Franklin Square/Elmont
HERALD learning martial arts online
remembering a synagogue fixture
F.s. residents feed the hungry
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Vol. 22 No. 19
may 7 - 13, 2020
Schools to stay closed this year Franklin Square, Elmont district officials react to Cuomo’s order and CUNY colleges, and 100 private colleges. “While we all knew this was mkoenig@liherald.com inevitable, it does not make it Dr. Jared Bloom, the Franklin any easier for the students and Square School District superin- staff,” Bloom wrote. “Honestly, tendent, said he hoped he would as I sit alone in my office at not have to send a Washington Street letter to parents School, it is eerily informing them that quiet, but instrucschool buildings tion is still ongoing, would remain closed and we will continue this year. That is to make sure our exactly what he did, students are however, last Friday. engaged and supThat day, Gov. ported throughout Andrew Cuomo the rest of the school mandated that year.” schools throughout District officials the state remain planned to move forclosed for the rest of ward with the fourth the 2019-20 school phase of their disyear, and instead tance learning procontinue distance gram on Monday, lear ning, to help Jared Bloom which included Engstop the spread of Superintendent, lish and math lesthe coronavirus. sons posted online Franklin Square The announceevery day; two to ment came as Covid- School District three science and 19 hospitalizations social studies lesand deaths continue a steady sons posted each week; and phys. decline, but the state is still see- ed., library, art and music lesing nearly a thousand new cases sons posted weekly. The district a day, which Cuomo said was also planned to hold small-group unacceptably high. classes for students, schedule His decision affects 4.2 mil- extra-help hours and continue lion students statewide in 700 public school districts, 89 SUNY Continued on page 11
By melissa KoeNig and scott BriNtoN
w
Courtesy Nassau County Executive Laura Curran
a New testiNg site opened at the Federally Qualified Health Center in Elmont on April 28.
Testing site opens in Elmont High infection rates still seen in community By melissa KoeNig mkoenig@liherald.com
A new rapid testing site is up and running in Elmont, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran announced on April 28, following the opening of two other sites in Hempstead and Freeport the week before. The new site is accessible by the Nassau Inter-County Express system, Curran said, and will provide residents with tests regardless of their
insurance or immigration status. Multilingual translation services will also be provided. A d d i t i o n a l ly, s h e a n nounced, all three rapid testing sites will provide those who get tested with a free box of food. “We want to make sure that everyone who qualifies has access to testing,” Curran said in a video posted to Twitter that day. The news comes as Elmont continues to have one of the highest Covid-29 caseloads in
the county. As of last Saturday, Elmont had 1,119 confirmed cases, the fourth-highest number in the county, behind Hempstead, Valley Stream and Freeport. Reports also indicate the virus is disproportionately affecting communities of color, such as Elmont. State Department of Health data released last month showed the fatality rate among African-Americans was 17 percent statewide, despite the Continued on page 3
hile we all knew this was inevitable, it does not make it any easier for the students and staff.
They’re moms, dads, friends, neighbors. And they’re the front line. While the thousands of Mount Sinai South Nassau health care workers are fighting to save lives, you can give them what they need to keep going.
Back the front line now.
southnassau.org/donate
Mount Sinai Health System is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. 1085265
May 7, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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County increases testing in minority areas fact that blacks make up only 9 percent of the state’s population. And in Nassau County, blacks represent 13 percent of the population, but made up 17 percent of the county’s deaths. Elmont’s population is 45.5 percent black, 21.4 percent Latino and 14.8 percent white, according to Data USA. “One of the best tools Nassau County has to begin a safe reopening is mass testing, particularly in our hardest-hit areas,” Curran explained in a statement. “This crisis has affected all of us, but it’s shining a bright light on long-standing inequities that we must continue to address in our county and country. That’s why Nassau County is rapidly scaling up access to Covid-19 testing and services in our hardest-hit communities, which are predominantly communities of color.” To bring greater testing to these areas, County Legislator Carrié Solages and State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages wrote Gov. Andrew Cuomo last month about the need for more testing facilities in communities with large minority populations, such as Elmont, Valley Stream, Freeport and Inwood. The communities were facing a backlog in testing at the time, Carrié explained in his letter on April 8, “leaving many unable to receive the test in a timely fashion, and therefore forcing them to remain uncertain about their health status.” He also said African-Americans are more likely to have underlying health conditions that could make Covid-19 more severe — such as heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. Additionally, State Sen. Todd Kaminsky sent a letter to the State Department of Health on April 15, saying a site should be developed at Belmont Park because it is “a centralized and recognizable location that is easily accessible for Elmont residents.”
Illustration by Christina Daly/Herald
“For a community that desperately needs testing resources, it represents the most viable location for such a site,” he wrote. “Placing a testing facility there would ensure that all those in need have proper access to Covid19 tests. In response to the county and the Federally Qualified Health Clinics’ efforts to open the new site, Kaminsky thanked Curran and Cuomo, saying it will “address a critical need in the Elmont community,” and Michaelle Solages added, “It is encouraging to see Nassau County prioritizing the communities that have shown a higher rate of infection and mortality from the Covid-19 pandemic.” “Establishing an accessible diagnostic testing net-
work is an integral part in managing the spread of the coronavirus,” she said, adding that the Federally Qualified Health Centers are “uniquely equipped to handle the Covid-19 testing process,” as they “have a long history of aiding underserved, immigrant and economically disadvantaged populations in the county.” To be tested, call (516) 396-7500. The site will be open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and all appointments must be made over the phone. Testing capacity in New York state remains limited; however, anyone with Covid-19 symptoms should be tested as soon as possible. More information is available at LIFQHC.org.
NYRA plans to continue live racing at Belmont By Melissa Koenig mkoenig@liherald.com
The New York Racing Association plans to resume live racing at Belmont Park this year, but without fans, it announced on April 29. The decision comes after Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced he had spoken to several sports team owners, and said that it might make economic sense for some teams to play before empty stadiums. Some franchises, he suggested, earn enough in television revenues that they could forego ticket sales for the years. “We want to bring sports back, so there’s an activity that people can watch on TV,” Cuomo said at his daily news briefing on April 26. “What sports can do without an audience? What sports can make work that you don’t have to sell a seat in the stadium or in the arena?” he asked rhetorically. But in response, NYRA officials said that, since they have been able to hold races at the Aqueduct Racetrack without fans since March 15, they believe they could do the same at Belmont and Saratoga. In a statement on the Racing Association’s website, officials said they have plans in place to “prioritize the health and safety of employees, horsemen and the backstretch community.” “NYRA is in a position to provide a small sense of normalcy for fans across the country who can watch on television and online,” the statement reads. “At the same time, this model will enable NYRA to preserve its ability to serve as the cornerstone of an industry that generates more than 19,000 jobs in New York and $3 billion in annual economic impact.” The statement goes on to say that NYRA will prioritize people’s health and safety, “and we are committed to taking every step possible to keep our communities safe,
Christina Daly/Heraldt
The new YorK Racing Association plans to resume live racing at Belmont Park this year. while providing entertainment and contributing to the New York economy as we collectively begin the return to a new normal.” NYRA Communications Director Pat McKenna declined to comment on when live racing could start, and what that would mean for the Belmont Stakes. But in an interview on ESPN Radio’s “The Team” on April 30, he said “we have everything in place” and “we can get going pretty quickly” once Cuomo allows the organization to resume its operations. McKenna explained that NYRA has never halted its training operation at Belmont, and they have already “gone through exhaustive safety precautions” to ensure that the backstretch workers, horsemen and other
employees remain safe and healthy. “Our focus right now is resuming live racing in a safe and secure way at Belmont Park as soon as possible,” he said, “so that we can support the horsemen and the backstretch community that has been working throughout this pandemic.” Once the park is operational, McKenna said, NYRA can start thinking about opening the Saratoga racetrack. Its summer meet is scheduled to begin on July 16, and McKenna said, “we will do everything in our power to meet that date.” The organization has not yet made a determination about the Belmont Stakes yet, he noted, and said that the Triple Stakes would have to be “adjusted” this year.
HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 7, 2020
The coronavirus pandeMic has disproportionately affected communities of color, State Department of Health data shows.
continued from front page
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OBitUarY
Crime watCh Thefts
aBrahaM golDstein DieD from the coronavirus on April 20, at the age of 101.
■ A victim reports that on April 23 at 4:45 a.m., an unknown male suspect stole property from his unlocked vehicle on Marshall Street in Elmont. ■ A victim reports that on April 25 between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m., an unknown male suspect stole property from his unlocked vehicle on Hempstead Turnpike in Elmont.
Michael Murie
Courtesy Carrié Solages
Elmont synagogue mainstay dies at 101 By Melissa Koenig mkoenig@liherald.com
The coronavirus pandemic claimed another life on April 20, when Abraham Goldstein died of complications from the virus. He was 101-years-old. Goldstein was a “mainstay” at the Elmont Jewish Center, according to Bruce Schneider, the chairman of the synagogue’s board of directors. During his more than 30 years as a congregant there, Goldstein served as a sexton, helping to run the Shabbat services every week, and vice president of ritual affairs. Additionally, Rabbi Chaim Blachman said, Goldstein used to lead the prayers for the sick, and “would always joke that we shouldn’t lose anyone, because then he would be out of a job.”
“He was a great, humorous [and] loveable guy,” the rabbi said of Goldstein, adding that whenever he would visit him at the nursing home, he would immediately ask how the other congregants were doing. Goldstein served in the Second World War, and liked to show off his photos from his time in the service. He also took it upon himself to ensure that the Holocaust would never be forgotten. “He was very alert, even in his old age,” Schneider said. He added that Goldstein’s wife, Sara, and their three children have also “been very important to the life of the synagogue” and “made sure everyone had what they need.” Goldstein is survived by his wife, Sara; and their three sons.
Franklin Square/Elmont
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■ 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 Franklin Square/Elmont Herald USPS 017066, 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 Franklin Square/Elmont Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Subscription rates: $36 for 1 year within Nassau County. Out of Nassau County: $58 for 1 year. Copyright © 2020 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
■ A victim reports that on April 21 at 10:29 a.m., two males and one female suspect stole the tires from his vehicle at the Mavis Discount Tire on Hempstead Turnpike in Franklin Square.
Deshawn Foy
Three men, two of whom are from Elmont, were arrested for allegedly robbing a driver at gunpoint on April 29 at 2:15 a.m. According to detectives, a 25-year-old male victim was in his vehicle near the intersection of Kirkman Avenue and Blossom Street at the time, when three male suspects inside a silver 2002 Jaguar approached the vehicle. Deshawn Foy, 30, of St. Albans; and Inmouni Gooden, 25, of Elmont, then exited the car, police reported, and opened the victim’s car doors. They then both allegedly pointed firearms at the victim, and demanded all of his money. The victim complied, police said, and gave them an unknown amount of money. Foy and Gooden then allegedly returned to the Jaguar, driven by Michael Myrie, of Elmont; and all three fled northbound on Kirkman Avenue. Police responded to the scene a short time later, and found the Jaguar at the McDonalds on Hempstead Turnpike, where all three suspects were arrested
inmouni gooden
without incident. Myrie is charged with three counts of robbery in the second-degree, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon in the second-degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third-degree and aggravated unlicensed operation in the first-degree. Gooden, meanwhile, is charged with robbery in the first degree, two counts of robbery in the second-degree, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon in the second-degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third-degree and aggravated unlicensed operation in the first-degree. And Foy is charged with three counts of robbery in the seconddegree, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of a weapon in the second-degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the third-degree and aggravated unlicensed operation in the firstdegree. All three suspects were scheduled to be arraigned on April 30 in Mineola.
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Criminal mischief
Three men arrested for robbery in Elmont
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
■ A victim reports that between 1 p.m. on April 28 and 7 a.m. on April 29, an unknown suspect stole assorted property from her vehicle on Atherton Avenue.
L E B R AT I N G
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May 7, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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YEARS
breastcancerhotline@adelphi.edu breast-cancer.adelphi.edu
Northwell opening Syosset Hospital for elective surgery sbrinton@liherald.com
Covid-19 patients have dropped to low enough levels that Northwell Health is able to earmark Syosset Hospital as a “Covid-contained” medical center where certain elective surgeries will be performed. That’s according to Dr. David Battinelli, Northwell’s senior vice president and chief medical officer. He spoke with video producer Rob Hoell last Thursday about how the hospital system, which has medical centers throughout the New York metropolitan area, has been coping with the “massive surge” of Covid-19 patients in recent weeks. Northwell was forced to increase its total number of beds across its 23 hospitals by 2,000 at the height of the crisis, Battinelli said. “We were overwhelmed in the” intensive care units, he noted. The hospital system redeployed some 1,500 workers in order to keep up with patient demand. To date, the Northwell system has treated more than 40,000 Covid-19 patients, with 13,000 patients admitted to hospitals. “Nobody in the world has treated and seen more Covid patients than Northwell,” Battinelli said. As a result, the hospital had to stop elective surgeries, which Battinelli called planned surgeries, meaning most elective surgeries must be done, but not
Facebook Live screenshot
Dr. DaviD Battinelli, Northwell Health’s chief medical officer, last Thursday spoke with video producer Rob Hoell about the “massive surge” of Covid-19 patients within the hospital system. immediately. Rather, they can be scheduled weeks or months in advance. With elective surgeries put off for six to seven weeks now, many patients need them done, sooner rather than later. The need to resume planned surgeries, Battinelli said, has become “semi-urgent” — hence the opening of Syosset Hospital for the procedures.
Battinelli said Northwell could not guarantee with absolute certainty that Syosset would be entirely free of Covid19 patients. Rather, he called the hospital “Covid-contained,” meaning the hospital will be able to cordon off any coronavirus patients who might appear there. Battinelli also spoke of the many clinical trials for Covid-19 treatments
that Northwell has undertaken. The system has an estimated 700 patients in trials, while on any given year, it might have a dozen in trials, he said. Among the trials Northwell is conducting is for famotidine, the active ingredient in the heartburn medicine Pepcid. Doctors in Wuhan, China, noticed that patients who presented with Covid-19 and heartburn, and who were taking famotidine, exhibited less virulent symptoms than those who were not on the drug. That anecdotal finding led to clinical trials around the world. It appears famotidine might inhibit the coronavirus’s ability to replicate, Battinelli said. He also spoke of telemedicine as a saving grace of the crisis, allowing patients to communicate with their doctors without having to be seen in an office. Telemedicine, Battinelli predicted, will grow rapidly after the pandemic has subsided because health care consumers will want it because of its convenience. Patients can dial up their doctors, and then wait at home to be seen virtually. “It is absolutely the way of the future,” Battinelli said. He added that he believes social distancing is here to stay for at least the next year. It will be, he said, the “new norm” until a Covid-19 vaccine is discovered.
Antibody treatment offers ray of hope at MSSN By Scott Brinton sbrinton@liherald.com
People have been pinning up homemade signs thanking the many workers at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside on chain-link fence that blocks off a construction project full of big dirt mounds outside the hospital. It was, one could say, a fitting site for a recent Facebook Live session in which three hospital officials offered a glimmer of hope amid the coronavirus crisis, speaking at length about an “innovative” treatment called convalescent plasma that, for some at least, might help cure Covid-19. Joe Calderone, MSSN’s senior vice president for communications, led the talk on April 17 with Dr. Aaron Glatt, the hospital’s chief of infectious diseases and chairman of the Department of Medicine, and Dr. Adhi Sharma, its chief medical officer and vice president for clinical and professional affairs. Sharma noted that convalescent plasma is an investigational treatment, not yet fully approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration. It works like this, according to Glatt: Patients develop antibodies when fighting off Covid-19, as they do with other viruses. Those antibodies can be extracted from a recovering patient with a high level of them through a blood draw. The plasma can then be injected into someone who is still fighting off the coronavirus, which should help the patient battle the illness. As of April 17, doctors at the hospital had given plasma to 15 patients, and in those preliminary cases, the procedure had demonstrated “promising” results, according to Sharma. Ideally, Glatt said, antibodies are extracted from patients three weeks after the onset of Covid-19 symp-
Facebook Live screenshot
Dr. aaron Glatt, Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital’s chief of infectious diseases, spoke recently of an “innovative” treatment for Covid-19 called convalescent plasma. toms. At that point, he said, a patient is most likely to have a sufficient number of antibodies for extraction. Antibodies, he said, can be counted and quantified. There is no risk to patients who are donating plasma and no indication the procedure would deplete their antibody stores, potentially leaving them susceptible to future infection, the doctors said. The treatment is most often given to a patient who is or will likely become “deathly ill,” Glatt said.
Plasma is removed at the New York Blood Center in New York City. Patients must make an appointment to donate. Appointments can be made through Mount Sinai Doctors Five Towns in Hewlett. Donation is a multi-stage procedure that does require time, Glatt said. Treatment is carried out with patient consent only. It is unclear, Glatt and Sharma said, to what degree Covid-19 antibodies protect a patient from the disease, and for how long. It could be weeks, months or years. There is insufficient data on reinfection to know, they said. Glatt and Sharma each said social distancing is key to ensuring that infection rates do not spike again over the coming weeks and months. They worry that people will ease up on the precautions they have been taking recently now that the weather is warming and more people are heading outside. They also pointed out that Governor Cuomo would likely allow businesses to start returning to normal operations in a phased reopening after May 15. Without continued social distancing, those two factors could lead again to a surge in hospitalizations, which nearly overran hospitals like MSSN in April. The hospital normally sees about 300 patients total, but at the peak of infection, MSSN was seeing 500 patients, 40 percent more than normal. The MSSN officials said patients were housed in tents and hospital corridors to accommodate them all. “The staff went well above and beyond to maintain a hospital of 500 patients,” Sharma said, adding that MSSN could not sustain itself for long with that number of patients. Until “we totally clear [Covid-19] from the population,” Sharma said, people should continue social distancing. It will only be eradicated, he said, with a proven vaccine, which is 12 to 18 months away.
HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 7, 2020
By Scott Brinton
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Watch out for new mothers this Mother’s Day
May 7, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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Mother’s Day is usually a day of celebration and joy for new mothers, but with New York still on lockdown this year, it may be a tough time for those with postpartum depression. The condition affects one in five new mothers, according to Pauline Walfisch, a therapist at Helping Hands Psychotherapy in Rockville Centre who lives in Franklin Square, and the depression may be masked as Covid-19 anxiety. In fact, Sonya Murdock, the founder of the Postpartum Resource Center of New “that grandparent experience they were York, said it has received a greater numlooking forward to.” ber of phone calls during the pandemic, “It’s easy to focus on the things you’ve and has increased its helpline lost,” she said, and suggested services to seven days a week. new mothers spend their The helpline provides free Mother’s Day: and confidential support to mothers who are in domestic ■ Connecting with family violence situations, those and friends virtually. who need supplies for their ■ Making a craft they baby, mothers who may be could keep for years. having suicidal thoughts and those who are diagnosed with ■ Getting a little “me Covid-19. time” if there is someone else The outbreak, Murdock in the house who could take pauline walfisch said, has “amplified these care of the baby for a few issues.” minutes. Making it worse, Walfisch said, is the fact that many new mothers ■ Brightening up their space with flowhave an idealized vision of their first ers from their gardens. Mother’s Day, but cannot go out to dinner Everyone else, Walfisch said, should this year or perhaps even receive flowers. check on their friends and family memAdditionally, they may feel guilty that bers with new babies. their parents will not be able to have
The Postpartum Resource Center of New York Hotline
(855) 631-0001 postpartumnY.org
Courtesy Town of Hempstead
HempStead town SuperviSor Donald Clavin was one of 13 Long Island supervisors who took part in a discussion on how the proceed with the summer season, when people flock to Long Island’s beaches and parks. SuperviSorS diScuSSed How to convey social distancing guidelines to the public, and when to open and close town facilities, including beaches and parks.
Christina Daly/Herald
Town supervisors plan for summer recreation By Scott Brinton sbrinton@liherald.com
Thirteen town supervisors gathered Friday to begin planning coordination of the summer season on Long Island, when tourists from across the state and country descend on the Island’s beaches, in order to contain the spread of the coronavirus. The supervisors focused on parks and recreation in their discussion, officials said. Supervisor Rich Schaffer, of the Town of Babylon, organized the talk. Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald Clavin said, “The theme of our discussion was that the Covid-19 pandemic does not follow town borders, and it’s necessary to collaborate on our best practices and strategies for summer programs and services. Working together as a team and maintaining communication will be key to providing the safest environment.” At press time, it was unclear precisely what would be open for the summer, including the beaches.
The supervisors discussed how to convey social distancing guidelines to the public, and when to open and close town facilities, including beaches and parks. Supervisors said they wanted to ensure the closure of any one facility was done in coordination with other towns to make certain no one town was overrun by beach and park attendees. “The uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic requires us to consider all possible scenarios,” Clavin said. “Though we wish that all of our residents can enjoy the summers of the past, we accept that this is a ‘new normal,’ at least for this year.” In addition to Schaffer and Clavin, other supervisors taking part in the talks included: Edward Romaine, of Brookhaven; Judi Bosworth, of North Hempstead; Joseph Saladino, of Oyster Bay; Peter Van Scoyoc, of East Hampton; Chad Lupinacci, of Huntington; Angie Carpenter, of Islip; Yvette Aguiar, of Riverhead; Gerard Siller, of Shelter Island; Edward Wehrheim, of Smithtown; Jay Schneiderman, of Southampton; and Scott Russell, of Southold.
News brief Bill would keep firefighters benefits intact State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, a Demo- port and appreciation now more than crat from Long Beach, has introduced ever, not an unfair practice that penalizlegislation that would ensure volunteer es them for following safety procefirefighters are able to maintain their dures,” Kaminsky stated in a news active status during the Covid-19 pan- release. The proposed law “would cordemic, when required trainrect this problem and give ing exercises have been them the benefits they interrupted by the virus. deserve.” Maintaing active service Kaminsky said volunteers is required in order for firea t t h e Wo o d m e r e F i r e fighters to accrue funds Department informed him toward their state pensions. of the issue. “Thank you to Firefighters must attain 50 Senator Kaminsky for his points per year by being on leadership and advocacy on call, responding to emergenbehalf of our volunteer firecies and taking part in trainfighters,” Woodmere Fire ing sessions. C o m m i s s i o n e r s Ro n n a todd Kaminsky Kaminsky, who re preRubenstein and Israel Max sents several South Shore said in a joint statement in fire departments, said the the release. “This bill will measure would allow active volunteers make sure these brave men and women to earn up to five points per month dur- retain their benefits while forced to stay ing the Covid-19 pandemic and give home because of the pandemic.” departments the ability to set different It was unclear at press time when the emergency response requirements for State Senate would discuss the bill. The certain members. Firefighters would Assembly and Senate passed a resoluthen only have to respond to the mini- tion in late March enabling virtual conmum number of emergency calls they ferencing and voting among firefighters. are assigned. “First responders deserve our sup–Jeffrey Bessen and Scott Brinton
Families begin Ramadan fast — from afar
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HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 7, 2020
By TIMOTHY DENTON tdenton@liherald.com
With the sighting of the crescent moon on the evening of April 23, the month of Ramadan officially began. This year, however, the traditional gatherings before sunrise and after sunset have been suspended at Masjid Al-Baqi in Bethpage and at the Islamic Center of Long Island in Woodbury, as they have been across the country and around the world. The month is holy not only to the thousands of Muslims in Nassau County, but also to the more than 1.8 billion worldwide and is observed with 30 days of daily dawn-to-dusk fasts. The fast is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is obligatory, or fard for all whose health would not be jeopardized. Women who are breast feeding or menstruating, diabetics and the chronically ill are also specifically exempted from the fast. The month culminates in the feast of Eid-al-Fitr, one of the two great feasts of the Islamic calendar. Both communities will hold classes and services online, via various streaming media. At Masjid-Al-Baqi, Mufti Mohammad Farhan will give daily commentary on passages from the Quran after fajr, the first of the five daily prayers prescribed by the Quran. Live streaming of tafseer, or interpretation of the Quran, will take place every evening at 9:30. Online education will continue via Zoom videoconferencing. Ramadan is from a root Arabic word meaning God. Traditionally, families and communities gather after sunset for a communal meal, called iftar. In addition to fasting, devout Muslims also abstain from tobacco products and sex. Charitable deeds, another of the Five Pillars, are also traditionally increased during the holy month. Many carry out extra good works during the month, such as alms giving, participating in blood drives or feeding the hungry. Masjid AlBaqi is providing free groceries for the elderly, the chronically ill and the financially distressed, according to the community’s website. The Islamic Center is offering similar programs, with guidance by Sheikh Ibrahim Negm, adviser to the
Herald file photo
UsUallY a MONTH of communal contemplation, fasting and prayer, families will observe this year’s Ramadan in the home, as Muslims follow the pattern set by other religions and move to electronic formats. Grand Mufti of Al-Azhar in Cairo — one of the world’s earliest universities — and by Farhan, as well as twicenightly recitations by Hafiz Dr. Assad Baig and Hafiz Tanweer Ahmed. For further information, contact Masjid Al-Baqi (516) 433-4141, or online at masjidalbaqi.org; or the Islamic Center of Long Island, at (516) 333-3495, or at icily.org.
aN ExaMplE Of a simple Ramadan iftar, or evening meal.
Courtesy Wikimedia Commons
L.I. congressional reps unite behind small businesses By laUra laNE llane@liherald.com
The Small Business Administration, Treasury Department and banks should be held accountable if lending institutions focus only on larger businesses when approving Payroll Protection Program loans, said a bipartisan group of Long Island congressional leaders on April 24. Meeting on the video conferencing platform Zoom, they said that priority should be given to “small” small businesses seeking loans of less than $150,000. “There are a lot of smaller small businesses in the U.S. and most have less than 20 employees,” said U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi, a Democrat from Glen Cove. “We have to send a clear message to the banks that we’re watching. They need to help the mom-and-pop shops, the plumber, electrician, doctor and dentist. And we need the Treasury Department and Small Business Administration to help get that message across.” President Trump signed a new stimulus bill on April 23 that includes more than $300 billion in federal guarantees for
PPP loans, which must be used to keep told her that they are worried they will employees on the payrolls of small busi- not survive. One of Trump’s vocal supporters, U.S. nesses. The SBA would forgive the loans if all employees are kept on the pay- Rep. Lee Zeldin, a Republican from Sufroll for eight weeks and the loan money is folk County, said the government needs to step up to help the smaller used for payroll, rent, mortbusinesses. “To my colgage interest or utilities. A leagues who think there is new stimulus bill was needed nothing left to do, this isn’t because the initial of $349 the time to walk away and billion for the program ran declare bankruptcy,” he said, out. referring to a suggestion Suozzi said that the avermade by Senate Majority age loan amount from the Leader Mitch McConnell. first stimulus package at the “We need to make sure the 15 larger banks was $515,000, state and local governments meaning the big borrowers get through this.” received the loans and not Big banks should focus the smaller business. their attention on the smallU.S. Rep. Peter King, a THOMas sUOzzI est of businesses, said U.S. Republican, said the smaller U.S. representative, Rep. Gregory Meeks, a Demobusinesses need relief now. crat, noting he is working to “Or there won’t be any small Fourth District make sure they do. “Despite businesses left,” he said. who is in the cue, if you see a “This is a natural disaster. We have to stand together on this as New small business with 20 or less employees, push them up,” he said. “We earmarked Yorkers.” U.S. Rep. Kathleen Rice, a Democrat, $60 billion to go to community banks and agreed, adding that local retailers have credit unions because they have the pulse
W
e will get through this if Democrats and Republicans are united like we are here.
of small business to make sure they can apply for loans.” Of the roughly 67,000 loan applications, 27,000 had been approved as of April 24. Rice said non-partisan oversight was needed moving forward. Then Zeldin warned businesses that do not need the loan to not apply, adding that they will be shamed if they do. “If you are flush with cash, if you are an individual who is sitting comfortably and wealthy — this is not a moment in time for you to be asking what your country can do for you to get through the pandemic,” he said. Payment of the loans should be flexible, Suozzi said. He predicted that when restaurants reopen, they would probably only see 30 percent of their business return. “They will need flexibility on paying back the loan,” he said. “Can we make money available with a much lower interest rate at maybe 0 or 1 percent?” The congressional leaders are 100 percent united on these issues, Suozzi said, and “want to fight for the little guy — the smallest businesses. We will get through this if Democrats and Republicans are united like we are here.”
May 7, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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Franklin Square library ‘checks out’ patrons By Melissa Koenig mkoenig@liherald.com
Franklin Square librarians used to call patrons only for late payments or when something they reserved came in. But since the library closed in mid-March, the librarians have started calling active patrons just to see how they are coping during this pandemic. “It’s making us feel good, and making them feel good,” Melinda Space, one of the clerks, said, noting that some patrons are worried when they first answer the phone that they have overdue items. But the librarians reassure them that all due dates have been pushed back as the lockdown continues, and Space said, “It’s nice to connect with them.” She has been making her way down the list of active patrons with last names starting with the letter ‘S,’ and said she has spoken to many homebound residents, three people who have recovered from Covid-19, and a secondgrade teacher who asked her if the library had any online resources she could use for her class. “We really are trying to get to everyone,” Space said. “We don’t want anyone left out.” She and the other librarians have been calling nearly 2,000 residents who have used the Franklin Square Public Library over the past four months, according to Library Director Aviva Kane, who decided to have the staff call its loyal patrons after she saw that The Bryant Library in Roslyn was implementing a similar program. By the end of April, she said, she has made 650 calls, letting people know that the library is continuing to offer programs and services online. It now offers Hoopla, a program that allows libraryusers to rent movies to livestream; digital library cards to allow patrons to access digital services; and livestreamed programs. One taught people how to be happy when they are sad, which Kane said, “wasn’t groundbreaking, but was life-affirming.” The library has also seen an increase in its zumba and
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FranKlin square liBrarians are calling residents during the pandemic. yoga classes, as people can shut off their webcams during class so that nobody else can see them. “Based on the numbers we’re seeing,” Space said, “this is going to change libraries.” But the librarians are also making sure everyone is OK. The children’s librarian, for example, has been calling the “junior patrons,” Kane said, who tell her about the art projects and activities they are working on, and Kane said she has heard from several residents that they cannot wait to get out of the house and return to the library.
“It has just been so isolating,” Kane said of the pandemic. “At least they get a telephone call.” And the patrons seem to enjoy it, Joanne Tassone, who works in circulation, noted. “They think it’s wonderful,” she said, “they want to tell us what’s going on.” She said she has had a lot of conversations with elderly residents who are stuck at home, and even listened to a 91-year-old recount her life story. “I think it’s been a great thing,” she said of the library’s phone call program. “It’s almost like calling your friends.”
Martial arts classes continue online in F.S.
Kennedy silBers participated in one of the virtual martial arts classes, far left.
By Melissa Koenig mkoenig@liherald.com
Learning hasn’t stopped for the students of Silbers Martial Arts Studio in Franklin Square, as they are able to log into Zoom every night for classes with other students in their age group and belt level. The studio has had a virtual academy for the past two years, according to owner Joe Silbers, in which an instructor would send students pre-recorded lessons that they could complete at their convenience, and send back to their instructor for feedback. But in March, he said, the studio upgraded its system to enable classes on Zoom, a video-conferencing software that the staff had previously used to hold virtual meetings. “The students love the interactivity of the live classes,” Silbers said of the new group classes, “and they get to see their friends.” They also enjoy the daily challenges that the studio posts on its community Facebook page every day, he noted and “are having a blast” with theme days, such as ‘Halloween in Quarantine,’ ‘Pajama Class’ and ‘Disney Day.” But there have been some problems with teaching martial arts remotely, Sil-
Kayden roe dressed as Spider-Man, left, for Halloween in Quarantine day.
bers said. The technology is not always reliable, the students are more distracted at home than they are in the dojo and the instructors are unable to physically help a student with their posture and technique. Fortunately, though, Silbers said, “We have found ways around some of this,” as parents are becoming more involved in their student’s classes. And those parents seem to be grateful for the online courses, he noted, “as we’ve been able to provide a sense of normalcy during this difficult time.”
Photos courtesy Joe Silbers
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HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 7, 2020 Filename: Northwell_w321181f_Plasma donation ad_Herald Community Newspapers_FP_10.25x12.75
REGISTER FROM APRIL 1ST TO MAY 31ST animalleague.org/sitstaywalk
Take A Walk And Save Lives
Participate in North Shore Animal League America’s virtual walk for a chance to do something positive and active, while raising crucial funds for homeless animals that need your support now more than ever. Walkers can participate anytime, from anywhere.
Courtesy Central Nassau County Rotary Club
Bill Youngfert, second vice president of the Central Nassau County Rotary Club, donated bags of groceries to the food pantry at St. Catherine of Sienna’s pantry.
Franklin Square residents feed the hungry
REMEMBER: Be safe and practice social distancing along the way.
Register Today! With $20 registration fee receive: Pet Bandana
By Melissa Koenig
Fun Contests and Activities
REGISTER TODAY: animalleague.org/sitstaywalk events@animalleague.org 516-373-3235
mkoenig@liherald.com
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May 7, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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After coming home from her 13-hourlong shifts at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, Monica Mannino said she is grateful to spend time with her wife and children. But, she wrote on one of the Franklin Square community Facebook pages on April 28, that she cannot stop thinking of those who are less fortunate and cannot afford food during this difficult time. So, she wrote, she is willing to deliver food to anyone in need, and asked residents to let her know of anyone who is struggling. All information would be kept confidential, she said, and she and her family would not need any praise in return. “I’m just trying to save people, feed people and live at the same time,” Mannino explained to the Herald, noting, “It’s always been a huge passion of mine to give to the less fortunate.” As a nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit, she said, she has received a lot of food donations during the pandemic, and even raised $2,000 with her wife, Emily, to feed the units being hit hardest by the coronavirus at North Shore-LIJ. People in those units said it feels like being in a war zone, Mannino recounted, with more than 60 emergency codes echoing down the halls on some days. “You just don’t want to hear the codes over the entire hopital system of people possibly dying,” she said. “You definitely feel defeated hearing it.” The hospital has also felt eerie, she noted, with quiet and empty halls. Still, she said, she realized some people are not as fortunate as she is, and may be struggling financially to feed their families. So, she created the Facebook post and has since been raising money for a food pantry in Floral Park. “No one deserves to struggle during this hard time,” she said, adding that despite the pandemic, “I would never choose to be anything other than a health care professional.”
Courtesy Monica Mannino
Monica Mannino and her wife, Emily Bridgen, raised $2,000 to feed hospital workers during the pandemic. the rotary’s efforts
The Central Nassau County Rotary Club has also been trying to help feed those in need. It previously donated $1,000 to the Mary Brennan INN in Hempstead, and Second Vice President Bill Youngfert said they then wanted to do something more local. Then, he found out about the food pantry at Saint Catherine of Sienna Roman Catholic Church. The pantry, at 995 Lutz Street, provides those in need with nonperishable food and daily living supplies, according to its website. It feeds an average of 40 families a week, Youngfert said, although, he noted, those numbers are likely increasing as people are out of work. “The fact that kids are going to sleep hungry broke my heart,” he said. “It’s a very unique time in the country.” So, he had fruits, bananas and canned goods delivered to his house, and brought them to the pantry. “Now they’ll have a little more donations,” Youngfert explained. The pantry is open on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit StCatherineofSienna.org or call (516) 352 - 0146 ext. 123.
Schools to continue distance learning through year’s end services for students with special needs. In Elmont, district officials posted online on Monday that lesson plans would no longer be posted on the district’s website as of April 20, and instead teachers would use Seesaw — an interactive program that enables them to send students lessons, videos and other material. Art, music, physical education and library teachers have also been granted access to each teacher’s Seesaw class to provide specific instruction to the students. iPads were distributed to students in the district last week, and they will be able to complete their assignments at their own pace, Elmont officials wrote in their FAQ, and anyone with issues should reach out to their building administrators. Those with concerns in Franklin Square, meanwhile, can send questions to their local Parent Teacher Association to be answered at Bloom’s Virtual Coffee with the Superintendent on May 18 at 7 p.m. School elections have also been rescheduled to June 9. Every voter will receive an absentee ballot in the mail. And local districts are also looking for ways to honor their graduating classes. Officials in the Franklin Square School District are looking for long- and shortterm options to celebrate their sixthgraders, who will move up to the Sewan-
Christina Daly/Herald
SchoolS acroSS the state will remain closed for the rest of the year. haka Central High School District next year. “Regardless of what we do, it will be special,” Bloom said, “and we will make sure our kids know how much we love them.” At the high school level, meanwhile, Superintendent James Grossane said the district was looking to hold virtual graduation ceremonies. “They may look different, but it is important that we celebrate their accomplishments,” he wrote on the district’s website on May 1. But, Grossane said, “it will also be special and memorable.”
He added that he understood why the decision to close schools was made, but he also understands that students miss their teachers and friends, and that “all of us who work in the district miss our students and colleagues as well.” “These times have brought out the best in all of us,” Grossane noted, “and we have made herculean efforts to keep learning moving forward.” Bloom also said that parents, teachers, students and administrators would get through the rest of the year together, and he displayed a new district logo with all
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Every life matters to us …
A H W EN? OP
Dear neighbor:
We live and work in this community. The lives of each and every one of you is important to us and we are here to tell your stories — from beginning to end. That includes the final chapter. At this difficult time, I want to remind you that obituaries in all Herald Community Newspapers are, and have always been, completely free. COVID-19 has taken far too many, far to soon. Let us help you commemorate the life of your loved one with a story and photo celebrating their life. Contact our Executive Editor Scott Brinton, sbrinton@liherald.com or call 516-569-4000, ext 203, if you would like to memorialize a loved one in the Herald, regardless of their cause of death.
three Franklin Square school mascots together. “We are in this together, we will get through this, we support each other,” he said. “We can! We will!” Social distancing practices, as mandated by the state, have prevented an estimated 100,000 Covid-19 cases, Cuomo said in his announcement last Friday. For the first time in weeks, he said, the number of overnight deaths had dropped below 300 from Thursday into Friday — from 306 to 289, a 5.5 percent decline. New hospitalizations were also down. “Our past actions changed the past trajectory,” he said, adding today’s actions will determine “the number of sick tomorrow” — hence the need to keep school buildings closed and continue social distancing. Now, however, state officials must determine more precisely why the state is still seeing nearly a thousand new cases a day. So the state is drilling down, looking at new cases by county. It is also looking at who is becoming infected. The governor wondered if essential workers were, or if other people were. Where are they becoming infected? At work? On public transportation? Those are the questions the state is seeking to answer, Cuomo said. In the meantime, he said, people should continue wearing their masks in public and keep up social distancing to protect others, he said.
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Learn. Grow. Explore. GIRL SCOUTS.
New Daisy Discovery
See what Girl Scouts do at our upcoming virtual information nights! Register at gsnc.org/programs for an information session in your area. Once registered, you will have the opportunity to sign your daughter up for a “New Daisy Discovery” virtual program via Zoom! BALDWIN Thursday, 5/21/20, 8:30pm
FLORAL PARK Tuesday, 5/12/20, 7:30pm
BAY (Oyster Bay and surrounding areas) Monday, 5/11/20, 7:30pm
FRANKLIN SQUARE Wednesday, 5/13/20, 7:30pm
BELLMORE Monday, 5/18/20, 7:30pm CARLE PLACE Thursday, 5/14/20, 7:30pm CENTRAL PARK (Bethpage and Plainview) Tuesday, 5/12/20, 7:30pm EAST MEADOW Monday, 5/4/20, 7:30pm ELLM (East Rockaway, Lakeview, Lynbrook, and Malverne) Monday, 5/4/20, 7:30pm ELMONT Tuesday, 5/19/20, 7:30pm
LFRA1 0507
FREEPORT Monday, 5/11/20, 7:30pm GARDEN CITY Thursday, 5/14/20, 7:30pm GREAT NECK Monday, 5/4/20, 7:30pm HARDSCRABBLE (Farmingdale and N. Massapequa) Thursday, 5/7/20, 7:30pm HERRICKS Monday, 5/18/20, 7:30pm HICKSVILLE Tuesday, 5/5/20, 7:30pm
ISLAND BEACH (Island Park PLAINEDGE and Long Beach) Tuesday, 5/19/20, 7:30pm Wednesday, 5/20/20, 7:30pm PORT WASHINGTON JERICHO/SYOSSET Wednesday, 5/6/20, 7:30pm Wednesday, 5/20/20, 7:30pm ROCKVILLE CENTRE MANHASSET Wednesday, 5/20/20, 7:30pm Thursday, 5/14/20, 7:30pm SEAFORD MASSAPEQUA Thursday, 5/7/20, 7:30pm Wednesday, 5/6/20, 7:30pm SHORE (North Shore/ MERRICK Glen Cove and surrounding Wednesday, 5/13/20, 7:30pm areas) Monday, 5/18/20, 7:30pm NORTH BELLMORE Thursday, 5/7/20, 7:30pm THE PLAINS (Island Trees and Levittown) OCEANSIDE Thursday, 5/21/20, 7:30pm Tuesday, 5/5/20, 7:30pm If you do not see PARK (New Hyde Park, your area listed, Garden City Park, and parts please contact of Floral Park) customercare@gsnc.org Monday, 5/11/20, 7:30pm for more information.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ANNUAL ELECTION ELMONT UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to the Education Law of the State of New York, and pursuant to Resolution adopted by the Board of Education of the Elmont Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, on MAY 5, 2020 to vote on the school budget, and the vote on the library budget, and pursuant to Resolution duly adopted by the Board of Education of Central High School District No. 2 of the Town of Hempstead and North Hempstead, Nassau County, the vote on the school budget of said Central High School District will take place on JUNE 9, 2020, by absentee ballots only. NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that for the purpose of electing TWO (2) members of the Board of Education of the Elmont Union Free School District; one (1) member for a term of THREE (3) YEARS to the seat now occupied by ANTHONY S. MAFFEA, SR, whose term expires June 30, 2020;
and one (1) member for a term of THREE (3) YEARS to the seat now occupied by KAREN TAYLOR-BASS, whose term expires June 30, 2020. WHEREAS, the term of office of members of the Board of Library Trustees is five (5) years, the voters of the district will also elect TWO (2) members to the Library Board of Trustees; one (1) member for a term of FIVE (5) YEARS to the seat now held by LIVINGSTONE YOUNG, whose term expires on June 30, 2020 and ONE (1) member for a term of THREE (3) YEARS to the seat previously held by TAMMIE WILLIAMS and currently held by SUZANNE SCHATZ, whose term expires on June 30, 2023. An election will be held on JUNE 9, 2020, by absentee ballot for the further purpose of voting upon the following propositions: PROPOSITION NO. 1 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUDGET RESOLVED that the amount of the estimated expenses for the school year 2020-2021, as presented in writing by the Board of Education of the Elmont Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, shall
be raised by tax upon the taxable property of this school district after first deducting the estimated monies available from State Aid and other sources. PROPOSITION NO. 3 LIBRARY BUDGET RESOLVED, that Elmont Union Free School District of the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, appropriate the amount of estimated expenses for the school year 2020-2021, as presented in writing by the Board of Trustees of the Elmont Public Library, to be levied and collected annually as are other general taxes for the equipment, support and maintenance of the existing free public library including its existing branches. No person will be entitled to vote at the annual election whose name does not appear on the register of the Elmont Union Free School District prepared for such annual election. ABSENTEE BALLOTS: Absentee ballots will be mailed to every registered voter. The ballots must be mailed to the District office in the postage paid envelope and received on or before June 9, 2020.
Military ballots are available upon request (districtclerk@elmontscho ols.org ) Nominations for the office of members of the Board of Education and members of the Board of Trustees of the Public Library shall be made by petition, which petition shall name the specific seat the candidate seeks by naming the Board member who occupies the seat and whose term expires on June 30, 2020 must be addressed to the District Clerk and filed with the District Clerk via e m a i l (districtclerk@elmontscho ols.org) no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, May 11, 2020. The register will be filed on June 1, 2020, in the office of the District Clerk at the Elmont Road School and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the school district by appointment only. Pursuant to Chapter 258 of the Laws of 2008, Section 495 was added to the Real Property Tax Law and requires the School District to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how the total assessed value of the
final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted by statutory authority, and show the cumulative impact of each type of exemption, the cumulative amount expected to be received as payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) and the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. In addition, said exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on any website maintained by the District.
I, DIANA L. DELAHANTY, District Clerk of the Elmont Union Free School District of the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, hereby certify that the foregoing annexed extract from the minutes of a meeting of the Board of Education of said School District duly called and held on May 5, 2020 has been compared by me with the original minutes as officially recorded in my office in the Minute Book of said Board of Education, and is a true, complete and correct copy thereof, and
VALLEY STREAM Thursday, 5/21/20, 7:30pm WANTAGH Wednesday, 5/6/20, 7:30pm WARM (Williston Park, Albertson, East Hills Estates, East Williston, Old Westbury, Roslyn, Roslyn Estates, Roslyn Harbor, Roslyn Heights, Mineola) Wednesday, 5/13/20, 7:30pm WEST HEMPSTEAD Thursday, 5/21/20, 7:30pm
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of the whole of said original minutes so far as the same relate to the subject matters referred to in said extract. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the corporate seal of said School District this 5th day of May 2020. DIANA L. DELAHANTY DISTRICT CLERK NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ELMONT UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK
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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to the Education Law of the State of New York and pursuant to Resolution adopted by the Board of Education on May 5, 2020 a public hearing for the purpose of discussion of the proposed budget to be voted upon June 9, 2020 will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 remotely. By order of the Board of Education DIANA L. DELAHANTY Dated: May 5, 2020 District Clerk 121758
IMPORTANT NUMBERS AND RESOURCES · TEXT Updates: COVID19NC to 888777 · Crisis Helpline: 516-227-TALK · Veterans Service Agency: 516-572-6565 · Price Gouging: PriceGouging@nassaucountyNY.gov · NYS CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE:888-364-3065 · NASSAU COUNTY CORONAVIRUS CALL CENTER: 516-227-9570
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HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 7, 2020
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15
HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 7, 2020
Place Homes HERALD Market •
HERALD
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Q. Lately, now that it’s spring, I’m seeing roofers putting on new shingles and assume people are getting leaks that must be making them a little desperate, because roofers are working on wet roofs or in cold weather or when it’s drizzling. Can roof shingles be put on in wet weather? I Ask The was taught by my father, a carpenter who was Architect extremely careful with everything he did. I learned what to do (and not to do) from him, and he never would have allowed this. Is there something about today’s products that allows them to be put on in wet or cold weather that I don’t know about? A. Shingles aren’t the
Monte Leeper
only things being “put on.” Wet weather and construction don’t mix. Homeowners are being misled by people they hired to do the right job. One of the first lessons in architecture is the detailed understanding of how water and movement affect buildings. Your observation is correct that installing materials in wet conditions should generally be avoided. In the case of putting shingles over shingles, there’s an assumption that the heat of a hot, sunny day will dry everything out eventually, but the slowly developing damage has already begun, hidden from sight. It’s generally not the first thing people think of, but the world we live in exists in multiple levels of scale, from nanoparticles to cells to larger molecules and visible materials. In other words, seeing may be believing, but what you can’t see is still there, and what you can’t see happening is still happening. If we only think of water as big droplets, forgetting about gas (vapor) and solid (expanding ice), or that many materials allow water vapor to squeeze between their molecular structures, then it will be harder to understand the level of permeability or penetration of a material, like the wood sheathing below the shingles — or that a thousand nails were just driven through the vapor barrier sheeting below the shingles. For installers, it becomes a gamble, a game of risk, to someone else’s cherished property through a bunch of assumptions: that water won’t get through, or won’t be locked in, heated by the sun, forced by pressure like a thousand little boiling tea kettles to push moisture around the nails and into the wood sheathing, or to cause the semi-rigid shingles to be forced by expanding frost to keep flexing and contracting, shortening their useful lifespan of protecting the inside of the house. Once this occurs, the materials have made accommodation for vapor and have slightly expanded, but after expanding, they don’t immediately contract again. They now have a much greater flexibility, and all because the moisture crowbarred its way in. I often wonder if those installers would leave their windows down in a car wash. They have little to lose, because if the shingles fail prematurely, they’ll be back sooner.
© 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.
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16
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17
opinions
T
he coronavirus pandemic sweeping our nation has highlighted critical gaps in our ability to beat back such threats. It’s quite a wake-up call for America. There is total consensus in the international medical community that Covid19 originated in Wuhan, China. It likely began as a virus that jumped from animals to humans in one of that city’s notorio u s “ we t m a rkets,” where all sorts of live animals — including live bats known to carry coronavirusalfonse es — are slaughtered and offered d’amaTo for sale for human consumption. According to U.S. intelligence reports, it is also ever more likely that a Chinese governmentsponsored laboratory in that city — the Wuhan Institute of Virology — was experimenting with the virus, and that because of careless handling by its scientists, the virus might have escaped from the lab and triggered the pandemic. The Chinese communist government has predictably obfuscated on this disaster, locking down information from Wuhan and concealing the extent of the
pandemic in China. Instead of cooperating with the rest of the world to help scientists fully understand the origin and spread of the disease, Chinese authorities have lowered a cloak of secrecy and unleashed a propaganda campaign, even going so far as to make the preposterous claim that the virus was somehow imported into China by the U.S. military. All of this would be more than bad enough if not for the fact that the virus has painfully demonstrated just how dependent the U.S. has become on China and other countries for all manner of medical supplies and critical medicines. America imports vast amounts of medical masks, gowns and other protective equipment. Much of our pharmaceutical industry, which was once located in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, has shifted to Asia over the past few decades. America today is in the extraordinarily dangerous position of fighting a pandemic caused largely by the Chinese government’s carelessness and malfeasance with medical supplies from China. That must change, and quickly. It’s time for America to see China for the adversary it is, not the partner we might wish it to be. That will mean making some very fundamental changes in U.S. industrial and
i
trade policies in the future. We must bring critical manufacturing capability back to this country, especially for important medical supplies and pharmaceuticals. By way of example, for years America had a robust pharmaceutical industry in Puerto Rico. That industry was given tax incentives that were shortsightedly allowed to lapse, driving production to other nations, where it was welcomed with significant host-government support. Congress and the administration should reinstate those tax incentives to bring back pharmaceutical production. There are a number of other steps Washington should consider to help rebuild our manufacturing base. For years we have allowed China and other countries to game international bodies like the World Trade Organization and the World Health Organization, which gave special treatment to those countries as “developing nations.” But today its laughable to consider China a developing nation that can take advantage of WTO polices to dump manufactured goods in America and WHO policies that allow it to shirk its international responsibilities. How can it be right for China to run a trade surplus
t has painfully demonstrated just how dependent the U.S. has become on China.
with the U.S. of a half trillion dollars a year at the same time that it contributes less than one-tenth of what the U.S. has contributed to the WHO? China gives the WHO less than $50 million a year, while the U.S. gives it over $500 million for international health care initiatives, because the WHO considers China a “developing nation.” What nonsense! President Trump was right to suspend further U.S. financial support for the WHO until this glaring inequity is corrected. At the very least, China must make up the hundreds of millions of dollars it should have contributed to the WHO to match what the U.S. has already so generously contributed. Over the next few years, in the aftermath of this international health and economic disaster, America must rebuild its industrial might. We cannot lead the world with just the strength of our ideals or our arms, great as they may be. And we must demand that countries like China treat the rest of the world fairly, and shoulder their share of the responsibility to all humankind. It is not too late for America to wake up. But time is running out. Al D’Amato, a former U.S. senator from New York, is the founder of Park Strategies LLC, a public policy and business development firm. Comments about this column? ADAmato@liherald.com.
Have you heard the one about Clorox Chewables?
H
umor is serious business, so I felt much better when the pandemic jokes began popping up. For example: “If you need 144 rolls of toilet paper for a 14-day quarantine, you probably should have been seeing a doctor long before Covid-19.” If we can joke about it, it can’t be as terrifying as it seems, right? Right? Tracking the LOLs, it becomes evident that much coronavirus humor focuses on toilet paper and the shortages thereof. I guess the world started looking funny to us when we first put on our big boy and big girl pants. I know some Randi readers think kReiss there’s nothing funny about Covid19, and really, those of us who find a laugh here and there don’t think it’s funny, either. We’re not making light of the disease, but of ourselves and our foibles. Humor is an enormously successful defense mechanism. That’s not from me; it’s from, you know, the guy who knew about these things, Sigmund Freud. He
wrote that humor helps us cope with seemingly insurmountable tragedy. It eases the burden and gives us some sense of control. Two photos online: The first is a picture of Quentin Tarantino. The second is a picture of a guy in full hazmat suit inside a tent. The caption is “Tentin Quarantino.” You can laugh, it’s OK. The psychologists say so. Gregg Levoy wrote in Psychology Today, “It’s a curious thing. We’re in the midst of the worst global health crisis in over 100 years, and yet we’re overflowing with jokes, parodies, cartoons and gag videos.” I’ve laughed a lot at talking-dog videos, especially that one with the Schnauzer giving advice to other dogs on how to behave during a pandemic, specifically identifying the no-sniff zones. Yeah, the humor is low, but so is my morale. This is not to say that sharing humor is without risk. We’re isolated, so when we send friends jokes or cartoons, they can’t see our expressions and we can’t read theirs. The possibility of misunderstanding one another is real. To be sure, there is safe humor, and much more edgy stuff. One does have to
W
exhibit a modicum of good taste. I don’t think humor goes into the ICU or to the gravesite. And it all depends on one’s own experience through this time of trouble. Being sick, worrying about a loved one in trouble, suffering financial setbacks or just going crazy from the extended isolation all change our sense of what’s funny. My family is notoriously dark when it comes to humor. Almost anything goes, and for us, it helps. People are still tuning in to Bill Maher and Stephen Colbert and Seth Meyers because they make us laugh, despite the horrific news. All of them push the envelope. Levoy says you can’t laugh and be scared at the same time, so while we’re laughing, we are momentarily forgetting the horrors of the pandemic. We are temporarily tuning out the map with the spread of the disease and the voiceovers with the daily totals of dead people and the news reports of refrigerator trucks holding the bodies of people’s mothers and fathers and children. After a while of consuming the bad news, we overload on horrific detail and actually shortcircuit. In that moment, if we can find
e’re not making light of the disease, but of ourselves and our foibles.
something to laugh about, it’s really OK. “Life does not cease to be funny when people die,” said George Bernard Shaw, “any more than it ceases to be serious when people laugh.” Here are a couple of mini ha-has: Has anyone let the Amish know what’s going on yet? The World Health Organization has announced that dogs can’t contract Covid19. Dogs previously held in quarantine can now be released. Just to be clear, WHO let the dogs out. Some of the humor coming my way targets Donald Trump and his disastrous incompetence before and during the pandemic. (Have you seen the ad for Clorox Chewables?) Maher piled on: “Donald Trump had a meltdown about what a great temperament he has. It was like watching someone carve ‘I’m not a psycho’ into their arm.” “If you are able to teach people to be more playful, to look at the absurdities of life as humorous, you see some increase in well-being,” said Stanford psychologist Andrea Samson. I’m all for vaccines — the sooner the better — but let’s not inoculate ourselves against laughter. Copyright 2020 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 7, 2020
Covid-19 is a wake-up call for America
18
Herald editorial
Franklin Square/Elmont
May 7, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
HERALD Established 1998 Incorporating the Franklin Square/Elmont Record Peter Belfiore Editor Melissa Koenig Assistant Editor Donna laWlor Advertising Account Executive office 2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530 Phone: (516) 569-4000 Fax: (516) 569-4942 Web: www.liherald.com E-mail: fseditor@liherald.com Copyright © 2020 Richner Communications, Inc.
HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS Robert Richner Edith Richner Publishers, 1964-1987 ■ clifforD ricHner stUart ricHner Publishers MicHael Bologna Vice President - Operations ■ scott Brinton Executive Edtitor JiM HarMon
Copy Editor cHristina DalY Photo Editor tonY BellissiMo Sports Editor Karen BlooM Calendar Editor ■ rHonDa glicKMan Vice President - Sales ellen reYnolDs Classified Manager lori Berger Digital Sales Manager
■
JeffreY negrin Creative Director
Schools: focus on students first, then learning
l
ast Friday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo finally offered students and teachers certainty about the rest of the 2019-20 school year when he canceled in-person classes through June to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. Thank you, Mr. Cuomo. For weeks, pupils and educators in New York’s schools were left in limbo, wondering whether they should devote themselves entirely to the new online model or wait for classes to resume as normal. Moving to online teaching and learning was a shock to our education system that left all involved in a state of frenzied confusion. In just weeks, teachers had to move to a system in which most had little to no training or experience. Students, many of whom depend on their teachers, coaches, guidance counselors and administrators for social and emotional support, suddenly lost that network, leaving many full of anxiety at a time of widespread despair. What most young people repeatedly hear now are stories of job loss and death. Many children and young adults, without the life experience to understand that the nation will emerge from this crisis, remain in a semi-daze, incapable of focusing on their schoolwork as they did two months ago. Worse, many students are hurting because their parents have lost their jobs, or fear losing them. Worst still, some students have lost parents or grandparents to Covid-19. Teachers and administrators should, first and foremost, pay close attention to
craig WHite Production Coordinator craig carDone Art Director ■ Dianne raMDass Circulation Director ■
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letters The virus is tough, but Long Islanders are tougher To the Editor: Communities all over the world have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, but have pressed on and adapted to the “new normal” of social distancing, homeschooling and teleworking. Although the virus has ravaged communities and businesses, Long Islanders have shown our strength once again by coming together even when we are kept physically apart. Long Island is home to heroic first responders who risk illness and injury to help others in times of crisis. During Hurricane Sandy and after the Sept. 11 attacks, firefighters, police officers, health care workers and volunteers worked around the clock, without returning home to their own families for weeks on end, to heroically help our families and fellow New Yorkers. The same has been true during this pandemic.
their students’ psychological health during this precarious time, and secondarily to their schoolwork. The period between now and mid-June will be a time of survival for many people, and no less for students. Expectations of learning must be tempered by the premise that, above all else, our young people must emerge from this time unscathed — psychologically unharmed, in a sound mental state. The State Education Department canceled all major exams, including the Regents, for a good reason: The normal process of learning has been interrupted, and will not resume for some time. The nation is at war with an invisible killer. Right now, students’ grades matter less than during ordinary times. What matters is sending a clear message to our young people: We adults will keep you safe. One day soon, we will return to normal, and when we do, we will redouble our efforts to ensure that you learn all that’s necessary to know. Now, however, is not that time. That is not to say that we should forgo learning, or not expect students to do their work. Rather, we must understand and acknowledge how they are feeling before we can get down to whatever work is possible. With that said, we offer these suggestions to our schools: ■ If teachers are not already doing so, they should meet with their students in live sessions at least once a week, and pref-
erably twice a week. Students desperately need to see and speak with their teachers, but we have heard scattered reports that at least some teachers have not met live with their students for as long as six weeks. ■ Each district should decide on one online educational platform for all. Whether it’s Google Classroom or Edmodo, make it districtwide. Employing more than one platform will only sow confusion. ■ Students should be assigned homework according to a set schedule, at a given time on a given day, so they know what to expect. Consistency is key, so they can develop a routine. ■ Teachers should follow up on homework assignments with live Zoom sessions to explain the work, and not leave it to students to attend extra help sessions, particularly sessions conducted by email. ■ Students should not be videoed in class, with the images posted on YouTube, without student and parental consent. ■ All teachers in a district should have a single method of taking attendance, and grading rubrics should be provided to students and parents. ■ Students should be given opportunities to do extra-credit work to make up for missed work. We will survive this crisis, and teachers and school administrators will play a key role in ensuring that we do, provided that every district adheres to a set of basic guidelines for online teaching.
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opInIons
was asked recently why university presidents aren’t speaking out about the state of affairs in our country. Of course, the issue of the moment is the lack of preparedness for the coronavirus pandemic, even when knowledgeable people were forecasting it. After all, universities are supposed to be moral forces in society. Who is in a better position to remind the public of what the 19thcentury English philosopher Alfred North Whitehead said: “. . . the rule is absolute, the [nation] which robert a. does not value trained intelliscott gence is doomed”? Yet the voices of university leaders are largely silent in the face of the most critical issue of our time, and trained intelligence is ignored when politically inconvenient. Some argue that university leaders should not take stands on policy, that they should not be “political.” But what is political and what is polemical? Politics refers to the public affairs of a country. A
polemic is an aggressive attack on the opinions or principles of another. Surely academic leaders can comment on the public affairs of the country without resorting to aggressive attacks, even if those whose policies are being confronted want others to believe that such comments are inappropriate. Therefore, when scientific leadership on policies related to health care, clean water, air pollution and product safety, among others, is being replaced by lobbyists for the regulated industries, university leaders should be among the strongest voices expressing concern. Should they not call out falsehoods and fabrications passing as truth? Education is the foundation of a free and democratic society. In any country, the university is unique in its mission to create, curate and critique. Laboratories create new knowledge, museums and libraries preserve the past, and journalists examine social policy by asking “Why?” But only the university is responsible for all three roles. In these ways, the university fulfills its historic mission not as a political force,
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houldn’t they call out falsehoods and fabrications passing as truth?
Letters Although the enemy that first responders are battling is invisible, they continue to fight with valor, and give us all the confidence that this virus will be defeated. Public transportation workers, grocery clerks, truck drivers and countless other essential workers are all working on the front lines to provide us with services that our society could not function without. With the apex of the pandemic hitting during the holy season, people of all denominations had to limit their celebrations to immediate family, and many, including me, opted for virtual gatherings via Zoom. While physically empty, churches, mosques and temples continue to play a tremendous part in keeping congregations full in their faiths and hopeful that an end to this crisis is near. Religious leaders and community members across creeds have maintained active charities to combat food insecurity and provide first responders and those in need with personal protective equipment and other supplies even though their own collection of these needed materials was dwindling. T he County Le gislature has received more than 4,000 letters and drawings from children for our frontline heroes as part of our “Letters to our Heroes” drive. Donations of PPE and nightly displays of gratitude — drive-bys, horn honks and alarm sounding — have cheered up and cheer
but as an ethical voice. For example, the founders of Adelphi were advocates for the advancement of women, the abolition of slavery and improved instruments for world peace. They adopted as their motto, “The truth shall make us free.” Surely there were those who thought the new institution should only teach classes, believing that school was separate from society. But the president and supporters knew the power of ethical arguments and the need for ethical thinking. The ethical perspective considers fairness, the degree of bias, the consistency of application, the factual basis for assertions and the justness of moral judgments and public laws. Women had no right to vote, slavery was legal and war ignored diplomacy as the “first resort of kings,” as the author Richard Arndt described it, yet the Adelphi leaders had the courage of conviction and a visionary voice. They knew that their role was to educate students, and the public, to reflect on what they read and heard, assess actions and policies, form independent opinions, and express impartial concerns as indi-
HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 7, 2020
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Should university presidents take ethical stands?
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viduals. In this way, the university teaches us all to distinguish among the three paths to finding truth — through facts, faith and fear — and helps to clarify each. To state facts is not polemical. People call for The can have different opinions, but not diftional ferent facts. The university’s role is to origin advance knowledge, both general and expert; skills such as writing and speaking with clarity and persuasion; abilities such as critical thinking and leadership; and values such as teamwork, respect for others and their opinions, and becoming active in society as citizens. These are the missions of a university, and it is the university president who serves as the chief mission officer. If we do our jobs well, our graduates will be well prepared to see the results of political actions that ignore expert knowledge. They will be able to analyze propaganda masquerading as principle, and discern facts from unfounded superstitions. They will be able to call out the misguided actions of those who ignore science, histo- report ry and the need to respect others. We will Chines ry in t have prepared graduates for political action when it is needed regardless of the Virolo polemics surrounding them. And we will virus, dling have taken an ethical stand. have e the pan Robert A. Scott is president emeritus of The Adelphi University. has pr ter, lo
Framework by Eric Dunetz
on our heroes. I have worked with County Executive Laura Curran and my fellow legislators to approve emergency legislation allowing the county to spend $2.3 million on PPE, testing supplies and other critical tools to help keep workers and residents safe. Recently, I joined my colleagues to urge Gov. Andrew Cuomo to push back the property tax deadline to give relief to struggling businesses and residents. Last month the governor answered our call and extended the deadline until June 1. The pandemic has affected our lives in ways that we could noy have fathomed just a few months ago. Recovery will be difficult, but with our combined efforts, it is more than possible. The coronavirus may be tough, but Long Islanders are tougher. C. WILLIAm GAYLOR Nassau County legislator
Cuomo has a friend in Jerry Kremer To the Editor: I just had to respond to last week’s column by Jerry Kremer, “Cuomo puts the other guy from Queens to shame.” Kremer speaks in glowing terms about Gov. Andrew Cuomo, but
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rolls of tine, yo ing a d can jok as it se Tra
The Blue Angels’ and Thunderbirds’ goosebump-inducing tribute to health care heroes — Queens
leaves out so many details — for example, that Cuomo has put the state in a $6 billion hole because of inept and careless spending, investing state money in ridiculous solar panel schemes and not allowing fracking that would not only increase state revenue, but lower all taxpayer energy bills. He is also eliminating the Indian Point power plant, which provides New York City with 25 percent of its power. Where does Cuomo expect to make up that energy deficit? Windmills? Solar power? When the lights go out this summer
and in summers to follow, there will be only one person to blame, and that will be Cuomo. Kremer obviously despises President Trump, but I must say that if it were not for19, and Trump and his staff bailing out all thesehere an mismanaged states, this country would beeither. finished. The least Trump deserves is aease, b thank-you from these blue state governors Hum defens for coming to their rescue. it’s fro Richard Heemanabout t Valley Streamwrote t
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