Issuu

Freeport

HERALD Leader

Freeport to reopen parks

District holds Peace March

AT&T donates to Salvation Army

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VOL. 85 NO. 21

MAY 21 - 27, 2020

School board adopts 2020-21 spending plan Loses nearly $3M in state aid

coaching and two department coordinator positions — the positions have been cut from the budThe Freeport School District get. Board of Education approved a The district also cannot trans$188 million budget on May 12 for fer funds for capital, facilities, supthe 2020-21 school plies and equipment year, about $3 miluntil the end of the lion less than what year. had previously been Beth Rella, the planned before the district’s assistant Covid-19 pandemic. superintendent for Freeport officials business, said that also decided to despite the cuts, increase the disFreeport would be trict’s tax levy for able to maintain all the first time in five its current staff and years by a proposed educational pro2.92 percent. The grams. district had previShe war ned, ously planned to however, that the raise the tax levy by state could make 3.5 percent. The disthree additional trict had lowered KISHORE cuts to state aid to the levy each of the make up for any KUNCHAM past five years. shortfall in the Freeport Super- Superintendent state’s budg et intendent Kishore because of the coroKuncham said the n av i r u s c r i s i s, district had to work with major which could add up to a 20 percent cuts to its budget, including losing reduction in state aid for public out on more than $2.8 million in schools. state aid. “Even cutting 2 percent more While the district had hoped to could be devastating for our budcreate 16.5 new staffing positions get,” Kuncham said. “We’ve — which included two assistant worked hard to come up with a principal, nine teaching, one and a half teaching assistant, two CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

By RONNY REYES rreyes@liherald.com

Bridget Downes/Herald

ALFONSO MARTINEZ, LEFT, Our Holy Redeemer Church’s human services director, and pantry volunteeers accepted gift cards from Jenny Jorge, right, Gala Foods’ vice president of operations.

Gala Foods donates $2,500 to Freeport food pantry By BRIDGET DOWNES bdownes@liherald.com

Freeport’s Gala Foods Supermarket donated $2,500 worth of gift cards to Our Holy Redeemer Church food pantry in Freeport on May 14 to support local residents in need during the coronavirus pandemic. Dozens of people — six feet apart to practice social distancing — lined up outside the food pantry, at 37 South Ocean Ave., and down the

block to collect boxes of food for themselves and their families. Some also took extra boxes of food for people who are in isolation, organizers said. Jenny Jorge, vice president of operations at Gala Foods, who was there to donate the gift cards, said she hoped to inspire others to contribute as well. “Maybe people who are in a good position — who aren’t dealing with some of these financial burdens — can see

the work that’s being done right here with so much need, to be able to say, ‘OK, let me see what I can do or what I can give to be able to help people,’” Jorge said. “The $2,500 is a small contribution to what is really needed, which is for the community to come together and help him collect the food to be able to give out to that line of people outside,” she added, referring to Alfonso Martinez, the human services CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

e’ve worked hard to come up with a responsible budget despite the challenges we’re facing right now.

WE WERE HERE FOR YOU BEFORE COVID AND WE’RE HERE FOR YOU NOW.

Don’t put off seeking help for medically necessary care in fear of COVID-19. Mount Sinai South Nassau has dedicated non-COVID patient care areas, including within our Emergency Department. All units have undergone a deep cleaning to ensure your safety. All incoming patients are tested for COVID-19 within three days prior to admission. Our frontline staff of physicians, nurses and support personnel are equipped with full Personal Protective Equipment to help halt the spread of infectious diseases. Your health shouldn’t be defined by COVID-19.

DON’T PUT YOUR HEALTH ON HOLD. COME WITH CONFIDENCE.

mountsinai.org/southnassau

Mount Sinai South Nassau is certified as an Antimicrobial Stewardship Center of Excellence (CoE) by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Photo top left courtesy of Jeff Basinger, Newsday.

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May 21, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Food insecurity

In Nassau County, the problem is more pronounced, with the Long Island Health Collaborative, a consortium of the region’s hospitals and health networks, reporting that in 2014, nearly 24 percent of adults — roughly 1 in 4 — faced food insecurity.

Bridget Downes/Herald

The agency defines food insecurity for households as those that are “uncertain of having or unable to acquire enough food to meet the needs of all their members.”

BOXES OF FOOD were stored in the parish gymnasium.

Freeport pantry serves Baldwin residents CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE director for the church, who oversees pantry operations. Martinez, who thanked Island Harvest for its assistance, said that while the pantry typically served between 20 and 25 families a week before the pandemic, it’s now serving more than 700 families each week.

And while the pantry was only available to Freeport residents, it’s now open to anyone, including residents of neighboring communities like Baldwin, Wantagh and Oceanside. Martinez was joined by about 10 other volunteers, although there are typically up to 20 people helping out in the pantry. Religious paraphernalia hung on the walls, and the volunteers

squeezed through boxes of food and canned non-perishables that were stacked high. More boxes filled the parish gymnasium next door. To contact Martinez at the food pantry, call (516) 868-8289. It is open every Thursday until around 4 p.m. “I was nor mally open Monday to T h u r s d ay, ” M a r t i n e z e x p l a i n e d . “Between the hours of 10 and 1, we dis-

tributed, and every other time we received donations. Now, we prepare for Thursday, and boom.” “This doesn’t just happen during a pandemic,” said the Rev. Doug Arcoleo, pastor of Our Holy Redeemer Church. Martinez “puts his blood, sweat and tears into what he does for the church here and for all of the people, all year long.”

Freeporters forge precious memories By RONNY REYES rreyes@liherald.com

When Maryclaire Dumas-Landisi had her essay writing class reinstated at JW Dodd Middle School in September, she felt ecstatic. She said her class helps foster a love of writing in her students as they complete 10 essays in the school year, along with a special scrapbooking project at the end of the year to encapsulate their time at Dodd. But when the Covid-19 pandemic arrived and brought about distance learning, Dumas-Landisi and Erika Argueta, who had been substituting for DumasLandisi before the pandemic began, were afraid they would not be able to do the scrapbooking project this year. Rather than giving up, Dumas-Landisi reached out to Michaels, the arts and crafts retail chain, for help in providing scrapbook supplies to her students. The company quickly replied to Dumas-Landisi’s request and delivered 33 boxes of supplies to her house. ““I couldn’t believe that they did that for us,” Dumas-Landisi said. “I was crying” “I never thought that would happen,” Argueta said. “Maryclaire is always an outgoing person who does everything for her students, so I’m glad this actually worked. With help from Argueta and members

PhotosCourtesy Erika Argueta

ERIKA ARGUETA, LEFT, and Maryclaire Dumas-Landisi distributed scrapbooking supplies to their students last week. of the district, Dumas-Landisi was able to distribute the supplies to more than 100 students of their students last week so that they could complete their scrapbooks and commemorate their unconventional, but also memorable, time during the 20192020 school year. “We are incredibly proud of Mrs. Dumas for going above and beyond for our students and we are thankful to Michaels for providing these beautiful scrapbooks that our students will use to capture and document this pivotal moment in their lives,” Dodd Principal

Johane Ligondé said. “Mrs. Dumas’ efforts exemplify our school motto to ‘Be kind. Work hard. Dream big!’” Dumas-Landisi said that while students may have missed out on a lot due to the school closures, the scrapbooks would serve as a way for them to remember the rest of the school year fondly for years to come. “My hope is that when they’re in their 50s or 60s, looking back on the big moments of their lives, they’ll have these scrapbooks to remind them of what their time at Dodd was like,” Dumas-Landisi

STUDENTS IN DUMAS-LANDISI’S writing class put together thank you cards for those on the front lines of the Covid-19 pandemic. said. “I’m already certain this year is one they’ll never forget.” Along with the scrapbooks, DumasLandisi hopes to have her students compile thank you notes to not only Michaels, but also to first responders and essential workers as part of a “Thank You” project to celebrate those who are giving to others during the pandemic. Dumas-Landisi and Argueta plan to put all their students’ work together into a presentation to share with the community by the end of the school year.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 21, 2020

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s statistics for 2018, more than 10 percent of households in New York are food insecure.

Crime watCh

Police seek duo for robbery Nassau County Police Department’s First Squad is investigating a robbery that took place in Freeport on May 16. According to detectives, a 17-year-old victim was walking northbound on N. Grove Street at 9:52 p.m., in the vicinity of Randall Christina Daly/Herald Avenue, when two male Police are looking for two suspects for a robbery that suspects pushed him to the ground from behind. One occurred in Freeport. of the men placed a hard Both suspects were described as being object on the back of the victim’s head, threatening to shoot the 18-19 years old. Detectives request anyone with inforvictim. He ordered the victim to empty his pockets. The victim complied, and mation regarding the robbery contact both men took his money and cellphone Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-(800)244-TIPS or call 911. All callers will and fled in an unknown direction. remain anonymous. The victim was not injured.

Arrests

■ A male, 54, of the Bronx, was arrested on May 13 for a parole violation warrant and criminal possession of a controlled substance. A local detective had spotted the man congregating with an unknown male subject in Freeport, and upon an initial investigation, a warrant check revealed that the man had been wanted for absconding parole.

■ A male, 44, of Freeport, was arrested on May 16 for a larceny incident that took place on March 23, at a retail business on Sunrise Highway. He was charged with petit larceny

■ A male, 54, of Springfield Gardens, was arrested on May 16, on Woodcleft Avenue, for allowing patrons to gather in his restaurant and drink alcohol. When officers arrived at the scene, they found several customers congregating inside the restau-

rant. The owner was issued numerous summonses by the fire marshall. He was charged with wilful violation of public health law, as well as laws set forth by the State Liquor Authority.

Larceny

■ Police report that a Freeport resident had her Visa prepaid debit card used to make online purchases without her permission on May 15. The debit card company was notified, and the card was deactivated.

Unsecure premise

■ Officers responded to a residential alarm near North Main Street and Stevens Street on May 13. Upon arrival, the officers found the front door unlocked. The premises were checked with no unusual activity reported. The home was re-secured.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

Courtesy Google Maps

aT&T donaTed $30,000 to the Salvation Army’s hubs on Long Island, including one in Freeport.

AT&T donates to local Salvation Army hubs By ronnY reYeS rreyes@liherald.com

AT&T donated $30,000 to the Salvation Army on May 5 to support the Salvation Army’s Covid-19 response efforts at their hubs in Freeport, Hempstead, Riverhead and East Northport. The money would help provide 60,000 meals for more than 2,000 families at these locations. “The Salvation Army has a proven commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, and AT&T is proud to support the organization’s Long Island hubs to ensure that Long Island families have access to free, healthy meals – and one less thing to worry about in this crisis,” said Brandon Ray, Regional Director, External & Legislative Affairs of AT&T, Long Island. “The COVID-19 virus has quickly devastated so many residents and businesses in Freeport, which is an especially vulnerable area in Nassau County,” said Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy. “We are sincerely grateful to AT&T... and I am proud to encourage and thank the Salvation Army in their efforts to serve our local communities during this difficult time.”

The Salvation Army has served more than 96,000 individuals across the Greater New York area, with more than 300,000 meals served on Long Island since the pandemic began shutting down operations in New York on March 18. They have also provided nearly 1 million meals through local pantries, soup kitchen, home deliveries, as well as providing emotional and spiritual support to about 8,000 people through their pastoral care team. Charles Roberts, the Long Island County Coordinator for The Salvation Army, thanked AT&T for their support, as well as for their pledge to donate $5.5 million to The Salvation Army and other organizations around the nation working to feed first responders and healthcare workers during the pandemic. This generous gift from AT&T will support The Salvation Army’s efforts to meet the growing needs of our neighbors,” Roberts said. “As a member of the Long Island community, we consider it a privilege to serve our neighbors during their time of need and uncertainty. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, we have evolved food service delivery to ensure that immediate needs of the community are met.”

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.

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May 21, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Freeport Herald leader, USPS 307320 is published weekly, every Thursday, by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Periodicals Postage is paid at Garden City, NY and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Freeport Herald Leader, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Subscriptions by qualified request in zip code 11520, $30 for 1 year within Nassau County or $52 for 1 year out of Nassau County. © 2020 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Courtesy Freeport Public Schools

Freeporters kicked oFF the annual peace march on May 2.

Wishing peace to all of Freeport in annual march Freeport officials led the annual Freeport Cares Peace March celebration on May 2. The peace march is an event that brings together Freeporters to celebrate their community and advocate for unity among neighbors. Village leaders like Mayor Robert Kennedy and Fire Department Executive Director Raymond Maguire joined Superintendent Kishore Kuncham and

Board of Education members to kick off the peace march, in the form of a caravan, at Freeport High School. “During this challenging time of Covid-19, it is especially important for us to focus on both inner peace and peace in our communities,” Kuncham. “Our peace march activities this year are in honor of our frontline heroes who have given so much of themselves for us.”

Let us Know News Brief items including awards, honors, promotions and other tidbits about local residents are welcome. Photographs may be emailed as well. Deadline for submissions is noon Thursday, week prior to publication. Send to rreyes@liherald.com

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 21, 2020

I am cautiously optimistic that a result of practicing safe distancing and gradual return to normalcy is on the wearing face masks, so please continue so we can end this pandemic in the near horizon. This is the first time in six weeks future. Non-essential businesses must that Freeport has had no Covid-19 transremain closed as per the ports to the local hospitals. Governors “PAUSE” legislaMaintain safe distanction. ing. The governors PAUSE Should you know any orders are still in effect. neighbors, friends or relaPlease follow these regutives that need special assislations for the safety of tance, please do not hesitate yourself and other Freeport to call my office, as we will residents. provide the services they NYS regulations are as need. follows, “When in public, And remember to place use of a face mask is manused rubber gloves and face datory if you’re within ayor masks in g arbage cans 6-feet of another individuobert ennedy when discarding. Please do al.” not place them in the cutIf you are in need of a ters, roads, and or parking face mask the Village of lots, as they will eventually end up in Freeport will provide you with one. Please call the mayor’s office at (516)- our waterways. Please be patient and continue follow377-2252, and we will make arrangements to get the personal protection ing the governor’s Covid-19 rules and regulations and we will overcome this equipment to you. The current Covid-19 statistics are a pandemic together.

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Stay safe, Freeport

May 21, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Photos by Nakeem Grant/Herald

The Nassau CouNTy Police Department paraded in front of Mount Sinai South Nassau on May 13.

NCPD, county exec thank MSSN workers By Nakeem GraNT ngrant@liherald.com

The Nassau County Police Department blared their car sirens as they paraded in front of Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital in Oceanside to thank their health care workers on May 13. County Executive Laura Curran and Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder both thanked front-line workers for their efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic. “Over the last several weeks, we’ve all been through this battle together,” Ryder said. “We will come back, and we will come back stronger than ever.” Curran said the tenacity and professionalism shown by MSSN’s frontline workers gives her hope for the future. “This crisis did not create heroes. It revealed the heroes who are already among us,” Curran said. “You are those heroes.” The celebration, Ryder explained, was also held for the NCPD to thank the hospital staff for aiding a police officer who needed emergency treatment after he had suddenly collapsed on duty in March. “The work that was done in the emergency room and the ICU room was what saved our officer’s life,” Ryder said. “We want to thank all of our first responders working in the hospitals for doing what’s right to keep our communities safe, and more importantly, doing what is right to keep my members safe.”

healThCare workers applauded and thanked the NCPD for their support. Nassau CouNTy poliCe Commissioner Patrick Ryder, at lectern, thanked front-line workers for their efforts during the pandemic. The Nassau CouNTy Police Emerald Society Pipe Band performed at MSSN.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS â€” May 21, 2020

Spread the news(letter) not the virus!

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What you need to know today.

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May 21, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

MSSN offers antibody screening at 10 sites New and existing patients of Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside may now access antibody screening blood tests at a number of the hospital’s ambulatory locations across Long Island. The antibody tests are authorized by the Food and Drug Administration, and have a high degree of reliability. The presence of Covid-19 antibodies in one’s system is an indication that a person was probably exposed to the virus, even if he or she did not have any symptoms, and that he or she may have some degree of immunity to the virus, although this is not proven yet. Testing is available at the following locations: ■ Mount Sinai Doctors Baldwin Primary Care, 2280 Grand Ave., Suite 208, Baldwin, (516) 623-4800 ■ Mount Sinai Doctors, Bellmore Primary Care, 2750 Merrick Road, Bellmore, (516) 4092000 ■ Mount Sinai Doctors Freeport Primary Care, 155 W. Merrick Road, Suite 101, Freeport, (516) 379-3139

Antibody testing is also used to determine if a patient’s blood is suitable for donating convalescent plasma (a blood product from someone who has recovered from Covid-19). If a person has developed antibodies to the virus, he or she may be eligible to help others by donating antibody-rich plasma at the New York Blood Center, which has established a plasma bank that hospitals can access immediately to treat patients with serious or life-threatening Covid-19 infections.

■ Mount Sinai Doctors, 1436 Broadway, Hewlett, (516) 360-2962 ■ Mount Sinai Doctors Hewlett Cardiovascular, 1420 Broadway, 2nd Floor, Hewlett, (516) 374-8682 ■ Mount Sinai Doctors Long Beach Cardiology & Primary Care, 325 W. Park Ave., Long Beach, (516) 432-2004 ■ Mount Sinai Doctors Lynbrook Primary Care, 185 Merrick Road, Suite 1B, Lynbrook, (516) 887-0077 ■ Mount Sinai Doctors Oceanside Primary Care, 2965 Long Beach Road, Oceanside, (516) 5938953 ■ Mount Sinai Doctors Oceanside Family Medicine, 196 Merrick Road, Oceanside, (516) 2558400 ■ South Nassau Center for Primary Care Long Beach, 761 Franklin Blvd., Long Beach, (516) 544-2351 “The results and information gained from antibody testing will help the medical community determine and understand the spread of the virus, establish public health recommendations

Courtesy MSSNt Mount Sinai South Nassau Dr. Aaron Glatt said results and information gained from antibody testing will help the medical community determine and understand the spread of the virus. and reduce the risk for future surges of the virus in our communities,” said MSSN Department of Medicine Chairman Dr. Aaron E. Glatt, who is also the chief of infectious diseases at the hospital.

Known as convalescent plasma therapy, coronavirus patients are transfused with recovered patients’ antibodies that have proven successful at fighting the virus. MSSN and other hospitals within the Mount Sinai Health System have been treating patients with this promising therapy. A single donation of antibodies can be used to treat one to two patients struggling with severe cases of Covid-19. “Plasma transfusions have long been used to fight epidemics,” Glatt said. “In addition, whether or not an individual

agrees to be a donor, testing will help identify that you have developed antibodies to Covid-19, which can be of great personal health benefit.” Medical researchers also believe that antibody testing could be used to return people with immunity safely to the workforce, regardless of industry or profession. It could also help reduce the rate of coronavirus infections at nursing homes by staffing them with immune workers. Antibody testing and convalescent plasma therapy is an essential component of the Mount Sinai Health System’s race to defeat the coronavirus outbreak. It has established a multidisciplinary team that is testing several hundred patients a day to determine what they call an “end-to-end” diagnostics solution for Covid-19. The approach includes diagnosis, treatment selection, and protocols for monitoring the course of the disease. Courtesy Mount Sinai South Nassau; compiled by Mike Smollins.

New York beaches to open May 22: governor By Scott Brinton, JaMeS BernStein and Karen BlooM sbrinton@liherald.com, jbernstein@liherald.com, kbloom@liherald.com

New York state will allow beaches to open next Friday, May 22, in time for the Memorial Day weekend, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said at his daily briefing Friday. The governor said, however, local towns and cities can decide to extend the order barring access to beaches beyond that date, if they deem it necessary. The reopening of beaches will take place in tandem with New Jersey, Delaware and Connecticut, which has already reopened certain of its beaches. The new order came one day after a bipartisan group of state senators called on the governor to create a plan for safe reopening of the beaches. Sen. Todd Kaminsky, a Long Beach Democrat, joined the nine senators in asking Cuomo to establish “an inter-jurisdictional task force to coordinate and execute” beach reopenings. Nassau County beaches have been closed since Cuomo issued the first New York Pause order in late March, shutting down most businesses and public places in an effort to slow down the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. On May 14, the governor continued the New York Pause order through May 28, with the option and ability to extend enforcement of the order through June 13. The order applies to five of the state’s 10 regions, including Long Island and New York City. On May 1, 13 town supervisors from across Long Island gathered to begin developing plans to open their recreational facilities, including beaches. “The theme of our discussion was that the Covid-19 pandemic does not follow town borders,

Christina Daly/Herald

BeacheS are Set to open across New York state on May 22, in time for the Memorial Day weekend. Local cities and town, however, have the authority to keep them closed. Above, a view of Long Beach before the Covid-19 pandemic. and it’s necessary to collaborate on our best practices and strategies for summer programs and services,” Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald Clavin

said. “Working together as a team and maintaining communication will be key to providing the safest environment.”

Parks to reopen as worry over pause grows rreyes@liherald.com; sbrinton@liherald.com

Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy announced that all parks in the village would be open on the weekend, as local municipalities have begun opening up commonareas throughout Nassau County. The order includes Randall Park, Sea Breeze Park, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Waterfront Park, Bishop Frank O. White Park and Glacken Park. The parks will be open from sunrise to sunset. Local officers will be patrolling the parks regularly to make sure residents are maintaining social distancing and wearing masks. “As we enjoy our parks again, I ask that residents continue to adhere to social distancing to make sure Covid19 does not spread any further in Freeport.” But tensions over reopening the rest of Freeport are growing, as Long Island’s economy will remain on hold until the end of the month, after Gov. Andrew Cuomo extended the New York Pause stay-at-home order for the region and New York City on May 14. The order further states that all “enforcement mechanisms” of the NY Pause order will remain in effect through June 13, “unless later extended.” Kennedy said local police would remain vigilant in the village to enforce social distancing, especially on the Nautical Mile, where a restaurant had recently violated the state’s policy and allowed several patrons inside to drink alcohol together on May 13. The restaurant owner, a 54-year-old from Springfield Gardens, was charged with willful violation of public health laws and issued multiple summonses by the fire marshal. This was the second such case to occur in Freeport in May, and third time a local business owner has defied the governor’s orders.

Christina Daly/Herald

Other local business owners are worried about the effects of keeping the local shutdown for much longer. Ivan Sayles, of Rachel’s Waterside Grill, warned that no business on the Nautical Mile would survive the winter if closures take away the summer business that he and many others depend on. “We’re in a very bad state,” Sayles said. “If this goes on any longer, it’ll be a death sentence for us.” The governor tweeted that five of New York’s 10 regions had met the state’s seven criteria for reopening as of May 15, but Long Island, one of the 10, had not. Among the regions that will begin the reopening process on Friday are the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, North Country and Central New York. “The others,” Cuomo wrote, “can be UN-PAUSED the

moment they hit their benchmarks.” “New Yorkers,” he added, “be proud. Your actions bent the curve,” meaning staying at home led to the current downward trend in new infections and hospitalizations after spiking in early April. Certain “low-risk” business activities such as landscaping and gardening, as well as drive-in movie theaters, were allowed to resume statewide on Friday. Certain outdoor recreation activities like tennis were permitted also. The state, Cuomo said, has created a New York Forward Reopening Advisory Board to help. Kennedy added that local businesses could also reach out to his office for help in applying to grants and programs that aid small businesses.

Sacred Heart embraces virtual education During the unprecedented events caused by the Covid-19 global pandemic, Sacred Heart Academy showed its dedication to the success and education of its students by making the transition to an online education platform, without any delay in learning. Sacred Heart became one of the first schools on Long Island to employ its online learning program, beginning with classes on March 16. SHA’s online model provides the full, unabridged curriculum for its students to ensure that they will be prepared for their next academic step. When the possibility of closing school due to the pandemic became apparent in March, members of SHA’s EdTech team — Caroline Walsh, Kristen Schreiner, Terry Shirreffs, and Kathryn Mulholland — began to execute their plan for school to continue virtually and coached the Sacred Heart faculty on how to appropriately and successfully conduct class from home. “As an Ed Tech coach I’ve been working with the faculty and students preparing for paperless learning for some time now,” said Walsh, who is also a history teacher at Sacred Heart. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would be using it this year to the extent that we are.” The education model of Sacred Heart’s online learning platform is using the tool Screencastify to record daily lessons for

Courtesy Sacred Heart Academy

StudENtS at SacREd Heart Academy began the shift to virtual education on March 16. the students. The videos are approximately 15 minutes long depending on the lesson that day. Sacred Heart has used Google Classroom daily as the main source of communication. The screencasts and daily lessons, assignments and homework are posted on Google Classroom. Teachers post all material by 8 a.m., and the students are required to hand in all assignments by 5 p.m. to be marked “present” for the class. “It was a huge and quick transition, but overall everyone has kept an open

mind and continues to work hard to make sure that our students have the best remote learning experience possible,” said Shirreffs, who is also the music department chairwoman at Sacred Heart. The Sacred Heart teachers and students have since embraced this new style of learning. Some remote-learning projects include sending students on virtual field trips to museums in history class, having them create their own concerts in chorus class, submitting science projects for an online science research symposium, and assigning art projects that have

to do with working from home, among other assignments. In addition, Sacred Heart’s Advanced Placement government and theology classes will be the first classes in Sacred Heart’s history to go almost paperless for the entire year. This online technique officially took effect on March 16. Since then, parents have expressed their appreciation and gratitude for this new platform on an educational and personal level. “Sacred Heart has been doing a wonderful job,” said Sacred Heart parent Melissa Maher. “As an educator myself, I am so impressed with how the school hit the ground running and began their online learning in such a professional and steadfast manner. My daughters are both working very hard and I can see all the learning that is going on. We are appreciative that you were ready for this challenge and had an excellent system in place.” Joann Schwartz, another parent at SHA, said she appreciated how supportive the school faculty has been for her daughter, Sophia. “While Sophia is doing her work, I often hear the teachers speaking and I am so impressed and happy that she is surrounded by such love and support,” Schwartz said. Courtesy Sacred Heart Academy; compiled by Nakeem Grant

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 21, 2020

RaNdall PaRk aNd all other parks operated by the Village of Freeport will reopen on the weekend.

By RONNY REYES and ScOtt BRiNtON

District able to maintain staff, education programs vote on the $2.5 million Capital Reserves responsible budget despite the challenges Proposition No. 3, which would allow the we’re facing right now.” district to spend the capital reserve funds on Gov. Andrew Cuomo called the budget several renovations projects throughout the process “difficult” during a news conference district. in April, and predicted a $10 billion to $15 Rella said that because of the limits billion gap in the placed on the state budget. transfer of funds, District offithe district would cials have previhave to sort out its ously criticized list of renovation the state for a projects to see lack of funding, which ones should saying Freeport take priority and has repeatedly which ones could received less wait until 2021. than its f air “We will go Herald file photo share of Foundathrough our bids tion Aid. District FREEPORT RESIDENTS WILL vote on the budas normal and conofficials estimat- get via absentee ballots on June 9. tinue the projects ed Freeport is until the funds are owed more than depleted,” Rella $340 million in said. Foundation Aid over the past decade. The Freeport School District will hold a While the state had increased Founda- public, online meeting on May 27 to contintion Aid by more than 2 percent this year, ue discussing the budget and answering any Rella noted that this year would be the questions residents might have. smallest increase in state aid schools had Residents can send in their questions via received since the 2013-14 school year, and e-mail to broberts@freeportschools.org. that was the case even before the pandemic The budget vote will be held on June 9 began. through absentee ballots only. Ballots will be Along with the budget, residents will also mailed to residents in the coming weeks.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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Experience the difference!!!

Capital projects District wide: Air conditioning Classroom, floor and lighting renovations Bathrooms and health office renovations Ceiling tile and lighting replacements Work on grounds, steps, foundations, sidewalks, playgrounds and parking lots Exterior improvements and field renovations

Take A Walk And Save Lives

Atkinson: Science room renovations

Columbus: Masonry restoration, exterior brick re-pointing, replacement and waterproofing

Giblyn: Window replacement Freeport High School: Renovation to DLC/multipurpose room Locker room, replace HVAC and drainage in the basement Security upgrades/interior and exterior doors and hardware Science room renovations

Archer: Replace cupola

Source: Freeport Public Schools

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.

Every life matters to us …

REMEMBER: Be safe and practice social distancing along the way.

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.

Dear neighbor:

Pet Bandana

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.

Fun Contests and Activities

1088156

May 21, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Stuart Richner Publisher srichner@liherald.com 1087105

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 21, 2020

The Freeport Chamber of Commerce would like to wish our village good health during these trying times. Our hearts go out to those impacted by the COVID-19 virus. Please keep all essential workers in your thoughts as they fulfill their duties to serve our community. The following is a list of businesses that are open to serve the public on full or limited basis. Please visit our website www.freeportchamberofcommerce.org for updates to this list. Our office will be open through phone and email only during this time.

Freeport Auto Parts & Wrecking Corporation Freeport Bakery Freeport Beverage Center Freeport Housing Authority Freeport King Fish Freeport Marine Supply Freeport Memorial Library Freeport Ocean Seafood Corp Freeport Self Storage Freeport Water Taxi & Tours Gala Foods Global Mold Solutions Goodyear of Freeport Green Art Plumbing Supply Half Way Down Harry’s Market in Freeport Healthmart Pharmacy Hudson Point Marina Hungerford & Clark Funeral Home Hurricane Harry’s Imperial Diner Jeffstar Marina Jeremy’s Jersey Mike’s Subs JLC Environmental

John Anthony’s Pizza & Restaurant Keller Williams Realty Larry Grebinar & Lydia Green/Real Estate Liberty Links Long Island Cares Long Island FQHC Love & Quiches Laura Rosenberg, Attorney Mahler Realty Mayfair Power Systems Metro Limousines Milro Associates Minuteman Press Montana Brothers Pizza & Restaurant Nassau Hobby Shop Nautilus Cafe N&S Electric Supply Service Otto’s Sea Grill Pip’s Ice Cream Parlor Porsche of South Shore Price Paper & Twine Que Rico Bakery Rachel’s Waterside Grill Rabco Engineering Raimo’s Pizza

Chamber Businesses are shown in red.

Ralph’s Italian Ices Rick’s Marine Corporation Riverside Grill Romeo’s Marina Royal Laundry Machine Service Sea Isle Tackle South Shore Child Guidance Center Sparaco-Lieberman Realty State Farm Insurance Steve’s Prime Meats Stoosh Images Storage Deluxe Superior Travel Susan Lyons Law Taco Tuesday’s T&L Beer & Soda Distributor Time Shred Services Trius Electric Two Cousins Fish Market Wingstop of Freeport White & Ré Agency Victoria Bakery Yachtsmen’s Cove Young Living 1089669

Atlantic Hardware Atlantic Nursery & Garden Center Atlantic Pizza & Restaurant All Pro Sound and Music Allstate Insurance Backyard Barbecue Ben’s General Contracting Bethpage Federal Credit Union BNB Bank of Oceanside BMW of Freeport Bobby & the Strays Breath N Flow Yoga Bracco’s Brown Harris Stevens Realty Burger King Canale & Tellekamp Certified Collision of Long Island Crab Shack Daniel Gale Realty Endo Electric Fast Signs of Oceanside Fidel Abreu, Dental Office Fiore Brothers Fish Market Freeport Animal Shelter

their Front Line stories as toLd to our reporters lonnie Green

Gala Foods delivery Freeport

Genaro Morillo, yovanny Gonzalez, luis JorGe-urena

lthough they may not think they are heroes, Genaro Morillo, Yovanny Gonzalez and Luis Jorge-Ureña have been essential in making sure Freeport, Baldwin, Merrick and other surrounding towns receive their fresh groceries on their doorsteps every day. The drivers of the Gala Foods delivery trucks have spent endless days going above and beyond to keep up with the high demand of orders for delivery being received every day

BaldWin

through the Gala Foods website, through email or even through fax. They have been courteous and helpful bringing groceries to our most vulnerable population, the seniors. They have taken deliveries as far out as Lynbrook and Long Beach, where local supermarkets aren’t offering these services, and they have done it with a smile and a willingness to serve. Genaro has worked for Gala Foods (formerly Compare Foods) since the ’90s, having dedicated over 25 years to serving the community. Yovanny joined the team in 2009, working both in store and making deliveries to the community. Luis joined Gala’s stores in 2017 and has worked arduously since to serve the community. Providing food that brings the family together to fill their bellies and warm their hearts is their mission, and Genaro, Yovanny and Luis have made sure to make that happen. -Jenny Jorge, Gala Foods vice president of operations

HoMetoWn

Hero

pHysician assistant, liJ Medical center Queens

am a physician assistant, an EMT-CC, a volunteer, a firefighter, a dad, a husband, a child, a friend. Every aspect of those titles has been affected by Covid-19. It is not uncommon for me to work crazy hours. The current pace — although thankfully slower recently — can only be characterized by the words “mentally exhausting, physically draining.” I am working 13-hour shifts in various levels of personal protective equip-

PrimeTime presents

ment. The N-95 masks bruise your face, the second layer of masks, gowns and eye protection cut your ears and face. We gladly wear these so we can be close enough to help. Close enough to hold your hand while you are gasping for a breath. After that shift I will head home from Long Island Jewish Medical Center exhausted. The “rapid responses” and “code blues” overhead have made me feel a level of tired I can’t explain. Then my pager is yelling to me about a Baldwin resident who is in need of immediate medical attention. The Baldwin First Aid company volunteers will respond. I will put my gear back on, my PPE back on. It is one thing to gear yourself up to go to a paid job, but those who volunteer alongside me are a very special group. Editor’s note: In addition to being a physician’s assistant at LIJ, Green is a Class A firefighter, EMT-CC, 1st lieutenant of the Baldwin Fire Department First Aid Company, EMS coordinator for the Baldwin Fire District and EMT-CC for the Oceanside Fire District.

HoMetoWn

Hero

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1089523

May 21, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

www.licares.org | 631.582.FOOD (3663) www.licares.org | 631.582.FOOD (3663)

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 21, 2020

• EMERGENCY FOOD ••EMERGENCY FOOD COMMUNITY SUPPORT ••COMMUNITY SUPPORT SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS • SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS

LONG AFTER MOST PEOPLE RETURN TO WORK AND WE LONG AFTER MOST PEOPLE RETURN TO WORK AND WE NO LONGER NEED TO SOCIAL DISTANCE, LONG ISLAND CARES NO LONGER NEED TO SOCIAL DISTANCE, LONG ISLAND CARES WILL BE HERE HEREFOR FORYOU, YOU,JUST JUSTLIKE LIKEWE’VE WE’VEBEEN BEEN WILL BE FORTHE THEPAST PAST40 40Years. Years. FOR THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 on our communities THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 on our communities will be with us long after the need to self will be with us long after the need to self quarantine is no no longer longer needed. needed. quarantine is The income,family familymembers members The loss loss of of jobs, jobs, income, and and our our new newheightened heightenedstate stateofof and friends, friends, and awareness determinehow howLong LongIsland Islandwill willbebe awareness will will determine able able to to recover. recover. THE EMERGENCYFOOD FOODWILL WILLBE BEMET MET THE NEED NEED FOR EMERGENCY by food bank bankand andour ournetwork networkofof by the the regional food more local food foodpantry pantrymembers. members. more than 350 local WE ARE ARE WORKING WORKING TOGETHER WE TOGETHERDURING DURINGTHIS THIS CRISIS, AND WE’LL CRISIS, WE’LL BE BE WORKING WORKINGTOGETHER TOGETHER LONG AFTER AFTER IT’S OVER. LONG OVER.

For For Help Help •• To ToVolunteer Volunteer••ToToDonate Donate www.licares.org www.licares.org||631.582.FOOD 631.582.FOOD Dave Cassaro Dave Cassaro President President

Paule T. Pachter Paule T. Pachter CEO CEO

Sandy Chapin Sandy Chapin Chairperson Chairperson

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hometown heroes

Covid-19

aBigail Fromm

Dr. Dawn williamson long Beach

long Beach

got the coronavirus myself early on in the crisis, in March. I was out for seven days. I was lucky to have had a mild case. I stayed at home until I had no fever, and then, because we were short-staffed, I went back to work. I probably got it at work. It was overwhelming in there. Then I probably gave it to my husband. He was much sicker than I was. But he has fully recovered too. The Covid cases have slowed down. But during the peak

ʼ TS

A H W EN? OP

a few weeks ago, it was terribly hectic. People would come without symptoms and would want to be tested. We sent them to various test centers. But things were incredibly busy. We locked the doors for the safety of the staff and the patients. The nurses would go outside and interview the people who showed up and take their temperature. I wouldn't say there was a sense of anxiety coming in every day, as much as it was a lot to deal with. We wore surgical masks and full surgical gowns. Those garments are hot, and it was sweaty in there. It was hard to breathe, and we worked 12-hour shifts. We could not really take breaks. But people in the community were so nice. They would bring in food. I would go home and undress in the garage and then take a shower. Then I would greet my family. Now that the Covid cases are slowing down, I'm concerned about the flu in the fall. We have always been seeing people with flu, but now it will be hard to tell immediately if it's flu or what.

hometown

hero

islanD park

nurse, mssn

oceansiDe

have been a registered nurse for 15 years, and I now serve as a performance management coordinator specializing in stroke and heart failure. When the Covid-19 patient surge began, I was first tasked to work in the hospital’s command center, but as I saw the patient census rapidly rise, I knew, as a nurse, I was going to be needed at the bedside. The following week, I was back in my scrubs and was assigned to the same unit

I served in 10 years ago. I helped take care of patients, but most meaningful to me was being able to help families stay together by helping them connect through technology. I rediscovered nursing and my love for the profession. I am grateful each morning that I have the privilege of wearing scrubs and caring for patients and I am thankful each evening that I have dinner with my family. I know I chose the right profession. As an employee, I am committed to come in from nine to five, but as a nurse, I am committed to be there whenever I am needed. I was inspired to work every day because I witnessed my Mount Sinai South Nassau family come together as one to serve our patients. I saw everyone helping each other in this most difficult time. As much as we are there for the communities, they are there for us. Every day they send us food, drinks and groceries. We should cherish every moment and not take things for granted.

hometown

hero

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Doctor, mssn emergency Department

1086152

May 21, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS â€” May 21, 2020

National EMS Week May 17-23

Northwell salutes our EMS professionals on the front lines To those who bravely rush to the aid of the sick and injured, even during this time of quarantines and social distancing. Who jump to action and provide compassionate care for people just before they become patients. To the inspiring EMS professionals across the nation, including the 800+ within our health system, we offer our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for your steadfast courage, strength and skillâ€”and for being our #HealthcareHeroes before, during and well after these unprecedented times.

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Michael J. Dowling President & Chief Executive Officer

Filename: Northwell_w339967_EMS Week_Ad_Herald Community

May 21, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Food for THoUGHT Restaurateurs speak on what it’ll take to reopen fully Tony Vicari, Owner Lia’s Pizza Island Park Amid a nearly 30 percent decrease in profits and having to cut down on his staff ’s hours, Lia’s Pizza owner Tony Vicari said he is hoping the government permits businesses to return to normal operations sooner rather than later. “I think they should let the businesses go on with their business,” said Vicari, who has owned the pizza place at 60 Atlantic Ave. in Oceanside for nearly eight years. “Just put some regulations and go with that.” Vicari said the coronavirus pandemic has created plenty of stress for him and that he often worries about his employees getting sick. He also had to cut back on the store’s hours, as the pizza shop used to be open for dine-in and take out from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., but now serves customers with to-go and delivery orders from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. He added that he was able to keep his team intact, but noted that

three employees, including a pregnant woman, said they didn’t want to work out of fear of catching the virus. He now staffs about 20 people. While he is hoping to be able to return to normal business hours, he said he must follow governmental guidelines until given the green light to fully reopen. “I believe that as a store owner, you’re going to manage the store and whatever the governor says, you want to comply with it,” he said. “Wear a mask and keep your distance. We usually don’t have a big crowd, so I think they should let the majority of stores open up. Big stores, like Costco, they have a crowd, everyone wears masks and gloves, and it’s fine.” Though he has taken a financial hit, Vicari said he was pleased to still be able to have some semblance of business and to give paychecks to his staff. Until he can go back to normal, he said, he was happy to be able to provide delivery and take-out service. “It’s very quiet,” he said, “but we try and do our best.”

Butch Yamali, Owner Coral House Baldwin Butch Yamali, president and chief executive officer of the Dover Group, who owns Coral House in Baldwin, has been adjusting to the new normal. “We’re pretty much in a situation where we’re waiting for directions from the governor,” he said. “We really can’t do anything, and we have to follow that direction because if we don’t, then we’ll be in violation or we might cause a situation that’s not safe for our guests, which we don’t want to do, obviously.” “The horrific things that we’ve been seeing over the past few months demonstrate that we have to be super careful before we reopen,” said Yamali, who is on the board of directors at Mount Sinai South Nassau. “We have to wait for the right time.” While staffing has been temporarily cut, there are 20 people — essential to the business — who have continued to work. Employees are using Zoom, Skype and other virtual services to book future

Ivan Sayles, Owner Rachel’s Waterside Grill Freeport When it comes to reopening restaurants, Ivan Sayles, owner of Rachel’s Waterside Grill on the Nautical Mile, said the state needs to restructure and rethink everything. He said restaurants like his have been suffering since the pandemic began. Although Sayles tried his best to make ends meet while also helping the local community with lower prices, he could no longer do so and faced a backlash when he had to raise prices. With months of mortgage payments and electric and gas bills lying in wait, Sayles said businesses like his, which depend on the summer season, would not be able to survive if they are only allowed to serve at a 25 to 50 percent capacity during the phase-in period. “We won’t survive like that once winter comes,” Sayles said. “The Nautical Mile, Fire Island, the Hamptons, they’ll all become ghost towns. We need things to go back to normal.

events to be held months down the road, once it’s safe to convene again. “Everybody’s trying to figure out a way that we can work together,” Yamali said, adding that everyone involved has been cooperative and helpful. “We do the best we can: social distancing, distances between tables and continually disinfecting. And we’re working with our customers to the best of our ability so that they’re happy and we’re happy.”

“The only way to make it would be to double my prices,” he said, “but then who would eat here? They want us to keep waiting, but my bills won’t be waiting for long. Big corporations have strategists to help them with their reopening plan, but small business owners like us, we don’t have those resources. We’re on our own. And we’re in a very bad state.”

Bob Johnson, Owner Cabana Long Beach Bob Johnson, owner of the Cabana, a tex-mex restaurant on the West End, said he and all others would wait for a green light from the governor’s office before fully opening their restaurant. “What else?” he said. “A lot of good weather. We’re all in the same boat here. But if we get a lot of good weather in Long Beach, it will help a lot. We have inside and outside seating. Hopefully, people will come out.” Johnson noted that Gov. Andrew Cuomo so far has allowed only limited openings for some construction and manufacturing companies in upstate areas. The governor has said nothing about restaurants. “There’s all these soft openings,” Johnson said. “When we do open, I’m sure there will be 50 percent capacity limitations.”

LEGAL NOTICE AMENDED NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING FREEPORT UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT Nassau County, N. Y. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Freeport Union Free School District, Nassau County, New York, shall conduct its Annual Budget Vote and Trustees Election on June 9, 2020. The vote will be exclusively by absentee ballot voting. TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the following matters will be submitted to the registered voters of the Freeport School District: (1) To vote on the annual school budget as set forth in Proposition No. 1 below: Proposition No. 1 SCHOOL BUDGET RESOLVED that the Annual School Budget be adopted and the necessary amount be raised by a tax upon the taxable property located in Freeport Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, Freeport, New York, for the School Year 2020-2021. (2) To vote on the annual library budget as set forth in Proposition No. 2 below: Proposition No. 2 FREEPORT MEMORIAL LIBRARY BUDGET RESOLVED, that the Freeport Memorial Library Budget be adopted and the necessary amount be raised by a tax upon the taxable property located in Freeport Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, Freeport, New York, for the Freeport Memorial Library for the year 2020-2021. (3) To vote on the expenditure of funds from the Capital Reserve Fund established on May 16, 2017 as set forth in Proposition No. 3 below: Proposition No. 3 CAPITAL RESERVE FUND PROPOSITION SHALL the Board of Education of the Freeport Union Free School District be authorized to expend: $2,500,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund established on May 16th, 2017 for the purpose of performing the following projects: Masonry Restoration, Exterior Brick Repointing & Replacement and Waterproofing Columbus Avenue School; Security Upgrades/Interior & Exterior Doors & Hardware - Freeport High School, District-Wide; Window Replacement Leo F. Giblyn Elementary School, District-Wide; Locker Room, Replace HVAC and Drainage (Basement Level)Freeport High School; Renovation to Distance Learning Center/MultiPurpose Room - Freeport High School; Air Conditioning - DistrictW i d e ; Classroom/Flooring/Lighti ng Renovations/Casework - District-Wide; Replace Cupola - Archer Street Elementary School;

Science Room Renovations - Freeport High School and Caroline G. Atkinson Intermediate School; Bathroom & Health Office Renovations - District-Wide; Ceiling Tile & Lighting Replacements - DistrictWide; Grounds, Steps, Foundations, Sidewalks, Playgrounds, Parking Lots - District-Wide; Exterior Improvements, Field Renovations - DistrictWide? (4) The election of two (2) School Trustees of the Board of Education. The terms shall be for a full term of three years beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2023. TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that any resident of the school district who is not already a registered voter and wishes to be a registered voter for this election may register with the board of elections by submitting an on-line application for voter registration with the Department of Motor Vehicles at https://dmv.ny.gov/morei n f o / e l e c t r o n i c - v o t e rregistration-application. Absentee ballots will be available for the election of School Board Members and the Budget Vote. Absentee ballots will be accepted in the Office of the Clerk of the school district no later than 5:00 P.M. on the day of the vote; any ballot received after that time will not be counted. Candidates for the Office of School Board Trustee must be nominated by a petition with no minimum number of signatures. The petition shall state name and residence of the candidate. Candidates receiving the greatest number of votes shall be considered elected to their respective offices. Where terms are of different length, the candidate receiving the highest vote shall be elected to the longest term. However, a nomination may be rejected by the Board of Education if the candidate is ineligible for the office or declares his unwillingness to serve. Petitions shall be filed by 5:00 PM no later than May 11, 2020 at the Office of the District Clerk. Nominating petitions which are emailed, faxed or mailed to the District Clerk will be accepted. A statement of the amount of money which will be required for the School Year 2020-2021 will be available to the taxpayers on the District’s website not later than fourteen (14) days before the vote. TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a Real Property Tax Exemption Report prepared in accordance with Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law will be annexed to any tentative/preliminary

budget as well as the final adopted budget of which it will form a part, and shall be posted on the District’s website. TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a budget hearing will be held remotely on May 27,2020 at 7:30 PM for the purpose of discussing the expenditures of funds and budgeting thereof. TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a proposition in writing by petition of least forty (40) signatures of qualified voters of the District is required to place a proposition on the ballot which is not required by law to be included in the notice of the annual meeting. The petition must be filed in the Office of the District Clerk on or before 5:00 P.M. o’clock (local time) May 11, 2020. The Board of Education reserves the right to edit or amend any proposition without changing the intent thereof. QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOTING 1. A person shall be a citizen of the United States. 2. Eighteen or more years of age. 3. A resident of the District for a period of thirty days or more preceding the election at which he or she offers to vote. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION Ernest Kight, Jr. Benjamin Roberts President District Clerk 121929

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.mypublicnotices.com TO PLACE AND AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ANNUAL DISTRICT ELECTION, BUDGET HEARING AND VOTE OF BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU STATE OF NEW YORK, TO BE HELD ON June 9, 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the budget hearing of the qualified voters of the Baldwin Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, will be held remotely on June 9, 2020 for the transaction of such business as is authorized by law including the following purposes: 1. Presentation and discussion of the budget for the operation of the district schools for the school year beginning July 1, 2020. 2. Presentation and discussion of the budget for operation of the Baldwin Public Library for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020. 3. Transactions of such other business as is authorized by law.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the vote upon the appropriation of necessary funds to meet the necessary expenditures for the school year 2020-2021, the library appropriation, and on all propositions duly filed with the Board of Education, to fill one vacancy for Trustee on the Board of Education, and to fill one vacancy and the balance of an unexpired term on the Board of Trustees of the Baldwin Public Library, shall be conducted exclusively by absentee ballot voting. The qualified voters will fill the following vacancies: a. The office of Karyn Reid, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Board of Education, which term expires on June 30, 2020, for a new term commencing July 1, 2020, and expiring June 30, 2023; b. The office of Kerry Schwenker, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Baldwin Public Library, which term expires on June 30, 2020, for a new term commencing July 1, 2020, and expiring June 30, 2025; c. The balance of an unexpired term of the office of Joseph Carroll on the Board of Trustees of the Baldwin Public Library, which term commences on June 9, 2020 and expires on June 30, 2024; and to vote on the following propositions: PROPOSITION NO. 1 RESOLVED, that the proposed Budget of the Baldwin Union Free School District of the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, for the fiscal year 2020-2021 be adopted, and that an amount to be determined be raised by tax upon the taxable property of the School District after first deducting the monies available from State Aid and other sources. PROPOSITION NO. 2 RESOLVED, that the proposed Budget of the Baldwin Public Library for the fiscal year 2020-2021 be adopted, and that an amount to be determined be raised by tax upon the taxable property of the School District after first deducting the monies available from State Aid and other sources. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the condensed form of the budget proposition and the text of all other propositions to appear on the absentee ballot and a detailed statement in writing of the amount of money which will be required for the school year 2020-2021 for school purposes, specifying the purposes

Margaret DiGrazia Margaret DiGrazia, of Freeport, died on April 25. She was an active parishioner at the Our Holy Redeemer Church, Eucharistic minister and Precana facilitator. She was the devoted wife of the late John, beloved mother of Denise (late Kevin) Smith, Francine (Tom) Jennings, Louis (Grace), and Lisa (James) Allen, loving nanny of 10 and great-grandmother of seven and dear sister of the late Salvatore, Nicholas, and Anthony. Interment Calverton National Cemetery. A memorial mass will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Michael Lombardo’s Wrestling Scholarship Fund at Massapequa High School or to the Alzheimer’s Foundation would be appreciated.

Wilfrido Guaman

Wilfrido Guaman, of Freeport, died on May 6. He was the beloved father of Wilson and Adrian. Interment Greenfield Cemetery.

Anna Mae Verzyl Anna Mae Verzyl, of Freeport, died on May 6. She was a retired bank manager for Manufacturers Hanover Bank, NY. She was the wife of the late Joseph, loving sister of the late Eileen Fjeldstad, dear aunt of Mary Gustell, Glenn Fjeldstad, Paul Fjeldstad and Ellen Fjedstad. Private services were held at the Hungerford & Clark, Inc. Funeral Home, in Freeport. Interment St. John’s Cemetery.

Public Notices

and the amount for each will be prepared and copies thereof will be made available on the District’s website during the period of fourteen days immediately preceding said election of June 9, 2020, and at such annual election. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the nominations for the office of members of the Board of Education and office of member of the Library Board, unless otherwise provided by law, shall be made by petition and filed in the office of the Clerk of the District by 5:00 PM on June 9, 2020. Such petition shall state the name and residence of the candidates. Candidates receiving the greatest number of votes shall be considered elected to their respective offices. Where terms are of different length, the candidate receiving the highest vote shall be elected to the longest term. A nomination may be rejected by the Board of Education if the candidate is ineligible for the office or declares his unwillingness to serve. Nominating petitions filed by email, fax or mail will be accepted. The District Clerk’s email address is hobbsm@baldwinschools. org. There is no minimum number of signatures required on the nominating petition. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that any proposition or question to be placed on the ballot shall be submitted in writing by petition subscribed by at least 73 qualified voters of the District and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the District between the hours of 9:00AM and 5:00PM, not later than the 30th day preceding the meeting or election at which such question or proposition shall be voted upon, except that this rule shall not apply to those questions or propositions which are

required to be stated in the published or posted notice of the meeting or to those propositions or questions which the Board of Education has authority by law to present at any annual or special meeting of the District. PLEASE TAKE FUTHER NOTICE that any resident of the school district who wishes to be a registered voter for this election may register with the board of elections by submitting an on-line application for voter registration with the Department of Motor Vehicles at https://dmv.ny.gov/morei n f o / e l e c t r o n i c - v o t e rregistration-application. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the District Clerk will mail an absentee ballot to every identified qualified voter by no later than six (6) days before the vote. The absentee ballot must be filed with the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 PM on June 9, 2020. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district. Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 14, 2020. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is received by the office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on election day.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that this Board shall convene a special meeting thereof within twenty-four hours after the filing with the District Clerk of a written report of the results of the ballot to declare the results of the vote. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a Real Property Tax Exemption Report prepared in accordance with Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law will be annexed to any tentative/preliminary budget as well as the final adopted budget of which it will form a part; and shall be posted on the District’s website. Dated: May 4, 2020 BY ORDER OF Baldwin, NY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK Mary Hobbs, District Clerk 121933

Search for notices online at: www.mypublicnotices.com

LEGAL NOTICE FREEPORT PUBLIC SCHOOLS 235 N. OCEAN AVENUE FREEPORT, N.Y. 11520 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS - AUDITING SERVICES The Board of Education of the Freeport Union Free Central School District invites proposals from qualified individuals and firms/agencies to provide students of the District with External Auditing Services during the 2020-2021 school year. Proposals must be received by no later than June 4, 2020 at 11:00 am at which time and place all proposals will be publicly acknowledged. Late proposals will be returned unopened. Dr. Rella invites you to a scheduled Google meet Join Google Meet Meeting ID https:/meet.google.com/k xi-viod-tzm

Join by Phone (US?)+1 605-653-3179?? (PIN:296 808 568#)??? Request for Proposal packages may be obtained from the District’s Administrative Offices located at 235 N. Ocean Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520 or by contacting Dr. Beth Rella, Purchasing Agent, at 516-867-5212, commencing on May 21, 2020, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when school is in session. The packages can be e-mailed to you upon request. Sealed proposals must be returned by the abovereferenced date and time to the attention of Dr. Beth Rella, Assistant Superintendent for Business, 235 N. Ocean Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520 and shall be clearly marked: FRP2020EXT - External Auditor Proposal - Do Not Open Until 11 am on June 4, 2020 Proposals may be mailed or hand delivered. No proposal will be accepted by electronic mail or facsimile. The District reserves the right to award a contract to the lowest responsible bidder within forty-five (45) days of the date opening of the bids. To the fullest extent allowed by law, the District further reserves the right to reject bids that contain conditions, omissions, exceptions or modifications, or in its sole discretion to waive any irregularities in the bids, or to reject any or all bids or to accept any bid which in the opinion of the District is in its best interest. By Order of Board of Education Freeport Union Free School District Date: May 15, 2020 Mr. Benjamin Roberts, District Clerk 121950

Search for notices online at: www.mypublicnotices.com

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 21, 2020

Public Notices

OBITUARY

LFRE1 0521

HERALD

Employment

CLASSIFIED

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.

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

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.

JOB OPPORTUNITY

$18.50 P/H NYC • $16 P/H LI CDPAP Caregiver Hourly Pay Rate! Under NYS CDPAP Medicaid program you can hire your family or friends for your care. Phone: 347-713-3553

Help Wanted Accountant wanted by Easter nCCTV (USA) LLC in Plainview, NY. Need to Compile and analyze financial information; Prepare, examine and analyze financial statements; Analyze business operation; Update and maintain accounting journals, ledgers, AP/AR(Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable) with accounting systems. Education Req.: at least have a Master’s degree in Accounting or Finance. Mail resume to: EasternCCTV (USA) LLC. 50 Commercial Street, Plainview, NY 11803. Attn: Wendy Zeng.

Administrative Asst. F/T

South Nassau MFR Seeks Professional With Experience To Perform Administrative Tasks Including But Not Limited To Drafting Correspondence, Sending Emails, Data Entry, Filing, Entering Orders, Follow Ups, Scheduling, Communicating With Customers, And Other Tasks As Needed. Must Be Computer Literate. Nice Atmosphere. Benefits. Send Resume To

SubmitResume@bramsonhouse.com JOB OPPORTUNITY $18.50 P/H NYC $16 P/H LI Up to $13.50 P/H UPSTATE NY CDPAP Caregiver Hourly Pay Rate! Under NYS CDPAP Medicaid program you can hire your family or friends for your care. Phone: 347-713-3553

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

HOME OF THE WEEK

MECHANIC NEEDED

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

Long Beach

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Auto Experience A Plus Will Train Right Person

MARINA YARD HELP F/T

Year Round. Cleaning, Compounding & Wax, Bottom Paint. Must Be Handy With Tools, Have Valid Drivers License, Own Transportation.

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

PUBLIC HEALTH CONSULTANT/ COORDINATOR, HEMPSTEAD, NY. Master's degree req. Email res to: Un1960@hotmail.com Iyaho Social Services, Inc.

Purchasing Agent

CALLAHEAD Corp. is seeking a full time purchasing agent with experience. We offer full medical and dental 100% paid, 401k, 2 weeks paid vacation, holiday pay. Must have computer skills, ability to multi task, work in a fast paced environment and be extremely organized. Some duties include receiving and placing daily material orders, negotiating prices, overseeing deliveries, quote request, and checking inventory. Please apply in person Monday- Friday bet: 9am & 7pm at 304 Crossbay Blvd. Broad Channel Queens 11693

his immense home has 5 bedroom and 4 baths with a separate wing downstairs that is currently being used as doctor office (with permit.) The doctor’s office wing has one of the 4 baths. An extremely large residence; boasts additional entrances for the office, residences upstairs and down. This home also features an eat-in kitchen with separate dining room and more. The location is fabulous as it is minutes to LIRR, stores, restaurants and beach!

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

© 2018 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21® and the CENTURY 21 Logo are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. It is your responsibility to ensure that the marketing materials you choose or create are compliant with real estate and other local laws in your area.

EMPLOYMENT

Homes

HERALD 1080712

May 21, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

RobertLewis Lewis Robert Real Estate Estate Broker Real

Call the USA Classified Network today!

American AmericanHomes Homes The TheGandolfo GandolfoTeam Team

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Phone: 516-551-0796 Phone: 516-551-0796 Email: BobLewisNY@gmail.com Email: BobLewisNY@gmail.com Instagram: Instagram:@BobLewisNY @BobLewisNY 2911 Long Beach Road, Oceanside, NY 11572

2911 Long Beach Road

NYworkers, 11572 Thank you to all ourOceanside, healthcare first responders, police officers, firefighters, grocery Interested in selling employees, military service members,your restaurant workers, delivery drivers, teachers, essential home, buying, or investing? service providers, and all those who are working Anto experienced Realtor, former Baldwin High keep our community safe. May all our School Business Educator, local resident for community members stay&safe and stay well.

1-800-231-6152

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As an experienced Realtor, former Baldwin High School Business sell, & invest in residential andI’m commercial real Educator, & local resident for 35+ years, an expert in helping estate on & Long and and in New York real City. people buy, sell, investIsland in residential commercial estate throughout Long Island Newconfidential York City. Contact me today for aand free,

At consultation this time, all realand estate transactions areappraisal. available virtually. a free market Contact me today for a free, confidential consultation today.

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Real Estate New homes priced from the low $100's available immediately in active adult 55+ landlease community in Smyrna Delaware. Close to DE Beaches and Dover Downs. Low taxes. 302-659-5800 or www.BonAyreHomes.com

Retail Space For Rent HEWLETT OFFICE SPACE 1200 West Broadway One and Two person fully furnished office suites, available within our beautiful offices. Use of Conference room .Full Kitchen & bathrooms. Across the street from the Hewlett LIRR station. Large free parking lot. Call Steven Greenberg at 516-295-0406 ext 204 or email sgreenberg@thegreenberggroup.com

Apartments For Rent CEDARHURST APARTMENTS PRIVATE HOUSE First 3Bds, 2 FBths, EIK Granite/ SS Appls, Finished Basement, W/D, Driveway Parking. $3400 Second 3Bds, 2 FBaths, EIK Granite/ SS Appls, W/D $3000 516-660-2944 See virtual ad at www.greenroomre.com/258-washingtonave 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 FRANKLIN SQUARE: Second Floor, 2 Rooms, Fbth, EIK, Suitable One. No Smoking/ Pets. $1100. Heat/ Water Included. 516-437-6830 LONG BEACH: RENOVATED LARGE 3BR, 2Fbth, EIK, LR, FDR, Upper-Level, Near LIRR/Beach, No Pets. 516-608-2669 WEST HEMPSTEAD: SUITABLE ONE. 1-1/2 BRs, Second Floor, No Smoking/ Pets. $1350 Includes All. 516-486-2206

Timeshares M A N H AT TA N C L U B : A c r o s s Fr o m Carnegie Hall, Sleeps 5, 6/12-6/19/20, All Amenities. manhattanclub.com $1,800Neg. Marcy 516-318-7521

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FINDS UNDER $100

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

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 21, 2020

Place Homes HERALD Market •

HERALD

‘How do we avoid having this happen again?’ Q. We hired a contractor last fall to renovate our

home and have a contract saying we’d be done by March 30th. As work moved along, the contractor got sick and had many family emergencies, and the workers stopped showing up. We got upset when they came back around the holidays, then stopped again after we paid a big check, right before the new year. We feel as though the contractor is just running a Ask The Ponzi scheme, taking Architect money and then disappearing. We had checked him out and seen other jobs, thought we did our homework, but feel like we failed. We just found out he was working under another contractor’s license. We started a lawsuit and reported him to Consumer Affairs. Now we have to find another company. onte eeper How do we avoid having this happen again?

A. Over my 47 years in construction and 36

years as an architect, I’ve met many business people. Every year we go over our files, and I sigh at how many characters I remember who came into various projects and either disappeared or disappointed. Fortunately, it’s a smaller number than the successes, but there are telltale signs I have come to know and can share. In selecting the replacement, if every time you call them it goes to voicemail and you can only speak to them if they call back, they’re going to be a communication problem. If I’m busy on my cellphone, I’ll hit the button that says I’ll call you right back, because people need acknowledgement and a call back, especially after giving a payment. It’s always best to call an office number and hear a live, human voice to leave a message. I find that many people purposely block others from knowing who’s calling, which is a problem because when you call a cellphone, looking for instant gratification, using a “private caller” identification, stop and think about the person you’re calling. Maybe they really are on another call, or maybe they saw a number they don’t recognize and believe they’ll be drawn into a call from a solicitor. So set up the specific way you’ll be communicating, and confirm that the other party agrees. If every time you speak to them you either get a different excuse or they don’t follow through or they give you a task to keep you occupied, be very concerned. Do your follow-up right away, and set specific times to speak. If they keep failing to meet commitments, you have to cut the cord, and hopefully your contract has such a mechanism. My clients may wince at such wording about how and why we may part ways, but it’s a necessity in a good agreement. There are legitimate reasons for construction delays. People really do get sick or have family emergencies. Confirm that there’s an alternate, a site manager or other responsible party so that lines of communication are open and direct. Good luck! © 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.

HERALD

Stuff

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

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

Miscellaneous

Legal Services

Junk Cars Wanted

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Answers

MOTORCYCLE: BMW R1200 MONTAUK, 2004. Pristine, Like New Condition, Low Mileage, Light Blue, $5,500. 516-313-3425

to todAy’s puzzle

Psychiatry & Medicine DR. ISAAC COHEN, NYS Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist. Woodmere. 30Yrs. Experience. Treating Adult's Mental Health Issues: English, Spanish, Hebrew. Accepts: Medicare, Medicaid, Most Insurances. 718-536-5417. driycohen@gmail.com

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Tree Services FRANCISCO'S TREE SERVICE

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May 21, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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HErald

Crossword Puzzle

opInIons

f there’s one overarching economic lesson the coronavirus pandemic is teaching us, it’s that the United States has become over-reliant on other nations for critical manufacturing capacity. It’s time we brought this production home. As the pandemic struck here, U.S. authorities found themselves scrambling for all sorts of medical supplies that are mostly produced overseas. From surgical masks to ventilators to pharmaceuticals, America’s hospitals and alfonse health care workers were left at the d’amaTo mercy of foreign companies. But those companies often had other priorities. When the pandemic began in Wuhan, China, Chinese authorities mandated that production of critical health care supplies be channeled to domestic use. This “China first” policy left the American health care system short of the items we need to fight the virus here. The U.S. has scrambled valiantly to make up these deficiencies, with our companies converting their production to make these critical medical supplies. In the best example of this, General Motors, in a

matter of weeks, converted an auto parts manufacturing facility in Indiana to the manufacture of ventilators. Now, as the demand for ventilators is subsiding in the U.S., these machines can be exported to other nations that need them. American enterprise and inventiveness will come to the rescue of sick patients around the globe. That model of self-sufficiency should guide American manufacturing policy from now on. The entire supply chain should be examined for all of our critical industries, to incentivize bringing production back home. Health care workers shouldn’t be left short of masks and gowns. Patients shouldn’t be deprived of life-saving equipment and medicine. One thing Congress should immediately reinstate is a tax incentive that for years helped keep production of pharmaceuticals much closer to home. It made Puerto Rico a major manufacturing center for critical drug supplies. But when it was allowed to expire, the production of these drugs moved mostly to Asia. Bringing this production nearer to home again is in America’s national security interest, and could help revive Puerto Rico’s moribund economy. That’s not the only manufacturing that

should be brought home. The world economy runs on computer chips. They’re in everything we use. And America has a great chip industry. But other nations heavily support their production of computer chips, and then dump them in the U.S. at below true cost. The Trump administration is wisely reviewing U.S. trade policy in this area, and there is great promise that much of the world’s future computer chip production could take place right here. New York is particularly well positioned to take advantage of this new manufacturing surge, because we have some of the world’s premier computer chip research, development and manufacturing capability. There are other areas where this clearer-eyed trade and manufacturing policy should prevail. In the most recent financial rescue package, U.S. airlines were given substantial relief, totaling some $25 billion. That’s understandable, because they are suffering dramatic declines in passengers through no fault of their own. But when these airlines start flying again, it would be reasonable to require that as they buy new planes in the future, they buy American. They’ll be surviving on taxpayer dollars, and we should be flying on American-built planes.

ur health care workers shouldn’t be left short of masks and gowns.

The same goes for other major U.S. manufacturing. American auto manufacturers have received substantial federal government support during hard times. They should bring supply-chain production back to the U.S. The parts that go into American cars should be made here, not overseas. And for years, Asian nations have been dumping solar panels to the U.S. at below cost. That should stop. We can and should make solar panels. That means jobs for workers who produce and install them. Other American energy sectors deserve support, too. The dumping of oil by Saudi Arabian and Russian despots during the pandemic has severely wounded U.S. oil producers. While cheap gas right now may be a welcome boost to our economy, losing our domestic oil and gas production to this unfair foreign oil dumping isn’t in our longterm national interest. A national energy policy that helps stabilize the world oil market and keeps U.S. production alive is. The next decade will be a challenging time for American companies and workers. We will be emerging from near Depression-era levels of economic carnage and job loss. Bringing jobs home and helping our economy to recover is America’s No. 1 job. 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.

What is your mother’s doctor’s license plate number?

e’re all caught in the password paradox: We need passwords that we can remember but that are odd and complex enough not to be memorable. As we get older, this is challenging. This week, for example, I stepped into the credit card quicksand and began sinking fast. It actually started last month, with an email from a major credit card company (name withheld, because I’m not that stupid) with which I’ve been doing business for many years. The note said that I would be getting a brand new card, just because. I was perfectly happy with my old card; RandI there were no kReIss issues; my bills got paid; but they wanted to share the “great news” that a new card was on its way. I proceeded to file that great news in the area of my brain reserved for stuff like remembering to book a colonoscopy. Then, a few days ago, the card arrived. Immediately, Inspector Clouseau (a.k.a. my husband) said, “How do you know who sent the card? Why should you get a new card

you didn’t ask for? Maybe it’s just a scam.” Man, life is hard enough these days. A deadly pandemic is sweeping the globe. We haven’t been out of the house in days. Do I really think people are out there trying to trick me into accepting a new credit card? Very possibly. Still I proceeded. I looked over the card and did what it said, which was to go to the company’s website and verify the card, thereby authenticating my existence. Suddenly, the shoe was on the other foot. The company was fine, but I had to prove who I am. Shouldn’t be a problem. I called the number indicated and got a young man with a foreign accent who might have been wearing a mask, because I could barely hear him. Also, I may be hard of hearing. He was definitely working from home, unless he brings his screaming toddlers to his office somewhere on the subcontinent. He asked me my name. “I want to ask you some questions, Randi,” he said, quickly getting very familiar. It was past my bedtime, and I just wanted to be done with this nonsense. “Please verify your address,” he said. Check. “Please verify your earlier address.”

Check. “What is your mother’s maiden name?” I told him. I was starting to sweat. “What was your first car?” Thank heavens I remembered that my parents gave me a 1965 Mustang, which they later took away from me and gave to my sister, who sold it at quite a profit 15 years later. But where was I? “What is the name of your favorite pet?” I looked at Lillybee and wondered, did I give them dog No. 1 or dog No. 2 or Lillybee? I took a shot, and guessed right. We were good. Now the inquisitor asked, “What is your verbal password?” “I don’t have one,” I said. “Apparently you do,” he responded. “I don’t remember it,” I said, now desperate to be done with the interrogation. “You need to tell me your verbal password,” he said, “or I can’t authenticate your card.” “Pomegranate,” I snapped, figuring I’d take a shot. “No, madam,” he said. “But I can give you a hint.” “What is this, ‘Jeopardy’?” I asked him. “I need to be done with this call. You have my name and my address and the last digits of

hank heavens I remembered that my parents gave me a 1965 Mustang.

my Social Security. You know more about me than my husband. Can’t you OK the card?” “No, madam,” he said. “But the verbal password starts with ‘e.’” Look, I said, we could be here all night before I come up with the right word. Then I whispered, “OK,” totally defeated. “Elephant?” “No,” he said, but then countered, “We can accept the last four digits of your checking account.” I yelled for Inspector Clouseau, who was in the next room, wearing headphones, bingeing “Homeland” and also fast asleep. “I need our checking account number!” I screamed. The inspector was not pleased. “Who would need our checking account number and why?” he asked. “Clearly it’s a scam. Someone is phishing.” But we had no choice. We’ve become those gullible old folks who sign over their home to any friendly felon on the phone. Reluctantly, Clouseau got the number, and the credit card guy was finally mollified. He said he would authorize my account. He said I had to create a new verbal password. I did, and I recorded it someplace very safe … but I already forgot where that is. Copyright 2020 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 21, 2020

America must bring critical production home

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N.Y. can learn a lot from South Korea

ov. Andrew Cuomo is set to open beaches statewide, including Jones Beach, on Friday. It is a moment we have all eagerly awaited, a symbolic gesture signaling we are starting to win the protracted battle against the coronavirus. We must not allow ourselves to become overconfident and complacent, however. As Dr. Megan Ranney, an emergency room physician and medical researcher at Brown University, noted on CNN last weekend, “This virus is so wily.” Just when you think you have beaten it, you haven’t. Case in point: South Korea. The country reported its first Covid-19 case on nearly the same day as the United States, in January. Unlike the U.S., however, the South Korean government conducted massive testing early, and began contact tracing to isolate the ill, while asking people to voluntarily practice social distancing and keeping large segments of the economy open. On May 5, South Korea reported only three new coronavirus cases, while the U.S. was reporting thousands per day, and South Korea had recorded just 250 Covid-19 deaths, compared to tens of thousands here, according to numerous published reports. With negligible levels of new infections and a relatively low death count, South Korea started to relax its social-distancing measures early this month. On May 2, South Korean officials reported, a 29-yearold man who had partied at five nightclubs on a single night in Seoul had tested positive for coronavirus, and infected roughly 80 others — and those were the 80 the government managed to track down. He partied among as many as 7,200 people that night, and the government was racing to find them all to ensure that the infected

Editorial update In our March 26-April 1 editorial, we called on Congress and President Trump to eliminate the $10,000 cap on the federal income tax deduction for state and local taxes, which is costing many Long Islanders thousands of dollars a year. Doing away with the cap would provide much-needed economic stimulus. self-isolate. At press time, authorities had identified 2,500. The man was what public health officials call a “super spreader.” A similar nightmare scenario could happen here if we are careless, and let’s state it plainly: Many Americans simply have not been as careful as the South Koreans. If New Yorkers are not vigilant as state officials ease stay-at-home orders, allowing us to again return to the beaches — and eventually stores, restaurants and schools — we could very well take a big step back, as was the case in South Korea. This past weekend, large groups of teenagers were seen cycling on the Wantagh Parkway bike trail on the way to Jones Beach, in violation of state social-distancing requirements. Many were in close contact but weren’t wearing masks, also a violation. Adults must model social distancing for young people. At the same time, parents and guardians must hold frank discussions with their kids, particularly teenagers who might venture out on their own, to explain the rules. Teenagers are social creatures. Indefi-

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letters We can all do our parts To the Editor: It has been heartbreaking not being able to be with my Ricky during this time at his residence for people with developmental disabilities. He has severe cognitive impairments, has never been able to speak and is now blind. He relies entirely on others for everything. That’s why, in all his 61 years, we have never gone this long without visiting his residence. During these frightening times, Ricky and most other vulnerable and defenseless New Yorkers are locked down and need direct caregivers, whose compensation does not reflect the essential nature of their work. Right now, so many frightening aspects of the coronavirus are out of our control. We don’t know who will be stricken, how our economy will fare and when this crisis will end. It’s a lonely time for so many of us. Through my many years of life and public service, I have found that when things spin out of control and we feel

Last Friday, the House of Representatives included the measure in its $3 trillion fiscal stimulus plan. That, in part, owed to strong lobbying by Governor Cuomo and the Long Island congressional delegation. We implore the Senate to negotiate in good faith on the House stimulus bill — and nix the SALT cap. nite self-isolation at home is among their worst nightmares. Now, at least, they will have the chance to head to the beach. Spending late spring and summer days on Long Island’s white-sand beaches is a rite of passage for many teens, particularly high school seniors who want to kick back for a few weeks or months after finishing school. They deserve to be able to do so, but they must do so responsibly. We all must. That means staying six feet apart from others, wearing a mask in public, washing your hands frequently for at least 30 seconds and not touching your face. If we follow these simple rules, we stand a much better chance of reopening New York safely, with minimal risk of a second infection wave. Otherwise, we could be South Korea. After the super spreader infected dozens in Seoul, Mayor Park Won-soon ordered all bars and clubs closed indefinitely. “Carelessness can lead to an explosion of infections,” he said. Remember those words this Memorial Day weekend if you are heading to the beach — or anywhere else.

opinions

y most recent column, “Medicare for all could cost you a bundle,” was published in the March 6-12 issue. So much has transpired since then. For one, the world turned upside down. Two, the subject of that column, Bernie Sanders, ended his presidential bid and endorsed Joe Biden. So, you could argue, that column is no longer relevant. We no longer need to discuss Sanders’s Medicare for All proposal, a single-payer health insurance system controlled by the federal government. sCott Maybe. But I Brinton fear not. In that column, I wrote that Medicare for All would likely dramatically raise federal taxes for most Americans to fund health insurance for everyone, whereas our current insurance system costs us less because our employers pick up the lion’s share of our premiums. I compared the United States with Canada. The U.S., I noted, spends $13,722 per person on health care annually, compared with $6,448 in Canada. The average American family, though, pays $8,200 a year for health insurance, compared with $9,200 per individual in Canada. From a purely economic standpoint, there is thus no incentive to move to a Canadian-style single-payer system — if you have health insurance through your

employer, which 91 percent of Americans do, or at least did (I’ll get to that in a minute). Biden has said he would expand the Affordable Care Act, a.k.a. Obamacare, if elected president, to make sure that a greater number of uninsured Americans are covered, with an eventual goal of insuring everyone. Democratic presidential primary voters have overwhelmingly voted for Biden, effectively endorsing his centrist approach to solving the nation’s health insurance crisis — and, yes, there is a crisis, and it’s only getting worse by the day. From 2010, the first year of the ACA, to 2016, the last year of Barack Obama’s presidency, the number of uninsured nonelderly Americans dropped from 46.5 million to just under 27 million, a decrease of nearly 42 percent, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, which studies health issues. In 2017 and 2018, however, the number of uninsured people increased by about 500,000 per year, as the Trump administration sought to limit enrollment in Obamacare as it worked to dismantle the ACA. Then the coronavirus pandemic struck. Now an additional 27 million Americans could lose their employer-based insurance because they are out of work, according to KFF. No job, no insurance. It is, as Sanders points out, a fundamental flaw of our employer-based system. In Canada, if you’re out of work, you keep your government-sponsored insur-

ance. And during a pandemic, you really don’t want people running around without insurance. Sick people need to see a doctor. Period. The question is, how do we balance the clear economic benefit of employer-based insurance with making sure everyone is covered? The public option. Essentially, it would work like this: The federal government would create an insurance program that all Americans could buy into, which would compete with private insurers. Government subsidies would ensure that anyone, regardless of income or job status, could buy into the program. It would be much like Obamacare, but rather than allowing states to control their own insurance exchanges, which has caused something of a hodgepodge system, there would be one program, run by the federal government, similar to Medicare. Pete Buttigieg proposed the plan during his presidential primary bid. It is not, however, a new idea. Obama touted it during his 2008 presidential campaign. Obamacare was a compromise between what the president wanted and what Republican congressional leaders were willing to accept. Both liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans hated it, but it appealed to centrists in both parties — at least at first. As the so-called bases of both parties came to hold greater sway in the years after the ACA’s enactment, it became the

ure, I love Norway, but the U.S. isn’t Norway, and won’t be anytime soon.

Letters helpless, those of us who pray certainly should. After that, I always realize that while I cannot change everything, I can change something, even if it’s a small matter. So I buy dinner for the direct caregivers at Ricky’s house at least once a week. I also reached out to Dr. Julie Bates and her staff at Advantage Care Diagnostics & Treatment Center in Freeport. Dr. Bates and her amazing staff specialize in health care for people like Ricky, who can be so difficult to diagnose and treat due to their inability to communicate and their different way of perceiving changes in their health. Like so many health care professionals right now, Dr. Bates needed funding to protect both patients and staff. I donated $10,000 to help them with that. I also helped Plainview Hospital with a $5,000 donation in appreciation of the wonderful care they give people with special needs. I try to do something every day, like delivering food and helping organizations that seek to make a difference during these very dark days. We have to remember, appreciate and recognize the abundance of good work being done right now by so many unsung heroes who are, together, making a massive

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS — May 21, 2020

Why Berniecrats should embrace the public option

target of increased derision among far-left f th les liberals and far-right conservatives. tea Which brings me to this year’s presiha dential race. nations Biden is an Obama-era centrist. Berty. It’s t niecrats despise centrism. I get it. They have embraced an ideal version of what a home. As t socialized state might look like — they bring up Norway again and again. Don’t get me wrong, I love everything about Norway, but the U.S. isn’t Norway, and won’t be anytime soon. The U.S. is a vast, diverse, populous, socially fractured nation, with no political consensus save for a dogmatic belief in capitalism, even among many liberals. Try passing Sanders’s plan for socialized insurance through Congress right now. It would never happen. So, what are Berniecrats to do? Do they, as so many did in 2016, sit out the election, or even vote for President Trump, as a protest? They’ll have to vote their consciences. They should try this thought experiment, panies however: Imagine if our entire insurance pandem system were currently under the purview author of Trump — who labeled the coronavirus critical to dom pandemic a “hoax” and suggested (perhaps sarcastically) that we inject people left the of the i with disinfectant and shine ultraviolet The light inside them to cure the disease. Let that thought sink in. Then, come make u panies November, vote. make t best ex Scott Brinton is the Herald Community Newspapers’ executive editor and an adjunct professor at the Hofstra University Herbert School of Communication. Comments about this column? SBrinton@ liherald.com.

FraMework Courtesy Richie Wendt

difference in quality of life, illness outcomes and the emotional well-being of everyone they touch. You can make a difference. I’m doing it daily, and it goes a long way toward keeping my faith and perspective. It can be done. When you help others, you also benefit by not feeling so helpless in the face of monumental challenges.

not to b challen stepped began s It ac email fr

HARvEY WEISENBERG Long Beach Weisenberg is a former state assemblyman.

Can Cuomo do no wrong? To the Editor: Re Jerry Kremer’s column “Cuomo puts the other guy from Queens to shame” (April 30-May 6): Yes, President Trump is brash, vulgar and rude, but Governor Cuomo’s remarks and presentations receive universal praise, with some pundits floating him as a possible replacement for Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential nominee. Little is made of the fact that New York has the most Covid-19 deaths of any state in the nation — 28,168 as of Monday.

A grandfather’s war memorabilia — Valley Stream

By contrast, California had recorded 3,290, despite having more than twice New York’s population. very little prominence is given to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, compared wit Cuomo.

“great n I procee area of I’m glad we live in a country whereremem we have the right to express our The Immed opinions. PHILIP KIRKhusban Sea Cliff the car

May 21, 2020 — HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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