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From the desk of Dr. Charles Murphy: December 7, 2012

Last month I read an interesting article where doctors at the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health in England have recommended that small children (3 and under) should be barred from watching television. In fact, the writer calls for the English government to set real television limitations for children.  

After all, there are many other laws that protect the health and welfare of children - why not a law regulating children’s television viewing?  The article published in the prestigious British Medical Journal found that toddlers are developmentally harmed by watching television. At this early stage of development, the brain’s growth is explosive and television impedes the crucial development associated with more interactive activities.   

The doctors feel children under 3 should spend more time interacting with parents – with eye-to-eye contact – rather than a television screen. By in large, most people would not need empirical medical research to understand the negative effects of television watching on child development.

Naturally, play is the most essential activity for overall child development.   Parents who are able to create this type of environment for their children will be able to enrich their lives considerably.

News

Memorial Day weekend is always filled with backyard barbecues, family gatherings, block parties and more, but if you are looking for something different to do during the long weekend, look no farther than the East Meadow Farm. 

As the budget season drew to a close this week, the Levittown Board of Education did everything in its power to make sure that all residents were fully armed with the correct budget information as they headed to the polls. 

 

Dr. James Grossane, superintendent of schools, went through the most recent budget numbers with attendees at the most recent public meeting on May 14, telling the group that the board decided to go with a 2.98 increase for the 2013-14 school year, within the 2 percent tax cap levy. The district is looking for about $131.9 million from taxpayers for the upcoming school year. 


Sports

On a beautiful Tuesday afternoon, Frank DeNunzio sat in the bleachers and watched as his son Anthony prepared to bat for the MacArthur Generals. He closed his eyes for a second and was transported back in time to 1981, and for a brief moment he remembered that once-in-a-lifetime feeling of being a member of the Generals Nassau County Championship baseball team. Suddenly, the crack of the bat jolted his eyes open and he watched his son successfully rip his third hit of the game. 

Seaford High School’s Varsity Football Team has a long tradition of success on the playing field, but its service off the gridiron also won praise from the Nassau County High School Football Coaches Association (NCHSFCA) this year. The Conference IV regular season undefeated champions and New York State Scholar Athlete team was awarded the first-ever Community Service Award from the organization during the NCHSFCA Grid Iron Dinner.


Calendar

Carseat Check - May 24

Holiday Festival - May 24

Bonsai Day - May 25


Columns

Moving Pictures
Written by Mike Barry, MFBarry@optonline.net

Private Power Isn’t Our Only Option
Written by Michael A. Miller, Millercolumn@optimum.net

Building Better Legislators
Written by Michael A. Miller, Millercolumn@optimum.net