Bellmore Herald 01-21-2021

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CommUNItY UPDAtE Infections as of Jan. 17

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Infections as of Jan. 10 3,912

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LICC continues to serve through pandemic feeling isolated,” Walsh said. “As we enter winter, we’re certainly at a more critical time now, and The Long Island Crisis Center we’re prepared to respond to continues to serve the South coronavirus-related calls [and] Shore and beyond, emotional distress offering uninterif people had losses r upted services connected to since the pandemic Covid.” began last year.

Forty counsel“There’s been ors, who are curno down time since rently at-home vold ay o n e, ” s a i d unteers, staff the Joseph Walsh, a LICC hotline — licensed master (516) 679-1111 — 24 social worker and hours a day, followdirector of the Criing their motto: sis Center. While “Any problem, any some staf f now time, anyone.” occupy the head“The calls have quarters in Bell. . . become more more after it was DEBRA KAtz isolation-related closed last March, Volunteer, rather than intervirtual services Long Island Crisis Center personal relationlive on and provide s h i p p r o b l e m s, vital resources for because people those in need. aren’t interacting with other In the last three months of people as much,” said Debra 2020, the Crisis Center received Katz, a Bellmore resident and more than 400 calls related to the volunteer. “People are isolated, coronavirus, according to Walsh. and that is a huge problem now.”

These sometimes included calls Katz worked with special-edufor medical information, but cation students during her 32 largely were from those seeking years as a teacher before she support counseling to counter retired in 2016. Her ability to trauma brought on by the pan- understand and assist with their demic.

“The pandemic leaves many Continued on page 7

By ANDREW GARCIA agarcia@liherald.com

t

Brian Stieglitz/Herald

PAtRICIA SAlCEDo, oF Bellmore, opened III View Design and Construction in 2017. She has done many consultations for clients looking to convert spare rooms into multifunctional office spaces during the pandemic.

Local business owners optimistic about year ahead

By AlYSSA SEIDmAN aseidman@liherald.com

With a new year ahead and coronavirus vaccines rolling out to more qualified individuals, Bellmore and Merrick’s business owners said they are starting to feel optimistic about the future, while remaining diligent in following state-mandated safety protocols.

But the presence of “for sale,” “for rent” and “space available” signs in storefront

windows around the community is hard to ignore. This reporter counted more than 20 vacancies on Merrick Road between Bellmore and Merrick, and in downtown Merrick there were 12 empty storefronts interspersed along Merrick Avenue. In Bellmore Village, roughly 10 vacancies were found on and around Bedford Avenue, and the Merrick Commons and Bellmore Plaza shopping centers each had a handful of vacancies, as well.

It’s something local business owner Jim Spohrer has noticed, too. As president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores, he said nine of his members went out of business as a result of the pandemic.

“Seeing empty storefronts is terrible because these smaller businesses keep the economy going,” he said.

“Being an essential business, it’s been OK, but no matter what town you live in you Continued on page 3

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January 21, 2021 — BELLMORE HERALD

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Owners hope vaccine will bring business back really need to support your local guys.”

Julie Marchesella, a past president of the Merrick Chamber of Commerce, has owned Queen of Hearts in town for nearly 30 years. She said while the number of for-rent signs in the area is unfortunate, some landlords are renegotiating leases with store owners to cut them some slack until the pandemic subsides.

At the store, “I find things are moving a little,” she said. “People who moved their weddings into 2021 are hopeful that they will happen, and ladies are starting to come out to take a look. At this point we’ve got to think positive.”

At III View Design and Construction Inc., in Bellmore, owner Patricia Salcedo is once again taking walk-in customers, compaul teleSe pleting interiOwner, or design projects and schedElisa’s Ristorante uling new clients for masked consultations. The pandemic initially halted the store’s services, which prompted Salcedo to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan. She waited three months to receive the funds.

Additionally, many of the manufacturers that III View patronizes were affected by the pandemic early on. “All facets of the supply chain were impacted, and we felt it,” Salcedo said. “It slowed everything down.”

In recent months, Salcedo has helped clients convert their spare rooms into multifunctional office spaces because they are working from home. “People spent so much time in their homes and know the changes they want and need to make,” she explained. “Customers are tired of staring at screens, scrolling the internet, trying to figure out on their own what will work in their spaces. They crave the personal touch that III View Design is known for.”

At Maximum Fitness in Merrick, owner Scott Kaplan is staggering clients throughout the day, even if it comes at a cost to the business. The studio has seen a 20 percent increase in gym-goers since reopening on Sept. 1, according to Kaplan, who also stressed the space’s cleanliness.

He now sees about half the number of clients that he did previously.

“I don’t want people worrying when they walk in — I want them to focus on the exercise,” he said. “Knock wood, we haven’t had any cases.”

Two of Maximum’s trainers, who are also front-line workers, have already received the vaccine, Kaplan said. He hopes that as more people are inoculated, that will encourage them to return to patronizing local businesses.

Along with the fitness industry, restaurants have also taken a hard hit during

BELLMORE HERALD — January 21, 2021

continued from front page

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e’re struggling through, made cutbacks here and there . . . but we keep on trucking.

Alyssa Seidman/Herald

Scott Kaplan, who owns Maximum Fitness in Merrick, staggers his clients throughout the day to ensure they feel comfortable when coming in for personal training sessions. the pandemic, and are regulated by a number of state mandates, such as a recent 10 p.m. curfew. Paul Telese, co-owner of Elisa’s Ristorante in North Bellmore, has also adjusted to hosting diners outside, even during the winter, but renting tents and heaters costs money, he said.

“When you lose the big parties, catering and late night, that becomes a big hit,” he explained. “We’re struggling through, made cutbacks here and there . . . but we keep on trucking.”

Telese looks forward to the day when he can have patrons at the restaurant as he did before the pandemic, adding that the vaccine could aid in having that vision realized. Spohrer and Marchesella agreed, but also reinforced the importance of shopping locally.

“There’ll be a time soon when all this gets under control, and we’ll want our neighborhood stores, services and restaurants to be there for us,” Salcedo said.

“Let’s try to keep them afloat so that can happen.”

Julie marcheSella haS offered plussize formal wear at Queen of Hearts in Merrick for nearly 30 years. As a business owner, she has had to “reinvent” herself amid the pandemic, she said.

Andrew Garcia/Herald

Study: Town takeover ‘feasible’

History repeats itself

By AlyssA seidmAn aseidman@liherald.com

A study conducted by Walden Environmental Engineering has determined that New York American Water ratepayers in the Town of Hempstead would see savings between $70 and $383 a year if the town acquired a portion of the private utility’s Nassau operation, which was proven to be “feasible,” according to Newsday.

The Herald requested a copy of the study from the town, but had not received it by press time on Tuesday.

Walden’s findings contradict a Dec. 31 letter from the town’s water commissioner to the state Public Service Commission, NYAW’s regulatory arm. In it, Commissioner John Reinhardt wrote that such savings would be “diminutive” compared to the almost $500 million cost to acquire the system. The study concluded that the acquisition would cost closer to $465 million.

NYAW services roughly 113,000 households in the Town of Hempstead.

Reinhardt explained to the Herald that Walden used three different methodologies to conduct its study, which determined a range of valuations of NYAW’s Nassau operation based on comparative sale ($420.4 million), asset cost ($540 million) and income methods ($598.1 million).

“The $465 million is the weighted valuation of those three,” he said, “which falls far short . . . of the actual selling price of the company at this point in the Liberty transaction.”

The town hired Walden to conduct the study last August after advocates called on the PSC to consider alternatives to American Water Works’ proposed sale of its New York operations to Liberty Utilities, another private entity. The $608 million deal, announced in November 2019, stipulates a statewide acquisition of the company’s assets by the Canada-based utility.

Although Walden’s study has been filed with the PSC, it is not on the state agency’s publicly facing filings for the case, Newsday reported. Claudia Borecky, the co-director of Long Island Clean Air Water and Soil, a Merrick-based advocacy group, said she requested a copy of the study from the town back in October,

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Alyssa Seidman/Herald

new york AmericAn Water’s corporate offices in Merrick. when it was set to be completed, but has yet to receive it.

“Our research showed that there would definitely be a savings” for customers under a public takeover, Borecky said.

“That’s why we wanted to see what Hempstead came up with, but they don’t want to admit that it will save us money.”

CAWS Co-Director Dave Denenberg was able to assess the Walden study, but declined to disclose his source. He said that even if the acquisition required a 30-year payment in lieu of taxes, or PILOT, agreement, based on Walden’s numbers, “every ratepayer would save.”

But Reinhardt’s letter tells a different story. “While a municipal takeover without . . . PILOTS would reduce water bills,” he wrote, “it would not result in a net cost reduction to customers as they would absorb these costs in their own property tax bills.”

NYAW President Lynda DiMenna said that while the company is still evaluating the results of Walden’s study, it believed the Liberty deal is still the best option for local ratepayers. “The fastest way to achieving more affordable water service . . . is to address the special franchise tax that is unfairly levied on our customers, which makes up a significant portion of our customers’ bills,” DiMenna said in statement.

Legislation to eliminate those franchise taxes was introduced in the State

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Senate last year by Sen. Todd Kaminsky, a Democrat from Long Beach, and co-sponsored by Sen. John Brooks, a Democrat from Seaford.

Although Brooks has yet to see Walden’s study, he questioned the veracity of the findings. “One of the unknowns is who owns the assets of New York American Water,” he said. “If we, the ratepayers, own it, that changes the cost study dramatically.”

Brooks said he would write to the PSC this week, requesting that it determine ownership of NYAW’s assets, which he believes is the utility’s ratepayers. Referring to the company, he said, “They can never say they paid for anything — they made a profit on everything.”

Reinhardt said that a public acquisition of NYAW’s Hempstead operation would require a much larger entity. In his letter, he demanded “state involvement.”

“The big issue is the difference between feasibility and prudency,” he told the Herald. “Dollar for dollar, [the acquisition] may show a cash wash, but based on residents’ complaints through the years, there is obviously a need to continue to create improvements to the system. Even with local control, the town would have to use cash savings to drive improvements, which don’t come for free.”

In 2016, after more than five years of deliberations and a $90,000 feasibility study, the board of directors of the Water Authority of Southeast Nassau County voted against a local public takeover of New York American Water, effectively dissolving WASENC. The authority was charged in 2010 with investigating whether the towns of Hempstead and Oyster Bay could — and should — assume control of American Water. The body was impaneled by the towns after residents complained that the company was charging significantly higher rates for the same water that the towns provide to residents in surrounding communities.

WASENC retained George E. Sansoucy, P.E., LLC, to study the feasibility of a public acquisition. The draft study was completed in November 2013, but the public had yet to see those findings for more than six months.

The Sansoucy study found that a takeover of American Water’s assets in local communities by eminent domain could cost as much as $80 million, which would have to be bonded. WASNEC’s former secretary John Reinhardt said the board voted against a public takeover in 2016 because there was no evidence to suggest that it would save ratepayers money.

The state created WASENC in 1991 to determine whether a public takeover of New York Water Service Corporation, the private company that provided water to the region at the time, made economic sense. American Water Works now provides water to Merrick, Bellmore, Wantagh, Seaford and Massapequa Park through NYAW. — Previously reported in the Herald

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January 21, 2021 — BELLMORE HERALD

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Fabulous, Flexible and Spacious

BELLMORE HERALD — January 21, 2021

the StampfelS were forced to temporarily close the Bellmore Movies on Jan. 8. In 2019, guests packed the establishment for the annual Long Island International FIlm Expo.

Andrew Garcia/Herald

Bellmore Movies forced to close temporarily enough.

“We know that things will never be quite normal again,” Stampfel told the Herald in a previous story, “but we’re doing the best we can to welcome people back into our theaters.”

“Attendance is on the low side and costs are on the high side,” they wrote in a post to followers. “Wish it was the other way around!”

Private screen rentals and other events are still available. Those interested in hosting an event can email the Stampfels at malver necinema@aol. com.

By Nakeem GraNt ngrant@liherald.com

Althought the Bellmore Movies had reopened, it was forced to temporarily close again on Jan. 8, and will be available for private screen rentals only.

Owners of the histroic single-screen theater posted a message to followers on social media indicating that regular screenings would end that Friday. Anne and Henry Stampfel, who also own Malverne Cinema and North Shore Towers in Floral Park, said that the local support has helped, but it still wasn’t

Here’s how to share what’s important to you in the Bellmore Herald!

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2, 2018

VALLEY STREAM

HERALD — August

HERALD — July 26, 2018

Chri stoph 30’s new as District operaThe Cent appointed ral High facilities and Scho ol Distr Board of director of res the Educ ation 1. quite captu tappe d Maur ict Duda to be tions on July resident, Noth ing and field the new chair een West Islip n of the track tral High Malone, a the disimaginatio ing excitSchool’s math woman of Cento “bring to than watch ment. Duda ematics depar said he hopes with unity a clear public more is a longtime tthe comm es competing onand the athlet envir trict schoo l, having joined math teacher at ing young taining an in 2000 as a the departmen motive in main to learning for ey sponpassion. teacher. She Hersh t cive F has also serve assistant chair ment condu The 52nd USAT “a proper regr Olympic d nal Junio nts,” and seeks and director and woman, student activi as stude cting last inspe sored Natio coach of the place ties ving, hip took sity baske 30 imen of obser k, produ ce District tball and varsi girls’ junior varCham pions Bell Trac proto col to Valley Stream y Irwin ing ty Courtes the socce Duda follow r teams. ne has taught Univerweek at safe spaces.”

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Three teens make Eagle Scout

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What’s up next door and around the corner

Herald neigHbors

Food truck frenzy hits the South Shore

By AlyssA seidmAn aseidman@liherald.com

South Shore foodies now have a new place to brunch on Sundays, but instead of sitting down at a trendy restaurant, residents can satisfy their cravings from a handful of food trucks parked at the Long Island Rail Road station on Sunrise Highway in Bellmore.

“Brunch in Bellmore” is the latest partnership between Bellmore Kiwanis and Food Truck Fridays, which hosts food truck-centric events at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Levittown. Organizer Wendy Lantigua, of Merrick, said past customers have asked her when she would bring the food trucks further south.

“It’s a great location to show the trucks,” she said of the new spot. “People were very excited we were there, and it was very busy compared to what I thought the first day would be.”

The inaugural brunch was held on Sunday, Jan. 10. Bellmore Kiwanis President Andrew Meyerowitz said he hopes the presence of the food trucks will create more of a “marketplace” feel alongside the community’s weekly Flea Market, which is co-sponsored by the Bellmore Lions and Congregation Beth Ohr. “I personally had lunch there on the first day, and I noticed instantly the change in the visitors,” Meyerowitz said.

“We wanted to add something that would bring some new people in, and hopefully they’ll make their way down Bedford Avenue so the local businesses can benefit from this, as well.”

Lantigua noted the variety of available offerings. Her truck, The Happy Pig, specializes in vegan fried chicken, quesadillas and empanadas. “It’s not just hot dogs,” she said of the selection. “You can come here and have a gourmet hamburger, specialty tacos and amazing food.”

Meyerowitz said that patrons will be able to sample fare from different trucks each week.

“Everybody was very happy with the food,” he added, “and we hope to make it year round.”

“Brunch in Bellmore” will be held every Sunday through March at the Bellmore LIRR station (cor ner of Sunrise Highway and Bedford Avenue) between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Photos by Christina Daly/Herald

Wendy lAntiguA, of Merrick, and her daughter, Sam Cannava, were busy fulfilling online orders during the second “Brunch in Bellmore,” a food truck-centric event that’s held every Sunday at the Bellmore Long Island Rail Road station.

After losing Both her jobs because of the pandemic, Heather Friedfertig, center, left, of Wantagh, started Chonky Cookies, which are now available at flea markets and in eight local stores.

BecAuse of the pandemic, The Guitar Guy, Russell Breiter, above, hasn’t been able to perform indoors. He sang a variety of classic rock songs at the weekly outdoor market. food trucks pArk at the Bellmore train station for the weekly event.

Continued from front page

emotional problems — especially problems brought on by bullying — made her eager to join the center as a counselor, she said.

When Katz gets a call, she listens.

“Sometimes that’s all they need,” she said. “People need to be heard — some have no one to talk to. Just to have somebody on the other end of the phone to listen to them and tell them it’s OK to feel the way they feel, sometimes that’s all they need.”

Counselors also offer referrals when callers seek additional help. “There are some people who don’t want to go to coun-

seling, though — we are a non-threatening alternative,” Katz said.

LICC has also continued to operate Pride for Youth, which provides health services to young members of the LGBTQ+ community throughout the pandemic. Usual meetings have been moved to Zoom, and outreach programs have provided youth with essentials, such as food and in-home HIV tests, when in need.

“Sometimes you get off a call, and you think about it for hours or days,” Katz said. “When someone is hurting, it hurts you. But on the flip side, there’s no better feeling than hearing a client say, ‘Thank you so much. I’m feeling so much better.’”

Lifestyle & Luxury with No Compromises

Keeping your New Year’s resolutions try personal resolve in helping alter aspects of their life in a new era (...as I plan to do!).”

R= REALISTIC goals for 2021. Put a specific plan in place (like saving money and exactly how).

E= EVALUATE your progress. Stay on top of it as the year proceeds.

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Sapadin

S= SHARE your plans and efforts with others.

Social motivation.

O= OPTIMISM Start off optimistically. You need a can-do attitude. Failures will happen but keep at it. As Zig Ziglar said, “Negative thinking = stinkin’ thinkin.’”

L= LISTS help you stay organized and on top of it.

Cull from your list repeatedly failed resolutions. Learn from them.

V= VALUE what you’re doing. Give this significant priority in your life.

E=EMBRACE CHANGE! Change is a survival skill in this fast-moving century.

Dump the bad stuff in your life, expand the good stuff. Remember, Darwin said, the key survival factor is responsiveness to change!

When you create realistic goals, when you evaluate your progress, when you share your plans with others, when you maintain an optimistic attitude, when you use lists as a guide, when you value what you’re doing, and most importantly when you embrace change as a survival skill - not only will you achieve your goals, you’ll dance with joy at becoming the person you hoped you could be! ©2021 Linda Sapadin, Ph.D. is a psychologist in private practice who specializes in helping people become the best they can be. You can reach her at LSapadin@DrSapadin.com.

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A new administration! A new vaccine!

A new year! Great, let’s hope 2021 brings an end to the misery of 2020.

Now what about your personal New Year’s resolutions? Did you tell yourself you would lose weight, exercise more, spend less, organize your stuff and get to the tasks you’ve been putting off ? Hmm, what else is new? Weren’t you going to do that last year and the year before?

Are you feeling pretty hopeless? Do you feel weakwilled? Do you believe you lack the fortitude to stick with your resolutions? May as well give up believing you can change, right? Wrong.

Now that our world has turned upside down in many ways, it’s more important than ever that we do our own personal restorative work.

But how?

Last year, I shared with you some of my ideas. This year, I’ve asked an esteemed inda colleague what he thinks. Dr. Frank Farley, (who is a Professor of Psychological Studies in Education at Temple University and former President of the American Psychological Association) has given me permission to share with you his ideas on how to keep your New Year’s resolutions. Savor his words of wisdom.

The ending of one year and the beginning of another is a reasonable point at which to take stock of one’s life, evaluate the good, the bad, and the ugly and make some decisions about one’s life and one’s future. Business, government, politics and sports do it, reviewing/assessing the year just ended, and projecting forward.

Why not try it concerning one’s own life – which is certainly more important than those entities.

As Charles Darwin argued, the species that survive are those most responsive to change. In the spirit of the hopeful dawning of the post-pandemic era, I list here my Resolve Model for anyone who might

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BELLMORE HERALD — January 21, 2021

During pandemic, LICC hasn’t missed a beat

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January 21, 2021 — BELLMORE HERALD

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MSSN doctors offer Covid-19 vaccine updates

By Mike SMollinS msmollins@liherald.com

Though it could take many months for the Covid-19 vaccine to reach the majority of people, a number of physicians remain optimistic about the progress made so far.

“We hope we will have enough vaccine for everybody in the next few months — that’s months plural,” said Dr. Aaron Glatt, the Department of Medicine chairman and chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital in Oceanside. “Until then, people have to make sure they’re practicing how to stay safe and healthy.”

Wearing a mask, Glatt appeared alongside MSSN Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adhi Sharma in a MSSN triage tent for a Jan. 14 Facebook Live session, at which the doctors updated the public about the vaccine and the latest on the coronavirus, as well as fielded viewers’ questions. They stressed that those seeking a vaccine should not call the hospital or show up and wait in line, but should check the state Department of Health’s website to set up appointments and get the latest news.

The doctors urged patience for those who are eager to get a Covid-19 vaccine, but have been unable to so far, noting that New York state only gets 300,000 doses per week, and nearly 20 million people need to be inoculated. They added that those who get a certain vaccine for their first dose (either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) should receive the same type for their second, and they should be inoculated at the same facility each time.

Glatt cautioned that the vaccine takes 10 days to take effect, and that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised people who cannot be vaccinated again in two weeks to get it as soon as they can, but should not restart the series if more than two weeks pass.

The doctors also urged people not to act as though they are immune to the virus because they have been vaccinated,

Peter Belfiore/Herald

Dr. ADhi ShArMA, left, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s chief medical officer, and Dr. Aaron Glatt, the hospital’s Department of Medicine chair and chief of infectious diseases, gave an update on the coronavirus pandemic and the Covid-19 vaccine during a Jan. 13 Facebook Live session. Above, the doctors at an event before the pandemic started. even though the two vaccines have been shown to be more than 90 percent effective in clinical trials. Glatt said the science is not there yet to determine whether someone can be vaccinated and still be a Covid-19 carrier, so people should continue to wear masks after they have been inoculated. Research will determine the vaccines’ efficacy in time.

As of Jan. 14, MSSN had more than 100 Covid-19 patients in the hospital and was offering rapid testing, vaccinating those who were qualified and treating non-Covid patients who were in separate units of the hospital.

“We are certainly seeing a second surge relative to the holiday period from Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Year’s,” Glatt said. “It looks like there were a lot of events and people were exposed.” He added that doctors believed

key points Dr. Aaron Glatt and Dr. Adhi Sharma offered the following answers to frequently asked questions about the Covid-19 vaccine: ■ Those who are looking to get a Covid-19 vaccination at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital should not call or show up to the hospital; they should visit the state Department of Health’s website to see availability.

■ Those who receive a certain vaccine for their first dose (either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) should get the same type for their second, and they should be inoculated at the same facility each time.

■ The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people

receive both doses within 14 days, but people who cannot should get their doses as soon as they can after the twoweek period. If two weeks pass, they should not restart the series by getting the first dose again.

■ There have been no issues found in pregnant women, those on blood thinners or anyone with allergies, though those with a history of allergic reactions to vaccines should exercise caution and inform the staff.

■ Tests are under way to see if the vaccine causes any issues for teenagers and children under 16.

■ Those who are vaccinated should wear masks and practice social distancing because they could still be carriers.

the number of cases would decline in the coming weeks as more people return to avoiding mass gatherings and continue to mask and social distance.

Sharma said many Covid-19 patients were in critical care, and he lauded the hospital staff for its hard work. “Whatever we can do to stem this tide, we’re doing it,” he said.

With many pregnant women hesitant to receive a vaccine, Glatt said it was more dangerous for them to risk getting

Covid-19 than to be inoculated, and there was no evidence of the vaccines being dangerous to pregnant women or causing infertility. He added that even though pregnant women were not included in the clinical trials to develop the vaccines, 12 people involved in them did become pregnant after and have shown no issues so far.

The doctors also noted that the vaccines could be taken with blood thinners, and those with allergies can, for the most part, receive either of the two vaccines; however, people with a history of allergic reactions to vaccines should exercise caution. Studies are also underway to determine the vaccines’ effect on children and teenagers under 16 years old, they said.

The vaccines have also been effective against the new strain of Covid-19, Glatt said, adding that even those who have had the virus should be vaccinated after waiting 90 days after recovering from the illness. Additionally, Glatt said, a person can get a Covid-19 vaccine and receive another inoculation, such as the shingles vaccine, but should separate the shots by two weeks.

Glatt said that while the slow distribution of the coronavirus vaccine is frustrating, people should be patient and work together to end the virus.

“We don’t control the flow of the vaccine,” he said. “It’s all federal and flows through the state, and each state has a different distribution plan. Everyone is working really hard. There’s no bad guy here. We’ve cleared out every dose of vaccine that we have. We’d love to have more, we’d love to give out more, but it’s coming.”

Representative Rice calls for Capitol metal detectors Following the recent deadly domestic terrorist attack on the U.S. Capitol, Rep. Kathleen Rice, a Democrat from Garden City, and Rep. Jared Huffman, a Democrat from California, sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others, calling on congressional leaders to install magnetometers, or metal detectors, at the Capitol permanently.

The letter, co-signed by 25 of Rice and Huffman’s colleagues, came after reports that congressional members were allegedly armed on the House floor on the day of the attack in what would be a violation of existing House rules. It also reiterated Huffman’s request to ban members from carrying firearms on Capitol grounds.

“I want to thank Speaker Pelosi for installing magnetometers outside the House floor after [the recent] insurrection and for her announcement that members of Congress who refuse to use them could face hefty fines,” Rice said. “While there are already existing rules preventing firearms on the House

floor, it is apparent that several of my colleagues have no intention of respecting them. Requiring members to pass through magnetometers is a necessary security measure, and I believe this change must be made permanent to ensure the safety of all who work on the House floor.”

“Threats of political violence are on the rise, even from within our own ranks. There is a long-standing rule preventing members from bringing guns to the House chambers, but it is becoming more and more clear that some of my colleagues choose to flout the rules,” Huffman said. “Requiring members to go through magnetometers before entering the House floor is a necessary change, and I believe this baseline, commonsense security measure should be made permanent. Members of Congress are not above the rules, and we should be held to the same standards as every other person that enters the Capitol.”

BMCHSD students continue Day of Service have provided for 145 families and have added 50 families since the beginning of the pandemic,” she said. “This is during an extraordinary time when it is difficult to collect donations, and our school community has been so ingeniously creative.

They have kept things going while keeping health and safety a priority.”

Provided by the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District; compiled by Alyssa Seidman.

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

AdAm Nislow, A Grand Avenue guidance counselor, along with student ambassadors, Jake Wilson, Kristen O’Hallaran, Xavier Sutherland, Sierra Barbosa, Ellie Meyer, Jayden Simon, Sebastian Fu, Clairevy Maingrette, Samantah Bremer, Luke Yepez and Assistant Principal James Mollica. Missing were student ambassadors Arisleiny Clase and Emma Stein.

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BELLMORE HERALD — January 21, 2021

The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District once again celebrated the legacy and message of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with its annual Day of Service, organized throughout the month and culminating on Jan. 15.

“We are so proud of the ways in which our One Voice, One Message team and student ambassadors overcame the obstacles of this pandemic and provided for so many families during this most difficult time,” said Michael Harrington, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction.

In social studies classrooms across the district, students learned more of the history and actions of Dr. King and his emphasis on the importance of service in order to make the world a better place.

“It was inspiring to stand in the hallway and hear his booming voice ringing out from every classroom,” said Susan Ellinghaus, principal of the Meadowbrook Alternative Program.

“Through analysis of speech excerpts and quotes, our students had the opportunity to reflect on the generosity of the Grand Avenue community, and the ability to take a moment to connect their own acts of kindness to serving others,” said Principal Carlo Conte.

During homeroom and lunch, student ambassadors at Grand Avenue Middle School collected more than $2,000, which was donated to the Community Cupboard. Other schools in the district organized donation drives for various toiletries and pandemic-related items.

“This day of service helps to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, address social problems and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a ‘beloved community,’” said Calhoun High School Principal Nicole Hollings.

At Kennedy High School, students and staff collected more than 125 pairs of socks, 49 boy pajama sets, 56 girl pajama sets and nearly 400 masks. At Merrick Avenue Middle School, students and their families donated more than 1,500 toiletry items, including toothpaste, mouthwash and floss, face wash, loofahs and soap.

“These various organizations are very appreciative of the donations, and we are so proud of the commitment to service our students have shown,” said MAMS Principal Katelyn Dunn.

Students at Mepham High School also collected various pantry and hygiene items. “While the students won’t be packaging the items all together as they usually do, they will still be celebrating the spirit of service and giving by honoring Dr. King’s legacy,” said Robyn Einbinder, a district social studies department chairperson.

Items will be donated to the families who utilize the district’s food pantry, the Community Cupboard, as well as other social services such as Long Island Cares, Grace Mercy and Rock ‘n Wrap It Up. According to Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mara Bollettieri, this year the cupboard is serving the community more than ever. “It is our fourth year and we

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Cracco featured in COACH magazine Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Anthony CrACCo, A coach and athletic director at Wellington C. Mepham High School, was honored in the January 2021 edition of COACH & Athletic Director magazine.

Anthony Cracco, a coach and athletic director at Wellington C. Mepham High School, was honored in the January 2021 edition of COACH & Athletic Director magazine.

Cracco, who heads the football team, was included in the “Sports Under 40: Year in Review” section. The feature stated that Cracco won the honor because he “is a driven and accomplished coach and educator with more than 15 years of experience. He has proven to be an inspira-

tional leader, as well as a talented, hardworking football coach — working closely within the school community of Bellmore educating parents on how to support their children in the athletic setting.”

Cracco said he was “honored and humbled” to learn that his Mepham colleagues nominated him. “I chose a career in education and athletics because of the positive impact my coaches had on me as a young student-athlete,” he said.

“Through athletics, we have a unique opportunity to teach our student-athletes valuable life lessons. Athletics play a huge role in the student-athlete experience.”

Provided by the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District; compiled by Alyssa Seidman.

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ChArles A. reinhArd Early Childhood Center students painted pictures of snow, which were inspired by the major nor’easter last month.

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Bellmore teachers are always looking for creative ways to educate students.

Charles A. Reinhard Early Childhood Center prekindergarten teachers used the new-fallen snow from last month’s major nor’easter as an opportunity to teach the district’s youngest students about the elements of snow.

After gathering snow from the playground and placing it into individual containers, the students learned about temperature and how snow is different from rain based on element. They also explored their sense of touch as they made snowballs in their hands, feeling the snow’s freezing condition.

The prekindergartners also enjoyed applying their art skills in this lesson by painting the snow with watercolors.

They learned that they could make the colors spread and even create new colors.

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January 21, 2021 — BELLMORE HERALD

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Provided by the Bellmore School District; compiled by Alyssa Seidman.

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January 21, 2021

BELLMORE HERALD — January 21, 2021

Catholic Schools We e k

January 21, 2021 — BELLMORE HERALD

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Photo courtesy Greg Shemitz

Catholic education:

The freedom to choose

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Select the school that best suits your student’s needs at a Catholic elementary school

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By Gary Layton Freedom of choice has been a defining characteristic of the American experience since the country’s founding. Very little in life is as empowering as the ability to evaluate a number of possible choices, and to select the one that is uniquely suited for you.

That includes education. Parents have the ability to select from a growing number of alternatives to public schools, including private, charter, and religious schools.

Parents choose these schools to provide their children specialized religious instruction, to deliver more individual academic attention, and to help reinforce the value they live at home. Catholic schools succeed today because they are uniquely qualified to deliver all of these things, and parents get to select the Catholic school that best matches their needs.

One of the highlights of Catholic education on Long Island is the variety of highquality Catholic elementary schools that fall within the busing limits that our taxpayerprovided buses support. Because even though you elect to enroll your children in a Catholic school, your public district is obligated to provide busing for your student(s) at no charge. The availability of busing plus the Diocese of Rockville Centre policy that gives all practicing Catholics on Long Island the ‘inparish’ discounted tuition price for whatever school they choose means that regardless of where you live, and regardless of which parish you belong to, a Catholic elementary education is an affordable option.

For parishes with schools associated with them, the choice is often evident.

Many choose to educate their children in the company of their ‘second family’, their faith family, right in their neighborhood parish. Others, particularly those who worship in parishes not associated with a school, make their choice by the combination of academic, social and spiritual support offered in the school community they choose. While each school in the Diocese of Rockville Centre shares a common State academic curriculum, and shares a religious curriculum determined by the Diocese, each school has a unique personality that is determined by a combination of its history, its staff, and to a greater extent, to the families that make up the school community.

Catholic education is a journey in both education and faith, and like most journeys, the destination is important, but it is the

journey itself that needs to be memorable.

Because it encompasses a block of time that is eight to ten years of your and your student’s life, and because the trajectory of a student’s life is partially determined by the company they keep, be mindful of who your fellow travelers are. I assure you that both you and your children will come away from the elementary school experience with friends who will be yours forever.

During the journey they will provide academic and social support. The other parents will similarly sit across the kitchen table and be confused by ‘new math’, and they’ll be up late some nights helping to finish three-panel poster board projects.

Their, and their children’s values will be shared with your children, you will serve on committees together, and you will get to experience the joys of First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and ultimately graduation together. Much of the strength of Catholic education, and the success you children will have will be the result of this supportive extended family.

Finding families with shared values and similar high expectations for their children won’t be difficult because they are who make up the communities at every Catholic Elementary School. Ultimately, most parents make their decision based on their confidence in the principal who sets the tone and selects the staff, and in their confidence in the teachers who will spend more waking hours with your children than even you at times, but ultimately, most make the specific choice based on a ‘gut instinct’. The most common answers parents give when asked ‘Why this school?’ is that “It just felt right.” Or “The school felt like a warm hug from the first moment I walked in.” or similar intuitive feelings they had. Keep it in mind that the ‘feeling’ – the feeling of warmth and welcoming, is why your student will love their school, and why your student will grow to love learning. It is a love of learning that shapes a young person’s attitude towards school and towards life.

A Catholic elementary education offers many advantages for the student, and for their families. Catholic Schools Week is a great time to explore whether a Catholic Elementary School is the right choice for your children. n Above photo: The value of learning blends with the learning of values.

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Attend a

CATHOLIC EDUCATION: THE DIOCESE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE

Elementary 9Catholic High Schools 39 Catholic Schools 6 co-educational / 2 girls / 1 boys

Acceptance rate to Catholic high school

100% (from most elementary schools)

Catholic school students SUCCEED

99.7% HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATE

COLLEGE ATTENDANCE RATE

PUBLIC NATIONAL: 84.1%

99%

CATHOLIC NATIONAL: 86.5% PUBLIC NATIONAL: 46%

74.1%

RECEIVE DISTRICTPROVIDED TRANSPORTATION including virtually all elementary students.

ELEMENTARY ENROLLMENT

52% 48% 12:1 13:1 girls

boys

STUDENT:TEACHER RATIO

secondary

A Catholic Schools Week like none before Because Long Island’s Catholic schools make the safety of their current students and families the first priority, most schools have moved away from the large group celebration of Catholic education that has defined previous Open Houses.

So how does a family looking for something better find a school this year?

This year Long Island’s Catholic Elementary Schools are supporting the interests of aspiring families through a combination of virtual and in-person visiting opportunities. licatholicelementaryschools.org website: A visit to the central website for Long Island’s Catholic Elementary Schools provides general insight into the advantages of a Catholic education, identifies some of the key differences, and identifies how the schools are organized to serve students from Nursery School through Eighth Grade. There are maps and descriptions showing the locations and summary information on each school, and information on how to register and the financial aid available to support you.

You’ll find links to each school’s website and directions to locate each school.

School websites: Catholic Elementary Schools have websites that offer exceptional insights into each school community. On the school website you’ll read about the mission and vision of the school, ‘meet’ the Principal through letters and regular communications with parents, learn about how the school is organized to address the needs of Early Childhood, Elementary and Middle School students and learn about the various sports, clubs and extracurricular activities available. Class pages describe the

DoE General Infographic REV070920:Layout 1 7/9/20 4:00 PM Page 1

elementary

atholic elementary schools will be offering online open houses for Catholic Schools Week this year.

The global pandemic identified the strengths and weaknesses of schools and school systems in a way that had been previously unimaginable. Only a handful of schools were prepared to immediately move to remote learning, and fewer still were able to both execute a great remote program and then return their full compliment of students back into safe classrooms in the fall.

All of Long Island’s Catholic Elementary Schools were among this exclusive group.

Now, almost a year from the onset of the pandemic, Catholic schools are celebrating Catholic Schools Week, the part of the school year where most families who were considering the advantage of a Catholic education get to visit and select which school is right for their children.

A Diverse Population:

24+%

ethnic or racial minorities

14% latino 10% africanamerican A PLACE FOR EVERYONE

LAY TEACHING STAFF

NON-CATHOLIC ENROLLMENT

RELIGIOUS 3.4%

12% 96.6%

EXTENDED DAY PROGRAMS:

88%

of elementary schools

An Investment in the Future:

Average tuition: elementary, $5400; high school, $11,000

TECHNOLOGY-ENABLED INSTRUCTION

100% of schools have Internet access • 100% of schools utilize mobile devices (iPads or Chromebooks) • 100% of students have access to Google’s G-Suite applications for education

educational focus at various levels and communicate the assignments and dayto-day activities. The school website will also provide insight into how parents can participate and support their child’s education. Look for the ‘I’m New’ tab on the school’s website.

Virtual Video Tours: Many schools have worked to facilitate your needs during the pandemic by putting together virtual video tours to give you a look inside their facilities, to allow you to meet some of their key staff members, and to give you a sense of the esprit-de-corps of their community.

Live Virtual Tours: During Catholic Schools Week, many schools will stage live online events to give you a chance to both see the facility and learn the academic, social and spiritual advantages the school offers. These sessions, lasting approximately 45 minutes will allow you to meet the principal, key staff members, and often parents from each community.

The school will post the schedule of these events and allow you to select the time that works best for you.

One-On-One Virtual Visits with the Principal: Your student(s) needs are unique, and some of the advantages of Catholic school are individualized attention and differentiated instruction to meet each child’s needs. You can schedule a one-on-one meeting with the principal of the school you select and be confident that your child(ren) will thrive in the environment.

Individual Family or Small Group Tours: Some schools will offer visiting times when small group tours will be accommodated. These require an appointment. Tours will take place during scheduled windows when the school and the classrooms will be open, and when teachers and staff will be available to answer your questions. Often these are afternoons or weekends when the school is scheduled be deep cleaned prior to the students’ return. Faculty and staff place the continued safety and health of our current students and families above all else.

While the way prospective families will review and interact with the schools has changed, the Catholic school difference of addressing the ‘whole child’, academically, socially and spiritually remains.

Visit the school’s web site to schedule to visit virtually or in-person to see why a Catholic elementary education will help your student succeed in high school, in college, and in life. A Catholic education is an advantage that lasts a lifetime. Plan to learn more about the advantages of a Catholic elementary education this Catholic Schools Week. n

BELLMORE HERALD — January 21, 2021

C

virtual open house

‘Never missed a beat’ — Catholic schools shine during uncertain time Seamless move to remote learning in the spring supported students’ academic and spiritual journeys

By Tina Dennelly “Is anyone fearful about the future of Catholic schools?” a parent pondered on the Parents of Long Island Catholic School Students Facebook page in spring 2020 shortly after the pandemic hit and the lockdown began.

With some parents out of work or furloughed due to the coronavirus pandemic and Sunday contributions to parishes down because churches were closed, many wondered how the events would impact Catholic schools. But the agile response of Long Island Catholic schools to the pandemic and shift to remote learning has impressed current school families and caused new families to consider enrolling.

While a few responded to the Facebook question that they were concerned, the more than 75 other commenters were wholeheartedly optimistic.

“Not at all! [Our school] never missed a beat,” said one. “More pleased than ever with our investment in Catholic schools,” said another. And a third: “I cannot begin to tell you how impressed I am with what Catholic schools are doing during this.”

Parents in the group whose children attend schools in the Diocese of Rockville Centre — from St. Martin of Tours in Amityville, Holy Trinity High School in Hicksville, and St. Dominic’s in Oyster Bay, to

name just some — said they were amazed at how quickly and how well the schools responded to the pandemic.

“St. Aidan’s [in Williston Park] has done an impeccable job in implementing distance learning,” said parent Violeta Gromulska in a comment. “The teachers’ dedication is impressive. All my emails get answered, even [at] late hours of the night.

The communication is phenomenal.

Especially [Principal Julie] O’Connell’s weekly messages. All subjects have been addressed — gym, art, music, Spanish, religion, etc. The structure, planning and implementation has exceeded my expectations. “ Other parents in the group — several

of whom said they are public school teachers — noted that some Long Island public school districts took weeks to begin remote learning and struggled to keep students engaged in virtual classrooms.

Long Island’s Catholic elementary schools worked to maintain the continuity of instruction and the normal social and spiritual structure of the students’ day with prayer, and other community activities.

There’s that sense of family. I think that’s what is making parents realize the connection between faith and learning.

Morning Star Initiative continues In January 2020, the Diocese of

Rockville Centre announced a long-term plan to strengthen, expand, support and revitalize its Catholic elementary schools (see morningstarinitiative.org). The Morning Star team in February began inperson visits to each of the 39 diocesan elementary schools to assess each school’s culture, identity and contributions.

Despite the New York on PAUSE order that closed school buildings, the team remained busy — it helped launch the Curriculum Leads program, which allows teachers to pool resources and share expertise with other grade-level and subjectarea teachers from Catholic schools around the diocese, soon after remote instruction began in mid-March.

“The pandemic may have changed the Morning Star Initiative’s trajectory and the landscape in which we were working,” said Brother Thomas Cleary, S.M., chief revitalization officer for the Morning Star Initiative, “but it has not dampened our commitment to strengthen the Catholic elementary school system one bit!” n

Above photo: Schools in the Diocese of Rockville Centre found a unique way to support and strengthen remote learning when schools were required to close last year.

Please visit our website

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21 Fowler Avenue, Lynbrook 516-593-4888

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January 21, 2021 — BELLMORE HERALD

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LI Catholic 1-2 pg CSW ad 2021:Layout 1 1/14/21 9:19 AM Page 1

Students put moral values to work in their lives every day Strong spiritual guidance is an essential part of daily activities at Long Island’s Catholic elementary schools, creating a special sense of community among children, families, teachers, and the local parish, which reinforces moral values and an abiding respect for others. Resourceful instructors use powerful spiritual teachings and real-world experiences to bring these values to life for children, while our smaller classes allow for more personalized and productive interaction between students and teachers.

Applying strong values in many selfless ways Catholic school students apply the moral and spiritual lessons they learn in the real world by participating in charitable community initiatives throughout the year and by responding every day to others in a respectful and helpful manner. This spirit of caring and community in our students helps to

give them the enduring moral foundation to become active, contributing members of society.

Through faith we grow A strong Catholic identity as taught in Long Island’s Catholic schools matters.

These schools are uniquely empowered to help children in some very important ways. Catholic schools: √ Help socialize children in a positive way. √ Reinforce the positive values that you live in your family. √ Reassure children that they are safe and loved. √ Teach children that their value is not based on how others see them. √ Lead the way with teachers who are models of the faith.

OUR LADY OF LOURDES CATHOLIC SCHOOL, MALVERNE NY

Our Lady of L ourdes Sc hool provides Early Childhood (2yr & 3yr), Pre-Kand K-8 education.

Attend a virtual Open House, and see the Catholic School difference from the comfort and safety of home.

Getting to know us is easy.

Attend one of our Virtual Open Houses to learn more about what makes us special!

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To find a Catholic Elementary School near you, visit www.LICatholicElementarySchools.org, and click on “Find A School”.

Register Online: ollmalverne.org/virtualopenhouse

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Our Lady of Lourdes School I 76 Park Blvd I Malverne I NY I 11565 Main Offic°' (516) 599 - 7328 ollmalverne.org

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"Our Lady of Lourdes School provides a nurturing learning environment focused on academic and spiritual development."

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Catholic Schools Week Virtual Open Houses • Jan. 31-Feb. 6

Faith-based education

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Reopening the schools

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Photo courtesy Greg Shemitz

most cases, students stayed in a single location and teachers rotated between classes to minimize contacts. Halls and stairways were identified as single direction routes within the building; and classrooms, auditoriums, cafeterias and even bathrooms were reimagined to maintain the appropriate social distance. In the classroom, desks were sepa-

rated, and clear Lexan dividers were placed on desks and tables where appropriate.

Principals worked to establish a range of new procedures at each school that helped to assure student safety. Masks of course were mandatory, and students had planned ‘mask breaks’ built into their day in safe, distanced, outdoor spaces. Some schools

staggered start and end times. Many schools utilized different doors for different grades, and all schools test everyone entering the building to assure that they don’t have a fever. The range of activities in gym changed, and food began to be served in single-serving boxes or containers.

As the new school year started, parents were given the option of having their children attend in-person or attend school virtually. While the overwhelming majority of families chose to send their children back to school, virtual students participate daily at every school.

By utilizing a combination of physical changes to their facilities, and new policies and procedures to guide daily life, Long Island’s Catholic Elementary Schools opened in early September on schedule and have been operating as planned the entire academic year. The continuity of the children’s education has been maintained.

The sanity and structure of students’ lives has been returned. Student-teacher relationships burn bright again, friends have been reunited and the children’s spiritual journeys continue. n

Above photo: Students returning to the classroom meet their classmates who remained at home to continue remote learning.

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In the mist of the conflicting information and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic that was prevalent during this past summer, the leadership team from the Morning Star Initiative and the Department of Education had to make some serious decisions. Catholic Elementary School students from across the island had been learning remotely since mid-March, and even though the schools were well prepared to take learning online again in the fall, the leadership team understood the educational and social ‘costs’ associated with isolating children for extended periods of time.

Following a parent survey that indicated that a vast majority of the families of students across the diocese would support a return to classes, the team got to work. First, a consulting firm that specialized in risk mitigation and emergency operations planning was retained to help draw up a master re-opening plan. This plan, which is available at the DRVCSchools website, provided the master plan that each school would follow.

Representatives from the emergency operations consulting firm subsequently visited each school to help each modify the elements of the plan to best suit each specific building layout and student population. One of the elements each plan included was the creation of cohorts of students who would learn together. In

BELLMORE HERALD — January 21, 2021

Long Island’s Catholic schools put students and families first

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2341 Washington Avenue Bellmore, NY 11710

(516) 785-5709

www.steas.com @seas_bellmore seasbellmore

Bright n i g e b s e r Futu at SEAS!

* Providing an education for Nursery - 8th Grade * Full Day Pre-K and Kindergarten * Utilizing SmartBoard Technology, ipads, chrome books and coding * Offering Academic Intervention and Special Education Services * Five day Nursery Program * Providing in school learning five days a week *Following NY State and Nassau County guidelines to safeguard our children from Covid-19

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Regional School is a Cognia accredited Catholic School providing academic excellence since 1992. We provide a faith-filled environment of prayer and sacramental preparation alongside a rigorous academic curriculum including art, technology, physical education, music, band and foreign language.

Contact Leeann Graziose, Principal, to schedule a private or virtual tour.

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strategies for success

BELLMORE HERALD — January 21, 2021

your HEALTH body / mind / fitness

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January 21, 2021 — BELLMORE HERALD

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Marie L Taylor, AAMS®, CRPC® 365 Hempstead Avenue West Hempstead, NY 11552-2042 516-538-4338

edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

www.edwardjones.com

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Make your New Year’s resolutions stick By making goals realistic, there is a greater chance that you will keep them throughout the year, incorporating healthy behavior into your everyday life Lose weight? Check. Start exercising? Check.

Drink less alcohol? Check.

It can be daunting when your list of New Year’s resolutions is as long as your holiday shopping list. In addition to the post-holiday slump, not being able to keep your resolutions by February, March or even late January may increase your anxiety. When your holiday decorations are packed up and stored away, the frustration of an unused Fitbit or other reminders of failed resolutions can make the later winter months feel hopeless.

However, it is important to remember that the New Year isn’t meant to serve as a catalyst for sweeping character changes. It is a time for people to reflect on their past year’s behavior and promise to make positive lifestyle changes.

“Setting small, attainable goals throughout the year, instead of a singular, overwhelming goal on January 1 can help you reach whatever it is you strive for,” says psychologist Lynn Bufka, PhD. “Remember, it is not the extent of the change that matters, but rather the act of recognizing that lifestyle change is important and working toward it, one step at a time.”

By making your resolutions realistic, there is a greater chance that you will keep them throughout the year, incorporating healthy behavior into your everyday life.

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Financial Advisor

Start small Make resolutions that you think you can keep. If, for example, your aim is to exercise more frequently, schedule three or four days a week for your workout instead of seven. If you would like to eat healthier, try replacing dessert with something else you enjoy, like fruit or yogurt, instead of seeing your diet as a form of punishment.

Change one behavior at a time Unhealthy behaviors develop over the course of time. Thus, replacing unhealthy behaviors with healthy ones requires time. Don’t get overwhelmed and think that you have to reassess everything in your life. Instead, work toward changing one thing at a time.

Talk about it Share your experiences with family and friends. Consider joining a support group to reach your goals, such as an exercise class, whether virtual or in-person, or connect with others to achieve a common goal. Having someone to share your struggles and successes with makes your journey to a healthier lifestyle that much easier and less intimidating.

Don’t beat yourself up Perfection is unattainable. Remember that minor missteps when reaching your goals are completely normal and OK. Don’t give up completely because you ate a brownie and broke your diet, or skipped your run for a week because you were busy. Everyone has ups and downs; resolve to recover from your mistakes and get back on track.

Ask for support Accepting help from those who care about you and will listen strengthens your resilience and ability to manage stress caused by your resolution. If you feel overwhelmed or unable to meet your goals on your own, consider seeking professional help.

Psychologists and therapists fully understand the connection between the mind and body. They can offer strategies as to how to adjust your goals so that they are attainable, as well as help you change unhealthy behaviors and address emotional issues.

Courtesy American Psychological Association

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Y

Take charge of your life one step at a time

our health matters — now more than ever.

We’ve struggled through an unprecedented time, which for many of us had a significant impact on our healthy lifestyle goals. We’ve sat in front of our computers on Zoom meetings, on the couch binge-watching TV and have turned to comfort foods for sustenance (often in front of the TV).

After these many months of living in our bubbles, however, we’ve reached the point where it’s clearly time to get back to the habits that kept us healthy before these endless months of being at home.

With the coronavirus pandemic still looming large, keep health and wellness at the forefront of 2021.

Break Bad Pandemic Habits Although important in preventing the spread of Covid-19, the stay-at-home orders and social distancing didn’t do many favors for some of our healthy habits. In fact, it was common that many people reduced their physical activity and ordered take-out food for meals. While there’s no need to feel guilty about that, especially if those habits helped to get you through those challenging months, it’s time to reconsider those unhealthy habits that the pandemic created.

Take a look at the habits you picked up during the pandemic. Decide if they’re hurting or helping your health. If unhealthy, focus on habits that reverse their impact for the new year.

Move, Move, Move If you’ve dropped exercising, it’s time to get back to it. While you don’t necessarily need to go back to the gym yet, with Covid-19 still raging around us, find ways to get yourself moving and motivated. Follow online workout classes at home, and exercise outside while safely distancing yourself from others.

Don’t overlook the benefits of merely walking.

Brisk walking, even for just 10 minutes a day, can improve your circulation, boost your mood and improve your sleep. If you want to start walking more in 2021, try doing it in 10 minute chunks to make it less daunting.

Remember, you can tell if you’re walking briskly enough if you’re able to talk, but you’re breathing faster than usual.

Spend Less Time Sitting Down Many health/fitness professionals consider sitting to be the new smoking — the body wasn’t built for spending hours at a desk or in front of the TV. It increases your risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and breast, colon and colorectal cancer.

Try the Pomodoro method to break up desk time: Set a timer to break each hour into two 25-minute blocks separated by two five-minute breaks. Work intently during the work periods and move about during the breaks. Use your breaks to stand up, do a quarter squat, do some rotations, or just go for a walk round the office. This technique can also boost your focus when you’re working.

Keep Up Cleanliness Habits As we continue battling coronavirus, personal hygiene and cleanliness are more important than ever. Thankfully, these habits will still have health benefits even after the pandemic is behind us. Certain practices such as washing your hands after visiting a store or wearing a mask in public when sick or in crowded places will slow the spread of other diseases and germs, such as the common cold or stomach bugs.

Re-commit To Nutritious Meals Break that comfort food habit. Or at least eat less of it. Don’t t approach healthy eating as an upleasant chore. Make food more fun by challenging yourself to cook and eat something new every week. As well as vitamins and minerals, there are hundreds of micronutrients known as phytochemicals in food. Eating a wide variety of food is an easy way of ensuring we get a good nutritional mix.

Also planning meals is an essential step in your healthy meal strategy. A focused food shopping list cuts calories and waste, and saves money, as you only buy what you need (and throw nothing away). Take the time to plan your meals, and write out a list before you goto the store.

Focus On Your Mental Health 2020 had a lot of negative news. Pairing that with social distancing and the inability to visit loved ones: it’s impacted the mental health of people everywhere.

Identifying mental health stressors and learning new ways to manage and deal with this stress is a great way to start the new year.

Need actionable next steps? Consider these tips: Consider journaling. Writing down what you feel grateful for or items troubling you can help organize your thoughts and create a greater sense of control.

Reach out to a professional. With many virtual options available, seeking advice from a therapist or psychologist is more accessible now than ever. If you’re struggling with your mental health, seeking professional help is often the best first step you can take.

Make “de-stressing” part of your routine. The highs and lows of life are unavoidable. That’s why working stress management into your routine is one of the best mental health habits you can develop.

Some options to consider include: prioritizing seven to eight hours of sleep each night (yes, that’s a stress management tool!), limiting screen-time, scheduling daily walks, planning regular conversations with loved ones, reading a book, or even making time for activities like puzzling or crafting that can take your mind off the worries of the day.

Above photo: Although the pandemic rages on, with the availability of the vaccine a better year is in sight. Commit to some essential health resolutions this year.

BELLMORE HERALD — January 21, 2021

Welcoming a healthy 2021

Life in balance

Fortify mind and spirit for the coming year We’ve been through a lot this year.

Whether you’re working from home for the foreseeable future or still have to go into the office, take a deep breath, take some time out, and get back to self-care principles.

There’s no better self-care than focusing on your mental health. When you have control of your mind and the way you think, it helps the way you process the world and will bring wholeness to your life. Resolve to build strong mental health into the year 2021 and far beyond.

Vow To Take Breaks and Time Off From Work You have to find balance in your life if you hope to have mental health.

Sometimes you might overwork yourself and this makes stress build-up that usually leads to an unhealthy climax. Simply taking breaks and time off from the job can work wonders for your mental health.

Aside from taking additional time off, just reclaiming your weekends can improve your mental health by leaps and bounds. Too many of us work stressful hours at work during the week, often carrying over into the weekend, or filling the weekend with loads of personal projects or errands that don’t give any time at all to decompress.

Make sure that you actually allow yourself time to rest and recharge during the weekend, or your stresses will only keep compounding.

Use your vacation time every year so that you can recharge your batteries.

Even taking a small vacation to unwind can help you find a balance that is healthy and fortifying.

Create A Daily Meditation Habit News of Covid-19 dominated headlines throughout 2020. The stresses of life and society will pile up and hurt you if you don’t take the time to decompress.

Meditation is one of the best steps you can take to decompress and sharpen your focus. People who meditate are literally training their brains with each session. Meditation works your brain’s Reticular Activating System (RAS), which is responsible for your ability to notice patterns and trends.

By accessing this part of your brain, it becomes easier to sort things out in your life rather than getting lost in the jumble and clutter that your brain naturally creates.

The beauty is that the more you meditate, the more comfortable you with

the chaos that your brain naturally thrives in. This can help your decision making and feeling of safety and security.

Having a meditation practice can help build your feeling of spiritual connectedness to something bigger than yourself. It’s great for the brain and can help stress melt away.

Exercise A Little Bit At Least Every Day Scientists like Willem Boone have left groundbreaking research about the inherent connection between the mind and the body. What this means is that a healthy body creates a healthy mind just as much as a healthy mind can create a healthy body.

Exercising on a regular basis can help you decrease stress in your life and soothe your body.

You can take your mental health in hands simply by exercising several times per week. No matter what form of workout you prefer, elevating your heart rate and working up a serious sweat on a regular basis is therapeutic and nature’s medicine for your mind. Your brain produces feel good endorphins that act as mental medicine every single time you exercise.

This allows you to be formidable against the many different changes that happened on a day today so weak bases.

Your mind will work better when you’re constantly pumping up a sweat, you’ll feel better and have more energy.

Learn To Let It Go There’s so much of life that we can’t control. Because of this, you need to have mastery over the things within your control.

So where does that leave the things you can’t control? Let them go. Seriously.

If you admittedly have no control over that potential outcome you’re stressing out over, submit to this fact, and vow now to worry about it. Trust yourself to be resilient no matter what life throws your way, as opposed to needlessly stressing yourself out over things that may never happen.

Learning to let go is a way of life and something that you will have to revisit on a moment by moment basis. When you give yourself the grace and freedom to not stress over these sorts of matters, you’ll learn to appreciate the little things and live lighter.

Above photo: Your quality of life will improve when you learn to master your mind.

Get good sleep Rest up for a healthy body and mind If 2020 gave you sleepless nights, let 2021 be the year you take back control of your health and sleep patterns.

Being sleep deprived can negatively affect your mental and physical health. It can even make you prone to major illnesses, from obesity to depression. Reducing screen time before bed, sleeping in a cool room, and going to bed at the same time each evening all help with a good night’s rest. Apps can also help you pinpoint any issues and help you to improve your sleep.

On average, most adults need around seen to eight hours of sleep per night, but as we get older, our sleep patterns change and we tend to get less and less. On the other hand, if you have a history of sleeping too much, try to limit your time in bed to seven to nine hours a night. Too much of a good thing can be bad, even when it comes to sleep.

It could be easy to find yourself slipping into a bad sleeping routine if you are among the many now working from home, but making simple changes could have a huge impact on the quality of your sleep.

Try to keep a regular sleeping schedule Wherever possible, aim to go to bed and get up at the same time every day (even on your weekends or days off). The consistency will help to program your internal body clock and get it used to a routine.

An irregular schedule can cause drowsiness and mood swings, as well as concentration and memory problems. There is also evidence that suggests those who have a disjointed sleeping pattern are more susceptible to weight gain.

If you are constantly changing the time you go to bed and wake up, your body is unable to adjust to a set schedule.

Minimize stress and worry before sleep Feeling worried or stressed can often be a key reason for getting a bad night’s sleep.

Relaxation techniques such as meditation can also help you feel calm before you settle down for the night.

Take some time out to wind down before you go to bed. Activities, like reading or taking a warm bath, can help you separate your sleeptime from what’s been going on during the day.

Relaxation music is also a great way to minimize stress before bed and there are also a number of apps designed to help with sleep, however it is important to consider that it is recommended that use of smartphones and tablets is minimized an hour before bed.

Break your screen habit We know it’s not easy to break your pre-bed Netflix or social media habit, but health professionals highly recommend making it one of your 2021 resolutions. The blue light emitted from your device interferes with melatonin production, which your body needs to prepare for sleep.

Optimize your sleeping environment Ensure your bedroom is the perfect place to get a good night’s sleep! First, make sure your room isn’t too hot or too cold. The perfect temperature for sleep is 65° F. Avoid bedding and sleepwear that don’t allow your skin to breathe.

Some people find that bathing or showering

before bed is also helpful.

The room should be free from any noise that can disturb your sleep — if this is not possible consider purchasing some earplugs to block out any potentially disruptive sounds. Finally, your room should also be free from light — blackout curtains or eye masks may be able to help if your room is too light.

According to sleep experts, you should be getting yourself a new mattress every seven years or so. That means you’ll be spending around 20,000 hours lying on it — so it’s well worth making sure you buy one that suits you. Research indicates that sleeping in a bad bed is the equivalent of getting an hour’s less sleep every night.

Stop snoozing Hitting the snooze button may feel good in the moment, but the adverse effects it can have don’t. If you wake up and then snooze for 15 minutes, you start a new sleep cycle and then wake up without completing it. If you wake up

feeling tired each morning, but you have a habit of snoozing, this could be the reason why.

It will take you longer to feel awake even if your eyes are open when you wake up midsleep cycle. Try to make it a habit in 2021 to get up when your first alarm goes off. If this is difficult, put your alarm on the other side of the room, so you need to get up to switch it off.

Avoid eating big meals or sugary snacks before bed If you have a big meal right before you go to bed it can take your body a while to digest it, meaning it may be difficult to get to sleep. A general rule to follow is to finish eating at least two to three hours before you intend to go to bed, particularly if you are eating heavy or sugary foods which may keep you awake longer.

Above photo: Is improving the quality of your sleep on your New Year’s resolutions list? If not, add it to your top five. Sleep is a pillar of health and wellbeing. It’s as essential as breathing,

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At Comprehensive Audiology, our goal is to provide our patients with personalized care to experience better hearing and better communication. By utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and the latest hearing aid technology, we’re

Terry Biener, CCH

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Certified Clinical Hypnotist in practice since 1992

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BELLMORE HERALD — January 21, 2021

Shake up your wake up Be smart about breakfast to kickstart the new year minutes or look for options that are easy to eat on the go, such as this Triple Sorghum Granola, which can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container to maintain its crunchy texture.

Triple Sorghum Granola 1 cup cooked sorghum (cooked according to package directions) 1/2 cup dry whole oats 1/2 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds) 1 cup slivered almonds 2 tablespoons sorghum syrup 2 tablespoons coconut oil 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut chips 1/2 cup popped sorghum (popped according to whole grain package directions) Heat oven to 200 F. Spread sorghum on jelly roll pan. Place in oven 1 hour, turning every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to large mixing bowl. Stir in oats, pepitas and almonds.

Raise oven temperature to 300 F. In 1-quart sauce pan, heat sorghum syrup and coconut oil until oil melts. Blend well. Pour liquid mixture over dry ingredients; stir to blend well. Spread evenly on jelly roll pan. Bake 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and stir in cranberries, coconut chips and popped sorghum. Allow to cool. Break apart. Store in airtight container.

Above photo: Sorghum is a gluten-free whole grain that is adaptable for use in a variety of recipes.

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As you look to the new year with plans for healthier habits, there’s no better place to start than the beginning — the beginning of each day, that is. Countless studies have shown the benefits of a nutritious breakfast as part of a healthy eating plan, and there are plenty of options to make a good-for-you breakfast that tastes great, too.

Experts agree that there are numerous health benefits to breakfast. For example, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics credits breakfast with helping brain function and memory as well as preventing tiredness and overeating as the day wears on. Mayo Clinic staff adds that adults who eat breakfast are likely to consume more vitamins and minerals, and less fats and cholesterol.

Wake up your morning routine with these tips for a healthier start to each day: Plan a well-rounded meal. Incorporate whole grains, like sorghum, lean protein, low-fat dairy and fruits and vegetables, for a nutrientrich meal that will keep you fueled and feeling full until lunch time.

Experiment with new flavors.. Avoid burnout and boredom by trying new foods. For example, substitute your typical grain with sorghum. In addition to its delicious flavor, sorghum is a highly versatile ingredient that is naturally high in fiber, iron and protein and can be used in a wide range of preparations.

Eliminate obstacles. If hectic mornings are preventing you from getting a healthy breakfast, find solutions that work for you and your family.

Prepare make-ahead foods that you can heat in

January 21, 2021 — BELLMORE HERALD

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HEALTH MEMO

A

What you should know about neurostimulation to treat chronic pain What are the treatments for chronic pain?

There are many treatments for chronic pain, including, but not limited to: Physical therapy and lifestyle modification, TENS, topical therapies, over the counter and prescription medication, and injections and nerve ablations.

s many as 50 million Americans have chronic pain. It interferes with their work, their activities of daily living, and almost every facet of their lives. Brian J. Snyder, M.D., is a partner and attending neurosurgeon with Neurological Surgery, P.C. (NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery), Rockville Centre, and a fellowship-trained, board certified expert in using neurostimulation to treat chronic pain, surgery for epilepsy, movement disorders, and refractory pain.

What options exist when nothing else works?

Neuromodulation, or neurostimulation, is a group of procedures that involve placement of electrodes temporarily (an if successful), What causes chronic pain? permanently in the nervous system. These Chronic pain can have many causes. It can be treatment procedures interfere with the message Brian J. Snyder, M.D. caused by prior injury, medical disease, or prior for pain being sent to the brain. surgery. Some patients may have chronic pain These procedures include: spinal cord with no apparent cause. stimulation (SCS), dorsal roots ganglion stimulation (DRG), peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS), occipital nerve stimulation What are some of the types of chronic pain?

(ONS), motor cortex stimulation (MCS), and deep brain stimulation • Low back pain (caused by arthritis, injury, etc.) – Some (DBS). patients with chronic low back pain may have had prior surgery and persist with that pain.

If a patient had an unsuccessful trial or implant for • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS – formerly known as neurostimulation in the past, or has a device implanted that RSD) – Caused by nerve or tissue damage, sometimes very doesn’t work very well, are they a candidate for one of these benign in nature resulting in a severe pain syndrome. procedures?

• Migraine and other headache/occipital neuralgia.

Yes. The technology has advanced substantially in the last • Shingles (post-herpetic neuropathy). several years and there are new devices and new procedures that are allowing us to treat many new patients and to better treat

patients that have older systems.

About Neurological Surgery, P.C. (NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery) Founded in Freeport in 1958, Neurological Surgery, P.C. (NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery) has grown to become one of the largest, private neurosurgical groups in the U.S. with seven conveniently located offices on Long Island, including offices in West Islip, Commack, Port Jefferson Station, and Riverhead.

The practice’s experienced neurosurgeons and interventional neuroradiologists are experts in “Bloodless” brain and spine surgery, including laser spine surgery, endoscopic spine surgery, ultrasonic spine surgery, radiosurgery, and other advanced minimally invasive techniques which are used to treat brain tumors, brain aneurysms, trigeminal neuralgia, herniated disc, spinal stenosis, chronic back pain, and other conditions. Please visit www. nspc.com to learn more.

To schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Snyder, please call 516- 255-9031.

100 Merrick Road, Suite 128W, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 • 844-NSPC-DOC Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

HEALTH MEMO

HEALTH MEMO

Can winter weather affect your hearing?

Winter can be hard on your ears and your hearing aids, but with preventive measures, it doesn’t have to be.

Protect Your Hearing More than 31 million Americans ages 6 to 69 have noise-related hearing loss. Whether hunting or snowblowing, wear well-fitting earplugs, headphones, or even earmuffs.

Stay Warm and Dry A hat, scarf, or set of earmuffs keeps the severe cold, wind, or moisture from causing problems such as exostosis, which can lead to ear blockage, infections, and hearing loss.

Beware of Ear Infections A flu or cold increases chance of getting an ear infection, so get a flu vaccine and wash your hands regularly.

Protect Your Hearing Aids A hat, scarf, or set of earmuffs protects your devices from cold and moisture, too.

Also, remove your batteries at night and leave the battery door open to curb moisture and maintain battery life.

Appointments can be scheduled by calling 516-387-4000 or at comprehensiveaudiology. com/make-appointment/. Follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Google, or Instagram @comprehensive_audiology, or visit us at www.comprehensiveaudiology.com.

T

261 Broadway, Lynbrook 516-387-4000 www.comprehensiveaudiology.com

Dr. Esther Fogel Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

Steps to successful retirement

oday’s retirees are looking for purpose. In fact, 55 percent of them said retirement is the time for a “a new chapter in life,” according to the 2020 Edward Jones/Age Wave Four Pillars of the New Retirement study. But to afford this new chapter, retirees need to be financially prepared.

If you’re approaching retirement, how can you achieve this financial preparation?

For one thing, you may need to prioritize your goals. You might want to travel the world, collect rare wines or fix up old houses, but time and money may force you to make some choices.

You might also want to calculate if you can still afford to retire when you had initially planned. If you need to work longer, you can benefit by adding more money to your 401 (k) and IRA.

Finally, if giving back to your community is a key element of your purpose-driven life, you’ll need to budget how much you can give to charitable groups each year.

It can be extremely rewarding to live your retirement purposefully but you’ll find it a lot easier to do when you make the right financial moves.

Marie L. Taylor, CRPC, AAMS Edward Jones Financial Advisor 365 Hempstead Ave., West Hempstead 516-538-4338 • 866-400-4338 www.edwardjones.com marie.taylor@edwardjones.com

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

25

BELLMORE HERALD — January 21, 2021

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED NSPC is proud to announce that all of our world-class physicians are now in-network, participating providers with the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP). We’re available for expert treatment of all brain and spine conditions.

Scan with your mobile device to schedule an appointment

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Our commitment of caring for Long Island is well-established, so we decided to shorten our name.

We’re now Catholic Health Services of Long Island.

No matter your health need, you can count on our highly-awarded, compassionate network of care.

HOSPITALS:

CONTINUING CARE:

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• St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center®

• Catholic Health Home Care • Good Shepherd Hospice

• Catholic Health Physician Partners

• Good Samaritan Hospital

• Good Samaritan Nursing & Rehabilitation

• St. Charles Hospital • St. Catherine of Siena Hospital • Mercy Hospital • St. Joseph Hospital

• Our Lady of Consolation Nursing & Rehabilitation • St. Catherine of Siena Nursing & Rehabilitation

Learn more at chsli.org/catholichealth

Catholic Health Services of Long Island is now Catholic Health 1118058

January 21, 2021 — BELLMORE HERALD

26

The vaccine is here, but there’s a big wait agarcia@liherald.com

The public distribution of Covid-19 vaccines in New York state has begun, but the supply in Nassau County has not kept up with the high demand, according to officials.

More than 55,000 doses of vaccines have been administered in Nassau, according to Executive Laura Curran, but as more people are vaccinated, the supply dwindles. Officials have relied on the steady influx of doses from the federal government, which sends roughly 250,000 vaccine doses a week to the state.

Under state guidance, all doses must be administered to eligible residents within the week that they are received.

In New York, a select group is currently eligible to receive the vaccine: those 65 and over, doctors, nurses and health care workers, first responders, teachers, and public transit, grocery store or public safety workers.

All appointments should be made through the state-run website, www.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov. There, residents can check if they are eligible, and appointments for both doses of the vaccine can be made.

In Nassau, a state-run vaccination site has opened at Jones Beach, while Northwell Health has established sites at the Nassau University Medical Center and Belmont Park. Sites run by the county’s Department of Health have also been established at Nassau Community College and the Yes We Can Community Center in

Andrew Garcia/Herald

SEvERAl CovID-19 vACCINAtIoN sites have opened throughout Nassau County, Executive Laura Curran announced at a press conference. Last year, she held more than 100 press conferences on coronavirus updates alongside Department of Health Commissioner Lawrence Eisenstein, left.

Westbury.

Information from the county can be found at www.nassaucountyny.gov/vaccine.

Appointments for nearly all the available sites are booked. “We do not have enough vaccine supply to meet the demand,” Curran said in an interview.

“Anyone over 65 is eligible, health care workers, teachers, first responders, law enforcement, grocery store workers, transit workers — all of those people are eligi-

ble, and that’s a lot of folks.”

“We are begging for more,” Curran added. “I’m hoping the supply chain right up to our federal government gets fixed, and we can get what we need down here.”

Officials have been working on such a tight schedule that vaccines are often administered the day they arrive. When vaccination sites opened last Tuesday, for example, the doses administered that day had only arrived earlier that morning.

“That’s how tightly we’re moving it out

as quickly as we can,” Health Commissioner Lawrence Eisenstein said at a news conference.

“It’s a rolling process, so daily we are making our decisions and determinations,” Eisenstein noted. “When we have vaccines, we schedule out as far as we can.”

Those receiving the vaccines must make sure their second dose is of the same vaccine they were given for the first dose. The county DOH will reach out to residents who should be getting their second dose at a county-run site.

Through the state-run website, the second appointment should be made for the same site automatically. The website has run into problems, however, as the high traffic has caused the page to be inundated and sometimes crash.

Ralph Esposito, director of the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency, expressed concern for home-bound veterans and elderly residents who may not have the technical know-how to navigate a website. “My main concern are the veterans,” he said. “We have to start with the weakest first.”

Outreach programs for seniors are in the works, according to Curran. Officials are working to establish more sites at senior centers or houses of worship, and transport services are available through the VA. The Nassau County Office for the Aging will also assist seniors.

“We are ready to vaccinate the rest of the community as long as the supply chain is there,” said Dr. Anthony Boutin, president and CEO of NuHealth.

Experts discuss Covid-19 relief for businesses FRom lEFt, top row: moderator Skye Ostreicher; Grassi CPAs Lou Pizzileo and Robert Tobey; Jessica Dennehy, business and legal strategist for Pivot & Slay; and Robert Piechota, Long Island branch office manager for the SBA New York District Office for U.S. Business Administration.

By ANDREW GARCIA agarcia@liherald.com

Looking to relieve the economic burden felt by your business because of the Covid-19 pandemic? The latest episode of Herald Inside LI is here to help.

Four panelists gathered for the latest webinar, which focused on avenues of financial relief for small businesses. They included attorney Jessica Dennehy, business and legal strategist for Pivot & Slay; Robert Piechota, Long Island branch office manager for the SBA New York District Office for U.S. Business Administration; and Lou Pizzileo and Robert Tobey, CPAs and partners with Grassi Advisors and Accountants.

Skye Ostreicher, of Herald Community Newspapers and RichnerLive, moderated the discussion.

The episode premiered Dec. 8, as applications for a second round of paycheck protection program loans were soon approaching.

“This is really the hallmark of government response — it is in itself unprecedented,” Piechota said.

There have been roughly 65,000 PPP loans offered on Long Island, Piechota said. PPP loans are designed to help business owners maintain payroll to employees or themselves, Piechota explained. Sixty percent of the loan must go to payroll, while 40 percent can go toward expenses.

Piechota also explained that economic injury disaster loans, or EIDLs, are available directly through the SBA. Application information about them can be found at sba. gov.

The employee retention program is also a “flexible” option, Tobey said, that could help some businesses stay

Herald Inside LI Photo

afloat. A home health care agency was forced to lay off trainers, for example, he said, but it qualified and recouped some losses.

“It puts real money in your pocket today,” Tobey said.

“It’s a quick way to recover some cash that you can use to run your business.”

Grassi advisers can help business owners navigate the “interplay” between the employee retention and payroll protection programs to maximize the credit received, Tobey said. “It’s a really cool program,” he said. “This is something that a lot of folks really haven’t focused on. We picked up on this, and we think a lot of clients and businesses will be able to benefit in 2021.”

“This is the biggest stimulus package since the New Deal,” Pizzileo said. “For all its drama in the roll out, it’s been a great program that’s saved many, many businesses and many jobs.”

What about businesses that did not apply for the first round of PPP assistance, but qualified? For them, the program is reopening in 2021, Pizzileo said, and it will be available in an expanded fashion.

Businesses that are temporarily shut down, but still plan to open, can also qualify for PPP loans, Tobey said.

The application period for the second round of PPP loans opened the week of Jan. 11.

Business owners planning to apply should gather records showing a 25 percent reduction in revenue, which is one criterion to qualify for the loan, Pizzileo said.

This webinar was sponsored by Grassi. Questions can be directed to the Grassi Crisis Response and Recovery hotline at (212) 223-6216 or response@grassicpas.com.

Herald Inside LI is a weekly webinar series. To view this full recording or attend future webinars, visit liherald.com/insideli.

BELLMORE HERALD — January 21, 2021

By ANDREW GARCIA

27

HERALD

Employment

CLASSIFIED

To pLACE your AD CALL 516-569-4000 - press 5

Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460 E-mail you ad to: ereynolds@liherald.com E-mail Finds Under $100 to: sales@liherald.com DEADLINE: Monday, 11:00 am for all classified ads.

Every effort is made to insure the accuracy of your ad. Please check your ad at the first insertion. Credit will be made only for the first insertion. Credit given for errors in ads is limited to the printed space involved. Publisher reserves right to reject, cancel or correctly classify and ad.

(We said it was simple. We didn’t say it was easy.) to join our outside sales team, contact Rhonda glickman. send your resume today. rglickman@liherald.com, 516-569-4000 x250.

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Must be able to do light plumbing and carpentry. 4-day work week. $700 per week. 100% Medical & Dental, 401K, Uniforms, Paid Vacations, Sick and Holidays. Apply in person: MondayFriday between 9am & 7pm At: CALL-A-HEAD CORP. 304 Crossbay Blvd., Queens, NY 11693

INSTALLER HELPER FOR SHOWER COMPANY IMMEDIATE HIRE WILL TRAIN F/T Heavy lifting. Positive Attitude.

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Call 516- 634-4000

MEDIA SPECIALIST: For Sharona Beck Realty, A Long Island Real Estate firm.

Must be creative and dependable and be able to create, oversee and execute content on their social channels. Expertise in Social Media Platforms, Understanding of CRM databases and Competent with photo/video editing software a must. Email info@sharonabeckrealty.com with a resume

OFFICE HELP WANTED: MANY POSITIONS AVAILABLE

$22.50 PER HOUR PLUS MEDICAL/DENTAL. Employment type: Full time /Overtime available Multiple Shifts Available LOOKING TO HIRE TODAY!!! No Lay offs!

WILL TRAIN. CALLAHEAD OFFERS 2 WEEKS PAID VACATION, HOLIDAY S , 4 0 1 K , A N D H E A LT H A N D DENTAL BENEFITS. PLEASE APPLY IN PERSON MONDAY- FRIDAY AT 304 CROSS BAY BLVD, QUEENS NY 11693

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OPEN HOUSES BY APPOINTMENT SUNdAY, 1/24/21 HEWLETT BAY PARK

40 Heron Dr, BA, NEW TO MARKET!! 10,000 Sq Ft Waterfront Property on an Acre of Parklike Grounds Tucked away in Cul de Sac. 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary. Soaring Ceilings. IGP, Hot Tub. 285' Vinyl Bulkhead Raised, Redone Dock, 3 Car Garage...................$4,650,000 70 Heron Dr, BA, 6 BR, Contemporary with Open Layout on an Acre of Parklike Property. Move Right in! SD#14 .................... $1,699,000 159 Meadowview Ave, BA, Stately 5200 Sq Ft Colonial Featuring 6 BR, 6.55 Bths on Acre Of Resortlike Prop with IGP, Tennis Ct, Outdoor Kit. Fin Bsmt, 2 Car Gar, Fabulous Location in SD#14 .........

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HEWLETT HARBOR

If interested, please contact and email resume to our Personnel Office at

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January 21, 2021 — BELLMORE HERALD

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ROUTES AVAILABLE AT CALLAHEAD Corp.

NO CDL required, 4 DAY WORK WEEK, (enjoy 3 days off). Run your own route. Year round No lay offs!

100% medical, dental, uniforms, 2 weeks paid vacation. 401K. Plus commission. Will train! 4am-2:30pm. .

Route driver $800.00 per week, includes $100.00 weekly bonus program. Plus 10-12 hours overtime. Apply in person Monday- Friday 9am-7pm at 304 Crossbay Blvd, Queens NY 11693 SCHOOL BUS AND Van Drivers Best Pay/Benefits package in the industry Start at $25.19 Bus and $21.97 Van Call Hunti n g t o n C o a c h t o d ay 6 3 1 - 2 7 1 - 8 9 3 1 www.huntingtoncoach.com SEWING MACHINE OPERATOR For Awning Manufacturing Business. Experienced With Commercial Sewing Machines Necessary. 516-250-8094; tgawnings@aol.com

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105 Lake Dr, BA, NEW TO MARKET! Spectaular Water & Golf Course Views. 4 BR, 4.5 Bth 4500 sq ft Contemporary Open Layout & Soaring Ceilings, 2 Car Gar, SD#14 .............................. $1,995,000 236 Richards Lane, BA, 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary Home on an Acre Of Resortlike Prop with IGP, Open Floor Plan. Full Fin Bsmt.

Main Flr Master. SD14 ..................................REDUCED! $1,499,000

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1 Meadow Dr #2B, BA, NEW TO MARKET! Updated 2 BR Coop in Elevator Bldg. Spacious Rooms, Hi Ceiling. Prime Location ..............................................................................$289,000

Open Houses EAST ROCKAWAY 1 Thompson Dr, OPEN HOUSE BY APPT, 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Exp Ranch w/Open Layout in Waverly Park Area. Updtd EIK. O/S Prop w/Deck.

Att Gar. SD#20..$599,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman RE 516-238-4299

EAST ROCKAWAY WATERVIEW! 3Bds, 2Bths, EIK, FDR, LR, Den, FBasement, Garage,,Large Yard. Zone X-no flood insurance. Too Much To List! 516-241-6075 MLS: 3271059/ Coldwell Banker

HEWLETT HARBOR ba, 236 Richards Lane 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary Home on an Acre Of Resortlike, IGP, Open Floor Plan. Full Fin Bsmt. Main Flr Master.

SD14...$1,499,000

HEWLETT BAY PARK 40 Heron Dr, NEW TO MARKET!! 10,000 Sq Ft Waterfront Proper ty on an Acre of Parklike Grounds Tucked away in Cul de Sac. 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary. Soaring Ceilings. IG Pool, Hot Tub. 285' Vinyl Bulkhead Raised & Redone, Dock. 3 Car Garage...$4,650,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman RE 516-238-4299

WOODSBURGH 185 BAY Dr, OPEN HOUSE BY Appt, 5/6 BR, 4.5 Bth Exp Ranch on Parklike 1/2 Acre Prop. Guest Q u a r t e r s , F u l l B s m t , 2 C a r G a r.

SD#14...$1,450,00 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT HARBOR 105 Lake Dr, NEW TO MARKET!! Spectaular Water & Golf Course Views. 4 BR, 4.5 Bth 4500 sq Ft Contemporary w/ Open Layout & Soaring Ceilings, 2 Car Gar, SD#14..$1,995,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman RE 516-238-4299

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House For Sale

Homes

HERALD

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

HOME OF THE WEEK

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

Q. I wanted to add on to the den on the side of my house. The den has been there since 1930. The problem I’m having is that if I want to make the addition so that it’s in alignment with the current den, the side distance to my property line is too close, by 12 inches, according to my building department. They say that I have to match the code requirement that was adopted in 1938, so instead of having a straight wall going all the way back, I either need to make a jog in the wall or go for a zoning variance. It just doesn’t make sense. I’m not adding a monster-sized addition, just 10 feet by 10 feet on the side of my house, behind tall hedges. My neighbor doesn’t mind, so what can I do about this?

Oceanside

Colonial Style Home

T

otally renovated from the ground up! This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom Colonial features all new eat in kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and island. This home has a stunning formal dining room and huge living room, master suite with private bathroom, walk in closet, second floor laundry and pull down attic. There is a full basement with high ceilings and spray foam insulation. This home boasts a detached one car garage, all new heating, central air conditioning, electric, insulation plumbing, white oak hardwood floors, windows, siding, roof, black gutters, downspouts and more Out of the flood zone. Offered at $749,000

A. Not much, except decide whether you want a ridiculous-looking room with a jog in the wall or want to spend the money and time to go through the zoning variance process. When I see cases like this, I understand the intent of the law, but not the “spirit” of the law.

The intent is to prevent the construction of buildonte eeper ings too close to a property line, based on historical catastrophes such as the London fire and the Chicago fire, both of which saw hundreds of lives lost and tens of thousands of buildings destroyed, mainly because of their closeness to one another and their ability to burn easily.

We live in a modern age in which materials have been tested, analyzed, certified and regulated to limit flame spread, and communities have been set up with strict guidelines to leave spaces between buildings for safety and appearance. But knowing, or not remembering, this, communities may invoke the strictness of the law like a stern punishment, or look at the separate conditions and merits of each case, deciding that your straight wall versus a jogged wall isn’t going to hurt anyone and, being located on the side or behind your house, isn’t going to detract from the character of the community.

Some building departments have been given the flexibility to make these decisions, to avoid throwing the baby out with the bathwater, and have the authority to give approval for minor issues. Some municipalities have even gone so far as to pass ordinances allowing the discretion of building departments to allow for the alignment of built structures, previously approved, on the first story. It makes sense not to put homeowners through an unnecessary hearing process, sometimes costing thousands of dollars and many months of delay, just so they can have a straight wall.

Allowing alignment with a previously approved part of a building isn’t the same as having a flammable wall too close to a property line or another building. In the long run, a variance will be worth it. Otherwise the weird wall shift won’t be understood or be beneficial to you. Good luck!

Ask The Architect

M

516-644-8097 & 516-779-8423 www.thegandolfoteam.com Century 21 American Homes Direct: 516-779-8423 Email: johngandolfosells@gmail.com

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L

© 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.

BELLMORE HERALD — January 21, 2021

A zoning variance for a bigger den?

29

HERALD

Market Place • •

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

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

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BELLMORE HERALD — January 21, 2021

HERALD

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32

Herald editorial

Bellmore

January 21, 2021 — BELLMORE HERALD

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.

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President Biden has his work cut out for him

W

e will need years, if not decades, to unravel and repair the damage that President Trump has done to the nation with his politics and policies.

Beyond his ineffectual, incoherent, even reckless approach to addressing the coronavirus pandemic, which has left the country in tatters, he worked continually to reverse sound policies and regulations developed over decades. Here are the Long Island-specific issues that we are hoping to see President Joe Biden address:

1. Climate change. There is no doubt that, long-term, global warming is among the most urgent issues facing Long Island.

We are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, which is expected to rise in the coming decades as the Earth heats and the massive ice shelves of Greenland and the Antarctic melt away into the oceans as a result. It is unclear precisely how high the oceans will rise, but the range could be anywhere from one foot, if we were to act aggressively to limit carbon emissions, to as much as eight feet by the year 2100, if we were to continue on our current course, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

We could live with a one-foot rise. Eight feet would be a disaster, with significant inland flooding. Whole swaths of the Island could be lost to the sea. Think about that: Eight decades from now (one human lifetime), much of our home island could be underwater if we don’t curb our greenhouse gas emissions — now, not later.

Biden signaled weeks before he took

office that he would re-enter the 2015-16 Paris Agreement to limit greenhouse gases, which Trump pulled out of in 2017. Doing so would be an excellent start, but there is so much else to do — in particular, supporting our nascent green-energy industries, including solar and wind. Long Island is located in a region of the world known as the “Saudi Arabia of wind.” Under Trump, however, the federal government has done all it can to stall the development of major oceanic wind farms off our coast. It’s high time that the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management fast-track these projects.

2. Wetlands protection. Almost from the start of his presidency, Trump vowed to do away with an Obama-era rule that protected our streams, bays and wetlands from chemical contamination. The rule, known as the Waters of the United States regulation, covered roughly 60 percent of the nation’s waterways, according to The New York Times.

Last January, Trump did away with the rule, but went further, allowing land owners and developers, for the first time in decades, “to dump pollutants such as pesticides and fertilizers directly into hundreds of thousands of waterways, and to destroy or fill in wetlands for construction projects,” The Times noted.

Many citizens might not have noticed the loosening of a key environmental regulation, because Trump was six days into his first Senate impeachment trial at the time.

Wetlands are critical to buffering Long Island against hurricanes and tropical

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letters ‘Long Way Up’ is satisfying indeed To the Editor: Re Scott Brinton’s column “‘Long Way Up,’ a deeply satisfying travelogue” (Dec. 24-30): As someone who has lived and worked extensively in Latin America, I read with great interest Brinton’s opinions on “Long Way Up.” I have now watched all 11 episodes, and found them absolutely fascinating.

Thank you. I would not have known about the series had it not been for Brinton’s highly descriptive piece.

Americans are notoriously insular when it comes to geography. “Long Way Up” gives us an intriguing look into the warmth and character of the Indigenous people living along the diverse roadways of Latin America, but it also awes us with spectacular glimpses of rugged, snow-capped mountains; colorful, varying waterways; and vast, stark deserts, together with captivating views of renowned historical sites such as Machu Picchu, which I have visited three times.

The series reflects a lesser-known, yet highly admirable, humanitarian side of the famous actor Ewan McGregor and his pal Charley Boorman.

storms, absorbing storm surge and thus protecting our mainland. Any effort to deregulate wetlands protection is a threat to the Island. The regulation must be restored.

3. SALT deduction: For many Long Islanders, there has been no single policy as economically consequential as Trump’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which limited the itemized deduction for state and local taxes.

Beginning in 2018, married couples filing joint federal tax returns could deduct only $10,000 for combined state, local and property taxes, or $5,000 for those filing separate returns.

Average homeowners on Long Island lost tens of thousands of dollars in deductions as a result of the act. Where once area families might have had a combined $35,000 or $45,000 in deductions, suddenly they were forced to take the new standard deduction of $24,000. Effective tax rates were lowered, yes, but not enough to make up for the deductions loss, so many Long Islanders saw their federal taxes increase.

We should also note that the tax rate reductions for individuals are set to expire in 2025, whereas Trump’s corporate tax reductions are permanent. Talk about socking it to the little guy!

The loss of SALT deductions is fundamentally unfair, in part, because it forces people to pay federal taxes on top of state and local taxes that they have already paid.

Clearly, this legislation needs reform, and with a new administration and a Democratically controlled Congress, we hope to see it overhauled.

33

opinions

o

n March 4, 1861, President-elect Abraham Lincoln stood on the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol to take the oath of office and deliver his first inaugural address.

Seven southern states had already split from the Union. Others would soon follow, and the day felt gloomy and worrisome.

There are so many similarities between the America of the early 1860s and the America of today.

The Capitol, then as now, was heavily guarded by armed troops. Lincoln had to be spirJim ited into Washingin the dark of Bernstein ton night, so terrified were his guards and aides that mobs would descend on his train and assassinate him.

Yet on that March afternoon, Lincoln delivered a message that he hoped would be healing. “We are not enemies, but friends,” he said in a deep but gentle

voice. “We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.”

Unfortunately, the president’s words did not stop the southern states from forming the Confederacy and attacking Fort Sumter, outside Charleston, S.C. Jefferson Davis was sworn in as president of the Confederacy two weeks after Lincoln’s inauguration.

Four years of war changed the face of America forever.

Yet once the Confederates surrendered at the Appomattox Court House in Virginia, Lincoln remained compassionate to the vanquished South and reached out with a healing hand. Confederate troops were allowed to return home unharmed, and Lincoln began the process of Reconstruction and bringing the rebel states back into the Union.

This week, Donald Trump, one of the most polarizing presidents in American history, was scheduled to leave the White House after four tumultuous years. The

a

situation sadly reminiscent of the scene at the Capitol nearly 160 years ago.

Letters Again, many thanks to Brinton for sharing his views on “Long Way Up.” CHRIS CARRINgTON Glen Head

Comparing Trump to Goebbels was out of line To the Editor: I get that the Herald has a point of view, and that it appears to despise Donald Trump. That said, it was disappointing that in last week’s editorial, “It’s high time truth prevails once again,” the Herald compared Trump’s assertion that he won the election to the propaganda of Joseph goebbels, a person who committed unspeakable crimes against humanity.

Nazi comparisons are overused, dishonest, and most of all disrespectful, as many millions of people died because of goebbels’s lies.

The editorial did not address that, as opposed to the criminal behavior of goebbels, the election audit proposed by Senators Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley was entirely legal, and would not have delayed the inauguration of President Joe Biden. But it would have assured tens of millions of Americans that the election results had an acceptable level of integrity, and it should have been done.

It was also disappointing that columnist Randi Kreiss wrote that we should do “more than take away [Trump’s] Twitter account.” What further action would she suggest, and where are we going with this?

Further, when Twitter continues to allow such tweets as “Every day that ends in y

nation is badly in need of healing, and that enormous task is now in the hands of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The question that we face — and that Lincoln faced — is simple, yet extraordinarily complex: How do we heal this country, tortured by a pandemic, unemployment, racism and division not seen for decades?

Lincoln’s plan was to readmit the rebel states and extend to the country paths out of poverty. Nearly 160 years later, our American society is far more complex.

Millions of people believe the 2020 election was “stolen,” and that a “deep state” exists, and is preparing to overthrow America and spread communism, socialism, Satanism, take your pick.

But somehow, we must begin the process of healing. A good place to start would be in the schools, from elementary to college. Education programs as simple as how a democracy works would be a big help. Courses in how to read a newspaper would be helpful, too. I have met a num-

ber of people who do not know the difference between an opinion column and a news story.

Public libraries could establish discussion groups on the meaning of the last election, and the underlying cause of the riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6. Speakers — Republicans, Democrats, liberals and conservatives — could be called on to present their views, and the audience could question them and discuss their opinions.

Perhaps most important, people who have not spoken to one another during most of Trump’s presidency could find ways to get together, even in small groups.

They might begin by talking about their kids, the Buffalo Bills or the baseball season that’s just around the corner. They might just find out how much they have in common, as opposed to what has divided them.

Once people see one another as human beings, and not as caricatures out of a comic book, it becomes harder to scream oaths and obscenities across a room.

If we can do just this much, the healing process will have begun.

Jim Bernstein is the editor of the Long Beach Herald.

Framework by Christina Daly

should be Punch at Trumper Day,” and one that calls for the president to be assassinated, it is plain that only some people who say some things will be censored by this social media platform.

Applying standards fairly matters, even when Trump is involved. Making Nazi comparisons and deciding who to censor on social media platforms are not solutions that are healthy for society when the underlying issues are more complex. In my opinion, you underestimate the intelligence of your readers.

MICHELLE gRAHAM Oceanside

Democrats had a chance to heal To the Editor: The days and weeks after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol could have been a time for healing, since both parties were on the same page about the events of that day. This could have been a 9/11 moment when both sides agreed that the attack was on all of us. If Joe Biden were truthful about wanting to heal the nation, he would have used the opportunity to pull the country together. Instead, he is exploiting this tragic event for the advancement of the liberal Democratic cause. Not allowing President Trump to ride out his final days in office by attempting a second impeachment is the most divisive, vengeful political act that I have witnessed.

Trump was the first person in U.S. history with no political experience or military background to win the presidency. His

At the flea market — Bellmore

voice was heard by the working class and the forgotten Americans who have been taken for granted by Washington. His election was a protest vote against the establishment.

It took a non-politician not to get us into a war for the first time in over 50 years, to bring jobs back to the U.S., to lower unemployment, to put money in the working person’s 401(k) and pocket, to support our troops and veterans, to support our law enforcement and first responders, to renegotiate bad trade deals, to stop North Korea from lobbing missiles over Japan, to stand up to China, to build more border wall, to open opportunity zones in minori-

ty neighborhoods, to negotiate two peace deals in the Middle East, to respect our flag, to put Operation Warp Speed into action, and I could go on. He did all this while the entrenched politicians from both parties, big tech, the media and Hollywood all fought against him.

The Democrats set out for revenge after the 2016 election because Trump defeated Hillary Clinton. Confucius said, “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.” The 2022 midterm election will be interesting.

TOM O’CONNOR North Bellmore

BELLMORE HERALD — January 21, 2021

Let the healing begin

January 21, 2021 — BELLMORE HERALD

34

opINIoNS

A

What we do right now will echo in history

merica is in a state of shock in the wake of the assault on the U.S. Capitol, a second impeachment of President Trump and months of denial of the validity of November’s election. We have a new president who got the same number of electoral votes in 2020 as Trump did in 2016. The losing side can scream, holler and moan and the winning side can make grandiose plans for a new era, restricted only by how much our federal budget can absorb.

JERRY But we need an armistice.

The KREMER real question is, are the combatants ready to move on, or do we spend another four years arguing over Georgia, mail-in voting and Twitter’s right to ban people from its feed? In case you haven’t noticed, roughly 4,000 people a day are dying of Covid-19, and the numbers are going up. The country is paying a heavy price for those who ignored warnings about holiday gatherings and the stupid

A

people who still refuse to wear a mask because they consider it a political statement.

If you’re looking for help from some of the members of Congress, you’re seeking the wrong direction. It is shocking to see some of them refusing to stop for a metal detector in the Capitol, a week after a howling mob broke into the House of Representatives with the chanted intent to “Hang Mike Pence!” and kill Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The debate over Trump’s second impeachment revealed that there are still over 100 members of Congress who out of fear or stupidity are denying that an insurrection took place.

If Washington were a movie, we would be about to see the second run of what President Barack Obama faced when he was elected. The nation has been crippled economically by a virus that knows no political distinctions. It steals the last breaths from the young and the old, the healthy and the infirm, and is still very much not under control. Millions of people are out of work.

You may be one of the lucky ones who

A

have incomes and steady jobs, but it’s more than likely that some of your neighbors need the help of the local food pantry, and line up for free groceries.

It doesn’t take much vision to figure out how bad things really are in our beloved country.

Many thousands of businesses in New York state have closed for good in the pandemic. Whether it’s a nail salon, a small restaurant, a children’s clothing store or some other place that you’ve patronized for years, they are slowly disappearing, never to return again. Landlords are entitled to collect rent, and if local businesses can’t afford that rent, it’s only a matter of time before the financial stresses cause more closings.

We have a new president and the opportunity to revive an ailing nation, but it will require a new dose of unity to make things happen. If you travel to places like Richmond, Va., or Nashville, Tenn., you can buy Civil War booklets, battle maps and even knockoffs of Civil War attire. Most of it is just for the tourists, but there are still plenty of

n ailing nation needs not only a new president, but a new dose of unity.

people who believe the South won the war and they were “cheated” by the North. After World War I, many Germans believed they had won the war even though they signed a treaty of surrender.

Recovering from our current state of distress will not be easy. There are millions of true Trump believers who will stick to the lie that the election was rigged, and will resist any efforts to expand benefits into rural America and help their starving neighbors. There are lots of nut jobs out there with guns and loads of ammunition who are prepared to kill people who don’t follow their demented thinking.

The country is at a turning point. We can continue to look at everything through a political lens, or we can begin the job of healing. We have to set aside our political grievances and be open to the need to be a more united nation. If America fails going forward, it will be our failure.

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.

Fear hovers over Biden inauguration week

s I write this, after the mob attack on the Capitol and before this week’s Presidential Inauguration, like many of you, I don’t know what to believe. From one corner, I hear credible threats that violent groups are planning to attack state capitols, and Washington, D.C., at any time. From another corner, I read that every agency responsible for national security is on high alert and that thousands of National Guard troops have been called into action RANDI to keep us safe.

KREISS Some people are echoing FDR: “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” But times have changed. Most Americans stood together with FDR in the World War II fight. Now we apparently have to fear the enemies within.

The media is running with the big story, and that story is the possibility of further anarchy.

Much of the original inauguration plan has been scrapped to offer better security to incoming President Joe Biden and his team. Usually, as many as

200,000 people attend the ceremony; this year only 1,000 invited guests will be there. The outgoing president will not attend. Tens of thousands of National Guard troops will be on site.

The inaugural parade will be “virtual” across America. High fences have been erected around public buildings in the nation’s capital. One commentator said last night that Washington looks like the Green Zone, the heavily fortified area in the middle of Baghdad.

Are you feeling, as I do, that so much has already been lost? In the same way that Islamic terrorists won once we started disrobing at airport check-ins, the domestic terrorists have also gained ground. Their violence has necessitated that we live our lives differently.

Twelve years ago, when Barack and Michelle Obama walked down Pennsylvania Avenue after his inauguration, what a promising moment it was. In a column dedicated to my granddaughter, I wrote: “Sabrina, when you vote for president for the first time in 2024, my guess is it won’t matter much if the candidate is a woman or a man, gay or straight, white, Black, Hispanic or Asian. And it won’t matter because of

I

this election in 2008. As President-elect Barack Obama said in his victory speech, ‘Change has come to America.’”

We have come apart at the seams since then. Change has come, but not the change Obama envisioned.

We have become a country where delusional thinking takes hold among millions of people who act out their rage and frustration on elected officials and cherished landmark buildings, the iconic symbols of our democracy. We have become the place where, through incompetence, ignorance and even intentionality, a ferocious pandemic is raging across the country, as our leaders have failed to take appropriate steps to keep us safe.

Last Friday, the FBI was publicly warning of violent attacks on state institutions in the days leading up to and including the inauguration. But the same agency failed to sound the alarm before Jan. 6, when it reportedly had intelligence indicating an imminent attack on the Capitol. How do we reconcile that?

As the alarms sounded last week, a relative of mine sent out a letter to the entire family. He said he knew he was

can’t help thinking back to 12 years ago, and what a promising moment it was.

probably over-reacting, but he wanted to share a family plan for all of us to meet up in a worst-case scenario. In his mind, worst-case would be some kind of catastrophic attack in which phones and the internet would go down, leaving us with no means to communicate with one another. His proposed plan included a “regional” meeting place for the next month. It also detailed meeting places in other states and other countries in years going forward, with specific places for years ending in 0 and years ending in 5.

He used the dates of our parents’ birthdays for the particular meet-up days.

I assure you that this individual is solid and sober and believing that although a doomsday scenario is extremely unlikely, it has become more possible considering recent events.

When the unthinkable happens right before your eyes, like the assault on the Capitol, you are moved to consider other unthinkable scenarios.

I was momentarily tempted to respond to him with a joke to ease the pressing anxiety. But I’m thinking, instead, it doesn’t hurt to have a plan. I wrote back to him: “Thank you. This reminds us of what makes life worth living: one another.”

Copyright 2021 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

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BELLMORE HERALD — January 21, 2021

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