Rockville Centre Herald 09-02-2021

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BOE accepts school chief’s resignation Abgarian — Newsday’s All-Long Island girls’ soccer Coach of the Year — and her assistant, Chris The Rockville Centre Board Aloisi. Despite the support of of Education accepted the resig- Chang and Carol Roseto, the disnation of Superintendent June trict’s director of physical educaChang at its Aug. 25 meeting. tion, board trustees, in separate Chang announced his deci- 3-2 decisions on July 21, voted sion to step down in not to rehire the a letter to the board coaches. on Aug. 11, just over Though Chang a ye a r a f t e r h e did not confirm that signed a five-year the board’s vote contract to serve as against his recomsuperintendent. His mendation was the re s i g n at i o n w i l l reason for his decibecome ef fective sion, in a letter he May 11, 2022, and wrote to the school until then, the board board that was will search for his obtained by the Herreplacement. ald, it appeared to be At the meeting, JUNE CHANG a factor. “I had recChang spoke publicommended a head Superintendent, ly for the first time coach and an assissince his announce- RVC schools tant coach, and I still ment. “It’s been a stand by those recpleasure to have served in Rock- ommendations,” Chang wrote. “I ville Centre over the past year,” am deeply saddened that those he said. “I look forward to help- recommendations were turned ing out in a continued transition down.” in search of the next superintenThough he will remain on the dent of Rockville Centre, and I job until next May, Chang tendo wish all the best to the school dered his resignation only a year community.” after succeeding Dr. William In his remarks, Chang stood Johnson, the district superintenby his recommendation to rehire dent for 34 years. School board South Side High School girls’ President John O’Shea said that varsity soccer coach Jennifer CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

By TOM CARROZZA tcarrozza@liherlad.com

I

Courtesy Dan Gropper

DAN GROPPER LOST his limbs in a fire in 1989, and recently decided to be paired with a new service dog, Zinger, who helps him around the house.

Pooch lends a helping paw

Disabled RVC man bonds with new service dog

By MIKE SMOLLINS msmollins@liherald.com

In December 1989, Dan Gropper’s life changed drastically when he was severely burned in an apartment fire in Island Park and nearly died.

“They gave me a 2 percent chance to live,” he recalled.

“The good thing about it is I don’t remember it, so I don’t have any flashbacks or nightmares.”

Gropper, 52, was 21 when

the fire burned 80 percent of his body. He lost both of his hands, and had both of his legs amputated above the knee due to infections after the blaze, which was deemed an electrical fire. Though he can still do many of the things he enjoys, he said he felt the need to have some help around his house on Raymond Street in Rockville Centre.

He recently acquired a service dog, a Labrador retrieve r n a m e d Z i n g e r, f ro m

Canine Companions Training Center, a national nonprofit based in Medford that serves people with physical disabilities. Gropper said he decided to get the dog after his previous pet, Luca, also a lab, died.

Gropper had training sessions with Zinger at Canine Companions. After filling out paperwork and answering questions, he was paired with the 2-year-old dog and CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

t’s been a pleasure to have served in Rockville Centre over the past year.

Lions Club to host Duck Pluck to support charities The■Rockville■Centre■ Lions■Club■will■host■its■ 2 2 n d ■ a n nu a l ■ D u ck■ Pluck■ at■ the■ Chamber■ of ■ Commerce’s■ Eat,■ Shop,■ Rock■ event■ on■ Oct.■ 3■ from■ noon■ to■ 5■ p.m.■ The■ rain■ date■ is■ Oct.■10.

B e fo re ■ t h at , ■ t h e■ Lions■ are■ selling■ Duck■ raffles■ across■ the■ village■and■offering■a■variety■ of ■ prizes■ for■ children■ of ■ all■ ages.■ Other■ fundraising■ activities■ include■guest■bartender■ outings.

F u n d s ■ t h a t ■ a r e■ raised■through■the■various■endeavors■will■support■local■charity.■” To■learn■more■about■ E a t , ■ S h o p , ■ R o c k ,■ visit■ rockvillecentrechamberofcommerce. com.■ “Don’t■ duck■ the■ ducks!”

Courtesy Rockville Centre Lions Club; compiled

by Mike Smollins

CRIME WATCH Criminal mischief ■■ A■ motorist■ reported■ that■ her■ vehicle■ was■damaged■while■it■was■parked■in■her■ driveway■ on■ Surrey■ Lane■ on■ Aug.■ 19■ at■ 9:49■a.m.

Larceny ■■ On■ Aug.■ 25■ at■ 4:30■ a.m.,■ a■ bicycle■ was■ stolen■from■a■backyard■on■N.■Long■Beach■ Road.

Leaving the scene

while■ he■ was■ stopped■ in■ traffic■ on■ Lincoln■Avenue■on■Aug.■18■at■1:32■p.m.

■■ On■ Aug.■ 22■ at■ 3:18■ p.m.,■ a■ motorist■ reported■ that■ her■ car■ was■ struck■ by■ a■ vehicle■ that■ left■ the■ scene■ while■ it■ was■ parked■in■a■lot■near■Merrick■Road.

■■ A■truck■driver■reported■that■his■vehicle■was■struck■by■a■car■that■left■the■scene■ while■ he■ was■ making■ a■ delivery■ on■ N.■ Park■Avenue■on■Aug.■26■at■12:47■p.m.■ ■■ On■ Aug.■ 29■ at■ 5:36■ p.m.,■ a■ motorist■ reported■that■her■vehicle■was■struck■by■a■ car■that■left■the■scene■while■she■was■driving■on■Hempstead■Avenue.

■■ A■ motorist■ reported■ that■ his■ car■ was■ struck■ by■ a■ dirt■ bike■ that■ left■ the■ scene■

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.

Courtesy RVC Lions Club

THE ROCKVILLE CENTRE Lions Club is hosting a Duck Pluck event on Oct. 3 and a plethora of fundraisers leading up to the outing.

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September 2, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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OBITUARIES

By MIKE SMOLLINS msmollins@liherald.com

Longtime Rockville Centre teacher and coach Edward A. Kilkelly died on Aug. 15 of natural causes. He was 86.

Kilkelly was born in 1935 and grew up in Astoria, Queens. He graduated from Fordham University with a bachelor’s degree in education and then received his master’s at New York University. He also took graduate courses in administration and education and earned an administration degree from Queens College in 1970.

One of his first teaching jobs was at St. Agnes High School, where he taught social studies and coached track. He went on to teach social studies, history and economics and coach track while serving in various administrative roles in several school districts and eventually served as assistant principal at South Side High School. When he had summers off, he worked as a camp director at Camp Fordham in the Catskills.

Kilkelly met his future wife, Kathleen Mcloughlin, when they both marched in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City. in the 1950s. They wed on June 20, 1959, and had two children, Ned and Mary Beth. In 1965, they moved to Rockville Centre, where Edward became a fixture in the community.

“He always had ideas and he was always interested in doing great things,” Mary Beth Kilkelly recalled. “He was always good at working together with people. He was a very, very friendly person and was able to meet people and put things together. He just loved the town.”

Edward Kilkelly’s community involvement included working closely with the

Courtesy Mary Beth Kilkelly

LONGTIME ROCKVILLE CENTRE teacher and coach Edward A. Kilkelly died on Aug. 15 after spending decades serving as a community fixture.

Recreation Center in the village, helping to create the Turkey Trot event around Thanksgiving and serving as a member of the Rockville Centre Kiwanis Club.

Mary Beth fondly recalled that she ran in the Turkey Trot in 1973 and earned a trophy, which she still has to this day, and

that at the encouragement of her father, she became one of only two female soccer players in the Rockville Centre Soccer League in the mid-1970s.

Mary Beth recounted that her mother was working at Mercy Hospital as a nurse when her father encouraged her to

shift to Molloy College. Her mother then decided to go back to school and earned her degree, eventually becoming a professor of nursing at the school.

“He was the kind of person who saw potential in people and said, ‘You can do it!’” Mary Beth said. “And that’s a story we keep hearing.”

When he turned 68, Kilkelly decided to travel to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, where he fulfilled a dream of teaching history and coaching track there alongside volunteers that were in their early 20s.

Kilkelly’s family meant a great deal to him, his daughter said, and his calendar was often filled with visits to his nieces and nephews or his attendance at sporting events and concerts that they took part in. She added that he loved to drive and fondly remembered that once she and her family members were having a discussion about their favorite places to visit, and her father loved Rockville Centre so much that he said his favorite place to drive was N. Village Avenue. She said her father had the ability to make anyone laugh and loved telling jokes.

In addition to his children, Kilkelly is survived by his sister, Rosemary Kane; his brother, Frank (Betty) Kilkelly; his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Murphy; his daughter-in-law Tracy Elliot; his grandchildren, Molly, Emma, Jack and Beatrice; and several nieces and nephews.

Kathleen predeceased him in 1997.

Kilkelly’s funeral Mass was on Aug. 24 at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, and he was buried at St. John’s Cemetery in Middle Village, Queens.

“He never wanted to leave Rockville Centre,” Mary Beth said. “He love, love, loved RVC.”

Former RVC resident Robert ‘Bob’ O’keeffe, 90 Longtime Rockville Centre resident Robert “Bob” O’Keeffe died on Aug. 19. He was 90.

O’Keeffe was bor n on July 21, 1931, in Morristown, N.J., to Samuel and Constance O’Keeffe. His family eventually relocated to Rockville Centre, where he moved in next door to the future love of his life, Phyllis, whom he eventually married.

He spent four years in the Navy as an aircraft mechanic and received an associates degree in applied science from the State University of New York at Far mingdale. He worked for Grumman Aerospace Corporation for nearly 40 years, designing tools and equipment for many of Grumman’s iconic aircrafts, and was most proud of the work he did on the Apollo Lunar Module. He was captivated by space, often taking out his telescope to

view the moon and planets, and he looked forward to receiving his daily email from NASA with the astronomy picture of the day.

O’Keeffe loved gardening. At his home in Massapequa, he grew some the largest and most delicious tomatoes around; in his later years he joined the Master Gardeners of Fluvanna County, in Virginia, and volunteered to help the local 4H Club.

He also enjoyed woodworking and built a full workshop in his house.

He combined his love of gardening and woodworking with his love of the church by building the Mary’s Walk and gardens at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Brooklyn.

He was loved by all who knew him. He always had a smile, a kind word, or a silly joke, for anyone he met. O’Keeffe loved kids, and neigh-

borhood kids would often knock at the door to ask if he could come out and play. Most of all, he adored raising his daughter, coaching her soccer teams, biking with her to the beach, teaching her how to drive a car and a boat, walking her down the aisle at her wedding, and cherishing holiday visits and family card games with her children.

O’Keeffe is survived by his wife of 65 years, Phyllis; his daughter, Ellen; son-in-law, David; and grandsons, Jack and Luke. He will be dearly missed and be forever in their hearts.

A funeral Mass was scheduled for Aug. 31 at 11 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Brooklyn.

Interment followed at the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to kidsgardening.org.

Courtesy Legacy.com

ROBERT O’KEEFFE

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — September 2, 2021

Longtime RVC educator, coach dies at 86

September 2, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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American Legion thanks local businesses American Legion Post 303 presented plaques to three Rockville Centre businesses that allowed them to solicit donations for their Poppies in April and May to honor veterans.

Walter Paruch and Jim Keane of Post 303 headed the poppy program and presented the plaques to Associated manager Ralph Fischetto, Front Street Bakery manager Lisa Acerno, and Golden Reef Diner owner Jimmy Trahanas.

After World War I, the poppy flourished in Europe. Scientists attributed the growth to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from

the rubble left by the war.

From the dirt and mud grew a beautiful red poppy. The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battle after the publication of the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields.”

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a doctor, wrote the poem while serving on the front lines.

On September 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of The American Legion family to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of the American Legion.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 303’s Walter Paruch, left, and Jim Keane gave a palque to Associated manager Ralph Fischetto.

Infections as of Aug. 26

2,588

Infections as of Aug. 12 2,495

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Photos courtesy American Legion Post 303

PARUCH AND KEANE presented Front Street Bakery manager Lisa Acerno with a plaque for the business’ donation efforts.

PARUCH AND KEANE thanked Golden Reef Diner owner Jimmy Trahanas.

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BACK SCHOOL classroom Beyond the

to

After-school activities The pros and cons of filling your kids’ schedule

By Emily Starbuck Gerson

W

hen Robyn Parets’ two boys were young, she was torn in numerous directions, running all over Boston to take them to extracurricular activities.

Like many parents, she thought her kids needed to be involved in as many activities as possible. But one day at her 7-year-old son Noah’s soccer game, she noticed he was more interested in pulling grass than actually kicking the ball.

“That was a lightbulb moment for me; my kid didn’t love it and he wasn’t good at it,” she says. “Sso why am I even knocking myself to get to those games?”

Since her kids were little, Parets has owned Pretzel Kids, a nationwide kids yoga company that trains adults to teach yoga to kids, so she knew the importance of mindfulness and stress management. Following that aha moment, she focused on guiding her kids to just one activity each that they both were good at and liked — not just what all the other kids were doing.

In recent decades, there’s been increasing pressure on parents to involve their children in extracurriculars. Part of it is the competitive nature of getting into schools and college these days. Another factor is the need for after-school care with today’s working family. There are certainly mental, physical and developmental benefits to being involved in after-school activities like sports or the arts, but overscheduling kids can also do more harm than good.

Keeping your kids so busy outside of school that they lack free time for play or rest can lead to stress, anxiety and depression, says Dr. Harpreet Kaur, a licensed clinical psychologist for kids and teens.

“I think parents feel this pressure to prepare their kids for academic success and make them competitive college applicants and make them successful for a job, but they often miss out on that unstructured playtime that provides some of the skills that kids need to be successful anyway,” she says.

Extracurriculars enrich development There are plenty of compelling reasons to have kids involved in extracurricular activities. Kaur says extracurriculars help improve the overall functioning of children.

Encourage positive habits: Kids do best when they have structure and routine, she says, and those involved in extracurriculars perform better academically and are more likely to finish high school. “These children engage more with their parents and are more active in their community,” Kaur says. “They’re also less likely to engage in drug use or other criminal activities.”

Help develop skills and interests: Jennifer Fink, a nurse-turned-freelance writer, the mother of four boys, says an extracurricular activity “gives children a chance to develop their skills, learn more about their interests and connect with others who may share the same passions they do.”

Foster time-management skills: Fink

After 3 p.m.

has found that getting involved in extracurriculars can also help teach the kids time management.

“Sometimes a kid wants to do a lot of different things, and it may look like too much to us,” she says. "There’s some value in letting them try it and see how it goes. If all of those things are really important to the kid, they may find a way to make it work and learn time management skills in the process — things like how to get your homework done even when you’re playing on a sports team and taking a dance class.”

The downside of overscheduling Unfortunately, overscheduling kids in too many extracurricular activities can take a toll on both the children and their parents, and it’s becoming increasingly common — an alarming trend that Kaur has observed in her practice.

Interrupts valuable unstructured playtime: Kaur says there’s simply not enough information out there about how valuable play is.“Unstructured playtime promotes social skill development, and kids develop problem-solving skills,” she says. “It allows them to be creative thinkers and develop assertiveness, and they learn how to cope with negative emotions.

Kaur says unstructured playtime has become so deprioritized that an American Academy of Pediatrics report recently encouraged pediatricians to prescribe play to help make it more common for children again.

Triggers stress, anxiety and depression: When kids are too overscheduled and stressed, they’re more prone to anxiety, irritability, tiredness and destructibility, Kaur says. She adds that rates of anxiety and depression are already somewhat high in the general adolescent population, and “overscheduling kids just makes those rates increase.”

Devise a realistic plan If your family feels hopelessly overbooked and overstressed, here’s the good

news: There’s a lot you can do to regain a sense of balance.

Create a visual schedule: Kaur recommends that parents create some sort of visual reminder of everything that’s going on, whether it’s a calendar or list of activities, and to color code it by family member. “If one person has too many things going on in their schedule, it’s easy to identify, and it helps families be more aware when they’re creating schedules."

Schedule downtime: Another way to help busy kids, Kaur says, is to schedule at least an hour a week for family time to relax and have quality interactions together. This could be anything from cooking or playing a game to watching a movie as a family, she says.

Practice moderation: While it’s tempting to have your child involved in a million activities in order to look like a stellar college applicant, Kaur says, pay attention to what the children value and where their interests are, and consider picking just one or two activities that are meaningful. It’s wise to focus on quality over quantity and schedule in moderation, Kaur says.

Celebrate kids’ differences and talents: Parets has noticed that many parents fear their kids being “different” from other kids if they aren’t involved in certain activities, and they worry that their kids won’t get into college if they aren’t involved in everything under the sun. But in her experience, tuning into your child’s true talent and nurturing it, even if it’s not the most popular extracurricular, makes them happier and healthier — and there are colleges that are happy to accept someone who shines at one thing rather than is simply involved in 10 things, she says.

Above photo: Afterschool and summer enrichment programs have been a consistent source of support to young people and families who have been juggling a disrupted school routine, dealing with the health and related stressors created by the pandemic and managing the toll that Covid-19 is taking on their overall well-being.

Thriving once that final school bell rings "School” can be defined in many different ways these days, which means the after-school benefits might speak louder to you than others. The simple point is that school is just different than what kids and teens are accustomed to in our post-pandemic “normal” — they’re learning from teachers differently, however that might be; they’re doing homework differently, however that might be; they’re being tested differently, they’ve been socializing differently, etc.

In our new normal, kids may be needing the benefits of an afterschool program more than ever as a result. From online homework to the afterschool routine, and more, there is a lot to consider, and a lot that afterschool actitivies can do in order to help.

A good afterschool program can turn the aimless hours after school into productive learning time. That’s a big benefit, especially for kids who learn and think differently.

Create a sense of belonging If the afterschool program isn’t run by your school district or a local facility, it may be a way for your child to make some new friends. Being away from school can offer a break from any usual cliques or social concerns.

If the program is local or at school, it enables your child to connect with peers in a new setting. Kids in afterschool programs are more likely to be included and feel like they’re part of a group. These programs often have more adult supervision than playground time offers.

Improve social skills A good program promotes cooperation, support, and respect. This can help kids feel more secure about joining a game or starting a conversation. And if they slip up, a sympathetic staffer should be on hand to remind them to take turns or stop interrupting.

Academic support Some afterschool programs provide classroom support, including an opportunity to do homework.

This time can be very helpful for kids who struggle with homework at home or who can’t sit down to do it until late. Getting it done after school can make everyone’s evening more pleasant.

Finding balance

7

“A lot of people see a list of all the great things that are being offered,” says Lee “and sign up for everything and then they realize it’s so unrealistic with their time constraints and all the schoolwork that they have.”That’s not good — as Newman notes, it’s no fun for kids “to have so many things that they have to drop out.”

An overload of extracurricular activities also doesn’t bring the perceived benefit a lot of parents and kids are looking for: a goodlooking college application. “What they’re really looking for is applicants who are well rounded and have focus. You can see they are pursuing a goal and they really like what they are doing,” Newman says.“And not just dipping their hand in this and that and the next thing so they can fill out more lines on the application.”

T

By Harry Kimball he vast array of extracurricular activities offered to school-age children can be a headache for kids and parents both. They can help kids develop talents and passions and learn how to push themselves. And, of course, we want them to look like well-rounded, accomplished kids to college admissions committees. But we don’t want to run them ragged or turn them into stressed-out automatons. Even parents of young children,are feeling the pressure.

After school activities have also stepped in to supplant the unsupervised “free time” we’re no longer comfortable allowing our children to have, says Rachel Cortese, a speech-language pathologist and former New York City schoolteacher. And there is a consensus that children should have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of activities in well-delineated blocks — ”structured free time,” as it is called.

But how much should parents push their kids to engage — and how much is too much?

The benefits In general, says Cortese,“kids tend to do really well when they have structure, and part of that structure is having an afterschool schedule.” Educational and learning specialist Ruth Lee also extols some well-known benefits of getting kids together outside of the classroom for more activities — especially the physical kind.

“It gives kids social interactions,” she says, at the same time helping them “get out some of their energy so they can settle and go back to their work” after school. This is particularly important, she notes, as schools are cutting back on recess more and more.

For older kids, after-school activities can be very important as protection against more dangerous activities, says clinical psychologist Dr. Mary Rooney — particularly if parents are busy at work or with other children.“Once kids get into middle school and high school,” she says, “the hour or two after school is the highest risk time for dangerous behaviors like substance abuse, because

it’s the largest chunk of time when kids are unmonitored.”

And of course, more recreational activities outside of school, whether its sports, dance, theater, science, give kids another arena to demonstrate competence and mastery, which is important for their self-esteem and identity development —especially for kids who might be struggling in school.

The drawbacks But what about overscheduling? It is not to be taken lightly, says Dr. Susan Newman, a social psychologist and author of, among many others,“The Case for the Only Child.”

For one thing, Newman warns that mastery might suffer. “If you are spreading yourself too thin you’re not going to be able to focus and get really good at one thing.”

The school-life balance How many activities are too many? “Seven,” jokes clinical psychologist Dr. Jerry Bubrick. But really, it’s too much when afterschool activities start interfering with a child’s life. Bubrick notes that in the case of intensive commitments like sports or theater, even one activity can be too much.

Bubrick has a pretty simple calculus for how much is too much.“Can you still do your homework? Can you still get 8+ hours of sleep each night? Can you still be a part of your family? Can you still hang out with your friends? If the answer is ‘no’ to one or more of these, then it’s too much.”

Back to school: What’s a parent to do?

Know your child. “Kids come to us with different predispositions,” Cortese says, and the best activity “depends on the individual child.” And when it comes to scheduling, kids respond better to different kinds of structure. “One kid who is highly scheduled might do very well and another might need to dial it back,” says Cortese.

Courtey Child Mind Institute Above photos: Kids have lots of options these days, but an overscheduled child can go from busy to burned out in no time.

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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — September 2, 2021

Helping kids choose extracurricular activities that work for them, without the stress

Underground Salon celebrates 28 years!

Teaching perseverance When your child wants to quit a sport or activity

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September 2, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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ou surely want your child to excel in any sport or activity he or she participates in. But what happens when your child says "I want to quit"? Do you shake your head no and say, "You have to honor your commitments," or do you call the coach to say your child won't be back?

It's a dilemma for parents who want their children to expand their horizons, develop skills and build a good college résumé, but it's an equally large dilemma for the child who wants out.

Some of the most common reasons a student may wish to quit a sport or activity are: It went from fun to pressure. According to Dr. Philip Dembro, life coach and author of "The Real Purpose of Parenting," "play is a necessary and healthy part of the human condition, where we begin to learn the connection between 'fun,' 'learning' and 'effort.'

As a child gets older, into their 4s and 5s, they begin to take that learning into organized sports such as soccer and tee ball." This is where adults today begin to take away the fun of the game and focus solely on the outcome, which is "winning," says Dembro, "and parents often get caught up in the winning and losing."

As the child gets older, the pressure to win gets more intense, so by the age of 13, winning often seems the only valued option. According to Dembro, 75 percent of kids who play a sport are quitting by age 13.

The child is overscheduled. With multiple sports and activities booking up their schedules each season, children can feel stressed and overextended, then tempted to lighten their load by dropping an activity or two.

They're afraid. According to Len Saunders, author of "Keeping Kids Fit," children may develop a fear of failure, fear of getting hurt, fear of losing, fear of not pleasing others or "a fear of time sensitivity, where they feel there are not enough hours in the day for everything."

Your child's desire to quit will stem from his or her own particular issues, which you must find out in order to handle this dilemma. According to Robyn Odegaard,CEO and owner of Champion Performance Development and author of "Stop the Drama! The Ultimate Guide to Female Teams," the first step is listening to them.

"It's amazing what kids will tell you when you ask, and then you stay quiet," she says. "So often parents don't allow enough space in the conversation for a child/teen to answer, or will ask multiple questions in succession. Asking one question and allowing the child/teen to answer

will prompt a thoughtful response. Rapid-fire questions just cause a child/teen to shut down in confusion."

Some questions to ask during this conversation with your child include (courtesy of family life instructor Anastasia Gavalas): √ Why did you choose to join this activity/sport? √ What didn't happen that you were hoping to accomplish? √ What do you think would have made it better? √ What did you learn about yourself from this experience?

Your child's responses will give you insight into his or her deeper experiences.

Deciding What To Do Odegaard says: "Unless the situation is dangerous or emotionally damaging, you may recommend that the child live up to his commitment and finish out the season. I believe it is important for children to be taught to follow through on their commitments, particularly when other people are counting on them."

Explain these values to your child, and if this is the lesson you'd like your child to learn, enforce your rule to follow through until the end of the season. Some parents help their child over this hurdle by returning fun to the activity, such as playing catch in the yard or going to the batting cages, but emphasizing enjoyment rather than pressuring to be a better hitter "so you enjoy it more." If your child rediscovers the fun aspects of the activity, he may be more comfortable staying until the end of the season.

Parent Nikki Thompson enforces a rule that no quitting occurs mid-season. "If they choose not to pick it up next season, that's fine — but not before it is over," she says. "When I was a kid, I joined almost every sport and activity, but I quit before the season was over. I hardly finished anything, which created a negative cycle as an adult. I didn't want my kids to continue this vicious cycle." Thompson says she talks with her kids, encourages them and sticks with her rule.

"Sticking it out is always a great option," says Saunders. "But maybe they do have a good reason for wanting to leave the sport. Yes, being on teams and clubs in high school does look great on college applications, but they're always looking at grades and test scores first anyway."

An overextended, stressed and miserable child won't perform well on academics, so think carefully before you push your child to keep a commitment that is clearly causing him more harm than good.

Above photo: Should your child be allowed to quit a sport or activity midseason?

Richner hosts vaccine clinic for employees jvallone@liherald.com

Covid-19 vaccinations are now being administered at businesses, thanks to a new initiative by the Nassau County Department of Health.

On Aug. 27, Richner Communications Inc., parent company of Herald Community Newspapers, hosted a pop-up vaccination clinic at the company’s Garden City office in conjunction with the county-sponsored initiative — referred to by county officials as the “traveling vaccine pod.”

Nassau County communications specialist Vicki DiStefano said many people around the county still do not know where and how to get vaccinated. The new program — which brings vaccines directly to businesses for “in-house” vaccination — quickly grew in popularity, according to DiStefano. Covid infection rates have recently been on the rise in Nassau, hovering around 4 percent.

Interested RCI employees, as well as eligible friends and family, received their first doses of the Moderna vaccine. The second dose will be administered at the RCI office on Sept. 24. If employees had already received their first dose of the Moderna vaccine, they were also able to receive their second shot at the pop-up site.

“In Nassau County, 86.7 percent of adults 18 and older are vaccinated,” County Executive Laura Curran told the Herald, making Nassau the leading county in the state for vaccinations, and third in the country among large counties with a population of 1 million people or more.

The first business vaccination pod took place at Café Baci in Westbury on Aug. 3. “Since then, dozens of businesses have reached out to us,” Curran said, adding that officials have seen a solid uptick in the vaccination rate

Sue Grieco/Herald

At A tRAVELiNg vaccination clinic hosted by Nassau County at the Herald Community Newspapers’ office in Garden City last Friday, nurse Jeanne Ost injected RCI pressman Richard Maitland with the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. since the program’s start.

“With the Delta variant, we want to get everyone vaccinated,” Curran explained.

The pods are run by health department nurses, all of whom have been on the front lines of vaccine administration since earlier this year.

Pod manager and nurse Holly Marrano said, “We’re bringing the vaccine to local businesses to make it more

convenient for people to get vaccinated.”

“We are making this as easy as possible — no excuses,” Curran said. “No business is too big or too small.”

Any business interested in participating in the program and hosting a vaccine clinic for employees can reach out to the county health department at (516) 2279570, Monday through Friday.

Among the RCI employees who were vaccinated was Richard Maitland, 46, of Rockaway, Queens. Maitland has been working as a pressman for the company for nine years.

“I’ve been watching the news and seeing what’s going on,” Maitland said. “I’m seeing that it’s the unvaccinated that are transmitting the virus.”

Saying he was never against the vaccine, he thought getting it now was the right thing to do with the infection rate on the rise, and especially since the vaccination pod made it so convenient.

“No one is safe, and I don’t want to be that carrier who gets someone sick,” he added, calling to the Delta variant “round two” of the coronavirus.

“I don’t want to be part of the problem,” Maitland said. “I want to be part of the solution.”

That solution, according to Curran, is to vaccinate as many people as possible.

Covid-19 vaccines are not 100 percent effective in preventing the disease; however, county officials are finding that those who are vaccinated and do test positive for Covid are less likely to end up with a severe case that results in hospitalization.

Pod nurse Camille Laudando said the traveling vaccine clinic is all about “community outreach” and is the “definition of public health.”

“The vaccine is the most effective way to prevent Covid,” Curran said. “Our residents understand the value of the vaccine.”

Back to School Supply Drive.

Coach Realtors RVC will be collecting new school supplies to be distributed to families in need, in our community.

Please help us in this collection. Every child deserves to start the school year right, with the tools they need to succeed.

We are collecting from Sept 1 to Sept 17th at our Rockville Centre office 314 Sunrise Hwy., Rockville Centre.

314 Sunrise Highway • Rockville Centre, NY 11570

516-536-8100

email: rockvillecentre@coachrealtors.com | www.coachrealtors.com

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We are also accepting gift cards from Staples, Office Depot, Target and other stores that sell school supplies.

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — September 2, 2021

By JORDAN VALLONE

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September 2, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

COMMUNITY UPDATE Thursday, Sept. 2

original works. This program will take place on Zoom through the RVC library.

Registration required. Starts at 1 p.m.

Author Event with Amanda Davis Discover the inspiring story of the American flag that flew over Ground Zero, traveled across all 50 states as it was repaired, and returned to New York as a restored symbol of unity.

Author Amanda Davis will read her book for kids and adults and then answer questions about the flag. The Rockville Centre library hosts this Zoom event. Register at the library website. Starts at 7 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 12 September 11th Candlelight Vigil St. Agnes Cathedral hosts a mass at 5 p.m. in honor of those lost on 9/11, followed by a 6:30 p.m. ceremony on the Village Green.

Monday, Sept. 13

Tuesday, Sept. 7

Board of Trustees Meeting The Village of RVC Trustees has its monthly meeting at 4 p.m at Village Hall.

Chi Gong with Marianna Farina Farina returns in person to the Rockville Centre library with her exercise class. Register at the library website for the session that runs from Sept. 7 to Nov. 9. Starts at 10:30 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 18 Third Annual Jamison Novello Bake Sale

Tuesday Yoga with Joe Certified yoga instructor Joe Climi leads the class designed to accommodate the needs of people who may have difficulty with more traditional appraoches. This class is hybrid, with in-person and Zoom options. Register online at the RVC library website.

Starts at 12 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 in-person. Starts at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 8 Simply Stronger with Marilyn Bunger Certified instructor Marilyn Bunger leads this exercise class to enhance strength and flexibility. Starts at 9:30 a.m.

Chef Rob Chef Rob prepares provolone and broccoli orecchiette pasta. Register

l l l l l

Herald file photo

Author Event at the RVC Library The Rockville Centre Library hosts author Amanda Davis for a reading of her book 30,000 Stitches about a flag’s journey after 9/11. online at the RVC library website to receive the Zoom link to this virtual class. Starts at 10 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.

All in the Family 50th Anniversary In honor of the 50th anniversary of this groundbreaking sitcom, Sal St. George presents a retrospective of the iconic television series, its starts, and enduring legacy. Register online at the RVC library website for this Zoom event. Starts at 1 p.m.

Evening Yoga with Maryclare Certified yoga and meditation instructor MaryClare Chiofalo leads this traditional format yoga class. Discover the health and wellness benefits of practicing yoga. Register online at the RVC library website. Starts at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 9 RVC Board of Trustees Briefing Meeting

atthe RVC library. Register online at the library website for both virtual and inperson options. Starts at 1 p.m.

Summer Wrap Up Title Swap Join Eileen McCarthy and Sarah Siegel either in-person or online and share the books you have enjoyed over the summer. Register online at the RVC library website. In-person space is limited. Starts at 3 p.m.

The Rockville Centre Village board of trustees meets at Village Hall for a briefing meeting at 6 p.m.

Upcoming

Three Generations of Wyeth Artists

Poetry Workshop with Mindy Mangot

Professor Thomas Germano leads a discussion of the Wyeth family and their impact on American art. This is a hybrid class with Zoom and in-person options

Friday, Sept. 10 Mindy Mangot leads this interactive poetry workshop which includes a study of poetic works and composing

Come to 35 Burtis Avenue at 9:30 a.m. for the bake sale. All funds raised will benefit the Jamison Novello Scholarship Fund at Broadway Dance Center.

Rain date is Sept. 19 at 9:30 a.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 RVC Basketball League’s registration period is open. Register at RVCBL.com The RVC Board of Education meets in the SSHS auditorium on Sept. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

The RVC Farmers Market at Parking Lot 12 along Sunrise Highway on Sept. 5 opens at 7 a.m.

The SSHS Athletic Booster Club meets on Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. at the high school.

South Side High School hosts the ACT Exam on Sept. 11

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NEWS BRIEF

Mary M. Burns, CBR

Lic. Associate Real Estate Broker

75 Seaman Avenue Rockville Centre, NY 11570

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Herald file photo

516-884-4998 Direct 516-766-7900 Office MBurns@SignaturePremier.com

www.SignaturePremier.com

THE VILLAGE OF Rockville Centre’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony is set for Sept. 12.

Above, Mayor Francis X. Murray addressed attendees at last year’s event.

RVC to commemorate 20th anniversary of 9/11 Rockville Centre residents, elected officials, community groups and members of the police and fire departments will gather on Sept. 12 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

The village’s annual 9/11 Remem-

brance Ceremony is set for Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Village Green, which is at the corner of Lee and Maple avenues.

Before the solemn ceremony, a special Mass will be held at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, 29 Quealy Place, at 5 p.m.

From our office to your home,

a healthy and happy New Year!

News Brief items including awards, honors, promotions and other tidbits about local residents are welcome. Photographs may be emailed as well.

Deadline for submissions is noon Thursday, week prior to publication.

Send to msmollins@liherald.com

Rockville Centre Office 516.678.1510 • 36 South Park Ave., Rockville Centre, NY Each office is independently owned and operated.

Wishing you a happy and a sweet New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR

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We Wish You a Sweet Year Filled with Blessings of Good Health, Happiness and Peace

Shabbat and the High Holy Days Friday September 3

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Monday September 6 Erev Rosh Hashana Candle Lighting: 7:01pm

Wednesday September 15

Candle Lighting: 7:06pm Shabbos Ends: 8:13pm

Tuesday September 7

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Erev Yom Kippur (Kol Nidre) Candle Lighting: 6:46pm Yizkor on Thursday Yom Kippur ends on Thursday at 7:53pm

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Candle Lighting: 8:00pm Rosh Hashana ends on Wednesday at 8:07pm

Candle Lighting: 6:54pm Shabbos Ends: 8:02pm

Ed Weintrob • Editor and Publisher

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114 N. Park Ave., Rockville Centre • 764-4041

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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — September 2, 2021

Have a Happy, Healthy & Peaceful New Year

ROSH HASHANAH MESSAGE

Approach challenges with your best self this New Year insights necessary to most effectively and Caesar, keep his most precious wine in simple clay vessels?” She responded, thoughtfully move forward.

To the Jewish people, New Year’s Day “Why, yes he does.” The rabbi said, “You, is not merely a festive, celebratory day, who are so important should rather put your most treasured beverages in silver but it is actually considered, “The Day of and gold containers.”

Judgment.” It is a time when So, she went home and we are instructed to be in a told her father to put all of state of self-reflection in his wine in gold vessels. Caeorder to prime ourselves for sar followed his daughter’s personal growth. Despite the instructions and the wine reluctance to look back, parended up oxidizing and ticularly in ugly times, we going sour. He then asked are challenged to try and her who told her to do this, peel back the layers of darkand she let him know that it ness and find the seeds of was the homely rabbi, whom light within ourselves and Caesar then summoned. within the world which can abbi When the rabbi arrived, Caeserve as the basis for future aviD eRneR sar asked him why he did elevation. what he did. The rabbi There is a story in the responded, “To demonstrate Talmud of a Rabbi in Roman times who was approached by Caesar’s that sometimes the finest material is best daughter after she heard him relate a held in the lowliest of vessels.”

We, as a society, have gone through brilliantly insightful teaching. Now this rabbi happened not to be the most pleas- another incredibly challenging year. We antly looking fellow, and so she asked have experienced much loss, isolation him, “How can such glorious wisdom be and emotional strain. But we understand contained in such an ugly vessel?” The that an essential part of the human conrabbi responded to her with another dition is that the amount by which we question. He asked, “Does your father, can grow is directly proportional to the

R

D

Lerner is a rabbi at Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David in Rockville Centre.

Happy New Year 5782

HAPPY NEW YEAR 5782 May your New Year Be Filled with Good Health, Happiness and Peace

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degree of struggle we face. While not minimizing the harm caused by this seemingly endless pandemic, ugly vessels can contain very precious gifts. As we look back over this past year, where did we shine? Where did we step up? And, where did we miss the mark? How do we not merely try to weather the storm, but challenge ourselves to grow in the process? How can we expand this perspective to lift up those around us as well?

This pandemic has dragged on for so long, but we must not let it sour us in the process. It is my hope and prayer that we can still see the beauty in all of this ugliness. Because in this world, and in all of us, is a spark of the divine. This coming year, we should witness the end of Covid19 as a threat to our well being, but while it is still with us, let us honestly ask ourselves if we are confronting this challenge with the best versions of ourselves.

Let us all strive to make this world better for this coming year. L’Shanah Tovah U’Metukah — To a happy and sweet New Year.

Julia Mary Gazzio 516-536-2442 213 N. Long Beach Rd. Rockville Centre juliagazzio@allstate.com

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The Jewish community will be celebrating our New Year, Rosh Hashanah, on Sept. 7 and 8.

As was the case last year, this movement into a new season is a very welcome transition — it has been another challenging year. The great hope that Covid-19 was in the throes of defeat was dashed by the emergence of the Delta variant. In many ways, this year was even more emotionally difficult than before. We arrive at this moment with an understandable eagerness to move forward and to not look back. To keep putting one foot in front of the other, looking straight ahead, trying to just withstand the tempest until the storm waters recede and the rainbow illuminates the sky, finally marking the end of this plague.

But Jewish tradition encourages a different approach to the New Year. In fact, the literal definition of the Hebrew term Rosh Hashanah is “head of the year.”

One understanding of the phraseology is that the concept of the New Year can be viewed as a head which has the ability to gaze both backward and forward. Indeed, traditional texts teach that it is crucial to look backward in order to gain the

From our family to yours

May the Year 5782 Bring Renewed Health and Sweetness to our World!

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L’Shanah Tovah!

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Services available in person and in hybrid format.

Covod-19 protocols in place.

Pre-registration required.

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September 2, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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RVC man, service dog share special bond

Courtesy Dan Groppert

“HE’S GREAT IN public, and he’s a very relaxed dog,” Dan Gropper said of his service dog, Zinger. cook and write with the hooks. “I can do pretty much everything — the only thing I can’t do is juggle,” he said with a laugh. He also uses Ottobock Geniums, prosthetic legs for above-the-knee amputees.

Gropper has lived with Zinger since the beginning of August, and said the dog has been helpful. Zinger retrieves his phone and other items, can turn lights on and off, pushes and pulls drawers and doors open and

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stayed with him in a dorm room for nine days while Zinger learned commands from an instructor, and then “graduated,” at which point Gropper was able to take him home.

“I’m getting older, so it’s harder to bend down and pick things up, and my other dog, who wasn’t a service dog, died two and a half years ago,” Gropper said. “The companionship and the beauty of a service dog is they can come pretty much anywhere with you. He’s great in public, and he’s a very relaxed dog.”

Gropper grew up in Oceanside and moved around a lot, including stints in New Hampshire and California before he settled in Rockville Centre seven years ago.

After the fire, he spent six months in the burn unit at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, and then another year doing physical therapy there.

“It was tough, but I have great friends and family that stood by me,” he said. “. . . It was learning how to do everything again. Learning how to eat and feed myself, and take care of myself and drive. It’s hard because I tell people this every day, but my life is better now than it was back then. People see me and think, poor Dan, but people who know me, I have a fun life.”

At the time of the fire, Gropper was studying finance at Hofstra University, and he eventually graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, but he didn’t pursue a career in finance. Despite the loss of his limbs, he still lives a full life, which includes traveling, concerts, sporting events and exercise. He boxes, skydives and plays golf, and said he is fond of horseracing.

After the fire, he used prosthetic hands, but he changed to prosthetic hooks because he found them more comfortable. Though he was initially self-conscious about them, Gropper said, he eventually became more comfortable, and he has learned how to drive,

closed and can fetch things on command, including Gropper’s prosthetics.

Alex Diviney, who lives in Virginia and is a puppy raiser for Canine Companions, trained Zinger for 18 months. She said she discovered the company through her college, the University of Mary Washington, and saw an opportunity to help those in need. Diviney described Zinger as “a miracle” and “very intelligent,” and though it was difficult to part ways with him, she said, she saw that he and Gropper were a good fit when she came to Zinger’s graduation.

“Watching Dan and Zinger together is everything I’ve wished for as a puppy raiser,” she said. “A major goal of a puppy raiser is for the dog to graduate with a job, but it’s infinitely better when the graduate team is as in sync and well paired as Dan and Zinger. This team is already doing amazing things working together, and it will only get better. I’m beyond grateful that Zinger has found his match with Dan.” Gropper’s mother, Anne Epstein, visited him last week, and had nothing but positive things to say about Zinger. “It’s obviously a fact that this dog loves people, because he goes to everybody so readily, kisses them and just adores the attention,” she said. “He really has the exact same personality as my son, because my son loves people, and it’s just a fantastic match.”

Gropper said that although it could have been jarring for Zinger to go from being raised by Diviney in Virginia for 18 months to receiving more training at Canine Companions in February to moving into his home in Rockville Centre, the dog has handled the situation well, and they have developed a solid bond.

“You come home and there’s always someone there to see you,” Gropper said. “I come home and he’s here, and [he] looks forward to seeing you every time you’re out of the house.”

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — September 2, 2021

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

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BOE begins search for new superintendent CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE the board had begun its search for Chang’s successor, and would update the community on its progress.

Board Vice President Christine Ferazani said that the trustees were “hitting the ground running” in their search. “We don’t intend to let you down,” she said. “We will do this together.”

Trustee Tara Hackett said she took the news of Chang’s resignation hard, but she attempted to reassure district parents. “It’s been a trying time for everybody in the district,” she said. “And I would like to just remind everybody that who makes up our district and what makes us successful does not rest on the shoulders of one individual or five individuals, but on the entire staff, students, and community. We all play a role in the success of this district, and I believe in this district.”

Hackett abstained from the board’s vote to accept the “amended personnel action report,” which removed Abgarian and Aloisi, signaling her support for the coaches.

The district used the executive search firm Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates in its 2019-20 superintendent search, which led to the choice of Chang. The firm held focus groups and community forums and distributed an online survey during that process. The board did not say whether it would use the same process this time.

RVC Teachers Association President Frank Van Zant, who voiced his support for the soccer coaches, has criticized the board for its decisions over the past month.

“How has this summer gone?” he asked. “It’s been given over to anxiety, fighting, private vendettas played out in public, distrust, ignored professionals and the loss of educational leadership. You couldn’t work with [Chang], and now we have uncertainty.”

Chang began his career as a teacher in Paterson and New Milford, N.J., and then became a district curricu-

Tom Carrozza/Herald

THE BOARD OF Education accepted the resignation of Superintendent June Chang, effective May 11, 2022, at its Aug. 25 meeting. lum supervisor and Holocaust education program supervisor in the Jersey City Public Schools. He worked in Midland Park as an assistant principal and director of education and professional development, and was appointed superintendent of the Summit Public School District in 2015.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Rutgers University, a master’s in education from St. Peter’s University and an MBA from the Columbia Business School.

In his letter to the school board, Chang wrote that he had reached his decision after “much reflection,” but did not specify what was next for him.

“We have overcome many obstacles together during the most challenging of times,” he wrote, “and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have served the RVC schools community. However, after careful consideration with my family, I have decided to pursue other opportunities.”

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September 2, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — September 2, 2021

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have been dreamed a nurse at of Mercy Hospitala for almost 've always becoming nurse.

50 years, and Covid-19 wasclass trulyatthe worst Heart crisis For my science research Sacred that I have Iever experienced.

I remember like deal it Academy, studied how nursing students was yesterday.

I was notifi ed of the fi rst Covidwith stress, and the role that optimism plays as in our hospital, and they were apositive copingpatient method. sending fourand family memberscan who exposed Nursing education bewere a very to the Emergency Department. were this stressful environment.

I hopeThe thatstaff through nervouspeople as we can prepared theand appropriate study, kind with of see investigate [personal equipment]. so with the this. that thereprotective are different ways toAnd cope crisis began atthe Mercy Hospital.

ICovid-19 started researching subject about three As ago. the crisis peaked, my Emergency Department years staffI was wereselected workingas incredible hours, movingfrom from one of 11 students one sickHeart patient to another.

They were dealingour with Sacred who were invited to present patients who came in talking and within hours research at the Association of Psychological were on ventilators.

They neverin questioned work Science’s annual conference May 2020.

We load assignments; they just did what they had participated in a virtual conference instead to do. In theof morning, we tried and to pray just because the pandemic, wetogether, all presented to give us strength face another grueling shift. our research from to home.

It was really kind of a

Life-saving angioplasty angioplasty -- Life-saving Full catheterization catheterization lab lab -- Full Nationally-accredited electrophysiology electrophysiology lab lab -- Nationally-accredited Vascular lab for minimally invasive procedures - Vascular lab for minimally invasive procedures Get virtual virtual and and in-person in-person care, care, with with strict strict COVID-19 COVID-19 Get screening and and safety safety protocols protocols in in place. place. If If you you need need screening heart care, care, don’t don’t wait. wait. heart Schedule your your visit visit today today at at Schedule southnassau.org/heart southnassau.org/heart

Working these remarkableand menhappy and shock to me.alongside I was just so surprised woman truly work an inspiration that all was my hard paid off.to me . . . I could seeFor themy fearresearch, in their eyes, but they just went I worked online with where they were needed most and they did what 99 nursing and education students at they do best to give the best care to our sickest Molloy College.

Each participant waspatients.

I wouldassigned talk dailyto with my daughter, who randomly a “controllable” or is also an ER nurse atstressor another condition, facility. We would “uncontrollable” and I talk aboutwhat PPE and how amazing all nurses have analyzed each student experienced been. We talked fearI of this throughout the about schoolthe year. gotbringing to work disease with homeDr. with us and toMoore, our families.

Covid-19 closely Geraldine faculty hit home forfor methe when my daughter moderator Molloy Nursingcontracted Student the disease.

The fright for me was unimaginable.

Association.

Thankfully, shehoped recovered in three weeks andstudy I had also to conduct a similar returned where students, she neededbut to the be, inpandemic the ED with hightoschool alongside co-workers fighting the battle put a halther to that.

Instead, I passed on myof a lifetime.

I always knew that nurses were amazing study on to another Sacred Heart student who people and true front-line workers, but it tookthe was interested in the subject to continue Covid-19 to let the world know the same. research.

1132789 1132789

HERALD HOMETOWN HERO

LUZ OTEROKAREN CALDERON

GLEASON BALDWIN Licensed Practical Chief Quality Officer Nurse, Mount Sinai St. John's Episcopal South Nasau Hospital

T M

he ore hospital, along with theKaren TownGleason than 30 years ago, of Hempstead, created this project, was a bedside nurse performing thethe tasks Vaxmobile, to bring vaccines to different related to patient care.

“I always had a communities in Nassau We areand several passion for patients andCounty. their families, LPNs, and ofmy allcareer of them, they chose metotohelp be throughout I always wanted an interpreter for the community. drive improvement forHispanic our patients and their Every day can assure51,you more families,” saidI Gleason, as that she sat at than her 50 to“Throughout 60 percent ofthe patients desk. years,are as ISpanishbegan my speaking.

Many of theasHispanics workproviding in career, I realized that I know I was restaurants which to they our patients and withother greatplaces care, Iinwanted lead cannot takelevel a day offdrive to get a vaccine. I keep at a higher and improvement across pestering them toand bring people. the organization, that led meFor toexample, a role in a cook came up to me, and we gave him the administration.” vaccine.

When I asked him if heexecutives, knows anyone Collaborating with hospital else, he brought his whole kitchen, like 20 nurse leaders andme administrators, Gleason men. to design strategies to improve nursing helps many live in thehealth. careHispanics with the live goalinoffear; enhancing patient shadows,component and only inisthat Vaxmobile have are Another ensuring that nurses

Photo not provided

we beenregulatory able to help many. Apart from being meeting requirements. a nurse, I lend an extra hand because “My role actually is ensuring qualitymany and don’t know how to use telephone, they patient safety across thethe organization,” she do not know their telephone number, do not said.

“While I might not have directthey one-onknow any English, do notI know how to one impact with ourthey patients, that I’m write. I love what I do. making a difference every day for our patients, came from Puerto Rico years ago, and theIhospital at-large and our20community.”

I did notpride, speakGleason English.said I was terribly afraid,is With that her career and many people me.had I got so frustrated “everything to me.helped I always a passion for that I even classes, did a thousand people and took helping and advocating for others, things, worked in a thousand doing my and I feel that working in this places, administrative bachelor’s andtoeverything.

In align the same role helps me strategically the way that people helpedand mevision when with I gotquality here, soand to hospital’s mission pay back life, Ialways help others. patient safety at the forefront,” she said.

For the past year-plus Gleason’s team has reported all the Covid-related data, including number of cases, patients and supplies.

HERALD HOMETOWN HERO

LUZ DR.OTEROARTHUR CALDERON SCHANTZ BALDWIN WANTAGH Enfermera Family práctica Practice con licencia eninMount Sinai Physician Wantagh South Nassau

EI

l hospital, con el Town of Hempstead, specializejunto in internal medicine.

I’m crearon projecto, el Vaximóvil, para llevar an experteste on cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, vacunas a diferentes comunidades en Nassau atherosclerosis, cardiovascular reduction County. Somos varias LPN, de todas ellas me preventative strategies, andymore.

Although escogieron a mí para ser intérprete para la I’m based in Wantagh, I have patients come comunidad Hispana. to me from all areas of Long Island and even Todos dÍas, yo teIpuede que some fromlos Manhattan. have aasegurar, few patients más Southold, del 50-60 but por most cientoofdemylospatients pacientes from areson de habla Hispana.

Muchos de los Hispanos from Rockville Centre to Lindenhurst. trabajan en year restaurantes y en otrospandemic lugares This past and a half of the quebeen no van a coger un día libreoffi para has a diffi cult time in my ce. ponerse una vacuna.

Yo les Isigo molestando para que Thankfully, though, haven’t seen that much traigan a personas.

Por ejemplo, un cocinero Covid-19 lately. The numbers are dramatically se acercó dimosgrace la vacuna. smaller.

Oury le saving is that Cuando the Longle pregunté quearea si conoce a alguien más, average me trajo Island metro is a little better than todavaccinations. la cocina, como hombres. with The 20 vaccine has made a Los Hispanos viven con viven all the tremendous difference.

I tellmiedo, my patients muchos bajos lasasombras, y sólo … en ese time, “This is not political thing.

It truly

Vaximóvil a muchos. saves lives.”hemos Once podido we get ayudar everyone vaccinated, Aparte de aserlotenfermera, we will be better off. yo doy la mano extra porque no goals sabenisusar el teléfono, no One ofmuchos my main to educate people saben su número disease, de teléfono, no saben on cardiovascular because manynada de Inglés, noknow sabenthis, escribir. people don’t but heart disease is the Me encanta que hago. vine deIt’s Puerto leading cause oflodeath in thisYocountry. very Rico hace that 20 años, y nodohablaba Inglés.

Yothey important doctors the testing that teníatoundomiedo terrible y mucha gente me need in order to test people’s cholesterol ayudó.

Me frustré tanto que hasta cogí clases, levels. hice cosas,totrabajé entomilserve lugares, I’mmil blessed be able my cogiendo mi bachillerato y todo.

Dealways la misma manera community.

It’s what I’ve wanted to quesince a mímy mesophomore ayudaron cuando aquí, do year of llegué high school. para pagarle para atrás a la Ientonces spent a lot of time training for this jobvida, andyo ayudo a for los itdemás. studying and it was worth every minute of that. I am always looking for new ways to perfect my craft. For me, taking care of people is not just a job. It’s a passion.

HERALD HOMETOWN HOMETOWN HERO HERO HERALD

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OCEANSIDE/ISLAND PARK HERALD — May 27, 2021

September 2, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — September 2, 2021

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September 2, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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WHAT’S UP NEXT DOOR AND AROUND THE CORNER

HERALD NEIGHBORS

Photos by Christina Daly/Herald

THE EXPERIENCE VINEYARD Church in Rockville Centre hosted a bible school and camp this summer. On the last day on Aug. 20, campers had the opportunity to throw water balloons at their counselors.

Summer fun and faith at Vineyard Church It was a summer of fun and learning at the Experience Vineyard Church in Rockville Centre as it hosted a bible school and camp.

The church, at 251 Merrick Road, celebrated the final day of the camp on Aug. 20, where children got to have some fun with their counselors. The day included a pizza party, a bounce house with a slide and music. As an added bonus, the campers had the opportunity to playfully toss water balloons at their counselors.

To learn more about the church, visit theexperiencevc.com.

WHEN FILLING OUT her card with her favorite part of the bible school and what she would like to have next year, Adelaina Chizzonit, above left, wrote that she would love to have a large pool.

SEBASTIAN LONGWOOD, TOP right, did a flip down the bounce house slide.

THE CAMPERS AND counselors had some wild fun with water balloons, at right.

INSIDE THE BOUNCE house slide, Gavin Sorensen got creative.

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HOST

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — September 2, 2021

PRESENTS

FREE LIVE WEBINAR

LIVING 50-plus HEALTH + WEALTH + SELF A Three Part Webinar Series

Eric Feil Herald Community Newspapers

SPEAKERS

WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW 10 STEPS TO A BETTER RETIREMENT

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 • 6PM Bernard Macias Associate State Director Long Island AARP New York

REGISTER www.LIHerald.com/Wealth CAN’T MAKE THE LIVE WEBINAR? REGISTER AND YOU’LL RECEIVE THE RECORDING! To sponsor a webinar or for more information contact Amy Amato at aamato@liherald.com or 516.569.4000 x224

Constantina Papageorgiou Local Attorney 1142792

Today we are living more active and engaged lives 20 to 30 years longer than our grandparents did. This takes more financial resources. It’s no surprise, then, that one of the things we fear most is outliving our money.

The time has come to change the conversation — or in many cases, start one — about preparing financially for our later years!

Learn about Wills & Trusts, Estate Planning, Medicare & Medicaid, Long Term Care Insurance plus more.

Ronald Fatoullah Local Attorney

RVC Junior FD hosts annual car wash The Rockville Centre Junior Fire Department hosted its annual car wash on Aug. 29; their first since before the pandemic. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Junior Department, which comprises boys and girls from ages 13 to 17.

“We do a lot of hands-on training in terms of hose stretching, forceable entry, and we have a trailer where they get equipment training,” former Reliance Hose Company No. 3 Captain Mike Blackford said.

Blackford added that the funds raised from the car wash go into company training, as many of the 30 department members strive to move up into the main department when they turn 18.

Luke Trencheny, captain of the RVCJFD, is a four-year veteran of the department, and leads its monthly meetings and drills. Trencheny intends to join Woodland Engine Company No. 4 when he turns 18.

“They took me in like one of their own before I was even in their department,” Trencheny said.

“It’s truly just a big family around here.”

Trencheny has been invested in the department since he was 2, when his uncle and former Reliance Captain John Thorp took him around the village on the truck.

Ryan Castle, second lieutenant of the RVCJFD, has been a member for the last three years and was also inspired by a family member to join. Castle had an uncle in the Cold Spring Harbor Fire Department, and intends to join many of his friends at Reliance Hose Company No. 3.

“It’s good experience, so you know what you’re doing when you turn 18 and get into the fire department,” Castle said.

Cabin air fiLter repLaCement speCiaL throughout this pandemiC this wiLL sanitize

®

OIL ChangE

Mobil Clean 5w-30 Bulk Motor Oil • Up To 4 Quarts Mobil Oil • Plus 9 pt. Car Check • Replace Oil Filter • Foreign Add $5.00

9

$ 95

WITHOUT COUPON $24.95 Cartridge Filter, High End & Foreign Cars & Different Oil Grades Additional. Exp. 9/30/21

super synthetiC oiL Change

$

• Up To 4 Quarts • Replace Oil Filter • Lube Vehicle • Plus 9 pt. Car Check • Foreign Add $5.00

49

Tom Carrozza/Herald

MEMBERS OF THE Rockville Centre Junior Fire Department scrubbed a car during their fundraiser.

95 reg $86.95

Some Vehicles May Require Add’l Oil & Cartridge Filter At An Add’l Cost. High End Cars And Different Grades Additional.

With Coupon. Expires 9/30/21

the air you are breathing in when your aC is on

breathe CLeaN air

$

49 now

95

Filter Installation Included In Most Cars. Some Cars May Have An Additional Charge. With Coupon. Expires 9/30/21

$

63

95

Some vehicles may require add’l oil & cartridge filter at an add’l cost

High End Cars Additional. Foreign Add $5.

With Coupon. Exp. 9/30/21

MOTORCYCLE And TRAiLER inSPECTiOnS

need a refreshing treat? we now offer shakes & dip n dots

COMPLETE LINE OF AUTOMOTIVE REPAIRS FORGEIGN & DOMESTIC

ATM

Body Work • Detailing Paintless Dent Removal Window Tinting • Auto Glass Painted Pin Striping

(as served in ammusement parks)

originally $174.90 now

$

119

75

With Coupon. Expires 9/30/21

transmission system fLuid fLush

oiL Change • Up To 4 Quarts Mobil 1 Oil • Replace Oil Filter • Check All Fluids, Front End, Belts & Hoses

3 part fueL inJeCtion serviCe

originally $149.95 now

we are proud to offer a 10% disCount to aLL of our front Line heroes and to aLL seniors. save $50 to get that new Car Look ook

INQUIRE ABOUT OUR MOTORCYCLE REPAIR CENTER

and feeL & be CompLeteLyy sanitized

fuLL Car detaiL inside & out STarTing aT

79 ANTON’S

$

95

Labor only. All OEM Fluid Additional Fluid Types and Quantities Vary. With Coupon. Expires 9/30/21

$

225

95

originally $275.95

heLp wanted Cashiers RETIREES WELCOME

With Coupon. Expires 9/30/21

C A R C A R E C E n T E R, LT d.

345 Sunrise Hwy. • Rockville Centre • 678-2064

1142835

September 2, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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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.

School Monitors Part Time $15.00/Hour. 17 ½ to 25 Hours/Week.

an equal Opportunity employer

Immediate Openings Available Elementary School Nurse

Starting Immediately!

Candidates must hold a NYS Registered Professional Nurse License CPR Certification required

TRAINED SURVEYORS

1140833

Malverne UFSD Office of Human Resources 301 Wicks Lane, Malverne, NY 11565 or Call 516-887-6419

Candidates must hold a High School or College Diploma $125 Daily

Malverne Union Free School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Rockville centRe UFSD

Classroom Aides Noon Aides Substitute Noon Aides

Seeking CandidateS for the following poSitionS:

Candidates must hold a High School Diploma

wanted in small firm with large opportunity to advance. Applicants must be career oriented with excellent work ethic, attention to detail and the desire to become licensed. Work directly for licensed Land Surveyor. Experience with Total Stations, RTK GPS and Civil 3D software a big plus.

Salary commensurate with experience. ra@aksurveyors.com 516-678-9610

Eldercare Offered ELDERCARE OFFERED/ HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE

Caring Reliable Person For All Elderly Needs. Own Transportation.

Carol 516-316-9281

HERALD

Part time teacher Aides at South Side High School Salary: $15.00 per hour

All positions require fingerprint clearance

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

Applications may be picked up at:

Per Diem Substitute Teachers

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

1140773

Malverne UFSD Long Island, New York

vaLLeY StReam ufSD tHiRteeN

Homes Real estate

OHEL CHILDREN’S HOME AND FAMILY SERVICES F/T & P/T work with individuals with developmental disabilities

Medical Escort: 8am-1pm, DSP: 3pm-11pm & Overnight Community Habilitation & Respite Positions

855-OHEL-JOB, www.ohelfamily.org/careers EMPLOYMENT 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

A P P O I N T M E N T C O O R D I N AT O R WANTED for Franklin Square Dentist.

Must be Friendly Customer Focused, Organized. Dentrix Knowledge Preferred. Call 516-605-8934

CLEANER NEEDED PART-TIME 17 hours a week/ $15 an hour Call or email clubin@lakeviewlibrary.org 516-536-3071

1142100

IVERS BUS DR TED WAN NEW

IN BRIEF Coach Realtors Of Hewlett Welcomes Janice Sweet

DoN’T MISS The Bus!

STARTING SAlARIES Big Bus Van

$26.18/hr.

1142008

H.S. Diploma or equivalent, must drive, speak and write English. $15-$18/hr. Excellent benefit package.

letter of interest and resume to: Mr. John Murphy Principal of South Side High School jmurphy@rvcschools.org

CODE ENFORCEMENT P/T. Person Wanted For 19 1/2 Hours Per Week. Must Have Valid NYS Driver License And Be Willing To Work Weekends. Interested Parties Please Submit Resume To Inc. Village Of East Rockaway, PO Box 189, East R o c k a w a y, N Y 1 1 5 1 8 O r C a l l 516-887-6300

COMPANION w/ Elderly

Double pay - Holidays Work close to Home P/T and F/T Hours Call AGENCY 516-328-7126 CROSSING GUARDS Needed For

FREEPORT SCHOOL DISTRICT

3 Hours/ Day - $18.00/ Hour Must Be 21 Years Old Retirees Welcome

Call 718-541-6011

FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST: Knowledgeable With Billing. Part Time. Cedarhurst Ofiice. Call 516-374-2605

Non-Benefit Rate

$23.41/hr.

Non-Benefit Rate

Sign On Bonus $2,500.00 for CDL driver bus and van *Some restrictions may apply.

$500.00 for non CDL drivers. Will train qualified applicants

1141611

For additional information please visit www.valleystream13.com

1141879

Please submit your application online at NYSED Fingerprint Clearance required.

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 www.olasjobs.org 5th_floor • Clients • m-Clients • Malverne • 43053 Malverne Richner Communications or email Résumé to: 3.125x 3" Richnershould Communications Candidates email a lderrico@valleystream13.com Pg 1 School Monitors

EDUcATIoNAl BUS TRANSpoRTATIoN 516.454.2300 OFFICE ASSISTANT P/T

Small, Busy College Finance Office Seeking P/T Office Assistant For Answering Phones, Filing, Scanning, Data Entry, Etc. E mail Resume To: reception@ wilsoncollegeconsulting.com

REAL ESTATE SALESPERSONS WANTED

Open F/T & P/T Positions Experience Preferred Virtual Work Environment Make Money From Home Call For Confidential Interview 516-484-2999

RECEPTIONIST

Part-Time, Hours 9-2

Needed For Corporate Office In Valley Stream Must Have Clear Verbal And Written Communication Capabilities. Responsibilities Include: Phone, Mail, Keeping Track Of Supplies, Booking Conference Rooms, Meeting And Greeting Guests Email Resume Or Inquiries To: ReceptionVS@nhca.com

SALES PA R T / F U L L T I M E AVA I L A B L E .

Flexible Hours in a Busy Women's Hosiery & Accessories Retail Store in Cedarhurst NY. Some Experience- Will Train to help customers and promote sales & restocking merchandise.

516-395-5408. Ask for Chuck

Coach Realtors of Hewlett is proud to welcome our newest team member, Janice Sweet. Janice comes to us with over 20 years of experience with selling and rentals on both North and South shores of Nassau County. She raised her 3 children in her 46 year residency of Atlantic Beach while participating in community organizations. Janice is an experienced artist, stemming from FIT’s Apparel to Briarcliffe’s Graphic Design.

A devoted gal, extremely detailed oriented with all issues addressed. Clients and customers are top priority with integrity and honestly equal to each.

Janice can be contacted at 516-456-9062 or jsweet@coachrealtors.com

Realtors are encouraged to send briefs and photographs to: Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd.., Garden City, NY 11530.

Rent Your Apartment through the Herald and PrimeTime Classified section. Call us for our great *specials. 516-5694000, press 5 for Classified Dept. *(private party only)

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — September 2, 2021

HERALD

Rethinking a high-rise condo

Homes

HERALD

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

HOME OF THE WEEK

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

Q. My wife and I bought a condo on the top floor in a tall building on the beach and have lived there for seven years. Now she wants to sell because she’s worried about what happened to the building in Surfside, Fla. What went wrong, and how can I persuade her to keep our home, short of hiring an engineer to come take a look and reassure her.

Atlantic Beach

Location! Location! Location!

C

ustom built one family home, currently configured and taxed as a two family house. This East

Atlantic Beach home features 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths and is located on Reynold's Channel. There is a 150' pier, 12,000 lb boatlift, plus an 8' x 24' float for the day slip. You will enjoy a private beach in your own backyard, plus a resident only beach on the ocean.

Located in the Long Beach school district this home boast a lot size is 40 x 140.

Application for tax grievance for 2022/2023 has been submitted. Asking price is $1,375,000. Taxes are $27,707.43. Flood insurance is $919.41.

Rhonda Healy 1025 W. Beech Street Long Beach c: 516-236-7269 o: 516-431-6160

Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299 OPEN HOUSES SUNday, 9/5/21

1142955

Where Dreams Come Home

WOOdMERE

HEWLETT HaRBOR

267 Channon Rd, BA, REDUCED! 7 BR, 4 Bth Exp Ranch Full FBsmt on Quiet St in SD#20. 2 Car Att Gar ..................................................................................... $1,100,000

HEWLETT Bay PaRK

40 Heron Dr,BA, REDUCED 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.

IGP, Hot Tub. 285' Vinyl Bulkhead Raised & Redone Dock. 3 Car Garage ...$3,699,000

HEWLETT

1534 Broadway #103, BA, NEW! Spacious 2 BR, 2 Bth Condo in Luxurious Jonathan Hall. LR/DR, Large EIK, Laundry Rm, & Pantry. Terrace Facing into Courtyard.

Doorman Bldg with Elevator. Indoor Garage Pkg & Storage .......................... $599,000 395 Serena Rd, NEW! 5 BR, 2 Bth Col on O/S Property. Updtd EIKs. 3 BR Main Level, 2 Upstairs with OSE. SD#14. Possible M/D with Proper Permits. Near All ... $799,000 1610 Hilary Ct, BA, Beautifully Gut Renovated 4600 Sq Ft Colonial in Cul de Sac. 5 BR, 3.5 Bth with Full Fin Bsmt, 2 Car Att Gar. SD#20. Tax Grievance Filed ...........................................................................................REDUCED! $1,279,999 1390 Broadway #102, BA, REDUCED! 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 ................................. $349,000

EaST ROCKaWay

54 Rose Lane, BA, REDUCED! 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 ............ $899,000

CEdaRHURST

WATERFRONT LAND for sale! Great Opportunity to Build Multiple Homes on One Acre Including 5 Lots. Permits & Bulkhead Required. SD#15 ........................ $599,000

OCEaNSIdE

2808 Willard Ave, BA, NEW! 3 BR, 2 Bth Split on 1/4 Acre in Cul De Sac. LR, FDR, EIK, Den & Fin Bsmt. Att Gar. Low Taxes. Oceanside SD. Won’t Last ............ $629,000

Real Estate Attention Sportsmen! NY-VT Border, Minutes to Bennington, VT. 30 acres, Only $99,900! Open and wooded, trails throughout property. Abundant wildlife, great views with southern exposure. Town road, power, telephone, Owner Financing 802-447-0779

Open Houses EAST ROCKAWAY BA 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...$949,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

NYS Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

Michele Librett-Lawlor, CBR, SFR

1140110

4 Clubside Dr, BA, REDUCED! Renovated 3 BR, 3.5 Bth Townhouse in Cedar Glen.

Updtd Gran/Wood EIK & Baths. HW Flrs. Fin Lower Level. Att Gar. Community Pool & Tennis. Near All. SD#14 .................................................................................... $699,000

55 Merrick Avenue, Merrick NY 11566

John Lawlor, CBR, SFR

NYS Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

BestLiHomes.com • 516-418-3333 “Going Above & Beyond to find your Dream Home”

Rhonda Healy

M: (516) 236-7269

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

1139054

984 Singleton Ave, BA, NEW EXCLUSIVE! Expanded 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Colonial on Oversized Lot in Old Woodmere. Bsmt & 2 Car Det Gar. Near All. SD#14 ..... $899,000

ROCKVILLE CENTRE OFFICES FOR RENT PRIME LOCATION!!!

AMENITIES INCLUDE: • Shared Kitchen • Conference Room • Reception Area • Municipal Parking Open Houses HEWLETT 1610 Hilary Ct, , REDUCED! Beautifully Gut Renovated 4600 Sq Ft Colonial in Cul de Sac.5 BR,3.5 Bth with Full Fin Bsmt, 2 Car Att Gar. SD#20. Tax Grivance Filed.....$1,279,999 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299 HEWLETT BA 1534 Broadway #103,, NEW! Spacious 2 BR,2 Bth Condo in Luxurious Jonathan Hall. LR/DR, Large EIK, Laundry Rm, & Pantry. Terrace Facing into Courtyard. Doorman Bldg with Eleva t o r. I n d o o r G a r a g e P k g & S t o r age...$599,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

CALL US TOdAy!

516-405-3918

1140159

September 2, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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Open Houses HEWLETT OPEN HOUSE BA 395 Serena NEW EXCLUSIVE! 5 BR, 2 Bth Col on O/S Property. Updtd EIKs. 3 BR Main Level, 2 Upstairs with OSE. SD#14. Possible M / D w i t h P r o p e r Pe r m i t s . N e a r All..$799,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-429 WOODMERE BA 984 Singleton NEW To Market! Expanded 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Colonial on Oversized Lot in Old Woodmere.

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Ask The Architect

A. You should assure your wife that her concerns are very real and it is all right to be concerned. Validate her feelings and be understanding, because many people in the same situation, in taller buildings, are questioning the safety of where they live.

Questioning and confirming are what keep us safe, onte eeper no matter what the issue is or where we are.

Ignoring or dismissing a potential problem doesn’t make it go away.

Applying knowledge and reason leads to security.

Many people assume, with most things, that some qualified person simply took care of a problem, solved it correctly, and kept us safe. I often share my calculation process with clients, showing them the reasoning behind steps taken to calculate a beam, for example, for two reasons. One is so they understand how buildings work, and also so that when a substitution is requested, they understand why it was rejected.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of assumptions that work is being done with correctness and conscientiousness. With larger buildings, there are many safety procedures, including independent certification by qualified consultant engineering professionals. You might feel better if your building hired an engineer who could explain the building’s structural system and how it keeps you safe. If the people living in the Surfside condominiums could have questioned and acted with a maintenance program, which would have required spending money, things might have been different. The design, review, construction and maintenance all played a part in the failure.

Look at your own building’s track record and ask informed questions. If you have no knowledge of the building process, ask others who do. The more I learn about the investigation of the collapse, the more convinced I am of the reasons for never ignoring the smallest details of how these giant custom jigsaw puzzles fit together. Every failure I have ever learned about had at least two common denominators, confidence and naïveté.

If a reinforcing rod is shown on the drawings to be a specific diameter, don’t substitute a smaller size because it was more available or install separate pieces where a continuous rod was supposed to go. The pool deck of that building was a separate structure that should never have been tied into the columns of the taller adjacent building, just like a deck should have minimal or no attachment to a house. The right force, wind or water, can pull a vertical support column sideways, rendering the column useless and toppling the taller structure.

Listen to your wife and have a happy life!

M

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.

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25

OPINIONS

hirty years ago this week, I hopped on an electric train with a brightred engine, a nervous energy pulsing through my arms and legs straight to my fingers and toes, which fidgeted uncontrollably. My head was spinning.

I carried all I had in my arms — two gray suitcases of clothes, one violin in a worn brown case and one blue duffle bag with running shoes and toiletries. I was 24 and headed to the greatest adventure of my life, a twoyear bicultural SCOTT exchange that excited me, at BRINTON times vexed me and forever changed me.

I served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Veliko Tarnovo, a 5,000-year-old city in central Bulgaria with a medieval fortress that was flanked by white stucco houses, squeezed onto the steep hills above the winding Yantra River.

In the first week of September 1991, I left the safe haven of the training site the Peace Corps set up in Bankya, a spa resort 11 miles outside Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, and headed to Tarnovo, as it’s commonly known. After two and a half months of preparations, I still had no idea what to expect. I loved every minute of the next

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two years.

I was part of the first group of 26 Peace Corps volunteers to enter Bulgaria after the fall of communism there a year earlier. As was the case in Poland, Hungary, East Germany, Czechoslovakia and Romania between 1989 and 1990, thousands of Bulgarians took to the streets to protest communist rule. Todor Zhivkov — the longest-serving Soviet Bloc dictator in the post-World War II era, who reigned from 1954 to 1989 — was deposed without bloodshed. In July 1990, then President Petar Mladenov, a former communist leader, quit over accusations that he had ordered tanks to roll against protesters in December 1989.

People rejoiced after Mladenov’s resignation, The New York Times reported on July 7, 1990. “Never again a communist president in Bulgaria!” 5,000 protesters chanted in unison in central Sofia.

To be there, in this place burning with democratic idealism after more than four decades of repressed speech and thought, was the thrill of a lifetime for an American who had freedom of speech and assembly ingrained in him. Bulgaria felt so alive. I felt so alive. People were suddenly free. As an outside observer who was quickly acculturated to Bulgarian beliefs and practices (I married a Bulgarian), I internalized their joy, their relief and,

R

sometimes, their fear of a return to communism.

On June 20 this year, most of the original 26 Peace Corps volunteers, our Bulgarian manager, Emil Patev, and my wife, Katerina, who was one of our language and culture trainers, gathered on Zoom to reminisce.

It was perhaps the strangest feeling I’ve ever experienced. Because of the intensity of the experiences that we shared, the names and faces of my fellow volunteers were indelibly etched in my mind. I pictured them as their younger selves, and then we appeared in little boxes on a computer screen, significantly older variations of ourselves, as if this were a “Dr. Who” episode. It was jarring at first.

Then we started to share what we took away from Bulgaria. Many spoke of the Bulgarian work ethic, the slower place of life, the neighborliness or the kindness they were shown by their colleagues at the schools where they taught — we were all English teachers.

Happy memories coursed through my mind — meeting my lovely wife for the first time, soaking in the sights and sounds that were so different than the United States, chatting with my students, who were 17 when I met them and 19 when they graduated from the Vasil Drumev High School of Mathematics and Natural

ecalling a lifealtering stint in Bulgaria after the fall of communism.

Sciences, as they attended a fifth year of high school for advanced studies.

That graduation, in June 1991, was among the most beautiful days of my life, aside from my wedding and the births of my children. It was a simple, short ceremony, full of music. The students poured flowers into their teachers’ hands, as is Bulgarian tradition. Katerina and I taught at the school together, and we came away with so many flowers that our tiny, rented apartment resembled a florist’s shop.

I’m occasionally asked to speak to young people about my Peace Corps experiences. They often ask about the challenges, or whether I had any regrets about signing up. I can sense their trepidation.

Volunteering for the Peace Corps is a monumental, life-altering decision.

I used to speak of the pluses and minuses. There is, no doubt, a financial sacrifice, because you’re volunteering for two years of your life, I would say. Perhaps that was the reporter in me wanting to give both sides of the story.

If they have a strong interest in joining, I tell them now, they should embrace any fears they might harbor and let the river of life take them wherever it might flow.

You needn’t know where it will end up. It could take you to magical lands you never imagined.

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.

In the eye of the western firestorm

e’ve been through a lot together, you and I. Now this.

As I wrote last week, my husband and I and Lillybee the dog headed out West to the Northern California mountains on Aug. 10. We drove from Denver through Cheyenne, Park City and Elko and arrived here in Tahoe-Donner on Aug. 20.

We’re in a rental house perched on stilts set into a hillside, a half-hour from anything, including our kids and grandkids, who live in a nearby town. They’re the reason we came, RANDI and they’re the reaKREISS son we’re still here, 10 days into a month-long stay.

We’re in the throes of a wildfire emergency, officially declared by President Biden yesterday. Smoke obscures views of the mountains. The grandkids’ school opening was delayed. The smell of smoke is in our clothes, our hair and even on the dog.

The Caldor and Dixie fires are raging around us, from 45 to 100 miles away. We’re told to stay inside, not exert ourselves and

keep the windows closed.

The obvious move is to leave ASAP, but that means driving back to Denver in our rental car through areas that are now smoky as well. Our children surely aren’t ready to abandon their family home. We hate to run, since the wind could change in a week, and it could be healthy to resume normal outdoor life. We don’t know when we’ll have the chance to sit down at the same table again.

Our kids must figure out if their life out here is sustainable going forward.

These fires aren’t going away, and it’s unlikely that it will be better next year. The snowpack has been lighter every winter, and the ground brush is drier. Tinder. No one has grass, just scrub around the homes, cut back for safety.

Back home, I know you’re struggling with the Delta variant and unusual heat.

We Long Islanders have had our shared disasters, mostly hurricanes, and there will likely be more this season.

This is something else. People who live up here are tough and self-reliant, but everyone is shaken by the hazardous air quality and the danger of encroaching

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fires. We all have alerts set on our phones should the conditions get more dangerous.

Ash falls out of the smoke clouds, irritating our eyes and throats.

We have captured some moments with the grandkids, some meals, a lot of time together playing Rummikub.

They seem able to be outside longer than we can, younger lungs and all that. But they are tuned in to our talk about the smoke and fire and what the options are. These kids just lived through more than a year of relative isolation during the pandemic, and so much of their hope was invested in this summer, to do the swimming and rafting and hiking that is their reason for putting up with life in the semi-wilderness. All of our kids and grandkids have tolerated so much constraint and disappointment. I hope it makes them stronger.

To summon my own resolve, I’ve been reading about people who live in places where the geography or the weather or the terrain is a constant challenge and threat.

Why do they stay? My husband and I can and probably will leave if the air remains unhealthy or the fires get worse; we have

ur kids must figure out if life out here is sustainable going forward.

that option. Our kids will make their own calculation of risk vs. benefit of life in these mountains.

People live on the slopes of Mt. Etna in Sicily, generation after generation, despite the inevitability of lava flows and ash that burn them out of their houses. They rebuild; they stay. Some say the reason is that the volcanic soil is fertile and produces the best olives and olive oil in the world.

People in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., know for sure that periodic super-floods will drive them from their homes, but they come back and they build again. Why does anyone live in New Orleans? Or on any barrier island?

Why didn’t we all flee after Hurricane Sandy?

Ultimately people look around and decide that the benefit outweighs the risk of living near a volcano or in a flood plain or on a fire-scarred mountaintop.

We would not have come to California now if we knew how the smoke and fire would look and feel and taste. The headline in the San Francisco Chronicle yesterday read: “Caldor Fire Knocking on the Door of Tahoe Basin.”

The fire is knocking, and there isn’t much here to keep it out.

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

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — September 2, 2021

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The two most adventurous years of my life

26

HERALD EDITORIALS

Rockville centRe

September 2, 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.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS Robert Richner Edith Richner Publishers, 1964-1987 ■ clifforD richner STUarT richner Publishers Michael bologna Vice President - Operations ■ ScoTT brinTon Executive Edtitor JiM harMon

Copy Editor chriSTina DalY Photo Editor

S

Get your teenagers vaccinated ASAP . . .

ome 87 percent of Nassau County’s adult population, ages 18 and up, has received at least a first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine. Bravo, Nassau! That’s a remarkable statistic, well ahead of the state average of 79.3 percent.

Nearly a million people have been vaccinated here, and we could soon reach that threshold.

But here’s the thing: Looking at all age groups in the county, only 73 percent of the total population has gotten at least one dose. That’s because children are ineligible, and only about 49 percent of teenagers, ages 12 to 18, had received a first dose as of last Friday, even though 16- and 17-year-olds have been eligible for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine since April, and 12- to 15-year-olds since May. Clearly, we must focus our efforts on vaccinating teens. With school starting in many districts this week, and therefore with students starting to congregate in large groups five to six days a week, there is the potential for the virus to spread rapidly in this population, and then to be passed on to unvaccinated adults and even

to the relatively small number of vaccinated people who will get Covid despite being inoculated.

Nassau County government now has an excellent program that brings a team of vaccinators to a workplace on request. It’s all about making the vaccine readily available to people who are too busy or otherwise unable to break away from work to get inoculated. The Herald Community Newspapers took part last Friday afternoon, and the vaccination team did all the work.

Similarly, the county and the Town of Hempstead, each of which has a mobile inoculation unit, should bring the vaccination fight to our schools, one by one, starting in low-income areas, where parents may be unable to take their teens to a vaccination site because they’re working long hours and worry about taking time off.

We’ve already seen mobile units brought to a small number of school districts like Freeport, but the effort should be rapidly expanded to all 54 Nassau districts.

At the same time, parents should seek to have their teens vaccinated. With the

Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine receiving full approval by the federal Food and Drug Administration for those 16 and over, we should all feel confident about its efficacy and safety. It will now be marketed as Comirnaty, according to the FDA. For those ages 12 to 15, the Pfizer vaccine will continue to be available under an emergency-use authorization.

The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are likely to receive FDA approval for 12- to 17-year-olds in the coming months.

Clinical trials are still under way to test all three vaccines for children ages 5 to 11.

It’s uncertain when, precisely, they might receive approval under emergency-use authorization for this age group. It could be as early as this fall, though that seems unlikely now. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has said that authorization would more likely come by late December.

The bottom line for parents: Have your children vaccinated as soon as humanly possible.

TonY belliSSiMo Sports Editor Karen blooM Calendar Editor ■ rhonDa glicKMan Vice President - Sales ellen reYnolDS Classified Manager lori berger Digital Sales Manager ■

JeffreY negrin Creative Director craig WhiTe Production Coordinator craig carDone Art Director ■

. . . And have a Covid talk with all of your kids

S

chool’s starting this week. That’s a scary thought, given that we were supposed to have vanquished the coronavirus by now but simply have been unable to, despite our best efforts. This is one mean virus.

All parents of school-age children, whether they’re kindergartners or seniors in high school, should have a talk with them not only about avoiding strangers and saying no to drugs and

alcohol, but also about staying safe from Covid-19.

Remind them to wear their masks in school, as mandated now by New York state. Tell them to maintain social distancing, and to cover their mouths when they cough, and to stay home when they’re feeling sick. And don’t forget about handwashing — lots of handwashing with good old soap and water.

Conversations should be age-appropri-

Dianne raMDaSS Circulation Director ■

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LETTERS Happy birthday, President Johnson To the Editor: The late President Lyndon Johnson was born Aug. 27, 1908. Many remember him for succeeding President John F. Kennedy after Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963. Others remember him for his domestic Great Society program, which included civil rights, Medicare, Medicaid, the War on Poverty and public broadcasting. There was also foreign policy, most notably the Vietnam War. Few remember that the success of public transportation can be traced back to one of Johnson’s greatest accomplishments, which continues to benefit many Americans today. On July 9, 1964, he signed the Urban Mass Transportation Act into

ate. There’s no need to scare young children. They need to be reassured that they will be safe in school. Meanwhile, teens might need a more frank discussion.

PBS Kids for Parents has an excellent primer on “How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus” that’s worth a quick read. You can find it at www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kidsabout-coronavirus.

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OPINIONS

n the 1987 movie “The Princess Bride,” Vizzini, a Sicilian assassin, warns Wesley, also known as the Dread Pirate Roberts, “You fell victim to one of the classic blunders — the most famous of which is, ‘Never get involved in a land war in Asia.’”

The United States fell into that classic blunder when it ignored 19th-century British debacles during the First AngloAfghan War (18391843) and the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880) and pretended it could avoid the ALAN fate of the Soviet Union in the SoviSINGER et-Afghan War (1979-1988).

A 1979 internal memo to the Soviet Union’s governing Politburo explained why “nation building” by the Soviet Union was doomed to failure. The reactionary forces described in the memo are now known as the Taliban.

“The Afghan reactionary forces,” the memo stated, “are very skillfully taking advantage of the almost complete illiteracy of the population, complex interna-

tional and intertribal conflicts, religious fanaticism and nationalism. Subversive actions, sabotage and the resistance of the overthrown class of exploiters are deepening the economic problems, lowering industrial and agricultural output, as well as hampering business activity, raising prices and reducing the influx of revenue into the state budget.”

The memo warned the Politburo that “the use of Soviet troops in repressing the Afghan counterrevolution would seriously damage the international authority of the USSR.” In his 2010 memoir “Decision Points,” former President George W. Bush tried to justify the 2001 decision to invade Afghanistan and the prolonged war that followed. This wasn’t just about revenge for the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, or a strategy to kill Osama bin Laden and destroy Al Qaeda.

According to Bush, “Afghanistan was the ultimate nation-building mission. We had liberated the country from a primitive dictatorship, and we had a moral obligation to leave behind something better. We also had a strategic interest in helping the Afghan people build a free

P

erhaps every candidate for president should be a certified historian.

LETTERS law. It has resulted in the investment of several hundred billion dollars in public transportation under grants from the Federal Transit Administration, which before 1991 was known as the Urban Mass Transit Administration.

Even with Covid-19, millions of Americans continue using various public transportation alternatives, including local and express buses, ferries, jitneys, light rail, subways and commuter rail services. Investment in public transportation today contributes to economic growth, employment and a stronger economy. Dollar for dollar, it is one of the best investments we can make.

LARRY PENNER Great Neck Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously worked for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office.

State is now offering Excluded Workers Fund To the Editor: New York state’s Excluded Workers Fund, which is intended to provide much-needed relief to workers cut off from government unemployment bene-

society. The terrorists took refuge in places of chaos, despair and repression. A democratic Afghanistan would be a hopeful alternative to the vision of the extremists.”

The nation-building task was “more daunting” than Bush and his advisers anticipated because of their ignorance about Afghanistan and because they apparently never consulted either Wikipedia or the CIA World Factbook. It is a mountainous region of tribes, clans and linguistic groups, with millions of people who have little connection to those outside their locality or village. The constitution of Afghanistan, written in 2004 under U.S. auspices, recognizes 14 major ethno-linguistic groups. The largest is the Pashtun, who make up almost half of the population of the country and are the dominant group in the Taliban.

If only the Bush administration in 2001, or policymakers in the Obama and Trump administrations, had watched “The Princess Bride” or had access to the Soviet Politburo memo. I found it, quite easily, translated from Russian to English, on the website of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

The memo, “Our Future Policy in Connection with the Situation in Afghanistan,” became available to the public in 1993.

As President Biden made clear in a speech to the American public, “After 20 years, I’ve learned the hard way that there was never a good time to withdraw U.S. forces [from Afghanistan] . . . There is no chance that one year — one more year, five more years or 20 more years of U.S. military boots on the ground would’ve made any difference.”

After the diplomatic, military and human disaster in Afghanistan, maybe there should be a constitutional qualification for becoming president of the United States: that a candidate be a certified historian. The American Historical Association and the Organization of American Historians could review all candidates the way legal organizations review potential judicial appointments.

Dr. Alan Singer is a professor of teaching, learning and technology and the director of social studies education programs at Hofstra University. He is a former New York City high school social studies teacher and editor of Social Science Docket, a joint publication of the New York and New Jersey Councils for the Social Studies. Follow him on twitter at https://twitter.com/AlanJSinger1.

FRAMEWORK by Linda Smith

fits and stimulus checks during the pandemic, is now accepting applications.

Any workers who were not eligible for enhanced Covid-19 pandemic unemployment benefits can apply. The funds do not need to be paid back, and this relief is available regardless of immigration status.

Please visit https://dol.ny.gov/EWF for more information and to apply.

I thank state leaders for their efforts to maximize the scope of our Covid-19 relief initiatives. In the weeks ahead, I look forward to sharing information about the Excluded Workers Fund at community events and with our local faith and civic leaders to ensure that economic relief reaches the maximum number of Nassau residents possible.

CARRIÉ SOLAGES Nassau County legislator, Lawrence

Thoughts or comments about our stories?

Send letters to the editor to execeditor@liherald.com

OK, we’re persuaded: We’ll work remotely — Maui

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — September 2, 2021

I

There was no winning in Afghanistan

September 2, 2021 — ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

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