He's 'Making a Difference'

Town of Hempstead to honor Dr. Herb Brown

      In the infamous words recalled by Rabbi Uri Goren of Temple Avodah, "If you need a job to be done, ask a busy man."
In a letter of nomination, Rabbi Goren cited those words as reason for Dr. Herb Brown, Oceanside School superintendent and resident, to be honored with the Town of Hempstead's "Make A Difference Award." Rabbi Goren said Dr. Brown was the kind of man known to be "kind, caring, compassionate and a role model for other parents."       
      The Rabbi was not alone in his feelings regarding Dr. Brown. Eleven letters from community organizations, private citizens and those in the educational community were submitted to Town Supervisor Richard Guardino in what appeared to be an overwhelming show of support for what Dr. Brown has brought not only to the school district, but his community at large. And so, at 7 P.M. Tuesday, October 17, Dr. Brown will be honored as one of 12 Town of Hempstead people to be graced with a medal and certificate, citing him as a man who has made a difference not only in his town, but in the lives of those who live there.
      Upon hearing of the outpouring of support for him, Dr. Brown felt good about being able to give back to the community. "It's a wonderful feeling to know I have made a difference in my own community," he said. "I am thankful to all the people who took the time to write letters on my behalf."
      His wife also expressed her pride. "We're all very thrilled. It's nice to work hard and be recognized for what you do, and he does go beyond the call of duty," said Marian Brown. "With my husband, children always come first, and not just in the school district but at home, too."
      The four people whose lives he has made the biggest difference in are his children Lorne, Jennifer, Lewis, and Michael.
      Phil Steinberg, Board of Education president, is another who nominated Dr. Brown for an award. He said the good doctor is always on call for the community because his heart is in the right place.
      Two years ago when a young Oceanside child became seriously ill, the district ran a "Day at Shea Stadium" to raise funds for the family, and Dr. Brown is said to have extended himself for the child. "He helped arrange to have the little boy's father at the stadium and to have Al Leiter of the Mets visit him in the hospital," Mr. Steinberg wrote in his letter to Supervisor Guardino.
      Dr. Brown's accolades are many. He has served as school superintendent since 1997, and previously was assistant superintendent for business. As head of the school district, Dr. Brown has implemented programs to integrate computer technology and Internet access in every classroom in Oceanside.
      He has overseen the opening of the full-day kindergarten program, brought foreign language to kindergarten and first grade, and established a Web page for the district. Dr. Brown made curriculum changes to help students meet the new state standards, and since taking the helm of the district, has seen Oceanside High School's ranking nationwide reach No. 65 among 25,000 high schools.
      A longtime member of the Kiwanis Club and former recipient of the club's Heart of Gold Award, Dr. Brown also sits on the Interfaith Council and Anti-Bias Committees.
      Other members of the community agreed Dr. Brown is well-deserving of honor. "There are times when he might not be in his office. He could well be at an important meeting of a budget committee," wrote Reverend Jim Burton and Seymour Mensch of the Interfaith Council. "He is just as likely (perhaps more likely) to be attending some program presented by a kindergartner or assisting in the delivery of food baskets prepared by high- school students for distribution to needy families during the holiday season."
      Tony Iovino, president of the Kiwanis Club, said the club is proud to have a third member of the club receive a "Make a Difference" honor. "Dr. Brown is invaluable to our community and certainly one who makes a difference," Mr. Iovino said.
      On behalf of the Oceanside Federation of Teachers, Leslie Krasnoff said the educational community thanks Dr. Brown for his leadership and dedication to the children. "Dr. Brown is an innovative educator and administrator, whose creative ideas have positively impacted the education of children from kindergarten through high school," she wrote.
      "Dr. Brown has devoted his life to bettering the lives of others," said Joseph Fackler, president of the Rocky Marciano Lodge, Order of the Sons of Italy. "He has been instrumental in creating numerous programs to benefit students. As a result, Oceanside schools have exceeded the New York State Learning Standards."
      Mr. Mensch, an Oceanside resident and former recipient of the award, also sent a letter of nomination to the town. "Dr. Brown, working with the Board of Education, has brought harmony to the educational community of Oceanside," he said.
      Eugene Fier, executive director of the Oceanside Counseling Center, has worked with Dr. Brown for 24 years. He cited Dr. Brown's involvement in the development of a Drug Free School Zone, implementation of a Friday night recreational program, and involvement in the community-wide Wellness Committee as just a few examples of his being a leader in the community.