Letters to the Rockville Centre Herald April 19, 2012

Village taxpayers deserve better

To the Editor:

As a lifelong resident of Rockville Centre, I was delighted to read in a mid-March issue of the Herald that Trustee Michael Sepe addressed the Chamber of Commerce about the appearance of our village (“Village to push for new businesses, more beauty,” March 15-21).

I wrote to Trustee Sepe and copied Mayor Francis Murray and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos about my concerns and frustrations regarding the deplorable condition of the strip of land on North Village Avenue, from the northern access at Peninsula Boulevard to Lakeside Drive. It is the first impression one receives when entering town from the north. It is truly an embarrassment and a disgrace.

The chain-link fence is bent and broken the entire length. The strip of land on both sides of the fence is always littered with all kinds of debris and garbage. I informed Trustee Sepe that I have contacted village, Town of Hempstead and Nassau County officials and Senator Skelos over the years. I have received nothing but unfulfilled promises. I suggested that perhaps some pressure could be brought to bear on those responsible for maintaining that stretch of property. The taxpayers of Rockville Centre deserve better.

To date, I have only received the courtesy of a reply from Senator Skelos. I am fully aware of the difficult economic times, but the entrance to our beautiful village is beginning to look like a depressed area. I cannot believe our elected officials are blind to this eyesore.

Mary Lou Torykian

Rockville Centre

A shameful show of disrespect

To the Editor:

On March 24, Rockville Centre held its annual St. Patrick’s Parade. It is a lovely day for all to celebrate their Irish ancestry, the kind of day when all differences are put aside and everyone comes together as one fun-loving group.

Then came the Tea Party. Walking down Maple Avenue, proudly waving the Irish flag and the Tea Party flag high on a flagpole while next to it, carried lower than both of those flags, was the American flag. What a show of utter disrespect to our great country. Whether it was intentional or done by mistake, it was shameful.

It doesn’t matter what party you are affiliated with; everyone should know you never fly any flag higher than the American flag!

Donna Saporita

Rockville Centre

Great support in the fight against cancer

To the Editor:

I would like to thank the hundreds of patrons of Kookaburra Coffee on North Village Avenue for their continued support of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Years ago, my daughter Kristin placed a card bearing my story and a donation basket in lieu of a tip jar to raise funds for the American Cancer Society and related organizations. The response has been nothing short of amazing. Thousands upon thousands of dollars have been raised and donated to this very worthy cause.

As a two-time cancer survivor, I am humbled by this display of generosity. The kids who work behind the counter deserve a shout-out for being selfless in continuing this tradition of donating what, in other circumstances, could be tips in their pockets. Our team name is “It’s All Good” because in the worst of circumstances, I believe there is always a blessing to be found. The support of those who frequent Kookaburra Coffee proves me right.

This year’s Relay for Life will be held on May 19 at Lynbrook South Middle School. Together we strive for a cure and send a message of hope and strength to those affected by cancer. Thank you to all who donate at Kookaburra’s. What you do matters.

Pat Alonge

Lynbrook

Clean those taxis

To the Editor:

I believe this letter is long overdue. The local taxi service here in our village, All Island Taxi, needs scrutiny. The company should feel privileged to have what I consider a monopoly on taxi service in Rockville Centre. The residents pretty much have no other choice. The question I have is, has any one taken note of the condition of the vehicles in its fleet?

I believe they have recently added or replaced a few vehicles with newer models. Other than the fact that most of the vehicles are now orange and white, they are in disrepair and they smell, either from body odor or one of those things that covers odors up. Some of the individuals who drive them choose to play music, which should not be done, they are filthy and at times I feel like I’m riding in a car that is about to fall apart.

Granted, most rides in the village from the train are short, but the product is pretty pathetic. At times when I call All Island, I almost get the feeling that I’m doing them a favor. To be succinct, the owners of this company need to get their act together as it relates to the condition of the vehicles. I hope they are reading this. I can’t imagine that I am the only one who has noticed these problems. We have a lot of other problems, but it’s a matter of accountability, something that I see is failing all around us.

Burton Diamond

Rockville Centre

She cut through the red tape

To the Editor:

I would like to express my appreciation to Wendy Weinstock, the Sandel Senior Center’s social worker, for her patience in handling my questions concerning my health benefits.

My problem was resolved as a result of her expertise. Thanks to Wendy for a job well done.

Mary Healey

Rockville Centre