Freeport
HERALD Leader
Freeport honors 9/11 victims
Village welcomes new business
USDA kills geese by accident
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Vol. 85 No. 38
SEPTEMBER 17 - 23, 2020
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WWII POW keeps sharing his story be able to do it this year,” Bernie added. “But I’m glad I can continue to keep doing this.”
By RoNNY REYES rreyes@liherald.com
Nearly wo decades ago, World War II veteran Bernie Rader, of War and survival Freeport, now 96, started sharRader was drafted into the ing the story of his imprison- U.S. Army in 1943 at age 19, and ment by the Nazis with audienc- became a rifleman. Although he es other than his family and had poor eyesight, a friend friends. helped him pass the Joined by his Army’s eye exam, he wife, June, Rader said, by whispering recounted his tale to the answers to him. visitors at the FreeA ye a r l a t e r, port Memorial Rader landed at Library in 2003, and Utah Beach in Norsince then, the coumandy, France. By ple, now married 67 Oct. 2, 1944, he was years, have told his on the move across story in schools and the west coast of libraries across France as part of a Long Island as well 55-man patrol tasked as in Connecticut, taking out GerBERNiE RADER with Florida and France. man soldiers who While the Raders’ World War II veteran were guarding normal routine was roads. interrupted by the Rader said his coronavirus pandemic, they held patrol received word of German their first-ever virtual presenta- soldiers in the area who wanted tion at Adelphi University in to surrender, and it was the July. patrol’s job to locate and interro“We’ve told this story about gate them. But the tables turned 300 times now, but it was our when the Germans ambushed first time doing it over some- Rader’s patrol, which held out thing like Zoom,” June said. “We for six hours against German were a bit awkward, but every- machine guns, grenades and one was so nice and thanked us.” mortars. “We weren’t sure if we would Continued on page 5
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Courtesy Freeport Public Schools
TEAchiNg ASSiSTANT RoBERTA Shapiro welcomed one of her fourth-grade students back to the Archer Street School as Freeport students returned to classes on Sept. 8 and 9.
It’s back to school in Freeport District holds first day of classes — twice By RoNNY REYES rreyes@liherald.com
Freeport students returned to classes on Sept. 8 and 9 for in-person learning for the first time since the school district closed in March as the coronavirus pandemic ramped up. “After many months of working collaboratively with administrators, teachers and parents on developing an approved reopening plan that meets the health, safety and
wellness needs of our students in these challenging times, it was rewarding and inspiring to see our goals become a reality,” district Superintendent Dr. Kishore Kuncham said. “It was wonderful to see our schools come to life, and to see the enthusiasm of our staff and students. Thanks to our students, staff and parents for making the first day of school a success, and to our Board of Education for their ongoing support. ”
“I was excited to be at the high school, Dodd Middle School and Atkinson School, and it was great to see the kids back,”said Maria JordanAwalom, a Board of Education trustee. School principals greeted their students and, along with teachers, guided them to their classrooms as they reviewed changes in the buildings and the new safety protocols to follow. Continued on page 10
’m always grateful for the opportunity to share my story. It’s a part of history.
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September 17, 2020 — FREEPORT HERALD LEADER
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FREEPORT HERALD LEADER — September 17, 2020 Photos by Ronny Reyes/Herald
AlmA ROchA lEd the village’s 9/11 remembrance ceremony with the Freeport Fire Department at the memorial site on S. Bayview Avenue.
Freeport remembers the fallen on 9/11 By RONNY REYES rreyes@liherald.com
Dozens of Freeporters gathered at the village’s 9/11 memorial last night, at S. Bayview Avenue and Ray Street, to remember their neighbors who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. “It’s great that our community is still able to come together to honor those we lost that day,” said Freeport Fire Department Chief Scott Braun, who joined the ceremony with Freeport’s firefighters at the adjacent Bayview Hose Company #3. Eight Freeporters died during, and in the immediate aftermath, of the attacks. Two were working at the World Trade Center that morning. David Garcia, 40, was a computer programer and Laura Marchese, 35, was a Freeport Memorial Library librarian working at a consulting firm. Both worked in Tower One. The six other Freeporters were first responders who died in the line of duty,
including: Richard Muldowney Jr., 40, a member of the FDNY Ladder Co. 7; Robert Fazio, 38, of the New York City Police Department, Andre Fletcher, 37, of the FDNY; Timothy Higgins, 43, of the FDNY; Michael Kiefer, 25, of the FDNY; and David Weiss, 41, of the FDNY. Alma Rocha, who serves as the speaker during the annual event, said she was grateful for the support her community demonstrated this year to the families and friends of the fallen. “We are going through difficult times, but we can overcome anything with each other’s support,” Rocha said. “We must come out here every year to show the families that their loved ones are still in our hearts.” “I’m proud of our residents for joining us tonight to offer a prayer to not only our neighbors who died that day, but to all the individuals who we lost on Sept. 11,” added Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy.
FREEpORt high SchOOl’S NJROTC, above, joined the ceremony. dOzENS OF RESidENtS joined the ceremony at a distance, left, to honor their neighbors who lost their lives on 9/11. lOcAl FiREFightERS SAlutEd their fallen brethren, far-left.
September 17, 2020 — FREEPORT HERALD LEADER
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Crime watCh Arrests
Fraud
■ A female, 20, of Freeport, was arrested on Sept. 7, at Southside Avenue, for criminal mischief and harassment. Freeport officers responded to a call of a dispute in the area when they found broken glass from a mirror and damage to a door. The officers arrested the suspect after speaking with all parties involved.
■ A 65-year-old Freeport resident contacted Freeport Police to report a case of fraud on Sept. 12. The resident said he received notifications from his bank showing $2,286.11 debited from his account by a company named “Casper Sleep Inc.” The resident said he does not know the company nor did he make such a transaction.
■ A male, 29, of Freeport, was arrested on Sept. 12 for leaving the scene of an accident that occurred the previous day at S. Main Street. On Sept. 12, officers were notified by the village’s License Plate Reader System about a vehicle wanted for leaving the scene of an accident entering Freeport. Officers located the car and made a traffic stop, where the suspect admitted to his involvement in a Sept. 11 accident, where he left the scene before police had arrived. ■ A male, 20, of Freeport, was arrested on Sept. 13, at E. Seaman Avenue, for multiple active warrants. Police responded to the area for a possible trespasser when the homeowner pointed them to the suspect, parked in the rear year. Police recognized the man as a person wanted for a shooting incident that occurred on July 2. The warrants on the suspect included criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of stolen property, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.
Unsecured Premise ■ Freeport Police responded to an alarm at a business at E. Merrick Road on Sept. 8. Officers found the rear door unlocked and performed an interior check of the business. They found everything in order and undisturbed. Officers left a message for the owner and re-secured the rear door.
Landlord/Tenant Dispute ■ Freeport Police responded to a landlord/tenant dispute at Ann Drive N. on Sept. 9. The landlord stated that one of his tenants had placed lockable door handles on the bedroom doors. A Freeport Building Department inspector was called to investigate. The tennant was advised that those types of handles were in violation of the building code and needed to be removed.
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.
Announcement for school meals The Freeport School District announced an amendment to its policy for serving meals for children served under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for the 2020-2021 school year, which would allow for all children at all schools/sites to be served meals at no charge. For additional information please contact the following person: Freeport Union Free School District Attention: Mrs. Beatriz Sarant – Director of Food and Nutrition Department of Food and Nutrition 50 S. Brookside Avenue., Freeport, N.Y. 11520, 516-867-5340 bsarant@freeportschools.org
Christina Daly/Herald
Jordan MccorMick, of Baldwin, was indicted for allegedly sex trafficking a teenage victim for nearly a year.
Baldwin man indicted for sex trafficking a teen A Baldwin man was arraigned Sept. 10 on a grand jury indictment for allegedly sex trafficking a teenage victim across Nassau, Suffolk, Queens and Brooklyn for nearly a year. Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced that the crime took place from September 2019 to June 2020, according to a news release. Jordan McCormick, 29, of Baldwin, was arraigned before Judge Robert McDonald on three counts of sex trafficking, a B felony, one count of promoting prostitution in the second degree, a C felony, and one count promoting prostitution in the third degree, a D felony. The DA requested that the defendant be remanded, and bail was set at $500,000 bond or $250,000 cash, or $1 million partially secured bond. The defendant is due back in court on Sept. 18. If convicted of all counts, McCormick faces a maximum of up to 25 years in prison. “For nearly a year, Jordan McCormick allegedly drugged and physically abused a young woman in order to sell her for sex for his own profit,” Singas said in a statement. “Sex traffickers intentionally target vulnerable young people by luring them
with false promises of safety, security and a feeling of belonging. My office is committed to holding defendants like Jordan McCormick accountable for their exploitative crimes.” Singas said that beginning around September 2019 and through June 2020, the defendant allegedly trafficked a victim at different hotels and locations in Nassau, Suffolk, Queens and Brooklyn. McCormick allegedly physically abused the teenager and allegedly drugged her so that she could stay awake to make more money for him. The defendant is accused of profiting from acts of prostitution by the victim and was arrested by members of the Nassau County Police Department on Sept. 9. Representatives of Singas’ office said if you or a person you know is being trafficked, contact the NCDA’s human trafficking tip line at (516) 571-7757. Assistant District Attorney Christine Guida, chief of Singas’ Human Trafficking Unit, is prosecuting the case. The defendant was represented at arraignment by Timothy Aldridge, Esq. The charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
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continued from front page During the surprise attack, Rader was hit in the legs and arms by shrapnel. As the German soldiers closed in to capture his patrol, he panicked, because he knew that if the enemy discovered he was Jewish, he would most likely be sent to a concentration camp. Despite his injuries, Rader managed to remove his dog tags, and asked a friend to bury them. He recalled how three other Jewish soldiers did the same. Five American soldiers died in the battle, and five, including Rader, were injured. The wounded were taken as prisoners of war. As Rader recovered at a hospital off the coast of Lorient, he worried about his lack of dog tags, especially when a German soldier confronted him about it. Fortunately, Rader said, the soldier changed the subject and asked about what life in the U.S. was like. German medics treated Rader’s injuries, but he and his fellow POWs were given little food, and fought off starvation. After 10 days of captivity, one of them got a message to the American Red Cross, and Andrew Hodges, an American Army captain and Red Cross field director, learning of their plight, made 13 lifethreatening trips to deliver food and supplies to the Allied POWs. Eventually, Hodges negotiated a prisoner exchange with the German military authorities. “Hodges was humble, devout, persistent and compassionate,” Rader recalled. “He was a great diplomat, and got 149 of us out.” On Nov. 16, 1944, Rader’s company, along with about 100 other POWs held on the west coast of France, were ferried to an American base.
Sharing history
Although Rader suffered a stroke in 1999, hampering his ability to speak, he said he underwent therapy solely to be able to thank Hodges for saving him and his fellow soldiers. Rader said the two of them became friends in 2001 when he joined Hodges for the 2001 documentary “For One English Officer,” which recounted the story of the 149 Allied POWs. While negotiating the exchange, a German officer asked Hodges if he was willing to risk his own life for that of “one English officer,” to which he
replied, yes, he would for that officer and all of the other prisoners. Rader said he felt it was important to share his story with anyone who would listen, but both he and June were surprised by how attentive their Freeport neighbors were when they began holding presentations at the library. “We only had photos to share when someone at the library came up to as after the presentation and offered to make us a whole PowerPoint presentation,” June recalled. “She just came into our house one day and set everything up for us, and we’ve been using it ever since.” Starting every November, the Raders spend about five months visiting schools, libraries and museums across Long Island, recounting Bernie’s story to students and history buffs. He returned to the French coast in 2004 with June in search of the dog tags that he had buried all those years ago. He never found them, but he was happy to revisit the site. The Raders returned to France on Veterans Day, 2007, where then French President Nicolas Sarkozy presented him with the French Legion of Honor, France’s highest civilian medal. It was part of a ceremony honoring the veterans who aided France during the two world wars. Although the Raders want to continue their presentations, they said the pandemic has made it difficult for them, as schools and libraries tackle the challenge of maintaining social distancing. But the successful presentation at Adelphi in July left them hopeful. Adelphi University staff members Felicity O’Brien, Nicole Fishelman and Genaya Loftis thanked the couple in a letter, expressing their gratitude for “bringing your story to a group of people who were separated by Covid-19 and quarantine, but brought together by your words.” “Telling the story of the extraordinary person who set you and so many others free demonstrates the spirit of generosity and gratitude which makes you and your story remarkable,” the letter read. “I’m always grateful for the opportunity to share my story,” Rader said. “It’s a part of history, and it’s important to me to be able to tell it for as long as I can.” Laura Lane contributed to this story.
Courtesy Freeport Public Schools
MeMBerS of the Rotary Club of Hicksville South presented Freeport School District officials with their donation to help students start the school year prepared.
Freeport students receive 200 backpacks from Rotary The Rotary Club of Hicksville South donated 200 backpacks and school supplies, valued at $4,000, to Freeport Public School students for their first day of classes. “We are so grateful to the members of the Rotary Club of Hicksville South for their timely and generous donation and for always thinking of ways to help our students,” said Superintendent of
Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham. “In this challenging time during the COVID-19 pandemic, these school supplies will greatly support our students and assist our families.” The Rotary Club of Hicksville South makes yearly donations to the school district through winter coat and school supply drives.
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WWII veteran recounts prisoner exchange
FREEPORT HERALD LEADER — September 17, 2020
Laura Lane/Herald
Bernie rader, aSSiSted by his wife, June, shares the story of his capture in World War II at local schools, libraries and museums.
September 17, 2020 — FREEPORT HERALD LEADER
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Town 9/11 ceremony honors Luis Alvarez By James Bernstein jbernstein@liherald.com
They gathered in the early-morning light Friday at the Hempstead Town Park at Lido Beach to honor those killed in the Sept. 11 terror attacks, and to salute the thousands of first responders who worked to save lives and to identify remains from the twin towers in the days, weeks and months after they were shattered by hijacked passenger jets. Spectators brought chairs, masks and coffee mugs and huddled against their vehicles in the parking lot as gray skies finally gave way to sunshine. They socially distanced, as requested by Town Supervisor Donald Clavin Jr. But the star of the 19th annual memorial service was a man who wasn’t even there — Luis G. Alvarez, a New York City bomb squad detective who worked on the pile, as ground zero was initially called. Alvarez, 53, died on June 29, 2019, a few weeks after delivering dramatic testimony to Congress that successfully extended the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. He died of complications of cancer linked to his work at ground zero. Luis’s brother, Phil, the keynote speaker at the ceremony in Lido Beach, said his brother “died in peace, knowing that the bill would probably pass.” “Thank you for never forgetting,” Phil Alvarez told the hushed crowd. “That’s what my brother would have wanted, that you would never forget.” His brother, he said, wasn’t a big talker, but when he talked, he made people either laugh or listen closely because he had something important to say. “There are a lot of Lou Alvarezes out there,” Phil said. “It was 19 years ago that my brother’s body began to die. But it was also when his soul began to live. He had a purpose in life, to warn others of the health dangers associated with working on the pile.” “Lou called me up one day and he said, ‘Bro, I got Stage Four.’” “I said, ‘What are we going to do?’” “He said, ‘We’re going to beat this bitch.’” And, Phil said, in many ways, his brother did. “He said, ‘I need to get in touch with my friends. I need to warn them about the health hazards.’” Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul came from her hometown of Buffalo to join the crowd in Lido. “These are truly extraordinary times,” Hochul said, referring to the coronavirus pandemic and the need to wear masks and separate. “But we will still gather,” she added. “This is where we need to be.” Hochul and Clavin later laid a new wreath at the Memorial Wall in the park. Luis Alvarez’s name was added to the wall. Clavin, who served as master of ceremonies, noted at the outset that 2020 “started as a normal year. Then, in March, everything changed for everybody. The sounds we heard all the time were sirens
Photos by Scott Brinton/Herald
Phil alvarez, Brother of Sept. 11 first responder Luis Alvarez, who died of 9/11-related cancer in 2019, was the keynote speaker at the Town of Hempstead’s annual Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony in Point Lookout. To his right was Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, and to his left, Councilman Bruce Blakeman. of ambulances, taking people to hospitals. But that’s what first responders do.” The event was also marked by prayers by the Rev. Michael Duffy, of St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Center; Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, of Yeshiva of the South Shore in Hewlett; and the Rev. Eric C. Mallette, of the Greater Second Baptist Church in Freeport. There were musical selections by the Gregorian Consortium of Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale. led by Director Alexander Basile. Mallette, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps, said people were expecting a prayer. But, he said, he also wanted to make a statement, calling on the spectators to love their country and “support the USA. If anyone wants to leave this country, they can go. I guarantee, no one will stop them,” Mallette said to applause. Valerie Laupheimer, of Nor th Bellmore, was among the first to arrive at the park, at 6 a.m. On Sept. 11, 2001, she recalled, she was working for the credit-rating agency Moody’s, across the street from the twin towers. Laupheimer said she had heard a loud bang, but thought it was just part of the city’s usual background noise. Her sister, she said, worked a few floors above her, and called to tell her to look out the window. “I did see an explosion,” Laupheimer said. “But I didn’t know it was an airplane.” She learned that it was soon afterward. She left the building shortly after 9 a.m. and walked to the 59th Street Bridge, but couldn’t get through the crowds, so she walked to the Brooklyn Bridge. She got a lift home from Brooklyn, arriving at home after 7 p.m. “I was in disbelief,” Laupheimer said of the day, as she stood at the edge of the crowd in the park Friday morning. “I’m still so devastated. So many people went to work that day, as I did, and they didn’t come home.”
FireFighters stood atoP the town’s 9/11 Memorial Wall before the ceremony. town oF hemPstead Supervisor Don Clavin, right, and Alvarez laid a wreath with Lt. Gov. Kathy Hocul at the Memorial Wall.
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FREEPORT HERALD LEADER — September 17, 2020
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September 17, 2020 — FREEPORT HERALD LEADER
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County hosts socially distant 9/11 ceremony By Scott Brinton sbrinton@liherald.com
In a nearly 40-minute, socially distant ceremony last Friday morning, elected and appointed Nassau officials and families of local 9/11 victims paused to remember the 348 county residents who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. At the solemn ceremony, held under a steel-gray sky, seven family members of victims read all 348 names before a handful of attendees at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, near the county’s 9/11 memorial. County Executive Laura Curran of fered opening and closing remarks, and Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder was among the attendees. The Nassau County Police Department Pipe and Drum band performed “Amazing Grace”; the Rev. Kevin Smith, the county’s fire chaplain, offered the opening
prayer; and NCPD Chaplain Dov Schwartz gave the closing prayer. “This has been a hard year, to say the least,” Curran noted in an email to county residents a day before the ceremony. “But as we approach the 19th anniversary of Sept. 11, I am taking time to pause and remember the tragic events that left our community and our nation forever changed. The World Trade Center attack stole the lives of thousands. We lost family members, friends, neighbors and colleagues — and we lost a sense of safety that we once took for granted. “The heroic first responders who set their own safety aside to rescue others,” she continued, “showed immense courage, and we are forever grateful. We face a second tragedy as we remember those heroes who survived 9/11 but lost their battle with Covid-19 this year — a disease made worse for those who spent days or weeks breathing in the air at ground zero.” To watch a video of the ceremony, go to liherald.com.
Photos by Christina Daly/Herald
victoria DEvito, from left, Greg Hoffman, Diane Fairben and Geri Ainbinder were also among the readers at Nassau County’s socially distant 9/11 remebrance ceremony last Friday. Each lost family.
News brief Veteran correspondent joins LIU’s Global Service Institute
SuSan HutcHinS waS among seven readers to recite the names of Nassau’s 348 9/11 victims at the county cderemony. Hutchins’s son Kevin Colbert, 25, of West Hempstead, died in the World Trade Center attacks. county ExEcutivE Laura Curran offered opening and closing remarks.
Rita Cosby, the renowned Emmy- the Institute to even higher levels.” The Global Service Institute’s Honwinning TV host, veteran correspondent and best-selling author, has joined orary Advisory Board comprises chamLong Island University as chairwoman pion boxer Evander Holyfield, Super of its Global Service Institute. Cosby Bowl champion Joe Theismann, “King of the High Wire” Nik Walwill lead the institute’s edulenda, Grammy-winning cational initiatives to s i n g e r D i o n n e Wa r inspire a commitment to wick, Emmy-winning volunteerism and elevate actress Susan Lucci, Roc the importance and power Nation President of Busiof service. ness Operations and StrateDuring the coronavirus gy Brett Yormark, Oscarpandemic, university offinominated Actor Gary cials said, the need for volSinise, best-selling author unteers to assist drasticalNelson DeMille, astroly depleted nonprofit organaut Buzz Aldrin, NATO nizations, so the need for Supreme Allied Commandt h e m h a s n eve r b e e n rita coSBy e r G e n e r a l We s l e y greater. Global Service C l a rk , M i c h a e l Re a Through engagement Institute chair gan, business executive programs, conferences, and D-Day veteran Maurice internships, scholarships and fellowships, the nonpartisan insti- “Hank” Greenberg, America’s first tute aims to develop character, prepar- female Four-Star Gen. Ann Duning and inspiring students and others woody, Medal of Honor recipient Col. to help find solutions to complex world- Jack Jacobs, founder of EarthX Tramwide challenges and seek personal or mell Crow, celebrity chef Robert Irvine, professional lives dedicated to service, public relations executive Ken Sunshine and others. according to LIU officials. The LIU Global Service Institute “The Global Service Institute established LIU as a premier destination for will kick off the fall 2020 semester with developing values-driven global citi- the “Headliners of Service” monthly zens who will impact their communi- virtual speakers series, which will featies,” LIU President Dr. Kimberly R. ture live conversations with Susan Cline said. “With her global experience Eisenhower, Housing and Urban Develexploring critical headlines and life- opment Secretary Ben Carson and Forlong dedication to service, Rita Cosby mer Israeli Prime Minister Ehud is an exemplary leader who will elevate Olmert.
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FREEPORT HERALD LEADER — September 17, 2020
Courtesy Nassau County Legislature Minority Caucus
Volunteer Christopher Merino, left, joined Gabrielle Brooks, Imani Jackson, Kayce Ann Smith and Shayan Tobria at taking orders and delivering fresh foods to Cedarmore Farmers Market customers.
Courtesy Office of State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin
Daniel Conlin, regional manager for Two Men and a Truck, cut the red ribbon for the company’s grand opening ceremony in Freeport.
Fresh food for local shoppers Movers find home in Freeport ket, which operates outside the Baldwin LIRR parking lot, between Milburn and Brookside Avenues, every Saturday through Oct. 31. Patrons can place advanced online orders at the market, which has been changed to a drive-through model, at cedarmorefarms.org. For more information, call 516-378-3415, or text FarmFresh to 474747.
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The Freeport community welcomed the Two Men and a Truck moving company to the village with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 9. Village Mayor Robert Kennedy and members of the Freeport Chamber of Commerce welcomed company officials, as did State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin and Nassau County Legislators Debra Mulé and Steven Rhoads.
Two Men and Truck have one other location in New York, as well as two locations in Virginia and one in Connecticut. The new Freeport branch is located at 175 Albany Ave. The branch will also be participating in the company’s annual Movers for Mutts program, which helps provide food, toys and essential items for pets.
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Nassau County Legislators Kevan Abrahams and Debra Mulé, both of Freeport, partnered with the Cedarmore Corporation to host a pop-up farmers market outside the Zion Cathedral Church of God in Christ on Sept. 4. Shoppers ages 60 and older received $20 vouchers from the county Department for the Aging to purchase fresh food from the Cedarmore Farmers’ Mar-
September 17, 2020 — FREEPORT HERALD LEADER
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Photos courtesy Freeport Public Schools
Caroline G. atkinson Intermediate School students waited their turn to enter their school.
Students adjusting to the ‘new normal’ continued from front page Students had their temperatures checked at several entrances at each school before they entered sanitized classrooms. The desks were separated, and students kept their masks on. Students will attend classes according to a Monday-through-Thursday hybrid-learning model, in which half of the students are in school one day and the other half the next day. When not in school, students will log in to their remote-learning schedules through the district’s Chromebooks. All will take part in online, asynchronous learning on Fridays. Only special-needs and English as a Second Language students will attend in-person classes all four days. About 1,200 students opted for remote-learning only. While the deadline to sign up for remotelearning only was Aug. 10, district officials said they have received more requests for the option since then, as well as some requesting to return to the hybrid model. District officials asked parents to stick with their current option and wait until next semester to make the change. As the district helped students acclimate to the new normal, it also invited Dr. Vera Feur, a Northwell Health child psychiatry specialist, to hold a webinar to inform parents about what they could do to help their children through these challenging times. “When the pandemic started, they lost their usual structure, and we’re trying to fill the gaps,” Feur said. “We need to focus on what we’ve learned so far and keep looking forward.” Most important, Feur said, parents and guardians should have conversations with their children about all the changes. She urged adults to answer questions and address worries, not avoid them. “What we’re all going through is not easy,” said Trustee Gabby Castillo. “I know it will take time for our children to get used to this.” Kuncham said that the district would hold similar webinars on wellness, mental health, anti-bullying and nutrition throughout the school year.
atkinson PrinCiPal Gisselle Campbell-Ham, above left, welcomed students. leo F. Gyblin School teacher Gina Newcome, above, congratulated her students on a successful first day of school. FreePort HiGH sCHool students, left, returned to inperson classes for the first time since March.
11
News brief
FREEPORT HERALD LEADER — September 17, 2020
Photo Courtesy Halfway Down
Those aT The Halfway Down restaurant, on the Nautical Mile, were among the first Home Town Heroes honored in the Freeport Herald Leader.
Herald seeks heroes for special section Here at the Herald, we’re continuing a special section entitled “Salute to Hometown Heroes,” to highlight local residents who have been working on the front-lines throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Each week, we have featured essential workers who have made a positive impact during the Covid-19 crisis, and highlighted their efforts to help the community around them. They are typically doctors, nurses, first responders, town employees, teachers, community leaders, etc. We’ve also featured residents who
have stepped above and beyond for their neighbors: from food delivery employees to a local grandma who baked cookies for those who have lost loved ones to Covid-19. Anybody working to help Freeporters stand strong amid the pandemic can be a Hometown Hero. If you would like to nominate a neighbor to be featured as a Hometown Hero, contact Freeport Herald Leader Editor Ronny Reyes at rreyes@liherald.com or freeporteditor@liherald.com. Your feedback is appreciated.
ObiTUAries Christopher Forward-DeRoche, 36, of Roosevelt, died on Sept. 11. He was affectionately known as Chris. Chris grew up in Roosevelt, where he attended elementary school through high school. He was passionate about advancing academically and obtained his Bachelor’s degree in criminology from St. John’s University. He then earned two Master’s degrees, one, an MBA from Dowling College and the other from Marymount University in human resources when he moved to Washington, D.C. in 2014. Chris was passionate about people and worked various managerial jobs within the Long Island and Washington, D.C. areas. He landed his dream position in human resources in January 2020, at the Department of Education in the Federal Student Aid division. While there, he held the title Employee of the Month twice. In 2015, while living in Washington, D.C., Chris met James Brown and, in 2017, they became engaged. Together they traveled to various countries around the world. Chris enjoyed spending time with family and friends and having fun girl-talk with his nieces. He had a love for fashion and
loved everything Gucci. He loved to laugh, entertain and loved being the “life of the party”. Chris was survived by his loving mother Valerie DeRoche, his precious grandmother Gloria Forte, his devoted partner of five years James Brown, his brothers Sean Forward, Remy Mallory and Gary Forward, sisters Samantha DeRoche and Ranel Mallory, his uncle Lawrence and aunt Lisa DeRoche, sister-in-law Tiona Forward, nieces Sara and Savana Forward and nephew Gavin Forward, as well as a host of cousins and friends. A memorial service is intended for a later date.
Susan Ricciardelli Susan Ricciardelli, of Freeport, died on Sept. 13. She was a retired operator for Verizon. She was the beloved wife of the late Charles, loving sister of Steven Vassilakos, Elaine (Andrew) Calafates and Kathryn (Michele) Vassilakos, dear aunt of Ted (Colleen) Calafates and Evan (Courtney) Calafates. Family received friends on Sept. 16. Interment L.I. National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association would be appreciated.
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Christopher Forward-DeRoche
Hometown Heroes
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Boris Herrera-Barillas
Bellmore
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W
A
hen the pandemic broke out, we were organizing our Pancake Breakfast, which was scheduled to be in April, and the Strawberry Festival. At the Kiwanis, all we do is two or three fundraisers that fund the club throughout the year. Right off the bat, we knew we were losing at least one event and that was going to hurt us. For our Strawberry Festival, we worked to arrange an alternate date. There’s so much time and effort that goes into these events that we needed the time to be able to organize everything. In March, we planned on holding our event in July — that’s what we were focusing on. Unfortunately, we had to cancel it. That’s our income for the year. The two events are 95 percent of our income. The cost associated with just opening up our Strawberry Festival is astronomical. That’s a concern to us, if we’re going to be able to hold an event next year, because we don’t know if we’ll have the cash outright. We use those funds to send children to Kamp Kiwanis in upstate New York. We usually send about 10 children from the area for a free week of camp. We also provide a dozen families with back-to-school supplies, Thanksgiving meals, Christmas deals, you name it — we try to take care of those families throughout the year. We sort of adopted them. Those funds had to be reduced, but we found we needed to send out more funds because of the situation. The families needed help.
s Freeport began its reopening process after months of quarantine due to Covid-19, special care was put into reinforcing safety and health regulations in the Nautical Mile to allow the businesses and restaurants there to bounce back while combating the spread of coronavirus. Freeport Police Officer Boris HerreraBarillas was among the officers assigned to the Special Enforcement Team, who spend most of their time on the Mile, ensuring that social distancing is being followed and that everyone is wearing a mask. The officers carry around spare masks to give out to residents and non-residents alike. Herrera-Barillas is a five-year veteran of the Freeport Police Department who enjoys building a positive relationship between the department and the local community. One of his favorite programs is the Freeport Adopt-a-Cop program, which he benefited from, himself, back in the fourth grade at the New Visions Elementary School. Herrera-Barillas recalled the impact that meeting the officers back then had on him, which inspired him to become a Freeport police officer. Now he’s dedicated his time to speaking to local students and joining them on class field trips. He also works with Detective Patrick Franzone, a previous Hometown Hero, and the Freeport Police Benevolent Association during its annual Toys-for-Tots holiday drive.
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Covid-19
1100016
September 17, 2020 — FREEPORT HERALD LEADER
12
13
ElMoNt rESpiratory tHErapiSt, MouNt SiNai SoutH NaSSau, ocEaNSidE
Girl Scout, troop 2600
B
ack in March, I took a social studies elective at Valley Stream North High School, and we were learning about the use of victory gardens during World War II. I kind of drew the parallel between soldiers risking their lives in that war and front-line health care workers that were out there risking their lives to keep us safe during the pandemic. For my Gold Award project, I decided to raise money for a “gratitude garden” to be planted at St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn. I chose that hospital because my mother has worked there as a cardiothoracic assistant for the past seven years. The tulip garden will be planted this fall since I’m still in the process of collecting donations and getting a plaque to go with it. The whole point of planting tulip bowls is that even if you plant them in the fall, they’ll bloom back every spring season. I’m hoping that in the spring seasons to come, health care workers in the hospital can pass by the garden and feel appreciated. I’m also planning to work with local libraries, elementary schools and community leaders to hold lessons on the meaning of gratitude and sacrifice. I’d also like to reach out to other hospitals to help them create their own gratitude gardens. It’s not only about the fact that I’m creating a garden for essential health-care workers, but it’s about spreading that kind of outreach for kids and adults to the entire community. I’m hoping that this garden can help me develop a better connection with community members.
T
he two words “front-line worker” are now a household term synonymous with medical workers; however, despite the common mission and responsibilities as medical workers, we must now juggle multiple roles that intertwine our personal and work life. Each of us is unique in our perspectives, but we must be similar to how we treat each patient. I have been employed as a respiratory therapist for 40 years; 20 of those years I have been employed with Mount Sinai South Nassau. Having experienced my share of epidemics in addition to some particularly challenging cases, I have had to develop within myself a sense of security, a false one, that I could handle any medical situation. That is how I felt, until Covid-19 knocked on our door. The magnitude of cases was extreme and exponential. Not only did patients come in unsure whether they would return home, but the front-line workers, like myself, faced that same peril. It became clear early on that what medical intervention we provided alone would not be enough for our patients. I knew my faith would also be tested, but as it did in the past, that faith would carry me every minute, every hour of every day. Covid-19 has changed my perception of our job completely. I constantly feared that my lack of Covid-19 knowledge, just like my fellow medical workers’, would make me a victim of the virus. Despite learning about other pandemics during past education seminars and conferences, I never imagined the stark reality.
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1102163
September 17, 2020 — FREEPORT HERALD LEADER
14
USDA: 86 geese killed at Baldwin park bdownes@liherald.com
Dozens of local residents and animal rights activists have denounced the recent removal by a federal agency of 86 Canada geese from Milburn Pond Park in Baldwin that were later killed. The agency said it was a mistake. In a July letter to Nassau County, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services department confirmed the removal of the geese in June and apologized for what was called an administrative error. The same type of work has been undertaken at several other Nassau County parks that are located within seven miles of John F. Kennedy International Airport, officials said in the letter, with the goal to reduce the hazard to aircraft posed by the geese. “When we reached out to the [county] Parks Department this year for Milburn Pond Park, it was with the understanding that it was a park within the seven-mile radius,” wrote William Wil-moth, assistant state director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services. “However, we erred in this understanding and apologize for any confusion this may have led to within your department and with Nassau County residents.” The park is about 11 miles from Kennedy Airport. Dozens of people gathered by the pond, on Merrick Road, for a candlelight vigil on Sept. 9 to pay tribute to the geese, spread awareness and call on elected officials to implement humane wildlife management methods. “There were 530 geese that were massacred at Nassau County parks since 2016,” said John Di Leonardo, senior manager at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and president of Long Island Orchestrating for Nature, a nonprofit that spans Long Island. “There were 86 [geese] here and over 100 in 2016, even though they’re nowhere near the flight path. For this to happen, there’s so many people who would need to sign off on it. They need to propose a strategic plan. This was absolute carelessness, and it’s cruelty.” Dozens of animal rights activists held up signs throughout the park and along the sidewalk to spread awareness of the removal and killings, and some motorists passing by honked their horns. “It breaks my heart,” said Alberta Bonner, a neighbor whose house is a few feet from the pond, adjacent to Coral House, a caterer that overlooks the pond. The geese used to congregate in her backyard, but now, since they are gone, Mallard ducks gather in her yard each day. “I had like 100 geese in my backyard every day, so when they disappeared one night, I noticed,” she said. It was 2016 when she realized about 150 geese were missing. “I saw a whole bunch of feathers, but no blood, and I was like, what happened?” The geese that were found in Milburn Pond in 2016 — about 150 — were removed and later killed as part of a work order approved by the county. “The United States Department of Agriculture made a routine request to enter Milburn Pond Park as part of their nest/egg management efforts under a five-year coun-
Bridget Downes/Herald
ty agreement signed in 2016 by the prior [Edward] Mangano administration,” Nassau County spokesman Mike Fricchione said. “When it came to the county’s attention that the park was outside of the sevenmile JFK airport radius, the agreement was rescinded, and the error was brought to the attention of the USDA, which has since taken responsibility for the oversight.” Di Leonardo, who frequently rescues atrisk waterfowl in local waterways, said the birds were molting their feathers when the team came in to remove them, and so were unable to fly away. “I’m a licensed nuisance wildlife control operator in New York state, and as a professional, I will tell you that this is cruel and this is ineffective,” he said, adding that lethal management does not work because the next flock of birds sees an open pond and flies in. A few birds had already populated the pond by the day of the vigil. “And you have the same problem, but is it really even a problem?” he asked. “These are native birds, this is native wildlife, who people enjoy having here. And even if we didn’t enjoy them, they’re their own individuals. They enjoy their lives.” Di Leonardo said the removal and killings happen because the “deceptively named” Wildlife Services division is “a bunch of contract killers.” “They charge counties and towns — municipalities — our taxpayer money to come in here and round up birds,” he said, “year after year after year, and they choose to use these short-term, ineffective and cruel solutions, because the more humane deterrents actually work better.” With humane management, habitat modification, chemical repellents and birth control like egg oiling, which prevents development, the populations stabilize, and birds do not overpopulate, Di Leonardo explained. “So all it does is rack up contracts for them. They’re incredibly contract-driven. They don’t care about the taxpayers, they don’t care about the geese, they don’t care about our ponds or our communities.” Animal activist groups have stopped the slaughter of hundreds of geese around Long Island within the past few years, Di Leonardo said, including in North Hempstead, Ronkonkoma and Brightwaters. “When people rise up, when people find out about it, community members are outraged,” he said, “and they usually do the right thing, but if we don’t hold our municipalities accountable, things like this happen.”
Edita Birnkrant, executive director of New Yorkers for Clean, Livable and Safe Streets, a nonprofit animal rights organization, who attended the vigil, said the actions taken by the USDA are tantamount to senseless violence and represent an antiquated model of geese control that does not work. “NYCLASS strongly supports and demands an end to these senseless slaughters, and we really need to evolve our thinking — we have to coexist,” Birnkrant said.
“The solution to everything cannot be to kill. There’s humane ways to handle this. We’re not in the dark ages.” She said the slaughter of geese and other waterfowl is “such a short-sided, irresponsible, reckless decision” because residents visit natural places to observe wildlife, “and to make them devoid of these beautiful creatures is obviously unethical on many levels, but it’s also sort of reducing the quality of life for residents.”
Public Notices
LFRE1 0917
LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that an order granted by the Supreme Court, Nassau County, on the 7th day of August, 2020, bearing Index Number 415-20, a copy of which may be examined at the office of the clerk, located at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY grants me the right to assume the name of Juan Jose Chicas-Villalobos. The city and state of my present address are Freeport, NY; the month and year of my birth are March, 1994; the place of my birth is East Meadow, NY; my present name is Juan Jose Chicas. 123084 LEGAL NOTICE FREEPORT HOUSING AUTHORITY PUBLIC NOTICE TO BIDDERS INVITATION FOR BIDS Sealed Bids will be received by the Freeport Housing Authority, at 240 South Main St., Community Room, Freeport, New York until 1:00PM. on October 21, 2020, for all labor, materials, and work to be performed under the following contract: CCTV, Access Control & Security System - 240, 250, 260 South Main Street, Freeport, NY Required for: Freeport Housing Authority 240 South Main St. Freeport, NY 11520 In accordance with the Plans and Specifications and Contract Documents
on file at the office of the Freeport Housing Authority, beginning at 10:00 a.m., on the 14th day of September 2020. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at said offices at 1:00PM on October 21, 2020. Each Bid must be accompanied by a DEPOSIT in the form of certified check, cashier’s check, or Bid Bond in the amount of Five percent (5%) of the Bid. Such Bid Bond shall be satisfactory to the Freeport Housing Authority executed and sworn to by Surety Company authorized to do business in the State of New York, and shall be required to qualify in the sum equal to the value of the work as stated in the proposal of the Bidder for whom it is to act as Surety, shall insure the Freeport Housing Authority, in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount of the base bid proposal. Electronic Copies of Plans, Specifications and Contract Documents may be obtained by contacting George Bella of GWB Architect P.C. on or after September 14, 2020 at 10:00AM. Contact info is as follows: George Bella, AIA 516.432.3406 Gbella@GWBArchitect.co m **Requests for contract documents should include the following: Company name Company Ad-
dress C o m pany phone number Contact name Contact e-mail address NOTE: ONLY BIDDERS THAT HAVE IDENTIFIED THEMSELVES TO GWB ARCHITECT P.C. VIA EMAIL WILL BE PERMITTED TO SUBMIT BIDS. BIDDERS THAT HAVE RECEIVED A COPY OF A BID PACKAGE FROM A THIRD PARTY WILL NEED TO CONTACT GWB ARCHITECT P.C. DIRECTLY FOR A BID PACKAGE. Bids must be wholly filled out on the prepared Bid Forms furnished with the Contract Documents, and must be contained in a sealed opaque envelope plainly marked on the outside by the title of the project to which they are relating, the name of the Bidder and his residence or business address, the number of the Contract and the nature of the work as set forth in the Instruction to Bidders. BIDS WILL NOT BE A C C E P T E D ELECTRONICALLY. The Freeport Housing Authority reserves the right to reject any, and all Bids or to waive any informalities or irregularities in the Bids. A Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting to review the scope of work and project procedures will be held at the office of of the Freeport Housing Authoruty located at 240 South Main Sreet,
Freeport, NY at 12:30PM on October 7, 2020. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FREEPORT HOUSING AUTHORITY 123103
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com TO PLACE AN AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF RESCHEDULED BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Meeting of the Board of Trustees’ of the Incorporated Village of Freeport scheduled for Tuesday, September 29,2020 has been RESCHEDULED to Monday, September 28, 2020 at 6:30 P.M in the Municipal Building, Main Conference Room, 46 North Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New York. Pamela Walsh Boening Village Clerk DATED:Freeport, New York September 15, 2020 123147 PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com TO PLACE AN AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232
FREEPORT HERALD LEADER — September 17, 2020
dozens of local residents and animal rights activists gathered in Milburn Pond Park in Baldwin on Sept. 9 for a vigil to pay tribute to the 86 Canada geese that were removed by a federal agency, in error, in June and later killed.
By Bridget downes
15
HERALD
Employment
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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.
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1080712
September 17, 2020 — FREEPORT HERALD LEADER
16
ROUTES AVAILABLE AT CALLAHEAD Corp.
NO CDL required, 4 DAY WORK WEEK, (enjoy 3 days off). Run your own route. Year round No lay offs! 100% medical, dental, uniforms, 2 weeks paid vacation. 401K. Plus commission. Will train! 4am-2:30pm. . Route driver $800.00 per week, includes $100.00 weekly bonus program. Plus 10-12 hours overtime. Apply in person Monday- Friday 9am-7pm at 304 Crossbay Blvd, Queens NY 11693 SUBSTITUTE MAINTENANCE PERSON ON-CALL. TWO Positions Available! Island Park Public Library. Must Be Avail. Weekday Mornings or Evenings. Saturday Availability A Plus. Must Be High School Graduate With Valid Driver's License.Who Can Lift 40 lbs. Email Library Dir. Jessica Koenig jkoenig@islandparklibrary.org or CALL 432--0122 ext. 222. TRUCK DRIVERS NEEDED - F/T P/T 5 Yrs. Exp. Clean License. Delivering Office Furniture. 516-599-0633.
WAREHOUSE HELP
Dependable, Reliable Individuals Needed For Pick, Pack, And Ship. Duties Include: Organize Goods, Receive/ Count Inventory And Maintain Safe Clean Work Environment. Start $15/Hr. Oceanside Location Email: info@srcomponents.com
Health Care/Opportunities
WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED!!!
HHA's, LPN's, Nurse's Aides Childcare. Housekeeping Day Workers No Fee To Employers
Evon's Svces: 516-505-5510
NEED A CAR? Find it in the HERALD Classifieds.
JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, It’s in the REALHerald ESTATE & MORE... Classifieds... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, To Advertise Call 516-569-4000 REAL ESTATE press 5 & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE... JOBS, MERCHANDISE, REAL ESTATE & MORE...
17
• To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 e s t. 1 9 1 1
HOME OF THE WEEK
Hewlett
Ronnie Gerber 516-238-4299
WishingYouAHealthy,Happy&SweetNewYear
Center Hall Colonial In The Heart Of Hewlett
1102437
To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5
OPEN HOUSES BY APPT SUNdAY, 9/20/2020 WOOdMERE 78 Burton Ave, BA, NEW TO MARKET! 5 B R, 4.5 Bth Col in Great Old Woodmere, Large EIK, FDR, LR/Fpl, Den, Office, Full Bsmt, 2 Car Gar. Near All, SD#14 .... $939,000 960 Greenfield Rd, BA, 4 BR, 3 Bth CH Col in Academy Area. Spac LR / Fpl, FDR, EIK, Fam Rm. Main Flr Br w/ Bth. Mstr Ste/Bth/ Off. Walk up Full Attic for Poss Expansion. Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Gar. SD#14. Near All .............................. HUGE REDUCTION! $889,000 HEWLETT HARBOR 268 Channon Rd, BA, NEW! Move Right Into This Updated 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Col on Parklike Property in SD#20. Full Bsmt w/ Hi ceiling. 2 Car Gar. SD#20. Won’t Last! ...... $879,000 357 Pepperidge Rd, BA, NEW! Beautifully Renovated 5 BR, 4.5 Bth Split on Resortlike Prop with IG Pool in SD#20. Low Taxes! ........................................................$1,275,000 3 Payne Circle, BA, 5 BR, 3.5 Bth Spacious Split on Beautiful Street in Cul de Sac. State of the Art EIK, 2 Dens, Bsmt, & 2 Car Gar. SD#20 ................................ $1,190,000 236 Richards Lane, BA, 5 BR, 5.5 Bth Contemporary, Acre Of Resortlike, IGP. Open Floor Plan. Full Fin Bsmt. Main Flr Master. SD14 .........................REDUCED! 1,599,000 1290 Seawane Dr, BA, WATERFRONT! MACY CHANNEL! Build Your Dream Home on this 1.25 Acre Property in Prime Location...................................................... $1,799,000 HEWLETT BAY PARK NEW TO MARKET! 7 BR, 4.55 Bth Stately & Grand Colonial Tucked away in Cul De Sac on Over an Acre of Parklike Property. SD#14 .................................................$2,250,000 159 Meadowview Ave, BA, Stately 5200 Sq Ft Colonial Featuring 6 BR, 6.55 Bths on Acre Of Resortlike, IGP, Tennis Ct, Outdoor Kit. FBsmt, 2 Car Gar, Fabulous Location in SD#14..................................................................................... REDUCED!! $2,699,000 30 Heron Dr, BA, Magnificent 8500 Sq Ft Waterfront Home on 2 Acre Resortlike Prop w/ Pool, Tennis/Sport Ct, New Landscaping w/ Waterfall & 3 BR Guest House w/ Kit, LR, Den. 300 Ft New Bulkhead. 4 Car Htd Gar. SD#14 .............. REDUCED! $4,690,000 90 Anchorage Rd, BA, Over an Acre of PRIME WATERFRONT Macy Channel, 135' Bulkhead, Open Layout, Main Flr Mstr Ste, Potential for Expansion .............$1,999,000 WOOdSBURgH 891 Keene Lane, BA, Magnificently Renovated While Retaining Charm, Stone Cottage. 3 BR, 2.5 Bth with Tremendous Potential for Expansion. Brand New Mstr Bth. Over 1/2 Acre, Near All ........................................ REDUCED & MOTIVATED!! $999,000 EAST ROCKAWAY 1 Thompson Dr, BA, NEW! 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Exp Ranch w/Open Layout in Waverly Park Area. Updtd EIK. O/S Prop w/Deck. Att Gar. SD#20 ......................................... $599,000 62 Bulaire Rd, BA, NEW! Renovated 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Exp Ranch with Open Floor Plan on Oversized Prop. Gran/Wood EIK, LR/Fpl, FDR, Vaulted Ceiling in Den. SD#20 ... $725,000 101 Emmet Ave, BA, WATERFRONT! Rebuilt in 2010, 4 BR 3.5 Bth Split w/ Pool, Outdoor Kit & Deck. Open Layout. Private Mstr Ste, 2 Car Gar, SD#20 ........$1,250,000
T
his beautiful home is landscaped to perfection! Just move right into this easy living lifestyle and start your day. This newly renovated three bedroom, two full bathroom home is located in SD#14 and is near all. The Bright and airy den looks into the backyard. The kitchen is great for entertaining and gracefully flows into the dining room. You will find gleaming hardwood floors throughout along with central air, attached garage that has ample parking. Call Nanci-sue Rosenthal for your private screening! 516-316-1030 or nrosenthal@coachrealtors.com
FREEPORT HERALD LEADER — September 17, 2020
Homes
HERALD
Ditch the LIRR, Rent Local. For Rent: 3 Room Office SuiteDitch the LIRR, Rent L Ditch Ditch the LIRR, the LIRR, Rent L R With Concierge Ditch the LIRR,Service Rent Local. For Rent: Hewlett Office Coach Realtors 1315 Broadway, Hewlett NY 11557 hewlett@coachrealtors.com 516.374.0100
Rent: For Rent: 112 Merrick Road, For Lynbrook 3 Room Office Suite 3 Room Office 3 Room Suite Office Suite With Concierge Service 3 Room Office Suite With Concierge Service Service With Concierge 112 Merrick Road, Lynbrook With Concierge Service 112 Merrick Lynbrook 112Road, Merrick Road, Lynbrook 112SFR Merrick Road, Lynbrook John Lawlor, CBR, Michele Librett-Lawlor, CBR, SFR NYS Licensed Real Estate Salespersons Contact (516)599-1100 ext. 141 Where Dreams For Rent:Come Home
75 SEAMAN AVENUE, ROCKVILLE CENTRE o: 516.766.7900 | signaturepremier.com
BestLiHomes.com • 516-418-3333
THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING?
1099323
2119 Bedford Ave. Bellmore, NY 11710
We look forward to providing home buyers and sellers with the highest level of personalized service and support.
1102520
Contact (516)599-1100 ext. 141
*If your property is currently listed with another brokerage, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the listings of other brokerages.
1094137
Won't You Be MY neighBor?
JUAN JARA Licensed RE Broker Associate Cell: 516-318-0142 Juan@AllStarRealEstateBrokers.com CAMILLE GIARDINA Licensed RE Broker/Owner Cell: 516-318-1392 Camille@AllStarRealEstateBrokers.com
Broker/owner
516-764-2601 rockville Centre 43 n. Park Avenue
“Going Above & Beyond to find your Dream Home”
Rhonda Healy
M: (516) 236-7269
Real Estate Salesperson, abR, SRS Verdeschi & Walsh Realty 1025 W. Beech St. | Long Beach, NY
OneKey Multiple Listing Service
1099943
E: Rhonda@rhondahealy.com
1099237
1102261
roger Hart
www.AllStarRealEstateBrokers.com
2949 Long Beach Road, Suite 8 • Oceanside, NY, 11572 Phone 516.766.8200
Open Houses EAST ROCKAWAY 101 Emmet Ave, NEW WATERFRONT! Rebuilt in 2010, 4 BR 3.5 Bth Split w/ Pool, Outdoor Kit & Deck. Open Layout. Private Mstr Ste, 2 Car Gar, SD#20..$1,250,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-429 NORTH MERRICK OPEN HOUSE BY OWNER. Saturday 9/19, Sunday 9/20, 4-6PM. 20 William St. Ranch, 3 By 1 1/2, New Kitchen, Open Floor Plan, 1667 Sq. Ft. Interior, On 1/4 Acre. $599K, Taxes 11K.
Contact (516)599-1100 ext. 141 Contact (516)599-1100 Contact (516)599-1100 ext. 141 ext. 141 Open Houses
WOODSBURGH 891 KEENE Lane, BA, REDUCED & MOTIVATED!! Magnificently Renovated While Retaining Charm, Stone Cottage. 3 BR, 2.5 Bth with Tremendous Potential for Expansion.Brand New Mstr B t h . O ve r 1 / 2 A c r e P r o p e r t y ! N e a r All...999,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299
CoOps & Condos/Sale
LONG BEACH OCEAN CLUB 1BR, LR, Eat-in-Kitchen, Bath, Brand New, Waterview, Garage, Lots of Closets. Owner $499K. 917-226-5625
House For Sale
We’re Keeping the American Dream Alive.
MrrogerHart@yaHoo.coM
1101985
Contact one of our hardworking professionals today for all of your real estate needs!
Open Houses
WOODMERE BA, 960 GREENFIELD Rd, BA,4 BR,3 Bth CH Col in Academy Area. Spac LR w/ Fpl, FDR , EIK & Fam Rm. Main Flr Br w/ Bth.Mstr Ste/Bth/ Off. Walk up Full Attic for Poss Expansion. Fin Bsmt. 2 Car Gar. SD#14. Near All. .REDUCED $889,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman RE 516-238-4299
BELLMORE: SIMPLY AMAZING! Multi-Generational, Customized, 3200 Sq-Ft, High-End, 1/4+ Acre, Park-Like Grounds. Chef's Kitchen, Master Ensuite, So Much More! $950,000 Martin Sorrentino, Signature Premier Properties 516-551-0082
Apartments For Rent CEDARHURST NO FEE Pr ivate Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For O n e B e d r o o m W h e n Ava i l a bl e. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978
EAST ROCKAWAY CHARMING Colonial 3 Bds, 2 Baths, Water Filtration System, 2 Car Garage. $505K. Call Persephone 516-809-1000 Coldwell Banker Real Estate
Professional Space/Rent
HEWLETT BAY PARK NEW TO MARKET! 7 BR, 4.55 Bth Stately & Grand Colonial Tucked away in Cul De Sac on Over an Acre of Parklike Property. SD#14...$2,250,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglss Elliman RE 516-238-4299h
RO C K V I L L E C E N T R E 1 1 9 N O RT H PARK AVE. Professional Office Building. 24/7 Access. Suites For Rent. Close To LIRR, Pkwys, And JFK. Reserved Parking. 516-825-5155
18
Market Place • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5
947101
To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5
1100347
& lANdSCApINg • Tree Removal • Stumps • Fertilization • Planting • Land Clearing • Topping
FREE ESTIMATES
Safe Roof and Exterior Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning, Repairs, Installations 1099696
Sunday, August 02, 2020 11:03:58 AM
FRANCISCO’S TREE SERVICE
1101634
OWA_REBOOT_BW_BOLD
516.431.0799
Lic# H206773000
Office: 516-546-4971 Cell: 516-852-5415
aboveallgutters.com
TREE SERVICE fREE ESTImaTE
If Your Plumbing STINKS
Father & Son Owned
10% OFF inc.
First Responders & Armed Forces
$50 OFF
• Oil to Gas Conversions • Hot Water Heaters • Boilers All Plumbing & Heating Work For House Lifts • Licensed and Insured!
FREE ESTIMATES 4 HR EMERGENCY SERVICE
$100 OFF
We’ll meeT & beaT any priCe guaranTeed Owner/Operated • residential/COmmerCial
516-216-2617
wenkpipingandheating.com
W eNK
PIPING & HEATING CORP. 1076858
• Tree removal Jobs Under • land Clearing $1,000 $500 Minimum • STump grinding USE COUPON CODE HER2020 USE COUPON CODE HER2020 Cannot be combined with other coupon Cannot be combined with other coupon • pruning We Care More Than The ResT for Less Jobs Under $1,000
Suff. Lic # 5-4512-H
Exp. 12/31/20
Call For Summer SpecialS
• ConCrete • BriCk Patios • stooPs • stuCCo • Belgium BloCks • sidewalks • drainage ProBlems • Cellar entranCe • waterProofing • driveway sealing demolition • dumPster serviCe • Powerwashing • handyman rePairs
516-424-3598
Free estimates
*Power washing sPecialist*
Residential and Commercial - All Surfaces Call Anthony Romeo “The Local Guy” “Anthony & J Home Improvement, Inc.” Also specializes in ★ Deck Renovation ★ Driveways ★ Siding ★ Masonry ★ Fences ★ Roofing ★ Interior/Exterior Painting. (516) 678-6641 - Licensed & Insured
Free estimates...Best Price For High Quality service
Expert Watch Repair
HEATING OIL HOME • COMMERCIAL
RELIABLE • 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE FAMILY OWNED FOR OVER 65 YEARS
CALL NOW FOR LOWEST PRICE
(516) 379-2727
CALL FOR MORE INFO No service in Long Beach
1081114
Licensed & insured
BeSt priceS in town
senior Citizen Discounts
1082007
Chimney King, Ent. Inc.
(516) 766-1666 FREE • Chimneys Repaired, Rebuilt & Tuckpointing ESTIMATES • Stainless Steel Liners Installed
Chimney Cleaning & Masonry Services Done By Firefighters That Care chimneykinginc.com
Fully licensed and insured Nassau • Suffolk • NYC
WWW.LIHERALD.COM
1101474
Se Habla Espanol
the
BLACKTOP
1099889
at
in
OFF
For New Customer
ALFREDO’S CONSTRUCTION Specializing
$25
Any Service Call
1084810
5% OFF
Vet’s Seniors & All Mail Services
Nass. Lic # H2904450000
Call The WeNKS! 516-889-3200
1096763
September 17, 2020 — FREEPORT HERALD LEADER
HERALD
A building with ‘a lot of potential’ Q. We bought a building that has three stores on the bottom and an attic above each store tall enough to stand in. The real estate rep said it was intended to be apartments that were just never built, and that it had “a lot of potential.” The building also has an easement driveway that goes to the back, for our property as well as the property next door and two houses behind. We were told that we could maximize the property by building over the Ask The driveway, since it’s part of Architect our property. How do we find out about these things? Our attorney suggested that you might know. A. Hopefully you bought the property for the rental income of just the three stores, because you can’t imagine that nobody else ever saw the onte eeper potential for the buildings in the past but just didn’t try to develop the property further. After rule No. 1 in real estate, which is “location, location, location,” comes rule No. 2, to develop the highest and best use of a property. Always maximize these two for the greatest return on investment, according to my real estate professor. If not, we were taught, then know when to walk away. One of the first things to evaluate, after the building and property condition, is the municipal zoning requirements, such as required parking based on use. Parking is the largest amount of space limitation, and can be the most challenging to investment return. Retail often requires space for one car per 200 square feet for onsite parking, plus driving aisles 23½ to 24 feet wide and a twoway driveway for entry and exit from the site. This takes a lot of space away from the building area. You can’t take street parking or municipal lots into account, because they’re shared by the public, but there may be a written decision in property records that grants a waiver of the off-street parking requirement if the same use is continuous. If you add or change a use, the waiver may not continue, and a new zoning case may need to be evaluated before a zoning board. Easements are the attorney’s job to juggle, since title and deed restrictions are part of land limitations set by local law and government legal decisions. I have rarely seen anyone be successful at building above an easement without expense that may be more than the value of the purpose. The attic space, if adapted to more retail or housing, opens up many more issues, such as space-consuming access stairs for entry and separate fire escape. Sprinklers, flame-retardant finishes, elevator, emergency lighting, alarms, strobes, control panels — the list is long. Always ask before you buy. The tough part before purchase is allowing the time it takes to get real answers. Every requirement is based on so many varying factors due to differing materials, building areas and uses. There will be a lot of number crunching and research to possibly reach your goal. Good luck!
M
L
© 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.
Stuff
To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 MERCHANDISE MART
SERVICES
Antiques/Collectibles
Air Cond. & Heating
We Buy Antiques, Fine Art & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 40 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464
Ye a r l y M a i n t e n a n c e . F i n a n c i n g Available/ FREE Estimates For Installs. 10% Discount With This Ad. Wise Aire Mechanical Inc. Call Cell 516-244-9137
Miscellaneous For Sale
Cable/TV/Wiring
BEHR'S CRIB- POSH. Neutral Colors. Converts To Teen Bed. Storage Space Drawer, 32" Armoire, Chest w/Hutch, Includes Base, Mattress and End Table. $600. 516-603-5800.
FINDS UNDER $100
Electricians
Finds Under $100
E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.
ANTIQUE SINGER TREADLE sewing machine in floor cabinet. $75 or best offer. Call Maureen - 516-395-1999. B I S S E L L P RO H E AT Tu r b o C a r p e t Cleaner $60 516 395 1999 Mark COFFEE TABLE: PULL up table, black 38x24 from Raymour and Flanagan $100 516-297-2420 COMPUTER LAPTOP: CQ60-215DX 4gb-Mem, 250gb-HD Win10 64x upgraded w/many new HW par ts/apps $80. 516-794-4712 CRAFTSMEN TOOL BOX with Rachet sets, assorted wrenches. handymen tools, etc. $40 take all. 516-221-5374 GIRLS FALL CLOTHES: Size 5 New with Tags. $8 each. Text for pics 917-420-5814. Merrick GIRLS FALL CLOTHES: Size 8 New with Ta g s. $ 9 e a c h . $ 9 0 fo r 1 0 p i e c e s. 917-420-5814. GRACO PACK & Play w/Infant Bassinet, Changing Table. $45. Toys-R-Us Folding Highchair $20 Like New. 516-647-0433 HAMILTON BEACH BRAND 6qt. 1) crockpot brand 7qt. Both brand new each $15. 516-297-2420 MAGIC TRACKS SET: 643 pieces, $25. Remote Control Motor Cycle, Big Wheel Truck $7 each. 516-974-9027 MEXICAN (DARK WOOD) breakfront with matching credenza. Excellent condition. $95 for both or best offer .Call Mark 516-395-1999. OFFICE CHAIR GRAY excellent condition $30 Mark 516 3951999 PA R ROT / C O C K AT I E L C AG E W I T H matching stand. Black iron. Excellent condition. $50. Call Maureen - 516-395-1999. PEA COATS: Gap Kids, Wool Blend, Boys, Medium, Blue, Girls, Large, Red. New Never Used. $30/Each. 516-825-0069 PIANO (UPRIGHT): OLD but in excellent condition. Free. Pay for pick-up & delivery. (516) 974-9027 POULAN 18" BLADE Chainsaw. $75.00. Homelight chainsaw also available. Contact Anthony 516-996-1383 PRIDE POWER WHEEL chair in excellent condition.$400. (516) 561-1076. RECIPROCATING SAW: 6 AMP, rotating handle, 5 stops, 16 blades, hardly used $50. 516-794-4712 ROLLING WALKER, LARGE, heavy duty, includes hand brakes, seat, storage space. Very good. $75. 516-218-2604. SEWING MACHINE, KENMORE 10 And Cabinet Wth Two Side Drawers. New Never Used. $99.99. 516-825-0069 TRUNDLE BED, TWO mattresses included. White wrought iron look. Excellent condition. $90 or best offer. Call Mark 516-395-1999. VINTAGE 78 RECORDS Lot of 34 for $30. Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore and more. 516-596-1538. WHEELCHAIR BY DRIVE, extra wide seat, hand brakes, seat belt. Good. $95 O.B.O. 516-218-2604 WHEELCHAIR: EXCELLENT condition $50.00 516-561-1076 WINTER COVER FOR 15 ft. round pool, used 1 season $45 516-887-2656
DRIVE OUT BREAST Cancer: Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup - 24hr Response Tax Deduction - Easy To Do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755
• System Turn-Ons
• Installations/Renovations Service • Repairs
Junk Cars Wanted
Certified Backflow Tester Free Estimates Licensed and Insured
Joe Barbato 516-826-7700 Wanted To Sell
FREON WANTED: WE pay CA$H for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114. Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-361-0601 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Handyman
Careers/Training
MIKE THE HANDYMAN: Light JobsPlumbing, Electrical, Specializing Vinyl Tiles, Gardening, Powerwashing, Painting. Interior And Exterior. Experienced. Reliable And Honest. Call Cell 516-225-8107; 516-837-3436
TRAIN AT HOME TO DO MEDICAL BILLING! Become a Medical Office Professional online at CTI! Get Trained, Certified & ready to work in months! Call 855-543-6440. (M-F 8am-6pm ET)
Home Improvement
Education
HANDY DANDY NO JOB TOO SMALL! *Kitchens/ Baths *Painting *Sheetrock *Taping/ Spackling *Installations Ceramic/ Vinyl Tile *Carpentry *Alterations *Repairs/ More. FREE ESTIMATES. Dan 516-342-0761
COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM! Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Now offering a $10,000 scholarship for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! (844) 947-0192 (M-F 8am-6pm ET)
*MICHAEL LO BAIDO CONSTRUCTION*
Cement Specialist, Brickwork, Interlock Bricks, Belgium Blocks, Stoops, Patios, Basement Entrances, Pavers, Waterproofing. Quality Work, Lic./ Ins. Owner Always Onsite Free Estimates 516-354-5578
Landscaping/Gardening LANDSCAPING SPECIALIST WEEKLY Lawn Maintenance, Planting, Seeding, S o d , Tr i m m i n g , F r e e E s t i m a t e s , 516-587-3971 LONG ISLAND BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE LIc/ Insured H2082290000
Miscellaneous DISH TV $59.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice R e m o t e . S o m e r e s t r i c t i o n s a p p l y. 1-888-609-9405 GET DIRECTV! ONLY $35/month! 155 Channels & 1000s of Shows/Movies On Demand (w/SELECT All Included Package.) PLUS Stream on Up to FIVE Screens Simultaneously at No Additional Cost. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918
Power Washing POWERWASHING ALL SURFACES: H o u s e s , Fe n c e s , C o n c r e t e / B r i ck , Decks/Sealing. . ANTHONY & J HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC. 516-678-6641
Tree Services FRANCISCO'S TREE SERVICE
AND LANDSCAPING: Tree Removal, Stumps, Fertilization, Planting, Land Clearing, Topping. Free Estimates. Lic# H206773000. Office 516-546-4971, Cell 516-852-5415 T&M GREENCARE TREE SERVICE *Tree Removal *Stump Grinding *Pruning *Roof Line Clearing. Residential and Commercial. "We Beat All Competitors' Rates." Lowest Rates. *Senior Discount. Free Estimates. *516-223-4525, 631-586-3800 www.tmgreencare.com
Autos Wanted
***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highe$t Ca$h Paid$ All Years/Conditions! WE VISIT YOU! Or Donate, Tax Deduct + Ca$h. DMV ID#1303199 Call LUKE 516-VAN-CARS 516-297-2277
All Central Air Installs/ Repairs
WIREMAN/ CABLEMAN: Flat TVs Mounted, Phone/ Cable TV & Computer Wiring Installed/ Serviced, Camera/ Stereo Systems Installed, HDTV Antennas, FREE Estimates. Lic.#54264-RE. Credit Cards Accepted. davewireman.com. Call Dave 516-433-9473(WIRE) 631-667-9473(WIRE) 516-353-1118(TEXT)
ABOVE GROUND POOL pump, 3/4 hp, u s e d a n d i n ve r y g o o d c o n d i t i o n ; $30 516-887-2656
Sprinkler Syst./Irrig.Wells
1082363
1 9 6 0 ' S V I N TAG E PA I N T I N G - R E D CAPE BULLFIGHTER by John DeKay. 45x35. Deep End Rich Colors. Frame Included. $285. 516-603-5800.
• To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5
Health & Fitness VIAGRA & CIALIS! 60 pills for $99. 100 pills for $150. FREE shipping. Money back guaranteed! 1-855-579-8907
Legal Services BOY SCOUT COMPENSATION FUND Anyone that was inappropriately touched by a Scout leader deserves justice and financial compensation! Victims may be eligible for a significant cash settlement. Time to file is limited. Call Now! 844-587-2494 RECENTLY DIAGNOSED W/LUNG Cancer or Mesothelioma? Exposed to Asbestos Pre-1980 at Work or Navy? You May Be Entitled to a Significant Cash Award! Smoking History Okay! 888-912-3150
Music Lessons PIANO LESSONS: Adults And Children Beginner To Intermediate. First Lesson FREE 30-45 Minute Lesson. All Styles Of Music. Contact Sherry 516-491-6743 or Email: guzzocherubina@gmail.com
Tutoring EXPERIENCED ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER Virtual or In Person Sessions. Immediate openings. References upon Request. Afinkelstein519@gmail.com NEW YORK STATE Retired Certified Teacher, 32 Years Experience, Grades K- 6th. All Subjects. Available for In Person or Remote Learning $50 Per/ Hour. 631-839-0070
AUTOMOBILE & MARINE
Autos For Sale MAZDA CX3 SPORT, 2019: AWD, 13K Miles, Excellent Condition, Asking $21,500. Call 516-592-2683 MERCEDES BENZ E350, 2006: 4-Matic, 70K Miles, Excellent Condition. Must See! $12,000. 516-603-8697
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Call us at 516-766-0000
Motorcycles For Sale MOTORCYCLE: BMW R1200 MONTAUK, 2004. Pristine, Like New Condition, Low Mileage, Light Blue, $5,500. 516-313-3425
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HErald
Crossword Puzzle
FREEPORT HERALD LEADER — September 17, 2020
HERALD
19
20
Herald editorial
Freeport
HERALD September 17, 2020 — FREEPORT HERALD LEADER
Leader
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Fill out the census — the deadline is Sept. 30
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lected leaders from across Nassau County are urging — even pleading with — residents to fill out the U.S. census if they have not already done so, and time is running out. The census count will end Sept. 30. The census was originally scheduled to wind down Oct. 31, but in August the U.S. Census Bureau suddenly reduced the time frame by a month. In August, however, four out of every 10 Americans had yet to file their census forms, according to National Public Radio. That has led to fears of severe undercounting, particularly in minority communities. That is why elected leaders across the county have held news conferences of late, encouraging residents to file their forms to ensure that the states have the correct number of U.S. representatives and that local governments receive all the federal aid they are rightly entitled to — both are based on population — and to assure residents of color, particularly recent immigrants, that they have nothing to fear from the census. Many immigrants reportedly fear that filing might jeopardize their status, particularly after President Trump pushed for inclusion of a citizenship question on the census form, a requirement that the Supreme Court shot down in July 2019. Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, a Democrat from Baldwin, recently held a news conference in Roosevelt with U.S. Rep. Kathleen Rice, a Democrat from Garden City. In August, Curran appeared at Glen Cove City Hall with U.S Rep. Tom Suozzi, a Democrat from Glen Cove. The census was the focus of both gatherings. Local leaders are right to be concerned.
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letters Thanks for the memories To the Editor: Re Scott Brinton’s column “The little bench in my backyard” (Sept. 3-9): It was very moving. This last year has been extremely difficult for so many. I can’t imagine how journalists like Brinton must feel, writing about the virus. The toll it has taken must be extraordinary. I don’t have a bench, but I have a small footstone that my son made when he was in kindergarten. It’s round and has small, colorful stones embedded in it. He glued those stones in carefully — his wonderful masterpiece. My son is now 21, living in North Carolina, attending college. Thank you to Brinton for sharing his memories. SARI BERKOWITz Glen Cove
What the Constitution says The U.S. Constitution mandates that the country count its population once every 10 years. The results are used to adjust or redraw electoral districts, based on where populations have increased or decreased. State legislatures or independent bipartisan commissions are responsible The Village of Freeport’s census response rate was 54 percent as of early this month; Elmont and Roosevelt, 53 percent; and the Village of Hempstead, 49 percent. This is indeed an urgent matter. Rice noted that a 1 percent undercount in the census could cost a local school district or government tens of thousands of dollars, if not hundreds of thousands, in federal aid per year. A severe undercount could cost millions. Overall, Nassau County’s response rate was solid at 73 percent, according to the most recent data, but even that number is concerning, given the amount of aid that could be sacrificed by an undercount of more than 25 percent. “When it comes to the census, the stakes have never been higher for Nassau,” Curran said at the Roosevelt news conference, addressing the coronavirus pandemic. “This census is about more than just ensuring we finally get our fair share of federal government dollars when we need it most. This year’s census is a once-in-a-decade opportunity for us to directly combat the inequities this crisis
for redrawing congressional districts. The U.S. Census Bureau provides states with population counts for this purpose. Everyone living the United States and its five territories is required by law to be counted in the census. Source: U.S. Census Bureau
has laid bare.” According to the Census Bureau, you should be counted where you were living and sleeping most of the time as of April 1. If you’re responding for your home, count everyone who lives and sleeps there most of the time. That includes children, foster children, roommates, and any family members or friends who are living with you, even temporarily. If someone is staying with you because of the pandemic, however, they should be counted where they usually live. This includes college students, who should still be counted at school. If they live in student housing, the college will count them. If they live off campus, they should respond for their off-campus addresses. Filling out the census takes no more than 10 minutes, and you can do so securely online at 2020census.gov. To reach the U.S. Census Bureau for help, call (844) 330-2020 for English speakers and (844) 468-2020 for Spanish speakers. Representatives are available daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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here has been much publicity about the failure of the U.S. Senate to agree on a new aid package for the states. The costs of dealing with the impact of the coronavirus have hit every government hard, but especially the northeastern states. Largely left out of the discussion, however, is the serious headache that Nassau County and New York’s 61 other counties face. Whether you are distant Cayuga County or Nassau, the story is the same. Sales tax revenues are down 20 percent in most areas, and state aid has been cut jerry by 15 percent. kremer Property tax collections have been delayed to help people with fixed or no income. In short, sometimes government closest to you suffers the most. As a former chair of the State Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee, I was curious, and took a deep look at Nassau’s finances and the impact of Covid-19, which mirror many other counties. County Executive Laura Curran has done a great job of managing the coun-
ty’s finances. When she was elected in 2017, she was saddled with a massive budget deficit and faced the possibility of a state takeover of the county’s finances. Her predecessor, Ed Mangano, had proposed a series of budgets with so-called one-shot revenues and lots of Band-Aids that were destined to fall apart. Most Nassau residents don’t know that it is one of only a few jurisdictions in the state that has a control board watching its every financial move. The Nassau Interim Finance Authority was established in 2000, and has a full-time staff. It was dormant until 2011, when the county was in desperate need of an outside monitor. The bond rating agencies advised county officials that they needed a series of modest tax increases to fill their budget hole. But political fear prevented it. Writing about something that’s not very sexy can be a challenge, but readers should understand how their government functions. Nassau County taxpayers wake up every morning expecting the police to control the streets, the highway workers to fill the potholes and the parks to be open for their enjoyment. All of these activities rely on there being
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ounty Exec. Laura Curran has done a great job of managing Nassau’s finances.
LeTTers Appreciation for a refreshing op-ed To the Editor: I’d like to thank Scott Brinton for opening his nostalgic garden to his readers. It was a refreshing respite from all the political and pandemic-related news out there in the real world. Not only do his trees offer some protection against global warming, but in addition to his plethora of flowers, they add much beauty to our world. His ability to link such beauty to familial events in his life is a testament to the love he has for his family as well as to our earth. PAM SINgER Malverne
We need better street signs To the Editor: There was a long-overdue letter to the editor in the Aug. 20-26 issue, “Buildings need street addresses,” from Robert Rubalsky. Drivers become impediments to normal traffic flow while they search for locations that are not clearly marked with visible postal addresses. We have all been in this situation, either as the searcher or as the frustrated driver
enough money in the county treasury to pay for its workers and its facilities. The county currently faces a drop in revenue of $438 million, the result of all of the factors mentioned above. In simple terms, no business can survive for too long with losses of 25 percent or more. On Aug. 10, Curran announced a prudent plan to close this yawning budget gap. She proposed a series of budget cuts that would save $54 million. To offset the total of $438 million, she used all of her surplus funds, which included $103 million that local governments got in the CARES Act. Her proposal would produce $385 million in savings, which would erase the deficit. But there is one catch to this plan: The county owes NIFA a $75 million payment that is due in November. The County Legislature must approve the deferral of this payment, which would help avoid any serious tax increases. While the Legislature is controlled by the Republican Party, and Curran is a Democrat, I am convinced the Legislature will do the right thing and allow the payment to NIFA to be deferred for a year. If the county can’t balance its budget for
stuck in traffic behind one of these pilgrims in search of a destination. There are definite solutions, and at least one, the prominent display of a numerical address, is easy and inexpensive. These numbers are available in indoor or outdoor adhesive styles of many variations, and you don’t need to be a wizard or an acrobat to fasten them in place. go to your local hardware store or home center. If you want to be fancy, there are numbers in brass, chrome or black that fasten with screws, and require slightly more expertise to install. Another problem: Our street sign systems in the U.S. vary widely in the information provided and how it is displayed. Most signs are now reflective, and lettering size has been increased for visibility. One problem has been solved, but another one has been ignored, especially in New York. When you get to the correct intersection, which way do you turn to reach your destination? Short of using your gPS on every trip, you have a 50 percent chance of turning in the right or wrong direction. The answer is simple, and although I hate giving credit to California, that state has gotten it right. Just look at the street signs at the second-most-famous intersection of the country after 42nd Street and Broadway, Hollywood and Vine in Los Angeles. Above or below the street name is a slightly smaller sign
the coming year, all taxpayers may suffer, and the NIFA board could impose drastic cuts in county services. The tale of Nassau’s finances is being repeated in community after community. Since March, our television screens have been filled with story after story about all the human hardship the virus has caused. The scenes of emergency workers treating suffering people have left us with images that we will never forget. The services that save lives have to be paid for, and in the end, the buck stops with local government officials. Sadly, the people who can help pay for the coronavirus fallout — members of the Senate — went home for and returned from a summer recess, and still they have taken no action. There will apparently be no additional unemployment benefits and no small-business relief. Assistance for local governments won’t happen. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell reminds me of Nero, who fiddled while Rome burned. Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? JKremer@liherald.com.
Framework by Miguel Martinez
Near the Pacific coast, with the haze of wildfires in the distance — Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif.
with the numbers on that block. What a concept. Imagine getting to a corner and knowing immediately whether the numbers ascend or descend from that inter-
section in either direction. It’s an idea whose time has come. ERIC SPINNER New Hyde Park
FREEPORT HERALD LEADER — September 17, 2020
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McConnell fiddles while counties like Nassau burn
September 17, 2020 — FREEPORT HERALD LEADER
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A maddening tale of two presidencies
onald Trump revealed his true self to The Washington Post’s Bob Woodward over the course of 18 interviews beginning last December, appearing coherent and well-informed — in matter-of-fact terms, for example, he noted as early as February that he knew the coronavirus was five times more deadly than the more “strenuous” strains of the flu. Trump could have acted decisively to stem the tide of disease that overwhelmed the U.S. But he didn’t. Many were unsure whether he could understand the gravity of the sCoTT illness or the sciBRinTon ence required to contain it. In April he suggested — seemingly seriously — that we might inject patients with disinfectant and irradiate them with ultraviolent light to kill the virus, prompting public health officials to issue urgent news releases cautioning people not to try this at home. Trump, to many, appeared to have lost his mind. As it turns out, we now know from Woodward’s interviews with the president that it was all performance art, a display of showmanship intended to obfuscate and deceive in the vain hope that Americans wouldn’t notice the rapidly rising Covid-19 death toll or unemployment rate.
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Woodward recorded nearly all the interviews with Trump for his latest book, “Rage,” which was set to be published after press time. Snippets of the interviews were released for public consumption last week, and were aired on “60 Minutes” last Sunday. In them, Trump appears lucid, articulate, in command of the facts, without a hint of mental illness. That is the maddening part of this tale. At least if he were suffering from lunacy, like a latter-day King George III, then he might be excused for bungling the national strategy to contain the coronavirus. The interviews make clear, however, that Trump is perfectly sane. He claimed he lied to the American people about the deadliness of the coronavirus so as not to incite panic. Many pundits, however, pointed out that Trump has had little trouble stoking fear, even panic, on any number of issues — from immigration to public housing — when it suits his political aims. His 2016 election strategy was to engage in an all-out culture war to divide the country along entrenched political lines, and then win at the margins by picking up disaffected Democrats and right-leaning independents who, on occasion in the past, had voted for centrist Dems. It worked. To date, Trump has followed his 2016 playbook, sowing division wherever he can, including in the U.S.’s approach to the coro-
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navirus. He knew as early as February that Covid-19 was an airborne disease, and yet he eschewed masks from the get-go, mocking former Vice President Joe Biden relentlessly for wearing one in public and never requiring their use at his mass rallies — which he continues to hold, despite local mandates forbidding such gatherings. That is, the nation’s chief law enforcement officer is flouting the laws he is sworn to uphold. The result: The U.S. was projected to surpass 200,000 coronavirus deaths this weekend. It is, by far, the world’s highest death toll — Brazil, the second highest, had 129,575 deaths as of Sept. 12. It should be noted that Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has followed Trump’s coronavirus playbook, at times pretending the disease is relatively harmless, at others ignoring it and taking minimal action to contain it while claiming his administration is doing all it can to fight it. It needn’t have been this way. China, where Covid-19 originated, had 4,634 deaths as of last weekend; Germany, 9,421; Canada, 9,170; South Korea, 355; New Zealand, 24. Each of these nations acted quickly, according to a national plan, not our state-by-state, county-by-county, city-by-city hodgepodge of approaches, which have ranged from exceptional to downright dangerous. Trump had a national playbook that he could have — and should have — studied,
he nation’s chief law enforcement officer is flouting the laws he is sworn to uphold.
but he chose to ignore it. President Barack Obama left him a 68-page report titled, “Playbook for Early Response to High-Consequence Emerging Infectious Disease Threats and Biological Incidents,” developed by the National Security Council in 2016, according to “PBS NewsHour.” Obama was tested early in his presidency, in 2009, when the H1N1 flu raged across the globe, including in the U.S. On May 2 that year, he addressed the nation, and here, in part, according to White House transcripts, is what he said: “Over the last week, my administration has taken several precautions to address the challenge posed by the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. … “This is a new strain of the flu virus, and because we haven’t developed an immunity to it, it has more potential to cause us harm. Unlike the various strains of animal flu that have emerged in the past, it’s a flu that is spreading from human to human. This creates the potential for a pandemic, which is why we are acting quickly and aggressively.” Obama continued, remaining calm and truthful. H1N1 stayed with us for nearly two years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Roughly 12,500 Americans died of the disease during that time. If only Trump had followed his predecessor’s approach. 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.
You’d better believe it: We are in this together
ive years ago, I returned from a visit to my kids and grandkids, who live in a mountain town in northern California, and in this space I wrote, “I have come back from the future, and if you plan on going, better wear your fire-retardant underwear.” The tone of my comment is discordant now with news of the apocalyptic fires engulfing so much of California and Oregon. My California kids go to bed at night with their smartRanDi phones on; they kReiss and their children have “go bags” packed so they can evacuate if the alarm comes from their fire district. Their car is packed with nonperishable food and water and flame-retardant blankets. They don’t live far from towns that have burnt up in half an hour when winds pushed flames into their homes. The ashes from those fires are drifting our way. As a writer for a local newspaper, I have come to realize over the years that our connectedness as Americans and as human
beings supersedes our particular neighborhood interests. Everything is local. And everything local is global. In these chaotic times, we find ourselves on the same ship, heading for the rocks. Smoke from fires travels, viruses go airborne and political indiscretion is infectious; none of us is safe or immune. I live on the South Shore of Long Island, where we’ve been getting plenty of rain, with little chance of wildfires, but the California story is mine because I go to sleep at night worrying about my kids’ safety. The fire story is all of ours because we can imagine the fear of an alarm at night that sends children out into the unknown. If you’re reading this, chances are you live in New York state, where our infection rate from the coronavirus is below 1 percent. We’re in good shape at the moment, but Covid-19 is surging in other parts of the country. My Florida kids are in the thick of it, and their unfolding story is mine, too. Here we are sending, or are about to send, our children back to elementary and high school and universities across the
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country. The college kids getting sick across the country are coming home to our towns and villages. What we also share as Americans is the discovery that our president could have kept us safer. A president who put people before politics, who elevated science and medicine, who could evince a modicum of empathy, could have saved tens of thousands of lives during this pandemic. Last week we heard tapes of journalist Bob Woodward’s interviews with President Trump. We heard the president say he knew how devastating the pandemic would be, but in his own words, he “played it down.” Five years ago, when I first wrote about the fires near my family out West, it was a big deal, because the schools had to close for two days due to smoke and unhealthy air quality. Fast-forward, and the kids have been out of school for five months because of Covid-19. There is an awful confluence of circumstances: People are battling a vicious pandemic in the midst of raging wildfires. None of it had to be this way. For three years before he decided to cover up the
y kids in California go to bed with their phones on and their ‘go bags’ packed.
threat of Covid-19 in America, Trump was scorching the earth in other ways, expanding mining and drilling, halting regulations on industries that pollute and refusing to accept the findings of scientists who have warned us that drought, fire and even pandemics are related to global warming and climate change. Professor Noah Diffenbaugh, the Kara J Foundation professor of Earth System Science and the Kimmelman Family Senior Fellow at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, states that global warming, caused by air pollution created by human activity, is a major contributor to the baking heat searing so much of California. According to The Washington Post, “An international panel of leading climate scientists said in 2013 that the planet is warming at an accelerated pace, and found with 95 percent certainty that human activity is the cause. The past three decades have been the hottest on the planet since 1850.” In 2018, speaking with the BBC, President Trump said of climate change, “I don’t believe it.” Left or right, red or blue, we are in the same sinking boat. Can’t we at least agree to plug the holes? Copyright 2020 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
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FREEPORT HERALD LEADER — September 17, 2020
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