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Vax mandate debate rages on in RVC and the board were trying to follow the protocols put in place by the Nassau County Department Before Gov. Kathy Hochul’s of Health to make contact tracnew mask mandate went into ing easier in the event of posieffect on Monday, the debate tive Covid-19 tests. about coronavirus protection Everyone was invited to sit in rolled on at the the socially disRockville Centre tanced section, BarBoard of Education tels said. “There is meeting on Dec. 9. no segregation going Many parents who on,” he added as a came to the South chorus of frustrated Side High School parents signaled auditorium voiced their disagreement. their anger with Bartels said he recent decisions by had had some the board and Actrequests to open ing Superintendent events back up, since Robert Bartels on ROBERT most village resiseating at school dents are vaccinatevents. They asked BARTLES ed, and they could district leadership to Superintendent, come if they felt advocate for avoid- RVC schools safe. “Is that the ing mask regulacompassionate tions, as have a few approach?” he other districts. asked. “To ignore people’s feelIn front of a packed auditori- ing for safety during a pandemum, Bartels explained his and ic? I believe we, as a district, are the board’s decision to have sep- better than that.” With the infecarate seating sections, one of tion rate on Long Island at its them socially distanced, at the highest — over 6 percent — since Dec. 6 and 7 middle school win- last February, Bartels said, ter concerts, which some parents school events must not be overcalled “segregation.” Bartels crowded. said that many vaccinated peoAccording to the board, 50 ple asked to sit in the socially students and 17 district staff distanced section, and that he CONTINUED ON PAGE 19
By TOM CARROZZA tcarrozza@liherald.com
Tom Carrozza/Herald
A holly, jolly lighting contest Cindy and Gerry Catanzano got into the Christmas spirit with their dogs, Cocoa and Comet, as part of the village’s annual decorating competition. Story, more photos, page 4.
Becoming a part of history
RVC troop honors first female Eagle Scout By MIKE SMOLLINS msmollins@liherald.com
Catherine Farrell made history when she became the first girl in Rockville Centre St. Agnes Troop 163 to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. “It feels really nice,” Farrell said. “It’s an accomplishment, and I’m really happy that I was able to do something and become part of history.” A 19-year-old resident of Free-
port and a student at Adelphi University majoring in theater and tech, Farrell said she became interested in scouting after her brother, Joseph, 17, joined the Boy Scouts. She said it has taught her leadership skills and how to be a better communicator, while also giving her the self-confidence to be a leader. Troop 163 Scoutmaster Steve Bo explained that the troop started welcoming girls in March 2019, and divided into boy and
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girl scouts, but the 35 boys and 10 girls interact regularly and go on camping trips together. Bo said he was proud that Farrell became the first girl Eagle Scout in the Iroquois district, which encompasses southwestern Nassau County, and that more girls were following her lead. “We’re all very proud of her,” Bo said. “She’s worked hard, and with Covid in the mix, she would CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
W
e are not choosing one scientific method over another.