Rockville Centre Letters to the Editor, Week of Jan. 24

Posted

Thank you for honoring me

To the Editor:

I would like to thank the Rockville Centre Herald for selecting me as 2012 Person of the Year. I was totally surprised and overwhelmed when I read the article. It never even crossed my mind that I would be considered in the same class as those in prior years that received this outstanding accolade. I am humbled by your selection and promise to live up to my new title.

I could never have received this honor without the endless support given to me over the years from both the adult and student board of the RVC Youth Council. For their commitment, dedication and free spirit, I am forever grateful. They make the Youth Council what it is today!

There are so many who have helped us along the way. I won’t mention all the names for fear of forgetting someone, but you know who you are. You’ve supported us financially, you’ve given us space to have meetings, you’ve donated raffle gifts for our first fundraiser, and you’ve opened up your businesses at night so we can provide substance-free and fun events. We can’t thank the businesses and organizations enough for believing in us and partnering with us over the years. Without your generosity and support, we would not be where we are today. Every year we get stronger and we feel we are moving in the right direction.

Our mannequin project that called attention to substance abuse was so exciting and so fulfilling. We often wondered whether we could come up with another great project to get our message out. Well, we have an idea, are working on it already, and can’t wait to present it to everyone in a few months.

We are always looking for more RVC teens who are in the ninth grade or above to join us to continue the work that is in progress. We also need passionate adults who are committed to our youth. This is everyone’s opportunity to make their voice known and to help improve our community, so please join our efforts. You can learn more about us on our website or Facebook or by contacting me at info@rvcyouthcouncil.org.

Again, I want to extend my sincere thank you to the Herald staff that chose me, on behalf of the RVC Youth Council, as Person of the Year. I am honored and moved that you recognized me in this meaningful way.

Beth Hammerman

Chairman, RVC Youth Council Inc.

Learn about

redistricting

To the Editor:

In an effort to bring the political process closer to the people, the RVC Democratic Club has scheduled a special presentation, open to all, on Jan. 31 at the Sandel Center, 50 S. Park Ave. in Rockville Centre.

The subject, “Redistricting and How It May Affect You,” is a timely one, as the Nassau County Legislature prepares to vote on a court-ordered plan to redraw the boundaries of the county’s legislative districts.

The County Legislature must vote by March 5 on the plan to redraw the legislative districts in order to distribute the county’s population more equitably among them based on the 2010 census. The new boundary lines will become effective for the November 2013 election.

With a little over a month until the vote, three redistricting plans have been created so far: one by the Republican members of the county’s Temporary Districting Advisory Commission; one by the Democratic members of the commission; and a third by a coalition of nonpartisan citizens’ groups.

How will the redistricting affect you? In fact, it may have very little effect on your district, or it may split your community into two or more districts that may or may not even be contiguous.

Your party affiliation is unimportant here; you don’t need to be a Democrat to attend. You simply need to feel that it’s necessary for all of us to understand what’s going on at all levels of government at all times.

We hope you agree. If you need a ride, please call (516) 623-7826 and it will be arranged. It’s that important.

Dorothy McGarvey,

Board member, RVC Democratic Club