoors to walk.

No matter the weather, no matter the temptations of the couch and the TV, I walked.

After some weeks, the thoughts that accompanied me RANDI were not helpful. I KREISS tended to perseverate on medical, political and existential threats. So I decided to listen to a very long book with my newly purchased AirPods, and that’s how Ken Follett’s “Pillars of the Earth” saved my life. Well, that’s an overstatement, but the book, all 40 hours of it on Audible, kept me reasonably sane.

The only other Follett book I had read was the breakout thriller “The Eye of the Needle.” I chose “Pillars” because it was

unreasonably long and because the reader, John Lee, got rave reviews. I wanted a deep, authoritative voice in my ear, an English narrator who would add authenticity.

I had strict rules for myself. I would only listen to the book — no contemporaneous reading. I would allow myself to listen only when I was walking, thus the builtin motivation. And when I was listening, I wouldn’t take phone calls or allow other distractions. I only listened when I walked alone.

In an afterward, Follett explains how he came to write this doorstop of a book, an epic piece of historical fiction, and his story is unique. He grew up in a family that adhered to a Puritanlike religious ethic. As a young lad, he became enthralled with the building of cathedrals, an odd fascination for a kid, especially since it was paired with an interest in medieval architecture.

He began writing thrillers, and all the while kept researching the story of the great cathedrals of England. His publishers wanted him to keep churning out bestsellers, because he had a real knack for it and they liked a sure thing, but he decided to write a big book on the building of a fic-

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tional cathedral in England between the years 1135 and 1170. It took him more than three years, which is nothing, because it took 30 years to build a cathedral in those times.

The building of the grand churches over decades is the infrastructure of the book. But it isn’t all flying buttresses and knaves and arches. The human story drives the narrative. The tale begins with a priest, a knight and a monk who witness an illegal hanging, and it flows out from there in all directions and over decades, with characters questing and crusading across the world. Follett creates dozens of characters whose stories pull us into the drama of life in medieval villages, castles and emerging towns.

I walked day after day, with Tom Builder and Prior Philip, Jack Jackson, Ellen the witch, Bishop Waleran Bigod, Aliena and Johnny Eightpence and even the ill-fated Thomas Beckett. Like a Woody Allen of Medieval times, Follett intertwines his characters with authentic historical figures we’ve only met in history books. Beckett, for one, leaps to life with a dignity and grace he may or may not have exhibited in

iving me something more healthy to focus on during my daily perambulations.

real life.

Villains abound. Heroes get pierced through with swords. Women sacrifice youth and beauty to honor oaths to dictatorial fathers. Lovers are thwarted by religion and plague and just bad timing.

Babies are born to and abandoned by desperately poor itinerant workers, and they are found and raised by good-hearted monks to become servants of God. I’m telling you about this now because it’s just possible that you’ll need to walk your way through a troubling time, and a really long book can make the journey easier. It was impossible to think any bad thoughts while I was listening my way through “Pillars of the Earth.”

We are all in a better place now, but a worrier is a worrier. So I still walk, and just today I began “The Long Ships,” by Swedish writer Frans G. Bengtsson. Published in 1941, it recounts the adventures of Viking Rode Orm in the late 10th century.

This is a find. I look forward to my morning walk. After listening to live news this evening about Covid spikes, galloping Trumpism and political paralysis, it’s downright comforting to hear bloody sagas of Viking hordes raiding and sacking the known world.

Copyright 2021 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — June 17, 2021

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Suburban Long Island getting wilder by the day

22

HERALD EDITORIALS

Rockville centRe

June 17, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

HERALD

Established 1990 Incorporating The News & Owl of Rockville Centre 1928-2001 Michael SMollinS Senior Editor ThoMaS carrozza Reporter office 2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530 Phone: (516) 569-4000 Fax: (516) 569-4942 Web: www.liherald.com E-mail: rvceditor@liherald.com Copyright © 2020 Richner Communications, Inc.

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Boaters take note: Stop speeding in the wetlands

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t’s nearly summer, and the boating season is now upon us. That means speedboats and personal watercraft roaring along our coastline. That’s OK, as long as they’re outside the designated no-wake zones in the saltwater wetlands that hug the shoreline, particularly on the South Shore, between the barrier islands and Long Island proper. The trouble is, too many people disregard the zones, causing widespread destruction of the wetlands.

If you’re one of these people, cut it out.

The wetlands provide critical “environmental benefits.” They act as breeding grounds for countless birds, fish and shellfish. At the same time, they soak up waves during hurricanes and tropical storms.

Without them, the South Shore would have taken a far greater beating during Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and, most recently, Tropical Storm Isaias last year.

The wetlands comprise hundreds of mudflat islands that are held together by fields of Spartina marsh grass. As boats thunder through the narrow channels between the mudflats, they send waves crashing against their sides, slowly, steadily eroding them. Stop off at most any mudflat island in a South Shore boat channel and you’ll find the telltale signs of wave-action erosion.

The sides of the mudflats form U-shaped cliffs, because the waves strike them from below and break upward.

Eventually, caves form, causing the surface of the mudflats to collapse and send-

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LETTERS A critical look at critical race theory To the Editor: Re Randi Kreiss’s column “Are we immune to Texas-style xenophobia?” (June 10-16): I was surprised to read that Kreiss equated the pushback against critical race theory with what she called “Texas-style xenophobia.”

Half the column was a diatribe on initiatives by Texas conservatives that had nothing to do with the subject, but laid the foundation for why any opinion of the Texas legislature must be bigoted and wrong. Kreiss implied that those leading the charge against critical race theory are right wing, racist and Republican, and are influencing the ignorant against the advancement of civil rights. In fact, the pushback is bipartisan, and many who were initial supporters have changed their minds after seeing the actual implementation in school curriculums.

I am one of them and a lifelong Democrat

ing whole swaths of Spartina grass floating out to sea. Eventually, all that’s left is a sandy beach, which might look pretty but is easily washed away in a big storm.

When you find only rocks and pebbles, you know the demise of a mudflat island is near.

Development through the centuries has caused massive loss of wetlands, despite their vital functions and benefits. A study by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1990 found that the acreage of wetlands across the contiguous United States, both saltwater and freshwater, had decreased by 53 percent, from 221 million acres to 104 million. In fact, many South Shore communities were built in the 1950s and ’60s, atop wetlands, before the federal Clean Water Act of 1972 protected them from dredging and filling.

The act did not, however, protect them from boaters, who are left largely to govern themselves. Yes, there are county and town bay constables to enforce no-wake zones, but the wetlands, measuring tens of thousands of acres, are hard to police: In the Town of Hempstead alone, there are 17,000 acres of wetlands and 180 miles of coastal waterways to patrol. The constables are also often taken away from environmental enforcement by drunken boaters, who pose an immediate threat to other people.

One recent citizen-science survey of the world’s wetlands, conducted by the World Wetland Network, the Society of Wetland Scientists, the Cobra Collective and the International Union for Conserva-

tion of Nature, found that wetlands have decreased across the globe by 87 percent — that is, they are on the brink of disappearing from the face of the earth.

We cannot allow that to happen. Wetlands have been part of Long Island practically from the time it formed 10,000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age, as a 118-mile-long glacial deposit. Whether we realize it or not, we desperately need them. They deserve our protection.

We would love to hear our town officials speaking out more on this issue, given that they are entrusted with the protection of wetlands, along with state Department of Environmental Conservation officials. Educating the public on the importance of wetlands should be a top priority.

You might consider joining a group like the Freeport-based Operation SPLASH (Stop Polluting Littering and Save Harbors) on the South Shore, or the Oyster Bay-based Friends of the Bay on the North Shore, whose mission is protecting our coastal waters, including the wetlands. Both organizations regularly conduct cleanups, which are critical, given the astounding amount of garbage that makes its way into our waterways and wetlands.

And again, if you’re a boater, please, please pay attention to and obey the nowake zones. You’ll be doing an enormous service to everyone who lives in one of our coastal communities, along with the many wild creatures who inhabit the wetlands.

23

OPINIONS

he recently completed census became controversial because of political interference, but the results are still important. This is especially true when it comes to the national birthrate and regions with population growth and decline. Long Island is a region in decline. What can we do about it?

The once-every10-years census produces a demographic profile of the nation broken down by age, gender, education, national origin, ethnicity, family status and employment, among other ROBERT A. elements. It also produces populaSCOTT tion estimates and charts the changes in births, deaths and migration. The data can be sorted by demographic characteristics as well as by geographic region. Income data is collected by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis. Together, they provide substantial information for community and economic development.

Census data helps government agencies at all levels as well as private employers forecast economic growth, fiscal demands and service opportunities. Businesses use census results to decide where to build factories, offices and stores.

Census results also provide the basis for apportioning the 435 seats in the House of

Representatives among the states, and the allocation of more than $675 billion per year in federal funding for schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs.

One key focus of the census is the nation’s birthrate. In 2017, the total fertility rate in the U.S. was 1,765.5 per 1,000 women, 16 percent below what’s considered the rate needed for the population to replace itself, 2,100 births per 1,000 women. After a decline during the Great Depression followed by the baby boom after World War II, the fertility rate has hovered for four decades at just under that replacement rate. It currently stands at 1.9 births per woman.

It’s estimated that by the 2030s, the number of Americans over age 65 will exceed the number of those under 18. The Social Security Administration’s working assumption is that there should be three covered workers per recipient for the system to be stable. In 2000, there were 3.4; today there are about 2.3. By 2030, the estimate is that there will be 2.0. This imbalance can be addressed by raising the wage base limit on Social Security payroll deductions, now $142,800; providing incentives for families to have more children; and improving our immigration system.

According to the Long Island Association, the number of births in Nassau and Suffolk counties fell by almost 20 percent

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from 2000 to 2016, and the number of people 19 and younger fell by 7.5 percent. The causes of decline include a “birth dearth” and out-migration due to job opportunities elsewhere and the cost of housing here.

Long Island’s population growth of 0.7 percent is lower than the average 1.2 percent in other metropolitan-area suburban counties. In the meantime, the median age of NassauSuffolk’s workforce continued to rise last year, according to Newsday.

The consequences of a decline in the young population are manifold for our country and our region. A rising ratio of retirees to new graduates means that funding for pensions and health care will likely result in less support for education. We will need to be concerned about who will start new businesses and who will staff existing ones. Will elementary school buildings become homes for retirees no longer able to live alone? Who will run for school boards, town councils and other civic offices?

Another consequence is representation in Congress. In the 1940s, New York had 45 members of the House; it now has 26 due to the state’s declining population.

Where will we find the scientists and engineers to conduct the world-renowned research at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories, Brookhaven National Labs and Stony Brook University, among other

t won’t be long before Americans over age 65 will outnumber those under 18.

LETTERS from New York. The history of racism in America needs to be told and acknowledged.

In spite of Kreiss’s partisan characterization, few on both sides of the political aisle would disagree. What we do disagree with is the damaging reverse racism, political ideology, anti-Semitism and historical distortions that have taken over critical race theory in places like California.

In the first draft of California’s Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum, the state’s version of critical race theory, the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement for Palestine was included as an important social movement against apartheid in Israel, according to a recent article in Tablet Magazine, which describes itself as a “new read on Jewish life.” A list of 154 influential people of color did not include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., U.S. Rep. John Lewis or Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, though it included violent revolutionaries.

There was even a flattering description of Pol Pot, the communist leader of Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge, who was responsible for the murder of a quarter of the Cambodian population during the 1970s, according to the article. Islamophobia was mentioned as a kind of oppression, but anti-Semitism was not. Similar issues have shown up often when critical race theory is applied.

Which of us, Ms. Kreiss, is “reacting —

venues? These engines of knowledge and prosperity require native-born and immigrant scholars to continue their mission of advancing knowledge and its applications.

While it can be argued that a decline in global population could be good for the environment and the sustainability of natural resources, my immediate concern is with our region.

Historically, nations have sought to manage, or at least stabilize, population growth by encouraging, while managing, immigration. Immigrants comprised about 13.7 percent of our population in 2019, but the growth in immigration has slowed. Restrictive policies have resulted in a drop in the number of international students, scholars, entrepreneurs and others to staff and serve our businesses and communities.

We need a plan for population renewal and dynamic development as well as environmental sustainability. The census and related reports provide the data needed to help us get started with a comprehensive approach. We can work to stall out-migration, improve in-migration and restore a productive immigration system. Such a plan will not only support population growth, economic and community development and the environment, but can also lead to the strengthening of democratic institutions through increased civic participation.

Robert A. Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and the author of “How University Boards Work” (Johns Hopkins Press, 2018, Eric Hoffer Awardee, 2019).

FRAMEWORK courtesy Doranne Zullo

not thinking, not listening, just pulling hotbutton words . . . out of the air,” to quote you?

DEBORAH SPIER Cedarhurst

1984 may be upon us today To the Editor: As the tearing down of monuments and statues, rewriting history and changing names of buildings named after historic figures continues under the growing cancel culture, it reminds me of George Orwell, who wrote, “Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book rewritten, every picture has been repainted, every statue and street building has been renamed, every date has been altered. And the process is continuing day by day and minute by minute. History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which the Party is always right.”

Orwell’s vision of 1984 may soon become today’s reality.

LARRY PENNER Great Neck

In the city of red sandstone — Sedona, Ariz.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — June 17, 2021

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The census: a wealth of enlightening information

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June 17, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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