Bellmore Herald 09-17-2020

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Bellmore

HERALD

Vol. 23 No. 38

SEPTEMBER 17- 23, 2020

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We’re all in this together

Local high schools welcome students amid a pandemic By alySSa SEidMaN aseidman@liherald.com

Students and staff in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District returned to school on Tuesday, Sept. 8. For some, this meant logging on to a computer for a designated day of remote learning; for others, it meant stepping into a school building for the f i r s t t i m e s i n c e M a rch .

And for everyone involved, t h e f i r s t d ay o f s c h o o l marked the be ginning of a n u n p r e c e d e n t e d ye a r ahead.

The Central District will follow a hybrid lear ning

model — in which students alter nate between inschool and remote classes — for the first two weeks.

The goal is to ease into full in-person instruction as teachers, students and staff adjust to new safety protocols.

“Our whole being is wanting to suppor t kids academically, socially and emotionally, so star ting with half the population will help us get used to prot o c o l s a n d p ro c e d u re s, ” Calhoun High School Principal Nicole Hollings said.

“The model that we have going forward is the best model we can have — now

we have to actually do it.”

If routines are perfected and it is safe to do so, the district has set a tentative full in-person reopening date of Sept. 21. The final decision on a full reopening will be made by Sept.

16.

The Herald Life got a glimpse inside the district’s three high schools to see what students would encounter when returning to school in the time of Covid-19.

Students districtwide will have their temperatures taken with a contactless infrared thermometer

coNTiNuEd oN NEXT PagE

2020-2021

Alyssa Seidman/Herald Life

MEPhaM high School science teacher Josephine Parlagreco had her temperature taken by an infrared scanner as she entered the building as Jim Lavin, a security aide, looked on from behind a plastic barrier.

Living in

BELLMORE

A l l o f u s at t h e H e r a l d Community Newspapers were frightened by the coronavir us pandemic when it reached Nassau County in March. Some of us were sickened by Covid-19, and some were even hospitalized.

But we had a job to do. We were, as Gov. Andrew Cuomo called us, “essential workers,” relaying v i t a l i n f o rm at i o n p e o ple needed to know to stay h e a l t hy a n d survive.

So we did what we knew h ow t o d o — reported the n ew s, d ay i n , day out, for weeks on end.

S u d d e n l y, w e were no longer a weekly newspaper. We were a daily, publishing the news online a t liherald.com and in our daily n e w s l e t t e r. H u n d r e d s o f thousands of people came to o u r we b s i t e fo r t h e l at e s t news.

The pandemic stretched us to our limits, but we never b r o ke. We we r e w i t h yo u throughout, and our pledge is to remain with you until all of us retur n to nor mal life.

Producing the news, however, is a costly endeavor. We m u s t p ay t h e s a l a r i e s o f reporters, editors, photographers, graphic artists, advert i s i n g a c c o u n t e xe c u t ive s, press operators, drivers and managers. Now, more than ever, we are relying on you, our readers, to support us, as w e h ave s u p p o r t e d yo u through this crisis.

Please consider taking an annual subscription to the Herald. See our subscription ad in this week’s paper on the back page.

If you are already a Herald subscriber, thank you for your support. We hope you are pleased with our covera g e, a n d i f yo u a r e, yo u might consider taking a two- or t h re e - ye a r s u b scription.

If you’re new to the Herald, then you must know that our mission is to c o ve r a l l t h e news of your neighborhood, from the schools to the L i t t l e L e a g u e s , from houses of worship HERALD t o ve t e r a n s organizations.

We also want to hear what you have to say about the issues affecting the Bellm o r e s. P l e a s e s h a r e yo u r story ideas with me, Alyssa Seidman, or Re por ter Andrew Garcia.

Finally, you can make a tax-deductible donation to the Heralds to help support our newsgathering efforts by going to liherald.com/donate.

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ld.com www.lihera

— Alyssa Seidman, Editor

September 17, 2020 — BELLMORE HERALD LIFE

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‘Distancing centers,’ barriers among new protocols Continued froM front pAge upon ar rival. Instead of mingling with their friends in the hallways, they will wait in “distancing centers” — either a gymnasium, cafeteria or auditorium — before first period to “limit crowd-g athering,” Me pham Principal Eric Gomez said. On their way to class, students will follow blue directional ar rows throughout the buildings, which are intended to maintain a two-way traffic flow in the halls and a one-way traffic flow, either up or down, in the stairwells.

In the classrooms, desks and chairs are spaced as far apart as possible.

Each desk is equipped with a threesided plastic barrier, and students are required to wear masks during class.

Once a period is over, students are dismissed to their next class one row at a time.

In the cafeterias, tables are spread out six feet apart and come equipped with plastic barriers, as well. Custodians have also set up individual tables and desks in the schools’ g yms to allow students to eat there if needed.

Clubs will not meet during the first two weeks, but the principals said they would work with advisers to assess how those activities could be held based on the model the district will follow for the rest of the school year.

Kennedy High School Principal Gerard Owenburg said he spoke with more than 100 students ahead of the first day to address any concerns they had about returning to the building.

“The safe retur n of everyone is the absolute top priority, but we also want to try and preserve those traditions the kids look forward to,” he said. “All of the things that would normally be done, we have Plan A, B and C in place for.”

Hollings said the same of Calhoun’s On Tour Company, the magnet drama program that takes in students from Mer rick and Bellmore. “The director Sal Salerno and I have plans to have performances and rehearsals . . . regardless of whether we’re fully back, hybrid or remote,” she said.

“We want to keep kids engaged in whatever work they do and give them the ability to show their talents.”

Gomez said much of the feedback f ro m p a re n t s i n re s p o n s e t o t h e hybrid reopening has been positive.

He also commended his staf f for being receptive to the new pandemic procedures. “Patience is a big word among anyone in education, and we will remain patient, positive and flexible,” he said. “Our primary goal is to keep people safe, and we will do our best to make that happen.”

While entering a classroom may be “shocking” this year, Owenburg said, he believes “Cougar Nation,” as the school is known among students, is prepared to adjust to the new normal.

“We’re going to learn from the mistakes that [students] made on and off college campuses and work our way towards a full reopening that the kids want,” he said. “‘Protect the den.’”

Photos by Alyssa Seidman/Herald Life

At MephAM, students can sit two to a table during lunch, since each table now has plastic barriers.

Courtesy Gerard Owenburg via Twitter

Before the first day of school, incoming seventh-graders visited Kennedy High School in Bellmore for freshman orientation, above. The students sat at every other desk to stay socially distant. to keep Crowding to a minimum, Mepham’s stairwells have been designated up or down.

Bellmore

HERALD Bellmore honors 9/11 heroes

Students head back to school

Bellmore Stars welcomed back

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Vol. 23 No. 38

SEPTEMBER 17 - 23, 2020

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‘He was larger than life’ The Rev. Tim Hirten dies at 66

a player on the Washington Generals, who rival the Harlem Globetrotters.

The Rev. Timothy Hirten dediSeveral newscasts from 2000 cated his life to his many pas- show Hirten preparing for a sions — the priesthood, the U.S. “Million Dollar Shot” at a Air Force, travel, basketball — Knicks game at Madison Square and he had a fierce compassion Garden, a high-stakes challenge for friends and loved ones, fami- that awarded $1 million for a sucly members said. cessful full-court “He was larger shot. The excitethan life,” said ment from children H i r t e n’s s i s t e r, at Sacred Heart Maureen AgostiAcademy in Baynacchio. “He loved side, Queens, p e o p l e, a n d h e where he was pasloved helping peotor then, was palpaple. He was just so ble: Hir ten had selfless.” promised to donate Hirten, a Bellthe potential funds more native, died to the parish — Aug. 15, when he after buying ice was struck by a cream for all the train at a railroad students. crossing in Wichita “If a father won, Falls, Texas, near it would go to his the Sheppard Air family,” Hirten said Force Base, where in a CBS News seghe was a chaplain. TERRy hiRTEN ment. “Well, I’m He was 66. the father of a parTim’s brother Hirten can be ish and a school, so seen in various vidif anything comes eos doing what he loved most: through, it goes to the parish. playing basketball, performing Now, I would like to get maybe Irish step dancing routines and one dinner — I’ll go out for dinspreading smiles. His career in ner.” the European Professional BasThe moment came, and ketball League took him to Bel- Hirten launched the basketball gium, Israel and the Philippines, down the court — with a little and later he entertained many as Continued on page 5

By aNdREW GaRCia agarcia@liherald.com

h

Alyssa Seidman/Herald Life

BEllMoRE RESidENTS ThoMaS Stoerger and Juliette Kealy, both 21, were some of the first students to enroll at the Rock Underground when it opened on Bedford Avenue 10 years ago. Now they are the ones teaching the next generation of musicians.

Rock Underground still rockin’ By alySSa SEidMaN aseidman@liherald.com

It’s been 10 years since lifelong musician Paul Casanova — armed with a roll of painter’s tape — mapped out the blueprint for a music school in an empty 2,500-square-foot storefront in Bellmore Village, but the Rock Underg round’s fiery lo go and “Dazed and Confused” décor clearly suggests that it “isn’t your typical music school,” Juliette Kealy said.

At 10, Kealy signed up for piano lessons at the Rock, and within a month she wanted to learn how to play guitar and drums, too. “Once you start going here, you pick up every instrument,” she said. “It’s just that type of environment.”

Now, at 21, Kealy and other longtime students are becoming the teachers at the music school, setting a tone to keep it rocking for the next 10 years.

The Rock’s rumblings Casanova was a former music director at the School of Rock in Port Washington, but when the company went corporate in 2010, he decided to open his own school. Having worn many hats in the music industry — including booking bands for CMJ Holdings Corp. and writing a song on the “Empire Records” soundtrack — he was inspired to pursue music education.

Continued on page 3

e’s a people person; he loved everyone.

You could be in an airport with him, and he’d stop and talk to 20 different people.

HS & COLLEGE SPORTS AMID COVID-19 FREE LIVE WEBINAR

WEDNESDAY • SEPTEMBER 23 at 7PM Nassau and Suffolk counties have both opted to postpone high school sports until January of 2021, and many colleges have moved their fall sports to the spring as well. With sports on pause, studentathletes and parents are left not only disappointed, but with many lingering questions.

How will student-athletes demonstrate their performance to college scouts without games until January at the earliest? Will sports scholarships be in jeopardy? What options do high school and college student-athletes have for maintaining their skill and physical activity?

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Photos by Alyssa Seidman/Herald Life

Iconic music school marks 10th anniversary Continued from front pAge

“The path to succeeding in this industry can be a crooked one, but I had the opportunity to show the generation behind me that it has changed and evolved,” Casanova said.

Steve Eplan, of Merrick, showed Casanova the Bedford Avenue space 10 years ago. He recalled that before the Rock Underground opened, kids would enter through the back entrance for lessons, since the front doors were still locked.

“I call that first group of students ‘The Militia’,” Casanova said with a smile. “We were rising up against corporate interests to create our own body of music.”

The school offers programs for students of all ages, including toddler jams for children as young as 18 months and a rock performance program for adults.

Through monthly memberships, students can either take lessons, join one of the Rock Underground’s bands or both. In addition to live concerts, students also provide entertainment at the annual Bellmore Street Festival.

“We take the windows off of our school and schedule multiple ensembles to perform,” Casanova said. “It’s like our Woodstock weekend.”

Covid hits a chord

The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores canceled this year’s festival, citing Covid-19 health and safety concerns, but the event wasn’t the only thing impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The school lost nearly 70 percent of its students during the crisis, and Casanova had to cut the space in half to save money on rent, he said. To comply with state guidelines, performance-based programs were put on hold and music lessons were moved online.

As the school prepared to reopen, Casanova said a small army of students who lived much of their entire lives through the Rock Underground returned to help rebuild in time for the 10th anniversary.

Kealy said she and fellow studentturned-teacher Thomas Stoerger, of Bellmore, will soon teach music to a group of 5- and 6-year-olds in the same studios they

learned in. “I took [the downsizing] as an opportunity to give this place life again,” she said. “You’re not just teaching kids music — you’re building a community.”

As Kealy grew up within the soundproof walls of the Rock Underground, she forged lasting friendships with fellow students after lessons ended or during latenight jam sessions, she said. “We were so lucky to have this place, and I want kids to have the same experience that I did.”

Adjusting to a different tune

The Rock Underground also has locations in Massapequa, Patchogue, Commack and Greenwood Lake, and while the pandemic has hit the live music industry particularly hard, Eplan is convinced the school will “explode again” once it passes.

“Being a musician, and being inspired and motivated, is a gift,” Casanova added.

“To see [my students] come back 10 years later, saying they’re not going to let it go, makes us ready to launch into what will hopefully be the next 10 years.”

The Rock Underground is at 300 Bedford Ave. in Bellmore. For more information, call (516) 221-7625 or visit www.rockundergroundmusic.com/bellmore.

Above, niCk mArAno, 20, of Melville, adjusted a sound mixing board in one of the Rock Underground’s studios. He teaches guitar and piano at the music school. in thomAs stoerger’s Wall of Fame photo, he has long hair and is jamming on an electric guitar.

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BELLMORE HERALD LIFE — September 17, 2020

in the lobby of the Rock Underground is a collage of sheet music, set lists and photos dubbed the Wall of Fame. Juliette Kealy pointed out a photo of her younger self on the wall.

September 17, 2020 — BELLMORE HERALD LIFE

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What’s up next door and around the corner

Herald neigHbors

Service members remember the fallen 19 years later

By ANDREW GARCIA agarcia@liherald.com

It was a solemn day for Bellmore and North Bellmore Fire Department service members who gathered once again to reflect on the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001.

Dozens of neighbors attended to remember the fallen, as well.

The annual ceremony was held at the Bellmore Fire Department’s 9/11 Memorial on Pettit Avenue, commemorating those lost in the terrorist attacks 19 years ago. Masks covering the rows of saluting service members and attendees posed as a stark reminder of the current Covid-19 pandemic.

The departments laid wreaths dedicated to Bellmore volunteers and New York City firefighters Kevin Prior and Adam Rand, who died while assisting survivors trapped in the towers, and volunteer Sean Michael McCarthy, who responded to Ground Zero and died from 9/11-related cancer in 2008.

Photos by Andrew Garcia/Herald Life

BEllmoRE FIRE DEpARtmENt members lined up in front of the 9/11 Memorial for the hamlet’s annual remembrance ceremony. pEtE SChmAlENBERGER, JR., near left, a 65-year member of the Bellmore Fire Department, rang the bell as each victim’s name was read.

FAmIly mEmBERS oF the fallen carried wreaths and other tributes to the memorial, far left.

SHARE YOUR LOSS, SHARE YOUR MEMORIES HOW TO REACH US Our offices are located at 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 and are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000 ■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/bellmore ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: belleditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 203 E-mail: belleditor@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942 ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942 ■ ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460 ■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: sales@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 The Bellmore Herald life USPS 017547, is published every Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Periodicals postage paid at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to Bellmore Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Newsstand Price: $1 Subscription rates: $36 for 1 year within Nassau County. Out of Nassau County: $58 for 1 year. Copyright © 2020 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Dear neighbor:

We live and work in this community. The lives of each and every one of you is important to us and we are here to tell your stories — from beginning to end. That includes the final chapter. At this difficult time, I want to remind you that obituaries in all Herald Community Newspapers are, and have always been, completely free.

COVID-19 has taken far too many, far to soon. Let us help you commemorate the life of your loved one with a story and photo celebrating their life. Contact our Executive Editor Scott Brinton, sbrinton@liherald.com or call 516-569-4000, ext 203, if you would like to memorialize a loved one in the Herald, regardless of their cause of death.

Stuart Richner Publisher srichner@liherald.com 1100740

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BELLMORE HERALD LIFE — September 17, 2020

WATER MAIN FLUSHING NOTICE Each year, New York American Water flushes the water mains in its distribution system. This essential part of our system maintenance program helps us to provide you with high-quality water service. When crews are in the area, customers may experience a drop in water pressure or discolored water. If this happens, simply let your water run until it is clear. Customers are also encouraged to check for discolored water before doing laundry. Any changes due to weather will be posted on our website at newyorkamwater.com (on the home page, click on Alerts Notifications).

NOTE: No flushing will be conducted in observance of Sukkot (Oct. 2–Oct. 9), Columbus Day (Oct. 12), and Veterans Day (Nov. 11)

2020 Fall Flushing Schedule

Flushing hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Family, friends mourn the Rev. Timothy Hirten ConTinued from fronT page too much power. The ball hit the back of the rim and bounced off. “I don’t think I could have come closer,” Hirten said.

He still won $4,000, which he donated to the parish.

Basketball helped Hirten form a bond with his brother Terry, who also played professionally and later joined the Washington Generals. The two played and lived in Belgium at the same time, and they explored the country together.

“He’s a people person; he loved everyone,” Terry said. “You could be in an airport with him, and he’d stop and talk to 20 different people.”

As kids growing up on Long Island, the Hirtens had their own basketball team, the “Hirten Five,” which was successful in many recreational matches, Terry said.

Wherever Hirten was, he embraced the local culture. He was fluent in seven languages, and sometimes offered Mass in locals’ native tongue. He loved communicating with people in their own languages, Terry explained. In the Philippines, Hirten even married a couple in Filipino, according to Agostinacchio.

His Air Force service made him even worldlier — he was deployed to Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, South Korea and Saudi Arabia. Family members often visited him overseas, Agostinacchio said.

Hirten was also an uncle and godfather to Colleen Guarneiri, Agostinacchio’s daughter, with whom he shared a special bond. “We had an extra-special connection,” Guarneiri said, sharing constant communication through emails

and taking trips abroad.

Guarneiri’s son was born on Aug. 18, three days after Hirten’s death. She named him Timothy.

“He has big shoes to fill,” Guarneiri said. “I hope he’s even half the man Uncle Timmy was, because he was an incredible person.”

Family members shared other stories about the unique life that Hirten lived.

He auditioned for, and was chosen to play a priest in, the Academy Award-winning film “The Departed,” starring Jack Nicholson and Leonardo DiCaprio. He turned the role down, however, not wanting to be associated with the movie’s harsh profanity. He stayed on as a consultant during filming, and later became a member of the Screen Actors Guild.

Hirten was also a member of the Knights of Columbus; a founder of the Catholic Sports Camp, where hundreds of children have spent their summers; a member of the Jones Beach Lifeguard Corps; and a lead dancer in the Hirten Family Irish Step Dancers Troupe.

A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Barnabas the Apostle Church in Bellmore on Aug. 25, and a dedicated Facebook page showed an outpouring of love for Hirten. From around the world, friends sent their condolences, remembering the mark that “Father Tim” left on their lives.

In addition to Agostinacchio and his brother Terry, Hirten is survived by siblings Michael, Robert and Nancy McAtasney. He was the uncle of 15 nieces and nephews and 20 grandnieces and grandnephews — as well as three on the way.

START DATE 11/9/2020 9/28/2020 9/28/2020 11/9/2020 10/26/2020 10/26/2020 11/9/2020 11/9/2020 10/19/2020 10/23/2020 11/9/2020 11/9/2020 11/9/2020 11/9/2020 10/26/2020 11/9/2020 11/9/2020 10/26/2020 11/2/2020 9/28/2020 9/28/2020 11/16/2020 10/26/2020 10/13/2020 10/15/2020 10/19/2020 9/28/2020 11/2/2020 11/2/2020 10/13/2020 10/13/2020 9/28/2020 10/23/2020 11/2/2020 11/9/2020 10/26/2020 9/28/2020 10/13/2020 11/9/2020 10/13/2020 11/9/2020 11/9/2020 10/13/2020 10/13/2020

END DATE 11/20/2020 10/2/2020 10/2/2020 11/20/2020 10/30/2020 11/6/2020 11/20/2020 11/20/2020 10/23/2020 10/26/2020 11/20/2020 11/20/2020 11/20/2020 11/20/2020 11/6/2020 11/20/2020 11/20/2020 11/6/2020 11/6/2020 10/2/2020 10/2/2020 11/20/2020 11/6/2020 10/16/2020 10/15/2020 10/23/2020 10/1/2020 11/6/2020 11/6/2020 10/23/2020 10/23/2020 10/2/2020 10/26/2020 11/6/2020 11/13/2020 10/30/2020 10/2/2020 10/16/2020 11/13/2020 10/23/2020 11/13/2020 11/20/2020 10/23/2020 10/23/2020 1100611

Courtesy Maureen Agostinacchiot

The rev. TimoThy Hirten was a man of the court and the cloth, dedicating more than a decade to basketball before becoming a priest.

COMMUNITY Atlantic Beach Baldwin Baldwin Harbor Bay Park Bellmore Cedarhurst East Atlantic Beach East Rockaway Glen Head Glenwood Landing Hewlett Hewlett Bay Park Hewlett Harbor Hewlett Neck Inwood Island Park Lakeview Lawrence Levittown Lynbrook Malverne Massapequa Meadowmere Merrick Mill Neck North Bellmore North Merrick North Seaford North Wantagh North Woodmere Oceanside Roosevelt Roslyn Harbor Sea Cliff Seaford/South Seaford South Bellmore South Hempstead South Merrick South Wantagh Valley Stream Wantagh West Hempstead Woodmere Woodsburgh

September 17, 2020 — BELLMORE HERALD LIFE

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Town 9/11 ceremony honors Luis Alvarez

By James Bernstein jbernstein@liherald.com

They gathered in the early-morning light Friday at the Hempstead Town Park at Lido Beach to honor those killed in the Sept. 11 terror attacks, and to salute the thousands of first responders who worked to save lives and to identify remains from the twin towers in the days, weeks and months after they were shattered by hijacked passenger jets.

Spectators brought chairs, masks and coffee mugs and huddled against their vehicles in the parking lot as gray skies finally gave way to sunshine. They socially distanced, as requested by Town Supervisor Donald Clavin Jr. But the star of the 19th annual memorial service was a man who wasn’t even there — Luis G. Alvarez, a New York City bomb squad detective who worked on the pile, as ground zero was initially called.

Alvarez, 53, died on June 29, 2019, a few weeks after delivering dramatic testimony to Congress that successfully extended the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. He died of complications of cancer linked to his work at ground zero.

Luis’s brother, Phil, the keynote speaker at the ceremony in Lido Beach, said his brother “died in peace, knowing that the bill would probably pass.”

“Thank you for never forgetting,” Phil Alvarez told the hushed crowd. “That’s what my brother would have wanted, that you would never forget.” His brother, he said, wasn’t a big talker, but when he talked, he made people either laugh or listen closely because he had something important to say.

“There are a lot of Lou Alvarezes out there,” Phil said. “It was 19 years ago that my brother’s body began to die. But it was also when his soul began to live. He had a purpose in life, to warn others of the health dangers associated with working on the pile.”

“Lou called me up one day and he said, ‘Bro, I got Stage Four.’”

“I said, ‘What are we going to do?’”

“He said, ‘We’re going to beat this bitch.’”

And, Phil said, in many ways, his brother did.

“He said, ‘I need to get in touch with my friends. I need to warn them about the health hazards.’”

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul came from her hometown of Buffalo to join the crowd in Lido. “These are truly extraordinary times,” Hochul said, referring to the coronavirus pandemic and the need to wear masks and separate. “But we will still gather,” she added. “This is where we need to be.”

Hochul and Clavin later laid a new wreath at the Memorial Wall in the park.

Luis Alvarez’s name was added to the wall.

Clavin, who served as master of ceremonies, noted at the outset that 2020 “started as a normal year. Then, in March, everything changed for everybody. The sounds we heard all the time were sirens

Photos by Scott Brinton/Herald

Phil alvarez, Brother of Sept. 11 first responder Luis Alvarez, who died of 9/11-related cancer in 2019, was the keynote speaker at the Town of Hempstead’s annual Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony in Point Lookout. To his right was Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, and to his left, Councilman Bruce Blakeman. of ambulances, taking people to hospitals.

But that’s what first responders do.”

The event was also marked by prayers by the Rev. Michael Duffy, of St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Center; Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, of Yeshiva of the South Shore in Hewlett; and the Rev. Eric C. Mallette, of the Greater Second Baptist Church in Freeport. There were musical selections by the Gregorian Consortium of Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale. led by Director Alexander Basile.

Mallette, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps, said people were expecting a prayer.

But, he said, he also wanted to make a statement, calling on the spectators to love their country and “support the USA. If anyone wants to leave this country, they can go. I guarantee, no one will stop them,” Mallette said to applause.

Valerie Laupheimer, of Nor th Bellmore, was among the first to arrive at the park, at 6 a.m.

On Sept. 11, 2001, she recalled, she was working for the credit-rating agency Moody’s, across the street from the twin towers. Laupheimer said she had heard a loud bang, but thought it was just part of the city’s usual background noise. Her sister, she said, worked a few floors above her, and called to tell her to look out the window.

“I did see an explosion,” Laupheimer said. “But I didn’t know it was an airplane.” She learned that it was soon afterward. She left the building shortly after 9 a.m. and walked to the 59th Street Bridge, but couldn’t get through the crowds, so she walked to the Brooklyn Bridge. She got a lift home from Brooklyn, arriving at home after 7 p.m.

“I was in disbelief,” Laupheimer said of the day, as she stood at the edge of the crowd in the park Friday morning. “I’m still so devastated. So many people went to work that day, as I did, and they didn’t come home.”

FireFighters stood atoP the town’s 9/11 Memorial Wall before the ceremony. town oF hemPstead Supervisor Don Clavin, right, and Alvarez laid a wreath with Lt. Gov. Kathy Hocul at the Memorial Wall.

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BELLMORE HERALD LIFE — September 17, 2020

EDUCATION & COVID-19

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September 17, 2020 — BELLMORE HERALD LIFE

8

County hosts socially distant 9/11 ceremony

By Scott Brinton sbrinton@liherald.com

In a nearly 40-minute, socially distant ceremony last Friday morning, elected and appointed Nassau officials and families of local 9/11 victims paused to remember the 348 county residents who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

At the solemn ceremony, held under a steel-gray sky, seven family members of victims read all 348 names before a handful of attendees at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, near the county’s 9/11 memorial.

County Executive Laura Curran of fered opening and closing remarks, and Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder was among the attendees.

The Nassau County Police Department Pipe and Drum band performed “Amazing Grace”; the Rev. Kevin Smith, the county’s fire chaplain, offered the opening

prayer; and NCPD Chaplain Dov Schwartz gave the closing prayer.

“This has been a hard year, to say the least,” Curran noted in an email to county residents a day before the ceremony. “But as we approach the 19th anniversary of Sept. 11, I am taking time to pause and remember the tragic events that left our community and our nation forever changed. The World Trade Center attack stole the lives of thousands. We lost family members, friends, neighbors and colleagues — and we lost a sense of safety that we once took for granted.

“The heroic first responders who set their own safety aside to rescue others,” she continued, “showed immense courage, and we are forever grateful. We face a second tragedy as we remember those heroes who survived 9/11 but lost their battle with Covid-19 this year — a disease made worse for those who spent days or weeks breathing in the air at ground zero.”

To watch a video of the ceremony, go to liherald.com.

Photos by Christina Daly/Herald

victoria DEvito, from left, Greg Hoffman, Diane Fairben and Geri Ainbinder were also among the readers at Nassau County’s socially distant 9/11 remebrance ceremony last Friday. Each lost family.

News brief Veteran correspondent joins LIU’s Global Service Institute

SuSan HutcHinS waS among seven readers to recite the names of Nassau’s 348 9/11 victims at the county cderemony. Hutchins’s son Kevin Colbert, 25, of West Hempstead, died in the World Trade Center attacks. county ExEcutivE Laura Curran offered opening and closing remarks.

Rita Cosby, the renowned Emmy- the Institute to even higher levels.”

The Global Service Institute’s Honwinning TV host, veteran correspondent and best-selling author, has joined orary Advisory Board comprises chamLong Island University as chairwoman pion boxer Evander Holyfield, Super of its Global Service Institute. Cosby Bowl champion Joe Theismann, “King of the High Wire” Nik Walwill lead the institute’s edulenda, Grammy-winning cational initiatives to s i n g e r D i o n n e Wa r inspire a commitment to wick, Emmy-winning volunteerism and elevate actress Susan Lucci, Roc the importance and power Nation President of Busiof service. ness Operations and StrateDuring the coronavirus gy Brett Yormark, Oscarpandemic, university offinominated Actor Gary cials said, the need for volSinise, best-selling author unteers to assist drasticalNelson DeMille, astroly depleted nonprofit organaut Buzz Aldrin, NATO nizations, so the need for Supreme Allied Commandt h e m h a s n eve r b e e n rita coSBy e r G e n e r a l We s l e y greater.

Global Service C l a rk , M i c h a e l Re a Through engagement Institute chair gan, business executive programs, conferences, and D-Day veteran Maurice internships, scholarships and fellowships, the nonpartisan insti- “Hank” Greenberg, America’s first tute aims to develop character, prepar- female Four-Star Gen. Ann Duning and inspiring students and others woody, Medal of Honor recipient Col. to help find solutions to complex world- Jack Jacobs, founder of EarthX Tramwide challenges and seek personal or mell Crow, celebrity chef Robert Irvine, professional lives dedicated to service, public relations executive Ken Sunshine and others. according to LIU officials.

The LIU Global Service Institute “The Global Service Institute established LIU as a premier destination for will kick off the fall 2020 semester with developing values-driven global citi- the “Headliners of Service” monthly zens who will impact their communi- virtual speakers series, which will featies,” LIU President Dr. Kimberly R. ture live conversations with Susan Cline said. “With her global experience Eisenhower, Housing and Urban Develexploring critical headlines and life- opment Secretary Ben Carson and Forlong dedication to service, Rita Cosby mer Israeli Prime Minister Ehud is an exemplary leader who will elevate Olmert.

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BELLMORE HERALD LIFE — September 17, 2020

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What’s neWs in and out of the classroom

Herald ScHoolS

Photos courtesy North Bellmore School District

saw Mill road Elementary School students were excited for their first day of in-person instruction since March as the 2020-21 school year began in North Bellmore on Sept. 9.

saw Mill PrinciPal Jeff Rosof greeted the Sander siblings, second grader Skylar, left, and fifth grader Jordan.

North Bellmore schools reopen with high spirits Desks throughout the North Bellmore School District had new plastic barriers, but they also had students for the first time since mid-March after the five elementary schools opened on Sept. 9.

While the 2020-21 school year began during the Covid-19 pandemic, the district created a thorough reopening plan to ensure that students and staff could return to a safe and healthy learning environment. At the entrances to each school, teachers showed students how to use touchless thermometers that took their temperature by reading their wrists.

After students settled into their classrooms, Saw Mill Road Principal Jeff Rosof addressed the school over the P.A. system for some welcoming remarks, the Pledge of Allegiance and a few announcements.

“It’s going to be different, but we know it’s still going to be a great school year,” he said.

“We know there are smiles underneath those masks.”

In AnnMarie Gilroy’s class, her sixth graders spoke excitedly about being reunited after nearly six months of remote instruction and summer break. Many of them have set goals for the year, both in terms of academics and personal growth. Alyssia Bedessi summed up the feelings of her class, which is ready to embrace the changes and determined “to try to make the best of the year.”

The district is also offering an alternate virtual learning model for students, with online classes taught by certified North Bellmore teachers following the same curriculum as in-person instruction.

— Courtesy North Bellmore School District; compiled by Andrew Garcia

Maryann Gilroy’s sixth graders, above, were glad to be back, even with masks and desk barriers. tristan yin, near left, was styling for his first day of kindergarten. students, far left, held up their wrists to have their temperatures taken by touchless thermometers at the front entrance.

11

BELLMORE HERALD LIFE — September 17, 2020

Courtesy Lauren Corcoran-Doolin

neAr Wyckoff Avenue in Bellmore, which is north of Sunrise Highway, first responders assisted residents caught in the floods.

Bellmore, Merrick residents navigate flooded streets aseidman@liherald.com

The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for southeastern Nassau County early last Thursday morning as thunderstorms dropped heavy rains across the affected area, including Bellmore and Merrick.

According to the Sept. 10 alert, the storm’s impact would cause flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses, as well as other drainage and low lying areas.

Jaime Sumersille, who has lived on Linden Street in Bellmore for the past 16 years, said her block is particularly vulnerable to flooding because of its proximity to Newbridge Creek. The northern part of the creek, which is part of the Town of Hempstead’s drainage system, is prone to flooding after heavy rains, residents say.

A town project to install a concrete box culvert in the creek was completed in 2002, but Sumersille claims the project was halted on the southern side of Linden, resulting in years of flooding. She has since advocated for the project’s completion.

“We have reached out to the town, the highway department, attended council

meetings, but aside from clearing the external drain, nothing else has been done,” she said. “I couldn’t get out of our driveway so my neighbor had to drive my kids to school, two tow trucks [took] away cars that tried to pass through but got stuck, and my husband was clearing out the storm drain with his hands.”

Michele Myers Trageser, who lives on Montauk Avenue in Merrick, warned residents via Facebook that her block was badly flooded and cautioned drivers not to speed. “Have pity on me as I’m watching waves of water surge up towards my house as each car goes by,” she wrote in the post. “A car actually had to back up to Merrick Avenue because they couldn’t get through.”

From her front porch on Hale Place, Bellmore resident Lauren Corcoran-Doolin watched first responders assist neighbors near Wyckoff Avenue, which was flooded up to the curb. “From the looks of it on Facebook we’re not even the worst [area affected],” she wrote in a post, “but if we weren’t stuck in our house already we certainly are now.”

Merrick resident Kerry Esmay told the Herald Life that the heavy rains brought two feet of water to her door last Thursday morning. “I was sopping up water with towels and buckets,” she said.

A neighBor's cAr got stuck on flooded Wyckoff Avenue in Bellmore.

1102626 1098135

By AlyssA seidmAn

Covid-19

HoMetown Heroes

Andrew Meyerowitz

Peter wenninger East Meadow

BellMore

President, BellMore KiwAnis

CoMMAnder, AMeriCAn legion Post 1082 eAst MeAdow

W

E

hen the pandemic broke out, we were organizing our Pancake Breakfast, which was scheduled to be in April, and the Strawberry Festival. At the Kiwanis, all we do is two or three fundraisers that fund the club throughout the year. Right off the bat, we knew we were losing at least one event and that was going to hurt us.

For our Strawberry Festival, we worked to arrange an alternate date.

There’s so much time and effort that goes into these events that we needed the time to be able to organize everything. In March, we planned on holding our event in July — that’s what we were focusing on. Unfortunately, we had to cancel it.

That’s our income for the year. The two events are 95 percent of our income. The cost associated with just opening up our Strawberry Festival is astronomical. That’s a concern to us, if we’re going to be able to hold an event next year, because we don’t know if we’ll have the cash outright.

We use those funds to send children to Kamp Kiwanis in upstate New York. We usually send about 10 children from the area for a free week of camp. We also provide a dozen families with back-to-school supplies, Thanksgiving meals, Christmas deals, you name it — we try to take care of those families throughout the year. We sort of adopted them.

Those funds had to be reduced, but we found we needed to send out more funds because of the situation. The families needed help.

ven though Covid-19 hurt us, it gave us a chance to do some construction. We built a service station behind the bar. We extended the area behind the bar too so now it’s easier to get in and out. The building’s an old farmhouse, so the floors are uneven. Everything we do needs to be added on to the existing infrastructure. We also have new shirts we’re selling from Stitch This, Print That, over in Merrick.

Now, we’re trying to get a ductless airconditioning system that also does heating and ventilation.

If you have a torn of tattered flag, we also have a receptacle out front that anyone could use. We’ll respectfully dispose or recondition your flag.

I was upstate on vacation, so I visited the American Legion hall there to get more ideas and see how they run things up there. As commander, there’s a lot of communicating and coordinating with the public. The hall’s not only good for our members, but the general public as well. We do small gatherings, outdoor events, birthdays, and it’s helpful for us to keep our feet up. We had an Eagle Scout ceremony recently. A family’s holding a small party in our backyard area tomorrow.

You don’t have to be a veteran to join us. We have the Sons and Grandsons of the American Legion and the Ladies Auxiliary. The three divisions work well with one another, and everyone gets along. Becoming a member could be a lot of work, but also a blessing, in our community of vets and our town.

HoMetown Hero

HoMetown Hero

Congregation Shaarei Shalom

1102271

South Baldwin Jewish Center

A Conservative Synagogue

RABBI ROYI SHAFFIN

1400 Prospect Avenue · East Meadow, NY 11554 · (516) 483-4205 · www.eastmeadowjc.org

2959 Grand Avenue • Baldwin New York 11510 516 223-8688 • www.sbjc.net

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We Wish Our Members And Neighbors L’Shana Tova, A Healthy, Happy, And Peaceful Year

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September 17, 2020 — BELLMORE HERALD LIFE

12

13

BELLMORE HERALD LIFE — September 17, 2020

Their fronT-line sTories in Their own words Cathy mcgrory PoWell rosanna morey Wantagh seaford

i

President, Wantagh Chamber of CommerCe

A

began working with the Chamber of Commerce about 20 years ago. A neighbor asked me if I’d be willing to be the recording secretary. Then, my fatherin-law got sick, and I started doing more with my kids in school.

I taught at Memorial Junior High School in Valley Stream — my only job. My husband and I own Universe Home Services. We do basically everything — heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, all of it.

I always wanted to have a St. Patrick’s Day parade in Wantagh. Lots of towns have them, and I just thought, why not us?

I was sworn in about eight weeks before St. Patrick’s Day. We started planning generally a couple of months before that, but we couldn’t do anything concrete until [the new slate of chamber officers] were all sworn in.

Chamber membership is up, by about 30 percent since Covid-19. Some businesses have been able to convert to online models, but the pandemic’s been really hard on others — especially service-oriented ones like restaurants.

But this is a community where people really help each other. We’ll get through this.

organizer, seaford 9/11 Candlelight Vigil

couple of weeks ago, I started a group on Facebook. I wanted to light Seaford up in blue lights, and it was intended for the purpose of everyone in town putting up these lights for the fallen first responders and everyone affected by 9/11.

Then I thought, “How cool would it be if we had a candlelight vigil?” I didn’t want to call it a parade or a march. I really wanted it to be a vigil.

When I started the group [for the vigil], I wasn't even aware that [the Seaford Patriot 9/11 Committee) had canceled the vigil at the high school because of the virus. I have a lot of cop and firefighter friends myself, and I knew that their events had gotten canceled.

I wanted to do something to give back to our community. [Our first responders] have given back so much, so I thought we should do something for them.

Watching so many people give to others during this time, it is very inspiring. I think it is super-important to hold events like this that are a means of unifying people.

I would love to do this annually in collaboration with other events.

hometoWn hero

hometoWn hero

ShoP

516-679-1875 www.bellmorechamber.com info@bellmorechamber.com 2700 Petit Avenue, Bellmore NY 11710 Look online for All LocALLY our Exciting Events

1102274

Wishing you a Happy Rosh Hashanah

L’Shanah Tovah - 5781 -

Happy New Year From the Staff of the

Temple B’nai Torah Wishes All a Happy New Year!

May you be sealed for a good year!

For info about our current VIRTUAL Services - (516-221-2370) http://tbtwantagh.org/

Scott Brinton Executive Editor

Rhonda Glickman V.P. Sales

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Publisher

1101898

Shanah Tovah!

Stuart Richner

September 17, 2020 — BELLMORE HERALD LIFE

14

This Rosh Hashana, celebrate a new start As Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur approach, it is time to close the chapter on this past year, during which many experienced extreme physical, financial and emotional challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

This Friday evening, Sept. 18, is Rosh Hashana, which means “head of the year,” and blesses the entire year for all mankind.

Let the blessings of peace and prosperity, health and healing flow. In fact, you — yes you! — could add your voice to the chorus beseeching God for these blessings.

You may ask yourself, “How can I, little old me, do anything to bring peace, prosperity and healing to this fractured world? I’m not religious or philanthropic; I’m just a regular person trying to get through my day, one step at a time.” Well, as the great Torah scholar Maimonides wrote, “One must view himself and the entire world as equally balanced between good and evil, and that his every word, thought and action can have a tremendous impact.” This fact has been proven with Covid-19 — what one does in a far-flung corner of the world can ripple all the way to our own homes.

There is an expression translated from Yiddish – “Man plans and G-d laughs.” In the midst of a pandemic, many have experienced uncertainty, confusion, fear and anxiety as they quarantined in their homes, lost their jobs or were physically sick. With wedding plans, vacations or other events altered or postponed, there is a feeling that we are

not in control of our destiny.

This directly relates to one of the themes of Rosh Hashana: We crown God as king of the Universe through the blowing of the shofar, a reminder of who is really in charge. To quote one of the Yom Kippur prayers, “Ki Hinei Kachomer B’yad Hayotzer,” we say to God, “As clay in the hands of the craftsman/ potter, so too are we in your hands.”

Through the blowing of the shofar, let our intrinsic faith deeply engraved in our souls reassure us that God will help us overcome all difficulties in life, both material and spiritual The good news is that the Jewish new year is about to begin, and a new year comes with new beginnings. It is a time to take the lessons learned from the last year and move forward, doing our part to fill the world with light and goodness. Even if you cannot come to services this year, at least try to attend your local synagogue or an outdoor service to hear the shofar blown on Sunday, Sept. 20.

Chabad is offering an outdoor shofar blowing and yizkor services; the details can be found at chabadjewishlife.org/services.

While a pandemic may force services to look a little different this year, we are more than ever united in our faith, and hope that God will bestow a brighter, more perfect future.

Congregation Beth Tikvah 3710 Woodbine Avenue Wantagh NY 11793 (516) 785-2445 Dr. Moshe Pinchas Weisblum, Rabbi Gail Jeby-Levy, President

Rabbi Shimon Kramer Chabad Center for Jewish Life, Merrick

Courtesy Chabad Center for Jewish Life

Rabbi Shimon KRameR, of the Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Merrick, sounded the shofar at last year’s Chabad gala.

of the trying times that we have all endured this past Congregation Beth Tikvah are comforted by the fact that we can share precious 3710 Woodbine Avenue Wantagh NY 11793 Temple Beth Am (516) 785-2445 moments with family and friends.

The Reform Jewish Congregation Dr. Moshe Pinchas Weisblum, Rabbi Gail Jeby-Levy, President

of Merrick & Bellmore 2377 Merrick Avenue, Merrick NY

Congregation Beth Tikvah

MICHAEL BAUM, RABBI / DIR. OF EDUCATION Woodbine Avenue NY 11793 In light of the3710 trying times thatWantagh we have all endured this past (516) 785-2445 DANIEL ROSENFELD, CANTOR Dr. Moshe Pinchas Weisblum, Rabbi year, we are comfortedGailbyJeby-Levy, the fact that we can share precious RONALD BROWN and PAUL KUSHNER z”l., RABBI EMERITI President moments with family and friends.

In light of the trying times that we have all endured this past year, we are comforted by the fact that we can share precious moments with family and friends.

Wishing you and your family 'Shanah WishingTovah you andTikatevu, your family 5781.

L'Shanah 5781.

WishingTovah you andTikatevu, your family

Temple beTh am has adopTed a volunTary pledge model new members welcome!

high holy day services are offered for members in limited capacity in person in the sanctuary

L'Shanah Tovah Tikatevu, 5781.

or livestreaming virtually

516-378-3477 www.templebethammerrick.org

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Neighbors iN the News

Let us know!

Courtesy Bellmore School District

Charles a. reinhard Early Childhood Center Principal Patricia Castine welcomed Rising Star students to their first day of school.

Bellmore School District students welcomed back to the classroom Bellmore School District students enrolled in the Charles A. Reinhard Early Childhood Center, Winthrop Avenue School and Shore Road School disembarked from buses and cars on Sept. 8 and 9, ready to start the 2020-2021 school year.

Board of Education trustees, administrators and faculty warmly welcomed the community of learners following new social distancing and mask-wearing guidelines, ready to “Lead and Learn” despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Our star staff has been preparing for the reopening of schools for months,” Superintendent Dr. Joseph Famularo said. “I know that by working together we will have a successful and productive school year, and further build on our unique and nationally recognized Bellmore Stars Character Development Program.”

Courtesy Bellmore School District; compiled by Andrew Garcia

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LEGAL NOTICE BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT BELLMORE U.F.S.D. MERRICK U.F.S.D. NORTH BELLMORE U.F.S.D. NORTH MERRICK U.F.S.D. TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU NOTICE TO BIDDERS: In accordance with provision of Section 103 of the General Municipal Law, the Board of Education of the Bellmore-Merrick Transportation Consortium hereby invites the submission of sealed bids for: Bellmore-Merrick Cooperative School Year Bid 2020-2021 Bids will be publicly opened and read at the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Business Office, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York, on Tuesday, September 29, at 10:00 am.

Specifications and Bid Forms may be obtained from the office of Tom Volpe, Director of Transportation, between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.

The Board of Education reserves the right to waive any informalities in or to reject in whole or in part all bids or to accept any bid which in its judgment is in the best interest of the school district.

By order: Board of Education BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT BELLMORE U.F.S.D. MERRICK U.F.S.D. NORTH BELLMORE U.F.S.D. NORTH MERRICK U.F.S.D. 123110 To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

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Public Notices

LBEL1 0917

Provided as a community service by this civic minded publication and the Association of Free Community Publications

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION BELLMORE FIRE DISTRICT, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK October 13, 2020

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Election of the qualified voters of the Bellmore Fire District (hereinafter called the “Fire District”), in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, will be held at Fire District Headquarters located at 230 Pettit Avenue, Bellmore, New York 11710, in said Fire District, on Tuesday, October 13, 2020. The polls shall open at 6:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) and shall remain open until 9:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) or as much longer as may be necessary to enable the voters then present to cast their votes.

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to the resolution adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Fire District on September 9, 2020, the following Proposition will be submitted to the qualified voters of the Fire District for approval or disapproval: PROPOSITION SHALL the bond resolution of Bellmore Fire District, in the Town of Hempstead, New York, entitled: “BOND RESOLUTION OF THE BELLMORE FIRE DISTRICT (“FIRE DISTRICT”), IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK, ADOPTED SEPTEMBER 9, 2020, AUTHORIZING THE (I) ACQUISITION BY PURCHASE OF A 0.69 ACRE PARCEL OF UNDEVELOPED REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2800 ROYLE STREET, BELLMORE, NEW YORK, FOR USE BY THE FIRE DISTRICT AS THE SITE OF A STORAGE AND TRAINING FACILITY, AT THE ESTIMATED MAXIMUM COST OF $1,200,000 AND (II) THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW STORAGE BUILDING AND TRAINING TOWER THEREON, INCLUDING GRADING, DEMOLITION AND/OR IMPROVEMENT OF THE SITE, PURCHASE OF ORIGINAL F U R N I S H I N G S,

E Q U I P M E N T , MACHINERY AND/OR APPARATUS AND OTHER WORK REQUIRED IN C O N N E C T I O N T H E R E W I T H (COLLECTIVELY, THE “PROJECT”), AT THE ESTIMATED MAXIMUM COST OF $5,300,000, ALL AS FURTHER DESCRIBED IN A PLAN PREPARED FOR THE FIRE DISTRICT

BY H2M ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS, MELVILLE, NEW YORK; STATING THE ESTIMATED TOTAL COST THEREOF IS NOT TO EXCEED $6,500,000, INCLUDING PRELIMINARY COSTS AND COSTS INCIDENTAL THERETO AND TO THE FINANCING THEREOF; APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT FOR SUCH PURPOSE; AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS OF THE FIRE DISTRICT IN THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $6,500,000 TO FINANCE SAID APPROPRIATION; DETERMINING THAT THE PERIOD OF PROBABLE USEFULNESS OF SAID PROJECT IS THIRTY (30) YEARS; FURTHER DETERMINING THAT, PURSUANT TO THE STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW ACT (“SEQRA”), THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS, ACTING AS LEAD AGENCY, HAS DETERMINED THAT THE PROJECT IS AN UNLISTED ACTION AND A NEGATIVE DECLARATION HAS BEEN ISSUED AND FILED, AND PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY OF TAXES TO BE COLLECTED TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON SAID BONDS,” BE APPROVED? All residents of the Fire District who were duly registered to vote with the Nassau County Board of Elections on or before September 21, 2020, shall be eligible to vote at said Special Election.

NOTICE IS ALSO HEREBY GIVEN that absentee ballots shall be made available in accordance with Executive Order 202.58 of the Governor of the State of New York.

Applications for such absentee ballots may be applied for in person at the office of the District Secretary, located at 2450 Newbridge Road, Bellmore, New York 11710, by telephone by calling 516-781-9240 or by email at john.fabian@bellmorefd.c om. The absentee ballot application must be received by the District Secretary at least seven days before the date of the aforesaid Special Election, if the absentee ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before such Special Election, if the absentee ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or his or her agent. A list of all persons to whom absentee voters’ ballots shall have been issued will be available in the said office of the District Secretary between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. (Prevailing Time) Monday through Friday up to and including the day set for the Special Election, and such list will also be available for inspection at the polling place at the Special Election.

Absentee ballots must be received in the office of the Fire District Secretary not later than 5:00 P.M. on the day of the election, provided, that absentee ballots sent by way of the United States Postal Service and received by the Fire District Secretary no later than seven days following the day of the election shall be deemed to be timely delivered. The Fire District Secretary shall transmit all absentee ballots received by him or her in accordance to the Chairperson and Election Inspectors

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS DATED:September 9, 2020 JOHN M. FABIAN FIRE DISTRICT SECRETARY 123109

Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

BELLMORE HERALD LIFE — September 17, 2020

News Brief items, including awards, honors, promotions and other tidbits about local residents are welcome.

Photographs may be emailed as well. Deadline for submissions is noon Thursday the week prior to publication. Send your BellmoreMerrick items to aseidman@ liherald.com

15

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JOB OPPORTUNITY

$18.50 P/H NYC • $16 P/H LI CDPAP Caregiver Hourly Pay Rate!

Under NYS CDPAP Medicaid program you can hire your family or friends for your care.

Phone: 347-713-3553

MECHANIC NEEDED

Auto Experience A Plus Will Train Right Person

Oceanside 516-764-2552 Fax Or E-mail Resume To: 516-678-9087 butchbpms@aol.com

ELEMENTARY TEACHERS: Certified For Five Towns Yeshiva. After noon Hours. Competitive Pay. Send Resume To: atmdayw@yahoo.com FUNERAL ATTENDANT P/T: Bellmore Location to assist staff with working services and other office duties. No experience needed. Flexible Shifts. 516-785-0225

OFFICE HELP

Reliable, P/T, Mon - Fri Various Office Duties Computer, Phones Spanish Speaking A+ Located In Lawrence Call 516-371-2225 Email Resume ramh2167@aol.com

Handyman/ Maintenance Full-Time Call 516-238-3611

HANDYMAN WANTED

Must have clean driver's license.

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 JOB OPPORTUNITY $18.50 P/H NYC $16 P/H LI Up to $13.50 P/H UPSTATE NY CDPAP Caregiver Hourly Pay Rate!

Under NYS CDPAP Medicaid program you can hire your family or friends for your care. Phone: 347-713-3553

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Digital, Events, Sponsorships and Print Media Products.

Salary, Commission, Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Will Consider Part Time.

Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X286

1100451

8 Hour Day, As Needed

585 North Corona Avenue Valley Stream, New York 11580-2099

DRYWALL INSTALLATION PERSON: Experienced, Capable of Taping and Spackle, Painting, Neat and Professional, Drivers License, Part Time could lead to full time. Call 516-341-1622.

1-800-231-6152

4 Hours/Day, 5 Days/Week

by September 24, 2020

COLLECTIONS CLERK P/T Needed For Arrow Exterminating Minimum 2 Years Experience Making Collection Calls Knowledge Of Excel A Plus Pleasant Lynbrook Office, Can Work From Home After Training Call 516-593-6111 Ext.148

Call the USA Classified Network today!

has the following positions available: ParT Time Cleaner

www.oLASjobs.org

CLEANER P/T NEEDED For The West Hempstead Public Library. Hours Include Some Daytime, Evenings, Saturdays And Sundays. Duties Include The Cleaning And Maintenance Of The Library. Must Be Nassau County Resident. Salary $18.17 Per Hour. Contact Dorothy 516-481-6591, ext. 25, 9:00am– 2:00pm

COMPANION-AIDE AVAILABLE FOR EMPLOYMENT. Experienced In Meal Prep., Light Housekeeping, Grocery Shopping/ Errands. Available Full-Time Or PartT i m e. C u r r e n t Ly n b r o o k R e fe r e n c e Available. Own Transportation. Call Althea 917-318-7558

One phone call, one order, one heck of a good price to run your ad in any state, or across the country.

The Franklin Square School District

Interested Candidates Should Apply online to OLAS at

Help Wanted

Part-time Teacher Aides: $17.25/hr Part-Time Lunch Monitors: $14.42/hr Substitute Teachers K-6: $100/ per day

Eldercare Offered

Tel. 516-992-3000 ext. 3023 Fax: 516-221-6319 Email: hr@northbellmoreschools.org

poSiTion REqUiRES nASSAU CoUnTY CiViL SERViCE CoMMiSSion AppRoVAL.

EMPLOYMENT

The North Bellmore U.F.S.D. is seeking

North Bellmore UFSD, ATTN: Human Resources 2616 Martin Ave. Bellmore, NY 11710

Job REqUiRES boTh inDooR CLEAning AnD oUTDooR gRoUnDS KEEping.

We are n equal opportunity employer and will hire without regard to religion, creed, race, color, gender, martial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.

North Bellmore U.F.S.D.

Send Cover Letter And Resume To:

1080712

September 17, 2020 — BELLMORE HERALD LIFE

16

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 SUBSTITUTE MAINTENANCE PERSON ON-CALL. TWO Positions Available!

Island Park Public Library. Must Be Avail.

Weekday Mornings or Evenings. Saturday Availability A Plus. Must Be High School Graduate With Valid Driver's License.Who Can Lift 40 lbs. Email Library Dir. Jessica Koenig jkoenig@islandparklibrary.org or CALL 432--0122 ext. 222.

TRUCK DRIVERS NEEDED - F/T P/T 5 Yrs. Exp. Clean License. Delivering Office Furniture. 516-599-0633.

WAREHOUSE HELP

Dependable, Reliable Individuals Needed For Pick, Pack, And Ship. Duties Include: Organize Goods, Receive/ Count Inventory And Maintain Safe Clean Work Environment.

Start $15/Hr. Oceanside Location Email: info@srcomponents.com

Health Care/Opportunities

WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED!!!

HHA's, LPN's, Nurse's Aides Childcare. Housekeeping Day Workers No Fee To Employers

Evon's Svces: 516-505-5510

NEED A CAR? Find it in the HERALD Classifieds.

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, It’s in the REALHerald ESTATE & MORE...

Classifieds...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, To Advertise Call 516-569-4000 REAL ESTATE press 5 & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

17

• To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 e s t. 1 9 1 1

HOME OF THE WEEK

Hewlett

Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299

​Wishing​You​A​Healthy,​Happy​&​Sweet​New​Year

Center Hall Colonial In The Heart Of Hewlett

1102437

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

OPEN HOUSES BY APPT SUNdAY, 9/20/2020 WOOdMERE 78 Burton Ave, BA, NEW TO MARKET! 5 B R, 4.5 Bth Col in Great Old Woodmere, Large EIK, FDR, LR/Fpl, Den, Office, Full Bsmt, 2 Car Gar. Near All, SD#14 .... $939,000 960 Greenfield Rd, BA, 4 BR, 3 Bth CH Col in Academy Area. Spac LR / Fpl, FDR, EIK, Fam Rm. Main Flr Br w/ Bth. Mstr Ste/Bth/ Off. Walk up Full Attic for Poss Expansion.

Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Gar. SD#14. Near All .............................. HUGE REDUCTION! $889,000 HEWLETT HARBOR 268 Channon Rd, BA, NEW! Move Right Into This Updated 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Col on Parklike Property in SD#20. Full Bsmt w/ Hi ceiling. 2 Car Gar. SD#20. Won’t Last! ...... $879,000 357 Pepperidge Rd, BA, NEW! Beautifully Renovated 5 BR, 4.5 Bth Split on Resortlike Prop with IG Pool in SD#20. Low Taxes! ........................................................$1,275,000 3 Payne Circle, BA, 5 BR, 3.5 Bth Spacious Split on Beautiful Street in Cul de Sac. State of the Art EIK, 2 Dens, Bsmt, & 2 Car Gar. SD#20 ................................ $1,190,000 236 Richards Lane, BA, 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary, Acre Of Resortlike, IGP. Open Floor Plan. Full Fin Bsmt. Main Flr Master. SD14 .........................REDUCED! 1,599,000 1290 Seawane Dr, BA, WATERFRONT! MACY CHANNEL! Build Your Dream Home on this 1.25 Acre Property in Prime Location...................................................... $1,799,000 HEWLETT BAY PARK NEW TO MARKET! 7 BR, 4.55 Bth Stately & Grand Colonial Tucked away in Cul De Sac on Over an Acre of Parklike Property. SD#14 .................................................$2,250,000 159 Meadowview Ave, BA, Stately 5200 Sq Ft Colonial Featuring 6 BR, 6.55 Bths on Acre Of Resortlike, IGP, Tennis Ct, Outdoor Kit. FBsmt, 2 Car Gar, Fabulous Location in SD#14..................................................................................... REDUCED!! $2,699,000 30 Heron Dr, BA, Magnificent 8500 Sq Ft Waterfront Home on 2 Acre Resortlike Prop w/ Pool, Tennis/Sport Ct, New Landscaping w/ Waterfall & 3 BR Guest House w/ Kit, LR, Den. 300 Ft New Bulkhead. 4 Car Htd Gar. SD#14 .............. REDUCED! $4,690,000 90 Anchorage Rd, BA, Over an Acre of PRIME WATERFRONT Macy Channel, 135' Bulkhead, Open Layout, Main Flr Mstr Ste, Potential for Expansion .............$1,999,000 WOOdSBURgH 891 Keene Lane, BA, Magnificently Renovated While Retaining Charm, Stone Cottage. 3 BR, 2.5 Bth with Tremendous Potential for Expansion. Brand New Mstr Bth. Over 1/2 Acre, Near All ........................................ REDUCED & MOTIVATED!! $999,000 EAST ROCKAWAY 1 Thompson Dr, BA, NEW! 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 62 Bulaire Rd, BA, NEW! Renovated 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Exp Ranch with Open Floor Plan on Oversized Prop. Gran/Wood EIK, LR/Fpl, FDR, Vaulted Ceiling in Den. SD#20 ... $725,000 101 Emmet Ave, BA, WATERFRONT! Rebuilt in 2010, 4 BR 3.5 Bth Split w/ Pool, Outdoor Kit & Deck. Open Layout. Private Mstr Ste, 2 Car Gar, SD#20 ........$1,250,000

T

his beautiful home is landscaped to perfection! Just move right into this easy living lifestyle and start your day. This newly renovated three bedroom, two full bathroom home is located in SD#14 and is near all. The Bright and airy den looks into the backyard.

The kitchen is great for entertaining and gracefully flows into the dining room. You will find gleaming hardwood floors throughout along with central air, attached garage that has ample parking. Call Nanci-sue Rosenthal for your private screening!

516-316-1030 or nrosenthal@coachrealtors.com

BELLMORE HERALD LIFE — September 17, 2020

Homes

HERALD

Ditch the LIRR, Rent Local.

For Rent: 3 Room Office SuiteDitch the LIRR, Rent L Ditch Ditch the LIRR, the LIRR, Rent L R With Concierge Ditch the LIRR,Service Rent Local.

For Rent: Hewlett Office Coach Realtors 1315 Broadway, Hewlett NY 11557 hewlett@coachrealtors.com 516.374.0100

Rent: For Rent: 112 Merrick Road, For Lynbrook 3 Room Office Suite 3 Room Office 3 Room Suite Office Suite With Concierge Service 3 Room Office Suite With Concierge Service Service With Concierge 112 Merrick Road, Lynbrook With Concierge Service 112 Merrick Lynbrook 112Road, Merrick Road, Lynbrook 112SFR Merrick Road, Lynbrook John Lawlor, CBR, Michele Librett-Lawlor, CBR, SFR NYS Licensed Real Estate Salespersons Contact (516)599-1100 ext. 141 Where Dreams For Rent:Come Home

75 SEAMAN AVENUE, ROCKVILLE CENTRE o: 516.766.7900 | signaturepremier.com

BestLiHomes.com • 516-418-3333

THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING?

1099323

2119 Bedford Ave. Bellmore, NY 11710

We look forward to providing home buyers and sellers with the highest level of personalized service and support.

1102520

Contact (516)599-1100 ext. 141

*If your property is currently listed with another brokerage, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the listings of other brokerages.

1094137

Won't You Be MY neighBor?

JUAN JARA Licensed RE Broker Associate Cell: 516-318-0142 Juan@AllStarRealEstateBrokers.com CAMILLE GIARDINA Licensed RE Broker/Owner Cell: 516-318-1392 Camille@AllStarRealEstateBrokers.com

Broker/owner

516-764-2601 rockville Centre 43 n. Park Avenue

“Going Above & Beyond to find your Dream Home”

Rhonda Healy

M: (516) 236-7269

Real Estate Salesperson, abR, SRS Verdeschi & Walsh Realty 1025 W. Beech St. | Long Beach, NY

OneKey Multiple Listing Service

1099943

E: Rhonda@rhondahealy.com

1099237

1102261

roger Hart

www.AllStarRealEstateBrokers.com

2949 Long Beach Road, Suite 8 • Oceanside, NY, 11572 Phone 516.766.8200

Open Houses EAST ROCKAWAY 101 Emmet Ave, NEW WATERFRONT! Rebuilt in 2010, 4 BR 3.5 Bth Split w/ Pool, Outdoor Kit & Deck. Open Layout. Private Mstr Ste, 2 Car Gar, SD#20..$1,250,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-429 NORTH MERRICK OPEN HOUSE BY OWNER. Saturday 9/19, Sunday 9/20, 4-6PM. 20 William St. Ranch, 3 By 1 1/2, New Kitchen, Open Floor Plan, 1667 Sq. Ft. Interior, On 1/4 Acre. $599K, Taxes 11K.

Contact (516)599-1100 ext. 141 Contact (516)599-1100 Contact (516)599-1100 ext. 141 ext. 141 Open Houses

WOODSBURGH 891 KEENE Lane, BA, REDUCED & MOTIVATED!! Magnificently Renovated While Retaining Charm, Stone Cottage. 3 BR, 2.5 Bth with Tremendous Potential for Expansion.Brand New Mstr B t h . O ve r 1 / 2 A c r e P r o p e r t y ! N e a r All...999,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

CoOps & Condos/Sale

LONG BEACH OCEAN CLUB 1BR, LR, Eat-in-Kitchen, Bath, Brand New, Waterview, Garage, Lots of Closets. Owner $499K. 917-226-5625

House For Sale

We’re Keeping the American Dream Alive.

MrrogerHart@yaHoo.coM

1101985

Contact one of our hardworking professionals today for all of your real estate needs!

Open Houses

WOODMERE BA, 960 GREENFIELD Rd, BA,4 BR,3 Bth CH Col in Academy Area. Spac LR w/ Fpl, FDR , EIK & Fam Rm. Main Flr Br w/ Bth.Mstr Ste/Bth/ Off. Walk up Full Attic for Poss Expansion. Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Gar. SD#14. Near All. .REDUCED $889,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman RE 516-238-4299

BELLMORE: SIMPLY AMAZING! Multi-Generational, Customized, 3200 Sq-Ft, High-End, 1/4+ Acre, Park-Like Grounds. Chef's Kitchen, Master Ensuite, So Much More! $950,000 Martin Sorrentino, Signature Premier Properties 516-551-0082

Apartments For Rent CEDARHURST NO FEE Pr ivate Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For O n e B e d r o o m W h e n Ava i l a bl e.

(516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

EAST ROCKAWAY CHARMING Colonial 3 Bds, 2 Baths, Water Filtration System, 2 Car Garage. $505K. Call Persephone 516-809-1000 Coldwell Banker Real Estate

Professional Space/Rent

HEWLETT BAY PARK NEW TO MARKET! 7 BR, 4.55 Bth Stately & Grand Colonial Tucked away in Cul De Sac on Over an Acre of Parklike Property.

SD#14...$2,250,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglss Elliman RE 516-238-4299h

RO C K V I L L E C E N T R E 1 1 9 N O RT H PARK AVE. Professional Office Building.

24/7 Access. Suites For Rent. Close To LIRR, Pkwys, And JFK. Reserved Parking.

516-825-5155

18

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

947101

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

1100347

& lANdSCApINg • Tree Removal • Stumps • Fertilization • Planting • Land Clearing • Topping

FREE ESTIMATES

Safe Roof and Exterior Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning, Repairs, Installations 1099696

Sunday, August 02, 2020 11:03:58 AM

FRANCISCO’S TREE SERVICE

1101634

OWA_REBOOT_BW_BOLD

516.431.0799

Lic# H206773000

Office: 516-546-4971 Cell: 516-852-5415

aboveallgutters.com

TREE SERVICE fREE ESTImaTE

If Your Plumbing STINKS

Father & Son Owned

10% OFF inc.

First Responders & Armed Forces

$50 OFF

• Oil to Gas Conversions • Hot Water Heaters • Boilers All Plumbing & Heating Work For House Lifts • Licensed and Insured!

FREE ESTIMATES 4 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE

$100 OFF

We’ll meeT & beaT any priCe guaranTeed Owner/Operated • residential/COmmerCial

516-216-2617

wenkpipingandheating.com

W eNK

PIPING & HEATING CORP. 1076858

• Tree removal Jobs Under • land Clearing $1,000 $500 Minimum • STump grinding USE COUPON CODE HER2020 USE COUPON CODE HER2020 Cannot be combined with other coupon Cannot be combined with other coupon • pruning We Care More Than The ResT for Less Jobs Under $1,000

Suff.

Lic # 5-4512-H

Exp. 12/31/20

Call For Summer SpecialS

• ConCrete • BriCk Patios • stooPs • stuCCo • Belgium BloCks • sidewalks • drainage ProBlems • Cellar entranCe • waterProofing • driveway sealing demolition • dumPster serviCe • Powerwashing • handyman rePairs

516-424-3598

Free estimates

*Power washing sPecialist*

Residential and Commercial - All Surfaces Call Anthony Romeo “The Local Guy” “Anthony & J Home Improvement, Inc.” Also specializes in ★ Deck Renovation ★ Driveways ★ Siding ★ Masonry ★ Fences ★ Roofing ★ Interior/Exterior Painting.

(516) 678-6641 - Licensed & Insured

Free estimates...Best Price For High Quality service

Expert Watch Repair

HEATING OIL HOME • COMMERCIAL

RELIABLE • 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE FAMILY OWNED FOR OVER 65 YEARS

CALL NOW FOR LOWEST PRICE

(516) 379-2727

CALL FOR MORE INFO No service in Long Beach

1081114

Licensed & insured

BeSt priceS in town

senior Citizen Discounts

1082007

Chimney King, Ent. Inc.

(516) 766-1666 FREE • Chimneys Repaired, Rebuilt & Tuckpointing ESTIMATES • Stainless Steel Liners Installed

Chimney Cleaning & Masonry Services Done By Firefighters That Care chimneykinginc.com

Fully licensed and insured Nassau • Suffolk • NYC

WWW.LIHERALD.COM

1101474

Se Habla Espanol

the

BLACKTOP

1099889

at

in

OFF

For New Customer

ALFREDO’S CONSTRUCTION Specializing

$25

Any Service Call

1084810

5% OFF

Vet’s Seniors & All Mail Services

Nass.

Lic # H2904450000

Call The WeNKS! 516-889-3200

1096763

September 17, 2020 — BELLMORE HERALD LIFE

HERALD

A building with ‘a lot of potential’ Q. We bought a building that has three stores on the bottom and an attic above each store tall enough to stand in. The real estate rep said it was intended to be apartments that were just never built, and that it had “a lot of potential.” The building also has an easement driveway that goes to the back, for our property as well as the property next door and two houses behind. We were told that we could maximize the property by building over the Ask The driveway, since it’s part of Architect our property. How do we find out about these things?

Our attorney suggested that you might know.

A. Hopefully you bought the property for the rental income of just the three stores, because you can’t imagine that nobody else ever saw the onte eeper potential for the buildings in the past but just didn’t try to develop the property further. After rule No. 1 in real estate, which is “location, location, location,” comes rule No. 2, to develop the highest and best use of a property. Always maximize these two for the greatest return on investment, according to my real estate professor. If not, we were taught, then know when to walk away.

One of the first things to evaluate, after the building and property condition, is the municipal zoning requirements, such as required parking based on use. Parking is the largest amount of space limitation, and can be the most challenging to investment return. Retail often requires space for one car per 200 square feet for onsite parking, plus driving aisles 23½ to 24 feet wide and a twoway driveway for entry and exit from the site. This takes a lot of space away from the building area.

You can’t take street parking or municipal lots into account, because they’re shared by the public, but there may be a written decision in property records that grants a waiver of the off-street parking requirement if the same use is continuous.

If you add or change a use, the waiver may not continue, and a new zoning case may need to be evaluated before a zoning board. Easements are the attorney’s job to juggle, since title and deed restrictions are part of land limitations set by local law and government legal decisions. I have rarely seen anyone be successful at building above an easement without expense that may be more than the value of the purpose.

The attic space, if adapted to more retail or housing, opens up many more issues, such as space-consuming access stairs for entry and separate fire escape. Sprinklers, flame-retardant finishes, elevator, emergency lighting, alarms, strobes, control panels — the list is long. Always ask before you buy. The tough part before purchase is allowing the time it takes to get real answers. Every requirement is based on so many varying factors due to differing materials, building areas and uses. There will be a lot of number crunching and research to possibly reach your goal. Good luck!

M

L

© 2020 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.

Stuff

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

SERVICES

Antiques/Collectibles

Air Cond. & Heating

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 40 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid.

SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

Ye a r l y M a i n t e n a n c e . F i n a n c i n g Available/ FREE Estimates For Installs.

10% Discount With This Ad. Wise Aire Mechanical Inc. Call Cell 516-244-9137

Miscellaneous For Sale

Cable/TV/Wiring

BEHR'S CRIB- POSH. Neutral Colors.

Converts To Teen Bed. Storage Space Drawer, 32" Armoire, Chest w/Hutch, Includes Base, Mattress and End Table. $600. 516-603-5800.

FINDS UNDER $100

Electricians

Finds Under $100

E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas.

Services/Repairs. Violations Removed.

Free Estimates Low Rates.

516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

ANTIQUE SINGER TREADLE sewing machine in floor cabinet. $75 or best offer.

Call Maureen - 516-395-1999.

B I S S E L L P RO H E AT Tu r b o C a r p e t Cleaner $60 516 395 1999 Mark COFFEE TABLE: PULL up table, black 38x24 from Raymour and Flanagan $100 516-297-2420 COMPUTER LAPTOP: CQ60-215DX 4gb-Mem, 250gb-HD Win10 64x upgraded w/many new HW par ts/apps $80.

516-794-4712 CRAFTSMEN TOOL BOX with Rachet sets, assorted wrenches. handymen tools, etc. $40 take all. 516-221-5374 GIRLS FALL CLOTHES: Size 5 New with Tags. $8 each. Text for pics 917-420-5814.

Merrick GIRLS FALL CLOTHES: Size 8 New with Ta g s. $ 9 e a c h . $ 9 0 fo r 1 0 p i e c e s.

917-420-5814.

GRACO PACK & Play w/Infant Bassinet, Changing Table. $45. Toys-R-Us Folding Highchair $20 Like New. 516-647-0433 HAMILTON BEACH BRAND 6qt. 1) crockpot brand 7qt. Both brand new each $15. 516-297-2420 MAGIC TRACKS SET: 643 pieces, $25.

Remote Control Motor Cycle, Big Wheel Truck $7 each. 516-974-9027 MEXICAN (DARK WOOD) breakfront with matching credenza. Excellent condition. $95 for both or best offer .Call Mark 516-395-1999.

OFFICE CHAIR GRAY excellent condition $30 Mark 516 3951999 PA R ROT / C O C K AT I E L C AG E W I T H matching stand. Black iron. Excellent condition. $50. Call Maureen - 516-395-1999.

PEA COATS: Gap Kids, Wool Blend, Boys, Medium, Blue, Girls, Large, Red. New Never Used. $30/Each. 516-825-0069 PIANO (UPRIGHT): OLD but in excellent condition. Free. Pay for pick-up & delivery.

(516) 974-9027 POULAN 18" BLADE Chainsaw. $75.00.

Homelight chainsaw also available. Contact Anthony 516-996-1383 PRIDE POWER WHEEL chair in excellent condition.$400. (516) 561-1076.

RECIPROCATING SAW: 6 AMP, rotating handle, 5 stops, 16 blades, hardly used $50. 516-794-4712 ROLLING WALKER, LARGE, heavy duty, includes hand brakes, seat, storage space. Very good. $75. 516-218-2604.

SEWING MACHINE, KENMORE 10 And Cabinet Wth Two Side Drawers. New Never Used. $99.99. 516-825-0069 TRUNDLE BED, TWO mattresses included. White wrought iron look. Excellent condition. $90 or best offer. Call Mark 516-395-1999.

VINTAGE 78 RECORDS Lot of 34 for $30. Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore and more.

516-596-1538.

WHEELCHAIR BY DRIVE, extra wide seat, hand brakes, seat belt. Good. $95 O.B.O. 516-218-2604 WHEELCHAIR: EXCELLENT condition $50.00 516-561-1076 WINTER COVER FOR 15 ft. round pool, used 1 season $45 516-887-2656

DRIVE OUT BREAST Cancer: Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup - 24hr Response Tax Deduction - Easy To Do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

• System Turn-Ons

• Installations/Renovations Service • Repairs

Junk Cars Wanted

Certified Backflow Tester Free Estimates Licensed and Insured

Joe Barbato 516-826-7700 Wanted To Sell

FREON WANTED: WE pay CA$H for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals.

Call 312-361-0601 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Handyman

Careers/Training

MIKE THE HANDYMAN: Light JobsPlumbing, Electrical, Specializing Vinyl Tiles, Gardening, Powerwashing, Painting.

Interior And Exterior. Experienced. Reliable And Honest. Call Cell 516-225-8107; 516-837-3436

TRAIN AT HOME TO DO MEDICAL BILLING! Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get Trained, Certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440. (M-F 8am-6pm ET)

Home Improvement

Education

HANDY DANDY NO JOB TOO SMALL! *Kitchens/ Baths *Painting *Sheetrock *Taping/ Spackling *Installations Ceramic/ Vinyl Tile *Carpentry *Alterations *Repairs/ More. FREE ESTIMATES. Dan 516-342-0761

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now!

Now offering a $10,000 scholarship for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details!

(844) 947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET)

*MICHAEL LO BAIDO CONSTRUCTION*

Cement Specialist, Brickwork, Interlock Bricks, Belgium Blocks, Stoops, Patios, Basement Entrances, Pavers, Waterproofing. Quality Work, Lic./ Ins. Owner Always Onsite Free Estimates 516-354-5578

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BELLMORE HERALD LIFE — September 17, 2020

HERALD

19

20

Herald editorial

September 17, 2020 — BELLMORE HERALD LIFE

BellmoreBellmore

HERALD HERALD and Bellmore Herald News Established 1994 AlyssA seidmAn Editor Andrew GArciA Reporter robert cumminGs Audrey cohen Advertising Account Executives 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 © 2020 Richner Communications, Inc.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS Robert Richner Edith Richner Publishers, 1964-1987 ■ clifford richner stuArt richner Publishers michAel boloGnA Vice President - Operations ■ scott brinton Executive Edtitor Jim hArmon

Copy Editor

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

Jeffrey neGrin Creative Director

Fill out the census — the deadline is Sept. 30

e

lected leaders from across Nassau County are urging — even pleading with — residents to fill out the U.S. census if they have not already done so, and time is running out. The census count will end Sept. 30.

The census was originally scheduled to wind down Oct. 31, but in August the U.S. Census Bureau suddenly reduced the time frame by a month. In August, however, four out of every 10 Americans had yet to file their census forms, according to National Public Radio. That has led to fears of severe undercounting, particularly in minority communities.

That is why elected leaders across the county have held news conferences of late, encouraging residents to file their forms to ensure that the states have the correct number of U.S. representatives and that local governments receive all the federal aid they are rightly entitled to — both are based on population — and to assure residents of color, particularly recent immigrants, that they have nothing to fear from the census. Many immigrants reportedly fear that filing might jeopardize their status, particularly after President Trump pushed for inclusion of a citizenship question on the census form, a requirement that the Supreme Court shot down in July 2019.

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, a Democrat from Baldwin, recently held a news conference in Roosevelt with U.S. Rep. Kathleen Rice, a Democrat from Garden City. In August, Curran appeared at Glen Cove City Hall with U.S Rep. Tom Suozzi, a Democrat from Glen Cove. The census was the focus of both gatherings.

Local leaders are right to be concerned.

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letters Thanks for the memories To the Editor: Re Scott Brinton’s column “The little bench in my backyard” (Sept. 3-9): It was very moving. This last year has been extremely difficult for so many. I can’t imagine how journalists like Brinton must feel, writing about the virus. The toll it has taken must be extraordinary.

I don’t have a bench, but I have a small footstone that my son made when he was in kindergarten. It’s round and has small, colorful stones embedded in it. He glued those stones in carefully — his wonderful masterpiece. My son is now 21, living in North Carolina, attending college.

Thank you to Brinton for sharing his memories.

SARI BERKOWITz Glen Cove

What the Constitution says The U.S. Constitution mandates that the country count its population once every 10 years. The results are used to adjust or redraw electoral districts, based on where populations have increased or decreased.

State legislatures or independent bipartisan commissions are responsible The Village of Freeport’s census response rate was 54 percent as of early this month; Elmont and Roosevelt, 53 percent; and the Village of Hempstead, 49 percent.

This is indeed an urgent matter. Rice noted that a 1 percent undercount in the census could cost a local school district or government tens of thousands of dollars, if not hundreds of thousands, in federal aid per year. A severe undercount could cost millions.

Overall, Nassau County’s response rate was solid at 73 percent, according to the most recent data, but even that number is concerning, given the amount of aid that could be sacrificed by an undercount of more than 25 percent.

“When it comes to the census, the stakes have never been higher for Nassau,” Curran said at the Roosevelt news conference, addressing the coronavirus pandemic. “This census is about more than just ensuring we finally get our fair share of federal government dollars when we need it most. This year’s census is a once-in-a-decade opportunity for us to directly combat the inequities this crisis

for redrawing congressional districts.

The U.S. Census Bureau provides states with population counts for this purpose.

Everyone living the United States and its five territories is required by law to be counted in the census.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau has laid bare.”

According to the Census Bureau, you should be counted where you were living and sleeping most of the time as of April 1. If you’re responding for your home, count everyone who lives and sleeps there most of the time. That includes children, foster children, roommates, and any family members or friends who are living with you, even temporarily.

If someone is staying with you because of the pandemic, however, they should be counted where they usually live. This includes college students, who should still be counted at school. If they live in student housing, the college will count them.

If they live off campus, they should respond for their off-campus addresses.

Filling out the census takes no more than 10 minutes, and you can do so securely online at 2020census.gov. To reach the U.S. Census Bureau for help, call (844) 330-2020 for English speakers and (844) 468-2020 for Spanish speakers.

Representatives are available daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

21

opinions

here has been much publicity about the failure of the U.S. Senate to agree on a new aid package for the states. The costs of dealing with the impact of the coronavirus have hit every government hard, but especially the northeastern states. Largely left out of the discussion, however, is the serious headache that Nassau County and New York’s 61 other counties face.

Whether you are distant Cayuga County or Nassau, the story is the same. Sales tax revenues are down 20 percent in most areas, and state aid has been cut jerry by 15 percent. kremer Property tax collections have been delayed to help people with fixed or no income. In short, sometimes government closest to you suffers the most. As a former chair of the State Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee, I was curious, and took a deep look at Nassau’s finances and the impact of Covid-19, which mirror many other counties.

County Executive Laura Curran has done a great job of managing the coun-

ty’s finances. When she was elected in 2017, she was saddled with a massive budget deficit and faced the possibility of a state takeover of the county’s finances.

Her predecessor, Ed Mangano, had proposed a series of budgets with so-called one-shot revenues and lots of Band-Aids that were destined to fall apart.

Most Nassau residents don’t know that it is one of only a few jurisdictions in the state that has a control board watching its every financial move. The Nassau Interim Finance Authority was established in 2000, and has a full-time staff. It was dormant until 2011, when the county was in desperate need of an outside monitor.

The bond rating agencies advised county officials that they needed a series of modest tax increases to fill their budget hole.

But political fear prevented it.

Writing about something that’s not very sexy can be a challenge, but readers should understand how their government functions. Nassau County taxpayers wake up every morning expecting the police to control the streets, the highway workers to fill the potholes and the parks to be open for their enjoyment. All of these activities rely on there being

C

ounty Exec.

Laura Curran has done a great job of managing Nassau’s finances.

LeTTers Appreciation for a refreshing op-ed To the Editor: I’d like to thank Scott Brinton for opening his nostalgic garden to his readers. It was a refreshing respite from all the political and pandemic-related news out there in the real world. Not only do his trees offer some protection against global warming, but in addition to his plethora of flowers, they add much beauty to our world. His ability to link such beauty to familial events in his life is a testament to the love he has for his family as well as to our earth.

PAM SINgER Malverne

We need better street signs To the Editor: There was a long-overdue letter to the editor in the Aug. 20-26 issue, “Buildings need street addresses,” from Robert Rubalsky. Drivers become impediments to normal traffic flow while they search for locations that are not clearly marked with visible postal addresses. We have all been in this situation, either as the searcher or as the frustrated driver

enough money in the county treasury to pay for its workers and its facilities.

The county currently faces a drop in revenue of $438 million, the result of all of the factors mentioned above. In simple terms, no business can survive for too long with losses of 25 percent or more. On Aug. 10, Curran announced a prudent plan to close this yawning budget gap.

She proposed a series of budget cuts that would save $54 million. To offset the total of $438 million, she used all of her surplus funds, which included $103 million that local governments got in the CARES Act. Her proposal would produce $385 million in savings, which would erase the deficit. But there is one catch to this plan: The county owes NIFA a $75 million payment that is due in November. The County Legislature must approve the deferral of this payment, which would help avoid any serious tax increases.

While the Legislature is controlled by the Republican Party, and Curran is a Democrat, I am convinced the Legislature will do the right thing and allow the payment to NIFA to be deferred for a year.

If the county can’t balance its budget for

stuck in traffic behind one of these pilgrims in search of a destination.

There are definite solutions, and at least one, the prominent display of a numerical address, is easy and inexpensive. These numbers are available in indoor or outdoor adhesive styles of many variations, and you don’t need to be a wizard or an acrobat to fasten them in place. go to your local hardware store or home center. If you want to be fancy, there are numbers in brass, chrome or black that fasten with screws, and require slightly more expertise to install.

Another problem: Our street sign systems in the U.S. vary widely in the information provided and how it is displayed.

Most signs are now reflective, and lettering size has been increased for visibility.

One problem has been solved, but another one has been ignored, especially in New York. When you get to the correct intersection, which way do you turn to reach your destination? Short of using your gPS on every trip, you have a 50 percent chance of turning in the right or wrong direction.

The answer is simple, and although I hate giving credit to California, that state has gotten it right. Just look at the street signs at the second-most-famous intersection of the country after 42nd Street and Broadway, Hollywood and Vine in Los Angeles. Above or below the street name is a slightly smaller sign

the coming year, all taxpayers may suffer, and the NIFA board could impose drastic cuts in county services.

The tale of Nassau’s finances is being repeated in community after community.

Since March, our television screens have been filled with story after story about all the human hardship the virus has caused. The scenes of emergency workers treating suffering people have left us with images that we will never forget.

The services that save lives have to be paid for, and in the end, the buck stops with local government officials.

Sadly, the people who can help pay for the coronavirus fallout — members of the Senate — went home for and returned from a summer recess, and still they have taken no action. There will apparently be no additional unemployment benefits and no small-business relief. Assistance for local governments won’t happen. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell reminds me of Nero, who fiddled while Rome burned.

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.

Framework by Miguel Martinez

Near the Pacific coast, with the haze of wildfires in the distance — Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif.

with the numbers on that block. What a concept. Imagine getting to a corner and knowing immediately whether the numbers ascend or descend from that inter-

section in either direction. It’s an idea whose time has come.

ERIC SPINNER New Hyde Park

BELLMORE HERALD LIFE — September 17, 2020

T

McConnell fiddles while counties like Nassau burn

September 17, 2020 — BELLMORE HERALD LIFE

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opinions

D

A maddening tale of two presidencies

onald Trump revealed his true self to The Washington Post’s Bob Woodward over the course of 18 interviews beginning last December, appearing coherent and well-informed — in matter-of-fact terms, for example, he noted as early as February that he knew the coronavirus was five times more deadly than the more “strenuous” strains of the flu.

Trump could have acted decisively to stem the tide of disease that overwhelmed the U.S. But he didn’t.

Many were unsure whether he could understand the gravity of the sCoTT illness or the sciBRinTon ence required to contain it. In April he suggested — seemingly seriously — that we might inject patients with disinfectant and irradiate them with ultraviolent light to kill the virus, prompting public health officials to issue urgent news releases cautioning people not to try this at home.

Trump, to many, appeared to have lost his mind. As it turns out, we now know from Woodward’s interviews with the president that it was all performance art, a display of showmanship intended to obfuscate and deceive in the vain hope that Americans wouldn’t notice the rapidly rising Covid-19 death toll or unemployment rate.

F

Woodward recorded nearly all the interviews with Trump for his latest book, “Rage,” which was set to be published after press time. Snippets of the interviews were released for public consumption last week, and were aired on “60 Minutes” last Sunday.

In them, Trump appears lucid, articulate, in command of the facts, without a hint of mental illness.

That is the maddening part of this tale. At least if he were suffering from lunacy, like a latter-day King George III, then he might be excused for bungling the national strategy to contain the coronavirus. The interviews make clear, however, that Trump is perfectly sane.

He claimed he lied to the American people about the deadliness of the coronavirus so as not to incite panic.

Many pundits, however, pointed out that Trump has had little trouble stoking fear, even panic, on any number of issues — from immigration to public housing — when it suits his political aims.

His 2016 election strategy was to engage in an all-out culture war to divide the country along entrenched political lines, and then win at the margins by picking up disaffected Democrats and right-leaning independents who, on occasion in the past, had voted for centrist Dems. It worked.

To date, Trump has followed his 2016 playbook, sowing division wherever he can, including in the U.S.’s approach to the coro-

T

navirus. He knew as early as February that Covid-19 was an airborne disease, and yet he eschewed masks from the get-go, mocking former Vice President Joe Biden relentlessly for wearing one in public and never requiring their use at his mass rallies — which he continues to hold, despite local mandates forbidding such gatherings. That is, the nation’s chief law enforcement officer is flouting the laws he is sworn to uphold.

The result: The U.S. was projected to surpass 200,000 coronavirus deaths this weekend. It is, by far, the world’s highest death toll — Brazil, the second highest, had 129,575 deaths as of Sept. 12. It should be noted that Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has followed Trump’s coronavirus playbook, at times pretending the disease is relatively harmless, at others ignoring it and taking minimal action to contain it while claiming his administration is doing all it can to fight it.

It needn’t have been this way. China, where Covid-19 originated, had 4,634 deaths as of last weekend; Germany, 9,421; Canada, 9,170; South Korea, 355; New Zealand, 24.

Each of these nations acted quickly, according to a national plan, not our state-by-state, county-by-county, city-by-city hodgepodge of approaches, which have ranged from exceptional to downright dangerous.

Trump had a national playbook that he could have — and should have — studied,

he nation’s chief law enforcement officer is flouting the laws he is sworn to uphold.

but he chose to ignore it. President Barack Obama left him a 68-page report titled, “Playbook for Early Response to High-Consequence Emerging Infectious Disease Threats and Biological Incidents,” developed by the National Security Council in 2016, according to “PBS NewsHour.”

Obama was tested early in his presidency, in 2009, when the H1N1 flu raged across the globe, including in the U.S. On May 2 that year, he addressed the nation, and here, in part, according to White House transcripts, is what he said: “Over the last week, my administration has taken several precautions to address the challenge posed by the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. …

“This is a new strain of the flu virus, and because we haven’t developed an immunity to it, it has more potential to cause us harm.

Unlike the various strains of animal flu that have emerged in the past, it’s a flu that is spreading from human to human. This creates the potential for a pandemic, which is why we are acting quickly and aggressively.”

Obama continued, remaining calm and truthful. H1N1 stayed with us for nearly two years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Roughly 12,500 Americans died of the disease during that time.

If only Trump had followed his predecessor’s approach.

Scott Brinton is the Herald Community Newspapers’ executive editor and an adjunct professor at the Hofstra University Herbert School of Communication. Comments about this column? SBrinton@liherald.com.

You’d better believe it: We are in this together

ive years ago, I returned from a visit to my kids and grandkids, who live in a mountain town in northern California, and in this space I wrote, “I have come back from the future, and if you plan on going, better wear your fire-retardant underwear.”

The tone of my comment is discordant now with news of the apocalyptic fires engulfing so much of California and Oregon.

My California kids go to bed at night with their smartRanDi phones on; they kReiss and their children have “go bags” packed so they can evacuate if the alarm comes from their fire district. Their car is packed with nonperishable food and water and flame-retardant blankets. They don’t live far from towns that have burnt up in half an hour when winds pushed flames into their homes.

The ashes from those fires are drifting our way. As a writer for a local newspaper, I have come to realize over the years that our connectedness as Americans and as human

beings supersedes our particular neighborhood interests. Everything is local. And everything local is global.

In these chaotic times, we find ourselves on the same ship, heading for the rocks.

Smoke from fires travels, viruses go airborne and political indiscretion is infectious; none of us is safe or immune.

I live on the South Shore of Long Island, where we’ve been getting plenty of rain, with little chance of wildfires, but the California story is mine because I go to sleep at night worrying about my kids’ safety. The fire story is all of ours because we can imagine the fear of an alarm at night that sends children out into the unknown.

If you’re reading this, chances are you live in New York state, where our infection rate from the coronavirus is below 1 percent. We’re in good shape at the moment, but Covid-19 is surging in other parts of the country.

My Florida kids are in the thick of it, and their unfolding story is mine, too.

Here we are sending, or are about to send, our children back to elementary and high school and universities across the

M

country. The college kids getting sick across the country are coming home to our towns and villages.

What we also share as Americans is the discovery that our president could have kept us safer. A president who put people before politics, who elevated science and medicine, who could evince a modicum of empathy, could have saved tens of thousands of lives during this pandemic. Last week we heard tapes of journalist Bob Woodward’s interviews with President Trump.

We heard the president say he knew how devastating the pandemic would be, but in his own words, he “played it down.”

Five years ago, when I first wrote about the fires near my family out West, it was a big deal, because the schools had to close for two days due to smoke and unhealthy air quality. Fast-forward, and the kids have been out of school for five months because of Covid-19.

There is an awful confluence of circumstances: People are battling a vicious pandemic in the midst of raging wildfires.

None of it had to be this way. For three years before he decided to cover up the

y kids in California go to bed with their phones on and their ‘go bags’ packed.

threat of Covid-19 in America, Trump was scorching the earth in other ways, expanding mining and drilling, halting regulations on industries that pollute and refusing to accept the findings of scientists who have warned us that drought, fire and even pandemics are related to global warming and climate change.

Professor Noah Diffenbaugh, the Kara J Foundation professor of Earth System Science and the Kimmelman Family Senior Fellow at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, states that global warming, caused by air pollution created by human activity, is a major contributor to the baking heat searing so much of California.

According to The Washington Post, “An international panel of leading climate scientists said in 2013 that the planet is warming at an accelerated pace, and found with 95 percent certainty that human activity is the cause. The past three decades have been the hottest on the planet since 1850.”

In 2018, speaking with the BBC, President Trump said of climate change, “I don’t believe it.”

Left or right, red or blue, we are in the same sinking boat. Can’t we at least agree to plug the holes?

Copyright 2020 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

23

HERALD

All-Nassau

BELLMORE HERALD LIFE — September 17, 2020

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24

The Garden at St. Francis still growing strong

By AlyssA seidmAn aseidman@liherald.com

Sunlight tangled into the blossoming crops sequestered on less than an acre of land behind St. Francis Episcopal Church in North Bellmore one late summer afternoon. While the muggy sweat of the day didn’t disturb the vibrant façades of organic tomatoes, eggplants and other low-hanging fruit, garden manager Skip Wade said he would hold off on watering for now, since rain was in the forecast.

Ten years ago, a green-thumbed parishioner suggested the church develop the once lifeless plot into a self-sufficient garden governed by volunteers.

After wardens of the vestry secured a $10,000 grant from Episcopal Ministries, the garden started to bloom.

“Our idea was to have a farm stand where we would sell our vegetables, but the primary purpose was to feed the hungry among us,” said founder Ann McPartlin, of Freeport. “People thought we were crazy.”

Parishioners were apathetic towards the garden at first, and sowing the land was difficult since the soil had previously been neglected. But in 2013, when St. Francis — then known as St. Marks — merged with Christ the King in East Meadow, the garden’s roots began to strengthen.

While services inside parish hall have ceased to comply with Covid-19 mandates, the Garden at St. Francis is still growing strong. And as it marks its 10th season amid a global pandemic, its mission is more important than ever. One of its partners, the Bellmore-Merrick Community Cupboard, has seen an influx of food-insecure individuals since the pandemic began. Before March, the cupboard assisted roughly 20 families. Now, McPartlin said, it’s assisting almost 90 families.

“Everybody thinks that the hungry people are somewhere else, and what we do really helps to bring healthy choices to [those] families,” she added. “It’s a blessing.”

Roughly 15 volunteers tend to the garden during growing season to prepare the soil, plant seedlings and harvest the yield. Every Sunday, a farm stand is set up in parish hall so residents can purchase the cream of the crop. In addition to the sprawling rows of sprouting produce, visitors can also find flowers beds, two commercial beehives, a chicken coop and a labyrinth out back.

Camille Gaynor, of North Bellmore, has volunteered at the garden since the beginning. As she plucked a deep pink radish from the ground, she said she didn’t mind getting dirty in order to help others. “It’s a very good experience to feel in here,” she added while pointing to her heart, “when you’re helping those that are less fortunate.”

Kim Black, of North Bellmore, harvested a handful of cherry tomatoes to feed to the chickens while explaining the importance of the garden’s slogan.

“I feel very blessed and fortunate to be in a position where my family can afford to eat, but here we’re ‘growing to

Photos by Alyssa Seidman/Herald Life

The gurus Behind The Garden at St. Francis include, from left, Camille Gaynor, Kim Black, Skip Wade, Ann McPartlin and Pat Sheeckutz.

gArden mAnAger wAde, of Amityville, plucked a cherry tomato from a vine. The fruit tasted fresh and sweet, like summer.

give,’” she said. “I raised my children to know that if you have, you need to learn to give back, as well.”

While St. Francis’ spirited crew of garden gurus has adjusted to social distancing guidelines, McPartlin said they’re “pretty huggy” on a regular day.

“We were always hugging, laughing, falling into the tomatoes, talking to scarecrows,” she said. “It’s created a family.”

The garden also provides a tranquil space for visitors to enjoy despite being steps away from bustling Bellmore Avenue. “The whole atmosphere here is one of welcome and serenity and peace,” McPartlin said.

“It’s another world,” Wade added.

The farm stand is open every Sunday in parish hall (1692 Bellmore Ave., North Bellmore) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through the end of October. Those interested in volunteering can call the office at (516) 679-1184.

gAynor, ABove, showed off a deep pink radish pulled fresh from the garden at St. Francis Episcopal Church in North Bellmore.

BlAck, lefT, of North Bellmore, fed some leafy greens to the chickens at St. Francis Episcopal Church.

BELLMORE HERALD LIFE — September 17, 2020

Volunteers continue to feed local families fresh produce 10 years after founding

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Pages continue to turn in Bellmore’s libraries

September 17, 2020 — BELLMORE HERALD LIFE

By ANDREW GARCIA agarcia@liherald.com

While the pandemic has interrupted life for many, Bellmore’s libraries haven’t skipped a beat. Despite some setbacks and new stringent guidelines, they continue to be vital resources to the community.

Inside, things may look different — Plexiglas shields divide workers and visitors, masks adorn faces and many pieces of furniture remain in storage — but both the Bellmore Memorial Library and the North Bellmore Public Library are open for patrons to enjoy.

On a recent Friday afternoon, Children’s Librarian Pam Pagones helped a mother and her son check out a book at the Bellmore Library. It’s a return to her usual routine after the building reopened in July, although new signage encourages social distancing and mask wearing.

Similar changes have come to the North Bellmore Library, where Interim Director Jessica Tymecki has led operations since taking the reigns roughly a year ago. About half of the computers are cordoned off and the front

LIBRARIAN pAt GLEIBERmAN, top, has resumed helping patrons with what they need.

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Photos by Andrew Garcia/Herald Life

“WE ARE opEN!” — The North Bellmore Public Library staff is excited to welcome patrons back into the building, said Interim Director Jessica Tymecki. entrance acts as a grab-and-go area for book pickups to comply with pandemic protocols.

“I thought the biggest challenge would be to take on the role while still finalizing renovations, but that was nothing,” Tymecki said between laughs. “I like to think positively, so we’re using this time to our advantage.”

Despite the new normal, life at the libraries proceeds as usual. Many of the services have been restored or “translated” in some way, Tymecki and Pagones said. Patrons are welcome to stop by but are asked to spend a maximum of 30 minutes indoors while they browse. At the North Bellmore Library, capacity is limited to 35 guests.

Events for children and teens live on virtually. Pagones explained that drawing workshops, fitness classes, virtual lectures and more are held via video chat. Tymecki said the library went virtual practically “overnight,” and the staff had to get creative.

Registration to receive “Bundles of Fun” — a bag of goodies with games and activities for home — was filled minutes after opening, Tymecki said. She and other staff members then safely delivered them to local families.

“It’s tough to find a balance of giving the community what they want and need [while] also keeping them safe,” Pagones said of the Bellmore Library’s programs.

“The staff and I are very enthusiastic to get the library open,” Tymecki said. “We’re bringing it back to life even better than it was before.”

BEtty FEINBERG AND Jan Curry, far left, are ready to welcome guests back into the building.

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