East Meadow Herald 07-08-2021

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COMMUNITY UPDATE Infections as of July 5

4,974

Infections as of June 23 4,968

$1.00

HERALD

EMSD middle schoolers graduate

Stay away from nesting birds

Girl draws her dog and wins

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VOL. 21 NO. 28

JULY 8 - 14, 2021

County: drop in major crime Homicides and robberies are down, but gun incidents are up time the year before, and only include crimes that the NCPD monitors. They exclude villages, Major crime is down by 10.5 towns and hamlets that have percent in areas monitored by their own police departments. county police, Nassau County But Ryder said there was a 22 Executive Laura percent drop countyCurran and Police wide when places Commissioner Patthat county police do rick Ryder said at a not patrol are includnews conference in ed.

Eisenhower Park on “We will do everyJuly 1, when they thing we can and put shared semi-annual whatever resources crime statistics. necessary out there “As county executo make sure that we tive, my number one are keeping our comjob is keeping our munity safe,” Curcommunities safe,” ran said. “And a big said Curran, who part of that is comwas joined by Ryder munity engageand Nassau County ment.”

Police Department Eight Problem personnel. “Today Oriented Police offiwe are so proud, were added to LAURA CURRAN cers because of the men NCPD precincts, and women standing Nassau County Curran said. There here behind us and executive is an emphasis on so many others out “intelligence-led there in Nassau policing,” which County, that major crime is includes looking at data, noting down.” where there are crime flare-ups, Last year, U.S. News & World targeting issues and being preReport called Nassau County the emptive. safest community in America, NCPD Detective Lt. Richard she added.

Lebrun said that crime data is The numbers presented are compared with crime at the same CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

By MALLORY WILSON mwilson@liherald.com

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Courtesy Stew Fritz

STEW FRITZ, EAST Meadow High School’s varsity softball coach, is moving to Florida.

EMHS Coach Stew Fritz leaves behind a legacy

By JULIA CUTTONE newsroom@liherald.com

Stew Fritz, East Meadow High School’s beloved varsity softball coach, is moving to Florida after 12 years of coaching for the Jets. He said he hoped to coach in the Sunshine State in the near future.

His departure will be a difficult one for EMHS athletes.

Fritz led the Jets to two state championships, five appearances in the state playoffs, five Long Island championships, five Nassau County titles and

nine county finals appearances — all in just 10 seasons of coaching the varsity squad.

“It was never my intention to coach softball,” said Fritz, 64, who lives in East Meadow.

“There was a different mentality back in the 1970s and 1980s when I first started coaching.”

Fritz played baseball for one year at Queens College.

After graduation, he intended to coach F lushing High School’s baseball team. But the athletic director asked him to coach the girls’ softball

team instead. Fritz decided to give it go.

“It was the second-best decision I have ever made,” he said, “other than marrying my wife.”

The 1980s Flushing softball team had 10 players, some of whom had never picked up a glove before, but even so, for Fritz it was a rewarding experience. “They never missed a practice, even when there was a blizzard,” he said. Players, like other Flushing High School students, had to take CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

e want to give a reassuring message that public safety is something that we take incredibly seriously.

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Book an appointment today at mountsinai.org/southnassau

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July 8, 2021 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

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WHAT’S NEWS IN AND OUT OF THE CLASSROOM

Photos courtesy East Meadow School District

EVEN THOUGH COVID prevented Woodland Middle School eighth-graders from sitting close they were connected when they graduated.

Middle schoolers ready for high school Woodland and W.T. Clarke middle schools in the East Meadow School District held moving up ceremonies to celebrate graduating eighth-grade students on June 23.

Woodland held multiple ceremonies for the eighth-grade class in the school’s auditorium. Principal James Lethbridge spoke at each, offering advice and well wishes to the soon-to-be-high school students. Later that evening, W.T. Clarke Principal Stacey Breslin welcomed students, families, teachers, building administrators, Board President Matthew Menick and central administration to the moving up ceremony that was held on the field at the Leon J. Campo Salisbury Center. Both ceremonies included musical numbers and awards for exceptional students.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth A. Card Jr. delivered remarks at each celebration, commending the students and their loved ones in attendance for persevering during one of the most trying years in education.

“Your graduation from middle school represents a significant milestone in your life,” Card said.

“No pandemic or the challenges associated with it will take away what you have accomplished and will accomplish in the future.”

EAST MEADOW SCHOOL District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth A. Card Jr., top, left, delivered remarks to students and attendees at Woodland and W.T. Clarke middle schools’ moving up ceremonies on June 23.

CLARKE MIDDLE SCHOOL Principal Stacy Breslin, above, awarded diplomas to graduating eighth-grade students.

WOODLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL students, left, took one last photo in front of their school.

EAST MEADOW HERALD — July 8, 2021

HERALD SCHOOLS

Kiwanis hosts Miss N.Y. for empowering children

By MALLORY WILSON mwilson@liherald.com

The East Meadow Kiwanis hosted Miss New York 2021 at their meeting on Wednesday at Borrelli’s restaurant.

Sydney Park, 25, of Manhattan, who graduated from Columbia in 2018, with a degree in American Studies and is entering her third year at Fordham pursuing a law degree, is a Miss America hopeful.

Lisa Hallett, Kiwanis president, said Park requested that she come to a meeting to speak to the Kiwanians.

“She told us what she was doing and since we’re an organization that deals with children,” Hallett said, “so we thought it would be a good idea for her to come down and tell us what she was involved with.”

Park said that she originally joined the Miss New York pageant, an organization that offers scholarships, to help pay for her education in a fun way. But she has managed to get so much more.

“It’s a lot of fun and you get to win some scholarship dollars along the way,” she said, “and do a lot of good work in your community,” Some of her best friends are women she’s met in the pageant, she added.

Those participating in the Miss New York pageant are required to pick a social impact initiative. According to the Miss New York website, “This is a service organization. SSI’s vary widely and can be an organization, an idea, or a movement. It is open-ended and should be chosen based on the candidate’s passions and experience.”

“One of the most amazing parts of the Miss New York organization and the Miss America organization is that every single titleholder at every single level has a social impact initiative,” Park said. “They speak about them, they advocate for them and they support them.”

Her SII, “One Team,” aims to empower youth through sports and to promote gender equality within the sports industry.

NOMINATE a

“I specifically focus on making sure that youth has access to sports and the ability to engage in sports at a youth level and recreationally across New York state,” said Park, adding that she does this through her coaching with South Bronx United, a nonprofit youth development organization that uses soccer to facilitate social change.

“Everyone of us here does things for the kids,” Harry Demiris, a Kiwanis member and past president said. “It’s great to see the work you’re doing.”

Park coaches 40 girls in soccer on a field that she said is about the size of the room they were in at Borrelli’s.

“It’s really hard because these girls show up and look at the field and they’re like, ‘How am I supposed to play soccer here?’” she said. “How are they supposed to feel like their team supports them and their organization supports them when they have to play in a space the size of this room.”

She said that regardless of the challenges, like a small field, it is really important to her that girls have access to sports. Park wants them to feel like they are supported and seen as athletes, not just as participants.

She also focuses on children that have been historically underrepresented in sports. This includes cis-gender girls, transgender girls and non-binary youth. A great deal of Park’s work focuses on underserved communities.

“I’ve always loved sports,” she said. “Sports played such an integral role in who I am in terms of developing leadership skills, teamwork, individual accountability, just all of those things that make for really strong women.

I wanted to make sure that every little girl had that opportunity to build that skill set.”

Sports are such a universal experience Park said, adding that she is glad that she has been able to advocate for youth in sports.

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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To nominate, go to LIHerald.com/NominateAHero today! _______________

east meadow ______________

HERALD HOW TO REACH US

Our offices are located at 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530 and are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000 ■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/eastmeadow ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: emeditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 246 E-mail: emeditor@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942

Mallory Wilson/Herald

LISA HALLETT, KIWANIS president, left, donated money on behalf of East Meadow Kiwanis to Sydney Park, Miss New York 2021, for her social impact initiative, “One Team.”

Tom Gallagher, Kiwanis member and past president, said he supports what Park is doing. “I’m a girl dad and a girl grandad,” he said. “It’s important to get them involved early.”

Hallett presented Park with a $200 donation from the East Meadow Kiwanis. “She has a really great platform,” Hallett said. “Anything to empower a child is what we do.”

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Local leaders attend pancake breakfast The East Meadow Kiwanis held its annual Pancake Breakfast at Borrelli’s on June 6. The event is so popular that even Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, left, and Town Clerk Kate Murray, 2nd from right, stopped by for a bite.

nd! la Is g n o L , s o b b a h S Good Friday July 9 Candle lighting: 8:09

Torah reading: Matot-Masei Shabbos ends 9:18

Five Towns times from calendar of The White Shul in Far Rockaway

Count on The Jewish Star for real news about Israel … local Jewish news … and a carefully curated menu of opinion … in a compact format every week.

■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942 ■ ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460 ■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: sales@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 The East Meadow Herald USPS 336580, is published every Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Periodicals postage paid at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to East Meadow Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Newsstand Price: $1 Subscription rates: $50 for 1 year within Nassau County.

Out of Nassau County: $60 for 1 year. Copyright © 2021 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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LI’s BEST Jewish newspaper • Kosher and Fat-Free

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July 8, 2021 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

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Proud supporters of Zionism, the national liberation movement of the Jewish people.

Questions we’ve been asked...

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On June 20, at 12:43 p.m., the East Meadow Fire Department responded to a house fire on Bruce Drive. First Assistant Chief Peter S. Cheswick immediately transmitted his response, which was soon followed by Assistant Chief James Walsh.

Three minutes later Cheswick arrived on the scene. With smoke now visible, he transmitted a signal 98 (when a “first engine” is connected to a hydrant and two attack hose lines are stretched.)

At the same time Ladder 617 transmitted their response, followed by Engine 612 and Engine 611. Moments later, “first due” Engine 612 arrived on the scene carrying out their pre-planned operation for the attack, as Ladder 617 came in from behind.

Cheswick, seeing the progression of the fire, transmitted a Signal 10 over the radio, upgrading the alarm to a general alarm assignment, adding engines three, four, a rapid intervention team and mutual aid from neighboring departments to cover the balance of the fire district in the event of any other emergencies.

The fire, which was in a second floor bathroom, proved no match for the aggressive interior fire attack. As the hose was moved up the stairs, ladders went up and windows were vented to control the spread of the fire.

Within 5 minutes, all visible fire was extinguished, just as the balance of East Meadow’s seven companies arrived.

With the fire confined to one area, firefighters probed walls and ceilings to be sure all hidden fire was extinguished.

Seventy three EMFD volunteers responded to the fire on a day where temperatures approached 90 degrees. There were no injuries.

On this busy day the EMFD responded to five other emergencies beginning with an oven fire at 3:03 a.m. on Stratford Drive, a carbon monoxide emergency on Nancy Drive, and three EMS calls handled by our busy rescue companies.

The Nassau County Police, PSE&G, Nassau County Fire Marshal, and EMFD Ladies Auxiliary all assisted at the scene.

EMFD chief spots a house fire next door

On July 1, Phil Fertitta, 2nd assistant

fire chief for the EMFD smelled smoke at his home on Stone Avenue. When he realized it was not coming from his home he went outside to see if there was a fire elsewhere.

The smell of smoke led him to check his next-door neighbor’s home where Fertitta saw smoke coming from the second floor of the house.

Many East Meadow firefighters were starting their day, with some heading out to work. Their plans would quickly change when they heard Fertitta radioing EMFD Communications announcing a signal 98.

At 7:43 a.m., firefighter radios blared announcing the fire as EMFD volunteers took to their respective fire stations. In short order, 3rd Asst Chief James Walsh, and Chief of Department Paul Kosiba transmitted their response.

Just four minute after the alert, Engine 612 transmitted their response, followed quickly by Ladder 617, Engine 614, Engine 613, Ladder 619, Engine 611 and Ambulance 615.

As “first due” Engine 612 picked up the hydrant stretching their attack hose lines, the crews from Ladder 617 gained entry at the front door to locate the fire, while others raised ladders to the second floor windows as a light smoke condition continued to exit the upper level.

Within 5 minutes all visible fire had been extinguished as interior firefighters would soon find a small fire that created little extension to the rest of the home.

With the fire out, firefighters used fans to exhaust the smoke from the home to rid of the toxins and reduce smoke damage.

The Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office responded to determine the cause.

No one was home at the time of the fire.

Fifty-six EMFD volunteers responded to the fire. There were no injuries.

Submitted by Ex Chief John J. O’Brien Sr., Hook & Ladder Co. 1, co pre-plan officer, safety officer, training instructor and website chairman for the East Meadow Fire Department.

If we can help you with this important matter, call us and our knowledgeable staff will answer your questions. Moreover, there is no cost involved in establishing a PRE-PLAN Trust.

Leo F.

KEARNS , Inc. Funeral Directors

Thomas L. Kearns, Patrick J. Kearns, Paul C. Kearns-Stanley

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EMFD are always busy protecting residents

(516) 794-0500 or 1-800-640-9500 (NYS)

445 East Meadow Ave., East Meadow (across from the East Meadow Post Office)

www.LEOFKEARNS.com

LAURA CURRAN

EILEEN KRIEB

NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE

COMMISSIONER OF PARKS, RECREATION & MUSEUMS

FAMILY

MOVIE NIGHTS Family Movie Nights at Lakeside Theatre • Field 6 Movies start at sunset, all times are approximate.

THURSDAY, JULY 8 • 8:28PM

The Secret Life of Pets 2 PG - 1 Hr 26 Min

July 15th ........ Trolls: World Tour July 22nd ........ The Crood’s: A New Age

EISENHOWER PARK | LAKESIDE THEATRE Entrance on Merrick & Stewart Avenues and entrance on Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow FREE ADMISSION • BRING BLANKETS OR CHAIRS

For info: 516-572-0200 • Day of Event Weather info: 516-572-0355

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Courtesy Jay Zinger

At thE July 1 fire an East Meadow Fire Department chief appeared at the window after the fire was under control.

The latest Medicaid regulations now permit individuals to set aside a portion of their assets in an irrevocable trust account in order to have funds for future funeral expenses.

Thomas L. Kearns When an individual approaches the time when Medicaid coverage seems likely, social workers generally advise families to look into this funeral pre-funding option.

Here’s how we can help: • The Family will make an appointment with us to discuss just what we are to do when the death occurs.

• We discuss options and record their wishes not just about preferred funeral home services but cemetery, church, monument inscription, newspaper notices, etc. We inform the family of exactly what the funeral home and third party costs are at the present time.

• Funds to cover those expenses can then deposited in our FDIC insured PRE-PLAN Trust. The Trust pays sufficient interest to allow us to guaranty those future funeral home costs into the future.

• While the funds remain in the name of the individual going on Medicaid, eligibility to receive Medicaid coverage is not affected.

EAST MEADOW HERALD — July 8, 2021

My mother may soon be applying for Medicaid.

How does this affect funeral arrangements?

July 8, 2021 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

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EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

COMMUNITY UPDATE Thursday, July 8

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.

Chair yoga Join the East Meadow Public Library at 4 p.m. for chair yoga with April.

Registration online at eastmeadow.info or by calling (516) 794-2570. Improving flexibility, relieving cramps and stiffness, and creating a happy mental state are a few benefits that chair yoga can provide for our bodies.

Thursday, July 15

Minecraft Mania

Chair yoga

Calling all Minecraft fans in grades 5-8 at the East Meadow library. Accomplish different tasks, challenges and quests in different minecraft worlds. You will need a tablet or computer to play on.

Register to receive a Zoom link. The event starts at 7 p.m.

Join the East Meadow Public Library at 4 p.m. for chair yoga with April.

Registration online at eastmeadow.info or by calling (516) 794-2570. Improving flexibility, relieving cramps and stiffness, and creating a happy mental state are a few benefits that chair yoga can provide for our bodies.

Friday, July 9

The Museum of Interesing Things

Easy exercise This exercise class will be given virtually every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m. Register once to have access to all of the classes. It is good for those who are not athletes.

Ann Rothman leads the class. To register, visit eastmeadow.info. For more information, call (516) 794-2570.

Herald file photo

Journaling during the pandemic This time in history needs to be saved for the future. Join Professor Kathleen Volk Miller at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 12 as she introduces the science and practice of writing toward emotional well-being and psychological healing. The Zoom link will be emailed to all registrants the day of the program.

Saturday, July 10

Monday, July 12

Story time with Bella Noche

Easy exercise

Join the East Meadow library for a family story time at 11 a.m. Register at www.eastmeadow.info or call (516) 794-2570 ask for programming. The ZOOM link will be emailed to you on the morning of the program.

Sunday, July 11 Paint a celestial frontier Paint a nighttime sky at Pinot’s Palette in East Meadow from 7 to 9 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.

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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 which is appropriate for those who are not athletes. To register, visit eastmeadow.info. For more information, call (516) 794-2570.

Evening book discussion Join the East Meadow library for a book discussion at 7 p.m. The book is “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek,”

by Kim Michele Richardson. Inspired by the true blue-skinned people of Kentucky and the brave and dedicated Kentucky Pack Horse library service of the 1930s, It is a story of raw courage, fierce strength, and one woman’s belief

that books can carry us anywhere — even back home. Register at www. eastmeadow.info or call (516) 7942570 and ask for programming. The ZOOM link will be emailed to you on the morning of the program.

Tuesday, July 13 Trivia night Every Tuesday at 7 p.m. is trivia night at Garden Social, 1964 Hempstead Tpk. 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, July 14

The Museum of Interesting Things and East Meadow library presents a laugh for us all with Mind your Manners: A 16mm Film Fest from the 1950’s on Etiquette and more. The movie starts at 1 p.m. Join The Museum of Interesting Things and let’s step back in time with a laugh or two and see these vintage 16mm films on proper behavior, including some other films from that era.

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 which is appropriate for those who are not athletes. To register, visit eastmeadow.info. For more informtion, call (516) 794-2570.

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.

Falun Dafa Falun Dafa is back and will take place virtually every Wednesday at 7 p.m.

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.

Mi Gente Live, a High Energy Tribute to Latin Icons will be playing at Speno Park on August 11.

There are free drive-in movies at Veterans Memorial Park.

There is an 18-hole miniature golf course at Eisenhower Park.

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EAST MEADOW HERALD — July 8, 2021

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HERALD Covid-19 BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS LINDA RHOADS

LUANNE PICINICH

MERRICK Owner Uniquely Yours Seaford

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niquely Yours has been open for a little over five years, we’re a women's clothing store. We have boutique-quality clothing at very affordable prices. My belief is that looking stylish doesn’t need to break the bank.

I opened this store because I love shopping.

The store is catered to real women, so we cater to every body type. My goal is to make them feel comfortable when they come in here.

Women should never feel disappointed when they get something that doesn’t fit properly, whether they’re petite or plus-sized.

When Covid hit, we had to shift our focus to more online orders and home-deliveries for our customers. That’s still ongoing, and we do free delivery all throughout Long Island and free shipping. We also do curbside pick-up and private shop appointments. We’re currently

MASSAPEQUA Owner Big Chief Day Camp East Meadow

trying to rebuild after being closed for about three months.

I sold face masks while we were closed so everybody ordered online and then we delivered to the house.

I hope to expand the business and to expand my online portion to the rest of the United States. It’s been more successful since the pandemic struck. The community is opening back up, but some women still aren’t comfortable shopping in-person. We really try to make shopping as personalized as possible.

If someone comes in and they’re unsure what they’re looking for, we’ll pull clothes that we think will flatter them best. Because they’re our best model — customers wearing our clothes and feeling confident in them is the best complement to us.

HERALD HOMETOWN HERO

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e never closed during the pandemic because parents work and every parent is essential. All of the other private nursery schools did close. I didn’t think the kids should be isolated at home. They needed to be in school and at camp so they could be children.

Covid has nothing to do with them.

I made up all sorts of procedures and made explanation videos. I had a UV machine and air purifiers for every room. Everyone had their temperature checked and they couldn’t bring personal items in, which included backpacks.

They bought Big Chief backpacks which no one touched, except the teachers. A parent would pack it and drop it off on Friday and it would be isolated until Monday.

I got the ideas from my head. I kept thinking, “How can I keep everyone safe.”

We were nervous, but sometimes you have to step up to the plate. No one ended up getting Covid.

The majority of the children were from first responders but also people working in grocery stores. Ordinarily during the year, I get anywhere from 120 to 130 kids. We had 40 during Covid. But last summer we were open too and had 250 kids.

I had parents who were doctors at the hospital. They weren’t eating because they were working the night shift. So, we arranged for food to be brought in three times a week for three weeks. Everything was individually wrapped and we brought it over ourselves.

Covid aged me. And I have to admit it was tough at times. I think it made me aware of how precious life is.

HERALD HOMETOWN HERO

Delivering a safer, more reliable, and cleaner energy future for all

We’re committed to achieving a Net Zero future, while ensuring a safer, more reliable, and cleaner energy future for all. First and foremost, we’re determined to ensure that none of our customers are left behind as we transition to a Net Zero future. To help define our short and long-term energy needs, we’ve issued a second Long-Term Capacity Supplemental Report that provides an update on our Net Zero planning, our progress on targeted infrastructure solutions, future energy demand forecasting, and alternative solutions that will help support and meet our customers’ energy needs.

As part of our commitment to work together, we want to hear from you on how best to meet our region’s projected energy needs while leaving no customer behind.

On July 14, 2021, we invite you to participate in a virtual public information meeting to learn more about the report’s findings and share your thoughts. Meeting details and more information on the updated report are available at ngridsolutions.com More information about our own Net Zero plan is available at nationalgridus.com/responsible-business-commitments Your feedback is important. Please attend.

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July 8, 2021 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

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THEIR FRONT-LINE STORIES IN THEIR OWN WORDS STEVE WANGEL

LYNBROOK Owner, The Kitchen Loft, Lynbrook

Owner, Let's Bag It Merrick

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et's Bag It and Let's Accessorize are two separate stores within one store. I own Let's Bag It and we sell one-of-a-kind handbags, giftware, clothing, beach bags, travel bags, back-to-school bags — any type of bag you can possibly imagine.

I have a partner, Lisa Sher, who is in the same store as me — we split the space and expenses; it's a completely separate business but we feed off each other. So if somebody comes in and they want to buy a beach bag as a gift, they might want to get an anklet to go with it, and we both get a sale. Her business is Let's Accessorize.

I used to live in Merrick and I live in Seaford now. Lisa is a Bellmore native and she literally moved to Plainview about a week ago.

When we re-opened after Covid and our

EAST MEADOW HERALD — July 8, 2021

LISA SHER, LAUREN HARRIS MERRICK customers came in, they were like, "Thank God you're still open." That made us feel so good.

We've been very busy, and we've been very in tune with the market and what's going on out there. We have customers that still shop with us after 22 years, it's amazing.

We had three stores at one point, and now we're back to our main store. We do a lot of exclusive-type stuff that no other stores have — personalization of handbags and jewelry, unique designers that no one else has, and we also make our own bags and jewelry which we only sell to our customers.

We have two large online presences, LetsBagItOnline.com and LetsAccessorize.com.

Being open 22 years, it's almost a miracle. We are so grateful that our community supported us through the pandemic.

HERALD HOMETOWN HERO

Nominate online at:

NOMINATIONS OPEN JULY 14 liherald.com/contests

A

fter the pandemic first hit, I had the feeling of total and complete ineffectiveness, both in my business and as president of the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce. In the very beginning, there was no playbook and nowhere to turn for guidance. After making sure that I was able to procure assistance for the Kitchen Loft, I began to think about how to assist the shuttered businesses in Lynbrook.

Iwent to work each day like usual and stayed at my showroom with the doors locked. I figured that the best that I could do was work with Mayor Alan Beach and others to gather and disseminate information.

Lynbrook residents never cease to amaze me in how they come together for a cause.

This time, their business community was in distress and they rose to the occasion. Now

that we are almost back to normal, there is still some disarray. There is unprecedented demand for building materials, the price of gas has skyrocketed, which will undoubtedly domino into higher prices for all kinds of goods and services, many of which are still in short supply. Local businesses need to do even more to attract customers into their stores. They will need to increase their online presence and offer better customer service.

Moving forward, there will be a business climate like we have never seen before. As it evolves, businesses must be able to recognize the new opportunities and respond with products and services to fulfill the new needs of their customer bases in a post-Covid world.

Businesses must adapt to the new "bring it to me" desires of their customers.

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ANNE COFFEY

MALVERNE Real estate broker, Coffey Realty Solutions

T

he past year for me as a broker has been extremely interesting to say the least. I’m one of the first women mortgage brokers to open a mortgage company in New York state back in the 1980s. I’m 77 years old with four kids, and I’ve worn just about every house in this business as an appraiser, mortgages, real estates and I even taught at Molloy College.

Fortunately, I didn’t have many problems during the pandemic. We came out of the gate in June, and I started with listings in September. We had all the new protocols in place on how to show a house, the importance of mask wearing, and so on.

People are always asking me, "how’s the market?" But people have to realize that no matter what, people have to live somewhere.

I think people realized that during this

pandemic, they should start thinking about buying and purchasing hard assets, and one of those assets is a house or a condo. What’s benefited the market to this point is low interest rates.

I’ve worked in real estate for more than 40 years, and these days, homes are going so fast that there’s no time to make an appraisal.

I’ve seen as many as 40 people lined up for a house, and this was for your average house, which is around $600,000. Because of this, a lot of parents are opening up their 401Ks to support their children.

The way things are going in America right now, we just don’t know how strong the financial market will be going forward.

Courtesy Charles J. Sharp/Wikimedia Commons

A nesting oystercAtcher should not be disturbed.

Keep your distance from chicks at the beach Vulnerable shorebird species travel each spring from as far as the Bahamas to nest and raise their chicks on our shorelines. An example would be the piping plover, which travels over 1,000 miles to nest here. These birds face immense challenges that are heightened by the presence of beachgoers.

Beach-nesting birds raise their chicks, which weigh less than a single scoop of ice cream, on our beaches and offshore islands. And birds, like the federallythreatened red knot, also depend on our coast during migration, which starts in July.

These birds need an average of 100 feet of space from people and pets. On hot days, little plover and oystercatcher chicks, which are federally and statethreatened species, can die in 1 to 2 minutes if their parent flies away due to a disturbance like an unleashed dog or human who gets too close. After the parent leaves the nest the eggs or chicks are exposed to potentially fatal heat or predation.

When humans approach the birds or their nesting space this can also cause undue stress to both the adult and chicks, who causes them to waste precious energy that they need to forage for food.

Pets are unable to recognize and respect this space the birds need. During nesting season, which is from May through August, keep dogs leashed.

Because it is peak hatching season, our beaches will be full of tiny, cotton ball-

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tips to “Be a good egg” ■ Give nesting birds at least 100 feet of distance. Signs or people usually alert beachgoers to these areas, but even the smallest chicks will forage for food at the water’s edge and are easy to miss.

■ If dogs leashed and away from birds.

■ Remove trash and food, which attracts predators that might eat birds’ eggs and/or chicks. sized chicks just in time for July 4 fireworks. Keeping them safe amidst crowds and fireworks will require some extra community love and support.

“It’s been a tough start to the nesting season,” said Jillian Liner, director of Conservation for Audubon New York.

“Storms and high tides and predators have unfortunately wiped out many nests.

Luckily, our birds have time to try again, but this makes it even more important that we give them a fair shot by giving them at least 100 feet of space, keeping dogs off nesting beaches, and carrying out all trash. ”

Woodland student wins Bideawee art award

EAST MEADOW HERALD — July 8, 2021

By MALLORY WILSON mwilson@liherald.com

SARAH CHAVEZ-OLAYA AND her family adopted Lola, a rescue dog from Bideawee. do any medium of art they wanted, including drawings, sculpture and photography. Winners received a $100 Visa gift card.

“I love doing art,” Sarah said. “My mom is a jewelry designer and my dad is an architect so it’s been built into me ever since I was little.”

The winning artwork featured dogs, cats and fish. The winners were selected by public vote.

“When she won, we shared the drawing with all of our friends,” Denise said. “Everyone was excited too because before we adopted our dog we asked our friends to help us

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The group has consistently ranked among the top five community news groups in the New York Press Association’s annual Better Newspaper Contest, garnering hundreds of awards over the years. Herald alumni have gone on to work for many major media outlets, from Newsweek to The Daily Mail, and CNN to the BBC.

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name her.”

“The human-animal bond is strong and the relationship kids have with their pets is so special,” said Leslie Granger, CAWA, president and CEO of Bideawee. “This was the first year our contest was nationwide and we were delighted to have received submissions from across the country and the world.”

The winners, like Sarah created stunning artwork, Granger added, that truly captures how much they treasure their pets.

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Photos courtesy Denise Olaya

SARAH CHAVEZ-OLAYA ENTERED a drawing of Lola into the art competition.

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Woodland Middle School student, Sarah Chavez-Olaya was recently named one of five winners of Bideawee’s “Love Your Pet” art contest.

The sixth-grader drew a picture of her rescue dog, Lola, which her family had recently adopted from Bideawee. Lola is an Australian Shepherd and Labrador-mix puppy and the drawing featured her with a toy in her mouth.

Sarah’s family had been looking for a dog for a while, she said, and wanted a rescue dog. When her aunt said that Bideawee was expecting puppies Sarah’s family filled out the application. “When we met her, we fell in love with her,” Sarah said.

Her mother, Denise Olaya agreed. “We were looking for pets all over Long Island,” she said, “but as soon as we saw Lola we knew.”

Bideawee, located in Wantagh, is one of the country’s oldest and most well-known animal welfare and pet adoption organizations. They’ve been hosting an art competition annually for the past 13 years. The contest, which is open to students in grades 1-12, offers prizes to five different groups of contestants by grade. Sarah won in the grades 5 and 6 category.

Sarah’s aunt, who works at Bideawee, told her niece about the contest because she knew of her interest in art.”

“For a week after school after doing my homework I would work on the drawing,” Sarah said. “I printed out the picture of my dog and I drew it on a grid and then drew my dog with a pencil and for the toy I did colored pencils.”

The contest offers students an opportunity to share their appreciation for their pets and show off their creativity and artistic ability. Contestants were permitted to

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I had lived and moved out of three bor- book for now, bagged lunch for later, fully oughs before New York state, in coopera- charged phone for whenever. tion with Nassau County, called upon me As the morning wore on I realized to perform my civic duty and report for there are not many times one can exercise jury duty. It was first postponed in 2019, their responsibilities as a citizen. We can then again in 2020 due to Covid. When I serve in the armed forces, run for office thought it was time to serve I first called and vote in elections. I figured that there the phone number given and could be legal experiences a checked my juror number on lot tougher than jury duty, the mailer. “Yes, plan to arrive such as being a plaintiff or at court on a Tuesday morning defendant in a case of one’s in early June,” I was told. own.

I was hoping there would be Unlike television, film and no needless drama, so to popular books there is no surreduce the unknown, I familprise ending to this saga – jusiarized myself with driving tice grinds slowly. My fellow directions and parking restricjurors and I served our day in tions while I prepared myself court and were officially mentally for the possibility of released to spontaneous auren ev a few long days. And when the applause. I experienced crowd of citizens be gan instant relief. descending on the courthouse about 8:45 I wouldn’t be raving about this experia.m. I began my lesson in patience, while ence like my retired parents who were situating in the central jury room. always eager to serve. I did not end up Most attendees of all descriptions were being sequestered for a case as my husin various stages of mask wearing and band had. I was summoned as a fellow citisocial distancing. The atmosphere felt a zen of the United States, but glad when it lot like a commuter train waiting room was over. There was no fanfare. I just got without a departure schedule or a study back in my auto and headed home. hall in which the few who were called to report today were in their own little A contributing writer to the Herald since worlds. Peace and quiet was broken brief- 2012, Lauren Lev is an East Meadow resily by a short film and orientation on jury dent and a direct marketing/advertising service as well as a plea for a volunteer to executive who teaches marketing fundaserve on a grand jury. It promised 20 days mentals as well as advertising and marketand no need to serve again for eight years, ing communications courses at the Fashion but there were no takers. I had my trusty Institute of Technology and SUNY Old tote bag for comfort essentials: a library Westbury.

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many, many other institutions, their most enduring legacy will undoubtedly be the addiction crisis that has spread throughout the world fueled by their revolutionary advertising techniques and corrupt practices. Many consider Richard, one of the second generation Sacklers, to be the most responsible –Strolling into Summer for the carnage, but others feel the oldest of the three brothDear Strolling into Summer, ers, Arthur, bears the largest I have no problem choosing share of blame. It was he who this one: “Empire of Pain,” by masterminded the family drug Patrick Radden Keefe, author empire through inventive of “Say Nothing,” another advertising, a glamorous drug GBG pick. sales force, lavish gifts to phyKeefe writes about the sicians, a group of dedicated ANN Sackler family and how their lawyers and a myriad of lies. dynasty changed the world forDIPIETRO His brothers and he became ever. In exquisite detail, Keefe billionaires many times over recounts their history from as millions became addicted to 1930’s Brooklyn, to Creedmoor their drugs. Keefe’s book is an indictment Psychiatric Hospital in Queens, to palatial of one family and a culture that allows the mansions here and abroad. Arthur, Mor- few to accrue so much. Highly recomtimer and Raymond are the three brothers mended! whose lives, wives, children and grandchildren populate this book.

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Older adults navigate their return to normalcy

By Karen Bloom This past year has intensified anxiety, stress, and isolation for seniors and family caregivers alike. Covid-19 has been a traumatic time for us all, and these feelings of trauma will not immediately go away when the world reopens.

The pandemic forced many people into social isolation, but for millions of Americans — especially adults 50-plus — their isolation began long before the pandemic, and will continue after it ends.

As of mid-May 2021, over 70 percent of America’s senior population had received their Covi-19 vaccines, bringing a collective sense of relief after enduring a tumultuous 15 months.

Now, the weather has warmed up, it’s safer to gather, and spending time outside feels irresistible. In fact, for many seniors, getting outside, either to exercise or socialize, is important for nearly all aspects of health. Older adults who have felt isolated and lonely can once again begin to enjoy the activities they love.

As senior centers and other programs directed at seniors resume operations, some older adults are finding the path back to their prepandemic activities anxiety-provoking and may be hesitant to do. Others are jumping right back in with great eagerness, planning meet-ups with friends and family and gladly filling up their social calendar.

Joe Brand, Long Beach’s parks and recreation commissioner, says his department, among others, has been giving considerable thought in the last few months to the question of how seniors in the city could re-integrate after the pandemic.“We met with the seniors June 16,” he says. “We had well over 100 seniors attend the meeting. We set up the meeting especially for them. They came in droves. It was a beautiful day.

We told them we’re going to offer classes for them — exercise classes, technology training classes and game like bingo.” He said no date has yet been set for the classes.

Brand says there were “rumblings in the city” by some seniors who thought they were being

ignored as the end of the pandemic approached.

“Part of the reason for the meeting was to assure them that they haven’t been forgotten about” Brand says. “We have been worried about them.

What the seniors need most to help them after Covid is to provide them reasons to get out of their homes and see other people. For most of them, it’s getting out of the house. It was amazing to hear them say, ‘It’s so great to see you.’”

“They want companionship,” he adds. “I’m a recreation guy, but meeting with the seniors is just like what I witness with the kids I coach,.

They just want to get back to where they were.”

For some, that getting back to where they were will be a gradual process. It’s important to understand that feelings of fear or anxiety are normal. We often consider vulnerability a weakness, but to move forward, according to mental health professionals, the first step is to normalize not being ok.

“Due to the pandemic, there have been more fears and challenges, especially for adults ages 60 and over,” says Sherri Meagher, social worker at the Glen Cove Senior Center. “During the pandemic, people were facing isolation and loneliness, fears about contracting Covid or getting it again and fears about the variants. But some people are coming back and it’s an unprecedented time. There are more fears and anxiety that we’re dealing with.”

Some healthy ways to deal with the anxiety, according to Meagher, are to reach out for support and help. Support groups, hotlines, mental health counselors, therapists and social workers are resources people can turn to, she said. Other ways to stay healthy include getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising. “Some peoContinued to Older Above photo: Many seniors report feelings of social isolation and anxiety in these post-pandemic times. The best way to feel good about socializing is to do it slowly. Rather than attending a card game with half a dozen people, choose one or two close friends to join you for a walk. Building up your social tolerance is key to having a smooth reintegration.

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EAST MEADOW HERALD — July 8, 2021

‘Normal’ may not seem the same It’s still the world we knew, but different

By Karen Bloom

A

fter a year of anxiety and burnout, even anger, many people are struggling with returning to their pre-pandemic lives. Experts say that lingering traumatic effects from the pandemic may alter our collective behavior, despite our eagerness to embrace reopening and return to “normal.”

While outwardly, there are signs that we’re moving forward with life as we knew it — airline bookings are up (along with the increased fares), restaurants are seeing an influx of eager patrons, entertainment venues, cultural institutions and sports stadiums are welcoming back visitors, etc. — there’s still anxiety associated with moving forward. Especially when it involves returning to the office, for the many who have been working at home since the onset of lockdown.

Some experts are now calling this “the fourth wave” of the pandemic, citing that the mental health impacts will be profound and far-reaching.

“They’re all very afraid,” says Loretta McManus, clinical director of Friends of Bridge, the Valley Stream-based counseling center.“Afraid to come back for treatment and to return to work. Our clients had to fill out forms to let us know about how they felt about coming back in, and 80 percent of them said they don’t want to be coming in.

They’ve become used to the virtual world. You can do it from the comfort of your home; you don’t have to drive here.

“One of the things, though, that I do understand,” she adds,“is a lot of our clients take public transportation and they’re very afraid of it. We’re always told how clean it is but it’s really not.

Like many counseling agencies, Friends of Bridge is seeing more people reaching out for support.“So many of our clients and who weren’t our clients but are coming in now — we’re getting a lot of referrals right now — have mental health issues. They either lost their job, or being back there and commuting is very stressful.”

“The amount of people who have relapsed, especially with alcohol, is high,’ McManus says. Another big stress factor for our clients is that there have been so many shootings in New York City and here on Long Island that have been attributed to the pandemic. It’s a very stressful time, especially for our clients.”

The transition period that individuals and companies are facing as people return to a post-pandemic work environment “is anxiety provoking for a lot of people,” says Cindy Wolff, executive director of Tempo Group.“ “We recommend that people move at the pace they’re comfortable with.”

For example, she says that as people go out more, even though there may not be a mask mandate in place, individuals can choose to wear one if it makes them comfortable. “For some, it is still a sense of comfort and normalcy,” she explains.

Redefining the office post-pandemic All the discussion, within the news media and in the workplace, about leaving home behind getting back out there has dialed up the anxiety for many. For some, a return to the office, leaving zooming behind and business socializing cannot come fast enough. For others, the

thought of sharing an office again and all goes along with that, fills them with dread. Plus, now that we’ve become so comfortable with our home “office” routines, many simply don’t want to give that up.

As companies begin to reopen offices, Wolff says,“It is important that they have open dialogues with their employees around safety and protocols.”

Of course, every work setting will be different, but Wolff explains it is important to note that in general, people have gotten used to protocols, such as hand sanitizer and socially distanced spaces.“Being around people will also help with the return to work,” she says.

Re-engaging with the physical workspace and colleagues “People think that change is so hard, but people are adaptable,” says Janet Kahn-Scolaro, PhD, administrative director of behavioral health at Mount Sinai South Nassau.

“They adapted to working at home and so now the process of adapting back to going to the office is going to happen similarly. People are going to find that it is a familiar, sometimes comforting pattern to get back into. But, I think there’s going to be some anxiety, angst, and a bunch of new rules.”

“There have been a lot of studies of folks after some kind of trauma — and I believe this is a worldwide trauma — and people who recover often find that they re-think what is important to them, she explains.“They have a way to prioritize their health and loved ones differently. Some things that seemed terribly important prior to this [Covid] may not seem so important anymore. And other things like your health and how fragile we are as human beings become apparent. So there is a re-ordering for a lot of people.”

Back to work, back on the road or rails Then there is the commuting slog, which prior to the pandemic was already fatiguing and stressful for many — now even more so. “I do not think people will walk onto a crowded subway or LIRR train again without taking pause and thinking ‘Does this feel too much, too close, too fast?’, says Kahn-Scolaro. “And I think companies are aware of this and are working to create environments and schedules so people can ease back in.”

“Being on a subway train where the door closes and you are literally on top of someone else is probably an experience that none of us are ready for. And I get that, however I also think that we have to have conversations about what the real risk is for us.”

Wolff adds that this is something her staff has already begun to deal with, providing guidance to their clients.

“Whatever mindful technique you used in the past,” she says.“Re-integrate that into your life.”

Clearly, the process of readjustment is a daunting one.

The world, for many of us, feels different now. Being fully comfortable is a process that will take time and will involve a re-examining of societal and institutional roles, including a re-evaluation of how the workplace functions.

Reported by Jordan Vallone, Robert Traverso and Tom Carrozza Above photo: If you’re unsure how you will manage your re-entry to the post-Covid office, or everyday life in general, you are not alone.

Growing up during a pandemic Will our kids struggle to socialize after Covid-19?

By Karen Bloom Our children have gone through an entire school year-plus since our lockdown last March. This has sure changed the way kids and teenagers have grown up. They have spent more time at home with only close family, minimal time hanging out with friends and haven’t been in crowded areas in a long time.

Many parents started to wonder how this will impact their kids’ socialization skills as we emerge from the pandemic. Young children have been home with parents or other close family members during the Covid-19 pandemic, which means many have been taking a break from daycare or school.

As for teens, Covid-19 made the teenage years, which can be difficult to begin with, only harder. Many teens have missed out on some of the biggest or most monumental moments of their young lives: prom, sporting events, senior-year activities, college transitions and so much more.

Throughout the pandemic, parents have worried about what all this lack of socialization could be doing to kids’ development. As vaccine rollouts continue, it’s time to think about reacclimating kids to the wide world of inperson togetherness.

Shari Lurie, senior director of mental health services at South Shore Guidance Center and EPIC Long Island, doesn’t anticipate much of an anxiety spike in kids with the return to postpandemic normalcy. “Kids obviously missed each other for a variety of reasons during this pandemic. I don’t see, depending on the age, much of an issue” Lurie says.

“For preteens and teens, there’s not going to be much of a problem because they’ve really missed their friends. Their friends are an outlet for them emotionally. Friends are the main support for that age group,” Lurie says. “So I don’t foresee much anxiety around that. Other than maybe

a little bit of, “will they still be my friend,” but for the most part it’s going to be a very smooth transition. Kids are going to be very happy about it because this has been very hard on them.”

Different age groups might have different times acclimating. “If you’re talking about really little ones who haven’t gotten the hang of socializing yet, they may have regressed a little bit and need some support from their parents or whoever adult is watching them help them get back into socializing,” Lurie says.

Different circumstances result in different anxiety levels. “I think it may be hard for the kids who have been bullied,” Lurie says. “This break has been a reprieve for them.They’ve been home and not in that situation. I think those are the kids it’s going to be a struggle for.”

Technology has certainly helped kids maintain connections.“With social media and technology and being able to FaceTime, it’s easier. If it was years ago before technology became more advanced I would say kids wouldn’t understand why they couldn’t see each other,” Lurie says. “For lowerincome or socioeconomic communities that may not have as much technology, they may struggle a little more.”

“They crave being with each other and from the groups I’ve seen, they’re so happy to see each other in person,” Lurie adds.

Pediatric psychologist Kate Eshleman, PsyD, shares tips for parents to bear in mind during the transition from online socializing to back to the playground.

Temper your expectations First and foremost, don’t expect everything to go perfectly. “It’s imporContinued to Will Above photo: The kids are all right — or they will be anyway.

July 8, 2021 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

16

Helping to get lives ‘back in order’ 1134358

Mental health professionals overcome challenges throughout the pandemic and reopening

By Nakeem Grant Therapists and counseling agencies found their services increasingly in demand as the pandemic took hold over our daily lives and they felt the weight of it just like their clients. Among the many providers, Rockville Centre’s Confide Counseling Center, which specializes in helping people overcome various forms of alcohol and substance abuse, faced a new challenge over the past year in aiding its clients.

Confide managed to carry out its sessions via Zoom, but Wanda Florentino, executive director, said that most people were anxious to return in-person. Since liquor stores were deemed as essential businesses, Florentino said, a lot of people developed drinking habits.

“It became a coping mechanism to deal with issues,” Florentino said.“For those that have been dealing with substance abuse for quite some time, they were kind of anxious to get back out there. The concern we had is that since they’ve been isolated for so long, the question is, do they have the tools and techniques to be responsi-

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In October of 2020, Confide made the decision to have its staff come in two days out of the week on opposite days. While it was easier to call the patients from home, Florentino said, dealing with paperwork was much more difficult.

“This also allowed us to have patients come in-person and have their individual sessions,” Florentino said. “It was definitely creating some type of anxiety for everybody, because the job wasn’t being done completely from home.”

Some of Confide’s clients, however, are reluctant to return in-person. Florentino said that many of its elderly clientele, who have compromised immune systems, feel more comfortable using telehealth.

“I do see the benefits of telehealth, but I’m really hoping that this is not going to turn into something that’s going to hinder my patients Continued to Mental health Above photo: Confide, at 30 Hempstead Ave. in Rockville Centre, is now open for in-person sessions.

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Older adults navigate their return to normalcy ple find comfort in meditation and going within to find a peaceful place inside,” Meagher says.

“Some people find comfort in religion, spirituality or a higher power. Friends and family can be a comfort also.

Those wanting support, referrals or resources can call the senior center, she said, noting that her senior center, as well as other local centers, offers variety of programs people can utilize as well, from meditation and chair yoga to com munal lunches.

“It’s a good opportunity to interact with people who are experiencing similar fears and anxiety,” Meagher says. “And there are many activities during the day. The socialization is here.”

While a lot of members have returned to inperson activities there, not everyone is ready.

“Some people are still being cautious, especially those with underlying health conditions, but we’re in touch with people and are doing the best we can,” she says. “People can call us at any time to discuss their fears. We’re here for them.”

Social workers such as Meagher and others involved with the senior population are finding a lack of confidence among some in returning to (the new) normal. Today’s older adults are worried about what’s happened and what’s to come — about having a breakthrough case of Covid19 or being shamed for choosing to wear or not to wear a mask in a public space. All of this worrying is impacting senior confidence. If you’re hesitant to step back out into the world, you’re not alone.

For those having trouble adjusting to your post-pandemic life, remember that it’s perfectly fine to adjust slowly, as and when you feel com-

fortable resuming your previous activities and lifestyle. Feelings of unease and concern are perfectly normal in this transitional period. Whether you’re worried about physically moving through a public space or socializing in person for the first time since 2020, a healthy dose of confidence can help you get reacquainted with the things you once loved.

Older folks need to understand that it’s okay to be nervous when re-entering the world again, according to Dr. Dmitry Bogomolskiy, a fellowship-trained geriatric medicine physician at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Hospital.“It’s important to be self-aware of these feelings and how they play in your life,” Bogomolskiy says.“There is still so much unknown and it’s still important to take precautions.”

Bogomolskiy advises the elderly to take precautions and not to rush the reintegration process. He says to start off by seeing your close family/friends and doing small things like taking socially distanced walks. Gradually take steps to overcome those other fears. “Everybody has different comfort levels on how fast to reintroduce themselves,” Bogomolskiy says. “It’s very individual-based and it’s okay to have anxiety. It’s important to keep yourself mentally and physically healthy.”

Confidence is key to a smooth transition Some of seniors have been excited to get back into the world, while others are finding the re-entry process to be harder than expected. For most people, confidence is the key to a successful transition. But many seniors lose their confidence as they get older. Life-altering events, like retirement, health issues, and the loss of loved ones, can contribute to a loss in personal confi-

dence.

For some, the pandemic just happened to be a perfect storm of these experiences. Over the past 15 months, seniors have had to learn new technologies in order to socialize. They’ve changed our day-to-day actions to be as health conscious as possible, even though health anxiety remains at an all-time high. Isolation, a key experience for many seniors in the pandemic, fuels low self-esteem, which can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. The past year has shown us the senior population’s resilience, but it’s also taken a toll on mental and physical health.

These feelings of anxiety can appear in a variety of settings. Many feel still feel anxious running errands and dining at restaurants. Below, we’ve detailed a few of the most common experiences we’ve heard about.

While, some seniors continued to go to grocery stores throughout the pandemic, trips became shorter and more planned. Now that it’s safer to spend time in enclosed areas, many are struggling to perform the small talk that used to be part of routine interactions. On-site indoor dining was one of the biggest safety concerns for most Americans, according to the CDC. Now that people are back to dining inside, interacting with wait staff, as well as feeling comfortable eating in public, might feel strange and uncomfortable.

No matter how well you may have fared throughout the pandemic, it is perfectly reasonable that the resumption of “normal” activities may bring a sense of dread or concern as we continue to move forward.

Start small: If you haven’t left the house much over the last year, don’t just suddenly rip off the Band-Aid and walk into the most crowded

place you can find. Start small and plan a visit with a few friends or family. Then work your way up from there. It’s all about slowly confronting your sources of fear with a little more exposure each time. Doctors call it “exposure therapy.”

Start soon: When something is making you anxious, you should confront the issue as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse your anxieties become. Not only does social isolation have short-term health implications, it can impact mental health long-term. This doesn’t mean you should throw a party, however, a little light outdoor socialization is a great way to start.

Look at the big picture: Those who suffer the most from Covid-19 re-entry anxiety, should always try to look at the big picture. A good thing to do would be to ask yourself,“what truly makes me happy?” Most of the time the answer is “family,” “the outdoors,” and “returning back to life.”

Let the big picture be a major motivator to overcoming fears that in comparison might start to seem small.

Buddy up: If someone you know is in a similar phase of life like you are, get together and buddy up. You can support each other throughout the re-entry process. It’s always better to go through something together instead of facing an uphill battle alone.

Help is available if you need it: For some people this will be a breeze. For others it takes a little bit more strength and determination. If you come to a roadblock, don’t be afraid to reach out to a mental health professional.

EAST MEADOW HERALD — July 8, 2021

Continued from Steps

Reported by Jill Nossa, Jim Bernstein and Darwin Yanes

LOVE WHAT YOU HEAR.

Marie L Taylor, AAM

Marie L Taylor, AAMS®, CRPC®

Financial Marie Advisor L Taylor, AAMS®, CRPC®

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18

July 8, 2021 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

HEALTH HEALTHMEMOS MEMO

“

Y

Living with a brain tumor, new treatment methods offer hope

ou have a brain tumor.” That’s a diagnosis that no one wants to receive.

However, having a brain tumor now, asserts Ramin Rak, M.D., FAANS, a neurosurgeon at NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery, and Director, Brain & Spine Tumor Center, Mount Sinai South Nassau, is not the same as being Ramin Rak, M.D., FAANS, diagnosed with one 20, 10, Attending Neurosurgeon, or even five years ago.

NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery “Recent advances in diagnosing and treating tumors of the brain,” he notes, “mean those words do not have the same meaning that they used to.”

Dr. Rak points out that “we are finding tumors sooner, and in many cases, we’re able to address them before they cause a problem.” Improved MRI and targeting systems have allowed for more accurate minimally invasive biopsies. Once a tumor is identified, technology such as 3D computer stereotaxis, intraoperative functional MRI, and hand-held carbon dioxide lasers have improved the precision of surgical removal while minimizing damage to the surrounding normal brain. Another advanced treatment for brain tumor is the use of awake

craniotomy with functional mapping to preserve function while producing excellent clinical outcomes.

With the patient awake during the procedure, Dr. Rak uses functional (fMRI) and electrophysiology to map the brain while a neuropsychologist leads the patient through a series of cognitive and language tests. That allows him to identify the sources of various functions in the eloquent brain to avoid them as much as possible during tumor resection. Dr. Rak has been performing awake craniotomy with functional mapping for a decade and is a regional leader in this procedure.

“Awake craniotomy with functional mapping is individually designed care based on the patient’s needs, lifestyle, and profession,” Dr. Rak says. “I operate based on functionality by mapping the areas of the brain responsible for speech, language, and motor and sensory functions. The entire procedure is custom designed for each patient.”

The advent of non-invasive options such a stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife) have revolutionized the treatment of tumors once thought to be to be “inoperable.” Patients with multiple tumors, in particular, can benefit from the accuracy and precision of radiosurgery. This same technology is also used to prevent tumors that have been removed from growing back.

Dr. Rak performs most of his radiosurgery procedures using the Gamma Knife at the Long Island Gamma Knife Center at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside which was the first on

Long Island to acquire the Gamma Knife system and has hosted thousands of procedures over nearly two decades. Dr. Rak’s colleague and partner, Michael H. Brisman, M.D., is the co-medical director of the center.

Now more than ever, participation in clinical trials offers patients advanced treatment options while improving our knowledge of which methods offer the best results. Until recently, for example, medical treatment of brain tumors has been somewhat limited due to something called the “blood brain barrier” which prevents most drugs from affecting tumors within the brain. Remarkable advances in drug delivery options, as well as the drugs themselves, have allowed us to break down that barrier and begin treating these tumors directly.

What was once described as suffering from a brain tumor has now become living with a brain tumor. Or, in some cases, without one.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Rak, please call (516) 442-2250 or (631) 864-3900. Or visit, nspc.com.

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

HEALTH MEMO

HEALTH MEMO

I

Hearing loss linked to dementia

S

eniors with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia over time than those who retain their hearing, a study

by Johns Hopkins and National Institute on Aging researchers suggests. Compared with study participants with normal hearing, those with mild, moderate, and severe hearing loss had twofold, threefold, and fivefold, respectively, the risk of developing dementia over time.

The more hearing loss they had, the higher their likelihood of developing the memory-robbing disease. “A lot of people ignore hearing loss

because it’s such a slow and insidious process as we age,” Dr. Frank Lin (of Johns Hopkins Medical Center) says. “Even if people feel as if they are not affected, we’re showing that it may well be a more serious problem.”

(516) 788-7830 ilovehearing.com

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

Declare your financial freedom

ndependence Day is almost here. It’s important to recognize all the liberties we enjoy in this country, but you may still need to work at one particular type of freedom – and that’s financial freedom. How can you achieve it?

First, contribute as much as you can afford to your retirement accounts, such as your 401(k) or another employer-sponsored plan. And when your salary goes up, increase the amount you put into your 401(k) each year. Beyond your 401(k), you may also be able to contribute to an IRA, which also offers tax benefits, plus a wide array of investment choices.

Another way to help preserve your financial independence is to protect your income, which could be jeopardized if you become ill or injured. Your employer may offer disability insurance, but if it’s not enough, you may want to consider private coverage.

Here’s one more suggestion: Guard yourself against the high costs of long-term care, such as an extended nursing home stay. A financial professional can suggest an appropriate strategy.

By addressing these areas, you can go a long way toward attaining your financial independence.

Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C. Member SIPC.

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

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

EAST MEADOW HERALD — July 8, 2021

Long Island Reach is a community based, multi-service agency prov 19 broad range of rehabilitative and treatment services for youth and Restore Your Hearing their families, serving residents of Nassau County. at I Love Hearing At I Love Hearing we use a special process to ensure that our clients receive the ideal hearing loss solutions for their needs. ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

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516-889-2332 516-889-2332 Help Help isis just just aa phone phone call call away. away. and Mental Health Services 516-889-2332 Mental health professionals www.longislandreach.org www.longislandreach.org

Hearing aid fitting ✓ Hearing protection Hearing aid repair ✓ Tinnitus therapy Hearing testing ✓ Ear wax management Auditory therapy & rehabilitation

516-889-2332 516-889-2332 www.longislandreach.org overcome challenges throughout REACH offers programs for emotional and mental illness,in LONGBEACH BEACH | | FRANKLIN FRANKLINSQUARE SQUARE | | PORT PORTWASHINGTON WASHINGTON LONG

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July 8, 2021 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

20

HEALTH MEMO

HEALTH MEMOS

With hearing loss and mental health linked, routine screenings are key

I

t’s easy to think of hearing loss as just a communication problem. But did you know it could have a profound impact on other aspects of your health?

A growing body of research associates hearing loss with other serious conditions such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. All the more reason to stay on top of regular hearing screenings!

√ Does everyone around you seem to mumble when speaking?

A “yes” to one or more of these questions could mean a hearing loss.

Take Charge The good news is that most hearing loss can be successfully managed with solutions such as hearing aids, which have evolved into small but powerful — and empowering — devices.

Plus, research shows that Dr. Esther Fogel Know The Facts improved hearing may go hand in Owner/Audiologist Studies have found, for example, hand with lower odds of dementia, Comprehensive Audiology that: depression, and anxiety. √ Anxiety disorders are more prevalent with Most important, however, is to get regular increased severity of hearing loss. hearing checkups. Identifying hearing problems √ Untreated hearing loss is linked to cognitive early can go a long way toward protecting your decline, and the rate of decline increases with quality of life. aging.

Appointments can be made by calling √ Odds of depression may be up to 4.5 times higher, (516) 387-4000 or emailing info@ depending on the level of hearing loss. comprehensiveaudiology.com. Follow us √ Risk of subjective cognitive decline may be up to on Facebook, Linkedin, Google, or Instagram 54% more, depending on the level of hearing loss. @comprehensive_audiology, or visit us at www.comprehensiveaudiology.com.

Understand The Signs Recognizing some of the potential signs of hearing loss can be a first step toward better health. √ Are you frequently saying, “Huh?” or “What?” √ Is it tough to understand speech in noisy environments? √ Are you having difficulty following phone conversations? √ Do family members complain that your TV 261 Broadway, Lynbrook • (516) 387-4000 volume’s too high? www.comprehensiveaudiology.com Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

HEALTH MEMO

F

Taking steps for a better life

or most people, the daily grind and living day-to-day can be a habit that lacks luster and excitement. Getting caught up in life’s responsibilities can keep us busy. Personal, family and professional obligations are a full time job.

However, being busy does not mean we are living fulfilled lives. There is a difference between being busy with matters that lead us to satisfaction, achieving goals and wellness from being busy with fruitless acts that lead us nowhere.

Dawn Attanasio — life coach, mother and North Bellmore resident — knows this, firsthand.

She has been a doer and a busy person for a lifetime, yet there have been times where she neglected areas of her life; this led to disappointment and unhappiness. Finding balance and finding her true self led her to living her best life.

We are the authors of our own stories. What will be your next chapter? Many people do not know what’s next because they do not take time to stop and think about goals, dreams, passions and purpose. Instead, they say “yes” to many activities and invitations, while saying “no” to time for selfcare and self-improvement. Taking time to be still, to reflect and to examine where you are in life and where you want to go is key. A life coach facilitates this process. A life coach is someone who listens to you and provides you with strategies for daily life and an action plan to achieve your goals.

Dawn Attanasio (516) 633-0874 • www.purposefullifecoach.com Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

HEALTH MEMO

Nassau Library System announces outdoor WiFi access at 25 locations

D

ay or night, WiFi Whenever is on! The Nassau Library System, a cooperative of the 54 independent public libraries serving Nassau County, has completed WiFi Whenever, a project that extends high-quality wireless broadband to outdoor spaces at 25 libraries and community partner organizations.

This free service is available 24/7 at all participating locations.

“The pandemic has proven that reliable access to the internet is now essential for full participation in the social, educational, and working aspects of life. With WiFi Whenever, Nassau’s public libraries are providing free internet access, even before and after operating hours, to anyone that needs it,” said Caroline Ashby, Director of the Nassau Library System.

This new service will allow residents of Nassau County, including those who may not have strong connectivity options at home, to participate in virtual education, employment applications, job interviews, telehealth, and videoconferencing around the clock.

“During the height of the pandemic, people sat in cars in the staff parking lot to be as close to the library as possible to get internet access,”

said Mamie Eng, Director of the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library in Valley Stream. “With the expanded reach of WiFi Whenever, they can be in the parking lot, on nearby benches, and in the park grounds around the library and still get internet access 24/7!

For more information, and to find your local library, visit nassaulibrary.org.

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

Will our kids struggle to socialize after Covid-19?

Continued from Growing up

tant to have realistic expectations and recognize upfront that this is going to be hard — and that’s OK,” Dr. Eshleman says.

As kids start socializing beyond their families, some unsureness is to be expected.

After all, it’s been a while since kids, like the rest of us, had to interact with other people, and some of their people skills may be rusty.

“Kids haven’t had to share with others, and they haven’t had to talk to unfamiliar adults,” Dr. Eshleman says, “so you may see some shyness or kids responding to other people in ways that aren’t typical of how they act around their families.”

While not all children will experience difficulty transitioning back to in-person gatherings, some may. And those experiences may vary greatly from child to child.

Watch for signs of stress and distress Keep an eye out for any changes in your kids’ behavior and mood, including mood swings and sleeplessness — but perhaps just as importantly, try not to jump to conclusions about what they mean.

“As parents watch for changes in behaviors, we also have to careful how we interpret them,” Dr. Eshleman says. “It’s a good rule of thumb for anybody: Never assume we know what’s going on,” Dr. Eshleman says.

Other ways to support your kids as they begin socializing again To try to get to the bottom of how your

kids are feeling, open the lines of communication — and start now, before they head back to the classroom.

Always check in It’s important to make an effort to be available to your kids. Make sure you give them opportunities to be open and honest with you about how their feelings. This will help you learn more about their day-to-day lives and if you need to be concerned about anything and seek help.

Acknowledge their feelings As a parent, make sure you acknowledge your teen’s feelings and let them know, their feelings of disappointment or anxiety are normal and expected. But, if you notice these feelings are impacting relationships or school performance, it might be time to seek out additional resources and provide them with someone else to talk with about their feelings and situations.

Encourage activities It’s summer! School’s out! Encourage your kids to go outside, enjoy some sunshine and stay active. All these things can help them re-enter their lives.

Reported by Mallory Wilson

21

Nassau Neurosurgeons Michael H. Brisman, M.D. Trigeminal Neuralgia Brain Tumors

EAST MEADOW HERALD — July 8, 2021

MEET LONG ISLAND’S TEAM FOR BRAIN & SPINE CARE Suffolk Neurosurgeons William J. Sonstein, M.D. Spine Surgery

Ramin Rak, M.D. Spine Surgery Brain Tumors

Alan Mechanic, M.D.

Jeffrey A. Brown, M.D.

Artem Y. Vaynmen, M.D.

Neuropathic Facial Pain

Spine Surgery

General Neurosurgery Spine Surgery

Stephen T. Onesti, M.D.

Donald S. Krieff, D.O.

Spine Surgery

Spine Surgery

Sachin N. Shah, M.D.

Zachariah M. George, M.D.

Spine Surgery

Spine Surgery

Vladmir Y. Dadashev, M.D.

Alexandros D. Zouzias, M.D.

Spine Surgery

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Benjamin R. Cohen, M.D.

Daniel M. Birk, M.D.

Spine Surgery

Spine Surgery

Xavier P.J. Gaudin, D.O.

Raymond Baule, M.D.

Spine Surgery

Spine Surgery

Jonathan L. Brisman, M.D. Neurovascular Neurosurgery Endovascular Neurosurgery Brain Tumors

Brian J. Snyder, M.D. Parkinson’s Surgery Epilepsy Surgery Pain Surgery

John A. Grant, M.D. Pediatric Neurosurgery Neurovascular Neurosurgery Brain Tumors

Paolo A. Bolognese, M.D. Chiari I Malformation Syringomyelia

Robert N. Holtzman, M.D. General Neurosurgery Spine Surgery

Neuropsychology

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Gad Klein, Ph.D.

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John Pile-Spellman, M.D.

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22

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JULY 14 • 6:00-9:00PM The Heritage Club at Bethpage 99 Quaker Meeting House Road Farmingdale, New York

A portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to a local charity.

THE

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For more information or to sponsor this event, contact Amy Amato, Executive Director, Corporate Relations and Events at aamato@richnerlive.com or 516.569.4000 x224

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GALA

MEET THE 2020-2021 AWARD WINNERS

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President and CEO Suffolk Federal Credit Union

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PhD, RN, NE-BC Director of Nursing Education and Magnet Projects Mount Sinai South Nassau

KERRI SCANLON, RN Executive Director, Glen Cove Hospital

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DEIRDRE O’CONNELL

CEO, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty

EDUCATION

MARIE TAYLOR,

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LINDA HOWARD-WEISSMAN Assistant Dean for Institutional Advancement, Touro Law Center

ELAINE L. SMITH

EdD, MS, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, ANEF Dean, College of Nursing and Public Health, Adelphi University

JOANNE O’BRIEN

Dean of the School of Education and Human Services, Molloy College

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Managing Director and Vice President - Construction and Operations, PSEG

ACCOUNTING

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Director, Valuation & Business Analytics, BDO USA, LLP

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HAYLEY MAYER, EA

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LISA RISPOLI,

Mortgage Loan Officer, PNC Bank

DIANA HOPKINS

Prinicpal, Client Account Services, Prager Metis CPAs CPA, AEP Partner, Grassi Advisors & Accountants

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Director of Small Business Services, Prager Metis CPAs

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CARA CUNHA

MELISSA CURTIS

Sales Manager and Senior Loan Originator, Contour Mortgage

DIANE JOHNSTON Vice President, Bernstein

JACQUELINE HAROUNIAN, ESQ

CRPC, AAMS Financial Advisor, Edward Jones

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NINA McCANN

JILLIAN WESTON

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AMY ZASLANSKY Founder and CEO The Book Fairies

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RETAIL & SALES GLENDA HILLS Founder/CEO, CariFlair Boutique

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KIMBERLY RAE MILLER President and Founder, KRM Editorial, Inc.

ELAINE M. COLAVITO

Executive Director, Hewlett House, 1 in 9

CHARO EZDRIN, ESQ.

KRISTINE KOSSEGI LEHN

Vice President, Corporate Loss Prevention Associates

NOT-FOR-PROFIT

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President, Living Water for Women

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LISA E. BOGLIONE

Founder, President and CEO, Accu-Serve, LTD

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RANDELL MARIE BYNUM CEO, Girl Scouts of Nassau County

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President, Corporate Loss Prevention Associates

UNDER 30

ARIANNA GEORGIADIS

Human Resources Generalist, Grassi & Co.

WONDER GIRL OLIVIA MARCO

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July 8, 2021 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

WEDNESDAY

23

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE examined every day so that hotspots can be determined, to better focus intelligence work and the assignment of resources. “That’s how we keep up on the crime trends,” Lebrun said.

“If you . . . have public safety, everything else is gravy,” Curran said. “If people feel comfortable to go to school, to go to work, to start a business, to move here in the first place — if they’re comfortable because they’re safe, it’s better for our overall economic development and our overall quality of life.”

Ryder said that major crime has fallen by 36 percent in the past decade.

“This is our team,” he said, referring to police. “This is how we come together,

working together as a community, to drive the numbers in the right direction.”

Gunshot incident numbers countywide are up, however. In 2020, which Ryder deemed “an odd year” because of the pandemic, with most people staying indoors, there were just 68 shots fired throughout the county, he said. Thus far in 2021, there had been 95 shots fired, a 39 percent increase.

A gun-suppression team was put together last year, Ryder said, taking 40 guns off the street in the “Covid world.”

In 2021, the team has surpassed that number. He added that the department had been working with federal partners on the issue of guns arriving in the

county from areas down South, which he said was due to Covid-19.

“Now that everybody’s coming out, the gang guys see an opportunity to both sell their drugs and to take advantage of par ties and ter ritories that get involved,” Ryder said. “That’s where we see our shootings going up.”

Curran said she was aware that there is a great deal of anxiety about public safety. “We want to give a reassuring message that public safety is something that we take incredibly seriously,” she said. “We know it’s the bedrock of civil society. I want to tell the community that these are your public servants — we are your public servants.”

EAST MEADOW HERALD — July 8, 2021

Annual crime stats released by Curran and Ryder County major crime statistics Homicides: 40 percent decrease Burglaries: 15.7 percent decrease Stolen vehicles: 12.3 percent decrease Grand larcenies: 11 percent decrease Robberies: 7.3 percent decrease Felony assaults: 4 percent decrease

After 12 years with the Jets, Coach Fritz moving on public transportation to get to school, not the typical school bus. Their work ethic went beyond anything he had ever seen.

After that experience, he said, he was “hooked on softball forever.”

Fritz coached for a total of 36 years, moving from Flushing High to Great Neck South High, and then East Meadow High. He came to East Meadow in 2009 as the junior varsity softball coach, and was promoted to head coach of the varsity in 2012.

He was in the right place at the right time, working with talented players, Fritz said, and great coaches. Becky Matia, assistant varsity softball coach, started coaching with Fritz in 2012. “While our victories and championships have been amazing,” Matia said, “I will always think of the laughs and the student athletes he has touched in so many ways that he doesn’t even know about.” Working alongside Fritz for nine years, Matia said, helped her become a better person and a better coach. “I am so thankful that he has come into all of our lives,” she said.

Fritz’s philosophy was, “The best part of coaching is teaching players how to develop life skills” — how to deal with failure, how to deal with success properly, how to accept others’ limitations. Of equal importance was his commitment to showing athletes the value of working together toward a common goal.

Throughout his years of coaching, he said, he strove to be a “teacher-coach,”

developing the total person, not just the player. The ability to guide young people through coaching, he said, has been a blessing, and he can only hope that he gave half of what he got back.

Fritz said he savors the moments when former players reach out to him, sending pictures of their children or updating him on their life.

“Coach Fritz has always been humble, and credits the success of our program to the team, but it all starts with his very detail-oriented, planned practices,” said Alex Kelly, who was the captain of the EMHS varsity softball this spring. “He knows exactly what he wants to do, and how to get all of his players to their highest level.”

Christina Loffler, class of 2018 and a three-time All-County pitcher, said, “Fritz was a one-of-a-kind coach. He always made his teams work to their fullest capabilities.”

He was fun, Loffler added, and a hardworking coach, always making sure to create a family environment. He would be missed, she said, and would leave behind a legacy no one will forget.

He taught players that every time they stepped onto the field, they needed to “leave it all on the field.” One can only be at her best, he said, when she finishes the game having no regrets about her performance that day.

An essential lesson Fritz also taught his players is that the work is done in practice. “A game is just like a test in

Courtesy Stew Fritz

STEW FRITZ CELEBRATED one of his many EMHS softball wins with junior varsity softball coach Kristina Cavallo, left, and Becky Matia, the assistant varsity coach. class,” he said, “and practices are the lessons.”

His advice for success for future players is a commitment to drive, dedication — and some patience. “It takes a lot of work,” he said, “but to achieve greatness, that is what is required.”

Players have to also withstand the

Join us…

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LEME1 0708

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that an Order granted by the Supreme Court, Nassau County, on the 14th day of June, 2021 bearing the index number 21-000351, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of Nassau

County Clerk located at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York, grants me the right to assume the name Danielle Knobel Parrinello Zuma.

My present address is 650 Newbridge Road, East Meadow, NY 11554. The date of my

birth is March 16th, 1982.

The place of birth is Rio de Janeiro,Brazil. The present name is Danielle Knobel Zuma.

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pressure that comes with the sometimes unrealistic expectations of parents, coaches and peers. It’s best, he said, to know that softball is a game of failure, and the best hitters fail six out of 10 times. But they never stop trying to improve. “The rewards then become greater than the sacrifice,” he said.

EMAiL RESUMES OR cOntAct infO tO

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Forklift a plus/heavy lifting required. Day and night shifts.

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CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

HERALD

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

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

HIRING EVENT

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This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry.

To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to sbrinton@liherald.com

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July 8, 2021 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

24

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A. The real answer is simple, but the reasons for this building-collapse scenario are really complicated, mainly because wellmeaning people start out with the best of intentions but generally don’t follow good advice from people who have been educated, tested, licensed and regulated.

Engineers are the backbone of our nation. If not onte eeper for them, the tooling and design that launched ships, planes, tanks and portable bridges would not have been successful, and we probably wouldn’t be reading or writing in this language right now. In a war, soldiers are trained to take orders, get that portable bridge assembled in six hours and drive those tanks to the front lines. There is a clear chain of command. In the real world, people request that building plans be made and building assessments be produced, and then people with little or no background meet on boards and councils and decide if something should be done.

You will find that as each bridge and building collapse takes place, there’s the drama of search and rescue, but the public learns little about the technical reasons for failure, and so it goes. Did you ever hear the real, physical reason for the collapse of the World Trade Center towers — especially Tower 7, which collapsed later? Inevitably, buildings collapse for a general reason: structural failure. There are many, many technical reasons for structural failure, from simple water intrusion and deterioration to more complicated reasons such as harmonics due to vibration and wind pulse. Fire caused the WTC towers to collapse due to heat fatigue, although there are many other physical components that caused the chain reaction.

The Surfside disaster reminds me of the Kansas City skywalk collapse, where poor decisions, no decisions and not listening to intelligent, qualified advice could have prevented death. What I understand, so far, is that the tools for action were there: poor design decisions or carrying out the work to slope decks around the pool area, exposed steel reinforcing was not repaired — it will be a long list. Again, putting people in positions of authority who have no background of training, testing and professional experience is the beginning of the cumulative problem.

As our nation’s infrastructure of bridges, tunnels, roadways and water-treatment facilities continue to age, they show the signs of preventable failure. You have to ask yourself if anyone really is listening to the engineers. We professionals don’t physically build buildings; we plan them, asking ourselves along the way how they could fail so we can try to prevent failure. If poor workmanship or inadequate action follows, we see the consequences.

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Answers

to todAy’s puzzle

29

OPINIONS

I

n 2011, I had the pleasure of meeting then Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper. He was visiting New York City to raise money for his re-election campaign. His state was considering the passage of a law legalizing the sale of marijuana, and Hickenlooper expressed to me his concerns over whether it would produce any serious money for the state and the impact of the law on his constituents.

It’s now 10 years later, and 18 states have legalized the sale of cannabis to those JERRY over age 21. Hickenlooper is now a KREMER U.S. senator, and Colorado has earned almost $1.5 billion in tax revenue from marijuana sales since 2014. Reports from Colorado law enforcement appear to show that there hasn’t been a spike in driving arrests, and the state is spending millions of dollars on health care and fixing its roads and bridges. It is anticipated that Colorado and the 17 other states that

have legalized pot will be joined by at least six more states this year.

Unlike the politics of wearing a mask during the coronavirus pandemic, there’s no such thing as red states vs. blue states when it comes to marijuana sales. Alaska, Arizona, Montana and South Dakota are among the Republican states that have made the leap, and others are getting in line. The main reason for this acceleration of state interest is just plain dollars. Many governors are afraid to impose income taxes or increase user fees, and taxes on cannabis are becoming the easy way to fill up the treasury.

I offer no judgment on whether cannabis is good or bad for the public. There are lots of experts who oppose its legalization because they consider it a “gateway” drug that leads people to try more serious drugs. Only time and science will tell whether that’s a fact, but the rush to legalization is real. In April of this year, New York state joined the crowd, with the backing of Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

But New York’s law stands out, and is

T

very different from those in the other 17 states. Unlike many states that have deposited the sales tax revenue in their general funds, New York has mandated how that revenues will be spent. Forty percent will be reinvested in communities that have high addiction and crime rates. Twenty percent will go to the state’s public schools, and forty percent will be directed to drug treatment and health services. This is the only tax program New York has that lays out where the dollars actually go.

Cannabis legalization in New York is expected to become a major business development tool. Under the new law, there are nine types of licenses that will be available, ranging from growers to processors to retailers. Fifty percent of those licenses will be targeted to minority businesses and individuals, and the other half will be available to the public. Local governments will receive partial tax revenues from the sales, but they have the option to ban such sales before Dec. 31. It is projected that on Long Island alone, cannabis-related businesses will hire 7,000 new

here’s no such thing as red states vs. blue states when it comes to marijuana sales.

employees.

The new law will also have a major impact on many businesses. Employee rights and conduct will be a major issue going forward, and those seeking cannabis for medical reasons will present challenges for hospitals, nursing homes, assisted-living facilities and a variety of other adult-care operations. There is no doubt that law and accounting firms will benefit. (Full disclosure: My firm, Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, has a Cannabis Practice Group.)

There are philosophical questions about whether government should be in the business of allowing marijuana sales to generate tax revenue — a so-called sin tax. But our country has been living off taxes on alcohol and cigarettes for decades, and without lottery money, many states would be in deep economic trouble. Perhaps we can learn to live with — and benefit from — another sin tax.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years.

He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? JKremer@liherald.com.

Is it fair to ban Trump from social media platforms?

C

“

ongress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.”

I, for one, am comforted by the silence. I am relieved that the stream of misinformation, disinRANDI formation and KREISS general meanspirited lunacy has been plugged.

For years, former President Donald Trump used social media platforms to connect with tens of millions of followers who appreciated his raw commentary. And now he can’t.

Now his vitriol is reserved for public appearances. The drumbeat of news reporting his insulting, or inaccurate, or dangerous posts has been silenced by “oversight boards” and social media company officers. This raises the question of how much power over our rights

and freedoms we should relinquish to oversight boards.

Despite the First Amendment to the Constitution, quoted above, and the child’s chant dating back to the 1800s, Trump has been banned from most popular social media, including Facebook, where he had 35 million followers; Twitter, 88 million; Instagram, 24 million; Snapchat 1.5 million; YouTube, 2.8 million, and Twitch, 1.5 million. He has no account on TikTok, or chances are that he’d be banned from that, too.

I am relieved, and yet uneasy, about this silencing of anyone’s public voice, no matter how antithetical to commonly held values and views. The idea that someone would be banned from posting his or her ideas runs counter to our nation’s ideals. However, and it is a big however, the former president’s irresponsible posts became as dangerous as yelling “Fire!” in a theater, and likely led to the violence of Jan. 6.

Still, tens of millions of people believe the Trump posts and read his false and inflammatory statements as gospel. If he talked crazy and was marginalized by an American public that saw through him, the narrative would be different. The

T

dilemma is that so many citizens believe what he has to say, even that the 2020 election was stolen from him, a provably false assertion. The danger of letting him back on social media is the prospect of another Jan. 6 insurrection or worse if he starts priming the pump again with coded support for violence against our government.

Private companies, including Facebook and Twitter, have the right to ban people from their sites, because while the First Amendment states that while Congress may not limit free speech, it does not prevent private companies from setting their own standards and rules for participation. But having the right to ban someone from social media, especially a former president, is serious business.

How do we know who the deciders of free speech will be on social media boards of the future? We are traversing new ground, with no precedents to follow.

“The First Amendment only restrains government; it does not restrain a private company,” says Gene Policinski, senior fellow for the First Amendment at the Freedom Forum. “In fact, those companies have their own First Amendment

he danger of allowing him back on is the prospect of another Jan. 6, or worse.

right to determine, as would a newspaper, for example, what will appear on their sites.”

Let’s look back at Trump’s social media history, including his leadership by tweet. It is a four-year-plus river of toxic speech, at times personally insulting to individuals, at times promoting Trump’s private businesses and interests, at times encouraging his followers to act on his behalf.

According to David Byler in The Washington Post, the worst Trump tweet, among thousands, was his October 2020 post telling Americans they shouldn’t be afraid of the coronavirus. This wasn’t just false, Byler said, it became a public health catastrophe. At that point, Trump was just recovering from his own Covid infection, and some 200,000 Americans had died. We were in the throes of the worst pandemic in 100 years.

In the case of social media and Trump, I’m relieved that the companies took away his microphone. But the better scenario would be to let him spew, shake out the cobwebs in his head and let the spiders fly. Then trust the good judgment of the American public to sort the truth from the lies.

If only.

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

EAST MEADOW HERALD — July 8, 2021

The states, including New York, get into the pot business

30

HERALD EDITORIALS

East mEadow

July 8, 2021 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

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Lessons learned from the pandemic

or nearly 16 months, Long Islanders remained in a state of suspended animation, unsure of their next moves while staring down a killer virus, anxiously awaiting the latest set of coronavirus pandemic protocols from Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Then, on June 23, it happened: Cuomo lifted the state of emergency declaration.

We were suddenly free — for the most part — to resume living our lives as we had before Covid-19 ravaged New York.

Other than having to mask up on public transportation and in hospitals, nursing homes and, for now, schools, people could return to their normal lives, maskless.

More than 2 million New Yorkers contracted the potentially deadly disease from March 2020 to the present. Some 54,000 state residents — and more than 600,000 Americans — had died of it as of last Friday. Each life lost was precious.

Collectively, the devastation was immea-

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Had the federal government taken the threat of this virus more seriously from the beginning, tens of thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands, of lives could have been saved. This lesson we cannot forget.

In the near term, we must also not forget that, though we are no longer in a state of emergency, we are still vulnerable to this disease. More than 70 percent of New Yorkers had received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine as of last week, but variants lurked around the globe. We are still not entirely sure how effective the vaccines will be against the variants, though they appear to work well.

If you have not been vaccinated, we’ll keep saying it: Please, please get your shot. The day after Cuomo lifted the state of emergency, eight New Yorkers died of the coronavirus. According to medical experts, most who are dying now are unvaccinated.

State must ensure THC products don’t target kids

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he New York State Department of Health should move immediately to ban cookies laced with the THC chemical delta-8, a natural hemp extract that is now legal under the state’s medical marijuana law. Natural and legal, perhaps, but it gives users a high just like marijuana.

State lawmakers like Sen. Todd Kaminsky, a Democrat from Long Beach, and Long Beach school officials recently brought to light the sale of THC-containing cookies like Trips Ahoy! that are cleverly packaged to look like the familiar Chips Ahoy! cookies sold at your local supermarket. The THC-infused cookies are sold at specialty shops.

Cookies like Trips Ahoy! send a bad

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surable, a once-in-100-years tragedy that we will talk about for decades to come, passing stories from one generation to the next until the memory of this horrifying time fades from our collective consciousness.

Such was the case with the flu pandemic of 1918-19, which killed 675,000 Americans. By the middle of the 20th century, the memory of those terrible two years had been erased from many Americans’ minds, enshrined, for the most part, only in news articles and books. Such is the case with any great tragedy. We cannot continue reliving it in our minds indefinitely.

We must not, however, allow this society-altering year and a half to be forgotten easily. The victims must be remembered. At the same time, we must guard against another such pandemic for as long as we humanly can. The price that we paid for forgetting the pandemic of 1918-19 was steep indeed.

LETTERS More on Brinton’s wild Long Island To the Editor: I loved Scott Brinton’s column on otters and other Long Island wildlife (“Long Island getting wilder by the day, (June 17-23). As a Bronx boy, I am in awe of the persistence of birds, insects and animals in the face of “development” by humans.

We winter in south Florida. A few winters ago, we heard unidentifiable barking at night, emanating from the lake behind our property.

The next morning, a lake otter paddled by our Florida room, barking loudly. Mystery solved.

A bit later, while driving on a busy stretch

message to children, who can easily be fooled into believing the cookies are innocuous. They aren’t.

This was one of the great fears associated with legalizing marijuana: that children would be targeted by the purveyors of pot. There was good reason to believe that. The tobacco industry had long targeted kids with cartoon characters like Joe Camel, until the Federal Trade Commission charged in 1997 that the character violated federal law. The beer industry went after kids with funny-looking frogs.

We see children being targeted with

THC-infused gummies. A Florida 6-yearold recently overdosed after ingesting a THC-infused gummy labeled Hawaiian Punch. It looked much like any other bag of candy found on a supermarket shelf, except it was covered in red marijuana leaves.

Recreational marijuana will become legal in New York next year. We must ensure that kids aren’t targeted with friendly-looking THC products before pot goes on sale statewide. Otherwise, marijuana legalization could very well become a bigger youth crisis than it already is.

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OPINIONS

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ummer vacation for students this year follows almost a year and a half of coronavirus shutdowns and precautions. The learning loss during school closures was significant, and unless steps are taken, the U.S. risks the education of a generation of young people.

Covid-19 isn’t disappearing, but medical specialists are pushing for a full reopening of public schools this fall.

Caution will be necessary; there will need to be regular cleaning ALAN and inspections to ensure that ventiSINGER lation systems are working properly.

When possible, children and staff should be vaccinated.

Indoors, children in all grades should still wear masks. Research shows that when precautions are followed, reopening of classrooms won’t be the cause of serious viral outbreaks.

The American Rescue Plan Act includes $122 billion for an Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund. New York state is scheduled to receive about $9 billion from the fund if its recently submitted proposal is approved by the federal Department of Education’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. The law mandates that 90 percent of the federal money go directly to help local educational agen-

cies, and at least 20 percent of those funds be used “to address learning loss through the implementation of evidencebased interventions and ensure that those interventions respond to students’ social, emotional and academic needs and address the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on underrepresented student subgroups.”

New York’s 83-page school reopening plan stresses three priority areas that local school districts must address with the federal funds: academic performance gaps caused by school closings and problems with online instruction during the pandemic; the need for culturally responsive social and emotional support for returning students; and implementation of evidence-based interventions.

Interventions are also stressed in the federal call for proposals. While school districts will have flexibility in how they use federal funds to achieve state priorities, the State Education Department is making recommendations. It identifies specific needs, including expanding fullday pre-kindergarten programs for 4-year-olds and increasing facilities funding for New York City charter schools whose enrollments rose during the pandemic.

As an educator, I welcome the infusion of much-needed federal dollars, but I have major concerns about how the money will be used. I worry when school

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districts establish their own priorities.

Before the pandemic, there were 370 schools in New York state listed as in need of support and improvement, an additional 43 placed in priority “receivership” and over 100 “targeted districts.”

There were also districts like Hempstead and East Ramapo, in Rockland County, that required stateappointed special advisers because of their histories of poor academic performance and questionable financial activity.

The requirement for evidence-based interventions in both the state proposal and the federal application reads suspiciously like a call for renewed highstakes standardized testing. This year, because of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, New York required students taking in-person classes to sit for English and math tests. The exams interfered with already reduced instructional time and were worthless because so few students took them, and because the state reused earlier exams that had been given to students for practice.

We already know that many students are far behind because of interrupted education over the past 16 months. The pandemic should give us pause to reconsider the state’s questionable testing regime, which should not be automatically reinstituted.

Covid-19 relief continues federal support for charter schools, including some highly suspicious operators. In Pennsyl-

elcoming federal money, but wondering whether it will be used wisely.

vania, online charter school operators received more than $200 million, even though students never attended in-person classes. In North Carolina, segregated “white” academy private schools have morphed into charter schools so they can collect federal and state dollars.

During the pandemic, some charter schools were accused of double dipping, receiving federal money from funds earmarked for schools and money from programs designed to prevent layoffs of employees at small businesses.

New York’s proposal calls for increased funding of poorly regulated charter schools that are already draining money from public schools. Hidden deep inside the $1.9 trillion federal pandemic rescue package, largely because of efforts

by Sen. Chuck Schumer, is a giveaway to private and religious schools, a provision that seems to violate the fundamental wall of separation between church and state that dates back to the first decades of our country. In New York state, a number of religious schools have been investigated for failure to provide students with a required secular education.

President Biden campaigned on the slogan “Build Back Better.” That goes for our schools as well.

EAST MEADOW HERALD — July 8, 2021

Building our schools back better

Dr. Alan Singer is a professor of teaching, learning and technology and the director of social studies education programs at Hofstra University. He is a former New York City high school social studies teacher and editor of Social Science Docket, a joint publication of the New York and New Jersey Councils for the Social Studies.

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LETTERS of road in Delray Beach, we stopped, halting traffic, to allow a young otter to cross the road. Even with water all around, otters are elusive.

RICK HERMAN Lido Beach

East River tunnels need attention, too To the Editor: U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg forgot to visit the East River tunnels during their recent news conference and Hudson River tunnel tour on the proposed $11 billion Gateway Tunnel project. There are the $11 billion basic (two new tunnels plus rehabilitation of existing tunnels) or fullbuild $33 billion (including new track and platform capacity) versions of Gateway.

The ongoing cancellation and

FRAMEWORK by Christina Daly

combining of trains because of signal and other problems in the East River tunnels, along with other locations on all nine branches of the Long Island Rail Road, will continue for years.

Amtrak will not initiate decades-overdue major repairs of the 110-year-old East River tunnels until 2025, two years after East Side access to Grand Central Terminal begins. This work on all four tunnels, including two that suffered significant damage in Superstorm Sandy in 2012, may not be completed until 2029. Until this work is over, it will be impossible to guarantee reliable Penn Station service for LIRR commuters.

LARRY PENNER Great Neck Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously worked for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 NY office.

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July 8, 2021 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

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