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East Meadow

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to all our readers of the Christian faith

Infections as of Dec. 22

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Infections as of Dec. 15 1,713

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Kiwanis shares holiday cheer

Schools get Covid-19 relief

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DECEMBER 24- 30, 2020

VoL. 20 No. 52

PTSA adapts to the pandemic EMHS advocacy group donates over 8,000 pounds of clothes By BRIAN STIEGLITZ bstieglitz@liherald.com

Courtesy Patsy Mustafich

A plea from Frosty Sebastian Mustafich, 5, of East Meadow, left a message on a snowman he made after last Wednesday’s nor’easter.

Borrelli’s gets a boost from Barstool

Media group launches its own Covid-19 relief fund By BRIAN STIEGLITZ bstieglitz@liherald.com

Frank Borrelli wasn’t sure if his restaurant would be able to survive the next three months — typically his busiest. Borrelli’s Italian Restaurant, in East Meadow, had already taken a hit during the coronavirus pandemic, mainly due to the lack of customers coming from events at the Nassau Coliseum. The situation only grew bleaker

over the past month, after Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered a 10 p.m. curfew for bars, gyms and restaurants. Borrelli said he was considering closing for the winter, though he hadn’t made any definitive plans or told his staff. “I just didn’t think I’d make it through,” he said. Little did he know that his financial challenges had come to the attention of Dave Portnoy, founder of the digital media com-

pany Barstool Sports. Portnoy recently launched his own Covid19 relief fund to help small businesses that are struggling to stay open. In a video on his Twitter page, he announced that Borrelli’s would be the first to benefit. Portnoy explained that he saw little to no help coming from the federal or state government to New York businesses that had to continue adapting to new coronavirus restrictions. “These people Continued on page 5

While students were back in their classrooms this fall, the district closed its buildings to parents and community members because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. This posed a challenge to the Parent Teacher Student Association at East Meadow High School, which uses the building to host a nu m b e r o f f u n d r a i s e r s throughout the year, and to sell snacks and pretzels to students after school. “Principal [Richard] Howard has been very helpful through all of this,” said the organization’s president, Donna Goldstein. “But it’s definitely affected us to not be able to use the building.” Nevertheless, the group has continued each of its fundraisers by holding them at members’ homes. And this year’s annual clothing drive was one of its most successful, yielding 8,764 pounds of clothes and supplies like blankets and handbags. The drive ran from Oct. 18 to Dec. 6, in partnership with Carecycle, a clothing recycling company that pays nonprofit or charity organizations to donate

used clothes. PTSA Membership Chair Stephanie Inger and Treasurer Wendy Shea hosted this year’s event, and used Shea’s home as its drop-off location. In a post on the Facebook page “Nice Things that Happen in East Meadow,” Inger posted a photo of Shea’s garage, filled with bags of clothes. “We can’t say thank you enough,” she wrote in the post, adding that Carecycle named the PTSA one of its top donors. The PTSA typically funds scholarships for graduating seniors as well as the student gover nments in each grade, helping to foot the bill for events like dances, Homecoming and prom. With most of those canceled this year, most of the money is going toward the scholarships. In 2019-20, the association gave out 20 scholarships. Last year’s clothing drive, however, didn’t have as much support as usual, and the group had to organize a last-minute plant sale to make up for it. The success of this year’s drive will bring a tremendous boost to the scholarship program, Goldstein said. Continued on page 7

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EAST MEADOW HERALD — December 24, 2020 Photos by Brian Stieglitz/Herald

ThE EAST mEAdow Kiwanis club and Borrelli’s Italian Restaurant, in East Meadow, hosted a drive-through food and toy distribution for families in need in the community. David Rothman dressed as Santa Claus and greeted children as they drove through the parking lot to pick up toys.

Kiwanis, Borrelli’s bring holiday cheer to East Meadow By BRIAN STIEGLITZ bstieglitz@liherald.com

Borrelli’s Italian Restaurant became like Santa’s workshop last Sunday. East Meadow Kiwanis members sorted and distributed toys and hot meals in the parking lot as gusts of wind blew restless snow and Kiwanian David Rothman, greeted participating families dressed as Santa Claus. One of the club’s most popular traditions is a Christmas party, held at Borrelli’s each year for families in need in the community. Though the eatery could not host such a large event this year, it collaborated with Kiwanis on a way to continue giving families a holiday meal and children a Christmas experience. The club hosted its Secret Snowflake Toy Drive through December and Borrelli’s cooked Italian meals for each family. Children cheered and cars honked as Rothman waved at them. He has played the role for roughly 20 years at the annu-

al party and wanted to continue the tradition. “I love doing this,” he said. “I love seeing the joy on everyone’s faces.” The event usually takes months of preparation, but Kiwanis had it adjusted and ready to go in three weeks. In total, Kiwanis collected toys for 191 children, ages 5 through 16, from 80 families. “The families are very grateful we’re still doing something,” said Elizabeth Fries, who has been chairing the event for over a decade. “This is definitely a different way of doing it,” Fries said, adding, with a chuckle, “And God is laughing at me now with this snow.” The East Meadow School District hosts a toy drive for families in need each year, but is also modifying the event to limit physical contact. Rather than donating toys, the district is collecting gift cards for local businesses, and Kiwanis also donated 10 gift cards to each of the district’s nine buildings.

LEAdING ThE EvENT was Diane Krug, Elizabeth Fries, Frank Borrelli, Jennifer Reinhardt, Lisa Hallett and Brian O’Flaherty.

KIwANIS mEmBERS sorted through toys to find one to give to a young boy.

mARIoN SchNEIdER, LEfT, Debbie Kirsh and Diane Krug helped hand out Italian meals.

Five things to keep going— EMFD saves Parkside home Holiday 2020 edition By John J. o’Brien Sr.

If the reason we keep on going has a lot sion is critical for my absent or late stuto do with getting care and support of our dents, returning my cell phone to its regufamily and friends, there are a few seem- lar volume after the session ensures I won’t ingly insignificant items that have helped miss calls. I cover these commands in my days whether I wake feeling lost and trusty highlighter because if I forget either one — it won’t be a good day. low or filled with hope. My cell phone. I know this is heresy, Pastries. Over ten years of complaints from my son that we gather recipes but but I love my cell phone. It’s not even a top model, but it’s mine and I don’t never really try to make the want to think about life (and the goods. So this season thanks to lack of connection) without it. his love of cooking, rapid rising Fortunately, I don’t have to, yeast and plenty of flour, sugars thanks to the honest soul who and corn syrup, instead of the returned it to the courtesy coun“Freshman 15” there is a new ter at Stop and Shop when it fell culprit in town, the shelter-inout of my coat pocket last week. place pounds. I promise to pay it forward. My electric green paddle Local TV news. The only hairbrush. Crazy right? But place I’ve come to close out each until I have a moment to brush night throughout these difficult my hair my Zoom/Google auren ev months. Any other show gets Meet/Blackboard Collaborate/ the DVR. Although this news is Webex day cannot begin. Any concern about an outfit from the torso up way too slow and traditional for the Interpales in comparison to insuring smooth net generation, it’s a simple resource that hair trapped by huge headphones. And if I I’ve relied on for the routine as much as the have to go, I don’t leave home without the realities for the past ten months. Every day we are one day closer to “gettwin: electric pink paddle hairbrush — not ting back to normal.” Every day we help a wingman but the perfect wingbrush. Yellow highlighter pens. All semester and encourage and keep our sights on the long I have made the same notes each time light at the end of this infamously long tunI enter the remote classroom. I write nel. But maybe, just maybe, by pledging a “RECORD” and “RAISE PHONE” as the little allegiance and appreciation to everytwo reminders – like bookends of the ses- day things, I might just have the focus necsion I am about to begin. Recording the ses- essary to make it through this long winter.

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On Dec. 19 at 6:51 a.m., East Meadow F.D. volunteers from Engines 3, 4, and Ladder 2, were alerted to an automatic fire alarm activation at a home on Parkside Drive in Levittown — an area protected by the East Meadow Fire Department under Fire District boundaries. Three minutes into the alarm, Second Assistant Chief Peter Cheswick transmitted his response. By 6:57 a.m., Assistant Chief Cheswick had arrived on the scene. With an odor of smoke in the air, Assistant Chief Cheswick approached the home for closer look from all sides, as firefighters off the initial alert were readying to pull out of their stations. Finding no one home, the chief could now see the inside filling with smoke from a fire growing in size in the kitchen area of the 2 story Levitt home. Quickly across the radio came the chief announcing a “Signal 98.” (First pumper in connect to a fire hydrant and stretch attack lines) Cars in the driveway further raised his concern that someone could still be inside. The re-alert of the Signal 98 filled out East Meadow’s general alarm assignment adding Engines 1, 2, Ladder 1, and Rescue 5 from the south side of town. As Chief Cheswick forced entry, “First due” Ladder 619, arrived and immediately raced up the stairs to the sleeping areas looking for occupants. The search proved negative, as other firefighters worked to

hold the fire in place. Moments later, the crew of Engine 4, assisted by the crew of Engine 3, put the first attack line into play at the front door. Within minutes all visible fire was knocked down as the crew from Ladder 619 worked with hooks to expose any hidden pockets of fire. With signs of pets in the home, attention turned to a more detailed search for any animals. It was later revealed, they too, were not in the home. As the south side responding units arrived on the scene, it was clear that the “first in” north side units had everything under control. Fire damage was confined to its area of origin between the boiler and the kitchen, however smoke damage to the home was just as significant. With a working automatic fire alarm system, monitored by an alarm company, everything was in place to enable the EMFD firefighters a timely response to stop this fire before it traveled up the staircase, just feet away. In all, nearly 50 East Meadow volunteers responded to the fire in the early hours of sunrise. A relatively small fire, held in check thanks to the homeowners early warning fire alarm system. Heading home, Assistant Chief Cheswick later radioed all units of the nice job to hold this fire to a Signal 98 with nothing worse, and no need for neighboring mutual aid assistance.

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December 24, 2020 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

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 ■ 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 © 2020 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Borrelli’s is first beneficiary of Barstool Fund

Brian Stieglitz/Herald

Frank Borrelli, the owner of Borrelli’s Italian Restaurant, in East Meadow, will be the first recipient of a Covid-19 small business relief fund created by the digital media group Barstool Sports. “But Barstool went viral with what it was doing, and the support was overwhelming,” Borrelli said. Portnoy introduced the fund in a tweet last Thursday and, over the weekend, Borrelli’s saw a line down Hempstead Turnpike for pickup orders.

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Portnoy seeded the program with $500,000, and is crowd-funding to expand it. In less than a week, the funding has tripled. Dubbed the Barstool Fund, the program is open to businesses across the country, and Portnoy plans to support them by covering the expenses they need

to pay to stay open. The only qualifier is that they continue to pay their employees. Borrelli’s, Portnoy said, is “the perfect example of the type of business that we’re trying to save.” In addition to keeping all of his employees paid throughout the pandemic, Borrelli has been helping his community. Last Sunday he joined the East Meadow Kiwanis Club for a drivethrough toy drive, and cooked Italian dinners for the roughly 80 families it was benefiting. Borrelli’s is also kicking off a partnership with the Mary Brennan Interfaith Nutrition Network, raising funds to donate food to the Hempstead-based food and supplies pantry. “People have been supporting us more ever since the news came out,” Borrelli said. “With Barstool helping us out, this is going to be a tremendous boost for us.” Portnoy posted another video to his Twitter feed revealing Borrelli’s initial reaction to the introduction of the Barstool Fund. “I was planning on closing,” Borrelli said through choked-back tears. “This is going to help so much . . . thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Small businesses that would like to be considered for the Bartsool Sports fund can send messages with their stories to barstoolfund@barstoolsports.com. Barstool T-shirt, which support Borrelli’s and the fund, can be purchased at https:// store.barstoolsports.com/products/borrellis-tee.

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aren’t going out of business because they’re not successful or not making money, it’s because they have no other choice,” he said. “They’ve been dealt a hand that nobody could play.” Borrelli’s son, Frankie, has been working at Barstool Sports for the past four years. Fans of the brand might recognize Borrelli as one of the faces in a pizzareviewing comedy segment called “One Bite.” He is also a producer of Barstool’s SiriusXM radio show, chats on the media group’s golf podcast and is the drummer in its parody band Pup Punk. Throughout the pandemic, he had been updating Portnoy on his family life and the toll the pandemic has taken on his father’s business. From April to June, Borrelli’s had been raising funds to stay open and feed first responders. It donated roughly 4,000 meals to health care and emergency service workers across Long Island. Borrelli opened the restaurant’s dining area again on June 24, seating 40 people in its back room and 40 in its main room. Typically, Borrelli’s can accommodate 180 diners. With an additional 40 seats in its new outdoor dining area, the restaurant is able to operate at two-thirds capacity. But the outdoor area is getting less use now, because it’s uncovered and offers no protection from the elements. And as Covid-19 cases have spread, Borrelli’s saw fewer costumers dining inside as well.

EAST MEADOW HERALD — December 24, 2020

continued from front page

December 24, 2020 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

events and activities

community update Saturday, Dec. 26

www.eastmeadow.info or call the library at 794-2570 ask for Programming. They will then email the Zoom link to you on the morning of the program.

Saturday Family Storytime A Jedi Morning of Stories A Jedi comes to visit East Meadow Public Library patrons over Zoom with the most incredible stories in the universe on Dec. 26 at 11 a.m. Grandparents, join us to share a storytime with your grandchildren. Register at www. eastmeadow.info or call the library at 794-2570 ask for Programming. They will then email the Zoom link to you on the morning of the program.

Tuesday, Jan. 5 Creative Aging: A Workshop In Seeing Life Through Fresh Eyes with Keith Torgan Live creatively, age does not matter. This East Meadow Public Library program, on Jan. 5 at 1 p.m., is designed for older people and takes your anecdotes and puts them to music. Register at www. eastmeadow.info or call the library at 794-2570 ask for Programming. They will then email the Zoom link to you on the morning of the program.

Monday. Dec. 28 Jackbox Games for Teens Join your friends at the East Meadow Public Library on Zoom on Dec. 28 at 1 p.m. and play fun online games. You will need a second device such as a smartphone or tablet to play. For young adults in grades 6-12. Register at www. eastmeadow.info or call the library at 794-2570 ask for Programming. They will then email the Zoom link to you on the morning of the program. Laughs at the Library is Back with Mark Brier Standup comedian, Mark Brier, is back with his merry troupe of laugh masters on Dec. 28 at 1 p.m. Join for an hour to just laugh. Register at www. eastmeadow.info or call the library at 794-2570 ask for Programming. They will then email the Zoom link to you on the morning of the program. Independent Film with Dylan Skolnick Nobody Wants Us with director Laura Seltzer-Duny The East Meadow Public Library is viewing the documentary film Nobody Wants Us on Dec. 28 at 7 p.m. The story recounts the experiences of a group of Jewish refugees who were denied entry to the United States after fleeing Nazi controlled Europe. Following the screening, we will discuss the film with director Laura Seltzer-Duny. Register at www.eastmeadow.info or call the library at 794-2570 ask for Programming. They will then email the Zoom link to you on the morning of the program.

l l l l l

Thursday, Jan. 7 Herald File Photo

Paint night at Pinott’s Pallett Pinot’s Pallett, on hempatead Turnpike in East Meadow, is open with a number of virtual and in-person painting events. THehe studio is offering the virtual program “Catching Snowflakes,” on Dec. 26 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., for $40. They will package one 16 x 20 canvas, brushes, paint palette, acrylic paints pumped in to go cups with lids and a disposable apron. The link for the class will be emailed the day of the event. They will contact you to schedule pick up of the kit or you can add delivery to your order at their “shop” page. https://www....op-item/22964

the morning of the program.

Tuesday, Dec. 29 Teen Game Afternoon: Among Us Can you find the Impostor in time? Join your friends from the East meadow Public Library on Zoom on Dec. 29 at 1 p.m. and play Among Us. To participate in this event, you will need two devices: One for running Zoom and one for running the Among Us game on PC, iOS, or Android. You will need to download the game onto your device. For young adults in grades 6-12. Register at www. eastmeadow.info or call the library at 794-2570 ask for Programming. They will then email the Zoom link to you on

Art History with Mary Vahey Mary Vahey brings art alive for East Meadow Public Library patrons on Dec. 29 at 1 p.m. This time it is: Love and War: Three artists, Jacques-Louis David, Francisco de Goya, and Edouard Manet, represent Neoclassicism, Romanticism, and Realism, and form the roots to modernism. Register at www.eastmeadow.info or call the library at 794-2570 ask for Programming. They will then email the Zoom link to you on the morning of the program.

Wednesday, Dec. 30 New York Blood Center Blood Drive The New York Blood Center will be holding a blood drive in East Meadow on Dec. 30 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 465 Bellmore Road in East Meadow. Paint Day for grades K-2 Instructors from Key to My Art will help you in making a wonderful winter scene! All you need is a canvas or white paper, paintbrush and paints in assorted colors. This East Meadow Public Library program will be held virtuallt on Dec. 30 at 11:30 a.m. Register at

Snapple used to call East Meadow its home East Meadow gets its name from its relative location to the Hempstead settlement Eisenhower Park is 930 acres and larger than Central Park in Manhattan The East Meadow Chamber of Commerce is the place to go for business owners East Meadow was a farming community during World War II

Gathering Time: an Evening of Winter Songs One of the country’s best folk trios, Gathering Time, is with East Meadow Public Library for an evening of superb music for the season. Join and listen together on Jan. 7 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 bstieglitz@liherald.com

PTSA finds its way through the pandemic east Meadow high school Parent Teacher student association Executive Committee 2020-21 President: Donna Goldstein First vice president: Liz Kong Second vice president: Chris Horwitz Treasurer: Wendy Shea Recording secretary: Carmel Morgillio Corresponding secretary: Karen Wier Membership chair: Stephanie Inger

Courtesy Donna Goldstein

The easT Meadow High School Parent Teacher Student Association collected 8,764 pounds of clothes in its annual clothing drive, hosted at Treasurer Wendy Shea’s home.

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“It was packed — people were very generous this year,” she said. “I think people are home and cleaning things out

more and considering what they want to keep and give away.” In early fall, the PTSA held a mum sale and, in the run-up to Thanksgiving, they sold pies. Both were held at the home of the organization’s corresponding secretary, Karen Wier. “Modell’s used to be very generous to us,” Goldstein said. The sporting goods chain used to run a coupon fundraiser with the PTSA, but it closed most of its stores, including the one in East Meadow, in March. To replace that funding, the PTSA plans to hold a January fundraiser at the Moe’s Southwest Grill on Hempstead Turnpike. Members also plan to continue their April flower sale, and to sell signs for graduating seniors in May. “I have a great executive committee,” Goldstein said. “Most of them have a senior graduating this year, and all of them have done a wonderful job. We’re doing great things.” The PTAs and PTSAs at East Meadow’s eight other schools have overcome similar hurdles when they had to conduct their annual events off school grounds. The five elementary schools, for example, usually hold holiday boutiques in their gyms or cafeterias. Because of coronavirus restrictions, they have held them all online. “We all have had to become very creative,” Goldstein said. “Everyone has really had to reinvent the wheel here.”

EAST MEADOW HERALD — December 24, 2020

continued from front page

Experts discuss benefits of 5G at Inside LI webinar

December 24, 2020 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

By ANDREW GARCIA agarcia@liherald.com

“It’s safe,” Dr. Purna Prasad, chief technology officer at Northwell Health, said of recent advancements to 5G technology. Thus was the resounding opinion given by experts during the latest episode of the Herald Inside LI webinar series, “The Power of 5G,” in which Prasad and other professionals in the technology field spoke about 5G’s increasing role in public and professional connectivity. Panelists alongside Prasad included Ana Rua, the government affairs manager at Crown Castle; Caitlin Brookner, spokeswoman for New Yorkers for 5G; and Fan Ye, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Stony Brook University. Skye Ostreicher, of Herald Community Newspapers and RichnerLive, moderated the discussion. She kicked off the episode by naming a number of the devices that already use 5G technology, including household security systems, pet and baby monitors, and GPS guidance applications in cars. The potential for 5G is far-reaching, Ostreicher added, such as monitoring elderly parents’ blood pressure while they are in Florida and you are in New York. “The technology has been peer reviewed — both nationally and internationally by renowned and reputable organizations — and it has been found safe,” said Rua, noting the Food and Drug

ThE lATEsT EpIsoDE of Herald Inside LI, “The Power of 5G,” featured, from left to right from top row: moderator Skye Ostreicher; New Yorkers for 5G spokeswoman Caitlin Brookner; Crown Castle Government Affairs Manager Ana Rua; Stony Brook University Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Fan Ye; and Northwell Health Chief Technology Officer Dr. Purna Prasad. Administration, the National Health Institute and the American Cancer Society have deemed the technology safe. On the electromagnetic spectrum, 5G exists in the realm of visible light, with wavelengths similar to other harmless wavelengths commonly found in households. These exist within the non-ionizing spectrum of wavelengths that are lowenergy and low-frequency. In contrast, the ionizing spectrum, which includes gamma rays and X-rays, can harm a person. The debate and discussion surrounding the implementation of technology like 5G has been happening for decades, Prasad said. In the 1990s, he authored a study on the topic and found no evidence of nega-

tive effects. Those findings, he added, have not changed. 5G technology was developed from its four predecessors. When 2G was the norm, mobile phones were basically no different from any others, as they were primarily used for making calls. The era of 3G, however, turned mobile phones into computers, giving unlimited access to the internet, explained Ye. 5G “is just naturally the next step,” Ye said, “because people are always asking for a higher data rate with lower loss and lower latency.” Certain advances are only possible with the assistance of 5G, such as augmented reality, which requires streaming high-

quality video, Ye explained. Doctors can also perform operations on patients thousands of miles away if remote surgery is able to rely on 5G. 5G connectivity allows for the bandwidth needed for advanced medical services. An ambulance responding to an emergency call, for example, can use the full set of tools at its disposal, connect to a doctor via 5G and treat the patient at the scene, Prasad said. “It’s going to save lives,” Prasad said. Although 5G offers an enhancement of 4G technology, 4G isn’t going anywhere, Rua said. The 4G network that exists across Long Island will be the foundation for 5G developments, allowing for public and professional use between the two. “4G is not going to go away — we need to enhance that current infrastructure for 4G and build on top of it for 5G infrastructure,” Rua said. “High speed connectivity really impacts every facet of our lives and will have a large effect on almost every industry out there,” Brookner said. This episode of Herald Inside L.I. — the final episode of the first season — was sponsored by New Yorkers for 5G and Crown Castle. All 14 episodes of the premiere season can be found at liherald. com/insideli. The first episode of the second season of Herald Inside L.I. is set to stream on Jan. 7, 2021 — “Set your calendars,” Ostreicher said. “We have a lot of things planned.”

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EAST MEADOW HERALD — December 24, 2020

Staying Local for College MODERATOR

With the risks of COVID in the middle of a second wave, should you send your child away to school? Is it worth being away at college without the socialization aspect?

MOLLOY IS THE Do the benefits of staying home outweigh the experience of going away to college?

RIGHT COLLEGE. Skye Ostreicher

Local colleges are accepting students on rolling admission to accommodate those making the last-minute decision to stay local for the Spring semester.

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One of the best values for your tuition dollar, Molloy is close to home but far from ordinary. With career-focused programs, real-world connections and personal guidance, we’re open and here for your student – in person or online – for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.

Email insideli@liherald.com or ask them live during the webinar. MOLLOY COLLEGE. THE RIGHT CHOICE. RIGHT NOW. Apply Today: Molloy.edu/RightChoice

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December 24, 2020 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

December 24, 2020

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You are not alone

hese are unprecedented times. We need to work extra hard to manage our emotions well. Expect to have a lot of mixed feelings. Naturally we feel anxiety, and maybe waves of panic, particularly when seeing new headlines. Our anxiety — while uncomfortable — can be bonding, especially if we manage it well. At the same time, we must make an effort to prevent panic contagion and create periods when we can be screen-free and calm, engaging our attention in normal daily activities. Seize opportunities to share lightness and humor. Laughter right now is a relief for all of us! You can also find moments of hope and resilience all around us despite the uncertainty. It may be helpful for you to make a list of what you can and cannot control right now. Mental health experts suggest radical acceptance of the situations we cannot control, and focus on what we can do. Stay physically safe from the virus In this case, the biggest safety behaviors (physical distancing and hand washing), which decrease transmission of the COVID-19 virus, are also an integral part of anxiety management. Stay home when you can. When outside the home, wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. To help us make the thorough hand-washing a new habit, try this: “Wash as if you just chopped up a jalapeno pepper (without gloves) and you now have to put in your contact lenses.” Don’t forget the sides of each and every finger, the back of hands, palms, the creases and nail beds, and the back of nails. Wash for at least 20 seconds — as long as it takes you to silently hum the Alphabet Song, Happy Birthday, or recite the Loving Kindness Prayer. If you are a speedy hummer, say it twice. Limit media to reduce anxiety By now you have heard this recommendation many times and there is research behind it: Watching or scrolling through the media makes us even more anxious. An excess of news and visual images about a traumatic event can create symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and poor health years later, according to research by UC Irvine’s Roxy Silver, Ph.D., and others. Try to limit Covid-19 media exposure to no more than twice a day (i.e. checking for updates in the morning and before dinner) and try to avoid news about Covid-19 before bedtime. Take a vow to not forward (and thus propagate) alarming headlines to friends and family. Get and provide warm, comforting, social support Find and encourage support by video, phone, or text. This is critical! Taking time to share your feelings and to listen and support others will go a long way. Talking with others who have our best interests at heart makes us feel safe. Use phone, video, text, or email. Fortunately these new highways of social contact are unlimited resources. More than just providing social support about the current crisis, it is a good idea to use these connections to talk about the things you normally would — host your book club online, for example — which can create feelings of connectedness. Host a dinner using FaceTime or Zoom so you can talk while you eat (and talk about some positive things, not just this crisis). Loving and caring for our pets can be phenomenal stress reduction for us too! Find ways of expressing kindness, patience, and compassion Be extra kind to yourself. This is a hard time for everyone. Humans across the world are sharing this experience with you. We are all in this together and we may all emerge with a renewed appreciation for our interconnectedness. Helping others in need is both critical to get through this well, and also creates more purpose to our days and well-being. Donate blood if you are able. The American Red

Staying in control in a world that’s out of control Coronavirus stress takes many forms but can be managed

Cross faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak. Eligible and healthy donors are strongly urged to make an appointment to donate and help ensure that lifesaving blood products are available for patients. Create new routines and keep practicing health behaviors Routine and ritual are restorative to us. Our brain wants predictable activity so we can relax our vigilant nervous system. Go to bed early and go outside each day to be active. Remember that our activities, thoughts, and mood are closely linked. If you want to change your mood, change your activities and/or your thoughts. Eat well Good nutrition helps our mood. Stress makes us seek comfort foods, and in turn high carbs and sugars impact our mood. Many population-based studies show that a Mediterranean diet has been linked to better mental health and stress resilience, whereas a junk food western diet is linked to depression and anxiety. Try to fill your home with fresh produce, frozen vegetables, and whole foods when possible. Work well enough from home Working from home may be new to you and can have its own challenges, especially in a small home with children. Don’t expect to have the same type of productivity as usual. We are all distracted and needing to cope with a different daily life now, while helping others. Reduce your goals for typical work that is not urgent, if possible. Here are some recommendations on how to stay focused and productive during work hours: Confine your workspace to a specific clear area in your home so your job doesn’t intrude on your personal needs. Use this same space regularly to work. This will focus your mind and increase your productivity. Control sound. Use noise cancelling headphones or earbuds, or use music or fans to create white noise. End the workday with clear boundaries. Put away electronic devices and work tools at the end of your workday and set clear hours in the day for work. Have a morning or evening check-in with a colleague or supervisor to reduce social isolation and provide structure to your day. Use video communications when you can. Seeing faces provides more social connection and information than just talking. Above photo: Covid-19 has disrupted our routines and made everyday activities, such as work and caring for loved ones, challenging. Those changes, on top of the general uncertainty around this pandemic, has resulted in increased stress even for those who are generally not prone to stress-related concerns.

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of our lives, from health and exercise to work, school, parenting and socializing. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), many Americans are experiencing considerable stress related to the coronavirus. While you can’t control the virus, you can take steps to control how you respond to it. Coronavirus-related stress takes many forms Covid-19 has impacted many aspects of our lives, so it makes sense that our reactions to it vary widely. Many people experience physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive problems or muscle tension. Some may have problems sleeping or may sleep too much. Others may lose their appetite or overeat. Coronavirus-related stress can also have psychological effects. People whose income has been affected, for example, may be anxious about paying their bills or supporting their families. Working remotely and distance learning can take a toll on both adults and children who thrive on social interaction, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Depression and irritability are common reactions. If you don’t get a handle on your stress, you can raise your risk of more health issues. “When we’re stressed, our blood pressure goes up naturally,” says psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Brackin.“That puts you at higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke, or even developing cancer.” How to deal with stress The pandemic has left many feeling a loss of control over their lives. The usual routines have been disrupted indefinitely, and the future seems uncertain. Coping techniques help. Dr. Brackin offers some tips to help you feel more in control of your life and keep your stress level in check. Maintain routines. No matter what your age is, it can be helpful to create some type of structure in your day. If you exercised before work, for example, try to continue to do so. Have meals at the same time as you did before the virus. Try to maintain familiar routines for yourself and your family. Of course, there will be

some changes, but attempt to create normalcy where you can. Stay in touch. Social distancing requirements have significantly changed how we connect with our friends, coworkers and even our own family members. Except for those in your household, you probably aren’t seeing family as often as you used to. Children and teens may find it particularly difficult to be isolated from their friends and sports groups. It’s important to continue to find ways to connect with people when you can’t see them in person, says Dr. Brackin, such as scheduling weekly phone calls or meeting virtually on Zoom. Getting outside of the house can help relieve feelings of isolation, and spending time in nature has been shown to help reduce stress. Arrange to walk with a friend or get together in the yard while maintaining a safe distance. Get adequate rest. If stress makes it difficult to fall asleep or you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night, take a look at your sleep habits. Avoid looking at your phone, tablet and other screens for an hour before you go to bed. Not only can texting, watching news videos or playing games stimulate your mind, the blue light from screens can interfere with sleep. Having a glass of wine may help you relax, but it can also disrupt sleep later. If you wake up and can’t get back to sleep right away, it can help to leave the bedroom and read or do something else relaxing until you feel sleepy again. Breathe. Any time you feel stressed, take a few minutes to practice deep, mindful breathing. Focusing on your breath can interrupt your body’s stress response, slow your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. Take a slow deep breath in for three seconds, hold it for a count of four, exhale for three seconds. Repeat this a few times until you feel calmer. “Mindfulness meditation is a wonderful intervention to give yourself a sense of peace, regardless of what’s happening externally,” says Dr. Brackin. Above photo: Pandemic-related stress affects people in different ways. It depends on age, coping skills, genetics, even a person’s financial situation.

EAST MEADOW HERALD — December 24, 2020

Emotional well-being during the pandemic

HEALTH HEALTHMEMOS MEMO

December 24, 2020 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

Metro Physical & Aquatic Therapy expands

etro Physical & Aquatic Therapy, a leading provider of comprehensive therapy and wellness services with locations across Long Island and in Florida, is on the move again, expanding its facilities and rebranding others to reflect its high end, spa-like facilities. Most recently, on Sept. 21, 2020, the organization opened the doors of its Greenvale/ Roslyn facility on Glen Cove Road. This was a relocation from the previous facility inside the nearby Roslyn JCC. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the new facility is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Metro officially introduced this office to the Roslyn/ Greenvale community on Oct. 29, 2020 during a ribboncutting ceremony sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Roslyn. According to Metro Physical Therapy CEO Michael Mayrsohn, DPT, OCS, “We have been part of the Roslyn JCC community for over 20 years. It was a great experience, but due to Covid-19, increasing patient demand and physician referrals, we needed a standalone space. Our new space affords us the opportunity to serve more patients in the Greenvale community, while also offering the same topnotch facilities and amenities with the addition of parking spaces located right outside the

facility.” Metro Physical Therapy will provide its comprehensive physical, occupational and speech therapies, as well as acupuncture, chiropractic, massage and aquatic therapies. Services are provided by experienced, certified manual therapists who provide one-to-one therapy services for each patient to facilitate the best outcomes. “We are receiving and want to continue receiving a steady increase in patient referrals from area physicians who recognize the value in one-on-one patient care. In addition, we are treating over 100 patients in a week and are looking forward to watching that number grow,” added Mayrsohn. “It is a testament to the high caliber of our medical team and the emphasis we place on quality care. All treatments are performed by experienced healthcare professionals and not assistants. Our goal is to elevate the healthcare experience through a culture of caring, quality, safety, service and innovation.”

50 Glen Cove Rd., Greenvale • (516) 626-8787 • www.metrophysicaltherapy.com Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

HEALTH MEMO

A safe and smooth transition...coming home to Maple Pointe

ur world is in a state of change, and the lasting effects may be there for years to come. Our previously normal lives have taken drastic turns, and we are all learning to adjust. Like the very seniors we care for, a great many of us are now experiencing loneliness, stress, and loss. Lacking the very thing we as people yearn for...connection. Throughout this ongoing change the one constant that has remained untouched is Maple Pointe’s devotion to our residents. Our care has never faltered and it will continue to grow and flourish no matter how tough this crisis becomes. The mission to serve seniors has never been more important and the strength to do so has never been so great. United we stand, with our residents and families ready to emerge from this the same way we started...together. We are here for you, living this change as it happens. Adapting the care and services to better support the community we cherish. The friendly visits to the community have become family video chats and heartfelt window greetings. Although the methods have changed, the message of love and affection have become greater. As the community around us continues to adjust to the effects of social distancing and we move towards pandemic recovery, Maple Pointe is charging ahead and engaging in new ways to connect with each other. Our sense of duty never stops, and we continue to enhance our own practices to make sure residents and families

feel supported and secure. Extending our reach outside to our local community, we aim to make coming home to Maple Pointe an option to all seniors. We are a team of dedicated healthcare champions that have always prepared, yet never had to react. We have now reacted, our response was to lead our families out of this crisis and move forward. Let us return your peace of mind, and guide you back to a place of sanctuary for your loved ones.

260 Maple Ave., Rockville Centre • (516) 764-4848 Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

What happened to ‘normal’? Covid-19’s impact on mental health

uring the Covid-19 pandemic, surveys show a major increase in the number of U.S. adults who report symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression during the pandemic, compared with surveys before the pandemic. And for those already dealing with mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, their emotional health can worsen. It’s important to learn self-care strategies and get the care you need to help you cope. Take care of your mind: Reduce stress triggers Keep your regular routine. Maintaining a regular schedule is important to your mental health. In addition to sticking to a regular bedtime routine, keep consistent times for meals, bathing and getting dressed, work or study schedules, and exercise. Also set aside time for activities you enjoy. This predictability can make you feel more in control. Stay busy. A distraction can get you away from the cycle of negative thoughts that feed anxiety and depression. Enjoy hobbies that you can do at home, identify a new project or clean out that closet you promised you’d get to. Doing something positive to manage anxiety is a healthy coping strategy. Focus on positive thoughts. Choose to focus on the positive things in your life, instead of dwelling on how bad you feel. Consider starting each day by listing things you are thankful for. Maintain a sense of hope, work to accept changes as they occur and try to keep problems in perspective.

Use your moral compass or spiritual life for support. If you draw strength from a belief system, it can bring you comfort during difficult times. Set priorities. Don’t become overwhelmed by creating a life-changing list of things to achieve while you’re home. Set reasonable goals each day and outline steps you can take to reach those goals. Give yourself credit for every step in the right direction, no matter how small. And recognize that some days will be better than others. Recognize what’s typical and what’s not. Stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction to the demands of life. Everyone reacts differently to difficult situations, and it’s normal to feel stress and worry during a crisis. But multiple challenges daily during this crisis can push you beyond your ability to cope. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling helpless, sad, angry, irritable, hopeless, anxious or afraid. You may have trouble concentrating on typical tasks, changes in appetite, body aches and pains, or difficulty sleeping or you may struggle to face routine chores. When these signs and symptoms last for several days in a row, make you miserable and cause problems in your daily life so that you find it hard to carry out normal responsibilities, it’s time to ask for help. Hoping mental health problems such as anxiety or depression will go away on their own can lead to worsening symptoms. If you have concerns or if you experience worsening of mental health symptoms, ask for help and be upfront about how you’re doing.

NSPC surgeon performs cutting-edge epilepsy treatment at local hospital

eurosurgeon Brian J. About Neurological Surgery, Snyder, M.D., P.C. (NSPC Brain & Spine operated on a young Surgery) man suffering from refractory Founded in Freeport in 1958, seizures with a new deep brain Neurological Surgery, P.C. (NSPC stimulation (DBS) technique at Brain & Spine Surgery) has grown a local Long Island hospital. He to become one of the largest, implanted the Medtronic DBS private neurosurgical groups in the System for Epilepsy to reduce U.S. with seven conveniently the frequency of his patient’s located offices on Long Island, seizures. Dr. Snyder is a partner including offices in West Islip, and attending neurosurgeon Commack, Port Jefferson Station, with Neurological Surgery, P.C. and Riverhead. (NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery), The practice’s experienced Brian J Snyder, M.D. Rockville Centre, NY, and a neurosurgeons and interventional fellowship-trained, board neuroradiologists are experts in certified expert in “Bloodless” brain and spine neuromodulation, surgery for epilepsy, movement surgery, including laser spine surgery, endoscopic disorders, and refractory pain. spine surgery, ultrasonic spine surgery, radiosurgery, Known as bilateral stimulation of the anterior and other advanced minimally invasive techniques nucleus of the thalmus (ANT), the technique uses which are used to treat brain tumors, brain aneurysms, trigeminal neuralgia, herniated disc, electrical impulses delivered by electrodes placed in spinal stenosis, chronic back pain, and other critical portions of the brain to block the onset of conditions. Please visit www.nspc.com to learn seizures. The electrodes are powered by a battery more. placed just under a patient’s collar bone. Affecting nearly 50 million people, worldwide, epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases. “Studies have shown,” observes Dr. Snyder, “that treatments such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) can reduce seizures in epilepsy patients for whom other therapies have failed.” An expert in 100 Merrick Rd., #128w, Rockville Centre DBS, Dr. Snyder has implanted more DBS systems on 516-255-9031 • nspc.com Long Island than anyone else.

EAST MEADOW HERALD — December 24, 2020

HEALTH MEMO

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

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Clothing bank for cancer patients opens in Merrick By ANDREW GARCIA agarcia@liherald.com

One might guess that clothing banks for cancer patients, offering special items designed with cancer treatments in mind, would be as common as wig banks are — but they’re not. When Loraine Alderman was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, she had to search beyond New York’s borders for a brick-and-mortar retail outlet that sold such items, to no avail. Alderman, of East Meadow, was limited to ordering online, so the shirts and other articles of clothing were never quite the right fit. Now, Alderman’s goal of ensuring that other cancer patients have access to treatment-friendly clothing is a reality. On Tuesday, Dress for Recovery, the first clothing bank for cancer patients in the tristate area, opened in the Chabad Center for Jewish Life, in Merrick. “On May 28, 2019, when I received a call informing me that my two biopsies both came back positive for breast cancer, I could not think or perceive that something positive could come out of my new nightmare,” Alderman said to a small gathering before the ribbon was cut. “I could not believe that there was not one store in all of New York or New Jersey where I could go in and buy the shirts that I needed after my mastectomy,” she continued. “The only place to get these shirts was online, and they were expensive.” Dress for Recovery is the newest addition to Chabad’s Circle of Hope initiative, which was founded in 2012, offering a wig bank, free meals and counseling to families coping with breast and other types of cancer. “We contacted the rabbi and the rebbetzin and they said, ‘This is the missing puzzle piece to the Circle of Hope,’” said Alderman’s husband, Bill. “This is for every single person — anybody can come here and borrow the clothing that they’re going to need to ensure that they can dress for recovery.” Loraine “went through very hard times; very dark times, but she decided to light a candle,” said Rabbi Shimon Kramer, leader of the Chabad Center. The opening of Dress for Recovery

Photos by Andrew Garcia/Herald Life

BILL, LoRAINE AND Andrew Alderman cut the ribbon for Dress for Recovery, the first clothing bank for cancer patients in the tristate area. occurred during Hanukkah — a tradition that also means “dedication,” Kramer said, a perfect time to debut a clothing bank dedicated to those battling cancer. “Taking something that’s beyond imagining and turning it into something that is a source of hope for other people — you’re seeing a need and you’re filling the need,” Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said. “What we’re seeing tonight is a perfect example of the power of community,” said County Legislator Steve Rhoads. “It’s been a difficult time for all of us. It’s people like Loraine who are bringing light to our community and dispelling the darkness.” Tiffany’s Dry Cleaner, in Merrick, has agreed to dry-clean all the clothing for free, and those that mention Dress for Recovery in the store will have 10 percent of their bill donated to the organization. “I hope that clothing banks become as available as wig banks are for people needing wigs during chemotherapy,” Alderman said. “The first wig bank had to start somewhere — this is the first

clothing bank.” As of press time on Tuesday, the Chabad’s annual campaign to raise money, which will benefit Dress for Recover this year, had reached nearly 70 percent of its

LoRAINE ALDERmAN, RIGht, an East Meadow resident and breast cancer survivor, kicked-off the opening of the clothing bank alongside her husband, Bill. NAssAu CouNty ExECutIvE Laura Curran attended the event and praised Alderman for starting Dress for Recovery.

BILL ALDERmAN DIspLAyED an example of the type of shirt typically worn by a breast cancer patient, which features access zippers and ports to more easily administer chemotherapy treatments.

$100,000 goal. Three families in the community agreed to match every donation. The campaign runs throughout Hanukkah. For more information, visit www.chabadjewishlife.org/unity.

Town earmarks $5.5M in CARES funds for schools By AlyssA seidmAn

Town of Hempstead officials on Monday announced that each of the 36 school districts within the town and the Board of Cooperative Educational Services would receive a $150,000 grant to help pay for coronavirus-related expenses. The $5.5 million allocation was made possible by funding through the federal CARES Act. Nassau BOCES Superintendent Dr. Robert Dillon said the funds are much needed. “School districts spent millions of dollars in preparation to open up schools [in] September,” he said. “This $150,000 gives them a little bit of a cushion to reimburse them for things they’ve already paid for.” Covid-related expenses include hardware and software to boost WiFi bandwith, Chromebooks, personal protective equipment, desk shields and partitions, cleaning supplies and virus tests. Town officials said the grant would help school districts to recoup these necessary expenses. Dillon said school officials in each of the districts would decide how the grants would be spent. “This pandemic has hit everybody in so many different ways . . . and our school districts are no strangers to it,” said Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald Clavin, a Republican from Garden City. “Teachers are essential workers on the front lines trying to educate our children, and they have numerous expenses that

Alyssa Seidman/Herald Life

Town of HempsTeAd Supervisor Donald Clavin, at lectern, and other town officials on Monday announced an initiative to help reimburse local school districts that have incurred unbudgeted expenses during the coronavirus pandemic. The $5.5 million, made possible by funding through the federal CARES Act, will provide $150,000 to each of the town’s 36 school districts and Nassau BOCES. they need help with.” The announcement followed a string of similar initiatives by the town to use $133 million in CARES Act funding secured by U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer earlier this year. According to Clavin, the money has also been used to provide: ■ $4 million to local hospitals. ■ $8 million to area colleges. ■ $4 million for Covid-19 testing initiatives.

■ $6 million for food pantries. ■ More than a half million dollars for local fire departments. ■ $3.5 million for PPE distribution to benefit small business. ■ More than a half million dollars to local villages. “We’re committed to see this money utilized in the town,” Clavin said. “Alba-

ny has mandated school districts to do testing, unfunded. They dropped the burden on our school districts, [which have] no money for it. It’s a recurring theme when I talk to superintendents on a regular basis.” Tow n C o u n c i l m e n A n t h o n y D’Esposito, Dennis Dunne and Christopher Carini called on state and county officials to work to bring more CARES funding to residents on the front lines of the pandemic. “We in the Town of Hempstead would love to give more money to the schools, and each and every school deserves a heck of a lot more than this,” Dunne said. “We’re doing what we can with what we have, and the state has over $4.5 billion that they have not given to the schools yet.” In a statement, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, a Democrat from Baldwin, criticized the town for not allocating more money to school districts. “If the supervisor had not refused to reimburse $50 million for Nassau’s brave first responders who answered the call in the Town of Hempstead during the first wave of the pandemic,” Curran said, “or spent more than $50 million for new bathrooms, along with his sanitation budget and town’s general fund, then all of Nassau’s school districts would have received much-needed funding from the county and in greater sums. School districts are being thrown a proverbial bone at the very last minute when they deserved much more, much sooner.”

Wishing you a holiday season filled with joy and hope Your Friends at: Rhonda Glickman, VP Sales Scott Brinton, Executive Editor

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Stuart Richner, Publisher

EAST MEADOW HERALD — December 24, 2020

aseidman@liherald.com

East Meadow hit with heavy snow during nor’easter By BRIAN STIEGLITZ

December 24, 2020 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

bstieglitz@liherald.com

Courtesy Allison Vardakis

HEAvy SNow HIT the East Meadow community on Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Madison Mattia, 5, of East Meadow, was helping her family shovel on her first snow day from McVey Elementary School.

Courtesy Allison Vardakis

SopHIA vARdAkIS, 5, of East Meadow, woke up early to crawl and play in the snow outside her home.

East Meadow was hit by roughly 6 inches of heavy snow as a powerful nor’easter made its way to Long Island from Wednesday night into Thursday morning. The East Meadow School District cancelled classes with no remote learning on Dec. 17 due to the National Weather Service’s warning of the first major snowstorm of 2020. “Be safe and stay warm,” the district shared in a post announcing the cancellation on its website and Twitter page. Major roadways, like Hempstead Turnpike and Front Street, were cleared as of Thursday morning, while side streets had yet to be ploughed, according to a number of posts on Facebook and Twitter from East Meadow residents. As the snow mixed with rain, it became compact and icy — leaving thick sheets across the community. “The mix of ice, slush and snow jams up the snow blower,” said Jess Bunshaft, of East Meadow. “It doesn’t look like too much. It’s freezing that’s for sure,” added East Meadow resident Allison Vardakis. As of 8 a.m. Thursday, snow still appeared to be falling lightly, and wind gusts remained strong. The Long Island Rail Road was running 10 to 15 behind schedule system-

wide. NICE Bus also reported delays. PSEG-LI reported that about 3,300 Long Islanders lost power overnight, with 150 outages on Thursday morning.

Courtesy Jess Bunshaft

JESS BuNSHAfT LET his dogs out to run in the snow as the storm hit East Meadow on Wednesday night.

Give your favorite College Student a BOOK for OUR TIMES!

Courtesy Allison Vardakis

HoLLy vARdAkIS, 8, and her sister Sophia, 5, took turns making snow angels in their backyard in East Meadow.

Public Notices

LEME1 1224

LEGAL NOTICE TO THE TAXPAYERS OF THE EAST MEADOW FIRE DISTRICT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the EAST MEADOW FIRE DISTRICT, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, has set the following date of January 4, 2021 for the organizational meeting. The Board will meet at the District office located

at no. 197 East Meadow Avenue, East Meadow, New York beginning at 6:00 pm. The general public is welcome to attend and observe this meeting. Dated: December 14, 2020 Board of Fire Commissioners East Meadow Fire District Town of Hempstead ATTEST: DIANE BARTONE Secretary 124212

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that an order granted by the Supreme Court, Nassau County, on the 23rd day of November, 2020, bearing index Number 000588-20, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York grants me the right to assume the name of Erynn Mathew. The city and state of my present

address are East Meadow, NY the month and the year of my birth are December, 2015; the place of my birth is Town Of North Hempsted, NY; my present name is Erynn Ajish. 124156

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

https://amzn.to/39qCuWd Linda Sapadin, Ph.D. www.PsychWisdom.com • 516 791-2780

1112444

Employment

CLASSIFIED

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

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

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

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

C O M M U N I C A T I O N S

liherald.com

real local, real news

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available! Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to ehecker@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

NO CDL required, 4 DAY WORK WEEK, (enjoy 3 days off). Run your own route. Year round No lay offs! 100% medical, dental, uniforms, 2 weeks paid vacation. 401K. Plus commission. Will train! 4am-2:30pm. . Route driver $800.00 per week, includes $100.00 weekly bonus program. Plus 10-12 hours overtime. Apply in person Monday- Friday 9am-7pm at 304 Crossbay Blvd, Queens NY 11693

HANDYMAN WANTED

SALES FT/PT: ALLSTATE LYNBROOK. FLEXIBLE HOURS. INSURANCE LICENSE & EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. S A L A RY / COMMISSION!! MEL 516-330-0833

OFFICE HELP WANTED FULL TIME

For Order Taking, Phones, Light Data, Commission, Entry, Will Train! $800.00 Per Week, Medical, Dental, 401K, 2 Weeks Vacation, Holiday Pay. Please Apply In Person MondayFriday Bet: 9AM and 7PM At CALLAHEAD CORP. 304 Cross Bay Blvd. Queens NY 11693

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

Call the USA Classified Network today!

1-800-231-6152

$18.50 NYC, $16 L.I. & up to $13.50 Upstate NY! If you need care from your relative, friend / neighbor and you have Medicaid, they may be eligible to start taking care of you as a personal assistant under NYS Medicaid CDPA Program. No Certificates needed. Phone: 347-713-3553

Rent Your Apartment through the Herald and PrimeTime Classified section. Call us for our great *specials. 516-5694000, press 5 for Classified Dept. *(private party only)

1113447

Buyers are enjoying lifetime low interest rates. Sellers are getting multiple offers at and above asking prices. Housing inventory is extremely low and buyer demand is strong.

1 Thompson Dr, BA, 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Exp Ranch w/Open Layout in Waverly Park Area. Updtd EIK. O/S Prop w/Deck. Att Gar. SD#20 ...................................................................................$599,000 101 Emmet Ave, BA, WATERFRONT! Rebuilt in 2010, 4 BR 3.5 Bth Split w/ Pool, Outdoor Kit & Deck. Open Layout. Private Mstr Ste, 2 Car Gar, SD#20 ..................................................................$1,250,000

WOOdMERE

946 Midwood Rd, BA, NEW! Renovated 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Colonial in Academy Area. Gran/Wood EIK, LR/Fpl, FDR & Den. Fin Bsmt. Gar ......................................................................................... $899,000

WOOdSBURGH

185 Bay Dr, BA, 5/6 BR, 4.5 Bth Exp Ranch on Parklike 1/2 Acre Prop. Guest Quarters, Full Bsmt, 2 Car Gar. SD#14 ..........$1,450,000

HEWLETT HARBOR

3 Payne Circle, BA, 5 BR, 3.5 Bth Spacious Split on Beautiful Street in Cul de Sac. State of the Art EIK, 2 Dens, Bsmt, & 2 Car Gar. SD#20 ................................................................................ $1,190,000 236 Richards Lane, BA, 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary Home on an Acre Of Resortlike Prop with IG Pool. Open Floor Plan. Full Fin Bsmt. Main Flr Master. SD14....................................REDUCED! $1,499,000 NEW TO MARKET!! 10,000 Sq Ft Waterfront Property on an Acre of Parklike Grounds Tucked away in Cul de Sac. 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary. Soaring Ceilings. IG Pool, Hot Tub. 285' Vinyl Bulkhead Raised & Redone. Dock. 3 Car Garage ............. $4,650,000 70 Heron Dr, BA, 6 BR, Contemporary with Open Layout on an Acre of Parklike Property. Move Right in! SD#14 .....................$1,699,000 159 Meadowview Ave, BA, Stately 5200 Sq Ft Colonial Featuring 6 BR, 6.55 Bths on Acre Of Resortlike Prop with IG Pool, Tennis Ct, & Outdoor Kit. Fin Bsmt, 2 Car Gar, Fabulous Location in SD#14 ............................................................ REDUCED!! $2,699,000

EAST ROCKAWAY 101 Emmet Ave, NEW WATERFRONT! Rebuilt in 2010, 4 BR 3.5 Bth Split w/ Pool, Outdoor Kit & Deck. Open Layout. Private Mstr Ste, 2 Car Gar, SD#20..$1,250,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-429 HEWLETT HARBOR 3 Payne Circle, OPEN HOUSE BY APPT, Spacious Split on Beautiful Street in Cul de Sac. State of the Art EIK, 2 Dens, Bsmt, & 2 Car Gar. SD#20...$1,190,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman RE 516-238-4299

WOODSBURGH 185 BAY Dr, OPEN HOUSE BY Appt, 5/6 BR, 4.5 Bth Exp Ranch on Parklike 1/2 Acre Prop. Guest Q u a r t e r s , F u l l B s m t , 2 C a r G a r. SD#14...$1,450,00 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Call me for a free professional consultation.

House For Sale

Melinda Beauchamp Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Mobile: 516.721.7805

mbeauchamp@coachrealtors.com mbeauchamp.coachrealtors.com 314 Sunrise Highway Rockville Centre NY 11570

Melinda & Thor

Apartments Wanted

Open Houses

HEWLETT HARBOR ba, 236 Richards Lane 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary Home on an Acre Of Resortlike, IGP, Open Floor Plan. Full Fin Bsmt. Main Flr Master. SD14...$1,499,000

1113586

Help Wanted

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

REAL ESTATE

Now is the time to buy or sell a home.

CASHIER WANTED For Grocery Store West Hempstead. Experience Helpful. Email Resume: ianddglatt2@optonline.net Or Call 516-444-6010

Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299

HEWLETT BAY PARK

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

EMPLOYMENT

e s t. 1 9 1 1

EAST ROCKAWAY

ROUTES AVAILABLE AT CALLAHEAD Corp.

DRIVERS WANTED

Homes

February 4, 2021 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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

OPEN HOUSES BY APPOINTMENT SUNdAY, 12/27/20

HERALD

January 7, 14, 21, 28, 2021 4 p.m.

Homes 1113585

Phone: 347-713-3552

INC

1104975

RICHNER

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

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

HERALD Community Newspapers

HERALD

$18.50 NYC, $16 L.I., up to $13.50 Upstate NY!

1112179

RecRuiting a great sales team is Really simple.

EAST ROCKAWAY WATERVIEW! 3Bds, 2Bths, EIK, FDR, LR, Den, FBasement, Garage,,Large Yard. Zone X-no flood insurance. Too Much To List! 516-241-6075 MLS: 3271059/ Coldwell Banker HEWLETT BAY PARK NEW TO MARKET! 10,000 Sq Fet. Waterfront Property on an Acre Of Parklike Grounds. IGP, 5 bds, 5.5 Baths Comtemp., $4.650,000 Ronnie Gerber 516 -238-4299 Douglas Elliman

Mature - Single

Non-Smoking Woman Seeking 1-2 Bedroom Apartment with Long-Term lease. I Have a Steady Job at the Same Company for the past 20 years. I am Recently Separated and I am Looking for IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY. I am Quiet, Responsible and Extremely Reliable. Please Contact me with any Opportunities at cassiesmom810@aol.com. I have Plenty of References that I would be happy to supply to you upon request.

Apartments For Rent CEDARHURST NO FEE Pr ivate Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For O n e B e d r o o m W h e n Ava i l a bl e. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

Commercial Prop./Rent EAST ROCKAWAY: 131 Main Street 2nd Floor Offices. 100-1500 sq.ft. 24/7 access. Utilities included. Starting $350/ month. Retail Space 1350 sq.ft. $3,000/ month. OWNER 516-637-2182

EAST MEADOW HERALD — December 24, 2020

HERALD

It’s not that different from surgery

Homes

HERALD

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

HOME OF THE WEEK

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

Q. Due to the pandemic, my family has been home together, and our house needs work. We have outdated stucco walls and a small kitchen. We want to see if we can remove walls, but the plumbing from two upstairs bathrooms goes right down the main dividing wall. Taking out the wall means changing the bathrooms, we’ve been told. That’s more than we can afford, and we don’t want to move out. The bathAsk The rooms were renovated less Architect than five years ago and are on an outside wall. We would like to add seven to 10 feet so we have a breakfast space, possibly with a high ceiling. What would you suggest we do?

Wantagh

A Family Dream Home

here will be no weeping for this willow, you will be cheering! Mint 4 bedroom 2.5 bath custom built 19 year young colonial. This home features sky lit family room with gas fireplace, granite sky lit eat-in-kitchen, king size master bedroom suite with full bath and 2 walk in closets, gleaming hardwood floors, huge finished basement with high ceilings, stunning entertainer’s backyard with saltwater heated in ground pool with waterfall with new liner and outdoor sprinklers with generator hook up. You will also enjoy a 2 car garage. Taxes are confirmed and are $10791.62 with star exemption. Only $999,000.

Sherlock Sherlock Homes Homes

Happy Holidays

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

THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? Contact one of our hardworking professionals today for all of your real estate needs!

2678 COLONIAL PLACE, OCEANSIDE 1113739

List Price: $599,000 New to Market! 5 Bedroom 2 Bath Home Large Living Room with Fireplace, Basement, Garage, Gas Heat, New Roof

Annemarie DeLuca 516-884-3662

We look forward to providing home buyers and sellers with the highest level of personalized service and support. *If your property is currently listed with another brokerage, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the listings of other brokerages.

43 N Park Ave, RVC | C21sherlock.com | 516-764-2601

1106049

Chair rental now available!

Where Dreams Come Home

JUAN JARA Licensed RE Broker Associate Cell: 516-318-0142 Juan@AllStarRealEstateBrokers.com

1099323

M: (516) 236-7269

We’re Keeping the American Dream Alive. www.AllStarRealEstateBrokers.com

NYS Licensed Real Estate Salespersons

BestLiHomes.com • 516-418-3333 “Going Above & Beyond to find your Dream Home”

Rhonda Healy

CAMILLE GIARDINA Licensed RE Broker/Owner Cell: 516-318-1392 Camille@AllStarRealEstateBrokers.com

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

2119 Bedford Ave. John Lawlor, CBR, SFR Bellmore, NY 11710 Michele Librett-Lawlor, CBR, SFR

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

OneKey Multiple Listing Service

1110798

tanglES Salon Bellmore call annmarie (516) 810-9640

1113564

ExpEriEncEd Hair StyliSt WantEd, alSo SEEking nail tEcH FlExiBlE HourS

A. What it really comes down to is getting the right people to find onte eeper solutions for each of the problems. Doctors and dentists often tell me that many people get the wrong advice from those who are unqualified, so that by the time they break down and seek trained professionals, the problem has gotten much worse, but the solution finally gets solved correctly and often more quickly. Your project has that possibility. All of the conditions, just like medical testing, involve choosing one of two ways to investigate the conditions. Unfortunately, people often expect all the answers to a construction project without the ultimate removal of materials, so the main way to plan is by gathering information on the probable location of main columns and beams as well as piping. Your problem has a solution, which may or may not include the extreme of altering the bathroom finishes. Often, when everything is finally exposed, a trained professional can see creative ways that installers may be afraid to try. In the presence of a plumber and carpenter, I have seen their concern of the unknown, where knowing what calculations to perform, it was possible to figure out the answers. It takes the cooperation of a team of skilled professionals — the architect, plumber and contractor — to plan, cut and assemble all the components to make this work. I suggest that the planning take advantage of the existing structure’s nature: the way the ceiling joists connect, the direction they run, and the potential to move plumbing in the same direction or identify how to correctly intersect the pipes through the main beams. With correct calculations and the right materials, your project can be accomplished without your having to spend the extra money on the bathrooms. Necessary disturbance of surrounding materials may be minimal. You have to make sure that each of the people you hire is communicating, and I highly suggest that you make a point to be in those meetings. Your involvement, your scrutiny that the people you hire are listening to one another and that you hired the right people, is no less important here than if you were advocating with medical staff for a family member’s procedure. The surgery might be much different between a building and a body, but the process isn’t all that different. Good luck!

Laura Dupkin Memisha Licensed Broker Associate laura@therealtyadvisors.com Cell: (516) 984-0343 3342 Park Avenue, Wantagh NY

1109112

December 24, 2020 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

© 2020 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

Market Place • •

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

Switch To Electrolyzed Restructured Water It's Healthier For You, Your Family, And Your Pets!

conSuMer reportS:

AlkAline WAter Sold

It may not always be as pure as you think, and your tap water may be cleaner than you realize. What you need to know.

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A Fresh CoAt For A Fresh stArt!

If Your Plumbing STINKS

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wenkpipingandheating.com

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OFF

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Any Service Call

1112911

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

For New Customer Exp. 12/31/20

Specializing in: • Interior/Exterior Painting • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Basements • Wall Paper Removal • Power Washing

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1110755

TheAMWeNKS! Sunday, AugustCall 02, 2020 11:06:29

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1105410

Chimney King, Ent. Inc.

HEATING OIL

1081114

ALFREDO’S CONSTRUCTION Specializing

ALL CLEAR DRAIN & SEWER SERVICE

(516)409-9696 • (631)422-9696

Se Habla Espanol

Sinks • Tubs • Toilets • Sewer Lines

Licensed & insured

1078401

ESTATE SALE - LOG HOMES

PAY THE BALANCE OWED ONLY!!! AMERICAN LOG HOMES IS ASSISTING JUST RELEASED OF ESTATE & ACCOUNT SETTLEMENT ON HOUSES.

4 Log Home kits selling for BALANCE OWED, FREE DELIVERY 1)Model # 101 Carolina $40,840…BALANCE OWED $17,000 2)Model # 203 Georgia $49,500...BALANCE OWED $19,950 $36,825...BALANCE OWED $14,500

1113740

NEW - HOMES HAVE NOT BEEN MANUFACTURED

*OFFER NOT AVAILABLE TO AMERICAN LOG HOME DEALERS*

BLACKTOP

BeSt priceS in town

Call For Fall Specials

516-424-3598 516-807-3852

Carpentry & Painting Specialist

Residential and Commercial - All Phases

senior Citizen Discounts

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

Fully licensed and insured Nassau • Suffolk • NYC

Free estimates

“Anthony & J Home Improvement, Inc.” Also specializes in ★ Kitchens ★ Bathrooms ★ Finished Basements ★ Flooring ★ Repairs ★ Woodwork/mouldings ★ Siding ★ Gutters

516-678-6641– Licensed & Insured Free estImates...call anthony romeo

1066253

JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, It’s inESTATE the Herald Classifieds... REAL & MORE... To Advertise Call 516-569-4000 JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... press 5

4)Model # 403 Augusta $42,450...BALANCE OWED $16,500

Make any plan design changes you desire! Comes with Complete Building Blueprints & Construction Manual Windows, Doors, and Roofing not included BBB NO TIME LIMIT FOR DELIVERY! A+ Rating

the

1109793

No service in Long Beach

1110703

CALL NOW FOR LOWEST PRICE

1112267

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

CALL FOR MORE INFO

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

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

HOME • COMMERCIAL

3)Model # 305 Biloxi

516-668-3607

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OWA_Purge_BW_Bold

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Cell:

Email: gaby1234@optonline.net to own the Enagic Ionizer Machine. 1109488

$25

1.99 Per Gallon

1112012

1107248

Is Bottled Water Safer?

EAST MEADOW HERALD — December 24, 2020

HERALD

December 24, 2020 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

HERALD

Stuff

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

Finds Under $100

Tag Sales

CRYSTAL WINE DECANTER with 6 glasses brand new,must see Paid $50.00 asking $25.00 (516) 579-9089

ISLAND PARK TAG SALE 60 Florida Ave., 12/26 & 12/27, 10am-7pm. Furniture, China Kichen Set TOO MUCH TO LIST!

Adoption Single woman looking to build her family by adoption. Any ethnicity welcome, expenses paid. Please call (347) 470-5228 or my attorney: (800) 582-3678 for information

MERCHANDISE MART Antiques/Collectibles We Buy Antiques, Fine Art & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 40 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid.. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

Wanted To Buy I BUY OLD AMERICAN MOTORCYCLES UP TO 1999. Please Call Dan 516-639-1027

FINDS UNDER $100 Finds Under $100 BOYS CLOTHES: SIZES 3T-4, New with Tags. Gap, Old Navy, Macy's Call/text 917-420-5814. $7

GIRLS CLOTHES: SIZE 5, New with Tags. Jeans, hoodies, long-sleeve Tshirts Call/text 917-420-5814. $8 ORIGINAL TIFFANY ASHTRAY with certificate 4 1/2 " triangle shape, paid $100.00 asking $25.00 516-579-9089

SERVICES Electricians E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

Handyman MIKE THE HANDYMAN: Light JobsPlumbing, Electrical, Specializing Vinyl Tiles, Gardening, Powerwashing, Painting. Interior And Exterior. Experienced. Reliable And Honest. Call Cell 516-225-8107; 516-837-3436

Home Improvement CARPENTRY & PAINTING: Residential/ Commercial. All Phases. Licensed/ Insured. FREE ESTIMATES! Anthony & J Home Improvements 516-678-6641

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

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

*MICHAEL LO BAIDO CONSTRUCTION*

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

Plumbing

PLUMBER! PLUMBER! PLUMBER! FREE ESTIMATES! Heating, Repairs, Installations. $25 OFF New Customers. 24 Hour Emergency Response. 516-599-1011 PLUMBING & HEATING ALL TYPES Boilers, Bathrooms. Small/Large Jobs. Licensed. Call Chris 516-697-8001 or Tony 347-843-9243.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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

Education

Miscellaneous DISH TV $59.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice R e m o t e . S o m e r e s t r i c t i o n s a p p l y. 1-888-609-9405

GET DIRECTV! ONLY $35/month! 155 Channels & 1000s of Shows/Movies On Demand (w/SELECT All Included Package.) PLUS Stream on Up to FIVE Screens Simultaneously at No Additional Cost. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

HErald

Crossword Puzzle

Deals on Wheels

COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! (844) 947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET)

Health & Fitness HEARING AIDS!! BUY one/get one FREE! High-quality rechargeable Nano hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Nearly invisible! 45-day money back guarantee! 833-448-0751. VIAGRA & CIALIS! 60 pills for $99. 100 pills for $150. FREE shipping. Money back guaranteed! 1-855-579-8907 WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED HHA, LPN, Nurse's Aide, Childcare, Housekeeping & Day Workers. No Fees to Employers. Call Evons Services 516-505-5510

AUTOMOBILE & MARINE

Autos For Sale BUICK ROADMASTER 1994: Leather Interior, Excellent Working Condition, Must See To Appreciate. $3750. 516-428-3915 MERCEDES BENZ E350, 2006: 4-Matic, 70K Miles, Excellent Condition. Must See! $12,000. 516-603-8697

Autos Wanted ***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highe$t Ca$h Paid$ All Years/Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199 Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS 516-297-2277 DRIVE OUT BREAST Cancer: Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup - 24hr Response Tax Deduction - Easy To Do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755

Junk Cars Wanted

HIGHEST CA$H PAID All Cars Bought 24/7 FREE Pickup

Serving Nassau County 41 Years No Title, No Keys=No Problem ID Required. CALL US LAST!

Call us at 516-766-0000

NEED A CAR? Find it in the HERALD Classifieds.

Want to sell your car, motorcycle or boat? Have we got a deal for you! You can advertise your vehicle in the

Classifieds All for an amazing price! Your add will run until you sell your vehicle. Just call one of our expert classified account executives today and you will be on your way to making a great deal on your set of wheels!

516-569-4000 press 5, then 2

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Answers

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opInIons

Our promise to never forget means we must wear our masks

ewant you to remember waking up on the morning of Sept. 12, 2001 — that is, if you had slept at all the night before. Recall how you felt about your country, your neighbors, and especially our lion-hearted first responders, whose bravery, selflessness and sacrifice we promised never to forget. Remember how you felt in the weeks and months that followed, when first responders and volunteers from Long Island and throughout the nation gathered at ground zero to search for survivors and victims sara and start the difficult task of DIrector rebuilding. We were rightly in awe of our first responders, mourning those who had laid down their lives for us, and profoundly moved by their devastated brethren, who spent months digging through the rubble, atop a smoldering pile of pulverized concrete and glass, dioxin, PCB, benzene,

asbestos and other deadly toxins. There was nothing we would not do for them. Those first responders, and indeed the downtown community of office workers, students, construction workers and residents who returned after the attacks, are now disproportionately filling operating rooms, chemotherapy rooms and oncologists’ offices. They are struggling to breathe, fighting cancer, fighting lung disease, fighting for their lives. Since 9/11, 68 cancers have been linked to the toxins, as well as numerous respiratory diseases. Today, the 9/11 community is in the grips of a health crisis. We have lost more people to diseases that arose in the aftermath of the attacks than we lost that day. What does our promise to Never Forget require of us now? The answer is simple: wear a mask. Many members of the 9/11 community have compromised immune systems and serious co-morbidities that make them especially vulnerable to the effects

Letters

of Covid-19. The men and women who sacrificed so much for us, who rushed to answer the call and who eventually rebuilt New York City’s financial heart, are all around you. They are behind you at the supermarket, picking their kids and grandkids up from school, on your train, on your bus — they are everywhere. Yet if you just look at them, they are unidentifiable. You may not know that your child’s teacher taught in a school in Lower Manhattan on Sept. 11 and now, as a result, suffers from chronic asthma. Or that your co-worker was a volunteer firefighter who answered the call of duty on 9/11, eventually resulting in a diagnosis of lung cancer. If today were Sept. 12, 2001, and Long Islanders were asked to wear masks to protect the 9/11 community from the spread of a virus, we would not hesitate. We would wear our masks with pride — pride for those first responders, and pride for our country. And we would be proud of our-

any members of the 9/11 community are vulnerable to the effects of Covid.

selves, for coming together and protecting those who protected us. Whether you’re a Republican, Democrat or Independent, we are all Long Islanders. Whether you believe that masks can stop or help slow the spread of the coronavirus or not, we are all Long Islanders. Whether you are a member of the 9/11 community or not, we are all Long Islanders. And we now have an opportunity to demonstrate the same unity we did 19 years ago, by following the safety precautions recommended by public health officials: wearing masks, socially distancing, washing our hands frequently and staying home when we’re not feeling well or showing any symptoms of Covid-19. We can protect our families and communities, particularly those with preexisting conditions, and we can and will crush this virus. The 9/11 community did its part. It is time for us to do ours. Never Forget. Sara Director, a native of Glen Cove who now lives in Locust Valley, is a partner at Barasch & McGarry, which representing more than 20,000 9/11 first responders and survivors.

Framework by Alyssa Seidman

In the huge universe? Can the tiny paw petting my arm Or her face tilted to mine Be important enough to earn one day Of mourning among a year of lamentations? These questions hang in the air, The answer written in tears. EvELYN KANDEL Nassau County poet laureate Glen Cove

Stop the LIRR’s fare hikes To the Editor: The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is planning to raise fares yet again, during a global pandemic, no less. Just as we return to work and our daily commutes on the Long Island Rail Road, the MTA plans to ask us to cough up even more cash to take the train each day. That’s unacceptable and unconscionable. We need to fight back and make sure the MTA rejects its wrongheaded plan. The MTA needs help from Washington, but it also must make the tough, necessary choices to trim fat, cut waste and deter fraud. But fare hikes always seem to be its answer, no matter the problem, or the decade, or whether service is good or bad. The cost of a monthly pass from any of our communities to Penn Station over the past two decades has doubled, far outpacing the rate of inflation. Indeed, a monthly pass that sold for roughly $150 in 1999 now costs nearly $300. What’s more, hiking the cost of an LIRR ticket at this juncture would do nothing to boost ridership, and frankly could dissuade

Read all about it! — Merrick

many commuters from coming back. Now is the worst possible time to contemplate yet another fare hike, when trust in public transit is low. I spoke out at a recent hearing against the fare hikes, but when we speak loudly with one voice, we can accomplish anything. So please log on to http://bit.ly/fightthefarehikes to submit your testimony to the MTA in opposition to its

proposal to charge us more for an LIRR ride. Together we will fight the fare hikes, and work toward fairness and affordability for Long Islanders. TODD KAMINSKY State senator, 9th Distric

EAST MEADOW HERALD — December 24, 2020

meri-

Herald editorial

East Meadow

December 24, 2020 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

HERALD

Established 2001 Incorporating: Meadowbrook Times 1963-2001 East Meadow Beacon 1950-2020 brian stieglitz Editor audrey cohen robert cummings Advertising Account Executives office 2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530 Phone: (516) 569-4000 Fax: (516) 569-4942 Web: www.liherald.com E-mail: emeadoweditor@liherald.com Copyright © 2020 Richner Communications, Inc.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS Robert Richner Edith Richner Publishers, 1964-1987 ■ clifford richner stuart richner Publishers michael bologna Vice President - Operations

It’s time for renewed vigilance over the virus

he Food and Drug Administration last Saturday issued an emergency-use authorization for the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine, which is administered in a series of two shots one month apart. Announcement of the EUA came after a whirlwind week of media coverage following the EUA for the Pfizer vaccine. We can only say bravo to the vaccine researchers who developed these two treatments at breakneck pace, taking months to produce what, in the past, has taken years. The science behind the vaccines seems futuristic, but it’s very much in the here and now. Both use genetic material, rather than the virus itself, to trigger an immune response by the body. Amid the jubilation that so many of us felt as the vaccines were rolled out,

■ scott brinton Executive Edtitor Jim harmon

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— to our holiday gatherings, full of family members and friends. We are a long way from that. We are not likely to begin a staged return to our pre-pandemic lives until we see a precipitous drop in the infection and death rates, which Dr. Anthony Fauci, the federal government’s leading infectious disease expert, warns could come in April, at the earliest. Over the weekend, we also received word from Great Britain that the coronavirus may have mutated into a new strain there, causing countries around the globe to ban travel from the United Kingdom in the hope of stopping the spread of the mutated virus. No, this is no time for apathy. It is a time of hope, yes, but we must not be lulled into a false sense of security. We’ve been down that road before.

Finally, Congress offers relief

t long last, Congress members agreed on a $900 billion Covid19 relief package that will, we hope and trust, bring desperately needed aid to Americans reeling from the continuing coronavirus crisis. We are closing in on 10 months since the start of the pandemic in the U.S., and job losses remain unacceptably high. The national unemployment rate was 6.7 percent in November, but without the relief package, it could have climbed back up into the double digits. The unemployment rate peaked at nearly 15 percent in April before drop-

craig White Production Coordinator

new Covid-19 cases — and deaths — continued to skyrocket. On the same day that the EUA was issued for the Moderna vaccine, the U.S. recorded more than 250,000 new cases — more than on nearly any other day since the coronavirus was first reported here in early March. That same day, some 2,800 people died of the virus. The day before that, nearly 3,300. The day before that, 3,600. We would be foolish to believe we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. It will be months before we understand the true effect of the vaccines. The coronavirus became so widespread in the U.S. that it is now ubiquitous across the land, and is truly inescapable, except through mask wearing and social distancing. We cannot believe that we can, at this moment, magically return to normal life

Remembering pets in verse To the Editor: Reading Randi Kreiss’s column about the end of life of her daughter’s dog, and Randi’s tribute with Mary Oliver’s poem, reduced me to tears (“Saying goodbye to a force of nature on four paws,” Dec. 10-16). It really hit home, and was so well written. This year I had to put my 17-year-old cat to sleep, so I’ll share my poem. Mittens Such a small loss Amidst overwhelming chaos. Such a minor tragedy In this present time of losses. Does the weight of a dying cat Equal one pound of human flesh? How does one measure a life so small

ping steadily in the following months, though the pace of job creation has slowed since September. By infusing another $900 billion into the economy, lawmakers hope to stabilize many of the small and medium-sized businesses that are on the edge of collapse, while continuing to drive down the unemployment rate. We can only say, it’s about time, and what took you so long? Providing relief to the American people at such a dire time should have been a bipartisan nobrainer, but instead it became a protracted battle of political wits that bene-

fited no one, most especially the American worker. The new aid package will provide a $300-per-week supplemental job loss benefit and, for most Americans, a $600 direct stimulus payment. As Presidentelect Joe Biden noted, such a package is a good start, but more will be needed if the pandemic carries on longer than expected. That is why it’s about time that members of Congress set aside their partisan differences and stop playing games with the health and welfare of the American people.

opinions

anding in Bulgaria nearly 30 years ago, I felt as though I had stepped through a portal into another dimension. After a 24-hour trip, I at last arrived at Sofia International Airport — then a dim, decrepit facility, a far cry from the modern airport that it is today. There was, at the time, a definite divide between West and East. The Soviet Union had crumbled only a year earlier, and Bulgaria, a satellite of the USSR, was reeling, politically and economically. Food and scott gasoline were in short supply and brinton rationed. In the airport, which was hot and stifling without air conditioning, you realized fast that you were leaving behind the modernity of the West and taking a step back in time to a still developing nation. Bulgaria, where I served two years as a Peace Corps volunteer, has since opened to the world and modernized. Its economy is now fully globalized. But I will never forget those first startling, heartwrenching steps onto Bulgarian soil. Recently watching the wonderful Apple TV+ series “Long Way Up,” with the hosts Ewan McGregor and Charley

Boorman, I was instantly taken back to that steamy June day in Sofia. For the series, McGregor, who played Obi-Wan Kenobi in the middle three “Star Wars” films, among many other roles, and Boorman, also an actor, rode custom-made Harley-Davidson electric motorcycles for 13,000 miles from Ushuaia (pronounced oo-SWAY-a), Argentina, practically the southernmost tip of South America, to Los Angeles in 2019. Toward the end of the 11-episode series, as the pair pass from Mexico into the United States, the stark difference between the two countries is glaringly obvious. At the border, they meet refugees who had fled narco-violence and were camping out in makeshift tents, hoping, praying, to enter the U.S. It is a squalid scene, full of desperation. Then, after a bit of chaos at the border crossing, McGregor and Boorman appear, as if by magic, in America, and all is suddenly well as the two ride, surrounded by a pack of motorcyclists, into Los Angeles. The road is pristine. There is order, a sense of lawfulness. “Long Way Up” shows us the clear socioeconomic differences between the U.S. and the nations south of its border. McGregor and Boorman never intended to play politics, they have said, but they show us the reasons why so many have

fled their homelands in South and Central America and Mexico in search of a better life in the U.S., despite the terrifying uncertainty of the journeys they must undertake. At the same time, our intrepid hosts show us the unwavering resiliency of people living on the edge. “Long Way Up” is a reality TV documentary that is one part travelogue and one part buddy film. It’s about the close friendship between McGregor and Boorman, but more so, it’s about their relationship to the road and the people they meet serendipitously and befriend along the way. They ride through some of the most unforgiving regions of the Western Hemisphere — particularly in Peru and Chile, where they pass through the Andes Mountains and the Atacama Desert, which is so dry that NASA uses it for Mars simulation exercises. Traversing treacherous terrain, the two fall off their motorcycles a lot, and stall occasionally. But they have a capable backup team in producers David Alexanian and Russ Malkin, who travel behind them, though far out of sight most of the time, in two 2.6-tonne Rivian electric pickup trucks. They also bring three stellar videographers — Claudio von Planta, Jimmy Simak and Anthony von Sek — along for

TV series reminded me of going from one world to another.

the ride. With drones, the three capture the breathtaking beauty of the terrain through which the team travels. “Long Way Around” is a perfect antidote for the pandemic cabin fever so many of us are feeling. The show is all about motion — moving from one stage of the journey to the next in rapid-fire succession. McGregor and Boorman never stop anywhere for long before they’re off to their next destination. They linger only when they stop to promote projects undertaken by the United Nations Children’s Fund, ranging from providing schooling for Indigenous people previously denied an education to sheltering orphaned children fleeing violence. McGregor and Boorman have featured UNICEF projects in each of their three travel series — the first two were “Long Way Round” (from London to New York via Central Europe, Eurasia, Russia and Canada in 2004) and “Long Way Down” (through Europe and Africa in 2007). I never realized how much good UNICEF does around the globe. I had to make a donation. “Long Way Up” offers lessons in geography and culture. More so, though, it is a lesson in basic humanity that I would highly recommend watching for yourself, along with its two companion series. Scott Brinton is the Herald Community Newspapers’ executive editor and an adjunct professor at the Hofstra University Herbert School of Communication.

2020: What did you do while you waited?

or me, the theme of 2020 has been waiting learning to wait, summoning the B (balance) C (courage) and D (determination) that Type A’s struggle to find. If someone had told me in February that I would wait months to see my children and grandchildren, that I would wait more than a year to score a Shake Shack burger, that I would wait, mostly in my home, to hug a friend . . . I would not have found it credible. Our collective big wait has been for a viable Covid-19 vaccine, and now that it’s here, we’re waiting for our turn in line. I remember when the Salk polio vaccine was administered in my public school in 1955. They told us kids to line up in size order in the cafeteria, and I knew I would be first. Now we wait based on other criteria: age and general health and value to the community as front-line workers. We wait, too, on the political front.

Every process, from the Mueller investigation to the impeachment, to the election and now to the inauguration, has dragged out in agonizingly slow fashion. “Breaking news” generally means we will live with a story for countless days and weeks with little or no resolution. The Trump presidency has forced us to learn patience. Some of us have been waiting for more than four years for the foolishness of the conspiracists and the racists and the ill-informed to be swept into the past. Now it seems more patience will be required. As we wait, we hope this is the beginning of the end of the pandemic. It sinks in slowly that more than 320,000 of our fellow Americans have died in the past year from the disease. As we wait, we come to realize that many might have been saved if we had acted sooner. As we wait, we grieve the personal loss of friends and family and the suffering of 17 million who have struggled with the challenge of raising kids, going to work and getting health care while sick with the coronavirus. There are epic stories of waiting. My

favorite is from the novel “Waiting,” by Ha Jinn, which won the National Book Award in 1999. Based on a true story, it recounts the life of an Army doctor in China who waits 18 years to get a divorce from his wife in their home village so he can marry the woman he loves, a nurse who serves with him. While you’re waiting, you might give it a try. How ironic that we are the children of the instantgratification culture. From Amazon addiction to DoorDash to the ability to connect to others in a heartbeat, we have been trained to be impatient. We expect immediate satisfaction of our needs. We impatiently waited to ride bicycles and then to drive cars and to graduate from schools, and we wait to get through treatments and to dance at landmark birthdays and anniversaries. But 2020 pushed back. The demands of this year forced our attention outside ourselves. Think about this remarkable year, the year we hope to survive, the year we will never forget. It is said that the lesson of nature is patience, as we wait for seeds to sprout

ow ironic that we are the children of the instantgratification culture.

and babies to talk and trees to flower. During the days and weeks and months of waiting, we have become keener observers of smaller things. When you are homebound forever, you notice fluttering red wings outside the window that never caught your eye before. You take the many hours of a day to put together the ingredients of bread, feeling the stretch and pull of the dough because you actually have time to think about it. For women, the iconic wait of our lives is pregnancy, the time we go inward and focus attention on the seed of life growing inside. The young women I know who have had babies this year seem more intensely focused on this life event, more careful, and now they are waiting patiently to introduce their new children to the world outside and to other people. For many toddlers, life has been confined to rooms. We are all waiting for them, and the teenagers, to bust loose. I have tried to find music and art and conversation to get me through. But I am desperately awaiting 2021. I want to quietly close the book on 2020 and leap into a fresh new year. Copyright 2020 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

EAST MEADOW HERALD — December 24, 2020

‘Long Way Up,’ a deeply satisfying travelogue

December 24, 2020 — EAST MEADOW HERALD

HERE FOR YOU IF YOU NEED US. HOLIDAY HOURS

Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve All locations open until 4:00pm

Because, unfortunately, injuries can happen during the holidays.

Christmas Day, New Year’s Day Merrick office open for walk-in patients 9:00am – 5:00pm 1728 Sunrise Highway, Merrick

That’s why Orlin & Cohen, Long Island’s premier orthopedic group, is open

516-536-2800

to treat them. All locations will be open until 4:00pm on Christmas Eve

Most insurance accepted.

and New Year’s Eve, and our Merrick location will be open from 9:00am to 5:00pm on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. As always, we employ strict safety protocols to ensure the well-being of our patients and staff.

Happy Holidays and Stay Safe!

orlincohen.com 1112643

Rockville Centre Lynbrook Merrick Garden City Massapequa Woodbury Bellmore Melville Bohemia Smithtown Port Jefferson Riverhead Southampton Port Jefferson Station Kew Gardens (Opening Soon)

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