Monday, September 24, 2018

Knicks Add Kevin Knox in 2018 NBA Draft




The recipient of a master's degree in literacy from Long Island University, Greg Gerkens is an education administrator who most recently served as assistant principal at a New York-based high school that serves special needs students. Beyond his professional pursuits, Greg Gerkens is a passionate fan of the National Basketball Association's (NBA) New York Knicks.

The Knicks haven't made the playoffs since 2013, but the franchise is hoping for a change in fortune this season after adding talented forward Kevin Knox with the ninth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. A 6-foot-9 native of Tampa, Florida, Knox was a freshman with the University of Kentucky last season and averaged 15.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. In addition to leading the team in scoring, he also registered the eighth-most points (576) among freshmen in school history. He was the Southeastern Conference's (SEC) co-Freshman of the year and earned All-SEC First Team recognition. 

With its second-round pick, New York selected 7-foot, 225-pound forward Mitchell Robinson who, as a senior with Chalmette High School, averaged 25.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 7.1 blocks per game. Both Knox and Robinson complement the Knicks' young core players like Frank Ntilikina, Emmanuel Mudiay, and Kristaps Porzingis.

Monday, September 17, 2018

New York Islanders Offseason Acquisitions


An education administrator who specializes in working with students with special needs, Greg Gerkens is a child study and human relations graduate of St. Joseph's College. Since graduating, he has earned post-graduate degrees and certificates in literacy, educational leadership, and English. A passionate sports fan, Greg Gerkens counts the New York Islanders as his favorite National Hockey League (NHL) team.

The Islanders lost its captain and most important player, John Tavares, to the Toronto Maple Leafs in free agency on July 1, but the team also added a pair of former Maple Leafs. On the same day, New York signed veteran winger Leo Komarov to a four-year, $12 million contract. Two days later, New York acquired Matt Martin from the Maple Leafs in a trade. A 31-year-old native of Narva, Estonia, Komarov was originally selected by Toronto in the sixth round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, and has since registered 122 points in 327 games with the franchise. Martin, meanwhile, accumulated 173 penalty minutes and 21 points during the past two seasons with the Maple Leafs, but spent the previous seven seasons with the Islanders.

New York also signed free agent right winger Tom Kuhnhackl and goaltender Robin Lehner in addition to re-signing multiple players, including Ryan Pulock, Brock Nelson, Ross Johnston, and Thomas Hickey. The team also recently announced it invited veteran defensemen Dennis Seidenberg and Luca Sbisa to its training camp.

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Fishing Rod Power and Action


Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Donating a Vehicle to Autism Speaks


Greg Gerkens served as the assistant principal for Eastern Suffolk BOCES from 2013 to 2016. Prior to this position, he worked as a special education science teacher for the Wyandanch Union Free School District in Wyandanch, New York. In addition to his work in education, Greg Gerkens has participated in activities for Autism Speaks, an organization dedicated to providing information and help to individuals and families dealing with autism spectrum disorder. 

As a nonprofit organization, Autism Speaks relies heavily on donations from supporters. One substantial way you can help is by donating a vehicle to the organization. Autism Speaks accepts multiple types of vehicles, including cars and trucks, boats, motorcycles, and trailers. 

Prospective donors can visit the organization’s website and fill out a quick form regarding themselves and the vehicle they would like to donate. Alternately, donors can call Autism Speaks to set up the donation by phone. Once an appointment is set, Autism Speaks will pick up and tow your vehicle for free, providing you with a donation receipt. Once the organization sells your vehicle, they will mail you a tax receipt so you can write the donation off as a deduction come tax season.

To learn more about Autism Speaks and their vehicle donation program, visit autismspeaks.org.

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Choosing the Right Fishing Rod






For more than 10 years, Greg Gerkens has lead a successful career in the field of education. He holds a master of science in literacy education from Long Island University, along with numerous certifications related to education and school leadership. He most recently served as an assistant principal at an Eastern Suffolk BOCES high school program. In his free time, Greg Gerkens enjoys fishing.

Although it may seem complicated, finding the perfect fishing rod does not have to be difficult. When searching for the perfect rod, it is often best to focus on action and power first. Action refers to how much a rod bends when pressure is put on the tip. Fast-action rods only bend along the top one-third, while slow action rods start bending within the bottom third. The action of a rod determines its potential casting distance and can affect the action of different types of artificial lures.

In terms of power, rods are generally divided into categories ranging from heavy to ultra-light. A rod’s power is determined by its stiffness, and should be chosen based on the size of line you plan on using, the fish species you are hoping to catch, and the type of water you’re fishing in. Heavy rods are best suited for heavier lines and large species such as tuna and salmon. Meanwhile, light rods work best with light lines. They are ideal for fishing for bluegill, crappie, and other small fish.

Beyond action and power, you should take into consideration the material of the rod. Most fishing rods are made of either graphite or fiberglass. As graphite rods tend to be stiffer, fiberglass rods are often better for medium to slow-action fishing.

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Taking the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics


Greg Gerkens, a special education and science teacher in Wyandanch, New York, spent more than three years as an assistant principal at Eastern Suffolk High School in Centereach. Beyond his educational and administrative duties, Greg Gerkens engages in philanthropic activities such as taking the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics.

There are a variety of ways for people to support the Special Olympics. At www.specialolympics.org, donors can make direct contributions to the organization and learn about volunteering and raising awareness of the Special Olympics. Donations can be made in honor of a family member or loved one and can be set to recur every month. The Special Olympics also sponsors a number of annual events to raise money and awareness, including the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics.

In Massachusetts, the annual Polar Plunge is the Special Olympics’ single most successful fundraising event of the year. As the name implies, brave Special Olympics supporters plunge into cold waters during the winter months and are rewarded by sponsors honoring pledges and contributing to Special Olympics. Polar Plunge events often take place on or around New Year’s Day. 

A number of Special Olympics chapters throughout the nation take part in the Polar Plunge campaign, including Special Olympics New York. Polar Plunge New York participants must contribute at least $100 to Special Olympics in order to participate. Donors can engage as individuals or as a Polar Plunge team. If you are inclined to take the plunge, learn everything you need to know by visiting www.polarplungeny.org.