Serving New Hyde Park, North New Hyde Park, Herricks, Garden City Park, Manhasset Hills, North Hills
$1
Friday, january 9, 2015
vol. 64, no. 2
N E W H Y D E PA R K
SHATner TALKS ABoUT SHATner
mAnHASSeT reSIdenT nAmed AcTInG d.A.
BoSWorTH, mUrrAy oPPoSe cASIno
pAGE 21
pAGE 2
pAGE 10
meeting with mediator set for Herricks
mAKING mUSIc
Board, teaching assistants to talk Feb. 2 By B r yA n A H r e n S The Herricks Board of Education and the union representing 62 teaching assistants have scheduled their first meeting with a mediator from the Public Employee Relations Board for Feb. 2 according to Superintendent of Schools John Bierwirth. Bierwirth said Monday the two sides have had no further discussions since they reached an impasse in November on the union contract and agreed to bring in a mediator to advise on the talks. Bierwirth and school board President James Gounaris said at a November board meeting that talks to replace the contract, which expired June 30, had broken down. “It was done jointly,” Bierwirth said at the time. “We lament that we have not been able to negotiate.” Gounaris said that negotiations have been arduous due to the limitations of the district.
“As we have said before, we have nothing but appreciation and respect for our staff. Nevertheless, the fiscal climate, the tax levy cap and a number of other factors complicate negotiations and make it difficult or impossible to accommodate certain proposals. It was our hope that having tackled the tough issues with the other units, we would able to do the same with the teaching assistants,” Gounaris said during the meeting. Negotiations between the board and Herricks Teacher Association, which represents the teaching assistants, have been ongoing since July. The Herricks board and the teachers association settled a four-year contract in June for 346 teachers. “The two sides are far apart,” Bierwirth said of negotiations with the teaching assistants. “What the board wants and is willing to settle on is quite different than what is being asked for.” “We are mindful of the fact Continued on Page 38
Members of the Elmont Memorial High School Chamber Orchestra took the stage first at the Senior High Art Exhibition and Winter Concert. See story on page 31.
New Hyde Park Cub Scouts bring cheer to veterans By B r yA n AHrenS
Gloria Dei pack 489 of New Hyde Park sang holiday carols for the residents of the A group of local Cub Scouts veteran’s home after assistant brought some holiday cheer to den leader Melba Iavarone veterans of the New York State recommended the idea, having Veterans’ Home in St. Alban, worked there 12 years ago as a physical therapist. Queens last Monday.
“It’s very important for the kids to know how other people feel,” Iavarone said. “The holidays are not just about toys and gifts but about giving your time to other people.” She said the children exContinued on Page 38
For the latest news visit us at www.theislandnow.com D on’t forget to follow us on Twitter @theislandnow1 and Facebook at facebook.com/theislandnow