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Residents roll up sleeves for Covid vaccine The Herald spoke with local health care workers who recently received their first Covid-19 As the Pfizer-BioNTech and inoculations. Each viewed the Moderna Covid-19 vaccines roll vaccines’ arrival as a light at the out across the country, Bellmore end of the tunnel — having and Mer rick residents are toiled through the first wave of among the thousands of New the pandemic — but noted that Yorkers who have already preventive measures should still received their first doses of the be taken as hospitreatments. tals face a second The vaccine wave. developed by PfizMer rick resier-BioNTech began dent Fran Stevens nationwide distrihas worked in the bu t i o n i n m i d emergency departDecember after ment at Mount receiving approval Sinai South Nassau from the U.S. Food in Oceanside for and Drug Adminismore than 30 years, tration. The Mod- roB WEChSlEr but she had never erna vaccine was Pharmacist, seen the volume of approved for use a critically ill and week later, and Plainview Hospital dying patients both treatments treated at the hoswere more than 90 percent effec- pital that she saw at the height tive in preventing coronavirus of the pandemic. She received an infection during clinical trials. initial dose of the Pfizer-BioNExperts say the vaccines Tech vaccine just after Christshould be widely available to the mas, and is due for her second public by April or May. In the shot on Jan. 20. meantime, the first doses will go “Since we’re getting inundatto essential workers, in particu- ed again, something has to be lar hospital employees, long- done — this is not going away term care facility workers and with masking and social distancemergency medical technicians, ing,” Stevens said. “The vaccine as well as nursing home residents. Continued on page 3

By alySSa SEIDman aseidman@liherald.com

Courtesy Ed Garfinkel

JanICE anD ED Garfinkel, of Bellmore, are collecting shoes to benefit those in need.

Bellmore couple host holiday shoe drive out of their garage By anDrEW GarCIa agarcia@liherald.com

Another garage in Bellmore was packed to the ceiling with donations over the holidays. Ed and Janice Garfinkel, a retired couple who live in Bellmore, are collecting vital footwear for those in need. As of the first Tuesday of the new year, the Garfinkels had collected more than 1,700 pairs of new, gently worn and used shoes.

The drive has been so successful that they may run out of space in their garage by the Jan. 27 deadline, said Ed, 66. “We have 74 bags [of shoes] right now, and it’s still going to the end of January,” added Janice, 64. The collection effort will help raise funds for the National Alliance on Mental Illness’s Queens/Nassau branch, for which the Garfinkels serve as board members. NAMI is a nonprofit that

offers support, education and advocacy for those suffering from mental illnesses, according to its website. While the services NAMI offers are free, fundraising came up short last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. “It’s been a hard year for everyone, obviously,” Ed said. “Our biggest fundraiser is a walk on Jones Beach, but we couldn’t get that done. We had a virtual walk, but it didn’t Continued on page 11

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BELLMORE HERALD LIFE — January 7, 2021

Courtesy Oanh Handel Courtesy Rob Wechsler

north merriCk reSident Rob Wechsler is a pharmacist at Plainview Hospital. He received the Moderna vaccine on Dec. 22.

merriCk reSident oanh Handel is a behavioral health specialist in the emergency department of St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway. An orange sticker on her identification tag indicated that she had received the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine.

Courtesy Mount Sinai South Nassau

Fran StevenS, oF Merrick, an assistant nurse manager in the emergency department at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside, received her first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine just after Christmas. She is due for her second inoculation later this month.

Health care workers: Trust the vaccines Continued From Front page is giving us hope that we can eradicate this [virus] and get it under control.” Merrick resident Oanh Handel became emotional when asked to recall the early months, which were filled with uncertainty and fear. She is a behavioral health specialist in the emergency department of St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, which had the second highest coronavirus death rate in New York City at the peak of the pandemic, according to St. John’s director of marketing, Thomas Melillo. “It just brings back memories that we don’t want to relive again,” Handel said. “You didn’t know what you would face every day, but you knew it wasn’t going to be pretty.” Melillo said St. John’s had administered more than 600 initial doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to its staff as of Monday, adding that none had reacted adversely to it. For Elizabeth McEntee, of North Bellmore, rollout of the vaccine was particularly exciting for her and her staff. She’s the emergency room nurse manager at Northwell’s Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, where the first Covid-19 vaccination in the nation was administered to critical-care nurse Sandra Lindsay, of Port Washington. “Since we don’t know who’s walking in the door, we treat everyone as if they’re Covid positive,” McEntee said of her department. “The vaccine is an added layer of protection.” McEntee received her second round of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on Thursday. North Merrick resident Rob Wechsler,

Courtesy Elizabeth McEntee

elizabeth mCentee, the emergency room nurse manager at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, received her first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine from nurse Christine Yau. a pharmacist at Plainview Hospital, received the Moderna vaccine on Dec. 22. He said the science behind development of the Covid-19 vaccines is “fairly solid,” since they are mRNA-based. “That type of scientific technology has been used on various cancer treatments

for the better part of the last decade — it’s not something that came out of nowhere,” he explained. “Since there’s no way to study the long-term effects, there’s no way to disprove that part of [people’s] skepticism. The benefit of this vaccine clearly outweighs the risk.”

More than half of respondents to a Truth in Medicine poll conducted by MSSN in October said they would not take a vaccine or were unsure if they would, said Dr. Aaron Glatt, chairman of MSSN’s Department of Medicine and chief of infectious diseases. Recent national polls have indicated that the number willing to take it may be climbing, and is now approaching 60 percent. David Nemiroff, president and CEO of Long Island Federally Qualified Health Centers, said many people were skeptical about vaccines before the pandemic, so it may be difficult to persuade everyone that getting a shot is safe, but he believes public support will grow. McEntee suggested that people consult their primary-care physicians and educate themselves before deciding to get the vaccine, pointing to resources available on Northwell’s website. “Know your source — don’t discount the hard work that scientists have done,” she said. Wechsler said the advice he received from infectious disease experts made his decision to roll up his sleeve fairly easy. “When your turn comes, don’t give [it] up,” he added. “Get the shot.” Handel admitted that she was hesitant about getting the vaccine, but chose to trust the science and be part of the solution. “I’m tired of going to the grocery store feeling like it’s a commando mission,” she said. “This is real, and we need to take the proper measures to get out of it.” Laura Lane, Jeff Bessen and Mike Smollins contributed to this story.

TOH earmarks Covid relief grants for fire districts By AlyssA seidmAn aseidman@liherald.com

Last month, the Town of Hempstead authorized more than $300,000 in relief grants to help local fire departments pay for coronavir us-related expenses incurred during the pandemic. The Bellmore and North Bellmore fire districts were among several companies to receive a grant, which was made possible by funding through the federal CARES Act. The initiative recognizes the ongoing efforts of first responders on the front lines, according to a town press release. At its Dec. 8 board meeting, councilmembers approved a $17,382 grant for the Bellmore Fire District, and a $123,350 grant for the North Bellmore Fire District. The grants are intended to help the districts offset unbudgeted expenses related to pandemic response. According to John Caluori, the superintendent of the North Bellmore Fire District, “funding was an issue from day one.” The district spent more than $120,000 on Covid-related expenses between mid-March and early September to supply volunteers with personal protective equipment and decontaminate all of its buildings and apparatus. “We treated every call as a Covid call,” he explained. The district also had to cut back on certain projects, such as training and equipment purchases, due to the pandemic. “Once we were informed about the [CARES] money, we were able to purchase EMS and fire equipment that was put off in the beginning of the year, which will provide [our firefighters] with the equipment they need to do their jobs,” Caluori said. Bellmore Fire District Supervisor John Fabian said the district spent roughly $30,000 to outfit each of its three stations and all of its volunteers with pandemic-related protective measures. “We spent money on cleaning products, masks, respirators, thermometers, hand sanitizers and Covid kits, which we needed to get,” he said, “but it was spent out of budget. “Knowing that the extra money that we normally wouldn’t have spent we

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were able to recoup helps,” he continued. “I thank the town for looking out for the fire departments.” The authorization followed a string of similar initiatives by the town to use $133 million in CARES Act funding secured by U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer earlier this year. According to Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald Clavin, the money has also been used to provide: – $5.5 million to local school districts. – $4 million to local hospitals. – $8 million to area colleges. – $4 million for Covid-19 testing initiatives. – $6 million for food pantries. – $3.5 million for PPE distribution to benefit small business. – More than a half million dollars to local villages. “I would like to once again thank Sen. Schumer for his part in securing the funding for multiple initiatives like this one for first responders to remain safe and protected from Covid-19 as they continue to help our community,” Clavin said in the release. “America’s largest township will continue to do what it can to support its first responders and residents throughout this pandemic.” “Firefighters have always served as our community’s first responders, and they continue to rise to meet the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Councilman Dennis Dunne, of the 6th District. “This grant funding is one way that we can give back to our neighborhood fire departments and help them continue the great work they do in the Town of Hempstead.” “As a former police officer, I have seen the great personal sacrifices made by the first responder community to help keep their families, friends and neighbors safe,” said Councilman Christopher Carini, of the 5th District. “I am proud to partner with Supervisor Don Clavin and my colleagues on the Hempstead Town Board to provide federal CARES funds for local fire departments during this second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

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The Town of Hempstead has approved a $123,350 grant for the North Bellmore Fire District to assist with unbudgeted expenses incurred during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Town of Hempstead has approved a $17,382 grant for the Bellmore Fire District to assist with unbudgeted expenses incurred during the coronavirus pandemic.

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January 7, 2021 — BELLMORE HERALD LIFE

CARES funding earmarked for Bellmore-Merrick - $4 million to local hospitals.

aseidman@liheral.com, agarcia@liherald.com

- $8 million to area colleges.

Town of Hempstead officials last month announced that each of the 36 school districts within the town and the Board of Cooperative Educational Services — including the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District and its four component elementary school district — would receive a $150,000 grant to help pay for coronavirus-related expenses. The $5.5 million allocation was made possible by funding through the federal CARES Act. Nassau BOCES Superintendent Dr. Robert Dillon said the funds are much needed. “School districts spent millions of dollars in preparation to open up schools [in] September,” he said. “This $150,000 gives them a little bit of a cushion to reimburse them for things they’ve already paid for.” Covid-related expenses include hardware and software to boost WiFi bandwith, Chromebooks, personal protective equipment, desk shields and partitions, cleaning supplies and virus tests. Town officials said the grant would help school districts to recoup these necessary expenses. Dillon said school officials in each of the districts would decide how the grants would be spent. While the Bellmore-Merrick district has yet to receive their portion of the funds or the approval of their grant appli-

- $4 million for Covid-19 testing. - $6 million for food pantries. - More than a half million dollars for local fire departments. - $3.5 million for PPE distribution to benefit small business.

Christina Daly/Herald

ThE BELLMoRE-MERRICk CENTRAL High School District and each of its four component elementary school districts will receive $150,000 in federal CARES Act funding. cation, school officials “plan to use the $150,000 allocation to offset some of the costs incurred to purchase desk guards and cleaning/disinfecting supplies,” according to Mikaela Coni, assistant superintendent for business. “We thank the Town of Hempstead for providing our community with funds through the CARES Act,” said Robin Lufrano, assistant superintendent for business and technology services in the Bellmore School District. “The Covid-19 pandemic has put a strain on our budget, and any additional funding to help offset those significant costs is appreciated. The Town specified the approved use of the funds for things such as PPE, sanitizing,

cleaning, etc. which far exceed our typical operating expenses.” “This pandemic has hit everybody in so many different ways . . . and our school districts are no strangers to it,” said Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald Clavin, a Republican from Garden City. “Teachers are essential workers on the front lines trying to educate our children, and they have numerous expenses that they need help with.” The announcement followed a string of similar initiatives by the town to use $133 million in CARES Act funding secured by U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer earlier this year. According to Clavin, the money has also been used to provide:

- More than a half million dollars to local villages. “We’re committed to see this money utilized in the town,” Clavin said. “Albany has mandated school districts to do testing, unfunded. They dropped the burden on our school districts, [which have] no money for it. It’s a recurring theme when I talk to superintendents on a regular basis.” Tow n C o u n c i l m e n A n t h o n y D’Esposito, Dennis Dunne and Christopher Carini called on state and county officials to work to bring more CARES funding to residents on the front lines of the pandemic. “We in the Town of Hempstead would love to give more money to the schools, and each and every school deserves a heck of a lot more than this,” Dunne said. “We’re doing what we can with what we have, and the state has over $4.5 billion that they have not given to the schools yet.” This article will be updated on LIHerald.com.

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BELLMORE HERALD LIFE — January 7, 2021

By ALYSSA SEIDMAN & ANDREW GARCIA

January 7, 2021 — BELLMORE HERALD LIFE

What’s neWs in and out of the classroom

Herald ScHoolS

Photos Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

MephaM high SChOOL senior Louis Saraceni of Bellmore-Merrick’s Broadcasting program, operated a camera during the performance.

BrOadCaSting teChS Matt Russell and Sean Petraitis live streamed the performance.

High schoolers give outdoor winter performance Seniors in the Wellington C. Mepham High School band got creative with the location of their 2020 winter concert. The orchestra, band and vocal groups perfor med outdoors on Dec. 21, 2020, the recent snowfall providing the perfect scenery. “Despite our challenges, the students and our staff continue to persevere and shine a light on a very different type of school year,” said Principal Eric Gomez. Covid-19 has forced performing arts and music departments to re-think previously routine events and “a lot more about the meaning behind what we do and why we do it,” said Anthony Brandofino, the director of Mepham’s symphonic band, wind ensemble and “Pirate Radio Remix!” “This

group of seniors recognizes that the music program is so much about community.” Last semester, seniors approached Brandofino about the possibility of having some semblance of a winter performance. “They were the driving force behind this,” he explained. “This wouldn’t be happening without thorough collaboration with Stu Stein and the team behind Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting, who will bring this to our audience, and for that we thank them.” The perfor mance can be viewed on BMB’s YouTube channel, https://bit. ly/3r3eIbs. Provided by the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District; compiled by Andrew Garcia.

perCuSSiOniStS rafeya haSMi, on drums, and Karlie Willix prepared for the concert. MephaCapeLLa MeMBer ViCtOria Gibney, near left, sang her heart out. BaSS CLarinet pLayer Anthony D’Amato paid close attention to the sheet music.

News brief concession. He built a pump house and helped schedule their tournament and two festivals for many years. He also initiated the first online apparel and uniform sales. In 2004, he joined the LIJSL Games Committee and helped in other areas until becoming Chairperson of the Games Committee. He is a tireless advocate in making sure all kids play at the proper skill level. The LIJSL Hall of Fame, established in 1978, seeks to honor those individuals

who have made significant voluntary contributions to the development of youth soccer. With this newly announced class, it will now include 117 members. These four were to be recognized at the LIJSL Annual Convention last March, which was canceled at the early onset of the pandemic, and the league plans to induct this new class at a private ceremony to be held for each of them and their families at the league offices in Ronkonkoma early next year.

“As with all-things ‘2020,’ we unfortunately had to place the recognition of these four long-time valued volunteers ‘on pause’ earlier this year,” stated Steve Padaetz, the league’s Managing Director, to the virtual assemblage of 100 member clubs. “We are pleased to take this opportunity to formally recognize these most deserving individuals.” Courtesy Long Island Junior Soccer League.

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The Long Island Junior Soccer League, the largest league in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association, has announced their Hall of Fame Class of 2020 during the league’s general meeting held virtually on Dec. 8. George “Skip” Haile of the Merrick/ South Merrick Soccer Club grew up in Merrick and he was a goalkeeper for both Calhoun High School and Manhattanville College. For nearly 15 years, Skip has been an integral part of the club, from the guy who did all the dirty work that nobody else wanted to do, to Vice President of Operations and to his current role as President. He also currently works as a field scheduler and lends his hand in managing Merrick/South Merrick’s finances. As a member and then President of the Bellmore-Merrick Board of Education, Skip was an important factor in having turf fields replace the overused grass fields. But it is his devotion to every player in the club that sets Skip apart as he personally speaks to every coach and makes sure that nobody falls through the cracks. Under his leadership, the club has grown from 290 players in 2008 to over 500 today. Kevin Ferrari of the Massapequa Soccer Club has been a part of the club for nearly his entire life as a player, coach and administrator. He began playing for Massapequa in the club’s inaugural season 50 years ago in 1970. In addition to captaining his Massapequa Soccer Club team, he did the same with the LIJSL Select Program and Eastern New York’s Olympic Development Program. Kevin still holds several goalkeeping records at the University of Scranton, where he again served as team captain. After graduating, he immediately volunteered to coach in Massapequa. From 2001 to 2014, Kevin served on the club’s Executive Board, culminating with volunteering as Club President. He took over the Massapequa Special Needs Program in 2004 and continues to run it to this day. The Plainedge Soccer Club’s Christopher McGovern also played youth soccer, for the LIJSL’s Farmingdale Soccer Club and Hicksville Americans. Chris then coached two Plainedge girls teams through Under-19, playing in the LIJSL’s top division. He’s also a certified referee who volunteers as head referee for the club. Chris served as the administrator of the Route 135 intramural league for over 15 years, was one of the founding members of the Plainedge Soccer Father’s Day Tournament as well as a founding member of the Plainedge Soccer Club Kids Helping Kids Intramural Tournament, a Thanksgiving Weekend indoor tournament that raises money for local families in need during the holiday season. Kostadinos “Kosta” Siskidis of the Stony Brook Soccer Club started volunteering for the club in 1993 and later the volunteering included coaching. He served on Stony Brook’s Board of Directors from 1998 to 2012. Kosta has managed the fields at the Three Village Soccer Park as well as the field house and food

BELLMORE HERALD LIFE — January 7, 2021

Haile to be inducted into L.I. Junior Soccer League Hall of Fame

January 7, 2021 — BELLMORE HERALD LIFE

Federal gov’t stalling offshore wind farms the federal governMent is holding up construction of offshore wind farms between Long Island and New Jersey because the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management has yet to assign the final leasing grounds for them, as it was supposed to have done two years ago. Above, a view of the nation’s only offshore wind farm, off the coast of Rhode Island.

By Madeline arMstrong The final leasing grounds for offshore wind farms in the Atlantic Ocean south of Long Island were supposed to have been designated in early 2019 so lease auctions could be held, but nearly two years later, they have not yet been assigned, slowing New York’s bid to acquire 70 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. Assignment of New York Bight Offshore Wind Energy Areas, located between Long Island and New Jersey, has been indefinitely postponed without explanation, angering local elected leaders like U.S. Rep. Kathleen Rice, a Democrat from Garden City and a wind energy proponent. The federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, a division of the Department of the Interior, oversees assignment of offshore wind leasing grounds. Rice, who represents the 4th Congressional District, covering a wide swath of Nassau County’s South Shore, recently wrote to DOI Secretary David Ber nhardt to express her outrage that designation of the WEAs continued to be delayed. She was joined by other elected leaders, including Rep. Tom Suozzi, a Democrat from Glen Cove who represents the 3rdCongressional District, and who was formerly Nassau’s county executive, as well as Rep. Jerrold Nadler of the 10th District and Rep. Tom Reed of the 23rd District. The representatives asked that the BOEM assign the WEAs so lease auctions could be held. To date, they have not received a response from either the BOEM or the DOI. That has local environmental advocates concerned and dismayed, as offshore wind does not emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere the way fossil fuel power plants that burn oil, natural gas and coal do, and so wind energy is not a cause of climate change, the slow heating of the Earth over time. Global warming is considered a particular threat to Long Island because it causes sea levels to rise and hurricanes to grow bigger. “If we’re really going to fight climate change and transition to renewable energy, offshore wind has to play a key role,” said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of the Farmingdale-based Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “It is not a luxury item. It is a necessity.” Esposito said she supports Rice’s letter. “We really need a congressional representative to get involved, take action and support wind farms,” Esposito said. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, a state agency that promotes energy efficiency and renewable power, is also calling on BOEM to designate the final WEAs. “Our progress in catalyzing this gamechanging industry is limited without additional lease areas in the New York Bight — a needed solution only BOEM has the authority to execute,” read a NYSERDA statement. “We urge BOEM to issue final Wind Energy Areas for the New York Bight.” When contacted, BOEM gave the following statement: “BOEM continues to

Scott Brinton/Herald

Courtesy National Renewable Energy Laboratory

this Map, froM the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, shows the potential wind energy that would be captured off the coast of Long Island. work with our government agencies and our stakeholders to assess how future offshore wind development could affect other ocean uses with the goal of reducing potential conflicts.” The BOEM said it was assessing possible conflicts, but it did not specify what they might be. Esposito said she believes the federal government has been stalling the assignment process to assist the oil and gas industries. President Trump “has been clear he does not support wind,” she said, “and wants to continue advancing the exploration and development of oil and guess industries.” Rice said Trump has never supported wind farms and has worked to stall other

renewable energy projects in New York. In July 2019, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, legally requiring New York to obtain 70 percent of its energy supply from renewable sources such as wind, solar and geothermal. According to Joe Martens, director of the New York Offshore Wind Alliance, a coalition of advocacy groups that support wind power, 27 percent of New York’s energy currently comes from renewable sources. “We have a long way to go in 10 years,” said Martens, “and offshore wind is one of the ways that we can make the transition.”

There are currently three projects proposed in the New York Bight, two of which — Sunrise Wind and Empire Wind — have begun the regulatory review and permitting processes, and have the potential to power hundreds of thousands of homes and bring in hundreds of millions of dollars, even billions, for the local economy. “As New York continues to build back its economy from the [Covid-19] pandemic,” read a NYSERDA statement, “offshore wind provides a massive opportunity to stimulate billions of dollars in investments and create thousands of family-sustaining jobs.” The New York Bight wind farms would create about 32,000 jobs annually, Martens said. “I think this is a great opportunity for a whole new generation of workers,” said Roger Clayman, executive director of the Long Island Federation of Labor. “Our labor movement was not always environmentally sensitive, but the fact is we’re all on the front lines of climate change.” When the Wind Energy Areas might be designated is unclear. “I don’t know if anybody could [know] unless they had a crystal ball,” Esposito said. Martens said that 6,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy would need to be generated by 2030 to help New York reach its goal of 70 percent renewable energy by that year. Development of a single wind farm takes years. That is why it is crucial, the experts said, to designate the WEAs so leases can be assigned, and the years-long regulatory review process and construction can begin. “I will openly concede that it will be a challenge,” Martens said, “but in New York anyways, we’re required to do it.” Esposito urged Long Islanders to “speak up and speak out in favor of wind energy.” “Having a voice matters,” she said, “and we can’t stay silent and hope that things change.”

News brief

General Motors today announced the appointment of Iwao Fusillo, a Merrick native, as Chief Data and Analytics Officer, effective Jan. 1, 2021. The Long Island native joins GM from the National Football League, where he previously served as global head of data and analytics. Fusillo will lead GM’s analytics and data science program by developing a best-in-class data strategy, architecture and governance. Bringing more than 30 years of experience spanning across multiple industries, Fusillo will help GM leaders identify and scope strategic analytics opportunities, helping to transfor m the business as it moves toward an all-electric future. Fusillo will build upon GM’s expertise in connectivity and safety to deliver world-class customer experiences, while leveraging the company’s confidence in data analysis to add new services, such as the recently launchedOnStar Guardian and OnStar Insurance products. Fusillo will report to Alan Wexler, Senior Vice President, Innovation and Growth. During his time at the NFL, Fusillo bolstered the organization’s business intelligence function by developing a season management dashboard for the Commissioner, league executive vice presidents and team owners to deliver insights about game quality, customer engagement and transaction-based revenue. Prior to joining the NFL, Fusillo started and ran several strategic analytic programs for American Express and JP Morgan Chase. A lifelong auto enthusiast, Fusillo began his career in 1985 as a mechanical engineer in the Buick-Oldsmobile Cadillac Advanced Product Engineering group through

General Motors Scholars, a full scholarship program he completed during his undergraduate studies at Princeton University. An avid car collector, his first car was a 1978 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, and his current car collection includes a 1985 Buick Grand National restomod – a term for a classic vehicle restored, but also customized. He also holds an MBA in Finance and International Business from Columbia Business School. In his spare time, Fusillo sits on the advisory boards of the Princeton Uni-

versity Asian American Alumni Association and the Stevens Institute of Technology. He also volunteers with The Children’s Orchestra Society, an organization that provides young musicians the opportunity to perform in renowned venues throughout New York City. Born in Tokyo and raised in Rockville Centre, New York, Fusillo and his family enjoy traveling to Japan each summer to visit loved ones. Upon his start date, he plans to maintain residences in both Detroit and New York.

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company committed to delivering safer, better and more sustainable ways for people to get around. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, can be found at https://www.gm.com.

BELLMORE HERALD LIFE — January 7, 2021

GM hires Merrick native as chief data and analytics officer

January 7, 2021 — BELLMORE HERALD LIFE

Herald Inside LI talks vaccines at webinar By Nicole AlciNdor nalcindor@liherald.com

Last year, nearly 350,000 Americans died of Covid-19 — and more than 3.2 million total — making 2020 the deadliest year in U.S. history, according to the Associated Press. Help, though, is on the way. In the weeks leading up to the New Year, the federal Food and Drug Administration approved two vaccines — the first by Pfizer-BioNTech and the second by Moderna —which have gone to health-care workers and will also go to residents of long-term care facilities during the early stages of distribution. On Dec. 23, Herald Inside LI held a Zoom webinar featuring three doctors, all of whom recently received a first shot of vaccination, to discuss their experiences and what people can expect in the coming months. “I urge people to take the vaccine because Covid-19 is a horrific disaster to human life,” said Dr. Aaron Glatt, chairman of the Department of Medicine, chief of infectious diseases and the hospital epidemiologist at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside. “We want to go back to hugging and seeing people, and the way we will do this is through the Covid-19 vaccines. The goal is to vaccinate everyone.” Webinar attendees were encouraged to submit their questions for the panelists. One viewer asked if the vaccine could hurt fertility. “There were some cases of women who got pregnant after getting the vaccine; however, there is zero evidence that the vaccine can cause infertility,” Glatt said. “I would tell a pregnant woman that it’s a personal decision if she wants to take the vaccine, but if she chooses to get the vaccine, she might be protecting herself more, as well as protecting others and [her] baby. [She] might even give [her] baby antibodies against the virus.” Another viewer wondered whether people of color were more likely to experience side effects from the vaccine or lower efficacy. “There were about 40,000 people of color that were represented in the experimental trials for these two vaccines,” said Dr. Zenobia Brown, vice president and medical director of population health at Northwell Health Solutions. “We have proven that the vaccines are safe for people in minority groups.” Brown and Glatt agreed that although the PfizerBioNTech and Moderna vaccines were proven 95 percent effective in experimental trials, after people receive them, there is still a chance that they can contract the

Courtesy Zoom

HerAld iNside li recently held a Zoom webinar featuring three doctors to answer viewers’ questions about the new Covid-19 vaccines. virus and spread it to others. “When I get my second dose of the vaccine, I won’t become Superman. I don’t know how to play the piano now, and I won’t magically know how to play the piano after the second dose,” Glatt said. “We still need to be careful, and we still have to wear masks and social distance.” “I cannot stress this enough: Social distance and wear masks, even if you get the vaccine,” Brown said. “My biggest fear is that people will not want the vaccine. I look forward to the day when more and more people will want to take the vaccines.” For Dr. Nicolas Hernandez, the academic hospitalist at Northwell Plainview Hospital and another panelist, taking the vaccine was a decision that he made to protect his family, his patients and himself. “I was scared when they gave me the Pfizer vaccine, but I’ve been a patient with Covid-19, I’ve had family

Herald Inside LI to host local college webinar With the Covid-19 infection rate rising during a second wave, many Long Island parents were concerned about the health and safety of their college-aged children who lived in university dorms during the fall semester. In the coming weeks, before the spring semester begins, parents will have to choose whether to send their children back to school to live in campus dorms or off-campus apartments, or whether they should live at home and attend local schools. Local colleges are accepting students on rolling admission to accommodate those who decide at the last minute to stay home for the spring semester. Many parents, though, are wrestling with

choosing the best options for their children. Herald Inside LI will host a free live Zoom webinar, sponsored by Molloy College, on Thursday, Jan. 7, at 7 p.m., to discuss staying local for college. The webinar will feature college advisers, counselors and college students, who will share their thoughts on staying home this spring. To register, go to LIHerald.com/StayingLocal. To sponsor a webinar or for more information, contact Amy Amato at aamato@richnerlive.com or (516) 5694000 ext. 224. For questions, email insideli@liherald.com. –Nicole Alcindor

members that have had Covid-19, and I take care of patients with Covid-19, so I wanted to do my part,” Hernandez said, while adding that his only reaction to the first shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was temporary fatigue and soreness. “As a family physician, I recommend that all immunocompromised people should get the vaccine, and even if you are not up for the vaccine, still do your part.” This webinar was the final episode of the first season of Herald Inside LI. To watch the recording of this episode and all others, go to LIHerald.com/Recordings and subscribe to the Herald Inside LI YouTube channel. The next Herald Inside LI episode will take place on Thursday, Jan. 7, at 7 p.m. and will feature college advisers and counselors discussing students staying local for upcoming spring semester, rather than going away to school. To register, go to LIHerald.com/StayingLocal.

Local couple’s garage packed with donations bring in nearly the funds we usually get.” The Garfinkels became involved in NAMI when their daughter was diagnosed with a mental illness. “We didn’t know what to do,” Janice said. “We found NAMI, and it opened up a whole new world to us . . . There were people going through the same thing she was going through. It was a community of people that were struggling with mental health.” “We pushed the [shoe drive] idea to the board, and my wife took the idea and ran with it,” Ed said. “I was questioning whether we’d be able to get so many pairs of shoes — I thought that was crazy, but it looks like we’re getting there.” The drive is being held in coordination with Funds2Orgs, an Orlando-based orga-

nization that collects shoe donations in exchange for money. The money provided in exchange for the shoes helps support organizations like NAMI, and Funds2Orgs then distributes the footwear overseas to poverty-stricken areas such as Bolivia, Ecuador and Haiti. After the Jan. 27 end date, trucks from Funds2Orgs will pick up the filled bags. Many of the donations, Ed said, were personally picked up by the Garfinkels as far out as Brooklyn and Queens. “We’re very surprised at how the community banded together to help this cause,” Janice said. To make a shoe donation, contact the Garfinkels by email at jgarfinkel@ NAMIqn.org or by phone at (516) 343-6761.

BELLMORE HERALD LIFE — January 7, 2021

conTinued from fronT page

Photos courtesy Ed Garfinkel

The collecTion efforT has taken over the Garfinkel’s garage, above, in Bellmore. The drive, which is being held in coordination with Funds2Orgs, will also benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness’s Queens/Nassau branch.

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to all my Family, Friends and clients, thank you for the privilege of allowing me to be part of your real estate experience. i wish you all a happy healthy new Year!

Town provides PPE kits to Bellmore Firemen’s Benevolent Association The Town of Hempstead provided free kits full of personal protective equipment to the Bellmore Volunteer Exempt Firemen’s Benevolent Association on Dec. 3, 2020. Accepting the kits on behalf of the organization from Councilman Christopher Carini, second from left, were President Richard Roskop, Vice President Richard Messina and Secretary Ken Noon. The town’s new program has made 6,000 PPE kits available for local businesses and organizations, which include items needed to keep staff and patrons safe. The

kits are available free of charge and are only available while supplies last. Businesses in need of these supplies are encouraged to apply on the town website, hempsteadny.gov/ppe-giveaway. The initiative was made possible through funding from the federal CARES Act, which provided a $133 million grant to the town to distribute economic relief grants to its schools, hospitals, fire departments, etc., alleviating some of the adverse effects of the pandemic.

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Town of Hempstead Stop Throwing Out Pollutants Program a success Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray, right, assisted Harold Smith, left, of Bellmore while he participated in the town’s Stop Throwing Out Pollutants (S.T.O.P.) Program on Dec. 6, 2020, at Eisenhower

Park in East Meadow. The program allows residents to dispose of harmful pollutants, such as antifreeze, drain cleaners and pesticides, in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

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Hempstead town supervisor and Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll called for a onemonth extension of the General Tax payment deadline, ostensibly moving from Feb. 10 to a proposed date of March 10, 2021.

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and they need all the help they can get during this pandemic,” Driscoll said before lambasting the County Assessor’s tax roll and reassessment as a whole. According to Driscoll, the County Assessor submitted a delayed tax roll on Dec. 30 and, after her office analyzed it, they stood firm on their desire for an extended period of time for taxpayers to make their payments without penalty. The Receiver’s frustration was aimed at the Assessor’s tax roll being submitted with “only 36 hours” before the commencement of General Tax payment cycle at the top of the new year. “While our office is working hard to issue bills in a timely matter despite the County Assessor’s delays, I sincerely believe that a payment deadline extension is appropriate for homeowners during this pandemic,” Driscoll said in the release. “We will continue to provide taxpayers with convenient and safe payment options, including drive-thru and walk-up booths, and [we] are here to answer any questions or concerns.” Starting on Jan. 11, Driscoll will be hosting a series of taxpayer forums with limited seating and RSVP requirements due to Covid-19. For more information, visit https://hempsteadny.gov/taxpayerforums. “This would be the perfect opportunity to start 2021 on the right foot,” said Councilman Christopher Carini, who represents Wantagh and Seaford. “A brief 30 days of respite will go a long way…”

Call our editors today 516-569-4000 or email aseidman@liherald.com

BELLMORE HERALD LIFE — January 7, 2021 Photos courtesy Angela Connelly

Dancers from Jam Dance Studio in Bellmore helped Evan Styron, center, propose to his girlfriend, Lisa Friedrich, of East Meadow, with a surprise flash mob at Wantagh Park.

JAM Dance organizes flash mob proposal By alyssa seiDman aseidman@liherald.com

Evan Styron said he defied the odds when planning to propose to his girlfriend, Lisa Friedrich, of East Meadow. Between the Covid-19 pandemic, a lastminute location change and inclement weather the day of the engagement, “I had every obstacle against me,” he said, “but I’m resilient.” On Dec. 20, 2020, Styron and Friedrich drove to Wantagh Park to attend a Christmas function — or so Friedrich thought. Once they parked, dancers from JAM Dance Studio in Bellmore filled the lot, flash mob-style, as Bruno Mars’ song “Marry You” blasted in the background. “I was like a deer in headlights,” Friedrich said. The couple met on Bumble about a year ago, just before the Covid-19 lockdowns put New York on pause. Friedrich, a hairstylist, said that since she and Styron are very similar, they found ways to stay entertained during quarantine. Last May, for example, the two dressed up in formal attire and decorated her home to hold a “prom-demic.” “I’ve dated a lot of girls, but never one that made me feel compelled . . . to marry her,” said Styron, a licensed mental health counselor from Massapequa. “I knew from day one that she was the one.” Styron said he and Friedrich knew they would get engaged before the end of 2020, but the actual proposal was still a “total surprise” to his fiancé. He got the idea to do a flash mob proposal after Friedrich showed him a video of one on YouTube last February. “I love these styles of proposals because they’re very engaging,” he said, “and I wanted to do something that was like a magic moment for Lisa, something that made her feel special.” To conjure the magical moment, Styron enlisted the help of Friedrich’s best friend, Angela Connelly, who lived next door to JAM co-owner, Gina Petit-

to, growing up. Although this was only JAM’s second flash mob proposal, it was “probably more exciting because everyone really needed some good news since quarantining,” Petitto said. About 20 dancers participated in the flash mob, which was choreographed and rehearsed over the course of two weeks. Styron said he and Connelly scouted Cedar Creek Park in Wantagh as an initial location for the proposal, but had to change plans after a powerful nor’easter whipped across the region on Dec. 17. On the day of the engagement, an unexpected storm threatened to ruin the special surprise, but for the 10 minutes the flash mob took place, Connelly said the weather cleared up. Some of the couple’s family and friends were on hand to surprise the bride-to-be. Everyone, including the dancers, stayed socially distant and wore masks. As the team performed their choreography, Styron improvised a few of his own moves, twirling Friedrich around the parking lot and dancing along to the song. “Lisa’s face was priceless,” said JAM co-owner Michele Cuccaro. “She was in a shock in the best way possible . . . and couldn’t stop smiling.” As the song concluded, two of the dancers rolled out a 30-foot banner spray painted with red graffiti lettering, which asked Friedrich if she would take Styron’s hand in marriage. Styron said he rushed to get the ring out of the box once Friedrich realized what was happening. “It was the most amazing day of my life, [and] a good finale to 2020,” Friedrich said. “I’m looking forward to a lifetime of memories.” Styron said he is looking forward to spending more quality time with Friedrich and her son, Nicholas, 8. Petitto and Cuccaro said they hope to choreograph the couple’s first dance as husband and wife. To plan a flash mob proposal, email jambellmore@gmail.com.

after the flash mob ended, Styron, above left, popped the question. once frieDrich, near left, said yes, the dancers threw rose petals in the air.

January 7, 2021 — BELLMORE HERALD LIFE

Community event ‘like a Hallmark movie’ By AlyssA seidmAn aseidman@liherald.com

’Twas the week before Christmas and all through the streets, Merrick residents hustled and bustled to meet. On nearly 30 lawns throughout the neighb o r h o o d , s p e c i a l ly t h e m e d t re e s adorned with ornaments stood. On Dec. 19, families smiled and gawked as they made their way through the Community Holiday Tree and Luminary Walk. The event was organized by sistersin-law Andrea Casano and Jennifer Casano, who live near Chatterton Elementary School. To spread some cheer amid the coronavirus pandemic, they recruited 20 neighbors to serve as “block captains” for the walk, and each captain was charged with setting up a tree on his or her street. The captains then invited their neighbors to add ornaments and decorations to the trees, which corresponded to each block’s chosen theme, creating a miles-long spectacle never before seen in the community. Jennifer got the idea when talking with one of her neighbors, Sharon Loscalzo, last fall. Loscalzo walks her rescue dog, Sammy, past Jennifer’s house every day, but the two got to know each other better while staying home during the pandemic lockdown last spring. “It’s an interesting thing: You can take the same route and see the same people over and over again . . . but you really don’t know them,” said Loscalzo, who lives on Elsie Avenue. “Since so many people were home and saw each other more often, people wanted to get to know each other.” Loscalzo’s idea for a communal treedecorating event provided the perfect opportunity for neighbors to meet and mingle safely. “We thought it could give families something to look forward to and end the year on a brighter note than where we were,” Jennifer said. The organizers started by identifying an initial group of block captains; most were Chatterton families who lived between Gormley Avenue and Smith Street. “We then delivered fliers to the blocks without a captain, and got an additional 10 volunteers from that,” Jennifer said. A total of 28 trees (located north of Sunrise Highway between Meadowbrook Road and the Bellmore town line) were featured on the walk. Andrea and Jennifer commissioned a map listing the name and address of each tree, which families used to navigate through

the neighborhood. The glow of luminaria candles lit the streets, as well. “The 2020 Pandemic” was the theme of the tree on Andrea’s block. It included hand-drawn rainbows, pictures of essential workers, facemask ornaments and toilet paper trimmings. “The block captains had autonomy in picking” the theme, she explained, “and at 4 p.m. on the day of the event, neighbors could bring over an ornament to add to their tree.” On Jennifer’s block, Murray Place, she and her neighbors paid homage to the movies of Bill Murray. The “Very Murray Christmas” tree included slimecolored tinsel, groundhogs and gophers. Jennifer recalled the excitement that she saw on the faces of masked families as they took in the festive scene. “It felt like a Hallmark movie,” she said, “and the outpouring of love and support that came was really wonderful and heartwarming.” “One of my friends said she moved to the suburbs to have an opportunity like this,” Andrea added. Loscalzo called the turnout overwhelming. “I’ve been here for 40 years, and I have never been so moved by an event,” she said. “People had such a positive response, made ornaments from scratch and came up with the most genius ideas. “Sometimes,” she continued, “it’s the smallest thing that give us the biggest hope.” For more infor mation about the event or how to get involved in the 2021 walk, visit “Merrick Community Holiday and Luminary Walk” on Facebook.

ThomAs rossi liT a few sparklers in between the luminarias on Thelma Avenue. The Tree on Thelma Avenue featured ornaments made out of recycled materials. Melina Wood, left, hung a silver bow on the tree with her friends Harper Lynch and Jordan Lokstein.

Public Notices

LBEL1 0107

LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Regular Meetings Bellmore Fire District Please take notice that the Bellmore Fire District of the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, New York, will hold its regular meetings

for the year 2021 on the second Wednesday of each month at 8:00 pm. All meetings start at 8:00 pm on such day at the District Office 2450 Newbridge Road, Bellmore. All meetings of the Bellmore Fire District are open to the public.

Photos by Christina Daly/Herald Life

“A Very murrAy Christmas” was the theme for Jennifer Casano’s house on Murray Place. Above, Jennifer, left, with her sister-in-law and co-organizer, Andrea Casano.

This notice is being posted in accordance with the provisions of Section 94 of the Public Officers law of the State of New York. By order of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Bellmore Fire District. John Fabian

Secretary Bellmore Fire District 124319

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

The 2020 Themed tree, center, included hand-drawn rainbows, pictures of essential workers facemask ornaments and toilet paper trimmings.

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BELLMORE HERALD LIFE — January 7, 2021

HERALD

What are our options with an attic?

Homes

HERALD

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

HOME OF THE WEEK

Q. We have a problem we’re trying to resolve with the height and shape of our roof. We hired an architect after we hired a designer. The architect insists he will not draw our plans so we can have a tall attic. We want to be able to use the attic for extra bedrooms and a playroom. With our growing family, the extra space is essential. Every time we asked to have the plans changed, the architect intimidated us with his version of regulations, which our designer says we should be able to do. Now we’re in construction and this is our last chance. What should we do, build what we want, which we’ve seen others do, or give in? We’re so upset.

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A. You picked a bad time in the process to propose a change. I have experienced this ongoing type of problem, and usually ended up taking the clients and their designer to meet with the building officials who uphold their community’s laws, zoning and building regulations. The first problem here is that you seem to be getonte eeper ting bad advice from your designer, because the state code specifically prohibits the use of an attic as living space above the second floor, unless your community and state authorities review and both authorities agree that the use is safe. You would also need to sprinkler the interiors of the house and have a safe means to escape to an area no more than 12 feet below the top floor. Studies have shown that only five out of 100 people survived a fire in the top level above the second story in a wood-framed one- or two-family residence; 95 out of 100 died. If your architect is experienced in your particular community, one of more than 70 jurisdictions in your county, each with their own zoning board and rules, you should take his advice. Your community has previously not approved attics as living space, and no licensed professional who is doing their job will support the idea of putting you or your children’s lives in jeopardy. Either take the architect’s advice and proceed, speak directly to your building official, stop the job while you apply for a local zoning variance and state variance decisions (which could take up to a year) and then proceed. Keep in mind that if either one of the boards turns you down, you are prohibited from having a habitable third floor, and you will have to submit revised plans and reconstruct anything that doesn’t comply with the law. In my experience, your community is very strict, and has even delayed its final decision and then forced the owner to cut down (rebuild) the wishful height to the regulation height. If your “designer” isn’t licensed and legally qualified to advise you, he may actually be violating the law. In your state it’s a class E felony for him to hold himself out to be practicing without a license.

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© 2021 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

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Answers

to todAy’s puzzle

opInIons

t’s now nearly a year since the Trump administration learned that a deadly virus was making its way into our country. During that period, the White House and many governors have engaged in a political wrestling match over who was responsible for leading the battle against the coronavirus pandemic. While you may not like the conclusion, it is clear that President Trump never took this crisis seriously, and is even less concerned now that his tenure is about to end. It may be an uphill battle, but JERRY President-elect Joe Biden has made it kREMER clear that he is willing to aggressively step into that battle on Jan. 20, because the next six to nine months will determine whether the pandemic is beaten. There are two good reasons why there has to be a field general leading the fight. America can’t afford for this dark cloud to linger indefinitely because of the economic damage we have experienced. Moreover, what if there is another pandemic, caused by one

“

of our political enemies? Prior to the election, the president predicted that there would be many millions of vaccinations before the end of the year. To date, fewer than three million people have been inoculated, and only 11 million doses have been distributed around the country. The slow rate of inoculations is due to the fact that many states are staggering under the weight of testing costs and the needs of responders. Local governments and health care institutions have been on their own for 10 months after being told by Washington that the virus was a state-by-state problem. Biden has pledged to get inoculation numbers up to one million a day. That is comforting, but health care professionals estimate that even at that rate, it would take over a year to vaccinate every American. And to reach that pace, the federal government will have to take some draconian measures. The Defense Production Act dates back to the Korean War. It gives the president the power to force companies to drop their private customers and produce what the country needs. Trump claimed he used

the act to get General Motors to build more respirators, but GM claimed it came forward on its own to build them. The president didn’t aggressively use the act, for fear of offending his conservative base, which opposes government intervention. Why is there a need for use of the act now? When you have a mass anti-virus campaign, you need more than a vaccine. The big pharma companies are spending billions of dollars to keep up with their competition and protect their stockholders. In addition to the vaccines, you need cotton swabs, syringes, packing materials, dry ice and other supplies, and those products aren’t manufactured by big pharma. That’s where the federal government comes in. Using the act, manufacturers can be forced to produce the goods that are needed to get a complete program in place. While Biden is preparing to take on the vaccine program, the pandemic is exploding in numerous states that have a shortage of hospital gowns, masks and gloves and can’t cover the costs of doctors, nurses and other first responders. Bipartisan

ven ramping up to a million inoculations a day may not be enough.

Covid relief legislation finally signed last week by the president will inject some new money into the efforts of local organizations, but it won’t make up for the costs they have been incurring since last March. The world is keeping a close eye on our national effort, and many friendly countries are trying to figure out why we’ve done such a terrible job of combating the virus. But our enemies are also keeping a close eye on our tragedy. In his latest book, “Ten Lessons for a Post-Pandemic World,” author and CNN host Fareed Zakaria claims that our enemies could create another health crisis in our country in as little as 24 hours. Are we capable of handling another one? You know the answer to that question. The weeks and months ahead will determine how long America will suffer and how well we will heal. Happily, the incoming administration is prepared to pick up the ball dropped by the outgoing one. Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? JKremer@liherald.com.

Saving our sanity and our souls through books

reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The person who never reads lives only one.” — George R.R. Martin

It nearly killed me. One of my grandkids said they “hate” books. They don’t read books except when one is assigned in school. Given the options of smartphones, TV and computers, they don’t ever crack the cover of a novel or nonfiction adventure, even during RandI quarantine, when there’s so little to kREIss do. Oddly, this kid gets good grades and likes school, which seems counterintuitive, because I can’t imagine anyone becoming an educated person in the world without reading books. It’s not like I haven’t tried. I have gifted and suggested books pitched toward this particular teen’s interests. I’ve read the same books they are assigned in class so we can talk about them. I keep tossing out lines and getting no bites. My hope is that this child just hasn’t found the right books yet to get their attention. I know a few people who

became enthusiastic readers in adulthood. I wish that for this young person I love. Granted, I was a book nerd from the time I could put eyes on paper. I remember, in first grade, begging my father for some money so I could buy books. It was like falling in love. My first loves were “Half Magic,” by Edgar Eager, and “The Boxcar Children,” by Gertrude Chandler Warner. If feels lame even to be defending reading when it seems so self-evident that through books we fire up our imaginations, we live other lives and we timetravel to places beyond our reach. We find comfort in finding common ground with writers. It is a bias, but I do believe that life is only halflived without books. As part of my own life, I have led book groups for the past 20 years, and this year will do so again. For the first time, our group will be Zoomed, and so it’s open to anyone who contacts the Longboat Key Education Center (941383-8811, (charity@longboatkeyeducationcenter.com) wishing to sign up. We meet at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays, and began this week with the first of eight short books in eight weeks.

I want to share my reading list because I call my class “Literary Gems,” and these are. We begin with “Hamnet,” by Maggie O’Farrell. William Shakespeare had a son, Hamnet, who died when he was 11. Four years later, the bard wrote “Hamlet.” From these thin facts, O’Farrell weaves a rich story of grief and life in the throes of a plague. Our second book is “We Have Always Lived in this Castle,” by Shirley Jackson. Murder, mayhem and the especially delicious brand of British madness abound in this story by the author of the most famous short story in the world, “The Lottery.” Next, we’ll read “The Boy in the Field,” by Margot Livesay, a luminous psychological thriller. Our last book for January is “Writers and Lovers,” by Lily King, a gorgeously written, rather ordinary story of a young woman finding her way, told with extraordinary beauty. In February, we’ll read “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous,” by Ocean Vuong. This debut novel by a Vietnamese-American writer was described as “permanently stunning” by Ron Charles of The Washington Post. It is an original and exquisite amalgam of memoir,

or many of us, talking about them is as much fun as reading them.

letters and poetry. Next, we read “The Disappearing Earth,” by Julia Phillips, comprising an astonishing cast of characters, an unspeakable crime, all set in Kamchatka, on the Siberian peninsula. Our third book next month is “Trust Exercise,” by Susan Choi, a brilliant send-up of students enthralled with themselves in an artsy university setting. The language is pitch-perfect. Our last selection is “Last Train to Key West,” by Chanel Cleeton. It is 1935, and a ferocious hurricane is barreling towards the Florida Keys. A helluva story of three women caught up in a story of murder, betrayal and salvation. For many of us “bookies,” talking about the novels and nonfiction works is as much fun as reading them, like a delicious dessert after a remarkable meal. So I hope some readers can join the book group. But no matter what, wherever you are at this moment, sheltering in place, working from home or venturing out, I want to share these special books with the hope that you connect with the authors and find solace and peace and joy in that connection. Reading? The past year, when so much was lost, books brought joy into to my life. As the new year begins, they are the untapped treasure of 2021. Copyright 2020 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

BELLMORE HERALD LIFE — January 7, 2021

How long will we suffer, and how well will we heal?

Herald editorial

Bellmore

January 7, 2021 — BELLMORE HERALD LIFE

HERALD and Bellmore Herald News Established 1994

Incorporating Bellmore Life

AlyssA seidmAn Editor Andrew GArciA Reporter robert cumminGs Advertising Account Executive office 2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530 Phone: (516) 569-4000 Fax: (516) 569-4942 Web: www.liherald.com E-mail: belleditor@liherald.com Copyright © 2021 Richner Communications, Inc.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Robert Richner Edith Richner Publishers, 1964-1987 ■ clifford ricHner stuArt ricHner Publishers micHAel boloGnA Vice President - Operations ■ scott brinton Executive Edtitor Jim HArmon

Copy Editor cHristinA dAly Photo Editor tony bellissimo Sports Editor KAren bloom Calendar Editor ■ rHondA GlicKmAn Vice President - Sales ellen reynolds Classified Manager lori berGer Digital Sales Manager

■

Jeffrey neGrin Creative Director crAiG wHite Production Coordinator

Resolve to monitor your mental health in 2021

et’s say it like it was: 2020 was miserable. It was a horrid year for us all. Everyone — everyone — was affected to one degree or another by the coronavirus pandemic, which washed over us like a merciless tidal wave, leaving fear, anxiety and death in its wake. The speed at which the virus swept across the land was stunning, leaving us feeling helpless against a viral invader. Nearly 4,700 people have died of Covid19 in Nassau and Suffolk counties — and an estimated 25,000 in New York City — since the coronavirus broke out in the greater metropolitan area in March, bringing grief to hundreds of thousands of lives here. On top of those terrible — and terrifying — statistics, Long Island lost more than 100,000 private-sector jobs from November 2019 to November 2020, an 8.8 percent decline, according to the New York State Department of Labor. The biggest losses came in hospitality, 35,800 jobs; education and health services, 23,600; trade, transportation and utilities, 15,000; professional and business services, 10,000; and manufacturing, 8,000. There is help available, however. If you are feeling anxious, depressed or suicidal, regardless of the reason, you can — you should — check out the state Office of Mental Health website, where you will find numerous resources to turn to for help. There you will find the NY Thankful project, for which you are asked to write messages about all that you are thankful for. The very act of writing down all that is good in your life, it seems, helps relieve stress and anxiety. We suggest that you try it — if not on a state website, then on your own.

Mental health resources ■■NY■Project■Hope■Emotional■Support■ Helpline:■(844)■863-9314

■■New■York■State■Domestic■Violence■ Hotline:■(800)■942-6906

■■Long■Island■Crisis■Center■Hotline:■ (516)■679-1111

■■Crisis■Text■Line:■Text■Got5■to■741-741

■■National■Suicide■Prevention■Hotline:■ (800)■273-8255

Signs of suicide ■■Talking■about: ■■Wanting■to■die. ■■Feeling■guilt■or■shame. ■■Being■a■burden■to■others. ■■Feeling: ■■Empty,■hopeless,■trapped. ■■Extremely■sad,■anxious,■agitated■or■ rageful. ■■Unbearable■emotional■or■physical■ pain.

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Published by richner communications, inc. 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 569-4000

■■Changing■behavior,■such■as: ■■Making■a■plan■or■researching■ways■ to■die. ■■Withdrawing■from■friends,■saying■ goodbye■and■giving■away■important■ belongings. ■■Taking■dangerous■risks. ■■Displaying■extreme■mood■swings. ■■Eating■or■sleeping■more■or■less. ■■Using■drugs■and■alcohol. Source: National Institute of Mental Health

Also listed on the site are the phone numbers of numerous agencies you can call to talk it out, whatever the issue might be. Call if you need to. There has, in the past, been a stigma associated with seeking help with mental health crises. That should never have been the case. Mental health is crucial to your wellbeing. If you think about it, you also realize

crAiG cArdone Art Director diAnne rAmdAss Circulation Director

■■For■front-line■workers,■text■FRONTLINENY■to■741-741

letters The pandemic’s empty chairs To the Editor: In a November speech, President-elect Joe Biden expressed his sorrow at the number of empty chairs that would appear at the dinner tables of many families this year because of the coronavirus. Covid-19 has often been compared to the 1918 flu pandemic, which killed 675,000 Americans, a majority of them young adults, and infected one-third of the world’s population during its four waves. Masks were strongly recommended, but many protested against wearing them. People were quarantined, hospitals were full, and the death toll was overwhelming. Like Donald Trump, President Woodrow Wilson underplayed the severity of the virus. There was no vaccine, no Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and very few opportunities to work from home in that precomputer era.

that your mental health is connected to everyone else’s. What the coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated, in certain terms, is that we are all interconnected in a larger societal web. So — please — seek help if you need it. If you make any New Year’s resolution, let it be that you will take care of yourself in 2021 — both your physical and mental well-being.

opinions

s 2020 came to a close, the coronavirus surpassed heart disease as the leading cause of death in the U.S. — a sobering reminder of the toll the virus continues to take. We have learned a lot about Covid-19 over the past 10 months. Importantly, we know now that it isn’t just a lung and respiratory issue, as was thought early on. It is a systemic inflammatory disease that may affect many organs in the body, and when it comes to the heart, it can JeFFrey t. be especially serious. kuvin Covid-19 infection certainly does not affect everyone’s heart, but it turns out that you don’t even need to have significant symptoms to have heart-related issues. The most direct, and at times the most complicated, impact of the virus on the heart is muscle inflammation, a condition called myocarditis. This can result in a variety of cardiac issues, including

muscle weakness and rhythm disturbances. It is well known that other viruses — as well as some medications, chemotherapies and other medical conditions — can also affect the heart in similar ways. In addition to direct toxic effects on the heart muscle, Covid-19 may cause blood clots, which can impact the heart, lungs and the brain, resulting in heart attacks, pulmonary emboli and stroke. We learn more every day, but it remains unclear whether traditional approaches to heart disease are applicable to patients with long-term complications of the coronavirus, like heart damage. While many patients are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, others may become very ill, and some even succumb to the disease. We don’t know the exact number of Covid-19 patients with myocarditis, because some patients may have cardiac involvement without even knowing it. Some of the symptoms of myocarditis include chest pain; shortness of breath; heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat;

hronic heart conditions are showing up after even mild cases.

Letters One of the empty chairs of 1918 belonged to my family. My father, then 16, was playing in the streets of Manhattan with his brother, Irwin, 13. Irwin wasn’t feeling well, and my father carried him home piggyback, and his mother put him to bed. The next day he was dead. Ironically, his parents and older brother remained healthy, but they never recovered emotionally from Irwin’s death. It was especially devastating to my paternal grandmother, whose father fought in the Civil War, contracted tuberculosis and gave it to my grandmother and her sister, both of whom died young: a history of empty chairs. My father would occasionally see my sister and me drawing pictures or playing a game, and remark, “My brother and I used to do that.” When the 2020 pandemic arrived, I immediately thought of Irwin. Did he suffer? Was his mother with him at the end? Had he survived, I would have had an uncle and perhaps some cousins on my father’s side. Empty chairs span generations. Only one photo of my father and his brother remains, as my grandmother destroyed all the others in her grief. Fortunately, I lost no family members in 202, but as I watched the statistics rise, I knew that each death was more than just a number. It reflected a deep loss and an empty chair at the table of many families. I hope they find solace in 2021 and beyond. PAUlA RODEnAS Merrick

lightheadedness, dizzy spells or loss of consciousness, and extremity swelling. The lingering effects of Covid-19 on the heart, particularly myocarditis, have been a hot topic in the sports community. Several college and pro athletes with the virus have done the right thing by staying off the field this season — not only because of the risk of virus transmission, but because their doctors saw evidence of myocarditis on an MRI. The heart needs time to heal. We know that active inflammation of the heart can cause serious problems, even in highly trained athletes. And, during recovery, athletes should refrain from heavy exertion until they are assessed by a cardiologist. And if an athlete can get asymptomatic, or subclinical, effects of the heart, so can we all. Given new and emerging data, the exact risks and treatment protocols for Covid-related cardiac issues remain unclear. Who should undergo MRI testing of the heart — the best way to detect myocarditis — is a question that has not

been definitively answered. As things stand now, a coronavirus infection alone does not warrant an extensive cardiac evaluation. If, however, patients are highly symptomatic and have abnormalities in specific laboratory tests, like electrocardiograms or echocardiograms, then highly specialized tests, like MRIs, might be warranted. As the pandemic continues, as at all other times, it is important to recognize cardiac warning signs, which can be very similar to Covid symptoms. Addressing cardiac risk factors, including cholesterol, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, sleep hygiene and obesity — is always prudent. In addition to improving quality and quantity of life, it is widely recognized that controlling cardiac risk factors can affect the course of Covid-19.

BELLMORE HERALD LIFE — January 7, 2021

Cardiac Covid: How the virus impacts the heart

Jeffrey T. Kuvin, M.D., is the de Roulet professor and chair of the Department of Cardiology at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/ Northwell. He is the senior vice president of cardiology for Northwell Health’s Central and Eastern regions, chair of the Department of Cardiology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center and North Shore University Hospital, and co-director of the Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital.

FrAmework by Rossana Weitekamp

Give Trump his due

“

To the Editor: Re Carolann Perez’s letter to the editor, “How did we almost re-elect Donald Trump?” (Dec. 17-23): The writer said that Randi Kreiss was “brave enough” to have written about President Trump. On the contrary, Kreiss took every low pot shot at Trump that she could come up with, yet virtually denied him any credit whatsoever for his achievements, which were significant and many. And this is coming from someone who recognizes Trump’s failures and personality flaws. Remember when Trump, early on, restricted travel between the U.S. and China, and President-elect Biden called him a racist and xenophobe? Yet soon after, Biden criticized Trump for not having taken this action sooner. What hypocrisy! Would people have voted for Biden if the media had reported more thoroughly on the Hunter Biden scandal and its potential implications for the presidentelect? This was an election the true outcome of which we will likely never know with certainty. ROBERT RUBAlSKY East Rockaway

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