East Meadow Herald 06-17-2021

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HERALD Infections as of June 13

4,965

COMMUNITY UPDATE $1.00

Infections as of June 6 4,961

VOL. 21 NO. 25

Clarke’s track and field ends on top

Hope Day comes to Westbury

Page 9

Page 12

JUNE 17 - 23, 2021

District clarifies policies amid mask mandate Gov. Andrew Cuomo walked back a statement that mask wearing indoors and outdoors After a year of taking precau- would become optional. tions like mask wearing and In a special meeting on June social distancing, many were 7, the East Meadow Board of shocked to learn that fully vacci- Education adopted a resolution nated people, according to the to make outdoor mask use Centers for Disease Control and optional. “I think that’s a terrific Prevention, could in idea,” board Presimost cases leave dent Matthew Meltheir masks at home. nick said.

Amid the news Dr. John Zaso, an last month — along East Meadow pediawith the widened elitrician, said that for gibility of the Pfizer the time being, he Covid-19 vaccine for supported making children as young as outdoor mask use 12 — parents began optional as well. wondering about the “There is very little policies of their chilburden in the DR. JOHN ZASO Covid dren’s school discommunity, which is tricts. But with the Pediatrician, good,” Zaso said. last day of school East Meadow “We’ve hit the herd approaching, stuimmunity in Nassau dents cannot ditch County for adults their masks just yet. with at least one dose of vaccine.

After a push from local law- So I’m very encouraged by that. makers, school officials and par- And we’ve seen very little disents, the State Office of Children ease burden in the hospital. and Family Services’ and the From a safety standpoint of the state Department of Health’s students, there is almost never a mask policies were updated on risk of transmission outdoors, June 7 to allow school districts to especially in this weather.” lift the requirement of mask use With 76 percent of Nassau outdoors. But students over 5 C o u n t y r e s i d e n t s h av i n g must continue to wear masks received at least one dose of a indoors. The update came after CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

By JENNIFER CORR jcorr@liherald.com

Laura Lane/Herald

STUDENTS AT MCVEY Elementary took part in Culture Day by wearing clothing associated with their heritage. The children who attend the elementary school speak 26 different languages.

Learning about different cultures and ‘kindeology’

By LAURA LANE llane@liherald.com

It’s easy to find the “culture hallway” at McVey Elementary School. Just enter the building and turn right at Integrity Boulevard. Culture hallway begins at the framed picture of a heart, made of pieces of flags from different countries, because, McVey Principal Kerry Dunne says,

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“We all have the same heart inside, and we all have feelings and heart.”

Flags from 65 nations line the hallway at the East Meadow school. All are authentic, donations from families of McVey students. There is also a large bulletin board filled with “culture characters,” simple outlines of figures colored in by students, which represent what is important

to them and their heritage.

Dunne said that it’s vital that children understand one another. She created the culture hallway last fall to teach students about one another, and especially their cultures and religions.

“We don’t say ‘Happy holidays,’ here,” she said. “We say ‘Merry Christmas,’ ‘Happy Diwali,’ ‘Happy Kwanzaa.’ My CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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June 17, 2021 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

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Beyond books: McVey offers culture education

EAST MEADOW HERALD — June 17, 2021

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE commitment is to character and ‘kindeology,’ so children will know what it is to be kind verses what it is to be civilized.”

A mother from Bangladesh thanked her, Dunne added.

The woman said her family now feels more a part of the community as a result of Dunne’s efforts.

Sana Fayyaz, a mother of three children, two of whom go to McVey, is from Pakistan. Her children were born in Saudi Arabia. When she moved to the U.S. five years ago, she enrolled them in an Islamic school because, she said, she was frightened that her culture and religion would not be accepted in a public school. When she moved to East Meadow a year ago, however, she decided to enroll them in the East Meadow School District.

“Ms. Dunne has made us feel so welcomed, and she appreciates our culture,” Fayyaz said. “My second-grader said for the first time that she wanted to fast during Ramadan because she felt safe at McVey.” Students at the school have learned about a different continent each month, and every day they explore a new country within it. The lesson begins first thing in the morning with the announcements, which involve more than the Pledge of Allegiance. Children listen to “Good Day McVey,” either in their classrooms or on YouTube if they’re learning from home. The students share culture characters, and Dunne reads what they have written about themselves, which include the country where their family is originally from, sometimes what they like to eat and their hobbies. Her goal, Dunne said, is to teach children about geography and different cultures.

“Our kids speak 26 different languages, and we have 80 to 100 different nationalities in our school,” she said.

“Social studies is a long lost subject, and so is geography.

So I’m teaching them about their world.”

And she is teaching them about the importance of diversity, McVey fourth-grade teacher Vincent Trionfo said.

“When Ms. Dunne goes in-depth explaining cultures and traditions, that makes the children feel special,” Trionfo said. “Students in my class jump up and down when their country is highlighted.”

Victoria Choi moved from South Korea to East Meadow with her family four years ago. It wasn’t easy for her son, Geonheui, who’s now 8 and didn’t speak any English at the time. Choi supports Dunne’s efforts to teach children about other countries and cultures.

“I’m especially happy that she spoke about South Korea,” Choi said. “It made my son’s day, and he felt pride.

South Korea is a small country and people don’t think of the culture. They only know about K-pop stars BTS. Even McDonald’s has a BTS meal.”

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Laura Lane/Herald

THE “CULTURE HALLWAY” at McVey Elementary includes flags from 65 nations representing the students’ heritage.

Good Day McVey always concludes with a “Mighty kind moment of the day.” Last Friday it was: Everyone is different. “No matter what, everyone is beautiful,” Dunne said. “What we want to always remember is no one of us should look like anybody else or act like anyone else, because if we do, we are becoming them and not being ourselves.”

She said she believes children are getting the message.

“One boy said to me, ‘I’m wearing my white turban today,’ which he would have never done or talked about before,” Dunne said during a recent visit by the Herald. “This has been truly liberating for some of our kids and their parents.”

Trionfo said he continues the lesson at the conclusion of Good Day McVey by discussing the country that was highlighted. Sharing information about holidays is particularly popular, he said. “I ask students who share these holidays to share what they do,” he said. “The spotlight is on them, which some like. But even if they don’t talk about their holiday, there’s a sense of pride that the holiday they celebrate is being discussed.”

Once a month, children take part in Culture Day. They can either dress as people do in the countries they have “visited” that month, or as their own ancestors.

Sofia Bonilla, 9, wore clothing from El Salvador in May. “I like showing people I’m from El Salvador,” she said.

“People think I’m from Mexico.”

Emily Reyes, whose parents are from Portugal, said she also liked to share where her family once lived by wearing clothing they wore there.

Geonheui Choi, who is a remote learner, wanted to wear a traditional South Korean costume called a hanbok.

But the 8-year-old said the last time he wore it, he was much younger, and it no longer fit. Undeterred, Geonheui shared a photo of himself wearing the colorful silk clothing years ago.

His mother said she asked her mother to bring a new hanbok for her son when she visits from South Korea.

“That’s how much he wants to participate,” she said. “He wants to share his culture with others. We learn through books and YouTube. This is a way to learn about different cultures directly. I think it will be more memorable for the children.”

Trionfo, said that exploring different cultures has been “incredible” for him and his students. “You don’t know when the students came here,” he said. “Being here might be a culture shock for them. To see a flag from their own country and hear the announcements makes them feel so welcome and makes them think that they matter.”

Sana Fayyaz’s daughter, Rihab, has made a best friend at McVey who is a Christian. “The girls talk about God, her friend talking about what she believes and my daughter tells her what she believes,” Fayyaz said. “I’m so happy we moved to East Meadow.”

Weighing in on wearing a mask CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE vaccine, County Executive Laura Curran said she believed that it was up to parents and pediatricians to decide whether it is appropriate for their child or patient to wear a mask.

And when it came to students in school, she said, “It’s well past time for this decision to be put in the hands of parents and educators,” she said.

State Assemblyman John Mikulin signed a letter with fellow Assembly members on June 3 demanding that Cuomo “unmask our kids.” “I supported this letter and will continue to support this cause,” Mikulin said on June 8.

The American of Academy of Pediatrics currently strongly endorses mask wearing for those who are not fully vaccinated. Face masks can be safely worn, the organization wrote, by children ages 2 and older.

EAST MEADOW SCHOOL District students have the option to wear a mask when outside for the remainder of the school year.

Courtesy East Meadow School District

Temple B’nai Torah honors three matriarchs They also received a collection of cards from fellow congregants inside a scripted box, as well as a video of congregants Joy and laughter filled the air on a thanking them for their service to the temwarm Sunday morning inside the walls of ple and performing a song written for Temple B’nai Torah in Wantagh. them.

Temple congregants, as well as local Grossman joined the congregation 42 officials and dignitaries, were there to years ago, when her son, Greg, was 5. honor three “matriEncouraged by her archs” — Gail Grossfriend Roz Walowitz, man of East Meadow Grossman joined the and Jan Friedman and Sisterhood Board, and Rita Hofer of Wantagh. became president four “Each of these valyears later. She also orous women have joined the temple’s given so much to our board of trustees, and sacred community,” served as temple presiRabbi Daniel Bardent, among other posiNahum said in an tions. introductory prayer, Grossman said that reminding the congreher favorite role at the gation of the matritemple has been fundarchs of the Torah: raising and memberSarah, Rebecca, Rachel ship, overseeing fundand Leah. “May this raising events like gala allow us to share Schalach Manos, MitzRABBI DANIEL BAR-NAHUM our gratitude, appreciavah Makers, Shabbat opened a bottle of champagne in tion and love for these Shuttle and Family Fun t h r e e r e m a rk a b l e celebration of three matriarchs Night. And when it women. May this Suncomes to catering such day morning allow us to celebrate with events, you can always find Grossman in them and their families the hard work and the kitchen. She is known for her coleslaw care they have put into our community.” and Italian meals.

The honorees were presented with cita“I love this temple, and until my last tions from Gov. Andrew Cuomo and State breath, I will dedicate myself to the Jewish Sen. Kevin Thomas, among other officials. community, which is so important,” Gross-

By JENNIFER CORR jcorr@liherald.com

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Throughout the pandemic, healthcare workers, first responders, grocery and pharmacy personnel, and so many others, have been dedicated to supporting and assisting our community. They are true heroes who deserve our respect, praise and recognition.

As many remain on the front lines in 2021, we invite you to nominate a Hometown Hero to be featured in Herald newspaper editions throughout the year.

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HONOREE GAIL GROSSMAN, center, was surrounded by family and friends on her special day. man said. “When we first started Temple Emanu-El back in the 1970s, there were 700 families. Now, with three temples combined, we barely hit 500. Please, be an advocate out there. Tell your friends, tell your family, it’s so important to be a member of the Jewish community.”

Friedman, a longtime member, is also a leader of the Sisterhood Board. She joined the congregation in 1963, and has since become known for jumping at the chance to volunteer and help organize. Friedman has taken on many leadership roles, including president of the Sisterhood Board and the Suburban Temple. Also a member of the Ritual Committee, she recruits volunteers to light candles and give speeches to the bar/bat mitzvah children on Friday nights. She is also famous among congregants for making sure that there is no shortage of desserts at temple fundraisers.

“This temple has been our second home for 58 years,” Friedman said. “Our children were brought up here … our family is here, our parents were buried from this temple, my grandson was named in this temple. That’s the joy of this place. It’s a family. If you could all keep this building with that in mind, we will be a success.

People will come and they will stay, because they need to feel that they belong.

That’s what this temple did for me and my family.”

Hofer, another member of the Sisterhood Board, is known for organizing Bingo at the temple. She joined in 1965 and became an active member of the congregation shortly afterward.

Organizing Bingo games isn’t just about calling numbers, because it also involves licensing, bill paying, keeping track of expenses and organizing the schedule for 70 workers. Hofer’s efforts have brought in millions of dollar over the years.

She has also enjoyed making dinners for the first-graders in religious school and for the children’s choir before services.

And Hofer is also involved with numerous committees such as the Reopening Task Force Committee.

Many people have said they want Hofer as their grandmother, though her grandson Andrew Obergh reminded the brunch guests that she is his grandmother, and the best one at that.

“My grandma has always been involved with the temple since I was alive, for 25 years,” Obergh said. “Everyone knows her.

Everyone appreciates what she does, and she’s great. Best grandma in the world.

Everyone wants my grandma, but no one else can have her.”

nd! la Is g n o L , s o b b a h S Good Friday June 18 Candle lighting 8:10 Torah reading: Chukas Shabbos ends 9:19

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June 17, 2021 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

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JOSHUA LAMPLEY-REID, 26, of West Hempstead, was charged on June 10 with sex trafficking.

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Victims trafficked at Coliseum Motel in E.M. prostitutes, and then effectively enslaved them through acts of force and coercion, the officials said.

A West Hempstead gang member was Lampley-Reid demanded that the proindicted in federal court in Central Islip ceeds of prostitution assignations be on June 10, on numerous charges of sex turned over to him, and any resistance trafficking. The defendant, Joshua Lam- from the victims was met with violence or pley-Reid, 26, an alleged member of the threats. Homeland Security Investigations Makk Balla set of the Bloods street gang, teamed with the U.S. Marshals Service was arrested on June 9. and the Suffolk County sher“As alleged, through vioiff ’s office in April to conduct lence, coercion and manipulathe investigation. tion, the defendant exploited “The deplorable actions of and demeaned both underage this one man will affect the and adult female victims by lives of these young girls for forcing them to engage in years to come,” said HSI Specommercial sex acts and postcial Agent-in-Charge Peter ing sexually explicit photoFitzhugh. “HSI works closely graphs of them on the interwith its law enforcement partnet,” Acting U.S. Attorney ners in a victim-centered Mark Lesko stated in a news approach to rescue the vicrelease. “This office will use tims and keep them safe. every tool in its law enforceToday we are sending a uniment arsenal to combat the fied message to anyone perpesexual exploitation of women, trating crimes against chilespecially young girls, and dren: No matter who you are, ensure that predators like the PETER we will bring every resource defendant are prosecuted to FITZHUGH available to hold you accountthe fullest extent of the law.” able for your crimes.”

Homeland Security According to the U.S. attorLampley-Reid’s attorney, ney’s office, from December Investigations Tracey Gaffey, of the Federal 2019 until his arrest on June 9, Defenders, declined to comLampley-Reid allegedly trafment on the accusations. ficked victims on Long Island, including “Sex trafficking is a particularly heiat the Coliseum Motel in East Meadow, the nous crime that targets some of the most Freeport Inn and the Best Western Rock- vulnerable in our communities,” said Sufville Centre, as well as out of state, in plac- folk County Sheriff Errol Toulon. “Indies such as Maryland, North Carolina and viduals who perpetrate this crime use Florida. His alleged trafficking began drugs, intimidation and, ultimately, vioshortly after he was released from state lence to lure in their victims for financial prison, where he served more than a year gain while slowly destroying their lives. I for robbery. applaud this arrest, and will continue to Lampley-Reid also allegedly used vio- support and work closely with both our lence, and the threat of violence, to com- local and federal partners to help elimipel commercial sex acts by numerous nate this scourge from our communities.” women for his financial benefit, including If convicted of sex trafficking of a minors as young as 15, authorities said. minor, Lampley-Reid faces a mandatory He used social media and other inter- minimum sentence of 15 years and a maxnet applications to establish relationships imum of life in prison. If convicted of prowith potential victims, groomed them by ducing child pornography, he faces a 15- to feigning a romantic interest in them, 30-year sentence. manipulated them into working for him as

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he deplorable actions of this one man will affect the lives of these young girls for years to come.

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Before retiring, Hofstra president reflects

By ANDREW GARCIA agarcia@liherald.com

The sun shone down on Hofstra University’s campus late last month as flowers were blooming in all their chromatic splendor. Dozens of graduates meandered about the campus in full cap and gown, stopping for photos at several iconic locations — the campus was alive, and the spirit of graduation was in the air.

Stuart Rabinowitz, the university’s president for the past 20 years, was reaching something of a graduation himself.

As he, too, walked through the campus, he was thoughtfully reflective on his tenure, under which Hofstra was transformed from regional school to the internationally renowned university that it is today.

While he will not completely depart from what he now calls “home,” Rabinowitz, 75, is set to retire from his position as president at the end of August. He assumed the post in 2001.

Before his official departure — and after avoiding some bees on the hunt for those colorful flowers — Rabinowitz sat with the Herald at Hofstra to reflect on his career.

“I really have always felt this is a special place,” Rabinowitz said. “I came here to teach law in 1972, and I thought I would only stay a year or so and move on — but I just fell in love with the place and the people.”

“So, it took me 50 years to leave,” he added with a laugh.

Rabinowitz did join Hofstra’s Law School faculty in 1972, then went on to become the dean of the School of Law

stuart Rabinowitz from September 1989 to June 2001, when he became president. He was chosen by the university’s board of trustees in December 2000.

The school went through myriad changes under his leadership. Among the new schools opened are the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine and the School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, run in partnership with Northwell Health. The Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, the Peter S. Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy and International Affairs, and the School of Health Professions and Human Services are also additions.

The list goes on: Rabinowitz also

founded Hofstra’s National Center for Suburban Studies and the Center for Entrepreneurship.

“I think I had some ideas of what Hofstra needed to move on to the next level. I am a good imaginer of things,” Rabinowitz said. “And apparently, I have a talent of hiring really good people to implement those tasks. . . I never worried about hiring people that are smarter than me, or who might disagree with me — I encourage disagreement.”

Rabinowitz credited the university’s board of trustees with supporting his endeavors, no matter how far reaching they may have been. Sometimes it seemed to be “daydreaming,” he recalled, such as when they applied to host a presidential debate at the university.

“Well, three debates, they came to the conclusion that we were debate central,” Rabinowitz said.

Not every decision was an easy one, though. Ending Hofstra’s football team and, more recently, moving a statue of Thomas Jefferson, which originally sat in front of the heavily trafficked student center and received backlash from students who highlighted Jefferson’s history as a slave owner, were among them. The statue was moved to a less visible part of campus.

“There were difficult decisions and difficult times,” Rabinowitz said. “The thing I feel best about is that even on the decisions that are controversial, I never made a decision that I didn’t think was in the best interest of the university. I tried so hard every time not to let my personal views affect anything — and I really think

I was able to do that.”

Most important, students come first at Hofstra. “They are the reason we exist,” Rabinowitz explained. “That means you listen to students, treat them well, treat them with respect and give them a voice.”

“It’s like all the students and members of the community are my responsibility, even though they’re not,” Rabinowitz said, “which is why it’s really hard to be president. You feel every pain, injury and sadness — and you also are happy when they’re happy.”

Rabinowitz has also focused on the Nassau Hub, the commerce zone surrounding the university. As co-chair of the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council, he has influence over the project, but it has yet to come to full fruition.

The area around the Nassau Coliseum is still set to have residential and commercial spaces as part of the Hub. As co-chair of the council, Rabinowitz helped bring $727 million to 885 projects on Long Island since 2011. He also stays active as a member of the board of directors for Accelerate Long Island, and he has also served as a trustee of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities and on the board of directors of the Long Island Technology Network.

Rabinowitz could not find it in himself to completely say goodbye to Hofstra, however. In the fall of 2022, he will teach an undergraduate honors college course, Introduction to Constitutional Law. “I can’t completely leave — I would get the bends if I completely detached from the university,” Rabinowitz joked.

Open Nassau carries on amid the pandemic

By CRIstINA ARRoyo RoDRIGuEz carroyo@liherald.com

When Nassau County Comptroller Jack Schnirman took office in 2018, he partnered with Nassau County Executive Laura Curran to open and modernize county finances. Investing nearly $1.3 million since 2019, his office launched a userfriendly data platform, Open Nassau, in which the public can access county records, report financial issues, and keep updated on smart audits and equity reports. The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Herald: What are the goals and motivations behind Open Nassau?

Jack schnirman: Culture change is what

we are looking to achieve. It’s not just about technology, it’s about bringing everyone on an equal playing field because everyone has access to the exact same information. Then we can have a conversation that is evidence-based and data-driven without anyone hoarding the information like how it used to be.

Before we did this program, county had a D+ in transparency by the Press Club on Long Island. It was all paper-based, it was a challenge to get numbers, you had to do all these foils, and there were conflicting num-

bers and conflicting views on the numbers.

Open Nassau became an organizing principle to get everybody to deal from a simple set of numbers.

Herald: When you were trying to implement Open Nassau initially, did you get a lot pushback from the current establishment?

schnirman: Not as much as you would

think. There was pushback based on that old-timey culture of holding information so close to the vest and using access to it as a way of safeguarding power. Culture starts from the top, so that culture change started directly from the top where you have the comptroller and the county executive on the same page.

Herald: Was the focus on equity issues a

purposeful and directed decision?

schnirman: Absolutely. One of the earliest

choices we made was in investing in a qualitative research unit. We started by tackling our demographics: who we are as the county population, how quickly we are diversifying, getting older, getting more diverse, and use that as an opening point for a conversation on equity.

Then, we asked the question: What’s the deal of living in Nassau County? We started highlighting the different affordability

challenges that folks face. Our formula was about identifying gaps, looking at best practices from around the country, and highlighting options on the policy side so we can remain competitive and be a place where people want to and can afford to live.

tions and frustration about how and why they could undo that kind of advancement.

Herald: So how do get from transparency

things faster, more transparent, more efficient, so that resources go where they need to go. The pandemic was an unforeseen, once-in-a-generation level crisis, and we saw the measure of our work. We made sure we were prioritizing getting the resources needed to the non-profits because if something suddenly dried up, the service would stop in that moment when it was needed more than ever.

to accountability?

schnirman: The honest answer is that we can’t do everything ourselves since that’s beyond the role of our office. We try to find folks to partner with, whether it be within government, and/or expert and advocacy organizations. Our worst fear is that we write these reports, make these recommendations, we make them graphically appealing, we put them on social media, and we push, we push, we push, and nobody pays attention and nobody does anything.

Herald: How are you ensuring the continuation of Open Nassau for the new comptroller?

schnirman: We are working around the

clock to make sure the work is sustainable and to make it as difficult or impossible to pull back from this kind of transparency.

If the next comptroller removes Open Nassau, for example, I would like to believe that they would face an awful lot of ques-

Herald: How does Open Nassau impact county residents?

schnirman: We do this work, we make

Herald: Did the pandemic help accelerate the implementation of Open Nassau?

We could’ve talked for years about making things more tech-based, but instead the crisis of the pandemic created the necessity to do them overnight. It was a sink-orswim moment, and success is not guaranteed when you have a county government that has not historically invested enough in technology infrastructure. It’s a testament to the workforce, to the innovation of our teams, and to the understanding that you can’t afford to fail. Those shifts were shockingly smooth.

7

HERALD — June 17, 2021

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June 17, 2021 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

8

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

COMMUNITY UPDATE Thursday, June 17

virtually every Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Falun Dafa is an easy-going, relaxing, meditative exercise similar to Tai Chi. Many discover health benefits as well as newfound energy, mental clarity and stress relief through Falun Dafa. For more information, visit eastmeadow.info or call the East Meadow Public Library at (516) 794-2570.

Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom Join State Sen. Kevin Thomas and the community in celebrating Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the U.S. This is an online event that will begin at 6:30 p.m. To watch the program live, visit facebook.com/senatorkevinthomas/.

Thursday, June 24

No-Sew Caterpillar Join the East Meadow Public Library on Zoom at 7 p.m. to learn how to make an adorable, no sew caterpillar.

The following materials are needed: an adult-sized sock, rubber bands, cotton balls, googly eyes, glue, a pipe cleaner and scissors. Register for the event at Eastmeadow.info. For more information, call (516) 794-2570.

‘Jump for Joy’

Bollywood Movie Night

As part of the Bollywood Movie Night series from Nassau County, the film “Jab We Met’ will be playing at Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park from 8:29 to 11:05 p.m. This film follows Aditya, a heartbroken tycoon, who aimlessly boards a train. He meets Geet, a highspirited girl who plans to elope with her lover, and finds himself pulled into her crazy life. Secure free tickets online at nassaucountyny.gov/parks.

The movie “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge” will be playing at Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park from 8:37 to 11:40 p.m. This movie follows Raj and Simran when they meet on a trip to Europe. After some initial misadventures, they fall in love. The battle begins to win over two traditional families.

Secure free tickets online at nassaucountyny.gov/parks.

Friday, June 18 “Moon Over the Pines’ paint class Paint a full moon over the pines at the East Meadow Pinot’s Palette, 2557 Hempstead Turnpile, from 8 to 10 p.m.

Social distance and masks must be maintained at all times. There will be a food and drink menu on site. Register for the $40 class at pinotspalette.com/ eastmeadow.

Saturday, June 19 A Juneteenth Storytime Learn about the history of Juneteenth in this virtual program from the East Meadow Public Library at 11 a.m.

Register online at eastmeadow.info. For

l l l l l

Join Joy Oddo for music, games, dancing and more over Zoom. This program is geared towards children in kindergarten and under and their caregivers. To register, visit eastmeadow. info. For more information, call (516) 794-2570.

‘Jab We Met’

Eddie Mallin via Wikimedia Commons

Bob Marley tribute band Listen to the classics from Bob Marley with a performance from Roots Foundation at Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park, 1899 Hempstead Turnpike, on June 26 from 8 to 10 p.m. Secure free tickets at nassaucountyny.gov/parks. more information, call (516) 794-2570.

Sunday, June 20 Paint the Jersey Shore sunset Take a vacation to the Jersey Shore by painting a sunset over the shore at Pinot’s Palette in East Meadow from 2 to 4 p.m. Social distance and masks must be maintained at all times. There will be a food and drink menu on site.

Register for the $40 class at pinotspalette.com/eastmeadow.

Monday, June 21 Easy Exercise This exercise class will be given virtually every Monday, Wednesday and

Friday at 10 a.m. Register once to access all the classes. Ann Rothman leads this class that is good for those who are not athletes. To register, visit eastmeadow.info. For more information, call (516) 794-2570.

Tuesday, June 22 Tai Chi On Tuesdays at 11 a.m., instructor Man Cheng will be holding a virtual halfhour Tai Chi class. After participants get some moves under their belt, they will be able to join his larger group for longer sessions. Register at eastmeadow. info or call the East Meadow Public Library at (516) 794-2570.

Garden Social, 1964 Hempstead Turnpike. There will be drink specials, including $5 Bluepoint Toasted Lagers and $12 cocktails of the night, as well as food specials and great prizes. On June 22, the theme is Long Island. Make a reservation sooner than later. For more information, call (516) 750-5338.

Wednesday, June 23 Crochet club The East Meadow Public Library’s crochet club is meeting weekly on Zoom at 7 p.m. Bring a light color skein of yarn and a size G, H, I or J crochet hook.

Register at Eastmeadow.info. For more information, call (516) 794-2570.

Trivia night

Falun Dafa

Every Tuesday at 7 p.m. is trivia night at

Falun Dafa is back and will take place

HAVING AN EVENT? Items on the Community Update pages are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest.

All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number.

Submissions can be emailed to llane@liherald.com.

E.M. Kiwanis Reverse Raffle Tickets are on sale now. Call (216) 204-2284 for more information.

Look out for summer movies and concerts from Nassau County. Tickets: nassaucountyny.gov/parks.

Taylor Swift tribute band Fearless will be at Speno Park on July 7 at 7:30 p.m.

East Meadow and W.T. Clarke High School graduations will take place on June 27.

East Meadow School District last day of school is on June 25.

9

Bringing local sports home every week

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

It was a banner spring for Clarke boys’ track and field.

The Rams captured their first conference title since 1986 and went undefeated in the process with a 15-0 mark. Coach Brian Doxey attributed the success to a combination of talent, hard work and depth.

“It’s an amazing feat,” Doxey said. “A major key for us was the kids trained throughout the winter. Even though we had one in-person winter meet and a few virtual, the kids never stopped working.

Even the ones who didn’t run cross-country stayed focused on their events.”

Defeating perennial powerhouse North Shore early in the season by 10 points set the tone, Doxey said. “That was the biggest upset that didn’t even sink in to the kids at first,” he said. “After we won that meet, we realized it could be a special season and we only had one relatively close meet after that.”

Covering 95 percent of events with quality talent went a long way in helping the Rams make history with the conference title and also finish third in the Divi-

Courtesy Brian Doxey

CLarkE wON ThE 4x100 relay at the Division 4A championships with, from left, Kainoa Martin, Dominic Langnese, Aiden Dauz and Steven Karibian. sion 4A championships. “We had 34 kids and that was a huge advantage,” Doxey said. “And we were very diverse.”

Doxey credited Clarke’s four captains — Ryan Faude, Steven Kanibian, Alex Pereira and Anthony Golio — and a couple of newcomers in leading the way. He said Kanibian, a senior, rose the occasion as much as anyone. Kanibian won the 400meter run crown at the division champi-

onships (53.38 seconds) and was part of the winning 4x100 relay and the secondplace 4x400 relay.

“Steven has been grinding for years and everything just clicked this spring,” Doxey said of Kanibian, who also led the Rams in the 200. “He took it to the next level.”

Faude, also a senior, was the team’s top miler and also came through in the 4x400

relay along with Pereira and senior newcomer Nicholas Montoni. Pereira, a junior, was the glue of the team, Doxey said, and a top sprinter who finished fourth in the 400 in the division meet.

Golio, a senior, was responsible for plenty of points in the shot put and discus.

Senior newcomer Dominic Lagnese provided a tremendous boost to the roster and had an outstanding division meet with a runner-up finish in the 100, a thirdplace finish in the 200 and anchoring the 4x100 relay. “He has elite top-end speed,” Doxey said. “The main thing we had to work on was his starts.”

Juniors Aiden Dauz and Kainoa Martin handled the first two legs of the winning 4x100. Dauz had a breakout year, Doxey said, and Martin scored consistently in the triple jump. Junior Kenny He handled middle distance and the mile, placing fifth in the division in the 1600m and helping the 4x800 to a third-place finish along with Andres Ventura, Said Reyes and Jayson Emile.

The Rams capped their memorable season at the Nassau County Class B championships last week. The 4x100 and the 4x400 relays placed second. Lagnese was AllCounty in the 200 (second) and 100 (third).

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Herald SPOrTS Clarke captures conference track title

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11

Bringing local sports home every week

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

A youthful East Meadow softball team finished runner-up to Massapequa in Nassau Class AA. The Jets were unable to score against Massapequa pitcher Kim Westenberg in the best-of-three county championship series, falling 12-0 in the opener on June 10 and dropping Game 2 last Saturday, 4-0. It’s the first title in program history for the Chiefs.

“Massapequa was the better team and we can’t take anything away from them,” East Meadow coach Stew Fritz said. “Our girls played hard right until the end. We knew we were going to play a better game than we did at their place. We were hyped and threatened right away in the bottom of the first, but we couldn’t break through.”

Westenberg allowed just two hits in the series and no-hit the Jets in Game 1. “She was dominant,” Fritz said. “It was their year. We had a very young team and it’s a group that’s willing to put the time in to get better.”

Second-seeded East Meadow finished 9-9 overall in Fritz’s final season at the helm. He took over as varsity coach in 2012 and guided the Jets to five Nassau and Long Island championships, plus two state crowns.

“It was a great run and I’ve been fortunate to coach hundreds of great kids and work with as good of an assistant [Becky Mattia] and JV coach [Kristina Cavallo] as anyone could ask for,” Fritz said.

The Jets were led this spring by senior pitcher Alex Kelly, who earned All-County honors. She was the starter in 2019 and helped lead the team to the county and L.I. titles as a sophomore. “Alex picked where she left off two years ago,” Fritz said. “She struck out 157 in 97 innings and kept us in a lot of games.”

Junior outfielders Grace Pohalski (AllCounty) and Ciana Santana (Honorable Mention All-County), junior Katie Belfield (first base) and freshman Madison Lehmann (third base) led the offense. Pohalski batted .400 and made a highlight-reel defensive play in center with a diving catch to preserve a 2-0 win over Oceanside during the regular season. Lehmann had three homers and 13 RBIs, including a grand slam in a 14-2 victory over Farmingdale in the Class AA quarterfinals.

Kelly, juniors Megan Martiello and Malia Molina, and sophomore catcher Lily Finucane came up big in a 4-3 win over Oceanside in the semifinals. Molina had the game-winning hit in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Finucane scored the winning run after driving in the first run of the game.

EAST MEADOW HERALD — June 17, 2021

Herald SPOrTS East Meadow’s Jets’ run ends in the finals

Photos by Donovan Berthoud/Herald

SENIOr pITchEr ALEx Kelly, left, and junior outfielder Grace Pohalski earned AllCounty honors this spring while leading the Jets to the Nassau Class AA finals.

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Local churches’ offer day of hope in Westbury

By JENNIFER CORR jcorr@liherald.com

It almost felt like post-pandemic life for community members, who relaxed on the grass on June 6 in front of Bowling Green Elementary School in Westbury. They were able to watch and listen to a band play and enjoy a free lunch, all part of Hope Day. New Hope Church in Westbury, Calvary Lutheran Church & Nursery School in East Meadow, Shelter Rock Church in Old Westbury and Bethel AME Church in Westbury all partnered together to put on Hope Day, which began in the East Meadow community in 2015.

“We are different denominations, different geographic areas,” said the Rev. Dan Olsen of New Hope Church.

“But we’re all Westbury and East Meadow within the school district and we just want to pay attention to the needs of this community.”

Hope Day, a New York metropolitan area-wide initiative from The Hope Day Network, is an opportunity for churches to work together to meet the needs in the community. Last year, over 100 different churches put on a Hope Day in their communities.

The four local churches were able to provide the community with toiletries, lunch, groceries and activities for the children and other services — all for free.

“This year we did a lot of groceries because some people have done really well financially and some people are really struggling,” Olsen said. “We wanted to come alongside those folks that are having a tougher time.”

While past year’s Hope Day events had been laid out like a carnival, with free games and snacks for the children, the event this year, in the wake of Covid-19, was done a bit differently.

Instead of holding it in the Bowling Green field, it was held in front of the school around the bus lane. Guests

Jennifer Corr/Herald

MEGAN MUNTZERBERGER MADE sure all of the activity bundles were full. were able to drive through and stop at various stations to receive their children’s activities, free lunches, groceries and toiletries.

“It’s really wonderful,” said volunteer Karen Muntzenberger, who is the head of children’s ministry at New Hope Church. “The best part about Hope Day is it’s all about giving and not about us taking. The world is all about how can I get more. We are here just to bless people, to give them more. To say that we love you and that there’s no strings attached. We just want to give you a great day.”

But not only were nutritional and physical needs were met at Hope Day. Emotional needs were met as well, as social worker Claudine Aievoli was on hand to speak with guest attendees. Also, at her station, there were advocates who provided information about Medicaid and home health care.

“It’s been a really hard year and people are looking for help, different ways to deal with some of the anxieties that have come up,” Aievoli said. “Where you have people struggling with anxiety before the pandemic, it has increased even for people who have never struggled with anxiety and depression.”

Aievoli will be expanding on the topic of managing stress during a pandemic with the four churches through an event called “Surviving & Thriving in Anxious Time.”

That event will take place at June 26 at 10:30 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church. Flyers for the event were being passed out to Hope Day attendees. “[Events like Hope Day] are absolutely important on so many levels,” Aievoli said. “It shows that we can be here to support people and that’s really what God would have.”

Muntzenberger said that her hope for next year’s Hope Day is to be able to have that carnival environment once again, with a bouncy house, games and snow cones for the children.

“One of the things I like about that is parents can come and they can be the ‘yes’ parents, because they don’t have to pay for anything,” Muntzenberger said. “It gives the families and parents a chance to say yes to their kids and have a stress free, great day.”

But no matter what, these local churches, regardless of denomination, will be serving the community again next June 6. “We are different, unique churches, all coming together to help share God’s love with people,” said the Rev. Anthony Giordano of Calvary Lutheran Church.

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June 17, 2021 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

12

Virtual events planned by PFY for Pride Month agarcia@liherald.com

PFY, formerly known as Pride for Youth, is hosting a month with virtual event for Pride Month, while continuing to serve the LGBTQ+ community.

While its annual Pride Month fundraiser is usually in person, the organization will stick with a virtual format this year, even as pandemic restrictions continue to ease. It’s a departure from the usual, but the new normal has allowed the Bellmore-based PFY to cater to clients in ways it couldn’t before, according to its director of Nassau operations, Tawni Engel.

“There’s a silver lining,” Engel said.

The pandemic has been “devastating,” she said, “but we’ve been able to learn about clients’ ability to access our services. Some are young and not out to their parents; some don’t even want to ask.”

New clients have been able to overcome “barriers,” Engel said, by accessing free virtual counseling from their homes, as well as a variety of virtual events.

Other in-person services, such as HIV and STI testing, are still available.

On June 1, PFY hosted Elevate, Enlighten, Empower: A Virtual Pride Celebration, featuring youth performances, personal stories, guest appearances and a retrospective of the organization’s journey.

The first three words of the event’s title were the goal for the LGBTQ+ com-

Courtesy PFY

PFY’S #HIVFEARLESS CAMPAIGN promotes free HIV testing. munity, Engel said: elevate by showcasing many talents, enlighten by showing what the community and PFY have been up to, and empower by sharing powerful stories.

The event had raised more than $28,000, nearing its goal of $30,000. The goal was increased once the $25,000 mark was passed.

PFY’s Pride After Dark will make the move online this year, too, making it the first large-scale virtual event hosted by

the organization. It is a venue solely for artists — expect to see drag performers, singers and celebrity appearances — and promises to be as loud as its in-person counterpart, Engel said.

Pride After Dark will take place on June 20 at 7 p.m., and is free. Registration for the event can be found on PFY’s various social media pages.

“What’s beautiful about it is it gives a platform for young adults across Long

Island to express themselves and show their pride,” said Devon Zappasodi, director of PFY’s Suffolk division, which recently opened its first location in Deer Park. “It’s a space to gather and celebrate, but mostly it’s a space that they own — it’s all them, and we’re just organizing the logistics of it.”

Performers can submit videos to be shown during Pride After Dark. PFY HIV testers will also be available throughout to help guests set up HIV testing appointments.

PFY may soon receive an additional influx of funds thanks to U.S. Rep. Kathleen Rice, who requested nearly $150,000 for the organization. According to a letter sent by Rice to fellow members of Congress, “The funding would be used to supplement PFY’s LGBTQ Health and Human Services program and to improve access to behavioral health services through PFY’s Individual Counseling Program.”

The funds, while not guaranteed, could help provide more counseling services and shorten the waitlist for clients who want counseling, Engel said.

Pride Month is PFY’s busiest month of the year, and Engel said it brings “visibility and awareness” to the LGBTQ+ community. “This community is here,” she said, “and growing stronger all the time.”

“It’s a platform during a very important month,” Zappasodi said. “Who wouldn’t want to be on stage?”

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EAST MEADOW HERALD — June 17, 2021

By ANDREW GARCIA

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E.M. street renamed for 9/11 firefighter

By JULIA REMICK newsroom@liherald.com

A street in East Meadow was renamed to honor Joseph A. Hatzelman’s memory and service to the New York Fire Department following his death in February 2020 due to 9/11 related illnesses.

Hatzelman served in the FDNY at Engine Co. 218 in Brooklyn for 10 years.

Fifth Street, where he grew up, was renamed in his honor on June 6.

A Holy Trinity High School graduate, he and his wife, Kathy, chose to raise their children, a son also named Joseph and their daughter, Tara, in East Meadow.

Town Supervisor Don Clavin and Joseph, spoke to family, friends and community members who gathered on the corner of Fifth Street and Lincoln Avenue for the dedication ceremony. Councilmen Dennis Dunne, Sr., Bruce Blakeman and Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray assisted in the unveiling of the street sign.

“His bravery and his heroism and his impact on his local community will forever be remembered today, as we dedicate this simple street in East Meadow in his honor,” Clavin said.

Hatzelman, who was 61 when he died, was not scheduled to be on duty on Sept.

11, 2001, Clavin said. “As soon as he heard the call, he was already in route right here from East Meadow,” Clavin said. “His vehicle headed straight to ground zero, and he remained at ground zero for over a

Courtesy Julia Remick

ELECTED LEADERS AND the family of Joseph Hatzelman attended a street renaming in East Meadow to honor a firefighter who died in 2020 from 9/11 related illnesses. month.”

In addition to his service as a firefighter, Clavin said Hatzelman contributed to the family run business — Meadow Dairy, which was a staple to the East Meadow community.

Joseph described his father as kind and loving. He never missed a school graduation or event. His father enjoyed the little things in life, Joseph said, and he loved

spending time with friends and family.

Hatzelman also enjoyed playing solitaire, fishing and spending time outdoors.

And he was popular in town. While running errands, Joseph said his father always saw someone he knew.

There were a few moments of levity at the street renaming. The crowd laughed along with Joseph when he spoke of his father’s stubbornness and how he talked

with his hands. During his childhood, Joseph remembered how his father always said he was made of steel, which believed.

That is until he caught his father putting his teeth back in or recovering from a broken bone.

“Growing up, I thought it was cool that my dad rode around in a fire truck to put out fires with a big hose,” Joseph said. “As time went on, I learned how truly tough it is to be a firefighter. Every day he went to work, and he gave everything that he had, there were many difficulties that he encountered, and never once did he take it out on his family.”

Although his father would have never asked for a street to be renamed after him, Joseph said it was something his father deserved. The firefighter’s mother, Roseanne Hatzelman, smiled with pride as she held a ceremonial sign with her son’s name.

When it was time to unveil the street sign honoring Hatzelman, the crowd rushed forward to be able to see the sign.

The unveiling was met with applause and cheers from the crowd, followed by people taking many photos of the new street sign.

“During his years of service, I do not think he ever truly realized the amount of peoples’ lives that he touched,” Joseph said, “and it’s comforting to know that he still watches out over each of us every day, and he’s always there whenever we need him.”

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June 17, 2021 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

14

eLEVate the Conversation Though I will never be mistaken for in a project in college and when I had one, I am relatively sure that it’s not moments of frustration as a young pareasy being a dad. While moms might be ent. An untraditional dad.

My husband is not only my partner in forgiven for their nagging worries and less than nutritious lunches, convention- marriage but has been a partner who al dads still have to appear strong and worked tirelessly for our two children. sound, always eager to play with their He gave our kids bike-riding lessons, little ones, and ready to provide sage seasons in Little League, and led so many conversations while advice if ever asked by their sitting around the table, surly teens. Ask any sitcom. relaxing on the sofa or Check out most ads. perched on the corner of Fortunately, I have never their beds. He gave basic lesknown a conventional dad. sons (okay, sometimes lecBesides some role models in tures) on living, learning friends and extended family, and the experience of growI have two keen references: ing throughout their formamy own dad who tried his tive and current years. best as he spent a lifetime So, I have tried my best to dealing with his demons and celebrate this day for generamy own husband, nurtured auren ev tions by making my way and nurturing through goofy through retail aisles of jokes and a strong judge of stainless steel barbeques and character. I only wish I could have met my husband’s parents and got- accessories. I have worked my way ten an even better look at the way he was around table after table of silk ties, and shelves of t-shirts that promote dad’s raised and loved by his dad.

From all accounts, it sounds like my grilling ways and football identity. I have father-in-law was a caring and dutiful no excuse when I have spent the third husband, a pretty good cook and the Sunday in June embarrassingly not sure kind of guy that could, and would, talk what gifts to buy. Yet I thank all you dads with anyone. Though he and his wife for your service, acknowledging that it is were handicapped, they did everything you we value, as all our fathers are they could for their son seeking normal- priceless. cy in their day-to-day living. An illustrative example was that my father-in-law A contributing writer to the Herald since was afraid of the water yet did what it 2012, Lauren Lev is an East Meadow resirequired to go in the pool as his child dent and a direct marketing/advertising learned to jump in and swim. An uncon- executive who teaches marketing fundamentals as well as advertising and marventional dad.

My dad taught me sports from a fan’s keting communications courses at the perspective, how to do sit ups and did his Fashion Institute of Technology and best to keep me calm when I got an “F” SUNY Old Westbury.

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1133576

516-524-6000

LI Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME Pressroom/warehouse helper in Garden City.

EAST MEADOW HERALD — June 17, 2021

rs 35 Yeagrity e Of Int

Father’s Day 2021

L

15

HERALD

Employment

CLASSIFIED

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

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

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

THURSDAY JUNE 24th, 2021 10am-2pm & 4pm-7pm 1025 OLD COUNTRY ROAD, SUITE 325, WESTBURY, NY 11590

Is Seeking Applicants For A

DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS MEDICAL COUNSELORS RESIDENCE MANAGER ASSISTANT RESIDENCE MANAGERS DAY HABILITATION WORkERS

REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL NURSE VACANCY

F/T P/T - PER DIEM FOR

Massapeua, Kings Point, Port Washington, Merrick, Westbury, Malverne, Glen Cove, East Meadow, and Dix Hills locations

(We said it was simple. We didn’t say it was easy.)

NO LATER THAN JUNE 25, 2021

1135244

1134926

We Will Be Serving Refreshments and The First 10 People To Attend Each Session Will Be Awarded An Amazon Gift Card!

Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools

ISLAND PARK UFSD Island Park, New York

Civil Service Positions

Registered Professional School Nurses for Summer Recreation Programs *

Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools, one of the leading school districts on Long Island, is seeking talented and dedicated professionals to be part of our team. We have immediate openings for:

Registered Nurse

For the Summer Playschool Program at Ogden Elementary School Program runs June 28 – August 6, 2021 salary is $5,969.00

Summer Recreation Program Hours: 8:30 am to 2:00 pm July 6th through August 6th or Beach Program Hours: 8:30 am to 2:00 pm July 6th through August 6th

Certified Lifeguards

Equal Opportunity Employer

516-432-7732

Equal Opportunity Employer A Service of Nassau BOCES

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

Call the USA Classified Network today!

1-800-231-6152

salary, commission, bonuses and benefits. must have own vehicle and valid driver’s license.

HERALD Community Newspapers liherald.com

real local, real news

$18.50 NYC, $17 L.I., up to $13.50 Upstate NY!

If you need care from your relative, friend/ neighbor and you have Medicaid, they may be eligible to start taking care of you as a personal assistant under NYS Medicaid CDPA Program. No Certificates needed.

Phone: 347-713-3552

Early Childhood Center Staff

Interested candidates must apply online at www.hewlett-woodmere.net click on career opportunities

*Applicants must be approved by Civil Service and obtain fingerprint clearance from New York State Education Department.

Mr. Keith Manginelli

to join our outside sales team, contact Rhonda glickman. send your resume today. rglickman@liherald.com, 516-569-4000 x250.

Full/Part-Time

Salary: $35.00 per hour

Fax letter of interest and resume by June 28, 2021 to:

RecRuiting a great sales team is Really simple.

We hire the smartest people who can solve the hardest marketing objectives with an arsenal of solutions and a smile through the journey.

Interested Applicants should email letter of interest and resume to Ms. Regina Agrusa, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel and Special Education at: ragrusa@sewanhakaschools.org

COMMUNITY MAINSTREAMING is A Non Profit Human Service Agency Seeking Dedicated Staff To Work With Intellectually and Developmentally Disabled Individuals.

Any Further Questions Contact HR Recruiter Esther Seidman 516-683-0710, Ext 256.

THE SEWANHAKA CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

1128591

COMMUNITY MAINSTREAMING

1134911

HIRING EVENT

EMPLOYMENT 1135150

June 17, 2021 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

16

Help Wanted $18.50 NYC, $17 L.I. up to $13.50 Upstate NY! If you need care from your relative, friend/ neighbor and you have Medicaid, they may be eligible to start taking care of you as personal assistant under NYS Medicaid CDPA Program. No Certificates needed. 347-713-3553

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT BOOKKEEPER for a wholesale distributor company Full-time, Monday-Friday, 40 hours a week in Woodmere. Forward resume to: LJKTRAD@AOL.COM

1135155

Business Development Specialist – Westbury, NY. Seeking MS in Business Admin., or related. Mail CV to Attn: HR/Job #0407, TelLogicInc (dba) CentralEd, 400 Post Ave, #410, Westbury, NY 11590.

Early Childhood Center SUMMER CAMP Staff Needed In Lawrence The Gural JCC Early Childhood Center Camp Is Seeking Summer Staff Including Counselors, Assistant Counselors And Lifeguards.

Qualified And Interested Staff Please Call 516-239-1354 Or E-mail Camp@GuralJCC.org.

Needed In Lawrence For Fall, 2021 The Gural JCC Early Childhood Center Is Hiring Head Teachers And Assistant Teachers For The 2021-2022 School Year.

Interested And Qualified Applicants Should Please E-mail Resumes And References Directly To

JCC.Nursery@guraljcc.org Or Call 516-239-1354.

FACTORY WORKER PT/FT Needed For Awning Factory. Flexible Hours. Various Duties. 516-239-8090; tgawnings@aol.com

MACHINE OPERATOR FT

Will Train. Precision Air Chuck Manufacturer. Northfield Precision Instrument.

4400 Austin Blvd. Island Park, NY 11558. Email resume to: sales@northfield.com 516-431-1112

OFFICE PERSON FT

Monday- Friday. Receive Calls, Input Orders, Fast-paced Environment. Computer Skills Necessar y. Paper Goods Wholesaler. Island Park.

Email Resume: appcoem@gmail.com 516-608-9200 Contact Eric

Part-Time Bus Driver (CDL)

In Cedarhurst The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC Is Seeking A Part-Time Bus Driver For Approximately 12-18 Hours Per Week, Monday-Friday.

Qualified Candidates Must Have A Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) With A Passenger Endorsement No Less Than 18 Passengers. Clean License A Must.

Background Check Required.

Please Call Irina At 516-569-6733 The Gural JCC is an EEO Employer.

PART-TIME HELP NEEDED For Garden and Odd Jobs In Lawrence. Call 516-239-2161

17

HERALD

Help Wanted PRIVATE DRIVER NEEDED

Weekly Hours Vary. Occasional Overnight Stay. Use Of Company Car. Background Check And DMV Check.

Call For Details. Barbara 516-705-4804

Health Care/Opportunities

WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED!!!

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

HOME OF THE WEEK

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

Lido Beach

Gorgeous Oceanfront Condo

L

ovely very large 2 bedroom, 2 full bath condo with terrace and ocean views! This unit features hardwood floors, raised ceiling with custom molding, granite kitchen, closets and HUGE direct oceanfront terrace. The property is situated on 12 acres with beach access and incredible amenities: private beach, 24/7 concierge, brand new outdoor in-ground heated pool, 2 tennis courts, brand new BBQ area, beach and bike storage, lounge and game rooms, new gym, laundry rooms, 1 parking spot plus guest parking!

Come live on the ocean!

Evon's Svces: 516-505-5510

HERALD

Homes Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299

1135269

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

OPEN HOUSES SUNday, 6/20/21

ROCKVILLE CENTRE OFFICES FOR RENT

Tom Tripodi Tripodi/Shemtov Team Douglas Elliman Real Estate Long Beach 516.902.3497

“Going Above & Beyond to find your Dream Home” Hampton lifE 7LindaLane.C21.com

Rhonda Healy

luxury living 385BWestBroadway.C21.com

M: (516) 236-7269

Summer Beach rentalS 3 bEdroom summEr rEsort, pool

1135149

OPEN HOUSES HEWLETT 1720 Union Ave, 2-3:30, NEW EXCLUSIVE! 3 BR, 2 Bth Ranch, Updtd Gran/Wood EIK, LR, DR, Den. Full Unfin Bsmt w/Hi Ceiling. 2 Car Att Gar. SD#14 ................................................ $699,000 1602 Hereford Rd, BA, NEW! Move Right Into This Renovated 3 BR, 3 Bth Ranch with Full FBsmt. Open Layout, Att Garage. LOW TAXES! SD#14 .................................................. $799,000 1714 Huntley Pl, BA, NEW! Beautiful, Spacious 5 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch, Open Layout. Parklike 1/4 Acre in Cul De Sac. Full Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Att Gar. SD#14 ........................................... $999,000 1610 Hilary Ct, BA, Beautifully Gut Renovated 4600 Sq Ft Colonial in Cul de Sac.5 BR, 3.5 Bth with Full FFsmt, 2 Car Att Gar. SD#20. Tax Grievance Filed ....................REDUCED! $1,279,999 1593 Lakeview Dr, BA, 4 BR 2 Bth Exp Ranch on OVERSIZED Prop, SD#14. Full Dry Bsmt with Hi Ceiling. Att Gar. Beautiful Treelined St .................................................... REDUCED! $799,000 1390 Broadway #102, BA, 2 BR, 2 Bth Coop in Luxurious Hewlett Townhouse. LR/DR, Updtd Kit & Office/Den. Elevator, 24 Hr Drman, Valet Pkg, Pool. Priv Storage Area. Great Location Near Shops & Trans......................................................................................REDUCED! $349,000 NEW EXCLUSIVE! 4 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch w/ Full Fin Bsmt. Att Gar. Beautiful St in SD#14 ........................................................................................................................... $779,000 HEWLETT HaRBOR 7 Lake Dr, BA, NEW! Beautifully Renovated 4 BR, 3.5 Bth Col with Open Layout. Mstr Ste Boasts New Bth, HUGE WIC & Deck Overlooking Golf Course. Full Bsmt. 2 Car Gar. SD#14 ....$1,395,000 105 Lake Dr, BA, Spectaular Waterfront Prop With Golf Course Views. 4 BR, 4.5 Bth 4500 sq Ft Contemporary w/ Open Layout & Soaring Ceilings, 2 Car Gar, New Bulkhead, SD#14 ........................................................................................................REDUCED! $1,850,000 236 Richards Lane, BA, 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary Home on an Acre Of Resortlike Prop with IG Pool. Open Floor Plan. Full Fin Bsmt. Main Flr Master. SD14..............REDUCED! $1,499,000 339 Pepperidge Rd, BA, 5 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch on 1/2 Acre Resortlike Prop with IG Pool & Golf Course View! SD#20 ............................................................................REDUCED! $999,000 267 Channon Rd, BA, 7 BR, 4 Bth Exp Ranch w/ Full Fin Bsmt on Quiet St in SD#20. 2 Car Att Gar. Won’t Last! ........................................................................................ REDUCED! $1,149,000 HEWLETT Bay PaRK 40 Heron Dr,BA, 10,000 Sq Ft Waterfront Property on an Acre of Parklike Grounds Tucked away in Cul de Sac. 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary. Soaring Ceilings. IG Pool, Hot Tub. 285' Vinyl Bulkhead Raised & Redone Dock. 3 Car Garage .................................... REDUCED!! $3,999,000 WOOdSBURGH 185 Bay Dr, BA, 5/6 BR, 4.5 Bth Exp Ranch on Parklike 1/2 Acre Prop. Guest Quarters, Full Bsmt, 2 Car Gar. SD#14 ............................................................................REDUCED! $1,420,000 WOOdMERE 4 Clubside Dr, BA, Renovated 3 BR,3.5 Bth Townhouse in Cedar Glen. Updtd Gran/Wood EIK & Bths. HW Flrs. Fin Lower Level. Att Gar. Community Pool & Tennis. Near All. SD#14 .. $725,000 EaST ROCKaWay 54 Rose Lane, 12-1:30, NEW EXCLUSIVE! PROPERTY LOVERS DELIGHT! 3 BR, 2.5 Bth Split on Over 1/2 Acre Parklike Property in Waverly Park. Updtd EIK, Den/Fpl/Vaulted Ceiling, FDR & Mstr Ste/Updtd Bth & Sitting Rm. 2 Car Gar. SD#20 .................................................. $1,199,000

3 bEdroom townHousE ocEan viEws

For Additional Info Contact Listing Agent: Helen Esposito Cell: 516-884-2662

43 N. Park Ave. Rockville Centre • 516-764-2601

Where Dreams Come Home

PRIME LOCATION!!!

CALL US TOdAy!

516-405-3918

… a place to call your own.

Suburb or country, house, condo, townhouse or apartment, our Classifieds can help you find a HOME that fits your style, your budget and Real Estate needs... it’s a MUST SEE!

Michele Librett-Lawlor, CBR, SFR NYS Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

BestLiHomes.com • 516-418-3333 REAL ESTATE

Open Houses

Open Houses

HEWLETT 6/20, 2-3:30,1720 UNION Ave, NEW EXCLUSIVE! 3 BR, 2 Bth Ranch w/ Updtd Gran/Wood EIK, LR,DR & Den. Full Unfin Bsmt w/Hi Ceiling. 2 Car Att Gar. SD#14...$699,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

EAST ROCKAWAY 6/20, 12-1:30, 54 Rose Lane, NEW! PROPERTY LOVERS DELIGHT! 3 BR, 2.5 Bth Split on Over 1/2 Acre Parklike Property in Waverly Park Area.Updtd EIK, Den/Fpl/Vaulted Ceiling, FDR & Mstr Ste/Updtd Bth & Sitting Rm. 2 Car Gar. SD#20...$1,199,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299 HEWLETT 1602 HEREFORD Rd,OPEN HOUSE BY APPT,NEW EXCLUSIVE! Move Right Into This Renovated 3 BR, 3 Bth Ranch with Full Fin Bsmt. Open Layo u t , A t t G a r a g e . L O W TA X E S !

SD#14...$799,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4

Your Hometown Newspaper

To Place an Ad Call: 516-569-4000 • Press 5

1133031

NYS Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

Helping you find a HOME or sell a HOME

Call us today!

55 Merrick Avenue, Merrick NY 11566

John Lawlor, CBR, SFR 1134767

AMENITIES INCLUDE: • Shared Kitchen • Conference Room • Reception Area • Municipal Parking

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

HEWLETT 1714 HUNTLEY Pl, BA, NEW! Beautiful, Spacious 5 BR, 3 Bth Exp Ranch w/ Open Layout. Parklike 1/4 Acre Prop in Cul De Sac. Full Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Att Gar. SD#14....$999,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

HEWLETT HARBOR BA 7 Lake Dr, ,NEW! Beautifully Renovated 4 BR, 3.5 Bth Col with Open Layout. Mstr Ste Boasts New Bth, HUGE WIC & Deck Overlooking Golf Course. Full Bsmt. 2 Car Gar. SD#14...$1,395,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

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

Real Estate Salesperson, abR, SRS E: Rhonda.Healy.VW@gmail.com Verdeschi & Walsh Realty 1025 W. Beech St. | Long Beach, NY

OneKey Multiple Listing Service

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

Call the USA Classified Network today!

1-800-231-6152

1131448

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

EAST MEADOW HERALD — June 17, 2021

Employment HERALDHomes

HERALD

Market Place • •

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

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

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

If Your Plumbing STINKS

Call The WeNKS! 516-889-3200

Father & Son Owned

1132849

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

FREE ESTIMATES 4 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE

wenkpipingandheating.com

W eNK

PIPING & HEATING CORP.

1134567

$25

OFF

1131350

Any Service Call For New Customer Exp. 7/15/21

Wanted dead or alive OWA_STREAMLINE_BW_Bold

Sunday, August 02, 2020 11:07:23 AM

tree service • free estimate Spring has sprung and so will your trees.

Contact us now for all your pruning needs.

Specializing in: • Tree removal • STump grinding • land Clearing • pruning • STorm prevenTion

516-216-2617

suff.

LIC.# 54512-H

516.431.0799

aboveallgutters.com

1109488

Dave marlOWe Plumbing, inC.

FRANCISCO’S TREE SERVICE

DBA BOB PHILLIPS PLUMBING

Over 100 Years Of familY Plumbing Oil to Gas • Toilets • Faucets • Repairs & Replacements Waste Piping • Water Piping Mention this ad and get

10% Off 1113171

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ORDER NOW & WE WILL UPGRADE YOUR HEAD CONNECTION WITH BLAZING SADDLES & SWING JOINTS!

FAST • REALIABLE • REASONABLE RATES www.CountyIrrigation.Com LICENSED & INSURED LIC. # H351118000

516-255-9595

*Power washing sPecialist*

(516) 766-1666 (631) 225-2600

FREE ESTIMATES

Lic# H206773000

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

ALL CLEAR DRAIN & SEWER SERVICE

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

(516)409-9696 • (631)422-9696

1134972

Chimney King, Ent. Inc.

CLUTTER

When You Buy From Us, You Get

1132306

on labor only

FREE • Chimneys Repaired, Rebuilt & Tuckpointing ESTIMATES • Stainless Steel Liners Installed Fully licensed and insured Nassau • Suffolk • NYC

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

INSTALLATIONS • REPAIRS/ SERVICES PROFESSIONAL DESIGN • SPRING START-UP & WINTER CLOSING SERVICE CONTRACTS • ATHLETICS FIELDS

Rain Sensor, Spring Start up, Fall Winterize, Valve Containment System, Dura Manifold System For Easy On/Off Service, Backflow Test, Extra Wiring For Future Use, Hose Bib.

• Permits & Legalizations • Certified NYS Backflows • Licensed Master Plumber • Insured • FREE Estimates

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

SERVICES:

Sinks • Tubs • Toilets • Sewer Lines

Free estimates...Best Price For High Quality service

CRAZY? driving you

1132720

home improvement speciaList no JoB too BiG or smaLL

raf industries corp. home improvement

free estimates

516-867-2603

Lic./Ins. Nassau - Lic #154401 • Long Beach - Lic #14401

Sell your merchandise in no time!

Email your Ad to the Herald and PrimeTime Classified Department at

sales@liherald.com to run a FREE "Finds Under $100"

1131968

Owner/Operated • residential/COmmerCial

To Place Your Card in the

Here’s My Card Directory Just call 516-569-4000 press 5, then 2

1129924

nass.

LIC. # H2904450000

1131462

we Care More Than The REST For LESS

1112911

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

1134056

June 17, 2021 — HERALD

18

Market Place •

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

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

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tree removal tree pruning stump grinding lot clearing

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2-3 YEAR PAYBACK FROM YOUR WATER BILL SAvINGS

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call today for a free estimate

tel: 631-cut-tree 631-288-8733

WATER

fully licensed & insured

FOR AN ESTIMATE TEXT:

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mention this ad and get $25 off

www.garycap.com

COMPLETE RENOVATIONS

M

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Over 15 Years Experience Licensed • Insured

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Page 2 is 4C constructed in InDesign. This page is a PDF exported from page 2 and converted to grayscale. Use 600 dpi for exporting.

HANDYMAN SERVICE

1130108

1124744

Kitchens • Bathrooms • Painting Roofing • Sheetrocking • Plumbing Electrical • Concrete • Powerwashing Carpentry • Basements • Baby-Proofing Ikea Furn. Assembly • Computer Repairs

RYAN 516-695-4527 917-697-3647

WINDOW REPAIR

1131597

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1134932

DO YOUR WINDOWS FALL DOWN • NEED CAULKING VINYL AND ALUMINUM ALSO NEW WINDOWS • MOBILE REPAIR SHOP SERVICE Window Palace

Quality Work At Reasonable Prices

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the

in

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Specializing

at

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choose

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• Eco friendly facility • Environmentally safe soy based inks • Recycled paper • Help reduce the carbon footprint

Call Lou today at 516-569-4000 ext 223

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, It’s in the Herald Classifieds...

REAL ESTATE & MORE...

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

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... press 5

A. You can choose your neighbors and you can choose your friends, but you don’t get to choose your family, right? Every once in a while, I get a call from a representative of a group of concerned citizens who want some use to just disappear, but you have to consider what the use is, and whether that use has been previously approved with permits onte eeper and certificates of completion at that location. If the use has previously been approved, with zoning variances or straight permits, then your recourse is limited.

It’s not uncommon to see people show up — or lately, log in — to a zoning hearing to voice their opposition to an established use such as a restaurant that wants more seating, or a new use that was formerly retail, and many other combinations or changes. As to whether you can do anything, I can only say that the specifics of the proposed use would need to be understood. For example, if the restaurant that has closed was previously approved for a specific number of seats, and the proposed restaurant goes in with the same status — under normal circumstances, the conditions remain the same and, except for any minor improvements, such as kitchen equipment, removing a wall or changing the seating configuration — then the only approvals needed are permits that do not require any contestable review, as would be the case in a zoning hearing.

Noxious fumes and fire safety are another matter, and you can make a complaint that may be addressed to some extent by examining the use of equipment to minimize the fumes, but consider that fumes from a restaurant are part of the mechanism of cooking and ventilation. Also consider that you, apparently, chose to live next to a commercial establishment. It did not choose to locate next to you; you chose where to live.

I have witnessed, in public hearings over the years, seemingly reasonable people step up to the microphone and blurt out the most unreasonable statements about how, for example, their neighbor’s renovation will cause noise and dust, so shouldn’t they be told they have to turn their homestead into a small park for everyone else to enjoy? My favorite one was the couple who were hell-bent on getting the railroad to either stop running by their house or change the train schedule so they could listen to the birds without interruption. I don’t think the board of the railroad changed the schedule, but I’m sure they had a good laugh. With relatives like that, I’ll stick with my friends. Good luck!

Ask The Architect

FREE

Nassau & suffolk

Q. We live behind a shopping center, and want to know if there’s anything we can do to stop a restaurant from opening there. The last one went out of business because of the pandemic, and this one will probably be pumping out the same smelly fumes. We complained about the last one, but we think the owner knows people, since nothing was done about it.

Do you have any suggestions?

L

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

HERALD — June 17, 2021

HERALD

A new restaurant in the neighborhood

19

HERALD

Stuff

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

MERCHANDISE MART

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

Antiques/Collectibles

FAMILY-ORIENTED SINGLE WOMAN looking to welcome a child into her life. Any ethnicity welcome, expenses paid. Please call (347) 470-5228 or my attor ney: (800)582-3678 for information.

Announcements A nonprofit organization in Cedarhurst, NY is seeking sealed bids for sales and installation of security related enhancements.

The project includes: entryway door replacements, installation of access control and ID systems, installation of security window film, installation of Closed Circuit Television equipment.

Selection criteria will be based on knowledge of surveillance and security, adherence to work schedule, prior experience, references, and cost. Specifications and bid requirements can be obtained by contacting us at secbid516@gmail.com All interested firms will be required to sign for the proposal documents and provide primary contact, telephone, fax and email address.

Bids will be accepted until June 25, 2021 and work is to commence by: July 1 and completed

by August 20, 2021.

AND LANDSCAPING: Tree Removal, Stumps, Fertilization, Planting, Land Clearing, Topping. Free Estimates. Lic# H206773000. Office 516-546-4971, Cell 516-852-5415

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

1129117

Adoption

FRANCISCO'S TREE SERVICE

Wanted To Buy FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114.

Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-291-9169 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com

FINDS UNDER $100

SERVICES Decks

Finds Under $100 GLASSWARE, HORCHOW, BOXED, made in Italy, 6 rock, 6 drinking, green grass design, $25, 516-678-0694 LAZ-Y-BOY QUEEN-SIZE SOFA bed.

Best offer under $99.00. 516-766-4335 ROCKING CHAIR: painted white wood, includes removable baby blue seat/back cushion, $25, 516-678-0694 VASES: 2 20" cylinder style w/silk flowers/ crystal beads, excellent, asking $35.00 originally $75.00 (516)579-9089 WOMENS CLOTHES, CASUAL & business, great condition, sizes 16-1X, everything under $10.00 (516)579-9089

DECKS DECKS Our Only Business COMPOSITES/WOOD Excellent References & Many Photos Lic./Ins. Free Estimates C & S DECKS 516-729-5859

Electricians 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.

HErald

Crossword Puzzle

Home Improvement ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debrisblocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off and 0% financing for those who qualify.

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Answers

to todAy’s puzzle

21

OPINIONS

n wildness is the preservation of the world.”

—Henry David Thoreau

Last Nov. 8, I was kayaking in Emory Creek in Freeport, just north of the Narrows, when I spotted what I thought was a chunk of garbage floating in the waterway and paddled over to collect it. I was headed north, back to the Albany Avenue boat ramp, after two hours on the water. Suddenly the garbage jerked, as if it were alive.

“What the…?” I blurted out. Were SCOTT my eyes deceiving me?

BRINTON As I approached, I realized it wasn’t garbage, but a river otter, the first one I’d ever seen in the wild — or anywhere. I slowed my paddling, hoping to sneak up close enough for a quick photo. I stroked all of three times when the otter lifted its head slightly and dived headlong underwater, its back forming a perfect U as it plunged, like some mythical sea serpent of yore. I waited a few minutes to see if it might resurface, but it vanished.

I came away feeling grateful to have seen this beautiful creature, if only momentarily.

River otters are indeed rare on Long Island.

They once numbered in the hundreds of

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thousands on the East Coast, but were hunted mercilessly from the 1600s through the early 1900s for their sleek fur, the densest of any mammal in the animal kingdom. When Europeans first settled in North America, otters inhabited every waterway on the continent, according to Mike Bottini, a wildlife biologist with the nonprofit, Islip-based Seatuck Environmental Association. By the 20th century, their numbers had dwindled to a few thousand, scattered in small, out-ofsight colonies.

Seatuck teamed up with the nonprofit Peconic Land Trust on May 20 to present a webinar on “The Re-wilding of Long Island,” about how any number of creatures — including river otters — are making a comeback thanks to conservation programs, so I had to tune in. In addition to Bottini, it featured Emily Hall, Seatuck’s conservation policy advocate; Kelly Hamilton, a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation wildlife biologist; and Enrico Nardone, Seatuck’s executive director. Arielle Santos, its wildlife conservation policy program coordinator, moderated.

River otters disappeared from Long Island in the early 1800s. They were protected by the International Fur Seal Treaty of 1911, however, and further safeguarded in the U.S. by the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973. No longer hunted, they are

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rebounding. It’s not clear when, precisely, river otters returned to Long Island, but a 2008 study by Bottini confirmed their presence here, and a subsequent study 10 years later found that their range was expanding.

Bottini identified 150 potential sites where otters might live on the Island, and narrowed their presence to three confirmed locations: Mill Neck/ Oyster Bay, the Nissequogue River and Peconic Bay. By 2018, they were found in 10 spots.

River otters are amazing creatures. They can hold their breath underwater for up to eight minutes, which might explain why I didn’t see the otter resurface — I had waited two or three minutes before I continued paddling on my way last November. They are also among only 10 or so animals besides humans that employ tools: They use rocks to smash open crustaceans’ shells to get to the meat inside.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that not only are otters returning to Long Island, but bald eagles are as well — there are now 21 nesting pairs here, Hamilton said. They had nearly gone extinct during the 1960s because of the ubiquitous use of DDT, a now-banned pesticide that caused their offspring’s shells to thin and crack open before the chicks were fully developed. The mother bird would crush the eggs when she sat on them to warm them. From the 1940s to the

’ve glimpsed a river otter, and the silvery aquatic carpet of a school of river herring.

’60s, 675,000 tons of DDT were sprayed across America, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The increase in river herring on Long Island is promising as well, Hall said. The river herring is a silvery fish that was once so plentiful that when schools of it made their way upriver, they turned the water silver. We haven’t reached that point yet. One night in the fall of 2019, however, my son, Andrew, and I returned to the Albany Avenue boat ramp after kayaking Emory Creek. The sun had set only a short while earlier. The moon was full, causing an abnormally high tide that inundated part of the boat ramp parking lot. Andrew waded into the water to the edge of the bulkhead, and for no particular reason, shined his headlamp into the creek.

There it was, a giant mass of silvery fish streaming northward. “Whoa!” I exclaimed.

It was an extraordinary sight. I’m now convinced the fish were river herring.

The re-wilding of Long Island, to me, demonstrates the necessity of federal and state environmental regulations — and local conservation efforts undertaken by vital groups like Seatuck (seatuck.org) and the Peconic Land Trust (peconiclandtrust. org). They need and deserve our support.

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.

On the road with a priest, a knight and a monk

fter 15 months, hundreds of miles, 800 pages and 40 hours of audio, I listened to the closing words of my book this week, and it was good.

Early in the pandemic, I experienced the kind of deadening boredom and restlessness that can unravel the human spirit.

So I pushed myself outdoors to walk.

No matter the weather, no matter the temptations of the couch and the TV, I walked.

After some weeks, the thoughts that accompanied me RANDI were not helpful. I KREISS tended to perseverate on medical, political and existential threats. So I decided to listen to a very long book with my newly purchased AirPods, and that’s how Ken Follett’s “Pillars of the Earth” saved my life. Well, that’s an overstatement, but the book, all 40 hours of it on Audible, kept me reasonably sane.

The only other Follett book I had read was the breakout thriller “The Eye of the Needle.” I chose “Pillars” because it was

unreasonably long and because the reader, John Lee, got rave reviews. I wanted a deep, authoritative voice in my ear, an English narrator who would add authenticity.

I had strict rules for myself. I would only listen to the book — no contemporaneous reading. I would allow myself to listen only when I was walking, thus the builtin motivation. And when I was listening, I wouldn’t take phone calls or allow other distractions. I only listened when I walked alone.

In an afterward, Follett explains how he came to write this doorstop of a book, an epic piece of historical fiction, and his story is unique. He grew up in a family that adhered to a Puritanlike religious ethic. As a young lad, he became enthralled with the building of cathedrals, an odd fascination for a kid, especially since it was paired with an interest in medieval architecture.

He began writing thrillers, and all the while kept researching the story of the great cathedrals of England. His publishers wanted him to keep churning out bestsellers, because he had a real knack for it and they liked a sure thing, but he decided to write a big book on the building of a fic-

G

tional cathedral in England between the years 1135 and 1170. It took him more than three years, which is nothing, because it took 30 years to build a cathedral in those times.

The building of the grand churches over decades is the infrastructure of the book. But it isn’t all flying buttresses and knaves and arches. The human story drives the narrative. The tale begins with a priest, a knight and a monk who witness an illegal hanging, and it flows out from there in all directions and over decades, with characters questing and crusading across the world. Follett creates dozens of characters whose stories pull us into the drama of life in medieval villages, castles and emerging towns.

I walked day after day, with Tom Builder and Prior Philip, Jack Jackson, Ellen the witch, Bishop Waleran Bigod, Aliena and Johnny Eightpence and even the ill-fated Thomas Beckett. Like a Woody Allen of Medieval times, Follett intertwines his characters with authentic historical figures we’ve only met in history books. Beckett, for one, leaps to life with a dignity and grace he may or may not have exhibited in

iving me something more healthy to focus on during my daily perambulations.

real life.

Villains abound. Heroes get pierced through with swords. Women sacrifice youth and beauty to honor oaths to dictatorial fathers. Lovers are thwarted by religion and plague and just bad timing.

Babies are born to and abandoned by desperately poor itinerant workers, and they are found and raised by good-hearted monks to become servants of God. I’m telling you about this now because it’s just possible that you’ll need to walk your way through a troubling time, and a really long book can make the journey easier. It was impossible to think any bad thoughts while I was listening my way through “Pillars of the Earth.”

We are all in a better place now, but a worrier is a worrier. So I still walk, and just today I began “The Long Ships,” by Swedish writer Frans G. Bengtsson. Published in 1941, it recounts the adventures of Viking Rode Orm in the late 10th century.

This is a find. I look forward to my morning walk. After listening to live news this evening about Covid spikes, galloping Trumpism and political paralysis, it’s downright comforting to hear bloody sagas of Viking hordes raiding and sacking the known world.

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

EAST MEADOW HERALD — June 17, 2021

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Suburban Long Island getting wilder by the day

22

HERALD EDITORIALS

East mEadow

June 17, 2021 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

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Boaters take note: Stop speeding in the wetlands

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t’s nearly summer, and the boating season is now upon us. That means speedboats and personal watercraft roaring along our coastline. That’s OK, as long as they’re outside the designated no-wake zones in the saltwater wetlands that hug the shoreline, particularly on the South Shore, between the barrier islands and Long Island proper. The trouble is, too many people disregard the zones, causing widespread destruction of the wetlands.

If you’re one of these people, cut it out.

The wetlands provide critical “environmental benefits.” They act as breeding grounds for countless birds, fish and shellfish. At the same time, they soak up waves during hurricanes and tropical storms.

Without them, the South Shore would have taken a far greater beating during Tropical Storm Irene in 2011, Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and, most recently, Tropical Storm Isaias last year.

The wetlands comprise hundreds of mudflat islands that are held together by fields of Spartina marsh grass. As boats thunder through the narrow channels between the mudflats, they send waves crashing against their sides, slowly, steadily eroding them. Stop off at most any mudflat island in a South Shore boat channel and you’ll find the telltale signs of wave-action erosion.

The sides of the mudflats form U-shaped cliffs, because the waves strike them from below and break upward.

Eventually, caves form, causing the surface of the mudflats to collapse and send-

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LETTERS A critical look at critical race theory To the Editor: Re Randi Kreiss’s column “Are we immune to Texas-style xenophobia?” (June 10-16): I was surprised to read that Kreiss equated the pushback against critical race theory with what she called “Texas-style xenophobia.”

Half the column was a diatribe on initiatives by Texas conservatives that had nothing to do with the subject, but laid the foundation for why any opinion of the Texas legislature must be bigoted and wrong. Kreiss implied that those leading the charge against critical race theory are right wing, racist and Republican, and are influencing the ignorant against the advancement of civil rights. In fact, the pushback is bipartisan, and many who were initial supporters have changed their minds after seeing the actual implementation in school curriculums.

I am one of them and a lifelong Democrat

ing whole swaths of Spartina grass floating out to sea. Eventually, all that’s left is a sandy beach, which might look pretty but is easily washed away in a big storm.

When you find only rocks and pebbles, you know the demise of a mudflat island is near.

Development through the centuries has caused massive loss of wetlands, despite their vital functions and benefits. A study by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1990 found that the acreage of wetlands across the contiguous United States, both saltwater and freshwater, had decreased by 53 percent, from 221 million acres to 104 million. In fact, many South Shore communities were built in the 1950s and ’60s, atop wetlands, before the federal Clean Water Act of 1972 protected them from dredging and filling.

The act did not, however, protect them from boaters, who are left largely to govern themselves. Yes, there are county and town bay constables to enforce no-wake zones, but the wetlands, measuring tens of thousands of acres, are hard to police: In the Town of Hempstead alone, there are 17,000 acres of wetlands and 180 miles of coastal waterways to patrol. The constables are also often taken away from environmental enforcement by drunken boaters, who pose an immediate threat to other people.

One recent citizen-science survey of the world’s wetlands, conducted by the World Wetland Network, the Society of Wetland Scientists, the Cobra Collective and the International Union for Conserva-

tion of Nature, found that wetlands have decreased across the globe by 87 percent — that is, they are on the brink of disappearing from the face of the earth.

We cannot allow that to happen. Wetlands have been part of Long Island practically from the time it formed 10,000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age, as a 118-mile-long glacial deposit. Whether we realize it or not, we desperately need them. They deserve our protection.

We would love to hear our town officials speaking out more on this issue, given that they are entrusted with the protection of wetlands, along with state Department of Environmental Conservation officials. Educating the public on the importance of wetlands should be a top priority.

You might consider joining a group like the Freeport-based Operation SPLASH (Stop Polluting Littering and Save Harbors) on the South Shore, or the Oyster Bay-based Friends of the Bay on the North Shore, whose mission is protecting our coastal waters, including the wetlands. Both organizations regularly conduct cleanups, which are critical, given the astounding amount of garbage that makes its way into our waterways and wetlands.

And again, if you’re a boater, please, please pay attention to and obey the nowake zones. You’ll be doing an enormous service to everyone who lives in one of our coastal communities, along with the many wild creatures who inhabit the wetlands.

23

OPINIONS

he recently completed census became controversial because of political interference, but the results are still important. This is especially true when it comes to the national birthrate and regions with population growth and decline. Long Island is a region in decline. What can we do about it?

The once-every10-years census produces a demographic profile of the nation broken down by age, gender, education, national origin, ethnicity, family status and employment, among other ROBERT A. elements. It also produces populaSCOTT tion estimates and charts the changes in births, deaths and migration. The data can be sorted by demographic characteristics as well as by geographic region. Income data is collected by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis. Together, they provide substantial information for community and economic development.

Census data helps government agencies at all levels as well as private employers forecast economic growth, fiscal demands and service opportunities. Businesses use census results to decide where to build factories, offices and stores.

Census results also provide the basis for apportioning the 435 seats in the House of

Representatives among the states, and the allocation of more than $675 billion per year in federal funding for schools, hospitals, roads, public works and other vital programs.

One key focus of the census is the nation’s birthrate. In 2017, the total fertility rate in the U.S. was 1,765.5 per 1,000 women, 16 percent below what’s considered the rate needed for the population to replace itself, 2,100 births per 1,000 women. After a decline during the Great Depression followed by the baby boom after World War II, the fertility rate has hovered for four decades at just under that replacement rate. It currently stands at 1.9 births per woman.

It’s estimated that by the 2030s, the number of Americans over age 65 will exceed the number of those under 18. The Social Security Administration’s working assumption is that there should be three covered workers per recipient for the system to be stable. In 2000, there were 3.4; today there are about 2.3. By 2030, the estimate is that there will be 2.0. This imbalance can be addressed by raising the wage base limit on Social Security payroll deductions, now $142,800; providing incentives for families to have more children; and improving our immigration system.

According to the Long Island Association, the number of births in Nassau and Suffolk counties fell by almost 20 percent

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from 2000 to 2016, and the number of people 19 and younger fell by 7.5 percent. The causes of decline include a “birth dearth” and out-migration due to job opportunities elsewhere and the cost of housing here.

Long Island’s population growth of 0.7 percent is lower than the average 1.2 percent in other metropolitan-area suburban counties. In the meantime, the median age of NassauSuffolk’s workforce continued to rise last year, according to Newsday.

The consequences of a decline in the young population are manifold for our country and our region. A rising ratio of retirees to new graduates means that funding for pensions and health care will likely result in less support for education. We will need to be concerned about who will start new businesses and who will staff existing ones. Will elementary school buildings become homes for retirees no longer able to live alone? Who will run for school boards, town councils and other civic offices?

Another consequence is representation in Congress. In the 1940s, New York had 45 members of the House; it now has 26 due to the state’s declining population.

Where will we find the scientists and engineers to conduct the world-renowned research at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories, Brookhaven National Labs and Stony Brook University, among other

t won’t be long before Americans over age 65 will outnumber those under 18.

LETTERS from New York. The history of racism in America needs to be told and acknowledged.

In spite of Kreiss’s partisan characterization, few on both sides of the political aisle would disagree. What we do disagree with is the damaging reverse racism, political ideology, anti-Semitism and historical distortions that have taken over critical race theory in places like California.

In the first draft of California’s Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum, the state’s version of critical race theory, the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement for Palestine was included as an important social movement against apartheid in Israel, according to a recent article in Tablet Magazine, which describes itself as a “new read on Jewish life.” A list of 154 influential people of color did not include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., U.S. Rep. John Lewis or Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, though it included violent revolutionaries.

There was even a flattering description of Pol Pot, the communist leader of Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge, who was responsible for the murder of a quarter of the Cambodian population during the 1970s, according to the article. Islamophobia was mentioned as a kind of oppression, but anti-Semitism was not. Similar issues have shown up often when critical race theory is applied.

Which of us, Ms. Kreiss, is “reacting —

venues? These engines of knowledge and prosperity require native-born and immigrant scholars to continue their mission of advancing knowledge and its applications.

While it can be argued that a decline in global population could be good for the environment and the sustainability of natural resources, my immediate concern is with our region.

Historically, nations have sought to manage, or at least stabilize, population growth by encouraging, while managing, immigration. Immigrants comprised about 13.7 percent of our population in 2019, but the growth in immigration has slowed. Restrictive policies have resulted in a drop in the number of international students, scholars, entrepreneurs and others to staff and serve our businesses and communities.

We need a plan for population renewal and dynamic development as well as environmental sustainability. The census and related reports provide the data needed to help us get started with a comprehensive approach. We can work to stall out-migration, improve in-migration and restore a productive immigration system. Such a plan will not only support population growth, economic and community development and the environment, but can also lead to the strengthening of democratic institutions through increased civic participation.

Robert A. Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and the author of “How University Boards Work” (Johns Hopkins Press, 2018, Eric Hoffer Awardee, 2019).

FRAMEWORK courtesy Doranne Zullo

not thinking, not listening, just pulling hotbutton words . . . out of the air,” to quote you?

DEBORAH SPIER Cedarhurst

1984 may be upon us today To the Editor: As the tearing down of monuments and statues, rewriting history and changing names of buildings named after historic figures continues under the growing cancel culture, it reminds me of George Orwell, who wrote, “Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book rewritten, every picture has been repainted, every statue and street building has been renamed, every date has been altered. And the process is continuing day by day and minute by minute. History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which the Party is always right.”

Orwell’s vision of 1984 may soon become today’s reality.

LARRY PENNER Great Neck

In the city of red sandstone — Sedona, Ariz.

EAST MEADOW HERALD — June 17, 2021

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The census: a wealth of enlightening information

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6/3/21 2:23 PM